Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (1 March 2016) For the first time, members of the public are being asked to nominate a scuba diving pioneer for consideration as a local [Cayman Islands] honouree at this year’s International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF).

The Ministry of Tourism is looking for local trailblazers in the sport of scuba diving to join the esteemed group of over 30 members that have been recognized as local honourees since 2003. Each submission will be reviewed by a panel inclusive of ISDHF board of directors and recommendations put forward to the Ministry of Tourism for confirmation. To nominate an individual please visit the website www.nominatedive.com.

The review panel is looking for individuals who have made a significant contribution by leading or aiding in the areas of dive in the Cayman Islands. This can be through development, promotion, a positive environmental impact or who has played a noteworthy role in the area of dive travel/tourism.

The list of current honourees are:

• Nancy Easterbrook,
• Gladys Howard,
• Dr. James Poulson,
• Captain Frank Ebanks,
• Rodney McDowall,
• Winston McDermot,
• Carlos (Norbert) Scott,
• Captain Gleason Ebanks,
• Captain Marvin Ebanks,
• James Ebanks,
• Darby Bodden,
• Captain Crosby Ebanks,
• Patrick Evans,
• Captain Chuckie Ebanks,
• Stuart Freeman,
• Ollen Miller,
• Kem Jackson,
• James Dailey,
• Cornell Burke,
• Neville Darvin Ebanks,
• Peter Milburn,
• Tom Hubble,
• Ashton Levy Ebanks,
• Burns Rutty,
• Don Foster,
• CJ Ebanks,
• Robert (Peter) Bradshaw,
• Sam McCoy,
• Ron Kipp,
• Arthle Evans,
• Adrian Briggs, and
• Capt. Clinton Ebanks

Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, shared: “We are looking for honourees that are pioneers and household names in Cayman’s scuba diving and watersports industries and I am excited to see who will be nominated by members of the public this year.”

Founded in 2000 by the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism, the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame recognises international and local pioneers who have made outstanding contributions to the recreational scuba diving industry at the yearly ceremony held in Grand Cayman.

Director of Tourism, Mrs. Rosa Harris, added: “The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and the ISDHF Board are thrilled to receive submissions from members of the public for consideration as a local honouree. Through this process, we hope to receive numerous candidates who have contributed to making the Cayman Islands one of the best watersports destination in the world.”

For more information on the nominations process, please visit the website www.nominatedive.com or email [email protected]. The ISDHF gala awards dinner takes place on Friday 30 September.