Pirates, Pandemics, and Natural Disasters : Life in the Cayman Islands

This book investigates everything that is interesting about the Cayman Islands - from the ancient past to the present. It explains where the islands are, and in simple terms, how they exist and have such clear water. Facts about volcanoes and earthquakes follow, and how the warm waters of the Caribbean give rise to violent hurricanes - with a record of some of the worst ones that have come worryingly close to, or have hit, Cayman with terrifying force. The way the Cayman Islands coped with the Covid pandemic is described in detail, while looking at how the islands fared in comparison with other countries - and with a glimpse at historical pandemics for context.

Cayman's role in the golden age of piracy is explored - with a mention of some big names like Blackbeard and the privateer, Francis Drake. The slave trade and the rum industry are examined, as is the way British colonial interests from the times of Cromwell influenced who settled in the islands. A brief history of Cayman brings us from the days of islanders depending on turtling to how Cayman developed as a centre for high-class tourism and world-leading financial services.

Some chapters are devoted to showcasing what the islands have to offer in terms of flora and fauna,

Readers can learn about local poisonous trees and the world's most lethal insects.

Questions that would test an inquisitive 11-year-old or an avid pub quiz-goer are scattered throughout the book to provide a challenging aside - with answers given at the end of each chapter. Prepare to be tested on tsunamis, dinosaurs, the Greek alphabet, vaccines, Columbus and his contemporaries, marine creatures, sailing terms, slavery, liquor, Spanish and French, religion, bioluminescent organisms and, of course, pirates, Covid and hurricanes. There are a few crosswords and anagrams for good measure. Those who profess to having local knowledge will gain even more claim to bragging rights if they can answer questions on street names, local attractions, politicians and dive-sites.

This is a book that should keep readers busy for weeks - and get passed from one family member to another, as it includes so many fascinating things to learn about the Cayman Islands and, more generally, the Caribbean. What could be more interesting than pirates, pandemics and natural disasters?