Compass News – 22 July 2025

Cayman Compass

Beyond imports: Growing food security in Cayman

Clarence McLaughlin didn’t start out in farming or being overly concerned about food security. Born and raised in Cayman Brac, he moved to New York at age 11, earned a business degree from Baruch College, and spent decades in investment banking. By most standards, he had ‘the good life’ – but it didn’t feel that way.

“I was on a train going nowhere fast,” he told the Compass.

So, he got off.

He came home, bought 20 acres in Bodden Town, and traded suits for soil. Today, McLaughlin runs one of the islands’ most productive farms, growing spinach, arugula, scallion, bok choy, callaloo, long squash, mustard greens, Japanese eggplant and many other local and exotic food crops. His customers include chefs, hotel kitchens, market shoppers and residents from across the globe – many seeking the familiar flavours of home.