Awards up for grabs for the shape of things to come

The search is on to find the Cayman Islands’ top talent in the design and building industry. 

The call for nominations went out at the launch of the 2011 Governor’s Award for Design & Construction Excellence in the Cayman Islands. 

The Governor’s Award is a joint initiative of Cayman Society of Architects, Surveyors and Engineers and the Cayman Contractors Association. 

At a cocktail reception hosted by Cayman First on its rooftop terrace at Harbour Place, Garth Arch, who chairs the Governor’s Award Planning Committee, said he was excited to see the award programme develop into its second year. 

“The Governor’s Award celebrates the work of our talented project teams and their indispensable contribution to the development of these islands,” he said.  

“In addition, the award inspires us to embrace innovation and overcome challenges to create an outstanding and sustainable built environment for Cayman.” 

Although most of the submission guidelines have not changed from last year, Mr. Arch said the categories for nominations had changed from small and large projects to residential and commercial projects. 

CASE Chairman Craig Nixon said it is hoped the Governor’s Award will become Cayman’s preeminent award for excellence in the construction industry. 

“Winning the award is a great honour, and one to be proud of,” he said. 

Cayman Contractors Association Chairman Rayal Bodden said the award was open to projects large and small. 

“Projects only need to demonstrate why they are special in any one or more areas of environmental friendliness, Caymanian style, uniqueness or any other aspect that the team feels is important,” he said. 

Governor Duncan Taylor, who is one of the judges in the competition, said he was pleased to be able to focus on something more constructive in the community than all the crime that had been occurring recently.  

He said he was extremely impressed by the nominations and particularly the finalists in 2010, so much so that last year the judges couldn’t decide a winner, so two awards were given. 

Mr. Taylor said that building excellence could affect the daily lives of people in Cayman, just as moving into the new Government Administration Building had affected his. 

“I find it really a top-class environment to work in,” he said.  

“I believe good design makes for a really good environment to work in. 

“It’s attractive on the outside as well as an attractive and functional building on the inside.” 

Mr. Taylor presented plaques to last year’s two winners.  

John Macmillan, the administrator of Elmslie Memorial Church, accepted on behalf of that building, and architect Burns Conolly accepted on behalf of the Camana Bay Town Centre. 

Michael Gayle, president and CEO of Cayman First – the Governor’s Award launch event sponsor – spoke of the need for design and construction excellence in Cayman. 

“Having served the island’s insurance needs for over 25 years, we’ve witnessed first hand the importance of quality design and construction,” he said, noting that Cayman First provided service to many of the construction industry companies represented at the event, and that others provided services to Cayman First. 

“So we do feel to be an integral part of this industry,” he said. 

The deadline for nomination submissions is 17 November 2011, at which time the governor will announce the panel of judges.  

The award function will take place on 30 November 2011 at the governor’s house. 

For more information about the award, email: [email protected].