London, United Kingdom – The Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK (CIGO-UK) hosted two special in-person events last week to celebrate Cayman Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, and to share ‘Caymankind’ across London.
On Thursday, 2nd December, CIGO-UK sponsored a concert at the historic Lambeth Palace for the charity WellChild as part of the 12 Days Of Christmas. The charity event featured Cayman products for sale, a host of performers including the Cayman Folk Band (formerly Cayman Day Singers), and refreshments such as hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies for the winter affair.
Dr. Tasha Ebanks Garcia commented, “This is an opportunity to showcase our culture, to strengthen our relationship with the UK as part of the British global family, and to really share some ‘Caymankind’ here in the UK.”
The performance by the Cayman Folk Band brought a taste of traditional Caymanian holiday spirit to the event, and prestigious performers such as members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Natalie Rushdie infused the evening with Christmas cheer. Premier Wayne Panton also wished the audience a happy and healthy Christmas from the Cayman Islands by recorded video message.
The Concert was in aid of WellChild, the national UK children’s charity which makes it possible for children and young people with exceptional health needs to be cared for at home instead of in hospital, wherever possible. Guests had the opportunity to hear from a young gentleman who was part of the WellChild family, giving valuable insight into the work carried out by the organisation.
DrTasha Ebanks Garcia & Cayman guests 
Cayman Folksingers 
Premier Wayne Panton Message
Cayman Christmas festivities in London continued with CIGO-UK’s Christmas Party for UK-based Caymanian students on Friday, 3rd December. This event was a great opportunity for students to meet others in the UK and to unwind before the holiday season. With Cayman rum cakes and Jamaican patties, the students were able to get a taste of the Caribbean for the holidays. Students were able to mingle, play dominoes, Uno and other card games in a relaxed atmosphere, with some winning prizes, including for a fun, Christmas sweater competition. The evening was met with joy as some students commented that the event was “exactly what they needed”, and CIGO-UK were pleased to host the activity and gather with students away from home.
CIGO-UK affiliate network Cayman Connection also offered virtual events for Cayman Thanksgiving and the Christmas season for those who could not get out in person. ‘The Meaning behind Cayman Thanksgiving’ on 17th November featured special guest, Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose and daughter Kayci, and the cook-a-long ‘Christmas in the Cookrum” event offered virtual attendees a chance to bake a Caribbean fruitcake. Treasured Caymanian recipes were also shared on social platforms to highlight the season.
A visit from Dr. Tasha Ebanks Garcia and Deputy Representative Charles Parchment also took place in the Virtual Yard to share thanksgiving greetings, answer any questions, and inform members of updates from the Cayman Islands Government.
The Cayman Connection online Virtual Christmas party happens this Wednesday, 15th December, with performances, games, and prizes for those overseas to celebrate the Christmas season. More details on caymanconnection.org.