Department of Sports Have Your Say Series

During March we will be publishing a list of women who are involved in sports in Cayman Islands

Deajra Tulloch  - Left in photo

Occupation: Cayman Islands Olympic Committee Administrative Officer

Sports Background: Women’s Beach Volleyball National Team. Deajra has represented the Cayman Islands at the NORCECA U21 and Senior competitions and has also represented the Cayman Islands at the Inaugural Caribbean Games 2022. She is still an active and competitive athlete for the Cayman Islands.

Quote: The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. So dream and dream big! #EmbraceEquity.

Shakeina Bush - Right in photo

Occupation: Cayman Islands Olympic Committee Senior Administrative Officer

Sports background: Represented the Cayman Islands at the National Level in three (3) Olympic Sports: Athletics- (long distance running at the World Cross Country Championships) & CAC Jr. Bronze medalist in speed walking, Football and Sport Shooting. Shakeina has been a coach for over 15 years and at one point was the head of female football for the Cayman Islands. She now assists with coaching Beach Volleyball and is the Vice President for the Motocross Association. Shakeina is a current sitting member of the Cayman Islands Sports Commission and also assists the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee by attending a number of international forums for sport development and women in sport leadership to help in the growth of all sports in the country.

Quote: Through persistence, many find success in what seemed destined to become a failure. Never give up, have faith and stay humble. #EmbraceEquity.

Our eleventh person in the Series is:

Emily Kelly

Assistant Director of Sports, Programmes

CIG Department of Sports

U20 and U17 Cayman National Team Member

Division 1 football player at University of Richmond

Masters in Sport Leadership

Coached football at D1 and D3 level In the US

4 years delivering leadership and life skills student athlete development programs in college athletics

Quote:

“As a former national and collegiate athlete, and a working professional in the sports industry I know how powerful sports can be when it comes to social development and enhancing communities. In particular, it has been a primary means of paving the way for conversations and action surrounding gender equity. The theme for 2023 Women’s History Month is embracing equity and while there is still a long way to go, it’s important to recognize the tremendous strides we’ve made in our journey to achieving this goal. It’s even more valuable to celebrate the resilient women who have pushed for change no matter the personal cost, and the men who have empowered them along the way.

Everything from the language we use when raising our young girls, to the policies and programmes put in place, there is always room for growth. We all need to operate with intentionality to ensure every young girl understands that their potential knows no bounds, and that we will continue to challenge the systems in place so that they affirm that belief.”

Our tenth person in the Series is:

Marlene West

* International National representative for over 30 years in 4 different sports

* Commonwealth Games & Pan Am games Competitor

* Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalist CAC Games

* Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalist Island Games

* Highest world Ranking #72

* Sports Enthusiast

* CrossFit Level 2 Instructor

* Mad Dogg Spin Instructor

* Mother

* Daughter

* Athlete

Quote:

“There should be no limits to what, we as women can accomplish. The success of Women should be an inspiration to all” #EmbraceEquity

Our ninth person in the Series is:

Lacee Barnes

3x CARIFTA Gold Medalist Discus and Shot put

World Juniors Qualifier

CAC Games Finalist Discus

NACAC U23 Champion Discus

Bachelors in Communications

Masters in Business

Quote:

“Don’t doubt yourself when others are intimidated by your potential” #EmbraceEquity.