(L-R) Marzeta Bodden, Making Waves Awards Judge; Ben Gilolly, Director, Cayman Connection; Dart Education Award Winner – Sandy Gray; Co-Winner of the Health & Wellness Award Winner – Roberto Silva; Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Environment & Sustainability Award Winner – Dejea Lyons; Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Award Winner – Jordy Rankine; Ashlea Smith, Executive Director, Cayman Connection; Davenport Development Arts & Culture Award Winner – Frank E Flowers; Kate Kandiah, Founder/Founding Director, Cayman Connection

The 2023 winners of the Cayman Connection Making Waves Awards have been unveiled, recognising exceptional Caymanians who are making waves overseas and leaving a mark in their respective fields for the second consecutive year. The Making Waves Awards, an initiative that honours Caymanians who are paving the way for positive change beyond their homeland, has spotlighted remarkable individuals whose achievements are shaping industries and inspiring communities worldwide. 

There are a total of 9 award categories including Arts & Culture; STEM; Environment & Sustainability; Sports; Financial, Legal & Professional Services; Education; Health & Wellness; Tourism, Travel & Hospitality; and Inclusion, introduced in 2023.

Winners include a talented filmmaker, environmental activist, medical visionaries, world-renowned swimmer, catalyst for inclusion, culinary genius, highly esteemed researcher, inspirational educator, all of whom are ambassadors of Caymankind.

“Through our awards programme we celebrate the diverse Cayman community who are making waves across the globe. The ceremony was a heartwarming event which brought our nominees, sponsors, and supporters together to congratulate the deserving winners, Caymankind style. We at Cayman Connection are delighted to provide this platform shining a light on the successes of those making strides in their respected field and making Cayman proud no matter their distance from home,” said Ashlea Smith, Executive Director, Cayman Connection.

(L-R) Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage Sports Award Winner, Jordan Crooks; Hon. Bernie Bush, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage

Davenport Development Arts & Culture Award – Frank E Flowers

Frank is a pioneering Caymanian in the world of film, renowned for his impactful work as a writer, director, and producer. His films have not only put Cayman on the global map but also reflect the essence of the Islands. He is also the Chairman of the Cayman Islands Film Commission and has received multiple awards internationally for his work. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Frank serves as a dedicated advocate for his homeland, actively showcasing his work and contributing through his family’s business. His commitment to storytelling and promoting Cayman’s identity exemplifies his role as a cultural ambassador.

Dart Education Award – Sandy Gray

With a specialization in phytochemistry and a passion for ‘Bush Medicine,’ Sandy’s academic pursuits have been nothing short of remarkable. He has taught and mentored thousands of students worldwide, fostering a generation of future leaders in pharmacy and science. His extensive research on plant medicines, traditional medicines, and forest use has yielded over 400 research papers, contributing significantly to scientific knowledge. Sandy’s commitment to preserving Cayman’s botanical treasures for future generations further underscores his dedication to education and the environment.

Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Environment & Sustainability Award – Dejea Lyons

Dejea, a prominent environmental activist and editor of the global magazine OH-Wake, passionately promotes environmental consciousness worldwide. Her endeavors advocate for sustainable change and enhanced community involvement. A pivotal contributor to global climate discussions, she’s also co-founded and is the vice president of ‘Protect our Future in Cayman’, exemplifying her local leadership. On the global arena, her role was particularly noteworthy at COP26 as a youth delegate, where she fervently promoted ocean health and earned commendations for her unwavering commitment.

Maples Group Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award – Kamala Murugesu

With a remarkable career trajectory from Business Development Executive to Business Development Manager at Harney’s in London, Kamala’s dedication and expertise have paved the way for her to become a valuable bridge between Cayman and the UK legal landscape. Her role in fostering connections and dispelling misconceptions about the jurisdiction have established her as a true ambassador for Cayman. Kamala’s active involvement in promoting Caymanian culture and serving as a role model for young Caymanians further highlights her commitment to her homeland.

Co-Winner of the Health & Wellness Award – Roberto Silva

With an unwavering commitment to improving respiratory care, Roberto’s contributions have touched the lives of thousands, as he designs, supplies, and installs crucial medical oxygen systems. His work has garnered recognition from prestigious institutions, including the U.S. State Department and the Health Services Authority in the Cayman Islands. From enhancing healthcare facilities in Haiti to increasing respiratory care capacity in the Turks and Caicos Islands during the pandemic, Roberto’s expertise and dedication have left a lasting imprint on multiple communities.

Co-Winner of the Health & Wellness Award – Dr. Brandy Darby

Now the Director of the Division of Surveillance and Investigation, Dr. Darby has notably advanced her career due to her dedication to combating zoonotic diseases. Some of her notable accomplishments include leading the public communications branch of the state Health Information Team during the COVID-19 pandemic, including serving as the subject matter expert for SARS-CoV-2 variants for the state of Virginia’s COVID-19 pandemic. She serves as a positive role model for young Caymanians interested in science, medicine, public health, and epidemiology.

The Pearinder Foundation Inclusion Award – Taneil Lee

Taneil champions diversity and inclusion in healthcare, targeting racial disparities and advocating for medical equality. With accomplishments including boosting breastfeeding rates among women of color at the University of South Florida and presently studying for a Master’s at Newcastle University Medical School, her dedication is clear. Taneil’s pursuits include championing culturally-aware patient care, endorsing the Physician Associate role in the Cayman Islands, and researching preeclampsia factors in Black women. Her persistent dedication establishes her as a pivotal advocate for change in medical inclusivity and equity.

Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage Sports Award – Jordan Crooks

Jordan has become a trailblazing athlete in swimming, leaving a mark on Cayman’s sporting history. His remarkable achievements, including being the 2022 World Champion in the 50m freestyle at the World Short Course Swimming Championships, have gained him international recognition. He made history as the first Caymanian to win a medal at the Swimming World Championships, and his dedication led to NCAA Championship victories and breaking the 18-second barrier in the 50y freestyle. Jordan’s exceptional accomplishments highlight his prowess in the pool and elevate Cayman’s reputation globally.

B1 STEM Award – Dr. Charlotte Hinds

Dr. Hinds stands out in the global STEM arena. Educated at notable institutions like UCL and Imperial College London, her expertise has led to pivotal advancements in research. As a Principal Scientist at both Zihipp Ltd. and Imperial College, she’s made substantial contributions to innovative research on obesity and diabetes solutions. Outside her scientific endeavors, Charlotte’s devotion to community is evident. She commits her time to the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation and plays a leading role in a London-based Homeless Project, showcasing her holistic approach to impact and service.

Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Award – Jordy Rankine

Jordy, a dynamic and accomplished culinary professional, has shown exceptional dedication throughout his 12-year career. Overcoming obstacles, he stands as an inspiring role model for fellow Caymanians. Notably featured on the Food Network’s Chopped and serving as Timberland’s personal chef, Jordy’s talents shine. His success exemplifies his culinary expertise and his role as a representative of Cayman. Jordy’s contributions in Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality highlight his potential and dedication.

The winners were chosen after a public nomination period and a selection process that involved a group of five judges with a diverse range of knowledge, skills and experience across a variety of disciplines. Judges Marzeta Bodden, Deputy Director, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Shomari Scott, Chief Business Officer, Health City; Sheree Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer, CIIPA; Winston Conolly, Managing Partner of Chancery ESG Ltd, Cayman (CEL); and Chris Duggan, Representative to North America, Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce made their determinations using a predetermined scoring matrix based on several sets of criteria which included:

Excellence

Promotion of the Cayman Islands and ‘Caymankind’ overseas

Entrepreneurialism

Innovation

Teamwork

Passion

Enthusiasm

Community Service and Philanthropy

Winners were announced at the Cayman Connection Making Waves Awards reception on 10 August at the National Gallery attended by Hon. G. Wayne Panton, JP, MP, Premier of the Cayman Islands; Hon Franz Manderson, Cert Hon, JP, Deputy Governor; Hon. Bernie Bush, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage; Hon. André Ebanks, MP, Minister of Financial Services and Commerce; Hon. Sabrina Turner, MP, Minister for Health & Wellness and Home Affairs. A second awards ceremony will take place at the annual Cayman Day in the UK on Sunday, 24 September.

Cayman Connection would like to thank the Making Waves Award sponsors, including Loop Cayman; DMS Broadcasting; Dart; Maples Group; Pearinder Foundation; Davenport Development Ltd; B1; Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development; Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage; Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency; Tower; Caribbean Utilities Company; and Digicel.

Please watch the award winners’ videos here: https://caymanconnection.org/making-waves-awards-2023-winners/

About Cayman Connection

Cayman Connection’s main objectives are to develop a vibrant overseas community for the Cayman Islands diaspora to create meaningful connections, meet like-minded people, grow networks, share resources, introduce skills and knowledge, and access support overseas.

Learn more about Cayman Connection via their website: https://caymanconnection.org/