Local personalities will go before a judge next month for humorous crimes against Cayman Islands culture as they help raise money for the Cayman Islands National Museum.
The museum will launch its month-long annual Jail and Bail fundraising campaign via its social media channels on 14 September.
Well-known faces from the community – whose identities will be revealed after the launch – will be charged with fictional crimes, found guilty by the presiding judge and sentenced to jail.
Their only route to freedom will be raising at least CI$5,000 each in bail.
The offences include adding water to turtle stew and forgetting the famous chip-step in the Cayman Quadrille.
Members of the public will be able to donate through the defendants’ individual fundraising pages and share them with friends, family and colleagues to help them reach their targets.
Stepping into the shoes of the judge this year is Harris McCoy, former chair of the museum’s board of directors.
“With a sharp eye for Caymanian culture and absolutely no tolerance for culinary crimes, questionable dance moves or suspiciously painted catboats, our judge will ensure that every case receives the serious attention it deserves,” the museum joked on its website.
It is hoped that Jail and Bail will raise more than $25,000, with proceeds supporting the development of new exhibitions and programmes.
The campaign forms part of a wider effort by the National Museum to raise $175,000 over the coming year for new initiatives aimed at preserving and sharing Cayman’s heritage.
Speaking to Cayman Independent, the museum’s communications manager Brian Watler Jr said: “Jail and Bail is the Cayman Islands National Museum’s annual light-hearted social media fundraiser, where community volunteers are sentenced to jail for committing hilarious fictional ‘crimes’ against Caymanian culture.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support so far, with many community members eagerly volunteering to participate.
“We anticipate that Jail and Bail will be a fun and popular fundraiser that engages the community while helping us generate vital support for the museum’s work.”
The fundraiser also draws on the history of the building in which it is being held.
The Old Courts Building, now home to the National Museum, served as George Town’s main court for over 100 years. Cases, ranging from murder and divorce to theft and property disputes, were heard there.
By the 1950s, the building housed the Petty Sessions Court, the lowest level of the court system, where justices of the peace dealt with offences including traffic violations, larceny and disorderly conduct.
More information on Jail and Bail can be found here.
