The Ministry of Education, Training & Employment along with the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association and Cayman Maritime Heritage Foundation is proud to announce that the 2012 recipient of the Gwen Bush Memorial Scholarship is Christopher Delaney.

Christopher has been accepted at the International Yacht Restoration School and will be focusing on a Marine Systems Certificate 1 Year Programme.  This programme will teach him to install, troubleshoot, maintain and repair the major systems found in power and sail boats and is partnered with the American Boat and Yacht Council.

Minister for Education, Hon. Rolston Anglin, JP, is delighted that this scholarship is able to provide such opportunities for young Caymanians interested in the maritime field.  The Minister said, “I would like to congratulate Christopher in being awarded this very important scholarship and for pursuing a qualification in the maritime industry.”

The Minister continued, “The Maritime industry is a huge part of our country’s history and it is important that we celebrate and honour it, and help in any way possible, our young people who wish to continue on the tradition and have a career in this field.  I wish Christopher all the best in his certification.”

Joining Minister Anglin, President of the Seafarers Association Mr. John Douglas, had this to say, “We at the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association are thrilled to partner with the Ministry of Education to offer the Gwen Bush Scholarship to Christopher and wish him the very best in his studies.”

Christopher, who has been working at Compass Marine Ltd from the time he was in high school repairing boats of all sizes, is delighted that he is the 2012 recipient.  Christopher thanked everyone, including Michael Farrington who has been guiding him into this career path.  He said, “I am very thankful for this opportunity and would also like to thank Compass Marine for pushing me in the right direction.”

The Gwen Bush Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to deserving young Caymanians who wish to pursue studies in the boat building trade and other maritime careers.  The successful recipient receives funding of up to CI$20,000 per annum under the scholarship.  The scholarship is named in honour of Ms. Gwen Bush who dedicated years of service to Caymanian seamen during the “Southwell” years of shipping in the Cayman Islands.

For more information on the scholarship please visit www.education.gov.ky or email the Scholarships Secretariat at [email protected]