The Cayman Islands National Museum, severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, is to have a ‘soft’ opening in November. Restoration work has been going on since early 2007. The museum is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2009.
Grand Cayman’s Ritz-Carlton will host an Outback Champions Series tennis tournament from April 16 to 20 2008. It will feature some of the greatest over-30 tennis legends including John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Wayne Ferreira, and Jimmy Arias.
Michael Ryan, owner of the Ritz-Carlton and the event’s main sponsor, said ‘The Outback Champions Series and our Legends Championships reinforces our commitment to making Grand Cayman the premier tennis destination in the Caribbean. We’re looking forward to hosting many of the best tennis players in the world and welcoming athletes and visitors alike with our relaxed Caymanian hospitality.’
Pirates Week, Grand Cayman’s largest annual festival, will run from November 8 – 18 2007. Saturday November 10 sees a mock pirate invasion in George Town Harbour, followed by a float parade through the streets, and a food and drink festival in the evening. Other events include an underwater treasure hunt at Divetech (November 11) and a turtle release on the Public Beach (November 15).
A new shade house has opened at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. It is being used to house a collection of orchids, including the extremely rare and endangered Ghost Orchid.
The Cayman Islands Postal Service is to release a set of stamps that depict the beauty of the islands. The stamps, entitled ‘Cayman Island Scenes’ will feature the work of some of the best Caymanian photographers.
The seven stamps feature scenes of Little Cayman, Cayman Brac, the Blow Holes, George Town harbour, Poinciana and sunsets.
They will be released on June 26.
Regulations proposed in December 2006 to protect and regulate activities at Stingray City and the Sandbar have been approved by Cabinet. Both areas are now designated Wildlife Interaction Zones.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has reported that a 57-year old American died while diving off Smith Cove last Sunday. The Texas man had been on vacation with friends and family.
Two new attractions have opened at Boatswain’s Beach. The Predator Reef allows visitors to view sharks, tarpon and other marine predators while the 1.3 million gallon Snorkel Lagoon offers them the opportunity to snorkel with fish and other marine life.
The gift shop at the Cayman Islands National Museum has temporarily relocated to allow renovation work to take place. Its new home is just a short distance away at Panton House, situated on Ashford Panton Close in George Town, just behind the Hard Rock Café.
The Public Beach was officially reopened last weekend, more than 2 years after most of its facilities were destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The restoration project involved replacing damaged cabanas, playground equipment and other facilities and was undertaken by the Leo Club of Grand Cayman. The event was marked by a ceremony on the beach.