Cayman Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Coat of Arms!

Monday 14 May 2018 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Grant of the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms by The Queen. The Coat of Arms was carefully designed in 1957 to represent the identity of the Cayman Islands, incorporating important historical and indigenous features.

Cayman Islands Coat of Arms Celebrations

Coat of Arms Celebration Film

Be inspired by the story of the Cayman Islands. Learn about the Coat of Arms, why we are celebrating, and why the Coat of Arms is a point of pride for Caymanians.

The film includes interviews with the Hon Alden McLaughlin, MBE JP MLA, Government representatives and students, and emphasises the importance of the links between Cayman Islands and the UK.

The three stars represent the three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

The blue wavy lines represent the sea.

At the top of the shield features the English Lion symbolising the connection with Britain.

Above the crest is a turtle symbolising the islands original name of Las Tortugas and the traditional Caymanian turtle fishing industry.

The turtle is sitting on top of intertwined bands of blue and white silk, representing both Caymanians rope and the traditional colours of the sea.

Above the turtle is a pineapple, which represents the connection that the islands have had with Jamaica.

The motto attached to the Coat of Arms is “He hath founded it upon the seas”. This is taken from Psalm 24 of the Bible, which reflects the islands’ Christian heritage and their connection with the sea.

“The granting of our Coat of Arms 60 years ago laid the foundation for what is modern-day Cayman. Not only is the Coat of Arms a symbol of our identity, it also tells the story of our history, our culture and the key elements that make us distinctly Caymanian. We are proud at what we have achieved in the 60 years since it was granted and with how far we have come as a country over the last 360 years.”

Hon. Alden M McLaughlin, Premier of the Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands Celebration Reception at Durbar Court, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London

The Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Alden M McLaughlin, will host a reception at the prestigious Durbar Court at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on Monday 14 May to celebrate this 60th anniversary.

Cayman inspired food and beverages have been carefully chosen to bring a real taste of Cayman to the reception. In addition to Cayman inspired canapes and food bowls, Tortuga rum and Caybrew beer will be on offer to guests. Cayman culture will also be on display throughout the FCO and Durbar Court on the day of the reception. A wall of photography will allow guests to observe scenes depicting all aspects of life, culture, history and people from the Cayman Islands through the decades. In addition, photographs of key milestones from 1958 to 2018 will be on display in a dedicated exhibition room to commemorate developments since the Coat of Arms was granted.

Guests will also be able to touch and feel Cayman arts and crafts. Samples of Thatch Rope will be on display, with descriptions and demonstrations of the rope-making process and the importance of rope-making to Cayman.

Guests to at the reception will have the special treat of experiencing home-grown Caymanian music with a live performance from the Swanky Kitchen Band.

“The gala reception will bring the Cayman Islands to the heart of Westminster. We will showcase the very best of Cayman, from our food and culture through to our music and arts. It will be an evening to remember.”

Hon. Alden M McLaughlin