Heritage programme taught after school

Premier McKeeva Bush, in conjunction with Cayman Traditional Arts, has announced the launch of “Bringing Heritage to Life,” a new after-school cultural programme.

Comprised of three courses: Seafaring and Thatch, Cuisine and Culinary Skills and Games and Entertainment, the programme will span 12 weeks. It will be offered to years 5 and 6 students across all districts.

“We need to ensure that every Caymanian child knows who they are and where they come from; to have a deep understanding of heritage and culture taught through history and art traditions of the Cayman Islands,” Mr. Bush said.

He continued: “This programme is necessary. For too long we have neglected this all too important component of our curriculum. This is a programme I wanted to launch for many years now. I feel the times we live in now prove critical for us to do so. We don’t want our sense of self to be lost forever.”

Chris Christian of CTA will run the programme. According to the Premier, no one was better suited to hand down the knowledge of who we are.

“Chris Christian is a Native Son, a celebrated local artist, who has dedicated his life to the preservation of our heritage. For the last seven years and through his company Cayman Tradition Arts, Mr. Christian has taught both locals and tourists about Cayman’s soul through culture and tradition,” Mr. Bush said.

He added that Chris’ knowledge of where the Caymanians are coming from is vast and he is able to display that information in an artistic and engaging format.

Over the last few years, Mr. Christian has volunteered his time at schools to teach students. In this programme, he will bring on board other local well-known artisans and historians he has worked with over the years to transfer their knowledge to the students.

Bringing Heritage to Life will launch on Monday, 5 September, in the John A Cumber Primary School hall from 3pm to 5pm.

All media are invited to attend and refreshments will be served.

For more information, please call Chris Christian at 926-0119 or email [email protected]