CAYMAN ISLANDS

SURROUNDED BY sapphire waters and coral reefs, the Cayman Islands is an outdoor-lover’s paradise. Neither a sleepy, secluded destination nor a luxury resort area, the Cayman Islands is the best of both worlds. Its reputation as one of the top diving spots in the Caribbean coupled with its proximity to Florida—the islands are about 480 miles (768 km) due south of Miami—also account for its increasing popularity. Of the three islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman—Grand Cayman, 22 miles (35 km) long and 8 miles (13 km) wide, is the largest and the best equipped to handle tourism. Most of the islands’ inhabitants live on Grand Cayman near the capital city of George Town.

The Cayman Islands were sighted in 1503 by Christopher Columbus while on his fourth and last voyage to the New World. It was Columbus who named them Las Tortugas for the large number of turtles in the waters. The present name comes from cczymanas, a derivation of the Carib Indian name for the crocodile.
Although the islands were ceded to the British by the Treaty of Madrid in 1670, there was no serious attempt to settle them until the early 18th century, when a group from Jamaica moved in; they were recalled 3 years later over problems in protecting them from Spanish pirates. The earliest settlers, however, were believed to be from Oliver Cromwell’s army, shipwrecked sailors and refugees fleeing religious persecution in Britain.
With the passing of the days of sail, the Cay-man Islands lapsed into isolation until the 1950s, when air travel was introduced. Flights now serve all three islands, making them a readily accessible vacation spot.

Despite independence movements among its neighboring islands, the Cayman Islands are con-tent with their status as a British crown colony. Formerly governed by Jamaica, the islands are now administered by a governor appointed by the queen.

The governor is president of the legislative assembly and chairman of the executive council. There are five electoral districts on Grand Cay-man: George Town, West Bay, Bodden Town, Northside and East End. Every 4 years elections are held to select 15 representatives from these districts, based on each area’s population. These representatives form the legislative assembly, which is responsible for enacting laws.

The executive council consists of five elected ministers, while three members are appointed by the governor—the chief secretary, attorney general and financial secretary. Council ministers are responsible for the administration of the country, advising the governor on policy issues and instituting programs

A big boost to the Cayman Islands is the lack of any direct taxes on income, property and inheritance. Grand Cayman ranks among the top banking and offshore financial centers in the world and has a reputation as a tax haven. This status is bolstered by a policy of allowing tax free foreign investments and by the Confidential Relationships Law, which ensures the confidentiality of all foreign business transactions. Though the biggest moneymakers are the banking, tourism and insurance industries, some Caymanians still depend upon the sea and soil for their livelihood. Relatively flat with no rivers, the Cayman Islands are covered by the tropical vegetation of mangroves, mangoes and palms. Trade is conducted mainly with Jamaica, the United States and Costa Rica.

Grand Cayman has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. Visitors can explore the island without fear of being approached by street and beach vendors or beggars; the law prohibits such activity.

Free-port shopping is plentiful on Cardinal Avenue in George Town. Cameras, projectors, radios, perfumes, watches, linens, china and British woolens are sold at reduced prices. Kirk Freeport Plaza contains The Coral Shop, La Parfumerie, Kirk Jewelers and the Waterford / Wedgwood Shop. Next door to the plaza is Coach Factory, which features leather goods. Treasure Cove, affiliated with Kirk Freeport, is on the opposite side of the street and consists of Coral Cove, Far Away Places, Gucci and La Parfumerie II.

Around the corner on Albert Panton Street, Kirk Gallery has such fine china as Royal Doulton and Rosenthal, Hummel figurines and Baccarat crystal. Next to the gallery is Kirk Leather, with products by Cartier, Pierre Balmain, Fendi and Yves Saint Laurent.

Anchorage Center Shopping Mall, accessible from pathways next to Coach Factory and between the shops on Harbor Drive, surrounds an open-air courtyard with a snack area.