This year’s Young Caymanian Leadership Award was given to Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Director Shomari Scott.
Mr. Scott saluted his fellow finalists, saying, “This is not a competition, but a celebration.”
In addition to Mr. Scott, the finalists were Michael Blackburn, Marzeta Bodden, Victor Crumbley and Melanie Scott.
The theme of the event, held Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, was “Be The Difference Now”, inspired by the famous statement by Mahatma Gandhi.
Last year’s recipient Garth Arch said many people who want to make a difference are waiting until a pivotal moment of great importance arises. “True difference can not only be made in those rare moments. It can be made in the acts of our daily lives,” he said.
Ministry of Education programme coordinator Michael Myles works with some 400 at-risk Caymanian children through the government’s BEST initiative, and some 1,400 Caymanian children through the government’s after school programmes. He said the government is doing what it can, but funding is a major issue and the public sector can’t do it alone.
“Our country is at a crossroads. We need every citizen to stand up and be counted. We must support our young people as they face global challenges and competitiveness,” he said.
US military veteran and former Florida congressman Allen West keynoted the event. He said the key to “being the difference” is leadership, which he said is based on the “five Cs” – courage, competence, commitment, conviction and character.
Young Caymanian Leadership Award board chairman Roy McTaggart announced the launch of the group’s Speakers Bureau, featuring programme alumni.
This year’s finalists come from a variety of backgrounds. Mr. Scott is the head of a government department. Mr. Blackburn is pursuing his associate degree at University College of the Cayman Islands and is after school assistant and a youth leader for John Gray Memorial United Church. Ms Bodden is a senior marketing executive at Appleby law firm. Mr. Crumbley runs Dash Strategies, a social marketing company aimed at addressing youth development issues. Ms Scott is a teacher at Creek and Spot Bay Primary School (Infants) in Cayman Brac.
Related Videos
