Protecting Our Future Is Protecting Our Past

The Cayman Islands are home to some of the world’s most unique natural wonders. Yet, an equally important part of our heritage is quietly disappearing: our historic homes.

Protect Our Future is proud to release this awareness campaign, titled “Protecting Our Future Is Protecting Our Past,” to bring attention to the cultural and environmental importance of traditional Caymanian houses, hoping to urge our community to act before it’s too late.

While there is currently no legislation in place to formally protect historic land and homes in situ, Protect Our Future hopes this campaign will spark meaningful action. With a newly elected government now in office, we strongly encourage Cayman’s leaders to consider implementing legislation to safeguard these vital parts of our national identity before they are lost for good.

Cayman’s remote location and separation from any major landmass have allowed it to develop an extraordinary level of biodiversity. The islands have more endemic species of flora and fauna than even the Galápagos. Species such as the Grand Cayman Brown Bat, Blue Iguana, Ironwood, Silver Thatch, and Banana Orchid naturally exist only here.

Yet, just like these rare species, our built heritage is in danger too. Traditional Caymanian homes, once common, are now exceedingly rare. They were built using locally sourced, natural materials that are no longer accessible today. For example, Ironwood which was used for the stilts and structural beams in historic homes, is now a protected tree and takes up to 50 years to mature. Limestone and coral, which were once burned in handmade kilns to create lime for plaster, are also protected and cannot be harvested.

This means that these homes, in their original form, can never be built again. They are truly irreplaceable and unique to Cayman but they are disappearing fast. Once demolished, they will be lost forever.

“These dwellings hold the stories of the past. They are a legacy to the people who shaped the foundation of the Cayman Islands.”

— Ms. Heidi Bassett Blair

One remarkable example of preservation is a home affectionately known as “Pinky.” Saved and restored by private landowner Ms. Heidi Blair, Pinky stands as a powerful symbol of what’s possible when individuals choose preservation over demolition. Pinky serves as more than just a house, it is a reminder of the pride of our Caymanian people, offering a glimpse into our island’s identity.

Preserving these homes isn’t just about sentiment, it’s also about potential. Across the world, especially in the Caribbean, historic preservation has proven to support tourism, education, and community pride. In places like Barbados and Jamaica, restored heritage homes have become thriving guesthouses, cultural centers, and museums. Within Cayman, we have the chance to do the same, transforming what remains into living history that can be shared and sustainably supported. Preserving our heritage is not a burden, but an opportunity.

Demolishing historic homes not only erases cultural memory—it also harms the environment. Rebuilding requires imported materials and creates unnecessary carbon emissions and waste. In contrast, traditional Caymanian homes were constructed using locally sourced materials and passive cooling design, making them far ahead of their time in sustainability. Preserving them means preserving smarter ways of building

Beyond historical significance, these homes also possess extremely vital environmental value. Designed long before air conditioning, they were made to cool naturally, with elevated structures that allow airflow and reduce flood risk. Contrastingly, the cycle of demolition and reconstruction is an unnecessary contributor to carbon emissions and waste. Today, these homes serve as blueprints for sustainable design in our warming world.

As young people, we are the future inheritors of Cayman’s identity. But without our past, without the homes and values that shaped us; we inherit silence. That’s why this campaign is led by youth: because we understand that to truly move forward, we must carry forward what matters most.

Protect Our Future encourages the public to take simple but meaningful actions:

• Become familiar with Cayman’s native trees and heritage architecture so that they are recognized and respected

• Celebrate and share preservation success stories, like Pinky, to inspire awareness

• Advocate for stronger protection of our historic homes through conversation and education

As Protect Our Future leader Zara Majid (15) would like to say:

“Let us not forget that our future is only made stronger by remembering where we came from.”

As Protect Our Future leader Elise Shelley (14) would like to say:

“Our future relies on memory. Without our past we become strangers in our own home.”

To follow our awareness post and learn more, visit @protectourfuture.eco on Instagram or reach out to us at protectourfuturecayman@gmail.com  to share stories or information about historic homes in your community.

Let this not be the last time we speak of our historic homes. Let it be the start of preserving what matters most.