Weather
82 F Clouds
Monday, Feb 17 2025, 01:57 PM
Close Ad
Back To Listing

Rotary Sunset presents Vocational Awards

Front Pages 27 Jan, 2025 Follow News

By Christopher Tobutt

Rotary Sunset held a very special Vocational Awards Evening at the Bonfire restaurnant, on Wednesday 22 January.

The Rotary Club Vocational Awards are a way to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement while maintaining high ethical standards and exceptional customer service The awards are open to both Rotarians and non-Rotarians.

There were four awardees: Caris Bramwell, Linda Brown, Mark Demercado, and Keelin Fox. In addition to these awards, Caris Bramwell recieved the overall award from Marie Martin and another Rotary Sunset official

Caris Bramwell is a retired educator with over 40 years of experience teaching in Jamaica and Grand Cayman, primarilyat the primary school level in both public and private institutions. In addition to her classroom work, Mrs. Bramwell has made significant contributions to her community through various extracurricular programs, particularly those aimed at supporting children outside the school environment. She has led numerous afterschool programmes through her church, helping children enhance their skills and knowledge. Mrs. Bramwell has also been deeply involved in shaping young lives through roles in Girl Guides, the National Childrens Festival of the Arts, and netball training.

she has played an active role in faith-based organisations including Youth for Christ, and for the past seven years, she has served as the national coordinator for the Child Evangelism Fellowship in the Cayman Islands. At 72, Mrs Bramwell exemplies the idea of “blooming where you are planted,” and her continued work with children showcases her unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation.

Linda Brown is a dedicated and highly experienced Spcialist Teach of the hearing impaired, with 36 years in education, 20 of which have been spent in the Cayman Islands. Linda has worked in various institutions, including Faulkner Academy, and St. Ignatius Catholic School. She currently serves with the Department of Education Services, where she specializes in supporting students with hearing impairments. Linda is deeply committed to her students’ success, but also personal development, including self-advocacy and language skills. She actively collaborates with classroom teachers and parents, ensuring that students receive the necessary support both in the classroom and in their social lives. Linda also contributes financially to her students’ well-being, providing school supplies, uniforms and hearing-related expenses. Linda volunteers with the Humane Society, Inclusion Cayman Meals on Wheels, and Cayman’s ARK.

“Linda’s unwavering passion for her students, her extensive community involvement, and her exeptional career in education make her a deserving candidate for the Vocational Excellence awards.” 

Mark Anthony DeMercado is the CEO of Superior Auto, a leading automotive service provider in the Cayman Islands. He has 38 years of experience in automotive and aviation repairs.

Mr. DeMercado began his career in automotive repair  at a FIAT garage, before opening his own garage in Jamaica.

In 1990, Mr. DeMercado moved to the Cayman Islands to join Byron’s Car Care Centre, before founding Superior Auto as the island’s first mobile automotive repair business. His operations grew, and he eventually opened a comprehensive garage facility.

Mr. Demercado’s commitment to community development is exemplified by his establishment of an apprenticeship programme in 2010, which has successfully trained over 50 young Caymanians.

A passionate advocate for education, faith and family, Mr. DeMercado credits his success to his determination and the support of those around him. 

Dr. Keelin Fox has a passion for helping people . Before she officially moved from Ireland to Cayman she went to the CI Cancer Society. She explained that she was part of a large oral cancer awareness and screening program in Ireland, and would like to volunteer to start something similar in Cayman. She moved to Cayman in 2013, and in 2014 she was the doctor who rallied her dental colleagues to support April as Oral Cancer A wareness Month .

A champion o the cause, Keelin wrote articles, did committee work, went on radio and donated countelss clinical hours screening members of the community in her clinic. A dentist by profession, but by helping the people of Cayman prevent and detect mouth cancer was her vocation from the moment she landed on island.


Comments (0)

We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.

* Denotes Required Inputs