The Cayman Islands underlined the importance of its UK Office and close links to the UK with a week of events and celebrations in London.

The week-long series of events was planned in 2017 as part of an initiative to create more awareness of the links between Cayman and the UK, a connection that goes back 360 years to the original British settlers of the Cayman Islands in 1658. The Cayman delegation led by Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, met with senior members of the UK Government including: Prime Minister Theresa May; Foreign Secretary Hon Boris Johnson; Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon; and Hon David Lidington, MP.

The week began with a gala reception at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on Monday 14 May to mark the 60th anniversary of Cayman being granted its Coat of Arms by Queen Elizabeth II in 1958. Over 400 guests attended the reception, including heads of state and senior officials from the UK and other Overseas Territories. UK Foreign Secretary Hon Boris Johnson made an impromptu speech at the reception pledging British support for the Cayman Islands by saying: “Cayman Islands is, has been and will be part of the UK Family.” Guests were treated to a real taste of Caymanian culture, with Cayman-inspired food and beverages, demonstrations of the historic craft of rope making, and a film telling the Cayman Islands story through its Coat of Arms.

Commenting on the week, Eric Bush, Cayman Islands UK Representative, said: “The London Office plays an important part in representing the Cayman Islands here in the UK. There has been a lot of mis-perception about the Cayman Islands and our role is to inform and educate people about our history, culture, economy and our people. This is very much tied into our historic and close relationship with Britain. We have a great story to tell and this week has proved that people are keen to listen.” Cayman Islands Government Office United Kingdom.

The week of meetings and events culminated with a networking luncheon with the world’s best female chef Clare Smyth MBE* at her newly opened restaurant Core in London. The lunch, in collaboration with the Nth Degree, marked the close links between the Cayman Islands as the culinary capital of the Caribbean and the UK’s premium and established gastronomic scene.

Eric Bush added: “We are grateful for all Cayman partners who have come together to bring Cayman to the UK this week. Creating more awareness of The Cayman Islands culture, history and heritage is a huge part of what we do here in the London Office and these celebrations could not have come at a better time. “The Cayman Islands has an important relationship with the UK and it is imperative now, more than ever, that we continue to keep an open dialogue and engage positively on all levels with politicians in Westminster and beyond.”

*Clare Smyth was named “Best Female Chef” by the international awards body, World’s 50 Best Restaurants