The Cayman Islands was almost literally borne on the back of the Green Sea Turtle.
Our history with the turtle is so entrenched that an image of the creature adorns our coat of arms.
It’s painted on the tail of Cayman Airways aircraft.
The Department of Tourism uses the figure as a customer friendly logo.
When Christopher Columbus first discovered these islands the turtles were so plentiful that the explorer named the islands Las Tortugas.
It’s a safe venture to bet that every Caymanian knows the link between the Cayman Islands and the majestic Green Sea Turtle.
And it’s even a safer bet to make that Caymanians know the wonderful attributes of tasty turtle meat.
Turtles were in danger until then-owners of the Turtle Farm stepped in. The farm is now owned by the Government and it is on that site that the local appetite for turtle is kept satisfied while wild turtles are released back to the sea.
A plea was sent out early on to fishermen and turtlers to stop harvesting sea turtles, which is now illegal for everyone except the handful of people who still hold licences.
That’s why it is so refreshing to see that Caymanian fishers in East End took to heart the plight of a giant female sea turtle this past weekend.
East End fisherman Duncan Rankine first found the turtle, who had been attacked and was missing part of a fin. He and a few friends managed to rescue the turtle and get it to aid.
Today that turtle is recovering quite well in a holding tank at Sunset House.
In times past that turtle probably would have been Sunday dinner; its shell turned into a wall hanging or fashionable jewellery.
But the men of East End knew what to do to help save this turtle – they called the appropriate authorities at the Department of Environment, who in turn contacted Veterinarian Brenda Bush.
With help from specialists in the US the doctor was able to repair the damaged turtle.
This turtle was lucky that Mr. Rankine just happened to be on the beach and spotted her in distress.
His actions should be a lesson to us all. Even when taking a casual stroll on the beach or a quick dip in the sea, keep an eye out for injured sea life and do all you can to help without putting that life into jeopardy.
Too, while walking or playing on the beach, keep an eye out for turtle nests and contact DoE when you find one.
Pick up objects on the beach that can prove obstacles to hatchlings trying to find their way to the sea.
Cayman’s turtles are in better shape than they’ve been in years, but they are still under threat.
A little thoughtfulness by those who live by Cayman’s beaches or use them for recreation could help tip matters a little more in their favour.
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