Seafarers’ Registry to be Launched

Celebrate Cayman has announced that a Seafarers Registry, an innovative online portal dedicated to preserving the stories and memorabilia of seafarers and their families will be launched at a special event to be held at the George Town Public Library’s Historical Room on Wednesday, 25 June starting 5:30 pm.

The historic occasion will coincide with International Day of the Seafarer, which recognises   the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, world economy and civil society as a whole.

The event will feature digital displays, cultural performances and curated exhibitions. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to explore the online Seafarers Registry, verify or correct existing information and contribute their own maritime histories. The submissions will become part of a living digital archive, enriching the historical record with first-hand accounts from the community.

“A highlight of the launch will be the unveiling of the seafarers’ quilt, commissioned by Celebrate Cayman and created by the Friends and Needles group. Each square tells the story of a seaman or reflects seafaring traditions and experiences, making it a significant draw for attendees” said Celebrate Cayman’s Special Projects Officer, Nasaria Chollette. 

There will also be a prominent exhibition showcasing artefacts and documents significant to the country’s maritime heritage at the launch. Additionally, a mini-exhibition will display family artefacts and documents related to seafaring history, with items scanned, registered and exhibited. The Historic Room will remain open until 4 July 2025 from 10:00am to 3:00AM. 

Following the Grand Cayman event, the Seafarers Registry will extend to Cayman Brac from 10-13 July at the Veterans and Seamen’s Association Hall. This will feature similar exhibitions.
Celebrate Cayman has also extended an invitation to the public to attend lunch-time lectures, which will take place to further enrich the community’s experience and understanding of Cayman’s seafaring past. Locations and times for the lectures will be widely promoted. 

Celebrate Cayman’s Executive Chair Alfonso Wright, noted: “Join us in celebrating our maritime heritage and ensuring that the stories of our seafarers are preserved for future generations. Together, we can honour the legacy of those who bravely navigated the seas and contributed to our culture, laid the foundation for the development of our three islands, as well as the women who stayed at home and helped shape our beloved isles.” 

For more information about the Seafarers Registry and the launch events, please contact celebratecayman@gov.ky