The sounds of reggae, jazz and blues permeated the atmosphere at Studio 525 in the heart of Chelsea, NYC, as Caymanian musician and singer Stuart Wilson hit cultural chords during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Caribbean Week on 20 June.
Wilson was among several homegrown artists selected by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism to showcase Cayman as the ‘culinary capital of the Caribbean’ to US media, as well as the Caymanian and Caribbean diaspora.
More than 300 people attended the series of events, hosted by Caymanian model and Freeform’s ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’ star Selita Ebanks. The series highlighted all things Cayman from food and tourism to finance, art and music.
Against the backdrop of a Cayman-style brunch with freshly prepared cocktails, juices and foods, Wilson dished out five and a half hours of live, original entertainment on his acoustic guitar. The musician performed what he described as a “reggae renaissance”, including songs ‘Rule the World’, ‘Real Comeback Story’, ‘Oh, Cayman Islands’, ‘Feel for You’, ‘Represent’, ‘My Affection’, and ‘Miss Everything.’
“It was a fantastic time performing,” Wilson told the Cayman Compass.
“I think it’s important for us to showcase music, alongside other elements of our culture. Music is a big part of our culture. To have homegrown, authentic Caymanian music and artists at the forefront is important.”
Wilson said it was refreshing to hear the sounds of Cayman in New York. Among the topics of discussion, he added, was how to bring Cayman’s developing talents to the rest of the world.
“I’m extremely proud of the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Tourism and the minster. They have a really good understanding and feel for what the next steps need to be for Cayman in terms of our product,” he said.
Attendees walked away with Cayman-made goodies from businesses and organisations across the islands, including Ted Green candles, Cayman Spirits Co., Cayman Sea Salt and the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.
DOT Director Rosa Harris said in a press release, “Bringing Caymanians to New York City – a United States cultural hub and critical source market for the Cayman Islands – allows us to present our unique culture, cuisine, and identity to those who help influence consumer travel decisions.”
Harris added, “By doing so, we not only highlight the true spirit of the Cayman Islands but inspire a greater appreciation for what makes the Cayman Islands a truly special place to vacation.”
The DOT said it’s dedicated to increasing tourism from the United States and surpassing past visitation records.
“This event represents just one piece of the Department’s broader marketing strategy. Media events such as these are designed to foster relationships with US-based lifestyle, travel and culinary media, increasing national media coverage about the Cayman Islands to pique the interest of and deepen the connection with potential visitors,” the release noted.
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