A graduate student has proposed expanding the Cayman Islands National Museum exhibits to feature the wider Caribbean to attract and engage a more diverse group of visitors.

The results of a survey showed that 67 percent of residents had visited the national museum were likely to return if the exhibits included a diversified range of cultures, according to Andrea Balderamos, an MBA student at the International College of the Cayman Islands. The survey results were part of the research paper Ms. Balderamos presented at the 50-50 Caribbean Conference in coordination with UCCI and the University of West Indies last month.

“Instead of focusing on demographic differentiation and the ability to recall facts, the museum would benefit from incorporating cultural histories, ties and variation into their exhibitions, showing how Caymanian culture came to be,” said Ms. Balderamos, referring to the “melting pot” of nationalities and cultures in these islands.

Moreover, broadening the exhibits to include the wider Caribbean would make the national museum a more compelling attraction to cruise ship tourists. Ms. Balderamos argued that many tourists are attracted to diverse offerings such as the Smithsonian group of 19 museums in Washington D.C. and other world class facilities.

Ms. Balderamos’ research was one of four MBA students’ papers presented at the 50-50 Caribbean Conference.

“All too often, excellent research done by graduate students does not get published,” said International College Graduate Studies Director, Anthony Husemann, PhD. “But the 50-50 Conference provided a platform to put some of this exceptional academic work in the public domain, where it can generate thought provoking discussion and debate. What stands out, is that each ICCI graduate student’s research focused on benefiting the Cayman Islands in some way.”

Another MBA student, Lancelot Barnes discussed his research in hosting major sporting events in Cayman as a pathway to stimulate the economy. When including merchandise, sporting events is one of the biggest revenue makers in the world.

“Human nature dictates that it is a tool that is here to stay and despite economic pressures, it is one thing that man refuses to give up,” said Mr. Barnes. “People travel all over the world to watch sporting activities.”

He added that Cayman playing host to the CARIFTA Games, a prestigious track and field event in 2010 was a successful example as a sporting event as an economic stimulant.

“If Cayman becomes more involved in vetting sports programmes on a regional scale, sports hold promise for the future growth of the Cayman Islands’ economy,” said Mr. Barnes.

The driving factors behind the slow adaption of solar energy sources in the Cayman Islands was explored by MBA student Charles Bodden. His research was very topical given that electricity plays a big part in the high cost of living and doing business in the Cayman Islands.

MBA student Melisa Bent-Hamilton’s research examined the benefit of calculating the economic value on the coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems as part of its overall impact on the Cayman Islands economy.

In addition to the four MBA students’ presentations, Dr. Husemann discussed his field research in the South Sound and the chemical factors that could be hindering the mangroves from growing back after Hurricane Ivan devastated them over seven years ago.

Dean Scott Cummings and Director of Special Projects Kathleen Cummings discussed their research on the trends in higher female enrolment in colleges and universities in the Caribbean. Rather than looking at gender disparity as a crisis point, they specifically looked at the beneficial influence that female students have on the overall learning environment of colleges and universities.

“Based on the limited studies to date, which have shown that in classes with a majority female population, the overall academic achievement by all students male and female was higher,” said Mr. Cummings. “This paper generated a lot of discussion regarding the scope of the proposed study and how it could be done.”