Cultural and environmental heritage – with Leadership Cayman’s Island-Wide Heritage Hunt
with the successful execution of its flagship community project: the Heritage Hunt. Conceptualised as a public education and sensitisation initiative, the event was designed to deepen public appreciation for Cayman’s cultural and environmental legacy.
More than 130 participants, organised into 32 spirited teams, navigated 11 National Trust sites across Grand Cayman using riddles, clues, and team challenges in a fun, interactive format. The Hunt encouraged participants to explore the stories, traditions, and landscapes that shape Caymanian identity, all while engaging in a friendly and competitive atmosphere. The day began with a kickoff at Regatta Office Park. It culminated in a festive gathering at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, which also served as the final destination and a valued event partner. There, participants came together to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the importance of heritage preservation.
The top three teams received cash prizes and National Trust memberships, an intentional gesture to encourage continued involvement in safeguarding the Islands’ heritage. First place received CI $1,350, generously sponsored by platinum sponsor Zedra. Second and third place earned CI $850 and CI $350 respectively, both prizes sponsored by platinum sponsor Campbells. All three teams were also awarded National Trust memberships in recognition of their outstanding participation.
In addition to the main prizes, special category awards were presented to teams that demonstrated exceptional cultural storytelling, visited the most sites, showcased unique flair through costumes and presentation, and actively engaged the public on social media. These prizes, sponsored by community-minded businesses such as Foster’s, Sol, Cost-U-Less, and A.L. Thompson’s, Cayman Pepper Patch, Grape Tree Caféadded extra excitement and recognition to the day’s activities.
Proceeds from registration fees exceeded CI $3,000, with a token donation made to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in recognition of their generous support. The remaining funds were allocated to the National Trust to assist with site maintenance and the delivery of educational programming. The event’s success was also made possible through the dedicated efforts of 37 volunteers and the generosity of local vendors, including Burger Shack, Renda’s Cassava Cakes, Windy Vale Estate, and the Botanic Park Gift Shop, all of whom participated free of charge. Their contributions helped create a more memorable, inclusive, and community-focused experience.
The initiative was co-led by Leadership Cayman classmates, Dr. Genève Phillip-Durham and Mrs. Pearl Moroka. Their vision and commitment, together with the collective efforts of the entire Leadership Cayman class, brought the Heritage Hunt from concept to reality. Reflecting on the project outcome, Dr. Phillip-Durham shared, “We are truly heartened by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from participants, many of whom appreciated the opportunity to visit sites they had never seen. This was the overall goal from the outset, to bring awareness to the work of the National Trust, as a key custodian of Cayman’s heritage.”
The Leadership Cayman Class of 2025 extends its deepest gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event, especially platinum sponsors Zedra and Campbells, as well as additional sponsors AIT, Foster’s, the University College of the Cayman Islands, A.L. Thompson’s, and Cost-U-Less. Their generosity and community spirit ensured that the event was not only festive and educational but also had a lasting impact.
The Heritage Hunt stands as a shining example of the power of community-led public education and civic engagement. As the Leadership Cayman Class of 2025 reflects on this achievement, the call to action is clear: continue to explore, protect, and celebrate the heritage that defines the Cayman Islands, and support the invaluable work of project benefactors, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.