Attractions

Pirates Week, Grand Cayman’s largest annual festival, will run from November 10 – 20 2011. Saturday November 13 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 a steel band competition, 5K and 10K runs, firework displays, and heritage displays throughout the island.

For more information and a detailed schedule of events visit www.piratesweekfestival.com.

The Butterfly Farm closed for business earlier this week, blaming lack of tourists on the island as the main reason for its demise. Rebuilding costs after Hurricane Ivan were also a factor.

The butterflies, which have a lifespan of around 2 weeks, will be allowed to die out and will not be replaced. The gift shop will remain open until the weekend.

The company behind the attraction also operates farms in Aruba, St Martin and St Thomas. All are doing well and will remain open.

The Coe Wood Public Beach in Bodden Town was officially reopened yesterday by Charles Clifford, the Minister of Tourism, Environment, Investment and Commerce.

Mr Clifford announced further plans to enhance the beach under the government’s Go East initiative. These include a new fishing dock, public toilets, and several kiosks for small businesses.

The development work is expected to be finished by summer 2009.

The Cayman Islands Orchid Society will hold its annual Orchid Show and Sale at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park on March 7 and 8 2009.

The event will run from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm on both days. Admission is CI$8 (free for kids under 12).

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.