Nine Caymanian students and professionals living abroad were celebrated for making significant contributions to their respective fields globally at the third annual Cayman Connection ‘Making Waves’ Awards ceremony on 8 Aug.
The event, held at Cayman Collections Centre in West Bay, featured video remarks from each winner, giving more insight into their work and accomplishments across a range of disciplines, including sports, healthcare, film, aviation, STEM and legal services. Most of the winners live overseas, so family representatives received the awards on their behalf.
‘Nothing is impossible’
Among the awardees present was Hakeem Bush, 34, a former Cayman Airways pilot who now works with Breeze Airways in the US. He received the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Award.
“The award means a great deal,” Bush told the Cayman Compass.
“It really is for future generations for them to see, hey, Cayman is home, Cayman is great, but you know what, there’s a lot of things out there that you can reach for, not even the stars … beyond the stars.
“It’s really to motivate and push the up-and-coming generation to show them that nothing is impossible.”
Attorney Ridhiima Kapoor told the Compass it was a “privilege” and “humbling” to receive the Maples Group Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award.
“As a Caymanian out in Dubai, it’s a very new place and culture, and it’s been a great experience to learn more about the culture in the Middle East, but also to relay about Cayman and the Cayman Islands and Cayman culture abroad as well, not just in the financial and legal services industry but generally about the culture of Cayman and the Caribbean,” she said.
As the managing associate at Ogier in Dubai, she specialises in structuring advice, fund formation and digital asset funds.
Also among awardees was 14-year-old Sebastian Cahajla, an aspiring meteorologist who founded his own weather service and actively educates the community on severe weather preparedness. He completed SKYWARN certification for storm spotting and currently serves as a storm spotter and ambassador for NOAA’s Weather-Ready Nation. He received the Bullish STEM Award (Highly Commended).
Other 2024 Award Winners:
Charlotte Webster – Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage’s Sports Award
Jannet Lawrence – Ministry of Health & Wellness Award
Jazz Pitcairn – Arts, Culture & Heritage Award
Antonio Arch – Dart Education Award
Kessean Mitto – Bullish STEM Award
Hayley Roulstone – Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency’s Environment & Sustainability Award
Each winner received a Caymanite trophy made by Horacio Esteban as well as a $500 bursary to contribute to their professional development and ability to mentor others. The award winners were chosen by a panel of five judges across nine award categories.
“I’m in awe, whether they’re leaving home for a season or for a lifetime. As Caymanians, when we leave our country and go to a foreign country and go to lands near or far, we’re waving our flag and representing our country, and to me, that makes me so Cayman proud,” said Dr. Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, the Cayman Islands representative to the UK who joined the judging panel for the first time, during the event.
She added, “Walking away from the opportunity to sift through and dive into these applications, I was left with this Caymanian-proud feeling in my heart and that was such a wonderful experience.”
In her remarks, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly applauded the organisation’s vision to “connect the Caymanian diaspora to home whilst providing opportunities to improve their quality of life abroad”.
“Even the smallest waves travelling thousands of miles help to shape the shores of distant countries. Your waves have travelled, and there is no doubt about the influence they have in the diaspora,” she said.
“The communities where you live and work witness your positive impacts and successes, enhancing their view of our islands. Your advocacy and passion in your respective fields make our islands and our people shine brighter.”
Ashlea Akinwumi, executive director of Cayman Connection, said the non-profit organisation is a critical platform.
“We give immense activities, both face to face and virtual, and offer support to people, providing an inclusive, fun, family-filled network, ensuring that people feel a sense of hope no matter where they are in the world,” Akinwumi said.
“We also help to socialise the nation, support people’s transition periods, focus on the wholistic wellbeing and development of our members, whether physical, mental or emotional.”
For more on the winners of the 2024 Making Waves Awards, visit the Cayman Connection website.
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