Grand Cayman, CAYMAN ISLANDS (Tuesday, 2 December 2014) The Barbados Consulate in the Cayman Islands has honoured twenty-one-year old Lloyd Barker as its Man of the Year.

Mr. Barker, the youngest of thirteen nominees, is currently a Law student at Carleton University, Canada. The young Caymanian was recognised for his community service, contribution to the arts, cultural activities, athletics and mentorship of other young people and his work with disabled students.

Honorary Consul, Ms. Juliette Gooding, says, “In the past, we have honoured persons in general, within the Barbadian community. But this year we extended that, primarily because we are inclusive and we live in a multicultural, multinational community. We also thought it important to focus on the contribution men are making to society as we feel that our young boys need role models that they can emulate.”

The award was announced at a dinner held on Friday, 28 November, as part of the celebrations in Cayman to mark Barbados’ 48th anniversary of Independence. Mrs. Delores Callender-Taylor, Barbadian author and motivational speaker resident in Canada, was the guest speaker. She gave a powerful presentation on the topic “Empowering Men”. Patrons were also treated to a performance by veteran Barbadian entertainer, the Mighty Gabby. The Hon. Tara Rivers, Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, and Hon. McKeeva Bush, Leader of the Opposition, were in attendance and brought greetings.

Mr. Barker’s award was accepted by his mother on his behalf, since he is away at university in Canada. He says being selected as Man of the Year is a humbling experience, and that he’s looking forward to taking advantage of his prize. He will receive an airline ticket to Barbados; four nights’ accommodation at South Gap Hotel; a rental car for five days, compliments Courtesy Rent-A-Car; a dive for two persons on the Atlantis Submarines; and a tour of the Barbados Concorde Experience for two persons, compliments of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Ms. Gooding expressed appreciation to the prize sponsors in Barbados, as well as the sponsors in Cayman – Sunshine Suites for providing accommodation for the guest speaker; and Man Cave, Fosters Food Fair, Holiday Inn (Grand Caymanian Resort) for the prizes which were awarded to the other finalists in the Man of the Year competition.

The first runner-up is Barbadian musician, George Jones, who was recognised for his contribution to the arts and cultural activities in the Cayman Islands and involvement in local charities. Hylton Grace, a Jamaican national, is second runner-up. He was honoured for his community service, including parenting education training.

Other Independence celebration activities organised by the Barbados Consulate included a church service and luncheon, and a barbeque and games evening.

IMAGES: Lloyd Barker, Winner of Man of the Year 2014

George Jones – 1st Runner Up

Receiving award from Hon. Tara Rivers

Minister of Education, Employment & Gender Affairs