A group of young Caymanians have launched an awareness campaign aimed at protecting the islands’ historic homes.
The new campaign, named ‘Protecting our future is protecting our past’, has been set up by youth-led environment group, Protect Our Future.
They hope it will bring attention to the cultural and environmental importance of traditional Caymanian houses and urge the government and community to act before it is too late.
There is currently no legislation in place to formally protect historic land and homes, putting them at risk of being lost forever.
In a press release, Protect Our Future said: “The Cayman Islands are home to some of the world’s most unique natural wonders.
“Yet, an equally important part of our heritage is quietly disappearing: our historic homes.
“With a newly elected government now in office, we strongly encourage Cayman’s leaders to consider implementing legislation to safeguard these vital parts of our national identity before they are lost for good.”
They said that traditional Caymanian homes are now “exceedingly rare”.
“They were built using locally sourced, natural materials that are no longer accessible today,” the group said.
“For example, ironwood which was used for the stilts and structural beams in historic homes, is now a protected tree and takes up to 50 years to mature.
“Limestone and coral, which were once burned in handmade kilns to create lime for plaster, are also protected and cannot be harvested.
“This means that these homes, in their original form, can never be built again.”
The group highlighted one “remarkable” example of a well-preserved home, which is affectionately known as ‘Pinky’.
(Photo: Protect Our Future)
It was saved and restored by a private landowner, Heidi Blair.
The organisation said: “Pinky serves as more than just a house, it is a reminder of the pride of our Caymanian people, offering a glimpse into our island’s identity.”
The campaigners added that historical homes like Pinky are great tourist attractions, with similar properties on other Caribbean islands used as guest houses, cultural centres and museums.
As well as the many benefits the homes themselves offer, they said demolishing and rebuilding properties would have a high carbon footprint.
Protect Our Future leader Zara Majid, aged 15, said: “Let us not forget that our future is only made stronger by remembering where we came from.”
