Scores of young people are now undertaking summer internships throughout the Cayman Islands government. The continuing programme this year benefits 250 students who are in Year-10 or above, including those on government scholarships.

Of these, six summer interns have been placed in Government Information Services after stating public relations and marketing – including  graphic design and television –  as their areas of interest.

One high school student, Shenea Whittaker, noted, “I wanted to gain work experience and learn something new.” After the summer, she will transition into the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre.

Over a four-week period all of the public service internships will gain an introduction to the inner-workings of the civil service, as well as exposure to various offices which correspond to the students’ areas of interest.

Kathy Gonzalez, who is working in GIS’ Gazette/administration area, said, “I am extremely interested in marketing, so this is a very relevant area.”

Two other interns, Aimee Welcome and Amy Gonzalez, are assigned to the graphic design section of GIS; while Shanice Kelly, who has an interest in public relations, is kept busy working in the Information Officers’ section.

Another young person, Ashani Francis-Collins, is enjoying writing assignments. “This internship is giving me an insight into the workforce in Cayman, and how my degree can be used.” She will soon begin studies at University of Toronto.

In other ministries and departments throughout government, interns are similarly gaining valuable experience and developing skills in their desired fields.

Photos by intern Shanice Kelly and Information Officer Lennon Christian.