Court is in Session
14.09.26

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What happens when some of Cayman’s most recognisable faces are caught committing the most outrageous Caymanian crimes? 

They go before the judge; they’re sentenced to jail… and only you can set them free!

Jail & Bail is a light-hearted online fundraising campaign in support of the Cayman Islands National Museum. Ten volunteer “offenders” have been charged with humorous crimes inspired by Cayman culture and traditions: from adding water to turtle stew to referring to the Cayman Islands as “the Caymans”. After being found guilty in our historic courtroom, each volunteer will be challenged to raise a minimum of CI$5,000 to earn their freedom.

Every dollar raised helps preserve, celebrate, and share Cayman Islands heritage.

How It Works
The Crime
Each volunteer is “arrested” for a humorous Cayman-inspired offence and appears before the judge in the historic Old Courts Building.

The Sentence
The judge delivers a guilty verdict and sends them to jail.

The Bail
Each volunteer has a fundraising goal of CI$5,000 minimum to secure their release.

The Rescue
Visit their defendant profile, donate, and help bail them out. Share their page with friends, family, and colleagues to help them reach their goal.

Meet the Judge

Justice is about to be served… Cayman style!

Meet the Honourable Judge presiding over our Jail & Bail proceedings; the person responsible for hearing the charges, delivering the verdicts, and sending our unfortunate defendants behind bars!

With a sharp eye for Caymanian culture and absolutely no tolerance for culinary crimes, questionable dance moves, or suspiciously painted catboats, our Judge will ensure that every case receives the serious attention it deserves.But don’t worry, these aren’t real criminals. Our “defendants” are guilty only of having a little fun while helping raise funds for the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Meet the Defendants

Meet our ten volunteer “defendants,” learn about the humorous crimes they’ve allegedly committed, watch their courtroom appearance on 14 September, and help raise the funds needed to secure their freedom.

The Catboat Colour Conspirator

The crime: Painting a Cayman catboat in the wrong colours.

She thought she was giving a classic Cayman catboat a fresh new look. The court saw it as a crime against maritime heritage. Now this colourful criminal must raise CI$5,000 to get back on dry land.

The Cassava Cake Imposter

The crime: Baking cassava cake without cassava.

She called it cassava cake. The court called it something else entirely. Charged with the serious offence of replacing cassava with… well, anything that isn’t cassava, this defendant must now raise CI$5,000 to secure her release.

The Grave-Pointing Offender

The charge: Pointing directly at a grave.

This defendant thought he was simply showing a friend where a grave was. Unfortunately, he forgot an important Caymanian superstition: point at a grave and your finger might drop off! Now he’s facing the consequences of ignoring old-time wisdom. Help him raise CI$10,000 and keep that finger safely attached!

The Pirate’s Week Superfan

The charge: Celebrating Pirate’s Week all year long.

For this defendant, Pirate’s Week isn’t a festival, it’s a lifestyle. He insists on saying “Ahoy!” to strangers, carrying a toy cutlass wherever they go, and wearing an eye patch well into the new year. Help this year-round pirate raise CI$5,000 and return to dry land.

The Mango Bandit

The charge: Picking someone else’s mango, eating it, and returning the seeds to their yard!

This defendant insists she was simply being sustainable by “returning” the mango seeds. The owner, however, saw it as trespassing, littering, and a very questionable attempt at gardening. Help this ambitious mango thief raise CI$5,000 and earn her freedom!

The “Caymans” Caller

The charge: Repeatedly referring to the Cayman Islands as “The Caymans.”

Despite repeated warnings, this defendant couldn’t stop adding an extra “s.” The court has ruled that it’s Cayman or the Cayman Islands, never “The Caymans!” Help educate (and liberate) her by contributing toward her CI$5,000 bail.

The Turtle Stew Diluter

The crime: Adding water to Cayman turtle stew.

This defendant thought a little extra water wouldn’t hurt. The court disagrees. In Cayman, you don’t water down turtle stew, you respect the stew! Help this culinary criminal raise CI$5,000 and earn his freedom.

The Carnival Enthusiast

The charge: Possession of an illegal quantity of Carnival spirit.

The music stopped. The DJ packed up. Everyone went home… except this defendant. Still dancing long after the fete had ended, he was charged with carrying an excessive amount of vibes. Help him raise CI$5,000 and dance his way to freedom!

The Accent Apprentice

The charge: Attempting a Caymanian accent… with questionable results.

Eager to sound like a true Caymanian, this defendant enthusiastically mixed-up local words, expressions, and sayings until absolutely nothing made sense. The effort was appreciated… the execution, not so much. Help her raise CI$5,000 for bail, and maybe a few Caymanian language lessons along the way!

The “Old Wife” Misunderstander

The crime: Causing a domestic incident after hearing the words “Old Wife.”

When this defendant’s husband mentioned going after “Old Wife,” she assumed he meant his ex. Understandably, things got heated until she discovered that Old Wife is a Caymanian name for a triggerfish! Now she’s in court for jumping to conclusions. Help her raise CI$5,000 and restore some peace at home.

We assure you… none of these offences are recognised in Cayman law, but they are serious enough for our judge!

Why We’re Fundraising

The Cayman Islands National Museum is working to raise CI$175,000 over the coming year to support new initiatives that preserve and share our islands’ rich heritage. Our Jail & Bail campaign aims to raise CI$25,000+, with all proceeds supporting the development of new exhibitions and programmes at the Museum.

Your donation helps us:
1. Develop engaging exhibitions.
2. Preserve Cayman Islands history and culture.
3. Create educational experiences for residents and visitors.
4. Ensure future generations can connect with Caymanian heritage.

Petty Sessions Court

For over 100 years, the Old Courts Building (now home of the National Museum) served as George Town’s main court. From Grand Court through Petty Court, murder, divorce, theft, and property disputes were heard here.

By the 1950s, this Petty Sessions Court, the lowest level court, was attended by justices of the peace who handled criminal offences, such as traffic, larceny, and disorderly conduct. Occasionally, a judge presided.

A narrow flight of stairs leading directly up from the porch below provided access to the room. Head of the police, Inspector Joseph Rodrigues Watler, and police Sergeant Carley Nixon maintained order in the court. Sgt. Nixon acted as bailiff and prosecutor, opened and adjourned court, and recorded proceedings.

A court report in the Cayman Times newspaper cites the case of Eric Edwards who, in this courtroom on 21 March 1957, was fined £10 for a breach of the Motor Vehicle Law for driving an unlicensed motor car that was not examined by the sergeant of police or the inspector.

By 10 April, the Islands’ first stipendiary magistrate, Raphael Carl Rattray, LLB, was sworn in by Commissioner Alan H. Donald.

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

A special thank you to Cayman Style for their generous sponsorship of the production of our courtroom skits. Their support helped bring these performances to life and made it possible for us to create an engaging and memorable experience for our audience.

We are grateful to Cayman Style for supporting local creativity, storytelling, and the arts in the Cayman Islands.