DEBRA SEARLE TO SPEAK AT OCTOBER 17 YCLA 2015 AWARDS

George Town, September 28, 2015 – The Young Caymanian Leaders Foundation announces its special guest speaker, Debra Searle at this year’s YCLA event, to be held on October 17 at the Ritz Carlton. The event marks the 15-year anniversary of the YCLA programme, which was created to recognise outstanding young leaders who serve as role models for the youth of Cayman.

One woman, one boat; 111 days at sea; 3,300 miles; one amazing journey

In her remarks, Debra Searle, MVO, MBE, will tell the fascinating story of her solo journey rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.

Debra began the voyage with her husband, but after just a few days at sea, he developed a crippling phobia of open water and had to be rescued. Debra, a novice rower, decided to continue alone and rowed more than 3,000 miles from Tenerife to Barbados to reach her goal. It should have taken six weeks but, given the challenges, Debra ended up spending 3 1⁄2 months at sea alone, encountering 30-foot waves, sharks, and force 8 squalls in her 23-foot plywood boat.

In her speech, Debra will reveal the strategies she used to succeed, inviting the audience to experience some of the heartbreaking lows and unbelievable highs that were part of her journey-of-a-lifetime.

Chris Duggan, Director of the YCLF, says, “Debra Searle personifies many of the key attributes of a great leader, notably the determination to take on a challenge and succeed against all odds, to overcome fear and rise above every obstacle. We are delighted she will join us as we celebrate the 15-year history of the YCLA programme and shine a spotlight on our five amazing finalists for this year’s milestone award.”

The YCLA 2015 Finalists

Taylor Burrowes-Nixon, 36, of George Town

Robbie Crib, 25, of South Sound

Rebekah Jefferson, 33, of West Bay

Kellie McGee, 27, of Savannah

Stephen Watler, 35 , of Savannah

Tickets Available

Tickets for YCLA 2015 are selling quickly, and those who wish to attend are encouraged to secure their reservations by emaiing [email protected]. The cost is $250 per person. Corporate tables of ten are also available for $2,500. Tickets can be collected at Celebrations in Camana Bay.

Doors open for the reception at 6 pm. At 6:45, doors are closed to accommodate the live telecast that is aired on Cayman 27. Doors re-open at p.m. for the remainder of the evening.

2015 Sponsors

The Foundation thanks this year’s sponsors, including Dart, PricewaterhouseCoopers; CNB; KPMG; Progressive Distributors; Baraud International; Celebrations; The Ritz Carlton; and the Tibbetts Family Foundation (JEM).

About YCLA

Celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year, the Young Caymanian Leadership Awards programme has as its mission to identify, celebrate and honour outstanding young leaders in the community who, through their actions, behaviour and leadership, serve as role models for the youth of Cayman.

Candidates are nominated each year from members of the public and are open to any Caymanian between the ages of 20 and 35.