EDITORIAL

There Is Plenty Here For Teenagers To Do

Friday, July 23, 2004

Many people complain that there is not enough for teenagers to do in the Cayman Islands. 

There can be no dispute that there is less choice of museums, art galleries, cinemas, and theatres than in other locations, but it is dubious that this greatly affects the life of the average teenager. 

If more of these cultural centres were available here, it is unlikely that teenagers would spend any more of their spare time visiting them than their counterparts overseas.

The reality is that all over the world, particularly in places where there are more activities on offer, teenagers watch television, go to each others’ houses, listen to music, wallow in depression, and complain of boredom. 
In the Cayman Islands all these options are also available, and many more as well.

While it is true that there are currently only two cinema screens in George Town, it is after all, only possible to watch one movie at a time. If a person were to see everything the cinema offers, that would be more than enough visual stimulation. 

For the more discerning teenager, local theatre is constantly improving, something which can be either a participatory activity, or a spectator event.

As far as outdoor activities are concerned, being able to go the beach all year round, instead of having to wait only for summer months, is what the rest of the world dreams about. 

Few locations have as many healthy pursuits as readily available as they are here.

The possibilities for sports might be even greater here than in other countries, because of year-round temperate climate and short distances, and because we benefit from several cultural influences. 

Rugby, for example, would not be a widespread option in the United States, whereas in the United Kingdom, baseball would not normally be available. In Cayman, we may also enjoy football – both the world version and the American one - cricket, bowling, as well as a host of watersports like fishing, sailing, jet-skiing and scuba diving.

There are not many places in the world where individuals and families become so heavily involved in swimming and running events, at such a high level and so widespread a scale. 

Golf, tennis and squash are also more accessible here than in other locations, where they are sometimes reserved for the privileged few.

Rollerblading may be practised anywhere, but Kings Sports Centre was the first dedicated rollerblading circuit. The facilities at Grand Harbour will add to the wheel sports opportunities.

For fans of the body beautiful culture, and performing arts, there is a stream of beauty pageants, figure and bodybuilding competitions, and talent contests to enter, such as the on-going Star Quest.

It is also easy to join a choir, orchestra or dance group here.

The Cayman Islands has an abundance of churches, and it is easy to join a youth group. Whereas there is stigma attached to religion in many cities, here it is accepted and is a good way to meet people.

There is also Scouting, the Cadet Corps, youth service clubs, and other volunteer organisations that can be joined. 

In addition to all this, there is the cultural diversity that teenagers are exposed to in Cayman. Mixing with friends from other continents gives their young lives a richness no youth from any similar-sized town in Europe or North America could experience.

It may be because we are not overwhelmed with a choice of activities here, that ensures teenagers participate in far more than they would if they were living in larger, more urbane places.

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