Cayman Connection is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Making Waves Awards, which recognise Caymanians living abroad who have made outstanding contributions to, and excelled in, their respective fields. Winners include a former NASA scientist and inventor, a budding teaching professional with a passion for education, a global attorney, two students athletes, a neuropsychiastrist, an environmentalist, a tourism ambassador and a performer with an infectious laugh. They all share a love of the Cayman Islands and strive to promote the Cayman community globally. “It is truly special to witness the successes of Caymanians overseas,” said Cayman Connection Executive Director Kate Kandiah. “It’s important to celebrate Caymanians overseas, whether they are students, just starting out in their careers or are accomplished professionals. Caymanians carry Cayman with them everywhere they go. They promote our community globally and these awards create an avenue for them to be recognised at home and stay connected to Cayman.” The awards comprise eight categories, including the Block.one STEM Award, the CIIPA Environment & Sustainability Award, the Davenport Development Arts & Culture Award, the Dart Education Award, the Maples Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award, the Health & Wellness Award, the Sport Award and the Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Award.

This group is an excellent example of Caymanians not only succeeding in their respective fields but promoting their home along the way,” Kandiah said. “There were many others deserving of these awards, which goes to show that a small country like Cayman can produce many highly skilled, high-performing individuals who can succeed and be competitive in much larger jurisdictions. That’s something the people of the Cayman Islands should be proud of and a testament to our strong community.”


The winners were chosen after a public nomination period and a selection process that involved a group of five judges with a diverse range of knowledge, skills and experience across a variety of disciplines. Judges made their determinations using a predetermined scoring matrix based on several sets of criteria which included which included:

Excellence
Promotion of the Cayman Islands and ‘Cayman Kind’ overseas
Entrepreneurialism
Innovation
Teamwork
Passion
Enthusiasm
Community Service and philanthropy

Winners were announced at the Cayman Connection Annual Reception on 24 August at Government House, hosted by H.E the Governor Martyn Roper. A second awards ceremony will take place at the annual Cayman Day in the UK on Saturday, 17 September.

Cayman Connection would like to thank the Making Waves Award sponsors, including Block.one, the Cayman Islands Government UK Office, The Ministry of Financial Services & Commerce, Tower, Dart, Maples Group, the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants, Davenport Development, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, Carey Olsen, Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, DM Financial and Compass Media.

About Cayman Connection
Cayman Connection’s main objectives are to develop a vibrant overseas community for the Cayman Islands diaspora to create meaningful connections, meet like-minded people, grow networks, share resources, introduce skills and knowledge, and access support overseas.