Compass editors spend a lot of time obsessing over how many readers we’re reaching with our journalism – as well as how you’re consuming and responding to the stories we tell. It helps us make decisions about which reporting we dedicate resources and column inches to and allows us to provide more of the most engaging kinds of articles.

Sometimes, the wider news agenda or external events conspire against a good story and leave us asking why a piece we liked or thought was important didn’t necessarily get the traction we’d expect.

Before we head barrelling into 2025, New Year’s Eve seems like the right time to take a second look at some of the best, overlooked pieces we produced this year.

We hope you find something new to enjoy here!

Divorce island?

Cayman’s divorce rates are on the rise. – Photo: Norma Connolly

How did Cayman get this reputation? Well, we learned this year that more than 40% of marriages in Cayman end in divorce.

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Grave concerns

Cayman’s ocean side cemeteries are running out of space. – Photo: James Whittaker.

A dispute over one small plot has thrown light on much larger concerns around the management of Cayman’s cemeteries.

Girl power

The recycling team at the Department of Environmental Health, from left, Karen Ebanks, Sascha Miller, Alice Mabel McField, Debra Ramoon and Angela Mac. – Photos: Reshma Ragoonath

Spend some time getting to know the all-woman recycling team on a mission to ensure a cleaner, greener Cayman and urging the community to join their cause.

From Cayman to NASA

Sam Lungari and Hunter Taylor place weights on an astronaut during an underwater session at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston, Texas. – Photos: Supplied

How do you go from Cayman dive instructor to helping astronauts prepare for living in space?

Hunter Taylor and Sam Lungari left their jobs as dive instructors in the Cayman Islands to take up the challenge.

Remembering Ivan

Hurricane Ivan caused catastrophic damage throughout Grand Cayman when it struck the island in 2004. – PHOTO: Alan Markoff

20 years after Hurricane Ivan barrelled through Cayman, the Compass explored a host of issues connected to the devastating storm.

In this particular story, some of Cayman’s frontline workers shared their memories.

Fair Weather

Fair Weather undergoing repairs in the UK. – Photo: Supplied

Four young Caymanian apprentices who are helping to repair Fair Weather, one of the last Cayman wooden schooners, have been making their mark on the UK shipyard where the veseel is being rebuilt.

Marathon heroes

1,500-plus athletes took part in the relay, half and full marathon. – Photos: Taneos Ramsay

Meet the people’s champions, the runners who took on the 2024 Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon for more than medals and personal best times.