Ten Caymanians have been named as recipients of the second annual Cayman Connection Making Waves Awards for their achievements overseas.
The winners, announced at the National Gallery on Thursday, 10 Aug., include filmmaker Frank E. Flowers, environmental activist Dejea Lyons, bush medicine expert Sandy Gray, swimmer Jordan Crooks, catalyst for inclusion Taneil Lee, chef Jordy Rankine, business development manager Kamala Murugesu, respiratory equipment provider Roberto Silva; zoonotic disease expert Dr. Brandy Darby; and scientific researcher Dr. Charlotte Hinds.
Categories were awarded in a variety of fields, including arts and culture; STEM; environment and sustainability; sports; financial, legal and professional services; education; health and wellness; tourism, travel and hospitality; and inclusion.
“Through our awards programme, we celebrate the diverse Cayman community who are making waves across the globe, Ashlea Smith, executive director of Cayman Connection, said in a statement.
“The ceremony was a heartwarming event which brought our nominees, sponsors, and supporters together to congratulate the deserving winners, Caymankind style. We at Cayman Connection are delighted to provide this platform shining a light on the successes of those making strides in their respected field and making Cayman proud no matter their distance from home.”
The following list and biographies was provided by Cayman Connection, the UK-based not-for-profit membership organisation that works to connect a global community of Caymanians, friends and associates of the Cayman Islands.
The awards
Davenport Development Arts and Culture Award – Frank E Flowers
Flowers is a pioneering Caymanian in the world of film, renowned for his impactful work as a writer, director, and producer. His films have not only put Cayman on the global map but also reflect the essence of the islands.
He is chairman of the Cayman Islands Film Commission and has received multiple awards internationally for his work. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Flowers serves as a dedicated advocate for his homeland, actively showcasing his work and contributing through his family’s business.
His commitment to storytelling and promoting Cayman’s identity exemplifies his role as a cultural ambassador.
Dart Education Award – Sandy Gray
With a specialisation in phytochemistry and a passion for ‘bush medicine,’ Gray has taught and mentored thousands of students worldwide, fostering a generation of future leaders in pharmacy and science.
His extensive research on plant medicines, traditional medicines, and forest use has yielded more than 400 research papers, contributing significantly to scientific knowledge. Gray’s commitment to preserving Cayman’s botanical treasures for future generations further underscores his dedication to education and the environment.
Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Environment and Sustainability Award – Dejea Lyons
Lyons, a prominent environmental activist and editor of the global magazine OH-Wake, passionately promotes environmental consciousness worldwide. Her endeavours advocate for sustainable change and enhanced community involvement.
A pivotal contributor to global climate discussions, she is co-founder and vice president of ‘Protect our Future in Cayman’, exemplifying her local leadership.
On the global arena, her role was particularly noteworthy at COP26 as a youth delegate, where she promoted ocean health and earned commendations for her unwavering commitment.
Maples Group Financial, Legal and Professional Services Award – Kamala Murugesu
With a remarkable career trajectory from business development executive to business development manager at Harney’s in London, Murugesu’s dedication and expertise have paved the way for her to become a valuable bridge between Cayman and the UK legal landscape.
Her role in fostering connections and dispelling misconceptions about the jurisdiction have established her as a true ambassador for Cayman. Murugesu’s active involvement in promoting Caymanian culture and serving as a role model for young Caymanians further highlights her commitment to her homeland.
Co-winner of the Health and Wellness Award – Roberto Silva
With an unwavering commitment to improving respiratory care, Silva’s contributions have touched the lives of thousands, as he designs, supplies, and installs crucial medical oxygen systems.
His work has garnered recognition from prestigious institutions, including the US State Department and the Health Services Authority in the Cayman Islands. From enhancing healthcare facilities in Haiti to increasing respiratory care capacity in the Turks and Caicos Islands during the pandemic, Silva’s expertise and dedication have left a lasting imprint on multiple communities.
Co-winner of the Health and Wellness Award – Dr. Brandy Darby
Now the director of the Division of Surveillance and Investigation, Darby has notably advanced her career due to her dedication to combating zoonotic diseases.
Some of her notable accomplishments include leading the public communications branch of the state Health Information Team during the COVID-19 pandemic, including serving as the subject matter expert for SARS-CoV-2 variants for the state of Virginia’s COVID-19 pandemic.
She serves as a positive role model for young Caymanians interested in science, medicine, public health, and epidemiology.
The Pearinder Foundation Inclusion Award – Taneil Lee
Lee champions diversity and inclusion in healthcare, targeting racial disparities and advocating for medical equality. With accomplishments including boosting breastfeeding rates among women of colour at the University of South Florida and presently studying for a Master’s at Newcastle University Medical School, her dedication is clear.
Lee’s pursuits include championing culturally-aware patient care, endorsing the Physician Associate role in the Cayman Islands, and researching preeclampsia factors in Black women. Her persistent dedication establishes her as a pivotal advocate for change in medical inclusivity and equity.
Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Sports Award – Jordan Crooks
Crooks has become a trailblazing athlete in swimming, leaving a mark on Cayman’s sporting history. His achievements, including being the 2022 World Champion in the 50-metre freestyle at the World Short Course Swimming Championships, have gained him international recognition.
He made history as the first Caymanian to win a medal at the Swimming World Championships, and his dedication led to NCAA Championship victories and breaking the 18-second barrier in the 50-yard freestyle. Jordan’s exceptional accomplishments highlight his prowess in the pool and elevate Cayman’s reputation globally.
B1 STEM Award – Dr. Charlotte Hinds
Hinds stands out in the global STEM arena. Educated at notable institutions like University College London and Imperial College London, her expertise has led to pivotal advancements in research.
As a principal scientist at both Zihipp Ltd. and Imperial College, she has made substantial contributions to innovative research on obesity and diabetes solutions.
Outside her scientific endeavours, Hinds’ devotion to community is evident. She commits her time to the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation and plays a leading role in a London-based Homeless Project, showcasing her holistic approach to impact and service.
Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Award – Jordy Rankine
Rankine, a dynamic and accomplished culinary professional, has shown exceptional dedication throughout his 12-year career. Overcoming obstacles, he stands as an inspiring role model for fellow Caymanians.
Notably featured on the Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ and serving as Timberland’s personal chef, Rankine’s talents shine. His success exemplifies his culinary expertise and his role as a representative of Cayman in the fields of tourism, travel and hospitality.
The winners were chosen after a public nomination period and a selection process that involved a group of five judges with a diverse range of knowledge, skills and experience across a variety of disciplines.
Judges Marzeta Bodden, deputy director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Shomari Scott, chief business officer at Health City Cayman Islands; Sheree Ebanks, chief executive officer of CIIPA; Winston Conolly, managing partner of Chancery ESG Ltd, Cayman; and Chris Duggan, representative to North America, Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce made their determinations using a predetermined scoring matrix based on several sets of criteria.
That criteria included: excellence; promotion of the Cayman Islands and ‘Caymankind’ overseas; entrepreneurialism; innovation; teamwork; passion; enthusiasm; and community service and philanthropy.
A second awards ceremony will take place at the annual Cayman Day in the UK on Sunday, 24 Sept.
To watch the award winners’ videos, click here.
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