Very few of the Cayman Islands' older buildings remain. This is due in part to the depredations of time, climate and development. Of those that are still standing, many are threatened with destruction in the face of commercial expansion. Some very fine examples of the architecture of yesteryear do exist, however, and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands places great value on them.

 

The Trust instituted its Historic Plaque Programme in 1995, to increase the public's appreciation and respect for buildings and sites important to Cayman's heritage; to foster and encourage the preservation of privately owned buildings of architectural or historic significance; and to provide visual reminders of places of historic interest for residents and visitors to the Cayman Islands.

 

To date, five buildings have received plaques, all in George Town, Grand Cayman. The first three were the Town Hall (1919 Peace Memorial), the General Post Office, and the Public Library, which were recognized at the Programme's inauguration on 8th March, 1995. All are the work of Captain Rayal Brazley Bodden, a prominent local shipbuilder.

 

George Town Town Hall was officially opened on Armistice Day in 1926. Built while H. H. Hutchings was Commissioner, the structure was referred to as "Hutchings' Folly" because it was considered too big for such a small island. Erected at a cost of 2,000 pounds sterling, the building was used as a court house, Assembly Room and Town Hall. For many years it was the centre of local community life, and dances, movies, dramatic and musical presentations were held in it.

 

The Town Hall was also the site of key public meetings in 1961 and 1962, at which Cayman's relationship with the West Indies Federation and the Government of Jamaica were vigorously discussed. When Jamaica decided to become independent, Cayman chose to sever its links with Jamaica and become a Crown Colony governed directly from Great Britain.

 

In the very centre of Cayman's capital stands the General Post Office. Although it took less than a year to build, it was a major project for the time. Most of the materials used in its construction had to be imported from England and Canada. Heavy columns were used to support the walls, which created a sheltered porch. Although spacious for its day, within 15-20 years the building proved inadequate to accommodate the Treasury, Post Office, Government Savings Bank and Customs departments that it housed.

 

Constructed simultaneously with the General Post Office in 1939, was the Public Library, which opened its doors to the public in 1940. Cayman's present library system was started during Commissioner Hutchings' tenure (1919-31). He subscribed to many well-known magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Atlantic Monthly and Punch.

 

Originally the library was located in a room above the old jail, next to the Old Courts Building. The Public Library was built when Alan Wolsey Cardinall was Commissioner. He was credited with modernising many aspects of civic life. The first Caymanian to serve as librarian was Mrs. Alice Luke (nee Parsons).

The Old Courts Building on the waterfront, which now houses the Cayman Islands National Museum, received its plaque on the celebration of International Museums Day - 20th May, 1995. Over 150 years old, it is Cayman's oldest surviving public building. It served as the first Post Office, and is thought to be the first purpose built court house and jail. It has also been used as a schoolroom, public library, savings bank, church hall and dance hall. Important proclamations were made from its steps, and government information was posted there. A lantern hoisted every evening on the flagpole aided ships navigating the harbour.

 

Originally the building consisted of two separate structures. The main structure was built in the style of the Caymanian "Manor" or "Upstairs House". The ground floor was made of wattle and daub, while the upper floor was constructed of shiplap boarded timber. In the early 1970's a series of passageways joined the two buildings together.

 

The most recent plaque to be presented was to Elmslie Memorial Church. One of the island's oldest churches, it was built over a two-year period between 1920-22.

Elmslie was the first building in Cayman to be built of handmade concrete blocks, and also the first to be built by Captain Rayal. Designed by Scottish architect, Mr. R. Giles, when Captain Rayal's name was proposed to oversee the work, he responded, "Anyone who can build a ship can build a church, but not everyone who can build a church can build a ship." Following time spent with Portland Cement Works in Jamaica, learning how to mix concrete properly, Captain Rayal took on the job as foreman and managed to employ the services of many talented local craftsmen. The church clearly demonstrates the breadth of skills involved. With neat block work and a ceiling resembling the hull of an upturned ship, made from timber mostly salvaged from a shipwreck, the building is a fine example of Captain Rayal's own particular style. The plaque was presented on 11th September, 1996.

 

As the Historic Plaque Programme continues, so other noteworthy buildings will be considered for the distinction of receiving the Trust's marker for a "Building of Historic Interest". The award is not made lightly: it is part of the Trust's quest to fulfil its ongoing mission which is to preserve natural environments and places of historic significance for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands.