LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Cayman Islands
built 277 days ago
From the discovery of the Cayman Islands, marine turtles were found to be in abundance around the islands, both in the water and on the beaches. Quickly, people began realizing the economic potential the abundance of the turtles had, and started what became a booming turtle industry for hundreds of years. When the turtle stock started diminishing around the late 1700s and early 1800s, settlers began to look towards neighboring islands in order to continue their turtle trade. It maintained its position as the leading industry among the islands before being surpassed by tourism in the late 1960s. The vast socioeconomic importance that marine turtles had on the Cayman Islands is reflected in the national emblem, flag, and currency. To this day, remnants of the turtle population can still be found on the Cayman Islands and are visited daily by tourists.
Source:
The culture of the Cayman Islands is a blend of American, British and West Indian traditions. Preserving the traditions and art forms unique to the Caymans is becoming an increased focus in the islands. There are many new venues and events dedicated to the arts including “Cayfest,” an annual arts festival held every April to showcase local artists and traditions. Another widely popular event is the Pirates Week Festival (held in October) which celebrates the island's swashbuckling history and is the largest annual festival. The Batabano Carnival is an annual 4-day carnival held near Easter, including a parade, singing, dancing and plenty of Caribbean food. The Cayman Jazz Fest and Food & Wine Festivals ... draw large crowds.
Source:
The Cayman Islands have a modern health care system. There are two hospitals in George Town, the government run George Town Hospital and the smaller, private Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Faith Hospital is a small (eighteen-bed) facility on Cayman Brac. The Government maintains a satellite clinic on Little Cayman.
Source:
Over the last 40 years, the Cayman Islands have matured into one of the world's largest international financial centers. Grand Cayman is the biggest and most developed of the three islands. It is home to not only the majority of the population, but to many banks and financial institutions where local and international investors find the infrastructure, services and financial expertise matched to the best available worldwide. The capital, George Town, is the nucleus of this international centre.
Source:
Originally settled by shipwrecked sailors, marooned mariners, and buccaneers, the Cayman Islands are now a peaceful British Colony, offering elegance, warmth and the charm of tradition. Escape the bustle of everyday life to relax on the miles of white sand beaches and to enjoy the crystal clear waters. These waters create a safe haven for divers and fisherman, as well. Enjoy the relics of an intriguing pirate history, golden sunrises and colorful Caribbean sunsets. After the sun sets, Grand Cayman takes on a whole new personality. Night-time is a time for relaxing while listening to jazz, reggae, or country.
Source:
The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea. They are the peaks of a massive underwater ridge, known as the Cayman Trench, standing 2,400 m (8000 ft) from the sea floor, which barely exceeds the surface. The islands lie in the centre of the Caribbean south of Cuba and West of Jamaica. But even Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands, is not visible on many maps. They are situated about 400 miles (650 km) south of Miami, 180 miles (300 km) south of Cuba, and 195 miles (315 km) northwest of Jamaica. Grand Cayman is by far the biggest, with an area of 76 square miles (197 km²).
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Cayman Islands