Public Invited to Vote as Making Waves Awards Introduces Inaugural People’s Choice Award

Caymanians at home and abroad are being invited to help decide the recipient of the inaugural Making Waves People’s Choice Award, a new addition to the 2026 Making Waves Awards programme.

For the first time in the awards’ five-year history, members of the public can cast their vote for one outstanding individual from among this year’s shortlisted finalists, giving the community a direct voice in celebrating Caymanian excellence on the global stage.

Created by Cayman Connection, the Making Waves Awards recognise Caymanians living overseas who are making exceptional contributions across a wide range of industries, while proudly representing the Cayman Islands internationally.

Following a rigorous judging process, finalists have now been selected across nine award categories:

• Arts, Culture & Heritage
• STEM sponsored by CUC
• Education sponsored by Ministry of Education & Training
• Inclusion
• Financial, Legal & Professional Services sponsored by Maples Group
• Environment & Sustainability sponsored by Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability
• Health & Wellness sponsored by Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability
• Sports sponsored by Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
• Tourism, Travel & Hospitality sponsored by Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development

While category winners will continue to be selected by an independent panel of judges, the People’s Choice Award places one final decision in the hands of the public.

“Every finalist has an inspiring story of perseverance, innovation, leadership and service,” said Ashlea Akinwumi (nee Webster), Cayman Connection Executive Director. “The People’s Choice Award gives our community the opportunity to celebrate the individual whose journey has resonated most with them. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read the finalists’ stories, learn about their remarkable achievements and cast their vote.”