Gunter- AnOriginal Who Time Will Not Forget
John Gunter,came to the Cayman Island in 1969.
John Gunter is an old timer that has personallywitnessed the diversification and dramatic changes wrought inthe Cayman Islands over the past thirty years yet perhaps he issomeone that time has forgotten. Old traditions die-hard.
When asked to describe his greatest accomplishment,John Gunter does not hesitate: "I do not have no regretsliving with the Caymanian people in this society." He hasbeen a vital member of the community since his arrival from Jamaicain 1969 and considers himself a true Caymanian.
"I have to feel Caymanian," hesays, "for I live here, I make my earnings here, I developmy investment potential here and do well." He quotes JohnF. Kennedy's memorable inaugural address in 1961, "ask notwhat your country can do for you but what you can do for yourcountry," and he certainly is a consummate citizen by thedefinition of America's 35th President.
His reverent dedication to the Cayman Islandswas apparent from the beginning.
On vacation in the islands as a young man,he immediately took an interest in the community and joined aprotest for the mangroves. "I, John Gunter, was a man whocarried the flag when Mr. Gilbert McLean and Ms. Annie HuldahBodden and the rest of the hundred of Caymanians who decided tobuild a protest toward the swamp land for the Caymanian people,"he says.
At the time, he had neither Caymanian statusnor a work permit and was threatened with being pushed off theisland for taking part in the protest. "One of the governmentMLAs in the house came to me and he said he is going get me offthe island because I decided to march with the natives and I wasjust on vacation," he states.
Yet, he says, he has had no regrets thesepast thirty-two years and adds with a laugh, "the only regretsI might have is to come but not as yet."
His good humor, however, is only part ofthe reason why many people spend time with him at the businesshis owns and manages five days a week, John Gunter Furniture Store& Accessories in Red Bay. Sitting outside the enormous structurethat he and two others built with their bare hands, he countsthe 13,580 blocks he personally lifted and arranged in place andis at once approachable and imposing. He holds the key to crucialhistories and traditions that are dying fast and, understandingthis, friends and customers come regularly to sit and talk.
As an active member of the community, hehas participated in many events that have changed the face ofthese islands. As a result, he feels that he is uniquely qualifiedto lead younger generations through Cayman's colorful past. "Ihave a lot of old timers and young generation come to get inspirationfrom me what the island was like before," he says.
Because the population of Cayman is small,he believes that changes occur suddenly and affect the entirecommunity. "In terms of lifestyle, change came on to us fastand it frightens the younger generation," he says. In fact,John Gunter can claim partial responsibility for one of the forcesthat have served to change Cayman the rapid growth of thetourism industry.
He opened the first craft market downtownand helped develop Cayman's tourism industry himself by displayinglocal wares Caribbean arts and crafts that inspired muchtourist attention. He also participated in the inaugural Pirate'sWeek Festival and was the first Pirate Chief.
Over the years, he has held various positionsin community organizations: when he was a member and Councilorof the Chamber of Commerce, he met the United Nations delegationthat came to discuss de-colonization.
He was also one of the fortune Caymaniansto be introduced to H. M. Queen Elizabeth II when she came in1983. He was a member of the special constabulary formed whenextra help was needed to coordinate and organize the royal visit."Some of us were lucky enough to meet the Queen and the Duke,"he says, describing the event that took place at the Pines RetirementHome.
He names old timers like Mr. Ormond Panton,Mr. Desmond Watler, Miss Francis Bodden, Miss Annie Huldah Boddenand dozens more as people who he respected for their contributionsto Cayman and people who respected him in turn.
Though he himself has Status, he says thatthere are many others who have been in the Cayman Islands as longor longer than him and recognizes that it is a complicated issue."Some come with the intention of staying and they have donea lot of investment in the islands," he says and adds thatwith governments changing every four years, there has never beenan organized initiative to invite these vital citizens into thecommunity.
To younger generations of Caymanians, hehas only one issue but, as he says, it's a serious thing: "Eatless junk food! Try to eat more home food." He adds, "andnever forget there is somebody somewhere guiding you and thatis God."