The 2017 Leadership Cayman class officially graduated from the programme on Saturday, June 24 at a reception held at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman.

First launched in 2009, Leadership Cayman is a six-month programme that enables participants to acquire an in-depth view of social, economic, business, and political issues; enhance their leadership skills; and to get involved in community projects.

This year’s community project saw the class visit Maple House and assist in transforming their garden. Together they were able to bring fresh life to Maple House, helping to introduce new plant life, install seating areas, repairing the dilapidated swing sets, and installing a brand new jungle gym for younger visitors.

The participants also attended a series of bi-weekly lectures on a range of different topics (e.g. immigration, financial services) and converse with expert guest speakers, including industry professionals, community leaders and Government officials.

The programme is designed to encourage enrolled members to learn more about their community and give them encouragement to take an active role in the community moving forward.

“Leadership Cayman has been an incredibly rewarding experience, giving me the opportunity to learn the inner workings of Cayman,” said Keith Jernigan, CEO of the Security Centre Ltd. “I graduate the programme significantly more informed but, more importantly, I am motivated to roll my sleeves up and find ways to continue to help the country grow.”

This sentiment was shared by Rosie Dunsford of SteppingStones who stated: “Several of my colleagues past and present have been involved in the programme and all told me what a wonderful experience it is, and how you develop so much on both a personal and professional level. Although I believed them, it is absolutely impossible to understand the full impact of Leadership Cayman until you experience it.”

Applications for the 2018 programme are now open, and the Chamber encourages all professionals interested in developing their skills and learning more about the Cayman community to apply. Prospective applicants must meet the following criteria:

* Be at least 30 years of age by January 1 of the programme year;

* Be in a middle management position at your current place of work; and,

* Lived in the Cayman Islands for a minimum of 12 months.

The Chamber would like to again congratulate all class members for completing and graduating the programme. Special thanks is also required for the programme director Faramarz Romer for his tireless efforts during the year.

The Chamber would also like to thank Cox Lumber Ltd. for serving as the programme’s title sponsor.

The graduating members from the 2017 Leadership Cayman programme include:

* Anya Edun — Dart Real Estate

* Brendan Barry — Greenlight RE Ltd.

* Catherine Healy — Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Ltd.

* Darren Jacotine — Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd.

* David Watt — KPMG

* Exie Tomlinson-Panton — Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands

* Gemma Tighe — CML Offshore Recruitment

* Gianna Bryan — Cayman National Corporation

* Janette Goodman — The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

* Jonathan Roney — Intertrust (Cayman) Ltd.

* Jyoti Choi — Delta Group Ltd.

* Kara Coe — Cayman Islands Government (GIS)

* Keith Jernigan — The Security Centre Ltd.

* Melanie Ebanks-Jackson — Accounting Concepts Ltd.

* Michael Treacy — Bould Consulting Ltd.

* Nathan Smith — 60 Degrees Group SEZC Ltd.

* Nicholas McLean — Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture & Lands

* Omari Corbin — RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Ltd.

* Osbert Francis — Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands

* Prasana — Walkers

* Rachael Gaunt — Department of Education

* Rosie Dunsford — SteppingStones

* Roz Griffiths — Chatterbox Ltd.

* Sasha Rochester — Office of the Auditor General Cayman Islands