Government and Politics of Cayman Islands

Other National Symbols

• National Flower

  Wild Banana Orchid (Schomburgkia thomsoniana)

  The Wild Banana Orchid (Schomburgkia thomsoniana) is one of 27 varieties of orchid that grow in the Cayman Islands. Usually found flowering after the heavy spring rains in May/June, there are two varieties of this orchid. Both varieties have scented flowers with purple lips, but Schomburgkia thomsoniana var. thomsoniana (which grows in Grand Cayman) has petals that are predominantly white, whilst Schomburgkia thomsoniana var. minor (which is found in the sister islands) has slightly smaller flowers with pale yellow petals.

• National Tree

  Silver Thatch Palm

  The Silver Thatch Palm (Coccothrinax proctorii) is unique to the Cayman Islands. Known locally as “Tatch”, the upper sides of the fronds are light green, but the underside is a silvery colour - hence their name. The fronds are very tough, and their broad shape makes them an effective covering.

• National Bird

  cayman parrot

• Seal

  coat of arms

  THE NATIONAL COAT OF ARMS The National Coat of Arms, also known as the Official Crest, comprises symbols which represent the government and people of the Cayman Islands. It consists of three elements – the Shield of Arms, the Crested Helm and the Motto. The contents of the shield are described as the ‘Arms.’ These are three green stars outlined in gold, representing the three islands which are set atop blue and white waves. A golden ‘passant’ Lion of England, symbolising the country's allegiance to Great Britain, is shown at the top of the shield on a red background. The crest is shown above the shield. It comprises a green sea turtle, representing the significance of turtling in Cayman's history; a blue and white rope, upon which the turtle rests, denoting the country's seafaring and thatch rope industry traditions; and a pineapple, shown above the turtle, which represents Cayman's traditional ties to Jamaica – which oversaw the Cayman Islands on behalf of England until Jamaica’s independence in 1959. Shown at the bottom of the Shield is the motto, “HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS,” which is taken from Psalms 24, verse 2.

• Motto

  “HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS,”

• National Tree

  Silver Thatch Palm

  Silver Thatch Palm Tall, slender silver thatch palms are especially conspicuous at the eastern end of all three of the Cayman Islands, where they sway in the trade winds high above the low, dry thickets of native trees and shrubs. Bearing the scientific name Coccothrinax proctorii after botanist Dr. George Proctor, the leaves are what give this tree its common name; they're green on the top and silver on the bottom Up to the early 1960s, the silver thatch palm played an important role in the lives of Caymanians. Unusually tough, the leaves have a variety of uses, from roofing for houses to the weaving of hats, baskets and fans. In earlier years, straw rope made from the thatch palm was highly prized in Cuba and Jamaica for use in shipping, fishing and sugar industries. Exporting rope was Cayman's largest source of revenue. Last Updated: 2005-10-21