Now in its third year, the Making Waves Awards honour Caymanian students and professionals abroad who have made remarkable contributions and excelled in their fields, promoting Cayman globally.

Spearheaded by Cayman Connection, this initiative celebrates the Cayman Islands, its culture, and its people. Award winners are chosen by a panel of five judges across nine award categories.

Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage Sports Award

Charlotte Webster

Charlotte Webster

Charlotte Webster qualified for the Olympic Games in sailing, representing the Cayman Islands at the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris. She is one of the few young Caymanian women to achieve this feat in sailing. Her qualification was based on her exceptional performance at the PanAm Games in 2023, making her only the third Caymanian female to represent the islands in sailing at the Olympics.

Ministry of Health & Wellness Award

Jannet Lawrence

Jannet Lawrence

Caymankind women opens her home to those in need of healthcare off island.

Jannet Lawrence is a true example of Caymankind. Jannet regularly opens her home and goes above and beyond to cater for vulnerable Caymanians who have to travel overseas to the US to access their required healthcare and for those in need during crisis periods.

ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE Award

Jazz Pitcairn

Jazz Pitcairn

Jazz Pitcairn is a pioneering television and film writer, celebrated for her work highlighting Caymanian heritage. As the first Caymanian to write for an American network television show, Jazz has broken barriers and paved the way for future artists. Her short film ‘Ivan,’ a poignant portrayal of a significant event in Caymanian history, has been selected for numerous Oscar-qualifying festivals and received critical acclaim. Jazz’s storytelling prowess has garnered Emmy and NAACP nominations, making her a prominent figure in promoting Caymanian culture on an international stage.

Dart Education Award

Antonio Arch

Antonio Arch

Antonio Arch is an outstanding scholar, published author, and lead of the Cayman Connection Book Club bringing Caymanians together overseas to read and discuss diasporic and Caribbean culture. As a PhD researcher at the Department of Comms & Humanities at the University of Huddersfield in the UK, he has co-chaired two graduate research conferences and excels as a content specialist.

Bullish STEM Award

B1 STEM Award - Dr. Charlotte Hinds

Kessean Mitto

Kessean Mitto is the first and youngest Caymanian to pursue a PhD in Mathematical Science (Statistics). He has made significant contributions to education and public health forecasting, organised free tutoring for disadvantaged students, and served as a lecturer at UCCI. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the National Working Group for Forecasting COVID-19 Resources & Response, along with his active role in community service through the Rotaract Club, showcases his dedication to both academia and public health.

Bullish stem HIGHLY COMMENDED

Sebastian Cahajia

Sebastian Cahajia

At 14, Sebastian Cahajia is an aspiring meteorologist who founded his own weather service and actively educates the community on severe weather preparedness. He has completed Skywarn certification and serves as a storm spotter and ambassador for the Weather Ready Nation.

Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Environment

& Sustainability Award

Hayley Roulstone

Hayley Roulstone

Hayley Roulstone advocates for environmental policy reform and Indigenous inclusion.

With a master’s degree from the University of Sussex, she has worked on significant projects in Vancouver, Canada, promoting sustainable development and reconciliation. Her work contributes to many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially Reduced Inequality, Sustainable Cities, and Peace and Justice.

Maples Group Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award

Maples Group Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award - Kamala Murugesu

Ridhiima Kapoor

Ridhiima Kapoor, managing associate at Ogier in Dubai, specializes in structuring advice, fund formation, and digital asset funds. She advises on regulatory compliance, securities licensing, and general corporate matters, bringing a wealth of experience from her diverse legal background. She has also been involved in significant secondments and holds several key memberships and roles within the legal and finance sectors.

Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Award

Hakeem Bush

Hakeem Bush

Hakeem Bush, a pilot for Cayman Airways, obtained his commercial pilot license at 18.

He has flown the A380, the world’s largest commercial airplane, as the first Caymanian to do so. Now with Breeze Airlines in the US, he continues to mentor aspiring pilots and advocate for Caymanian talent globally.

Thank you to our Judges

MARZETA BODDEN

Deputy Director, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

SHOMARI SCOTT

Chief Business Officer, Health City

SHEREE EBANKS

Chief Executive Officer, CIIPA

WINSTON CONOLLY

Managing Partner of Chancery ESG Ltd, Cayman (CEL)

DR TASHA EBANKS GARCIA

The Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

Making Waves Awards Supporting Sponsor CUC

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR