Copyright caymancompass
Founded on 6 Oct. 1965, the national newspaper of record has many stories of its own to tell about life as the guiding compass of the Cayman Islands. In the special publication to mark the 60th anniversary distributed in the 31 Oct. edition of the newspaper, we invited readers to take a walk down memory lane, looking back through the years, celebrating today, and turning towards the future. Publishing pioneer Billy Bodden had the passion and foresight to launch the Caymanian Weekly in 1965 and the Cayman Compass in 1972. Whether their subsequent amalgamation had anything to do with a remark from the then Prince Charles will likely remain something of a mystery. However, when the Prince of Wales – as he was formally known – visited Cayman in 1973 and learned that there were two weekly newspapers going to press on the same day, he is reported to have told the Caymanian Weekly that such a state of affairs was “highly unimaginative, ridiculous, and a disservice to the community”. The next year, in 1974, the Caymanian Weekly and the Cayman Compass merged to become the Caymanian Compass. Early years From the outset, the newspaper embedded itself in the community at a time when the population of the Cayman Islands was around just 10,000 inhabitants. In a simpler era, when Cayman was still referred to as ‘the islands that time forgot’, the paper established its foundations, with strong roots that have held steadfast through the decades. And, as the ‘Cayman miracle’ unfolded, catapulting the territory into the international financial centre and luxury tourism destination it is now, so, too, the Compass evolved. Unwavering presence Its logo and design have changed along the way, as have the owners. But through all the cosmetic alterations, the newspaper has indeed been a compass for Cayman, an unwavering presence during good times and bad, social upheavals and national crises. The founding principles of a fair and free press, acting as a bedrock of democracy, remain as robust as ever, with the Compass still firmly held in high regard as the islands’ trusted news source. It is fair to say that when Billy Bodden launched the paper 60 years ago, it was in fact, the birth of news in the Cayman Islands. And from this cradle of journalism, the paper has grown and flourished ever since. But the Compass is much more than merely a medium via which the news is reported; it is a mirror for our society, with the reflection helping to shape who we are. Its journalists also act, incidentally, as cultural custodians, their reports and photographs preserving moments in time for posterity. Ushering in a new era In 2025, the newspaper is part of a modern and dynamic media house owned by Dart Media and Entertainment, with owners and staff proud that it is the first and only omnichannel media company in Cayman. Significant and ongoing investment from Dart also ensures the continued success and expansion of the Cayman Compass and its sister platforms, while still honouring its past. Currently, Compass Media comprises the weekly printed edition of the Cayman Compass, which is published on Fridays, along with website caymancompass.com, and a newsletter and social media pages. The newspaper is printed at the Compass Centre in George Town, on a press that is considered a national treasure. There is also a number of special publications throughout the year, including the flagship home and garden magazine InsideOut. Compass TV, launched earlier this year, complements the newspaper with news and current affairs, sport, weather and entertainment, providing an important cultural platform as the only privately owned television station in Cayman. It is broadcast live on cable channels, locally, and can be watched on-demand at compasstv.ky and caymancompass.com, meaning that audiences around the world can tune in at any time, with statistics showing that around 66% of website visitors are from Cayman. Compass Media also has four radio stations: Z99.9 FM, Rooster 101.9 FM, Island 98.9 FM and Gold 94.9 FM, broadcasting to all musical tastes. Of course, it is not just readers, viewers and listeners who benefit from these channels; businesses on-island (and abroad) are able to connect with their clients on every platform. Marking a milestone In the 1960s, it would have been difficult to imagine the Cayman Islands, or the newspaper, of 2025. But all this time later, the Compass is still as beloved by readers as it was back then, with Caymanians remaining at the core of the business, making up more than 80% of Compass Media’s staff. And, when the now King Charles visited Cayman in 2019, he may well have been pleased that not only was his earlier advice heeded, but that the Compass is embracing all the tools and technologies of today. To mark this momentous occasion, as we rejoice in the diamond anniversary of the newspaper, please join us in this special publication to take a nostalgic look at highlights from through the decades. We also look forward to many more years to come, with our firm commitment that the Cayman Compass will remain at the heart of the community.
