Pageant queens are expected to set an example for young women, not just as ambassadors for their country, but also as leaders in the community.
Leanni Tibbetts, crowned Miss World Cayman Islands on 24 Sept. at the Harquail Theatre, is a shining example of who a modern pageant queen should be. The gracious, elegant young Caymanian, when not wearing her sash, is a pilot for the national airline and a sub-lieutenant for the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps.
Up, up and away
Tibbetts determined that she wanted to become a pilot when she was around 15 years old, but it was an introductory flight with the Cayman Flying Club in 2014 that changed that interest into a burning desire.
“I chose to not only obtain my pilot license, but also pursue a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management with Flight and a minor in Aviation Environmental Science,” Tibbetts says.
It took four years to complete her education, graduating from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2019. In early 2022, she joined Cayman Airways Ltd. and finished her training on the Cayman Airways Express twin otter in September.
Despite the changing times, it is still a fairly unusual sight to see women behind the controls of an aircraft. Tibbetts feels that they should be encouraged to join the industry, and spoke highly of local support for the movement.
“Here in Cayman, we have had three amazing women who have paved the way for female pilots, with me being the fourth,” she says. “Whilst I cannot imagine the [hurdles] those before me have had to overcome to get to where they are today, I am grateful that I now have mentors to whom I can turn for guidance.
“It is important for parents and others in the lives of young ladies to let them know that they can get involved and dominate in any area of their life. Just because you don’t see someone like you there, doesn’t mean that it cannot start with you.”
Cadet Corps
As if flying the friendly skies was not enough, Tibbetts also manages to find the time to serve her country by taking the position of sub-lieutenant in the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps. It appeals to her active nature and love of the outdoors.
“I was very interested in all activities that the organisation had to offer – camping, rappelling, and scuba diving, just to name a few,” she says.
She is hoping that more women sign up as well, in order to provide guidance to others.
“I joined cadets in 2010 and throughout my time, females dominated leadership roles. However, as an adult, there is quite a need for female officers.
“I would love to see more women get involved in the organisation and would be happy to guide them in the process. There are so many young people in the [Cadet Corps] who could truly use a mentor or advisor, and you may very well be that person.”
Miss World Cayman Islands
Now that she has won the title, Tibbetts is eager to hit the ground running and work towards some goals she has in mind.
“I simply want to be the change I wish to see in the Cayman Islands. Being a community-focused individual, my mission is to show people that if we as individuals did one small thing every day to make our community a better place, we would see a whole different Cayman,” she says.
“Whilst this may seem broad, my main areas of focus during my reign will be on climate change and women empowerment.”
Tibbetts is strong in her convictions and feels that faith in God and in herself is the true path to success.
“The most valuable lesson I have learnt from the pageant is that it does not matter if you are different from those who you see in that arena. As long as you put God first, stay true to yourself, surround yourself with a good team, and be the hardest working person in the room, you will achieve your goals.”
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