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Cayman Islands

Origin

Cayman Islands (sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1503) were named Tortugas Islands by him. They were populated around 1734 by British settlers coming from Jamaica. During his trip to the West Indies carried out in 1503, Christopher Columbus visited Cayman Islands, which named "Las Tortugas” because of the large amount of these animals he found there. The islands comprise Grand Cayman Island which is the largest, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, surrounded by a coral formation. Some time later the island were dominated by France or more precisely by buccaneers and filibusters who were named the fathers of the French West Indies colonies by a very famous historian. It is stated that Cayman were even the main headquarters of the buccaneers in the West Indies during most part of the 17th century.


Constitution

Constitution currently in force: 1972 (revised in 1992).


Government

Governor (representative of the British Crown) is the head of the Executive Council. Truman Bodden substituted Jefferson as the unofficial minister in chief. In 1972 a new Constitution came in force to allow the self-government regarding domestic affairs. The governor is appointed by the Crown and is responsible of the defense, the foreign relations, the domestic security and some social services. There is also an Executive Council and twelve members elected by the Legislative Assembly. The Executive Council, formed after the 1988 generals elections, has two new members and two that were already holders. John Wynne Owen, governor since 1995. The Legislative Power is made up by an Assembly of 18 members (15 elected by the people and 3 appointed by the governor). Political parties: Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), that pursues to make some changes in relation to Great Britain. For the elections to the local governmental bobbies group of independent citizens are formed. Legislative System: Legislative Assembly (four official members officials and fifteen elected members). Judicial System: Supreme Summary Court, Supreme Court of Appeals and the King's Council.


General History

The Caribbean Sea is once more protagonist to an unequalled trip. Considered as one of the most tourist islands in this sea, the Cayman are composed by three islands: Great Cayman, Cayman Brac and Small Cayman. Grand Cayman is the biggest and important of the three and one of the most favored tourist destinations in the Caribbean. this island formerly called " oblivion island" has preserved its British traditions. Nowadays there is not only great interest about its culture, but also about its 12 kilometers of sandy and crystal clear beaches and coral reefs. Its capital is George Town, a small city that is more cosmopolitan than the neighboring islands. The island has attractive tourist entertainment, hotels and gastronomic offers in restaurants such as Cracked Conch, Selkirk Plaza, West Bay Road, Spanish Cove Barkers and West Bay, with a varied national and international food. Cayman Brac has very few inhabitants and has no cities, only small villages such as Stake Bay (the capital) and West End, where the airport is located. The Small Cayman is the tiniest of the islands. A sign reading "Private property, visitors are welcome" receives those who seek quietness. There are only very few hotels and restaurants but it has a refuge called Owen Island with a blue lake and a pretty good beach. There are only about 50 inhabitants in the island people. To the Southwest there is a town called Blosson Village.