‘Remember Remember the 5th November’? We certainly will this year with over 45 Cayman students getting together at the all new Cayman Islands Government Office in London on Saturday!
Every year the Honourable Premier Alden McLaughlin hosts a reception for Cayman students studying in the UK.
This year, the students were treated to a brand new venue as the Government Offices have moved to 34 Dover Street.
Guests were treated to drinks and Caribbean food inclining patties, jerk chicken wings, salt fish vole au vents, festival and of course, rumcake!
Kate Kandiah opened the evening with a welcome and shared updates from CCUK, including presenting CCUK’s first Annual Review, which showcases the history of CCUK, profiles of Friends of Cayman who can offer support, upcoming events, and tips for Cayman students in the UK. Ms Kandiah reminded students how important it was to register online on the CCUK website to ensure that they are receiving newsletters and and reminded them to stay engaged with the Facebook page and Facebook group as information and updates from students can be posted there. It was announced that road trips to visit students around the country would take place in conjunction with the Government Office and christmas drinks were to be organised for those students who could not make it home for Christmas this year.
The new Cayman Islands Government Representative in the UK, Mr Eric Bush then addressed the students to the new offices, updated them on the functions of the London Office, and welcomed them to use the offices any time, he reminded them of the importance of voting in the upcoming election in Cayman, advised them how to register to vote and spoke about the constituencies Cayman.
The Honourable Premier closed the evening with Remarks about his visit to the UK and updates on much positive progress in Cayman.
The annual reception is a time for student to meet up, relax in a comforting homely environment and have a taste of home when in the UK. It is also an occasion for student new to the UK to get to know Caymanians who have been in the UK for a long time, and get support and guidance.
One student commented about the event:
“Having an evening surrounded by Caymanian accents is like music to my ears. The event was well organised and the food was awesome!”
We look forward to the festive season and welcome new members to CCUK!
