CI Regiment Conducts Youth Leadership Training

By Krystle Hinds

The Cayman Islands Regiment (CIR) recently conducted a leadership discussion and training with 55 young prefects from John Gray High School.

The session focused on the acronym L.E.A.D.E.R.S: Lead by Example; Encourage Thinking; Apply Reward & Discipline; Demand High Performance; Encourage Confidence in the Team; Recognise Individual Strengths & Weaknesses, and Strive for Team Goals.

Commenting on the training exercises, CIR Captain Gabe Rabess explained: “It was amazing to work with these young students. They are already leaders within John Gray High School and they clearly have the drive and determination to become future leaders in Cayman. There was a huge sense of enthusiasm and teamwork within the group of students, which resulted in the training being worthwhile and fun for them.”

Captain Rabess continued: “The training conducted by the Regiment included discussions on ‘Transformational’ and ‘Transactional’ leadership, ‘Navigating conflict’ as a leader utilising foundational principle and the importance of ‘effective communication’ within varying teams, all of which are values and standards practised within the Regiment.”

Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Min. Sabrina Turner elaborated on the Ministry’s overall development plans for the CI Regiment and its impact on Cayman youth. She said: “Partnerships and cross-training programmes such as this one aligns with the Ministry’s priority of building a stronger and resilient community. The training and discussion created an opportunity for the Regiment to share some of the leadership training and values and standards that as a uniform service they practise daily. The Regiment has a huge role to play in supporting our emergency services and providing disaster relief and security but more importantly, forwarding our Ministry’s commitment to mentoring and developing young men and women and the future leaders of Cayman. My hope is that the prefects at the John Gray High School will utilize this training to build on their leadership skills in order to make a positive impact in their current roles and in the future.”

Speaking to the impact of the training on the students, JGHS Principal Mr. Jonathan Clark added, “Our new Prefects benefited greatly from the practical leadership training session led by CIR Captain Rabess. The students were so engaged they did not want to leave!

“We appreciate the continued support of the Cayman Islands Regiment to the development of our young leaders, and we look forward to them applying this knowledge as they take on their duties. ‘World-class’ partnerships like this can only help develop and inspire our students and are a key element of our journey to excellence. We are proud to host many of the CI Regiment’s training and activities and look forward to more successful collaboration in the future.”

For more information on the efforts of the CI Regiment, visit https://www.gov.ky/ciregiment/  and follow CI Regiment@caymanislandsregiment.