With the motto “Connect, Grow, Inspire,” Leadership Cayman, a series of seminars offered by Chamber of Commerce, aims at offering local residents the opportunity of expanding their leadership skills.

The chamber is inviting prospective participants to attend a series of orientation evenings being held from the middle of October, where they can find out more about the programme.

From January 2012 a series of 11 bi-weekly seminars will expose the 24 Leadership Cayman participants – drawn residents who meet the Chamber’s selection criteria – to leaders from many walks of Cayman life.

Speakers are scheduled to include H.E the Governor, MLAs, senior civil servants, judges, journalists, and prominent business people.

Chairman of the Planning Committee for this year’s Leadership Cayman programme, Simon Garnett said:

“We look to bring in key movers and shakers in their respective fields and it allows the class to get up close and personal with these individuals to gain their perspectives…with the hope that in the fullness of time some of the issues that affect Cayman society can be addressed.”

Leadership Cayman participants will also ‘give back’ to the community by helping out for a day at a local not-for-profit organisation.

“In 2010 we worked at the Bonaventure Boys’ home in West Bay and spent the day there making the whole place better for the people that live there.  We power-washed the outside, painted the whole of the inside, and replaced a couple of broken doors,” Mr. Garnett said.

Mr. Garnett, who is a graduate from the inaugural class of 2010, was joined by Sheena Thompson, a graduate from this year’s programme.

“From a personal experience I have to say that this is probably one of the most dynamic and impactful experiences and programmes that I’ve ever actually participated in,” Ms Thompson said.

“I think the motto of the programme: “Connect, Grow Inspire,” really does summarise all of the things that the programme embodies …you get the opportunity to connect with a very large group of people,” she added.

The programme is partially funded by a fee paid by participants- CI$1950 for Chamber of Commerce members and CI$2250 for non- members. The fee covers hotel accommodation when the group goes to Cayman Brac for a special seminar, which gives participants the opportunity to learn about the issues facing in the sister islands.