GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin presented Samantha Hennings with a $2,000 cheque Friday afternoon in part sponsorship for her to attend the 33Fifty Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme in Scotland.

Ms Hennings is a young Caymanian who is pursuing her Certified Public Accountant designation while working full time.

33Fifty is a leadership programme for young Commonwealth leaders aged between 18 and 25. The name comes from the fact that 33 per cent of the world’s population lives in the Commonwealth, and 50 per cent of those are younger than 25.

33Fifty aims to develop young leaders to bring people together, reconcile differences, lead change and use the Commonwealth’s networks effectively. It will form part of the official cultural programme running parallel to the Commonwealth Games and will be delivered by Common Purpose and the Royal Commonwealth Society.

The participants will tackle challenges related to an issue of fundamental importance and relevance in the Commonwealth. This will be explored through conversations with leaders from all sectors, behind-the-scenes visits to a range of organisations and institutions and practical engagement with a challenge that is current and compelling across the Commonwealth.

Through taking part in 33Fifty, participants should gain leadership skills to help them in their studies, careers and civic life; the ability to make a difference to their communities, the Commonwealth and wider world; access to global networks and an alumni community of engaged Commonwealth citizens; and the ability to cross divides and thrive in multiple cultures.

The programme takes place 17-18 July, 2014, in Glasgow.

IMAGE: Samantha Hennings accepts a cheque from Cayman Islands Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin at the Legislative Assembly building Friday, 20 June, 2014. The cheque is for sponsorship so Ms Hennings can attend the 33Fifty Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme in Glasgow, Scotland, 17-18 July, 2014. Photo: Tammie C. Chisholm