Existing comment:
Making Do:
With a dormant economy and small agricultural potential, Caymanians had to acquire a variety of skills and techniques to meet their needs. Many families would regularly set fishpots to get fresh fish, but salted and dried fish were stored to be used when the weather was bad. Foods cooked in coconut milk (from dry coconuts) were served often along with "bread kind" (cassava; yams; pumpkin; plantains; etc.) Many acquired specialist skills teaching themselves to fix gas engines; to repair a ship's gear; to do carpentry; and to build houses including the plumbing and electrical work. In very hot weather, sea-grape leaves were used as fans in church or at meetings, and before window screens the mosquitoes were kept away by fires in "smoke pots." |