Gleaner archives help Cayman architect in completing book

WELL-KNOWN ARCHITECT and developer from the Cayman Islands, Burns Conolly, has been doing some hunting for information in a quest to finish a book his father started before passing away. Conolly has turned to The Gleaner's extensive archives for the information he needs.

"The working title of the book is The Cayman Century and it is his account of the changes in the Cayman Islands from 1900-2000 in the social, economic and political arena," Conolly explained.

"My dad spent years in the House representing our region. He was in Government when our 1972 constitution came in, which for the first time gave Caymanians direct responsibility for areas of government. My dad was responsible for tourism, planning, agriculture, lands and survey, environment and natural resources."

Conolly's father, William, passed away in 2008. Father and son had completed the first three chapters of the book together, but now it is left to the son to finish the book.

The Gleaner's online archives have been a godsend for Conolly.

Dad's goal

"This is the first that I'm writing a book of this nature and using my knowledge to actually complete my dad's goal. I really do not do research of this nature. In the past, this type of research would have meant an expensive trip to Kingston," said Conolly.

"My grandfather for many years also assisted with the execution of government duties in our area. My great grandfather was also a 'patriarch' of the area. They both were merchants and shipowners who travelled significantly and, as such, were in Jamaica from the late 1800s to the 1950s. So, surprisingly, there is quite a lot on them in The Gleaner's archives."

Conolly explained that because of the historic link between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the most significant events in the history of the Cayman Islands were reported in The Gleaner.

"Medical officers and the Jamaica governor visited the islands occasionally and took back reports on the status of the island," he said.

"Other events, such as the opening of a public building or road, were also reported in The Gleaner. There was a standing column of 'Cayman News' that reported general items periodically. In most cases, my father or my grandfather was involved in those in our area," Conolly added.

"Most interesting for me was the fact that each vessel and person arriving in Jamaica was recorded in The Gleaner up until the 1950s, it seems. So I have been able to track my great grandfather's ships/schooners in and out of Jamaica from as far back as 1890. And later on, even my grandparents and parents going back and forth can be tracked."

Conolly said that events that his father attended on behalf of the Cayman people (such as the visit of the Queen to Kingston in the 1960s) were covered in great detail.

"I have tracked back as far as 1860 and the 1880s (wreck salvaging) that impacted our area of Grand Cayman and that my family was involved in. The Gleaner's archives have proven to be a treasure trove."

Conolly said when the book is complete and released (he expects sometime this summer) he will continue accessing The Gleaner's archives online.

"I'm now using the archives to provide family genealogy and verifying unrelated events," he said.

"I believe that the most interesting experience is running into items that you were not looking at but take you down some interesting path. The language that was used in the newspapers of the day is also quite interesting. An added treat is the newspaper advertisements that offer such unique remedies and at such extraordinary prices!" said Conolly.