(GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS) – The first ever radio station in Grand Cayman is back on the air after a two-year hiatus. ICCI-FM was Cayman’s first radio station, going on the air in 1973. It is a non-commercial, training workshop for broadcasting students of the International College of the Cayman Islands. The station broadcasts on 101.1 FM. Its format is “jazz, classical, and easy listening.”

“We are very proud to restore this important part of our educational program to the college. This station holds significant historical value on the Island and now that it is back, we are renewing our commitment to use ICCI-FM for the benefit of our students and the wider community in Cayman,” said Dr. David Marshall, ICCI President.

Three ICCI students, Priscilla Eden, Clement Patterson, and Gelyssa Rankin are providing the station with its first original re-launch content. The students were enrolled in a radio production class taught by Marshall during the 11-week summer quarter.

“It has truly been a pleasure to be a part of the revamping of ICCI-FM,” said Eden. “I enjoyed being a journalist and meeting one-on-one with people to get interviews for my show,” she said.

The students produced their own radio shows which will air starting Monday. Each was responsible for interviewing an MLA, an on-Island radio personality, and other ICCI students about the importance of education to young people in Cayman. The Honorable Minister Tara Rivers, MLA Bernie Bush, and MLA Alva Suckoo were interviewed by the students.

“I enjoyed the exposure gained in this class. It has left a remarkable impression on me. I had hands-on experience in conducting an interview with a radio host and an MLA, which is something that doesn’t occur too often for a young person,” said Patterson.

“As a young Caymanian, this makes me very proud that my work will be heard all over the Island and around the world on the Internet. This really makes me feel that I can do anything and go on to a great career and make my country proud of my success,” said Rankin.

Marshall said the College will be partnering with commercial radio stations in Cayman to develop formal internship programs with the goal of getting more Caymanians employed in radio careers.

“This is a real pathway for young people to move into on-air, sales, production, and even engineering careers right here on Island. It is awesome to help create employment pathways in radio for our very talented youth,” said Marshall.

Marshall also said the college plans to work with primary and secondary schools to provide opportunities for their students to boost their communication skills and confidence by writing and voicing essays which ICCI-FM will air as part of its programming.

In August 2012, a lightning strike damaged the ICCI-FM radio tower and equipment. The college is on a fundraising campaign to purchase more instructional equipment and to provide scholarships for students interested in studying broadcasting.

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 associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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.

IMAGES: ICCI