From Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce

Set amidst the serene and scenic backdrop of Cayman Brac, Leadership Cayman (LC) held its fourth seminar, Sister Islands Perspective, over two days, March 13 and 14. Immediately following flights from Grand Cayman, group members were acquainted with the three recently proposed marina areas; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport; a tour of the District Administration building; and a tour at Cayman Brac Power and Light. The group was treated to a tour of the newly established Golden Sun (Le Soleil d’Or) which is situated on the Bluff. The Le Soleil d’Or team has been able to farm a multitude of various fruits, vegetables and herbs under such harsh conditions by crafting stone beds and pathways into the arid land.

The LC class also visited the Lighthouse and a number of caves for which the Bluff is renowned. The Sister Islands seminar was sponsored by The Alexander Hotel and the main objective of the tour and seminar was to gain a better understanding of the unique challenges facing the Sister Islands, focusing on government, tourism and other private enterprises. In addition to sponsorships received, the Chamber extends thanks to District Administration and their tour bus team for offering transportation for the group over the two-day period.

LC class members responsible for the coordination of this seminar were Pamela Small and Robert Tate and were mentored by Timothy Dilbert (2014 Planning Committee Member and 2013 LC graduate). Both Ms. Small and Mr. Tate were pleased with the two-day event and penned “Prior to the tour and seminar our understanding of the Sister Islands was admittedly quite superficial but now we feel more attuned to a number of the unique challenges facing the Sister Islands. Just as importantly, we have come to better understand many of the local people who not only displayed a genuine sense of friendliness but also showed pride in their island and its people.”

Panellists invited to address the group at this seminar included Mr. Ernie Scott, District Commissioner for the Sister Islands; Mr. Rohendis Britton, Senior Manager, Airport Operations (Charles Kirkconnell International Airport); Mrs. Chevala Burke, Marketing & Promotions Manager for District Administration and Executive Secretary of the Sister Islands Tourism Association; Mrs. Nicky Watson, Manager of Cayman News Service; Mr. Jonathan Tibbetts; General Manager of Cayman Brac Power and Light; and Mr. Mike Barcroft, General manager of Le Soleil d’Or, The Golden Sun.

Mr. Ernie Scott relayed “I believe the tour and seminar has enabled the Leadership Cayman participants to obtain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges facing the Sister Islands. With this perspective, these potential leaders should be well positioned to bring something positive to the Sister Islands over time and I look forward to seeing that happen. I think the Leadership Cayman program is very effective and I will continue to fully support it.”

Mr. Rohendis Britton added “I consider the Leadership Cayman Sister Island Seminar as one of the most promising seed in the effort to create awareness of the challenges affecting efforts to develop the Cayman Brac economy. The architects of the economic development of Cayman Brac will be required to make an extra effort to determine the reasons why the economic development has failed to gain traction despite having most of the ingredients in place. Leadership Cayman is a great initiative to help uncover the tipping point in the process to develop the Cayman Brac economy.”

Upcoming sessions for the 2014 LC Programme will include a mid-year retreat and a focus on the Cayman Islands Government. The Chamber of gratefully acknowledges sponsors without whom the Programme would not be possible. These include Major sponsors Dart Enterprises Ltd. and Cox Lumber. Seminar Supporting sponsors to date: Deloitte, Tower Marketing, Mourant Ozannes, The Alexander Hotel, Walkers, Cayman National Corporation and KPMG. The Chamber is currently seeking additional seminar sponsors for this year’s programme and would welcome all to visit www.leadershipcayman.ky for further details.

PHOTOS:

Leadership Cayman group pictured with guest panellists (seated from left: Rohendis Britton, Mark Barcoft, Ernie Scott, Nicky Watson, Chevala Burke, & Jonathan Tibbetts)

C Group visits Skull Cave, Cayman Brac

3 group arrives at airport

Second group arrives at airport in the Brac

4 Tour of the Golden Sun

LC participants all aboard – preparing for tour of The Golden Sun

5 group tours airport in Brac

Group gets a behind-the-scenes tour of airport operations including the control tower