An Insider's Guide: Cortez Vernon

CORTEZ! TELL US YOUR STORY! WHERE YOU FROM, HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN HERE AND WHY YOU MOVED HERE!

I'm originally from a small district just outside of Montego Bay Jamaica. It just happened that a company here saw my website at the time and thought it was creative enough for them to give me a call and offer me a job, this was back in 2005. I took the offer and have been here since.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

I love the amalgamation of the many different cultures/people. I love meeting new people and being here just makes it so much easier with CaymanKind.

YOU ARE FAMOUS FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY! TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER, AND WHAT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? 

I'm a graphic designer and used to do lots of corporate brochures and print work so my employer at the time bought me a camera to get some headshots and I just got addicted after that. 

THAT’S AMAZING! ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER! YOU MUST KNOW SOME PRETTY GREAT PLACES TO SHOOT PHOTOS, TELL US WHERE YOU LOVE TO SHOOT!

There are countless amazing places on island to shoot, I love nature so I tend to explore to find them. My faves are the botanical park because of the wide variety of different plants/trees, Camana Bay for a bit more modern look and of course any one of the many beaches.

AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR DAY OFF? TELL US WHERE YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?

This is a tough one because I love trying new places like driving to East End and finding a random isolated beach and just decompress. I love Camana Bay to get some food and check out the latest movie, or, randomly choosing something touristy to do like parasailing or going on a Helicopter ride.

ANYONE WHO LIVES IN CAYMAN KNOWS WE HAVE THE BEST FOOD IN THE CARIBBEAN. TELL US WHERE YOUR 3 FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS ARE?

Cayman Cabana, Over The Edge, Mizu or Yoshi's for some sushi!

WHAT ABOUT THE TOURISTS? WHERE WOULD YOU SEND THEM FOR SOME ACTIVITIES WHEN THEY VISIT?

My top three would be Helicopter tour, Crystal Caves and the Bioluminescence tour.

YOU MUST KNOW THE BEST PLACE FOR LOCAL, TRADITIONAL FOOD? WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE THESE TOURISTS FOR THE ULTIMATE LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCE? 

Cayman Cabana, Wellys Cool Spot, and Over The Edge

Insider Guides: Growing up in Cayman with Alyssa Gilbert

HI ALYSSA, WHY DON’T YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I’m Alyssa Gilbert. I’m 19, from West Bay and was raised as an only child with a half-sister. My family works in legal, government, and IT related fields. My hobbies include shopping, going to the beach, filming videos, reading, and my new favourite: going to afternoon tea.

WE LOVE TEA! SO WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

Currently, I’m a fashion student at London College of Fashion studying fashion media (styling and creative direction), and creating fashion related content for my Youtube channel, xoallyy 

SO WHERE ARE YOUR TOP 3 PLACES TO GO SHOPPING FOR THE BEST FASHION?

My favorite places to shop in cayman are NKY in Camana Bay, Funky Monkey at Governors Square, and Kirk Freeport for my accessories.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

My favourite thing about Cayman is by far the beach. It’s the only place that I feel at peace and could stay there for hours on end. Not to mention it’s the only place I can get my color back after living in London for a while!

WORST THING ABOUT THE ISLAND? PET PEEVE?

My least favorite things about Cayman at the moment are the lack of untouched land, the ridiculous amounts of litter everywhere, and the pesky mosquitoes in the afternoon.

CAN YOU NAME 4 OF YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS FOR US?

My four favourite restaurants on island are Ragazzi, Casanova, Papagallos and Copper Falls. I LOVE Italian food, and Copper Falls is on a whole other level of deliciousness!

WHAT ABOUT THOSE HIDDEN GEMS? TELL US ABOUT SOME COOL PLACES!

Some “hidden gems” that I enjoy going to for some peace and quiet are the side beaches in East End (through a path of trees on the side of the road) and Boggy Sands. For some good eats, I like Di Kit-Chin Jerk Stand and Grape Tree Cafe.

FAVOURITE LOCAL DISH AND WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?

My favorite local dish is Cayman Style Beef with rice and beans and you can find it in my grandmother’s kitchen, Island Taste restaurant, and anywhere else that sells local cooked food.

WHAT ABOUT A COCKTAIL, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO GO FOR SUNSET DRINKS?

My favourite place for sunset drinks is Royal Palms because you have a perfect view of the sunset over the ocean from the bar, and there are 2 for 1 drink specials (which is always a win!)