Winners at H.E. the Governor of the Cayman Islands’ Residence. (Top L-R) Aaron Jarvis’ Representative, Making Waves Award Winner, Hon. G. Wayne Panton, JP, MP, Premier of the Cayman Islands, Jennifer Dilbert, Making Waves Judge, Elijah Seymour’s Representative, Making Waves Award Winner, Kate Kandiah, Cayman Connection Founding Director, Hon. Andre Ebanks, MP, Minister for Financial Services & Commerce, Minister for Investment, Innovation & Social Development, Ben Gillooly, Making Waves Judge

(Bottom L-R) Tracey Forbes, Making Waves Award Winner, Martha Williams’ Representative, Making Waves Award Winner, Ashley Gooden, Making Waves Award Winner, Former Governor of the Cayman Islands, Martyn Roper, OBE, Nijel Powery, Making Waves Award Winner, Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert Hon, JP, Deputy Governor

Now in its second year, the Cayman Connection “Making Waves Awards” will recognise Caymanians studying, working and living abroad who have made outstanding contributions to, and excelled in their respective fields at a regional or global level. The awards programme aims to celebrate and champion Caymanians overseas across a range of disciplines. The nomination period is now open and will close on 31 May.

Ms. Ashlea Smith, Executive Director of Cayman Connection said, “We are thrilled to be launching the second year of the Making Waves Awards, which recognizes and celebrates individuals who are making significant strides in their communities around the world. Through these awards, we aim to shine a light on those who are driving positive change, sharing ‘Caymankind’ globally, and inspiring others to do the same. We look forward to seeing the impact of this year’s winners and the continued ripple effect of their work.”

The 2022 Making Waves Award winners received recognition from across the globe. From awards ceremonies to international news outlets, there were thousands of eyes on their outstanding achievements. The awards allow room for people across multiple industries to be acknowledged. Last year’s winners included a NASA scientist, future environmentalist, and an attorney, all of whom have made waves at a global level.

The 2023 Cayman Connection Making Waves Awards programme will now include a ninth category, Inclusion, which aims to shine a light on those who proactively seek and action ways to make the community they live in more inclusive. The other eight categories will capture a range of fields and interests: Arts and Culture, STEM, Environment & Sustainability, Sports, Financial, Legal & Professional Services, Education, Health & Wellness and Tourism, Travel & Hospitality. To be eligible, nominees must be Caymanian and living overseas for no less than 12 months. 

Cayman Connection is a not-for-profit membership organisation supporting and connecting a global community of Caymanians, friends and associates of the Cayman Islands.  

Further information about the awards nominations will be added to the Cayman Connection website and social media channels in the coming weeks.  

Cayman Connection extends thanks to Tower Marketing, Davenport Development Ltd, Dart, Maples Group, Pearinder Foundation, B1, Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development, Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, for joining the 2023 Making Waves Awards as official sponsors. 

Sponsorship opportunities for Cayman Connection’s Making Waves Awards are still available. Visit the Cayman Connection website:  caymanconnection.org/making-waves-awards/ or email [email protected] for more information.