Rev Martin Royer	Banker Alvin Aaron

In part 17 of a series on the many nationalities that have made the Cayman Islands a true international melting pot, Steven Knipp takes a look at the Dominican community in Cayman.

With its soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and abundant bird and plant life -1,200 different species - the Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the most gorgeous islands in the Caribbean.

In Latin, its name means ‘Sunday’ - as this was the day that Christopher Columbus first sighted the 290 square mile island - exactly 515 years ago this month.

Initially ruled as a French colony, Dominica came under British control in 1763. In 1834, the British emancipated all the African slaves in their Empire. Then, four years later, Dominica had a
Black-controlled legislature.

In 1978, Dominica became an independent nation. Its present population is about 78,000 and its economy is based largely on tourism and agriculture.

Dominica was the last Caribbean island to be colonised by European powers, mainly due to the ferocious resistance of the native Caribs. And today Dominica is one of the few islands in the Caribbean where these indigenous peoples still exist, numbering some 3,000.

According to Cayman government statistics, there are about 20 Dominicans in Cayman. The residents of the ‘Commonwealth of Dominica’ should not be confused with the citizens of the Dominican Republic.

Martin Royer, minister of the Church of Christ George Town, has been living in Cayman for seven years, together with his wife Carol, who was born in Jamaica, and his son Rhon, age 17.

Rev Martin spends most of his days deeply involved in church work. He says that his George Town congregation is a mixture of Caymanians and Dominicans and Jamaicans, with some Americans.

“There is always something to do. We have many different classes. For example, on Friday nights we have Biblical classes for young people, from ages of about five to 19. And during other days of the week, we offer classes for men and women.”

And when not in church, or teaching Bible classes, the reverend often does “casual visitations - going to see elderly people, or shut-ins, and people in hospitals who cannot get out and about.”

He also does work with Eagle House, an organisation in the juvenile section at Northward Prison. It is clear to see why the evangelist’s motto is: “Loyalty to God and love for humanity.”

When not dealing with his church or his flock, Rev Royer says that he occasionally enjoys fishing, “especially with friends. To just get out in nature is very relaxing. I also like to read. But only documentaries and non-fiction reports”.

Asked what things he might miss about Dominica, he says:

“I get to go home fairly often; I was last there just this past summer. And so I don’t have a chance to miss things too badly. But I do miss the mountains, and lakes and the rivers - the sheer freshness of the island is very appealing.

“If you love nature you will love Dominica,” he says. “It is more than beautiful - it is extremely beautiful. I think it is the most lovely island in the Caribbean, comparable I’m told to Hawaii, with a similar physical beauty. But its beauty is almost primitive - nature unspoiled by man.”

The minister also says that Dominica is among the most culturally rich islands in the Caribbean. “Our country has a deeply instilled culture, and it is very mixed, half influenced by the British, and half by the French. The nearest island to our north is Guadeloupe, and the nearest to our south is Martinique - both are French.

“So aside from speaking English, many people also speak a French patois. And on part of our island, there is even a French quarter which has a unique design and charm.”

He adds:

“It’s true that people from the island of Dominica tend to be somewhat more serious than some other Caribbean islanders. It has to do with our values, the way we were brought up. You could call it a sense of gravitas; it is part of our heritage, and our nationality.”

Al Aaron arrived in Cayman on 1 January 1991, having been transferred here by Barclays Bank as a trainee under the Bank’s management development programme to gain exposure to international banking. Currently, he is Head of Credit & Service Quality in the Corporate Banking Department at FirstCaribbean International Bank (Cayman) Limited. Aside from speaking fluent French, he also speaks Creole, the native Dominican dialect.

A devoted family man, Mr Aaron is in Cayman together with his wife, Carolee, who was born in Jamaica but came to Cayman at the age of four; and his daughter, Alisalle, age 8, who was born here. He also has another daughter who is 21, and attends York University in Toronto.

When not working, he says, “I like to spend time with my family and watch sports on TV. My preferred sport is football, having played when I was younger. The Barclays Premier League is my favourite football league and my team is Arsenal. I also like windsurfing and gardening.

“I come from a humble background where my parents sacrificed to ensure that my brothers and sisters and I got a good education, as they saw education as the key to the future.

“My father was a farmer and seaman, and as a boy I spent a lot of time with him on our agricultural estate or sailing small boats. I also spent all my school holidays visiting neighbouring islands with my cousins on cargo ships.”

Because of his personal background, he notes: “Cayman’s strong seafaring heritage captivated me from the first day I arrived here.

“I enjoy living in Cayman very much,” he says. “[And] what I like most about Cayman is the safety, which makes it a good place to raise a family; also the substantial career opportunities for professionals, and the warmth and friendliness of the Caymanian people - I felt comfortable and welcome here from the first day I arrived.”

Asked if there is anything he pines for from Dominica, he says:

“I miss the flowing rivers and the awesome sight of the towering mountains cloaked in thick green rain forest.”