Topic: Caymanian history

Are we losing our connection to the traditions of the past as some contend or is Cayman, with more than 130 nationalities, a modern multicultural melting pot that can combine the best of its history with the fresh influence of modernity, in its many forms, that comes from outside?

When it comes to telling the story of local history, nothing is more comprehensive than the local newspaper. It represents the most extensive documentation of a community’s life and times, its priorities and perspectives, in a way no other material can.

Your editorial ‘Bringing our history to life’ (Cayman Compass, 4 June) strikes an important note in today’s world where there is the need to recognise and appreciate our heritage, and sensitise citizens to important issues that have shaped our behaviour and thinking.

Monday, May 21, marks Discovery Day, which is celebrated as a national holiday in the Cayman Islands.

In the Jan. 4, 1967 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “A quiet wedding was solemnized on the 20th by Pastor Fossie Arch at his home, when Miss Aldine Anglin was united in marriage to Mr. Harris Bush."

In the Dec. 7, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, news from George Town included: “The people of Grand Cayman can now speak to each other by a reliable telephone system thanks to the inauguration of the Cable & Wireless Internal Telephone System.

In the Oct. 5, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, news from West Bay included: “On Sept. 29, Miss Nella Jane Parsons became Mrs. MacArthur Bodden at a ceremony performed by Rev. John Croft at the Pilgrim Holiness Church West Bay.

“Our new premises were officially opened on Thursday last with a brief ceremony outside the building."