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. Armed with buckets, shovels, wheelbarrows and gloves, volunteers worked swiftly to complete the first phase of the project on the north side of the yard. The old, discoloured sand was removed, or “backed off,” and replaced with fresh white beach sand in record time. Restoring the yard is about more than beautification. Traditional sand yards are an important part of Cayman’s cultural landscape and domestic heritage. Historically, the grounds surrounding Caymanian homes were covered with white sand and carefully swept and maintained. The tradition can still be seen at preserved heritage properties, including the National Trust’s Mission House, which features a traditional Caymanian sand yard. All sand used for the project was collected in accordance with relevant Cayman Islands laws. Section 28 of the Development and Planning Act regulates the removal of sand, gravel, pebbles, stone, coral and other filling from shoreline areas and land covered by water, including provisions governing limited quantities removed for domestic purposes. Care was taken to ensure the quantities collected complied with the law and that the sand was sourced sustainably.
The initiative reflects the West Bay District Committee’s broader commitment to encouraging community participation in the preservation of Cayman’s built and cultural heritage. By bringing people together to practise a traditional form of maintenance, the project provides an opportunity to experience, share and keep Caymanian heritage alive, while helping younger generations connect with traditions that shaped the Islands’ distinctive sense of place. The project is being undertaken with the consent and support of the Bothwell family, who retain ownership of and responsibility for the care of the property. Family members were present, working alongside volunteers and supporting the initiative. The West Bay District Committee extends its appreciation to the Bothwell family for their continued stewardship of The Old Homestead and to all the volunteers who contributed their time and energy. The restoration and beautification work will continue over the next several months, with the hope of completing the project in time for the Christmas season, when the traditional sand yard can once again be enjoyed in its original beauty.