Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE DL Hon DLitt (Exeter) announced as Speaker for the 43rd Annual ICCI Commencement

(GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS) – The International College of the Cayman Islands has selected award-winning broadcaster, actress, writer, producer and advocate for the welfare, care, and education of children throughout the world as the orator for the 43rd Commencement.

“It is an honor to welcome Baroness Benjamin to celebrate commencement with us,” said ICCI President Dr. David Marshall. “We were looking for an amazing voice to celebrate this outstanding class. Baroness Benjamin’s life of professional excellence and service represents just that,” said Marshall.

“When President Marshall contacted me and asked me to be the speaker at the ICCI Commencement Ceremony, I immediately agreed to attend. I did so because I use every opportunity to inspire and motivate people of all ages to achieve and improve their lives, a subject I speak about frequently in The House of Lords,” said Benjamin.

“My message is always the same wherever I go and that is, be worthy, never give up and keep smiling, because winners smile. And to those who will be receiving their degrees and diplomas I say education is your passport to life. Go out and change the world, be the person people can trust and make a difference in this confused and wounded world.”
Baroness Benjamin was born in Trinidad but was brought up in England. After leaving school she spent a short time in the world of banking and accounting, but soon found her way into the theater in 1970.

She then appeared in numerous films and television dramas and became a household name after presenting children’s programs ‘Playschool’ and ‘Playaway’. In 1987 she went on to form her own award winning film and television production company.

In 2001, she received an OBE for services to broadcasting and 2004 she was awarded the BAFTA Special Lifetime Award for her services to children’s television.

She has written over 30 books including Coming to England which is now used as a resource tool in schools; in 2003 it was adapted by her production company into a film for the BBC.

The Baroness is especially concerned with the plight of children and their human rights throughout the world. She led a 20-year campaign to create the role of Minister for Children, which achieved its goal in 2003. She continues to lead a nationwide campaign to save UK-made children’s television programs, as well as
for the protection of children accessing online pornography.

Much of her time is spent touring the country, visiting children’s hospitals, schools and children’s homes in an effort to help advance the idea that the welfare, care and education of our children is of vital importance to the future.

In 2006, she was appointed Chancellor of the University of Exeter. She was elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer in 2010, the first
Trinidadian woman to be ennobled. In Parliament she leads on children’s
issues as well as education, media and diversity matters.

She created “Touching Success,” an initiative that aims to mentor and help
young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to excel.

She is a motivational and inspirational speaker and lectures at schools,
universities and organizations across the world.

ICCI Commencement ceremonies will be held February 4 at the Westin Grand-Cayman. Details on the graduating class will be released next week as the certification process of degree candidates is still being finalized.

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Founded in 1970, the International College of the Cayman Islands the Birthplace of Tertiary Education in the Cayman Islands. The College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The International College is candidate for accreditation with the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and has affirmed its commitment to excellence in business education. Candidacy is a required step toward international accreditation specifically for ICCI’s Business programs.

The mission of the International College of the Cayman Islands is to prepare students for career placement and enhancement. The ICCI education instills attitudes, behaviors, sensitivities, skills and knowledge that are essential to life and learning.