Cayman Island History - Brac Reef Resort

Brac Reef Beach Resort is owned and operated by the family of Cayman Brac native, Linton Tibbetts. “Mr. T” as he is affectionately known is often the ultimate host and tour guide when visiting the Brac. Born on Cayman Brac in the early part of last century to parents whose families were also some of the earliest settlers on the Brac, Mr. T has a love for the islands and a passion to share its rich culture and heritage.

Having survived the 1932 hurricane which almost totally devastated the island, he knows the heartache of losing loved ones to nature’s sometimes brutal force. His grandmother, only sister and a nine month old baby brother were all drowned in that terrible storm. Yet his parents and brothers remained strong in character and faith and rebuilt their lives on this tiny 12 mile stretch of rock and sand.

Later after spending several years at sea and following a period of service in the U.S. Merchant Marines, he settled in the Saint Petersburg, Florida area and began a career in the lumber and building supply business. With only $16 dollars in his pocket when he came to the United States, hard work, keen business sense, winsome personality and extraordinary vision, allowed him to succeed in a highly competitive field.

But it is truly the islands that have always been closest at heart. He has reinvested time and again in the islands to create jobs for the islanders, and to provide them with opportunities for betterment of the culture. He was responsible for the building and procurement of most of the items in the Cayman Brac Museum and built two hotels on the island to allow tourism to be a major economic boost. In fact, in November of 2003, he went to Buckingham Palace to receive investiture from Queen Elizabeth into the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his legacy for aiding the economic development and cultural influence of the Cayman Islands.

Mr. T and wife of 55 years, “Miss Polly,” still travel to the islands at least once a month. All of his children and grandchildren share his love for the islands and are heavily involved in both the Brac Reef and Little Cayman Beach Resorts. Daughter, Mary Brandes is the Managing Director of the Brac Reef.