Cayman Connection Making Waves Awards honors Caymanians living abroad

By ChristopherTobutt

Premier Wayne Panton, Hon. Franz Manderson Deputy Governor, Hon Bernie Bush, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Heritage, Hon Sabrina Turner, Minister for Health, Wellness and Home Affairs and Hon. Andre Ebanks, Minister for Finance and Commerce were just some of the VIPs who came to honor Caymanians “Making waves” - excelling and shining and making Cayman proud - overseas, just like thousands of Caymanians have done before them.

The Making Waves Awards is an initiative that honors Caymanians who are paving the way for positive change beyond their homeland. There are a total of 9 award categories, including Arts & Culture; STEM; Environment & Sustainability; Sports; Financial, Legal & Professional Services; Education; Health & Wellness; Tourism, Travel & Hospitality; and Inclusion, introduced in 2023.

It was time for them to be honored and recognized, at a special reception at the National Gallery. Awardees were in nine different categories. Roberto Siva recieved  the Making Waves Health and Wellness Award, along with Co-winner Dr. Brandy Darby, Taniel Lee reieved the Pearinder Foundation Inclusion Award Jordan Crooks won the Ministry of Youth, Sports Culture and Heritage Sports Award. Dr, Charlotte Hinds recieved the B1 STEM Award, along with Julian Johnson who won the Highly  Commended Award. Jordy Rankine recieved the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Award.  Dart Education Award Winner was Sandy Gray and  Climate Resiliency Environment & Sustainability Award Winner was Dejea Lyons; Davenport Development Arts & Culture Award Winner  was Frank E Flowers.

“So, really important categories, fantastic participants and winners here this evening. The pride we show as Caymanians in celebrating  these young people is just reflective of what they add to our lives and how they represent the country  around the world,” said Premier Panton. “Just as we celebrate our national heroes, tonight we celebrate the success of our Caymanians who have ventured out and made us proud by showing  tenacity, diligence and another thing that I didn’t mention earlier, shared Cayman Kind element that makes us all important. Its a fundamental part of who we are. If we can take that out into the wider world, and demonstrate that there, then we can make it greater here in Cayman as well.” .

The winners were chosen after a public nomination period and a selection process that involved a group of five judges with a diverse range of knowledge, skills and experience across a variety of disciplines. Judges Marzeta Bodden, Deputy Director, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Shomari Scott, Chief Business Officer, Health City; Sheree Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer, CIIPA; Winston Conolly, Managing Partner of Chancery ESG Ltd, Cayman (CEL); and Chris Duggan, Representative to North America, Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce made their determinations using a predetermined scoring matrix based on several sets of criteria. .” .

Hon Bernie Bush said,  “As Minister for Youth Sports Culture and Heritage, said i am honored to join you for the second Cayman Connection Making Waves awards. In the name of making connections while celebrating a community of Caymanians and friends of the Cayman Islands. Cayman Connection is an important alliance in keeping our vibrant culture and heritage alive. .” .

Mr. Bush was proud to present Cayman’s Champion swimmer Jordan Crooks with his Making Waves sports award.

“Through our awards program, we celebrate the diverse Cayman community who are making waves across the globe. The ceremony was a heartwarming event which brought our nominees, sponsors, and supporters together to congratulate the deserving winners, Caymankind style. We at Cayman Connection are delighted to provide this platform shining a light on the successes of those making strides in their respected field and making Cayman proud no matter their distance from home,” said Ashlea Smith, Executive Director, Cayman Connection.