National Trust for the Cayman Islands

29/09/2026

Press Release: 29 September 2026 – The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (the “National Trust”) opposes the National Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposed by the Hon. Christopher Saunders, MP for Bodden Town West, and urges Members of Parliament on both sides of the House to reject it.

The National Trust is represented on the National Conservation Council (the “NCC”), and the Trust’s views are consistent with the NCC’s statement issued on 21 September 2026.

Endangering Cayman’s endemic wildlife

This Bill seeks to redefine “alien species” so that any species present for 100 years would no longer count as alien. This contradicts the accepted scientific definition, which categorises any species introduced by people outside its natural range as alien, regardless of when said species was introduced. If the Bill were to pass, cats, rats, logwood and other introduced animals and plants would automatically fall outside the Act’s alien species provisions, thus undermining the legal basis for programmes that protect critically endangered wildlife endemic and essential to the Cayman Islands.

Introduced invasive plants and animals that have been introduced to habitats outside their natural range have caused widespread devastation globally, and governments and non-profits have spent billions of dollars trying to correct the balance. One only needs to look around the Caribbean where Burmese pythons, racoons, mongoose and other animals are a serious threat to the environment and domestic pets. The Cayman Islands have also experienced significant impacts that introduced species can have on native wildlife and ecosystems. The passage of time does not transform an introduced species into a native one or eliminate the ecological harm it may cause.

The introduction of this proposed definition of “alien species” is likely to have the effect of permanently undermining longstanding conservation efforts that have sought to protect and recover endangered native species of our islands and goes directly against one of the key statutory mandates of the National Trust, which is to protect our native flora and fauna.

Click this link to read FULL press release https://nationaltrust.org.ky/national-trust-opposes-national-conservation-amendment-bill-2026/

28/09/2026

Turning environmental commitment into local action!

We are delighted to announce that the Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) has made an annual commitment to the National Trust's Land Reserve Fund to support the protection of Cayman’s mangroves through Island Offsets.

CMF is working to reduce the environmental impact of its activities by making a positive contribution right here at home. Their support will help protect mangroves that store carbon, provide critical wildlife habitat, support our fisheries and marine environment, and help protect our communities from flooding and storms.

We hope CMF’s leadership inspires other Cayman organisations to consider how their own environmental commitments can translate into meaningful local action.

By working together, we can protect the nature that protects us. 💚🌎

Thank you, CMF, for joining us!

The Cayman Motoring Federation introduces sustainability initiatives to strengthen its commitment to environmentally responsible motorsport.

26/09/2026

🦆 Special visitors to Cayman!

A flock of eight Black-bellied Whistling Ducks has been spotted at Malportas Pond in North Side and Jackson’s Pond in West Bay!

Relatives of our West Indian Whistling Ducks, these striking birds are easy to recognise by their bright pink bills and legs, black bellies and bold white wing stripes, especially noticeable in flight. They are widely distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central and South America.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are not strongly migratory, making their appearance in Cayman particularly interesting. Like our whistling ducks, their long necks and legs give them an almost goose-like appearance, and pairs form strong, long-lasting bonds.

🔭 Why not go birding this weekend and see if you can spot our beautiful visitors?

You can easily find National Trust sites - including the wetlands at Malportas Pond, Governor Gore’s Bird Sanctuary, and the Mission House - using the free National Trust for the Cayman Islands app, available from all major app stores.
Happy birding! 🦆🌿

Thanks to Peter Davey for the heads-up and to Darren Cato for the beautiful photo!

25/09/2026

Here is a look at the highlights of our AGM held on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

25/09/2026

25 September 2026 – The Annual General Meeting (“the AGM”) of the members of the National Trust was held on 24th September 2026, at the George Town Yacht Club, the Barcadere Marina at 606 N. Sound Rd.

The AGM was held to present the 2025-2026 Annual Report and Financial Report for the year end June 30, 2026, elect members of the Council of the National Trust for 2026/27 as well as transact any other such business that came before the meeting. The AGM was well attended with 80 attendees.

The programme included the Official commencement of the AGM by Sulekha Tummala (Legal Counsel) with Ashvin Murugesu (NTCI Chair), who chaired the AGM. Brad Wammes, Treasurer gave a review of the 2025-26 financials featured in the Annual Report, and Frank Roulstone (NTCI Executive Director) shared programme highlights. Thank you to our volunteers Katie Moore, Cormac Golden and Shonari Gow.

Once the votes were counted, it was announced that the following candidates had been elected to the 2026-27 National Trust Council: Vaughn Bodden, Craig Caffarelli, Katie Ebanks, Richard Harrison, Brigitte Kirkconnell-Shaughness, Courtney Platt, Diana Quin, Lisa Scott, and Candy Whicker. Tributes were made to outgoing council members Suzan Merren and Fred Burton to acknowledge their decades of service.

Suzanne Bothwell (Chair) and Emily DeCou (Secretary) were both elected and will be serving a two-year term. Alice Mae Coe (Vice Chair) and Brad Wammes (Treasurer) will be serving the second year of their two-year term for 2026-27.

To read full press release click here https://nationaltrust.org.ky/national-trust-announces-new-council-2026-2027/

24/09/2026

The National Trust office and Blue Iguana Conservation facility (BIC) will be closed on 24th September 2026 at 3:00pm, as our team will be preparing for tonight’s AGM.

National Trust office and BIC will resume normal hours the following day.

22/09/2026

💙 A big thank you to Cayman International School for their generous Civvy Day donation in support of the National Trust’s work to protect Cayman’s natural and historic heritage!

CIS also continues its annual sponsorship of their very own Blue Iguana, Bob. 🦎💙

There is something especially meaningful about young people helping to protect Cayman’s heritage. The choices they make today are helping to ensure that Cayman’s unique wildlife and special places will still be here for them - and for generations to come.

Sponsoring a Blue Iguana is a wonderful way for students to connect with conservation and help protect a species found nowhere else in the world. Contact us to learn how to get involved!

Thank you, CIS students, for showing that Cayman’s young people can help protect the future they will one day inherit. 🌿

17/09/2026

The National Trust was delighted to support ESU Cayman in helping students prepare for the English Speaking Union Public Speaking Bootcamp and National Competition.

We enjoyed meeting with the students to discuss Cayman’s unique species, local conservation challenges and some of the big environmental issues facing our world today. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and curiosity and to play a small part in helping them prepare.

Thanks to Her Excellency the Governor for hosting the ESU Cayman reception at Government House (pictured with Rebecca Preen of ESU Cayman).

Congratulations to all of the students who took part in this exciting opportunity to learn, challenge themselves and make their voices heard. And thanks to ESU Cayman for inviting us to be part of this great initiative!

16/09/2026

We extend heartfelt thanks to Chef Mark and Governor Jane Owen for the generous donation of freshly harvested guavas from the Government House garden. The Blue Iguanas at our Blue Iguana Conservation facility truly enjoyed the guavas, as they were a delightful treat on a hot summer day!

We are grateful for your commitment to protecting Cayman's iconic Blue Iguanas and preserving our natural heritage.

HE The Governor - Cayman Islands

15/09/2026

Press Release: Community Comes Together to Restore Historic West Bay Sand Yard- 15 September 2026 – WEST BAY, CAYMAN ISLANDS — In the early hours of Saturday, 12 September, more than 20 volunteers from across the Cayman Islands gathered at The Old Homestead in West Bay to begin restoring the traditional white sand yard of one of Cayman’s historic homes.

Organised by the West Bay District Committee of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, the project brought together residents, supporters, high school students and seniors in their 70s, united by a shared commitment to preserving Cayman’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Built in 1912, for a family of eight, The Old Homestead is the last surviving structure of its kind in what was once a residential neighbourhood. The property is a reminder of Cayman’s vibrant architectural heritage and the longstanding tradition of maintaining carefully swept, white sand yards around Caymanian homes.

To read the full press release click this link https://nationaltrust.org.ky/press-release-community-comes-together-to-restore-historic-west-bay-sand-yard/