The Caribbean Village Insider. Culture-Zine

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The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 Greetings Patrons, Partners and Friends, Alas, The New CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Website is launched, up and running at www.caribbeanvillageusa.com THANKS to our Designer and Webmaster, Asita Ngash!! We have fully transitioned The CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Insider newsletter to our new CULTURE-ZINE format. For YOUR ease of access we have migrated the publication’s monthly accessibility to the website. Now, you can go to the website, click on the CULTURE-ZINE link on the upper right side of the screen and be taken directly to the current month’s issue. The first 6 issues [November 2021 – April 2022] are conveniently archived on the website for you as well. The website is now the repository for all issues of The Insider. As previously explained, we are making this change because of our focus on the \"intra-diversity\" of Caribbean Culture and because of the volume and format of our publication. As we state in each issue of The Insider, our objective is to educate, inspire and entertain our readers as we present content that is of interest to: • The Caribbean diaspora, in particular, as well as, • A multi-cultural diaspora, and also • The Caribbean Enthusiast - anyone who is interested in the Caribbean Experience The FOUNDER’S Notes Greetings TO ALL!!! I am pleased to present and share my website with you, www.caribbeanvillageusa.com!! Please visit, browse, shop and communicate with “The VILLAGE” via the site. We look forward to hearing from you! The CULTURE-ZINE is excited to feature The Cayman Islands archipelago this month. Inside we have an interview with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism team and MORE!! Let’s GO…. Kahila Miller 1

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 Table of Contents Volume 1, Issue7, April 2022 Page 1: Welcome and The Founder’s Notes Page 2: Table of Contents Page 3: The Cayman Islands Flag & Coat of Arms Page 4: The Cayman Islands Culture, A Few Interesting Facts Page 5: 8 Must see places in The Cayman Islands Page 6: A Conversation with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Page 11: Gastro Caribe Page 14 : Kahila’s Taste Page 17: Caribbean News Page 19: Book of the Month Page 20: The VEXILLOLOGY Page 21: Caribbean Village OFFER Page 22: Cayman Youth Coloring Page Page 23: Come visit Caribbean Village To open the links in this E-Zine, simply CLICK the Link 2

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 The Cayman Islands Flag and Coat of Arms Cayman Flag The flag of the Cayman Islands consists of a Blue Ensign [background] “defaced” with the British overseas territory's coat of arms. Flag defacement simply indicates a differentiation of the flag from that of another by addition of elements. For example, the Caymanian flag is formed by defacing the national flag with the coat of arms. Adopted in 1959 to supplement the Union Jack and to replace the flag of the Colony of Jamaica, it has been the flag of the Cayman Islands since the territory was granted self-government that year. On the Coat Of Arms, the blue and white waves evoke the Caribbean Sea, while the three green stars represent the territory's three islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. The yellow lion on the red field is a conspicuous symbol of the Kingdom of England, the Cayman Islands' mother country. The turtle alludes to the original Spanish name for the islands (Las Tortugas), as well as its tradition of seafaring. The pineapple signifies the Caymans' connection with Jamaica, whose coat of arms features five pineapples.[4] The turtle and pineapple also epitomize the flora and fauna of the islands. The motto, \"He hath founded it upon the seas\", is derived from the Book of Psalms 24:2 and recognizes the Christian patrimony of the islands. Coat of Arms 3

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 Interesting CAYMANIAN FACTS marine The Cayman Islands are a British dependency and island country and Cayman Brac are entirely English-speaking. It is a three-island archipelago in the diver’s paradise. Caribbean Sea, consisting of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The Cayman Islands are situated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, 125 miles from Cuba and 180 miles Northwest of Jamaica. Around 69,000 inhabitants live on the island trio. The Cayman Islands are considered to be part of the geographic Western Caribbean Zone as well as the Greater Antilles. The GPS coordinates are 19.3133° N, 81.2546° W. Because the sea around the islands was full of sea turtles, it was originally called “Las Tortugas” [The Turtles]. The island trio was later named Caymanas or Caymans derived from the Carib Indian word for the crocodile which was also prolific around these islands. lies 86 miles northeast of Grand Cayman and covers 16 square miles. It is considered a Little Cayman is situated 6 miles east of Cayman Brac. Little Cayman encompasses 14 square miles and 100 inhabitants. The island is truly small and the appeal is peace and quiet and iguanas. However, the underwater activities are quite spectacular. The Bloody Bay Wall is one of the most beautiful reefs in the world. The Caymans are also a tax paradise with a booming banking industry. For this reason, but also due to international tourism, these islands are extremely affluent. George Town is in the southwest of Grand Cayman. In George Town, the offshore banking industry and services are all concentrated around money. 4

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 8 “MUST SEE” Island ATTRACTIONS 1. Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman 2. Underwater caves, rock faces, reefs, sunken shipwrecks on Cayman Brac [for divers] 3. The Cayman Maritime and Treasure Museum near George Town on Grand Cayman 4. Cayman’s Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park on Grand Cayman 5. The offshore banking industry located in George Town in the southwest of Grand Cayman 6. Pedro’s Castle - the oldest building on Grand Cayman which is considered to be the birthplace of democracy on the islands 7. In the west of Grand Cayman island, you'll find the Seven Mile Beach, a stunningly beautiful sandy beach which, despite its name, covers only some 6.2 miles 8. Stingray City is an extremely popular haunt of divers and snorkellers 1 23 45 6 78 For more information about the HISTORY of the CAYMAN ISLANDS, CLICK THIS LINK: https://www.gov.ky/about-us/our islands/history#:~:text=1503%20%2D%20Columbus%20sights%20the%20Sister,and%20numerous%20 turtles%20are%20recorde 5

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 A Conversation with the CAYMAN ISLANDS Department of Tourism This month CARIBBEAN VILLAGE is honored to present, via the interview below, the illuminating and meaningful discussion had with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Many Thanks to the Department of Tourism Team for sharing their knowledge with us and YOU! CARIBBEAN VILLAGE presents this opportunity for you to get to know more about “Caymankind”! As always, we remind our readers, that the goal of the interviews presented in The CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Insider CULTURE-ZINE is three faceted: • We aim to edify our readers with informative, useful, little known and perhaps, unsung or undiscovered information about the Cayman Islands. • We aim to delight our Caymanian readers and bring pleasant memories of HOME. • We aim to imbue a curiosity in the reader - to want to learn more about these Beautiful islands and the people. Legend: CV = CARIBBEAN VILLAGE’S Question CIDT = Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Interview by: Kewanda Battle CV: What language[s] do you usually hear on the streets? CV: Is the population equally dispersed throughout the 3-island archipelago? CIDT: English and Spanish are the most common languages spoken in the Cayman Islands. CIDT: The population of the Cayman Islands is mainly concentrated in Grand Cayman. See the overview CV: Is there a national costume? below for the total population by island: CIDT: There is no official national costume for the 1. Grand Cayman: 67,205 Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands has a growing 2. Cayman Brac: 2,003 fashion scene with local designers showcasing their 3. Little Cayman: 160 work in Cayman Islands Fashion Week. The total population as of 2021 is 69,350 CV: What are the special customs or traditions in the Cayman Islands? CV: What ethnic groups make up the population? CIDT: Turtles are a delicacy consumed by CIDT: The population consists of over 130 nationalities Caymanians. This historic tradition dates to the 1600s living and working in the Cayman Islands. Majority of when Cayman was a key stop for ships sailing through work permit holders (about 75%) come from Jamaica, the Caribbean. Sea turtle meat was part of a life- the Philippines, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, sustaining diet for the islands’ natives and visitors and the United States. because Caymanians harvested and sold sea turtles to those who ventured to the destination. Today, the CV: What is the official language of the Cayman Cayman Turtle Center offers educational, cultural and Islands? entertainment programs to educate visitors on the history of turtles in Cayman. CIDT: The official language of the Cayman Islands is English. 6

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 A Conversation with the CAYMAN ISLANDS Department of Tourism Also, Red lionfish are an invasive marine species that CV: What can you say about the leaders of your pose a threat to Cayman’s aquatic ecosystem. As the country? Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, local chefs, such as Chef Thomas Tennant took on the challenge of culling CIDT: these invasive fish and turning them into an approachable culinary delicacy. The red lionfish is high · The Governor - His Excellency Mr. Martyn Keith in Omega-3 fatty acids and their bones, scales and Roper, OBE, is Her Majesty The Queen’s heads are integral to the contents of compost at local representative in the Cayman Islands and acts farms – and they’ve now become quite the staple on the as the de facto Head of State. He also has key Cayman culinary scene. Chefs like Thomas Tennant reserved areas of responsibility which have worked closely with the Cayman United Lionfish contribute to the overall safety and wellbeing League (CULL) to assist with mass removal of lionfish of the Cayman Islands. through tournament culling efforts and other culling events. · The Premier - Hon. G. Wayne Panton, JP, MP, served in Parliament as a Member for Bodden CV: What are the most celebrated Town, and as a cabinet minister from 2013- festival[s]/holiday[s]? 2017. Following his re-election as Member of Parliament for Newlands in April 2021, Mr. CIDT: The Cayman Islands observes ten holidays Panton was sworn in as Premier in 2021. annually which include New Year’s Day, National Heroes’ Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter · The House of Parliament of the Cayman Islands is Monday, Discovery Day, the Queen’s Birthday, a unicameral Legislature comprised of 21 Constitution Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day Members, 19 of which are the Elected and Boxing Day. Representatives for the Islands' 19 constituencies: one each from West Bay CV: Is there a playful nickname or term of Central, West Bay North, West Bay South, endearment for Caymanians that Caymanians use West Bay West, George Town Central, George amongst themselves? Town East, George Town North, George Town South, George Town West, Prospect, Red Bay, CIDT: “Caymankind” is a term used to describe the Bodden Town East, Bodden Town West, unique local ethos and communal spirit guided by Newlands, Savannah, North Side, East End, kindness and charity that encompasses Cayman’s Cayman Brac East, Cayman Brac West and welcoming way of life. Little Cayman. CV: What is the political system in The Cayman CV: What are the principal economic activities of The Islands? Cayman Islands? CIDT: The Cayman Islands is a parliamentary CIDT: The principal economic activities of the Cayman democracy with separate judicial, executive and Islands include financial services, tourism, real estate legislative branches, and a history of over 165 years of sales and development. Finance and Tourism are representative government. The first Cayman Islands commonly referred to as the two pillars of the Cayman Constitution codified in 1959 was based on a set of Islands economy. administrative and legal traditions. The next Constitution, which came into effect on 22 August CV: Is there taxation? 1972, provided for the government of the Cayman Islands to clearly be established as what was then CIDT: There is no individual income tax in the Cayman known as a British Dependent Overseas Territory (now Islands. There is no withholding tax on dividends, referenced to as a British Overseas Territory) interest, royalties, or fees for technical service in the Cayman Islands, and no branch remittance tax. 7

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 A Conversation with the CAYMAN ISLANDS Department of Tourism CV: What do you export/import? names reflect regional trends, as the destination is generally sunny with warm temperatures. Occasional CIDT: The top exports of the Cayman Islands are morning showers and brief afternoon rainfall are recreational boats, gold, refined petroleum, passenger, common in the Summer. and cargo ships, and broadcasting equipment, exporting mostly to the Netherlands, Cyprus, CV: What are the most popular tourist destinations Seychelles, Malta, and United Kingdom. in The Cayman Islands? The top imports of the Cayman Islands are CIDT: recreational boats, passenger and cargo ships, refined petroleum, gold, and cars, importing mostly from the • A trip to the Blue Iguana Recovery Program is a Netherlands, the United States, Italy, Germany, and fun way to learn about Cayman’s heritage. The Seychelles. Blue Iguana Recovery Program is dedicated to preserving the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, CV: What are the main industries? working to pull it back from the brink of extinction. CIDT: The main industries are tourism, financial services and real estate and development. • Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park offers a place of magnificence with its breathtaking displays of CV: What is the most popular sport in The Cayman native flora and fauna and makes the terrestrial Islands? environment of the Cayman Islands accessible, understandable and promotes conservation CIDT: The most popular sport in the Cayman Islands values. Highlighted exhibits inside the park is soccer, known on-island as football. Football is include The Floral Color Garden, The Woodland considered Cayman’s national sport. Trail and Orchids in the Park. CV: Are there any sports or games unique to the • Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter islands? is a facility to raise the green sea turtle, while promoting public awareness and involvement in CIDT: Cayman is one of the world's top dive conservation through research, utilization and destinations. With more than 40 dive operations and education. A perfect outing for families visiting almost 365 dive sites marked with moorings. Grand Cayman, guests will encounter sea turtles Adventurers from all over the world choose the in every walk of life, and can also jump in and Cayman Islands for the best of Caribbean diving. swim along with them in the Turtle Lagoon. Warm, calm waters offer 100 ft. plus visibility and breathtaking varieties of marine life for new and • Nature lovers must pay a visit to Grand Cayman’s experienced divers alike. newest natural wonder, Crystal Caves. Situated in a lush tropical forest in Old Man Bay, the site CV: Is the weather very different on the different boasts three spectacular underground caves islands? naturally formed over millions of years. CIDT: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little • Explore the depth of Cayman’s waters, from the Cayman are within close proximity of each other, so teeming shallow reefs and shipwrecks of George the weather is generally standard across the sister Town harbor to the coral canyons at 100 feet with islands, though the Western parts of the islands have the Atlantis Submarine. The glass bottom boats increased rainfall. offer another great way to explore the Cayman Islands’ extensive and colorful marine life without CV: Can you describe the seasons? making a single splash. o Enjoy a unique CIDT: May through October is considered rain season while November to April is dry season. These 8

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 A Conversation with the CAYMAN ISLANDS Department of Tourism experience at the famous Stingray City in Grand night, including live music and outdoor concerts. Cayman’s North Sound. Here, visitors can delight as dozens of friendly southern stingrays glide in • Cayman Islands Helicopters offers an unrivaled and around them hoping for a kiss. experience available nowhere else on the island. Guests can experience the Caribbean paradise of • Family members who are feeling even more Seven Mile Beach as they fly over miles of white adventurous can play “pirate” on a two-hour sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters of pirate cruise. The Jolly Roger, an authentic every shade from turquoise to the deepest blue, replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon, offers continue over the Kittiwake and fly back to afternoon and dinner excursions where guests George Town, entering through the harbor and participate in firing cannons at enemy vessels, circling the cruise ships in the port. making “victims” walk the plank and watching real sword play. • Cayman Islands Stand Up Paddle Company is a locally-run company by water sports enthusiasts. • At Pedro St James families will learn about Cayman Stand Up Paddle Co. offers introductory Caymanian history while wondering through the lessons, SUP rentals, kids’ camps and specialty restored great house, the country’s oldest stone excursions. structure, which is honored as the birthplace of democracy for the Cayman Islands. Pedro’s multi- CV: Is there interesting architecture? media theatre depicts what life was like when the Cayman Islands was settled in the 18th - 19th CIDT: Cayman offers a wide variety of architectural centuries. styles today. Traditional Caymanian architecture consisted of wattle and daub cottages built from • Families can enjoy Cayman’s pristine underwater locally sourced wood and lime with pitched roofs for playground by taking part in various water sports heavy rain to run off. Porches were also a key with Red Sail Sports available on the picturesque architectural component to create shady seating areas North Side of Grand Cayman at Seven Mile to catch the breeze. Structures were often raised on Beach and Rum Point, including kayaking, stilts, allowing storm surges to flow beneath them, with snorkeling, wave runners, waterskiing, banana louvred shutters and windows for better airflow and boat rides, sailing, parasailing and windsurfing. sand gardens that addressed the lack of soil. • Rum Point has something for everyone's CV: Who are the notable artists and authors from the Caribbean beach vacation. While younger Cayman Islands? children have the advantage of playing in the clear and shallow waters, adults have access to the CIDT: top Caribbean watersport operators and a beach bars providing some of the best food and drinks on • John Reno Jackson: exhibited work with a group the island. showcase titled “Island of Women” (2020) at National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and has • Camana Bay is the ultimate shopping, dining and also recently been part of a residency program at entertainment destination on Grand Cayman with PADA Studios, Lisbon, Portugal (2020). Jackson a movie theatre, a mix of local and international has pieces that belong to the National Gallery of stores and restaurants and a busy calendar of the Cayman Islands permanent collection. He events which provides fun for the family day and 9

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 A Conversation with the CAYMAN ISLANDS Department of Tourism currently works and lives in Grand Cayman Grand Cayman in 1957. His stories are published in the book “Extraordinary Adventures.” Through • CE Whitney: paints primarily in oil on canvas and his memoirs, readers get an insider’s view of the often in large format. Her work focuses on her evolution of the dive industry – including some surroundings from which she extracts their inventive dive gear that he fashioned himself. intricate nature and beauty CV: How easy is it to travel around the islands? • Avril Ward: Artist who works in mixed media painting and sculpture. The content of her work CIDT: Inter-island travel is simple with Cayman has developed over the past 20 years ranging Airways. The three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman from figurative, conceptual to most recently Brac and Little Cayman, are steeped in a deep abstraction, where she is exploring movement cultural history that celebrates their unique with mark making. Born in Scotland and raised in seafaring heritage. Cayman Airways has numerous South Africa, she made Cayman her home in the flights daily from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac early 2000s and Little Cayman. • Bob Soto: The late Bob Soto is hailed as the Experience ALL of this Beautiful Island Trio’s “father of diving” in the Caribbean as he offerings with a VISIT!! established the region’s first dive operation in 10

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 GASTROCARIBE This monthly segment offers ISLAND recipes, food talk, serving advice and helpful tips. We always start by defining GASTRONOMY - Gastronomy is the study of the relationship between food and culture, the art of preparing and serving rich or delicate and appetizing food, the cooking styles of particular regions, and the science of good eating. National Dish of Grand Cayman Turtle Stew is considered the National Dish of Grand Cayman. It is similar to an American beef stew, but includes turtle meat, cassava, potatoes, onions, and peppers. Plantain, sliced and fried, makes the perfect accompaniment to turtle stew. This traditional meal originated in the 17th century when farming turtles was a common practice. It is still a favourite dish among the local population. Photo Courtesey brassieriecayman.com 11

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 WHAT YOU NEED: · 1 pound snapper turtle, cleaned, rinsed and · 1/3 cup chopped celery medium diced · 1/3 cup chopped onion · 1/3 cup chopped carrot · ¼ cup all-purpose flour · 2 tablespoons of minced garlic · ¼ cup butter · 1 quart beef stock · ¼ cup red wine · ½ cup water, plus 2 tablespoons, divided · 1/3 cup chopped celery · 1 teaspoon Worcestershire · 1/3 cup chopped onion · 3 tablespoons cornstarch · 1/3 cup chopped carrot · 1 teaspoon paprika · 2 tablespoons of minced garlic · ½ teaspoon allspice · 1 quart beef stock · 1 teaspoon freshly minced parsley leaves · ½ cup water, plus 2 tablespoons, divided · 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg · 1 teaspoon Worcestershire · 1 teaspoon ground ginger · 3 tablespoons cornstarch · 1/3 cup tomato paste · 1 teaspoon paprika · ½ teaspoon kosher salt · ½ teaspoon allspice · ¼ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper · 1 teaspoon freshly minced parsley leaves · 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg · 1/3 cup sherry, for garnish · 1 teaspoon ground ginger · 1/3 cup tomato paste WHAT TO DO: 1. Dredge the turtle in flour. In a large, heavy-bottomed sauce-pot over high heat, melt the butter and brown the turtle pieces, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the turtle from pan and allow to cool enough to handle. De-glaze the pan with red wine, scraping the bits from the bottom and sides. 2. Add the celery, onion, carrots to the pot. Stir in the beef stock, 1/2 cup water, and Worcestershire and continue to cook over medium-high heat. In small bowl whisk together the cornstarch, paprika, allspice, parsley, nutmeg, ginger, tomato paste, salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons water. Add to the vegetable mixture. 3. Once the turtle has cooled, put meat in cheesecloth, and tie closed with butcher's twine and add to the pot. The turtle needs to be in cheesecloth so that it can be extracted from the stew before pureeing. Continue to cook over medium-high heat until the mixture boils, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours. After 2 hours, remove the turtle in the cheesecloth and strain vegetables from stock. Transfer cooked vegetables to a food processor and process until a chunky paste is achieved. Remove the turtle from cheesecloth and return the meat to saucepan with reserved liquid and pureed vegetables. Cook over medium heat until desired thickness is achieved, about 20 minutes. Ladle into serving bowls and finish with a little sherry in each bowl before serving. 12

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 The History of TURTLE STEW Traditional Cayman cuisine has never been properly recorded and today many recipes exist only in the memories of older Caymanian cooks who devoted long hours creating delicious meals, “one pot at a time” outdoors in covered iron pots. The “cookrum” was a separate outer building where the cooking was done, often using a unique fireplace called the “caboose”—a wooden box filled with sand in which the firewood was placed. In the 1600 and 1700’s, the Cayman Islands became a provisioning stop for vessels sailing the Caribbean because of an abundance of green sea turtles. It was a means of income as well as a source of local food for permanent settlers. A custom that has been part of Cayman culture for centuries, however, doesn’t come without controversy. The Cayman Turtle Farm regulates the legal sale of all turtle meat in Grand Cayman in an effort to reduce poaching. Originally founded for raising sea turtles for consumption, the Farm has ventured into breeding and releasing sea turtles back into the wild to help protect the endangered species. The associated research facility relies on meat sales to ensure the sustainability of conservation work. To date more than 30,000 turtles have been released back into the wild since the Centre opened in 1968, while at the same time, local people are provided with a limited source of meat to preserve an important part of their heritage. https://brasseriecayman.com/the-culinary-culture-behind-turtle-stew/ 13

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 Kahila’s Taste Peace & Blessings to MY Fellow “FOODIES” - As you know, the water-blessed Caribbean boasts some of the BEST, most flavorful, spicy yet healthful Gastronomy under the heavens - Much of it being SHELLFISH. Below are some basic definitions of which you are most likely aware. Additionally, I have some intriguing information about some shellfish from MY HOME, Antigua! ~ Kahila ~ First, A Basic Primer: The term “shellfish” includes shrimp, crayfish, crab, lobster, clams, scallops, oysters and mussels. Shellfish are aquatic animals that have a shell, such as the oyster and other mollusks and the lobster, and other crustaceans. There are three categories of shellfish: • crustaceans (like lobster, crab and shrimp) • molluscs, which include bivalves (like clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) • cephalopods (like squid and octopus) Let’s take a look at some of the common and delicious shellfish found in Caribbean waters. Lobsters are very popular in the Caribbean and are featured in many island dishes. The Turks and Caicos area has a lobster fishery that focuses on sustainability, allowing seafood lovers to enjoy lobster without affecting the local environment in a negative way. The lobsters are raised in the fishery, and when ready, they are caught, harvested, and shipped to local restaurants very quickly -often on the same day. This freshness translates well to favorite island dishes like Caribbean lobster stew, grilled lobster tail, or lobster salad with tropical island ingredients. Travellers who have never experienced the freshness of sustainably farmed lobster prepared within a day of harvest may never return to traditional lobster dishes. The crab and rice dish of Turks & Caicos is a must try. The blue crab, which is found in most of the islands in this territory is cooked to perfection for this dish which is considered a “comfort food” by some natives. 14

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 As you dig into this meal, you’ll notice how the savory crab flavor blends into every grain of rice, and you’ll know right away why it’s an island favorite. *Lobster Season is August 1-March 31.* Lobster in St. Lucia is an island delicacy. Why? There is a strict, 6 months window to fish for lobster mandated by the local government to protect the lobsters from being overfished. The period runs from August 2nd – February 28th, so if you’re looking forward to eating lobster at the honeymoon destination, consider these dates. But what makes this Caribbean lobster different from any other lobster? These spiny creatures have long tails and pointed barbs instead of claws. Their meat is sweeter, fattier, and has an almost butter-like texture. This is an island delicacy not to be missed, and restaurants offer the spiny indigenous lobster prepared and served in a variety of ways from steaming to ceviche and even as sushi. Cracked Conch is one of the most popular Bahamian dishes. It is deep-fried until golden and crispy and has a similar texture to fried calamari, meatier and heartier with a sweet flavor. Cracked Conch is usually served with fries, rice and beans or coleslaw. Spiny Lobsters [also called Rock Lobster or sea crayfish] are found in warmer waters as far south as the Caribbean. This is the type of lobster we eat at home in Antigua. Our Spiny Lobsters do not have large edible claws. However, even without huge crushing claws, they are not defenseless. They are armed with very long and stiff antennae over their eyes which can be even longer than their bodies. They can whip these antennae around and use as a weapon to inflict some serious wounds. Caribbean Spiny Lobster 15

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 And then….. there’s the curious ANTIGUAN TRUNKFISH. Is it a shellfish by definition? No, not really! It’s a Fish that has a thin, tile-like, rigid outer casing, not a shell. And, even more intriguing, the Trunkfish feeds on shellfish! Wha you ah Sey? Trunkfish is often stuffed with breading, green seasoning, even with a mixture of okra, butternut squash, celery, onion and garlic, with lime/lemon juice squeezed over and roasted over an open fire. DELICIOUS and DELIGHTFUL and Distinctly CARIBBEAN!! Antiguan Shell (trunk) Fish WELCTHOE CAMYMEANYISLOANUDS Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman 16

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 Caribbean News Cayman Islands “After two years, we are so happy to bring BATABANO Cayman Carnival back to the people of JUMP pon de road: BATABANO is BACK!! Cayman”, Myrie said. “We are raring to go!” For scheduled BATABANO events and to view the rest of this article, CHECK OUT THIS LINK - https://www.caymancompass.com/2022/05/05/jum p-pon-de-road-batabano-is-back/ Cayman set for 2022 netball open championships in Europe https://www.plantanacayman.com/391/may-celebrating- carnival-season/ Do you hear that music in the distance, with an infectious beat that can’t be ignored?? Your eye catches a flash of feathers and the glint The Cayman Islands Netball National Team is set to of something sparkling on the horizon, then a riot compete at the 2022 Netball Europe Open of color turns the corner and suddenly it all Championships, which will take place May 12 – 15, 2022 becomes clear: in the Isle of Man. BATABANO Carnival is officially on the road!! The championships will mark the first time since 2019 that Cayman has competed in an international After a 2 year hiatus in 2020 and 2021, due to the competition after cancellation in 2020 and 20212 due to ubiquitous COVID and its restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic. regulations, the mas bands are gearing up to strut their stuff. On Friday and Saturday May 6th and It is an exciting time for us”,Lyneth Monteith, Head Coach 7th, there will be music, dancing, food, drink and – for the Cayman National Netball Team, told The of course – the iconic parade along West Bay Compass. “We are grateful to be able to participate in Road. this type of tournament, because it gives us a different feel”. Chairman and Organizer, Donna Myrie is thrilled to be back, stating that she couldn’t wait to see the public come out and support the event. 17

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 Caribbean News Cayman Islands Click This Link - Cayman is currently ranked 26th in the World Netball https://www.caymancompass.com/2021/05/24/cay Rankings. They will face off against the Isle of Man, man-netball-icon-pauline-bodden-dies-at-59/ - to Gibraltar and Switzerlandd in Group A of the read about Pauline Bodden, Cayman Islands netball championships. pioneer, who passed away on May 23, 2022 at age 59. The tournament is split into two groups, with the top COVID and The Caribbean 2 teams from each group advancing to play in the semi-finals and then the finals, respectively. Two years in: CARICOM & WFP study impact of COVID on Caribbean people The local netball team will depart from the Own Roberts International Airport for the Isle of Man, on Click This link Monday, May 9, 2022, and will play their first match on Thursday, May 12th against Switzerland. https://cayman.loopnews.com/content/two-years- caricom-wfp-study-impact-covid-caribbean-people Team Cayman: Nickesha Lynch, Alexis Carias, Ashley - to read about 3 rounds of surveys that have Logan, Tamara Oliver, Josephine Frimpong, Katherine followed and analyzed the socio-economic Gow, Deidrian Gardner, Kayon Clarke, Latoya experience of Caribbean people in the face of the Anderson, Vioris Wright, Aryana Grant, Nickeisha ubiquitous COVID pandemic. The surveys focused Lewis, Kedeen Foster, and Freya Dingemans. on access to food and markets. https://www.caymancompass.com/2022/05/05/ cayman-set-for-2022-netball-open- championships-in-europe/ 18

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 Book of the Month Cayman was known as \"The Islands that time forgot\". However, Bob Soto woke it up when he started the world's first scuba diving company in 1957. He brought it to great success with his talent for marketing. Bob produced Cayman's first promotional film, to advertise the island's sun, sea, sand and amazing underwater beauty. With his permission, the Department of Tourism used the movie as their main advertising tool for many years. It was not long before the Cayman Islands became the top scuba diving destination in the world and Bob Soto's Diving became internationally renowned alongside it. Bob provided the only sea search-and-rescue operation from the time he returned to Cayman. Many times day and night Bob was called out to assist in searching for people and boats. He was always available to help anyone. His experience with the US Navy carried over well into his operations here. Bob also championed conservation issues, lobbying the government to designate the first protected marine park for his beloved sea creatures and the coral reefs. Bob stopped divers and snorkellers from taking coral long before there was an actual conservation movement or any law established to protect the marine environment, thus preserving his island's \"treasures\". To Find this Book, GO TO: • www.Amazon.com SEARCH: Bob Soto Extraordinary Adventures The book’s image appears in the 1st position, top to bottom • Visit your local Library. Ask the Librarian. 19

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 VEXILLOLOGY: The study of Flags… Flag Knowledge and Definitions • A vexillologist is a flag expert, someone who studies flags. • Vexillography is the art of flag design. • A Vexillographer is a flag designer. • A Vexilloid is a flag-like object that is used in a similar symbolic manner as a flag, but that differs from a conventional flag in some way. • A Vexillum is a flag-like object that is suspended from a horizontal crossbar. . 20

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The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 7, May 2022 BAHAMAS Flag Youth Coloring Page 22

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