generations. Today, Frank Flowers and his daughter Dara Flowers carry forward the legacy of integrity, innovation, and service established by CL. “Our grandfather built this business on two simple principles,” Dara reflects.“You have to foresee a need and supply it before anyone else. And you have to be the best. Those values are still at the heart of everything we do today.” FROM JAMAICA TO CAYMAN: THE EARLY YEARS The Flowers story begins with a thirteen-year-old boy leaving Jamaica to seek work in Grand Cayman.That boy, Clarence Levi Flowers, would go on to become one of the island’s most influential entrepreneurs. After volunteering in World War II with the Trinidad Royal Navy Reserves, where he hunted German submarines in the Caribbean, Clarence returned home determined to build a future. With his savings, he purchased a Bedford truck and launched a small transport business. From ferrying cargo and passengers from seaplanes to trucking goods across districts, Clarence laid the foundation for what would become the Flowers Air Dispatch Services. His approach was grounded in hard work, honesty, and a willingness to diversify to meet community needs. BUILDING BLOCKS OF CAYMAN’S FUTURE In the 1950s, Clarence proposed to his sweetheart, Jen Hinds. As a gesture of love, he vowed to build her “the toughest house on the rock.”At a time when most homes were made of wood and thatch, Clarence saw the potential of concrete blocks. He persuaded the government to let him use their hand-press block machine and painstakingly produced the blocks for his first home. The house stood strong against the elements, inspiring others to commission blocks of their own. Thus, Flowers Block was born, setting the stage for decades of leadership in building materials. At the same time, Clarence saw another essential need — fresh water. Tourism on Seven Mile Beach could not progress without a reliable supply.Through Flowers Water Transport, Clarence began trucking rainwater and later partnered in establishing the Cayman Water Company, helping to pipe water to hotels and residences. In 1974, Flowers Bottled Water was officially launched, a business that remains an island staple today. GROWTH THROUGH THE DECADES Each decade brought new milestones. In the 1960s, CL Flowers & Sons expanded block production with 27 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08 FLOWERS GROUP
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