On the first Monday of every July, the Cayman Islands observes "Constitution Day" with a national holiday that honours the first written constitution of the country, which came into effect 4 July 1959.
As one of the most important documents governing the principles of democracy in the Cayman Islands, it conveyed, among other things, the right for women to vote and stand for election.
For those interested in learning more about Cayman Islands history, Next Chapter in Camana Bay has books written by local authors on the subject, as well as various gift items than can help residents celebrate the Cayman Islands and its becoming a constitutional democracy.
"From the Guard House to the Glass House" by Roy Bodden
Commonly referred to as the historian of the Cayman Islands, former long-time elected official Roy Bodden recounts his journey through the evolution of politics in the Cayman Islands in "From the Guard House to the Glass House."
"The Cayman Islands in Transition" by Roy Bodden
Another book written by Roy Bodden, "The Cayman Islands in Transition" discusses the politics, history and sociology of a changing society, recounting the evolution of the Cayman Islands from what was once referred to as "the islands that time forgot," to its standing as an acclaimed tourist destination and international financial services provider.
"The Great Caribbean Chicken Caper: Sixteen Chickens on a Trampoline" by Faye Lippitt
Celebrate Caymanian creativity with a storytelling session with your children reading a book from local author Faye Lippitt, who is also a regular Camana Bay Times columnist. Chickens are a frequent sight in our everyday lives — bring them into story time with your children.
Grand Cayman 550-piece puzzle
Put the pieces of the puzzle together and refresh your knowledge of the geography of Grand Cayman with this 550-piece puzzle. Featuring stand-out illustrations spanning from West Bay to North Side, this family-friendly activity is great for rainy days and long weekends.
Cayman Islands leather passport
Show your island pride with a detailed brown leather passport holder featuring a design of the Cayman Islands. Bring a piece of home with you wherever you go.
This article will appear in the July 2021 print edition of Camana Bay Times.
About the author
Alanna Warwick-Smith is a senior marketing communications coordinator supporting the business development and real estate marketing team for Dart. Alanna has worked in Dart’s flagship development of Camana Bay for the past nine years, when she began her career working at the town’s bookstore. A lover of the written word, Alanna reads and writes poetry in her spare time, and has written content for a range of platforms in the past, including her own blog and Camana Bay Times. You can find her in line at Foster’s every morning waiting for her large iced coffee with oat milk!