As 2021 comes to a close, the Cayman Compass has selected some of the most significant stories to emerge this year, touching on political issues, LGBTQ+ rights and the environment.
Of course, as in 2020, much of the news centred around the pandemic, its economic effects and the reopening of the Islands’ borders.
The year also brought elections, the realisation of the first Pride parade and the passage of Tropical Storm Grace.
As part of our in-depth, community coverage, the Cayman Compass team also produced and developed a mini-documentary on the housing crisis affecting the island.
The Compass’ Cold Case Files, in association with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, released its first eight episodes, the result of meticulous investigation into unsolved cases that have affected the islands.
Finally, the election of new beauty queens, a raccoon on-the-run and Iggy Pop live in concert stood out as the biggest pop culture news of the year.
Watch the highlights below.
Vaccine roll-out begins
With Cayman’s first batch of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines on island in January, former Premier Alden McLaughlin kicked off Cayman’s national vaccination plan, with the arrival of 9,750 initial doses of the vaccine, which enough to inoculate 4,875 people.
Currently, 80% of Cayman’s population have received at least one dose; 82% are considered fully inoculated and a further 21% have had the booster shot.
‘Godfather of Punk’ raises the roof at Harquail
Iggy Pop, iconic frontman of The Stooges and raconteur, held a capacity room in the palm of his hand in February, at the ‘Songs and Stories’ event, set at the Harquail Theatre.
A year of COVID
On 12 March this year, Cayman marked the anniversary of COVID-19 in the jurisdiction. It marked one year since a solemn-faced then-Premier Alden McLaughlin announced at a press briefing that Cayman had its first COVID-19 case
Swearing in Ceremony for Parliament and New Cabinet
The new Cayman Islands Government took form in April with the swearing-in of ministers and voting by MPs to elect a Speaker of the House and premier.
Cold Case files : David Ebanks
This Compass monthly special investigative series, in partnership with the police, delves into cases like David Ebanks’ unsolved murder.
RCIPS detectives continue to probe the circumstances of Ebanks’ death, along with several other cold cases, to help deliver justice to the victims’ families.
Hundreds take part in Cayman’s first Gay Pride Parade
West Bay Road turned all the colours of the rainbow in July, when Cayman held its inaugural Pride parade. Hundreds of people marched in support of inclusion and equal rights.
Compass documentary: Spotlight on housing crisis
As part of the ongoing ‘Issues’ series on housing concerns in the Cayman Islands, the Compass produced a mini-documentary featuring the families living in difficult conditions on the margins of society and the efforts to help them.
Major clean up operation in wake of Tropical Storm Grace
A major island-wide clean-up was under way in Grand Cayman in August, as government secured emergency funding to help deal with the destructive impact of Tropical Storm Grace on the island.
All hail the new queen!
In September, the former Miss Cayman Islands Universe, Mariah Tibbetts, passed her crown to the winner of the 2021 pageant. Georgina Kerford beat eight other contestants to walk away with the title and went on to compete in Israel in December.
Rashana Hydes was crowned Miss World Cayman Islands; she is expected to return to Puerto Rico in March next year, after the competition was postponed.
Missing raccoon captured
A raccoon, which had been on the loose since 22 Oct., was finally captured in West Bay at the beginning of November. The animal, one of two found in a shipping container that came from the United States, was found near Republix Plaza in West Bay, not far from where it escaped.
Cayman youth to have voice at COP26 climate summit
A small delegation of youth ambassadors represented the Cayman Islands at the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, Scotland.
Tears and cheers as Cayman unlocks borders under phase 4
Emotions of every kind erupted at the Owen Roberts International Airport as Cayman’s borders were unlocked in November under phase 4 of government’s reopening plan.
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