Remembering Ms. Launa

Frances Robinson remembers her sister's creative spirit, an artistic force present from their childhood.

"She used to put on make-up to have a fashion show, and she always created some little thing for a prize, made her little prizes out of cardboard," Robinson remembered of her sister, Launa Green. "She used to keep us busy. There was never a dull moment around her."

The Cayman Islands community continues to mourn Green's loss. Affectionately known as Ms. Launa, Green died in December. She was known in the Cayman Islands as the owner of Launa's Jewelry and was an artisan with more than two decades of experience, making unique jewellery and crafts from Caymanite, conch shell, black coral and whelk shell.

Admired for her vibrant presence and artistic craftsmanship, Ms. Launa's legacy is indelibly etched into the heart of her community.

Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Ms. Launa was a cornerstone of the local arts scene, her career blossoming from her time as a manager at the local museum's gift shop to becoming a celebrated artisan. 
"Launa was very energetic, always had a warm smile, and was very kind-hearted," said Green's sister, Gina Wilson.

Launa's creative spirit was ignited further when she lived in New York during her early years, returning to the Cayman Islands filled with new ideas which she incorporated into her craft.

"She was exposed to a lot," Wilson said.

This exposure, combined with her intrinsic love for her home, fuelled her passion for creating jewellery that resonated deeply with the cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands.

"Ms. Launa genuinely loved people and sharing the beauty of her business and Cayman with visitors," said Dart Events Manager Alexandria Whittaker. 

Ms. Launa's dedication to the Cayman Islands extended beyond her craft. She was pivotal in launching the Camana Bay Farmers & Artisans Market, transforming it into a thriving hub for local artisans.

It started in 2009, when Camana Bay partnered with Market at the Grounds to host quarterly Evening Market events. Green was one of the featured vendors at the first and every subsequent Evening Market. 

"Launa's beautiful craftmanship and welcoming personality led to her invitation to be a founding vendor at the expanded Farmers & Artisans Market when it was launched in 2013," Whittaker said. 

Not only was she a weekly staple at the market, but over the years she also helped shape the market's guidelines and format for the years to come.

Launa's influence also extended to nurturing future artisans. 

"Ms. Launa's dedication to preserving Caymanian heritage and culture has had a significant impact on local artisans," Whittaker said. "Her passion for crafting jewellery from indigenous materials like conch shells and Caymanite not only showcased the beauty of locally sourced elements but also sparked curiosity and inspiration among the community. By sharing her passion, others were inspired to explore and develop their own local crafts." 

Even beyond her professional life, Green was known for her love of life and the joys of simple pleasures, particularly cooking her signature barbecue and seafood dishes. She was also a fierce advocate for animal rights, dedicating time and resources to local causes.

Green will be remembered not just for her art but for her spirit, which continues to inspire those who knew her and those who will come to know her through the legacy she leaves behind. Her life was a testament to the vibrancy and creativity of the Cayman Islands, making her a true ambassador of its culture and natural beauty.

This article was first published in the February/March 2025 print edition of Camana Bay Times.