Community
The Grand Brac Tour
Tania Drebenstedt
It seems but only appropriate that you shouldtravel from Little Cayman to the Brac by boat...watching the oceanswirl by; showing off its miles upon miles of beautiful hues,ranging from jade green to lapis lazuli; and inhaling the tangyscent of the breeze as it wafts by.
Off in the distance looms the towering bluff, as menacing as ever.
I know that Linton Tibbetts has made this journey many times,often, as he told me, in the company of Captain Charles (Kirkconnell).
They usually fish on the way over...after all, one should notmiss an opportunity to catch another 'big' one. Both men lovethe sea, and the Brac is in their blood.
Arriving on the Brac, Mr. Linton and I drive toward Tibbetts Square.
Mr. Linton had the foresight some time ago to have a shoppingcentre built at the western end of the island, so one could makea quick stop on the way to the hotel or condo resort from theairport, and load up with some goodies, even if there are NO intentionsof cooking.
There is also a great selection of grocery stores along CottonTree Bay and Stake Bay, and at Billy's Supermarket and the newKirkconnell Supermarket. You may like to drive over there oneevening and make it an outing of replenishing the larder.
The path to progress is rarely straightforward; more often thannot it winds around a lot of bends, and up and down as many hills.
What I see now is paradise on schedule. Mr. Linton seems to havethis extraordinary passion for adding to the Brac's economy, alongwith the many Brackers who have either expanded or renovated theirbusinesses while still maintaining the valued Caribbean islandatmosphere, trying ever so carefully not to loose sight of preservingtheir 'GEM'.
At present, Cayman National Bank, a localcommercial entity, is building a new facility right across fromTibbetts Square where they are presently located.
This level of confidence has brought Cayman Brac unprecedentedattention. Growing with, and providing for, the community, CNBhas matched the government's initiative of specific exemptions,with its own private sector incentives for Cayman Brac by wayof offering special mortgages to either purchase land, begin constructionor improve existing property.
Walking past the construction site of the new bank, Mr. Lintonand I inspected the newly-erected warehouses built by Danlin Constructionimmediately behind and strategically located facing the airport.
Given current developments, these warehouses are needed for, notonly the absentee condo-owners who rent out their property partof the year, but also for Grand Cayman residents who love boatingand fishing on the Brac to have some place to store all theirimportant equipment.
A new building, measuring 10,000 sq.ft., is to be erected on thevacant parcel of land next to the new CNB facility early nextyear to offer much-needed office space and more storage facilitiesto the growing community.
The Brac is blessed with a well-developed infrastructure, includinga modern airport, sea port, paved roads, reliable electricityand telecommunication services, Weststar cable TV among others,and most beneficial of all, prime real estate that is ready fordevelopment.
All of Brac's real estate firms will attest to the fact that theinterest of international clientele is growing daily. Internationalbusiness administration, health spas, cosmetic surgery, shelteredliving centres for the elderly and duty free and other retailoutlets and services to support the cruise ship industry, areall areas of utmost interest to the potential Brac investor.
Investors are particularly grateful to the Cayman Islands governmentfor additional incentives and concessions for their interest tolocate sizeable developments on the Brac.
Crossing the road on the way back to Tibbetts Square, we wavehello to Dr. Charles Reid and his wife. I must remember to paythem a visit later in their new medical office at the Square.
A light breeze engulfs us as we walk back to Tibbetts Square,bringing with it the unmistakable aroma of freshly-baked pizzacoming, I swear, right at us from Domino's Pizza around the corner.
But how does one stop Mr. Linton from showing all there is tosee at Tibbetts Square... no pizza for me this time.
The Treasure Chest, owned by Hio Scott, is one of the most uniqueretail stores at Tibbett's Square, for it attracts not only thetourist who comes in search of souvenirs and T-shirts and 'piecesof eight', but residents also for exceptional gift ideas.
The ambience is totally Caribbean and lets you enjoy each newtrip to Miss Hio's Store. Orren Merren, an Attorney-at-Law whoshares office with Better Properties, will be on the Brac soon.
That Mr. Orren ... never seems to sit still...always on the run.Though the office may be teeming with clients to see him on legalmatters, he is receiving non-stop invitations via telephone orin person for "REAL" Brac home cooking; and poor Mr.Orren...he doesn't seem able to resist.
Now...when it came to Mr. Linton and my Domino's Pizza...trueto form, he told me that I was way too busy to stop to pick upa Pizza...who says there is no stress on the Brac...
When I visit Tranquil Realty and Scott Development and other businessentities next week, I shall get my Domino's Pizza first. I shallsit on the bench facing Little Cayman at the furthest point atthe west end of the Brac and bask in the knowledge that the Gemis on schedule to be polished.
Take good care...indulge in a little tropical therapy. I am offto get totally spoiled at the new spa at the Brac Reef Resort... you know ... releasing more of the Grand Cayman stress.