It is hard to argue Grand Cayman isn’t an integrated community because of the small size of the Island, but the population density is actually less than most other Caribbean countries. And even though the majority of workplaces are integrated in terms of their nationality make-up, that integration doesn’t necessarily extend beyond working hours.
In years past, integration outside of work was a part of life; neighbours knew and associated with their neighbours, wherever they came from. In recent times, the dynamic has changed, partially as a reflection of development. But that doesn’t mean development has been necessarily segregating in nature.
Melting PotLong-time realtor Kim Lund of Re/Max says that in general, he believes development has had an integrating effect on Grand Cayman, especially when it comes to commercial development.
“You see places like the Ritz-Carlton and Camana Bay holding different kinds of events and fundraisers,” he said. “Everyone is starting to enjoy the facilities, and not just the wealthy. The doors are open to everyone. I meet and bump into more people than ever before.”
Lund acknowledges that commercial development centres on commerce, so some of the events might be beyond the financial means of some residents, but he also noted that there are still many events that are free and the usage of the facilities are affordable to a large cross-section of the Cayman population.
When it comes to housing, Lund does see some stratification occurring. “I see slow segregation for people who are concerned about privacy and safety,” he says. “It’s segregation more by income than anything else.”
Although Lund doesn’t see that kind of segregation reversing itself, he notes that in every price range of housing development–from high-end developments like Vista Del Mar to affordable housing like that built by Frank Hall Homes–there is a wide range of people and cultures.
“I’m not seeing any cultural or racial segregation here,” he said, adding that he doesn’t believe it would happen in the future either. “It would be hard to segregate any kind of culture here. I see Caymanians blending in with expats, paper Caymanians... everyone. I see one big melting pot.”
Camana Bay and Dragon BayThe master-planned development Camana Bay aims to become a commercial, social and cultural centre. Dart Realty Managing Director Jim Lammers said Camana Bay has always been envisioned as an inclusive development where shop owners, residents and office workers know and watch out for each other, resulting in a safe environment
“We have a strong commitment to the public realm,” he said. “Camana Bay is the antithesis of a gated community. Already, Camana Bay... boasts a botanic walk, lushly landscaped courtyards, a pedestrian Paseo and a Crescent Harbour, all of which are open to and enjoyed by members of the larger Cayman community.”
Lammers says the mixed-use environment of Camana Bay, which is billed as a place where people can work, live and play, “encourages life-long learning, innovation and the exchange of ideas. Not only will Camana Bay be the home for firms in the financial services sector, lawyers and bankers, but so too will it be the home for architects, designers, musicians and artists.”
Dragon Bay developer Michael Ryan believes his development, which centres around The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, will draw “an unique Cayman mélange of locals and part-time residents” going forward.
However, Ryan feels if Cayman improves its infrastructure, it will become even more cosmopolitan in its make up. For instance, a longer runway would allow Cayman to tap into European and Asian tourism and investment markets, something he believes will also change the population demographics.
Ryan believes Caymanians’ welcoming nature has been a key part of the country’s success.
“The old-time seafarers, as they travelled the world, had the opportunity to visit many countries and meet many different people. They understood what it was like to be the foreigner and to experience being the outsider so when other cultures arrived to Cayman’s shores, in many cases thanks to the growth of the financial services industry, it was not the first time the people of Cayman had met someone from that country,” he said. “One of the pillars of Cayman’s initial success was its openness to other cultures and the lack of xenophobia.”
But another part of the equation is the ease in getting here, Ryan contends. “We used to be ahead of the curve, when we had jet service and most other Caribbean islands didn’t,” he said, noting however that Cayman has fallen behind competitors over the years. “We have to catch up again. We need a runway that allows people to fly direct from Europe or the Far East.”
Another piece of important infrastructure that has the potential to lead to a new influx of residents in Ryan’s opinion is a marina for large yachts in the North Sound, a project that would require dredging the North Sound. He believes the opening up of Cuba to Americans is just a matter of time and that when that happens, Cayman will be in the middle of a vibrant boating lane.
“People who would never leave their mega yachts or private jets in Cuba, will have a choice in Cayman,” he said.
OwnershipNot everyone believes Cayman development has led to integration.
Political candidate Derrington ‘Bo’ Miller isn’t averse to development, but he believes the lack of Caymanian ownership in much of the development has led to segregation. “If every [development] we do is going to be owned and developed by outsiders, then it’s going to continue segregating our society,” he says.
Miller blames governments for allowing the development trend. “Who gave us the moral authority to consume Cayman in one generation,” he asks?
One result of the development trend, in Miller’s opinion, is that the “have nots are growing and the haves are shrinking–in other words, we’re getting more poor people”. “Of course, that’s not happening just because of development, but also from other government policies.”
Miller thinks the key to a healthy balance in the future is Caymanian ownership in development, including in the purchase of any assets the government decides to divest. “We have to promote internal investors, so our own people can become owners.”
Seeing the showAlthough Miller doesn’t see a lot of Caymanian ownership in development, both Ryan and the Darts, the owners of the Camana Bay development, have Caymanian Status. Born Caymanians have also developed a number of condominiums, office complexes, land developments and shopping centres. One of those developers, Bobby Bodden, who developed the Governors Square office and shopping complex, notes that modern development includes a wide range of building, including infrastructure.
“Taken together, development has led to both integration and segregation,” he said. “Unfortunately not everyone can have a ring side seat. However if the arena is big enough and maintained adequately, we will all get inside to see the show.”