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Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (October 6, 2006) Visitors to the national historic site of Pedro St. James gave the attraction top marks in a survey administered last month. 141 respondents visiting the site between the 1st and 10th of September evaluated several key areas, including the great house, multimedia theatre, and café. Overall, the scores averaged 9.44 points on a 10-point scale.
The great house, which was restored by the Cayman Islands government in the 1990s to return the residence to the elegance of its 18th century origins, earned an average score of 9.68. Built in 1780 by Englishman William Eden, its three-storey structure towered over the modest wattle-and-daub, single-level buildings that were common at that time. The survey results clearly indicate that today’s visitors still find the building impressive, a salute to Mr. Eden’s vision.
The high-tech theatre and its multimedia presentation merited a score of 9.6. Through a computer-controlled combination of cinema, special effects, theatrical lighting, and mechanized props, 200 years of Caymanian history is conveyed in a fascinating 20-minute narrative. By chronicling the major events that occurred at the site, the presentation cleverly illustrates Pedro St. James’ lasting impact on Cayman’s development.
The visitors also bestowed an average of 9.56 points for the tour guides and staff at the facility. The grounds and landscaping rated 9.4 points. The gift shop and café each received scores of 9.04 and 9.01, respectively.
The people who participated in the survey were so pleased with their experience that a remarkable 94% indicated that they would “very likely” recommend the attraction to a friend. 86% of those surveyed were visiting Pedro St. James for the first time.
The survey also solicited reactions to a number of proposed events and activities that are currently under consideration.
Pedro St. James is widely regarded as the historic landmark where democracy in the Cayman Islands was born on December 5th, 1831 when the first elected parliament for the Cayman Islands was affirmed. This window into the past welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is managed by the Cayman Islands Tourism Attraction Board.
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