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Arch & Godfrey is proud of its contributions and commitment to the built environment and community of the Cayman Islands since its founding in 1972. The following list details many of these contributions and commitments; however, the list is non-exhaustive – particularly as it relates to the early decades of the company’s history (due to a lack of publicly accessible records).

Arch & Godfrey Attends 2025 Governor's Award Reception

February 24, 2026

On February 24, 2026 Arch & Godfrey attended the 2025 Governor’s Award for Design and Construction Excellence reception at Government House, which also commemorated the 15-year anniversary of the Governor’s Award with the publication of a commemorative hardcover book detailing its history.

Arch & Godfrey received recognition for its involvement in projects nominated for the 2025 award (including Health City Camana Bay), as well as special recognition for winning the 2021 award in the commercial category (through the redevelopment of Arch & Godfrey’s head office at 49 Mary Street). Additionally, many past winning and short-listed projects during the 15-year history of the Governor’s Award were built by Arch & Godfrey – highlighting the firm’s commitment to design and construction excellence.

Arch & Godfrey attendees included Garth Arch (Managing Director), Gary Clarke (Commercial Manager), Andrew McBean (Consultant), and Rafael B. Elias (Consultant, via “Elias Consulting”).

The award for 49 Mary Street was presented by Her Excellency Jane Owen (Governor of the Cayman Islands) to Rafael B. Elias on behalf of Heber Arch – Rafael’s grandfather, co-founder and Chairman of Arch & Godfrey, and client for the 49 Mary Street project. The 2021 award was presented at this year’s reception due to COVID restrictions in 2021/22.

Arch & Godfrey is honoured to have received this award, and is proud of our contributions to the built environment of the Cayman Islands since our founding in 1972. This recognition is shared with all our staff, past and present, and we are sincerely thankful to each of you for your contributions along the way.

Arch & Godfrey Attends "Hello2Hired" Recruitment Drive

February 23, 2026

On February 23, 2026 Arch & Godfrey attended the “Hello2Hired” recruitment drive – hosted by the Cayman Islands Government’s Ministry for Caymanian Employment and Immigration, and held at Cayman Enterprise City.

Arch & Godfrey was represented at the event – aimed at showcasing Caymanian talent – by Frank Barnes (Project Manager) and Rafael B. Elias (Consultant, via “Elias Consulting”) who conducted numerous on-the-spot interviews for live roles with enthusiastic Caymanian applicants.

Arch & Godfrey is proud of its ongoing and long-term commitment to fostering the next generation of construction talent – particularly amongst the Caymanian workforce.

Arch & Godfrey, Heber Arch Receive National Recognition Awards

January 27, 2026

On January 26, 2026 Arch & Godfrey and, separately, chairman and co-founder Heber Arch received National Recognition Awards at the annual National Heroes Day 2026 ceremony.

This year’s event honoured companies and individuals who have meaningfully contributed to the infrastructure of the Cayman Islands under the heading “Honouring a Nation Built: The Power of Physical Infrastructure”.

Arch & Godfrey received “The Builders of Cayman (Group Award)” – which honours companies, businesses, statutory authorities and government departments whose long-standing service has made exceptional contributions to the national development of the Cayman Islands. Heber Arch received “The Builders of Cayman (Individual Award)”.

Contractors Hired to Restore Old Webster House

January 22, 2026

Repairs have begun on the Old Webster House on South Church Street after it was damaged in a car crash on Christmas Day 2025.

George Thomas from Arch and Godfrey is part of the team working to restore the Webster House.

Government Launches Cayman Property Price Index

September 27, 2025

On 25 September 2025, the Lands and Survey Department presented the Residential Property Price Index to the Cayman Islands real estate industry.

Uche Obi, director of the department, launched the new index at Property Update Forum 2025, which was organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

“The Residential Property Price Index tracks property price changes from 1998 to 2024, broken down by regions of the Cayman Islands,” said Obi during the event, which was held at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. “It helps buyers, sellers, government and financial institutions make informed decisions.”

Some private-sector players already have their own pricing data, while the Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA) also lists property prices. But the new index, which was supported by the International Monetary Fund, is the first official record of property prices in the Cayman Islands.

Arch & Godfrey was represented at the event by Gary Clarke (Commercial Manager) and Rafael B. Elias (Consultant, via “Elias Consulting”).

Arch & Godfrey Attends Training on Energy Efficiency Guidelines for the Residential Sector

March 20, 2025

On March 20, 2025 Arch & Godfrey consultant Rafael B. Elias attended a 4-hour live training webinar entitled “Training on Energy Efficiency Guidelines for the Residential Sector”, hosted by the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency and Wellness, the Cayman Islands Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) Programme, and international energy consulting firm Econoler. The insightful 7-part training (which covered both new construction and retrofits) brought together over 50 individuals from 6 key groups – including project developers, builders, and architects / designers.

The goal of the interactive webinar and the underlying data-driven guidelines is to support and ensure the effective implementation of energy efficiency measures in the residential sector and promote energy efficiency in new and existing buildings – in line with the recently updated Cayman Islands National Energy Policy and longer-term national sustainability objectives. Arch & Godfrey is proud to have contributed to this important process.

Cayman Brac High School Accommodation Block Opens

March 17, 2025

Arch & Godfrey (Cayman) Ltd. is proud to reveal its most recently completed project, the Cayman Brac High School Accommodation Block – following a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 17, 2025 held alongside the team from the Cayman Brac High School, and a mix of local and international dignitaries.

The 38-suite accommodation block on Cayman Brac which will initially be used to house workers building a high school and gym set for completion in late-2025, after which it will be utilized by the newly built school.

WORC Summer Internship Programme Ends

October 1, 2024

Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2024 Paid Summer Internship Programme, specifically designed for Caymanians pursuing a degree or certification in the Construction Industry. This initiative, a key part of WORC’s commitment to developing local talent, connected students with leading companies in the construction sector for hands-on experience and professional development.

Companies including Arch & Godfrey hosted interns, offering them the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and gain valuable insights into their future careers. The programme ran from June 2024 to August 2024, with some participants working for six to eight weeks.

Rafael B. Elias (Consultant, via “Elias Consulting”) who represented Arch & Godfrey said, “Arch & Godfrey is proud of its ongoing support for local talent, including through our intern placement partnership with WORC. We look forward to continuing to foster young Caymanian talent in the years ahead.”

Intern participant Lincoln Rankine said, “My internship at Arch & Godfrey has taught me many valuable skills, from time management and team interaction to understanding the inner workings of a workplace. I gained insights into how construction projects are managed and what it takes to ensure they run smoothly. During my time there, I developed a range of competencies, from administrative tasks and managing systems to supporting trades and learning about their roles in construction. I also learned to take on personal responsibilities on the job site. Overall, Arch & Godfrey exposed me to various aspects of civil engineering, introducing me to potential career paths I may pursue in the future.”

Construction Careers Centrestage at Inaugural WORC Expo

November 8, 2023

Students from various high schools around the island got a firsthand look at the careers open to them in the construction industry as the inaugural Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman expo kicked off Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

WORC Director Jeremy Scott, who opened the Networking Expo and Construction Showcase at the Sir Vassel Johnson Hall at the University College of the Cayman Islands, said he is hoping the event will ignite interest among young Caymanians and they will choose a career path in construction. Cayman’s construction industry, he said, is the largest employer in the country. However, the number of Caymanians in the field remains low.

“We know that from our own data that the labour demands do identify that the [construction] industry is thriving. There’s a lot of opportunities. We want to actually promote that to our young Caymanians and have them truly understand that there are so many different opportunities within the construction industry that they can actually further their education,” he said.

Students heard from Caymanian industry leaders Garth Arch, Managing Director of Arch & Godfrey, as well as architect Michael Meghoo of architecture firm MJM Design Studio, who spoke at the expo on their work experience and their career success.

In addition to the presentation made by Garth Arch (Managing Director), Arch & Godfrey was represented at an interactive booth by numerous members of the team – including Rafael B. Elias (Consultant, via “Elias Consulting”) and Noena Ledesma (Construction Executive Secretary). The Arch & Godfrey booth was well attended by a significant number of the over 300 students who attended the expo – with many inquiring about internship placements, career paths, and education and skill requirements.

Arch & Godfrey Joins The Caribbean Council

October 1, 2023

Arch and Godfrey is one of the oldest, largest, most experienced and well-respected construction companies in the Cayman Islands. From private homes to luxury condominiums, office buildings, retail centres, hotels, and more, the company has played an integral role in shaping the Cayman Islands’ built environment.

The Caribbean Council is a London-based membership organisation working to build beneficial relationships and two-way trade and investment between international companies and their Caribbean and Central American partners. We have been connecting quality businesses in the Caribbean and Central America since 2000.

The Caribbean Council has a full-time staff based in London, complemented by a regional network of on-the-ground consultants and associates working across key areas of industry and government. We aim to support responsible, private sector-led investment and development in the Caribbean and Central America.

Garth Arch, Managing Director of Arch & Godfrey, Awarded MBE in 2023 King’s Birthday Honours

June 16, 2023

Arch & Godfrey’s 50-year commitment to the community of the Cayman Islands begins at the top, and as such we particularly are proud that our Managing Director Garth Arch was awarded an MBE on June 19, 2023 during the King’s Birthday Honours “for his services to business, commerce and the community in the Cayman Islands”.

FEATURE | MAREA, LITTLE CAYMAN

June 12, 2023

MAREA, an exclusive development on the smallest of the Cayman Islands, offers a rare opportunity to own a little slice of paradise. Nestled on 300 feet of the most valuable stretch of reef-protected beach frontage with a private dock in Little Cayman. MAREA consists of ten luxury oceanfront villas set into landscaped gardens surrounding a stunning, multi-level pool.

Health City at Camana Bay

New Radiation Oncology Centre

March 17, 2023

Arch & Godfrey (Cayman) Ltd. is proud to reveal its most recently completed project, Health City’s new Radiation Oncology Centre at Camana Bay – following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 16, 2023 held alongside the team from Health City, and a mix of local and international dignitaries.

The Centre, the first step in the opening of Health City’s 70,000 square foot state-of-the-art medical facility being built on three acres of land south of Camana Bay, is equipped with the latest technology facilitating advanced medical treatment locally – removing the need for residents to travel overseas.

The facility, the first of its kind in Cayman and one of the most advanced in the region, will be officially named the Gene Thompson Radiotherapy Centre as a tribute to the late developer and entrepreneur who was instrumental in assisting Health City realize its vision to provide affordable, world-class healthcare to those who need it.

It’s time to change how Cayman beats cancer.

COMPANY PROFILE | ARCH & GODFREY, CAYMAN ISLANDS | 50 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE

February 1, 2023

As one of the leading construction firms in the Cayman Islands, Arch and Godfrey has played a pivotal role in transforming the Cayman Islands into the sophisticated, upscale destination it is today.

50th Anniversary Brochure

August 1, 2022

In 2022, Arch and Godfrey celebrated 50 years in business. Over the past five decades, the company has constructed many of the islands’ most iconic and innovative buildings and has established a solid reputation as Cayman’s most trusted construction firm.

Trainees Receive Awards in PWD Skills Competition

May 31, 2022

Several trainees in the Public Works Department’s Apprentice Training Programme who participated in the inaugural Skills Competition earlier this month received awards of excellence in various trade areas.

The competition showcased the skills of the trainees in electrical installation, carpentry, plumbing, masonry as well air conditioning and refrigeration.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Isaac Rankine congratulated the trainees noting that the wealth of talent they displayed during the competition is a positive indication that technical vocational education and training in the Cayman Islands is headed in the right direction.

Private sector entities which sponsored awards and prizes for the event were Androgroup Limited, Phoenix Group, Arch and Godfrey (Cayman) Limited and Dart Enterprises Limited.

Interns Learn About Construction for Summer 2019

August 8, 2019

Seven interns joined Arch & Godfrey for the company’s summer 2019 internship programme, including Diana Rodriquez-Riol, Samuel Reid, Brandon Williams, Zeb Yanez-Bush, Asia Bush, Jevon Bush and Matthew Hanson.

An Award Winning Project

March 20, 2019

The first Platinum LEED certified project in the Caribbean (that we know of), winner of the Cayman Islands Governor’s Award and frankly, an incredible example of blending the best of the old and new. This episode of Cayman Places is brought to you by Island Heritage and CaymanLife.ky.

Arch and Godfrey - Building Relationships

May 17, 2018

Business View Caribbean interviews representatives from Arch and Godfrey, as part of our series on best practices of Caribbean construction companies.

Based in George Town, Grand Cayman, Arch and Godfrey is one of the oldest, largest, most successful, and well-respected general contractors in the Cayman Islands. The company was originally founded in 1972 by Henry J. Arch Sr., Arthur H. Arch, Heber G. Arch, and Townend & Godfrey Brothers Ltd.

“Our company is 46 years old,” says Company Founder and present Chairman, Heber Arch. “The Arch family was in the shipbuilding business for generations, and my father started a small construction business in the early 1950s. Townend & Godfrey Brothers Limited was a company that I went to work for after graduation from college to gain experience, overseas; they were the most reputable construction company in Jamaica at that time. I came home to work with my father and, seeing the demand for construction services, I spoke to Townend & Godfrey Brothers and we formed a company here in Cayman – Arch and Godfrey.”

Construction Begins On $80 Million Periwinkle Housing Development

August 30, 2017

Construction is set to begin Monday on the Periwinkle housing development, a project in Grand Harbour that aims to be Cayman’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified community. Developers pegged the cost of the project at $80 million.

While there are other LEED-certified buildings in the territory, Periwinkle will be the first neighborhood where every unit has that certification, according to Mr. Ostendorf.

The LEED-certification – an internationally recognized rating for environmentally friendly buildings – for all the development’s units will mean big savings on utility bills for homeowners, he said.

Periwinkle Ltd. is chaired by Heber Arch, whose firm Arch & Godfrey is also building the development.

Arch and Godfrey: LEEDing the Way in Sustainability

May 30, 2016

For more than 40 years, Arch and Godfrey has been a trusted name in construction in the Cayman Islands. Now they have used their experience and expertise to create a new ‘home’ of their own. Located on historic Mary Street in George Town, the renovated Arch and Godfrey: LEEDing the Way in Sustainability. Arch and Godfrey office pays homage to its Caymanian heritage while incorporating the latest technology to ensure a sustainable future.

UCCI Celebrates 2015 Graduates

November 2, 2015

The University College of the Cayman Islands celebrated the academic achievements of the class of 2015 at a commencement ceremony on Thursday.

The college also awarded three honorary doctorates this year, to Heber Arch, managing director and chairman of the board of directors of Arch and Godfrey; Henry Muttoo, artistic director of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation; and Burns Rutty, a businessman and former member of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council.

Rafael B. Elias (Heber Arch’s grandson), who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Finance), was this year’s valedictorian.

Airport Upgrade to Break Ground This Week

September 8, 2015

Construction of the new terminal building at Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport is scheduled to break ground Thursday and will begin in earnest next week, government leaders announced Monday.

The contract for the first part of what is expected to be a $55 million airport expansion and redevelopment was awarded to local contractor Arch & Godfrey, while the design for the project went to Jacksonville, Florida company RS&H and local partner Chalmers Gibbs Architects, airport officials said.

Contractor to Rebuild Fire Victims’ Home

July 31, 2015

Construction firm Arch and Godfrey has stepped in as project manager of a massive community effort to build a new home for a family who lost everything in a fire at the weekend.

The home in Windsor Park, George Town, burned to the ground in a matter of minutes on Friday night after an electrical fire ripped through the wooden building, leaving 17 people homeless.

Students Will Build on Construction Program

May 21, 2014

Twelve high school students pursuing careers in the construction industry have graduated from a four-month mentoring program. The program, designed by the Cayman Society of Architects, Surveyors and Engineers, provided students with hands-on experience and visits to construction sites.

Pictured: Students and mentors are joined by Dave Hanlon of Arch and Godfrey (Cayman) Ltd. for a tour of the WaterColours project.

Bodden Town Teen Wears 2013 Crown

September 6, 2013

Seventeen-year-old Tishay Shauntae Shennell Heath is the Leo Club of Grand Cayman’s 35th Miss Teen Cayman Islands.

Miss Heath, from the district of Bodden Town and sponsored by Arch and Godfrey, was crowned at the Aug. 31 pageant, where the theme was “Beauty on the Rise…Stars in the Making.”

Ms Rogers said the committee looks forward to a year of supporting Miss Heath in all of her plans and ideas, not only for the community but also for her platform “to promote confidence in young ladies today” as she works closely with the Francis Bodden Girls Home and Fairbanks Women’s Prison.

Barcadere Marina wins 2013 Governor’s Award

July 29, 2013

The Barcadere Marina in George Town is the winner of the 2013 Governor’s Award for Design and Construction Excellence in the Cayman Islands. The marina, boat yard and yacht club project also received a special commendation from Governor Duncan Taylor for excellence in sustainability and the environment.

Barcadere Marina contractors include Phoenix Construction and Arch & Godfrey (Cayman) Ltd. BCQS International led project and cost management. The civil engineer was Arch Engineering Ltd., now AMR Consulting Engineers. Consultants were APEC Consulting Engineers Ltd. (structural), Mega Systems (electrical) and Polar Bear Air Condition (air conditioning).

Members of the winning team behind the Barcadere Marina also contributed to other short-listed projects. For example, APEC, Arch & Godfrey and BCQS were involved in Kirk Harbour Centre. The architects for that project were US firm BTA Architects and local firm Burns Conolly Group Ltd.

New Backers Will Tri for It to Be Great

June 5, 2013

The annual triathlon event has a new sponsor to help ensure its continued smooth running.

Arch & Godfrey has stepped into the triathlon arena in Grand Cayman, becoming sponsor of the 2013 Cayman Islands Triathlon.

40th Anniversary Brochure

August 1, 2012

Arch and Godfrey celebrated 40 years of building excellence in 2012. Looking back, it has been vision, leadership and integrity combined with talent and loyalty of staff that has made Arch and Godfrey into the respected and successful company that it is today.

Luxury Housing for South Sound

July 25, 2012

The product of long-time Cayman Islands and Jamaica developer Hugh Hart, luxury residential project Casa Luna is under construction on four acres in South Sound, on the seaside of South Church Street near Denham Thompson Way.

The sea wall for the development took about three to four months to construct, and was completed in February by West Indian Marine Group. Contractor Arch and Godfrey is in charge of the actual construction of the project.

“The crux of the project is the buildings’ interface with the landscape,” Arch and Godfrey Construction Manager Ryan Galloway said.

CASE Awards Industry Builders, Students

June 13, 2012

The Cayman Society of Architects, Surveyors & Engineers honoured some of the local construction industry legends last week, while at the same time recognising the potential future of the industry here.

At the President’s Awards 2012 held on 6 June at The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, 10 graduates of CASE’s inaugural mentoring programme were given certificates of completion.

After presenting the mentoring programme certificates and expressing thanks to the educators and construction industry representatives who helped facilitate the site visits, CASE council members recognised the contributions of three of the early leaders in Cayman’s construction industry by bestowing the organisation’s first Fellow Awards. For the discipline of engineering, Mr. Harvey presented the award to Heber Arch, founding partner of the construction company Arch and Godfrey (Cayman) Ltd.

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