A Vibrant Celebration of Food Security

By Christopher Tobutt

Held every Ash Wednesday, the Agriculture Show at Stacy Watler Pavilion in Lower Valley has become an eagerly anticipated tradition, drawing thousands of attendees to celebrate Cayman’s vibrant agricultural heritage. This year’s show was no exception, with a bustling crowd enjoying the theme, “Food Security is Everybody’s Business.”

Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Minister for Agriculture, emphasized the vital partnership between the Cayman Islands Government and the Cayman Islands Agriculture Society. “This year’s theme honors our dynamic agriculture sector, which stands as the foundation of our beloved Cayman Islands,” he stated. “Our mission for food security is strengthened by the incredible work of our local farmers.”

The pavilion was a hive of activity, with over a hundred vendors showcasing their products. Angela Wood of Cayman Scents has been creating natural bath and body products for 26 years. “I try to keep everything as natural as possible,” she explained, displaying her range of soaps, scents, and lotions made from local ingredients like coconut oil, goat’s milk, and honey. Her booth was brimming with shower gels, body sprays, palm wax candles, and clean-burning coconut wax candles that last for 90 hours.

One of the standout stalls was Dell’s Fresh Farm Produce, overflowing with vibrant fruits and vegetables grown at East End Farms. Visitors marveled at the array of bananas, plantains, pumpkins, carrots, papayas, bitter melons, eggplants, yams, sweet peppers, and the fiery red hot Scotch bonnet peppers. Jeremy, representing Dell’s, proudly shared tips on healthy eating and sustainable farming.

Betty Wood, representing the Bodden Town Heritage Committee, returned to the show with an imaginative display featuring the “Agriculture Man,” a whimsical figure made of bananas and a coconut head, riding a bicycle. Each district — East End, West Bay, George Town, North Side, and Cayman Brac—boasted its own impressive booth, showcasing local produce and historical treasures.

Inside the pavilion, judges meticulously assessed the best examples of fruits, vegetables, and traditional crafts. Tracey Rankine and Tiffany Rankine-Law evaluated the roots and tubers category. “We’re looking for uniformity, suitability for its purpose, and how appetizing it is,” they explained as they examined cassavas and yams.

Kemia Cunningham Hemmings judged the art and craft exhibits with a keen eye for neatness, intricacy, finish, creativity, and traditional aspects of the craft. Meanwhile, livestock judge Carlin Powery started early, evaluating the cattle and looking at the goats, pigs, and poultry, “The suns out – its going to be a good day,” he said. The livestock area proved to be a magnet for families, with children captivated by the beautiful animals.

Pony rides provided another source of delight for young children, who eagerly lined up with their parents to enjoy a leisurely walk around the paddock. Erica from K-Herb showcased her natural alternatives to everyday products, including cleaners, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellants, beauty oils, turmeric, neem, aloe vera, herbal extracts, and powders.

The lawn was alive with vendors selling an eclectic array of products. Windy Vale Estate, a local company, offered jams, jellies, and preserves made from locally grown fruits. The aroma of traditional Caymanian, Jamaican, and Caribbean foods wafted through the air, tempting visitors with stewed turtle, pork, chicken, rice and beans, shrimp, and festival. It was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

The 56th Annual Agriculture Show was a resounding success, celebrating the hard work and dedication of local farmers while highlighting the importance of food security for the Cayman Islands. As attendees left the pavilion with full hearts and satisfied appetites, the event stood as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of Cayman’s agricultural heritage.