Famous Caymanians

The Cayman Islands is one of the most famous destinations in the Caribbean. It's also the birthplace of many prominent and successful individuals, including politicians, athletes, musicians and models. Though they may seem quite small, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac have been called home since way back in the late 1600s. Today, there are many famous Caymanians who have made positive contributions to not only the Caribbean, but the whole world.

Truman Bodden

The Honourable Truman Bodden was born in the Cayman Islands in 1945. An attorney-at-law, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly for the District of George Town, Grand Cayman's capital, and served in office from 1976 to 1984 and 1988 to 2000. Bodden was the Leader of Government Business from 1994 until 2000 and he co-founded Truman Bodden and Company Attorneys-at-Law. He served in many government ministries throughout his time in office, including those for education, finance, youth, investment and tourism.

William McKeeva Bush

William McKeeva Bush, a well-known Cayman politician, was the leader of the islands' United Democratic Party and held the West Bay seat in the Legislative Assembly for seven consecutive terms. He held many Minister positions in the Cayman Islands Government in the 1990s and 2000s and was elected the Leader of the Opposition in 2005, and Premier in 2009. He was at the centre of controversy due to his 2012 arrest and subsequent removal from the Premiership.

Bendel Hydes

Born in the Cayman Islands, Bendel Hydes co-founded the Cayman National Culture Foundation and the Cayman Islands National Gallery. One of the most popular Caribbean artists, his primary medium is oil on canvas. His work is featured in many prominent collections, including the Cayman Islands National Archive and National Gallery, and has been exhibited across the world. Bendel's paintings can be found in a number of books that focus on Cayman artists and their work, such as “Caribbean Art.” He attended art college in England and university in Massachusetts before settling in Manhattan, New York.

Cydonie Camille Mothersille

Cydonie Camille Mothersille is a famous Caymanian athlete known for her track and field stardom. Originally from Jamaica, she moved to Grand Cayman when she was only 7 years old. Cydonie began her track career in high school and went on to represent the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games. Specializing in the 100-metre dash, she was the highest paid Cayman athlete in 2011.

Juliana O'Connor-Connolly

Born and raised in Cayman Brac, Juliana O'Connor-Connolly became the first female minister on the islands' Executive Council in 1997. The very first woman to represent the sister islands, she served as not only the Minister of Community Affairs, Sports, Women, Youth and Culture, but the Minister of Planning, Communications, District Administration and Information Technology from 2003 to 2005. Juliana also served as the third Caymanian Speaker of the House, and was a founding member of the United Democratic Party.

Natasha Kozaily

Natasha Kozaily was born in Grand Cayman to a Caymanian mother and Lebanese father. She began studying classical piano as a young child and graduated from both the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and Cardiff University in Wales, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in ethnomusicology. Her thesis at Cardiff, “An Island’s Story: Told through the music of Julia Hydes,” is considered the only in-depth exploration of Cayman musician Julia Hydes. Natasha later released a debut album, which won Album of the Year from the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association in 2011.

Selita Ebanks

Selita Ebanks, a fashion model best known for being a Victoria's Secret “angel,” was born in George Town in 1983. Following her move to the United States, she was discovered by an Elite Model Management scout at the age of 17. This beautiful islander went on to model for brands like Ralph Lauren and Neiman Marcus, and was ranked the 12^th highest paid supermodel in 2008.

Dow Travers

Dow Travers, the son of renowned law and finance expert Anthony Travers, was born in Grand Cayman in 1987. He is a professional alpine skier and rugby player who became the first Caymanian Winter Olympian in 2010. Dow also represented Cayman in the World Championships for skiing, and currently plays on the Cayman Islands' 7s team in the North American Caribbean Rugby Association.

Frank E. Flowers

Frank E. Flowers is Cayman's best-known filmmaker, director and screenwriter. The man behind 2003's award-winning “Swallow” and 2004's “Haven,” which was photographed in Grand Cayman, Flowers was born in the islands in 1979. The grandson of Clarence Flowers, a prominent Cayman businessman, he declined to take over the family business in favour of attending the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Gladwyn K. Bush

A fourth-generation Caymanian, Gladwyn K. “Lassie” Bush is famous for her beautiful artwork. She began painting at the ripe old age of 62 and, not long after, her collection of work was published by Cayman's Cultural Foundation as a book. Today, Miss Lassie's work can be seen in many exhibitions, collections and books throughout the world. She was given a Heritage Award by the islands' National Cultural Foundation prior to her death at 89.

"Aunt Julia" Hydes

A member of the original Cayman Islands group of musicians, Aunt Julia was born in 1909. Famous for not only her advanced age, but her musical talent, she left school at 15 and soon began playing throughout the islands with musicians like Boyd Hydes and Duxie Ebanks. Aunt Julia is known for playing the drums and composing her own island-themed music and, in 1996, she won the CNCF Award for her cultural heritage efforts.