Fifteen young people have now joined the ranks of over 150 outstanding youth, recognised for their contributions across the Cayman Islands through the annual ‘Proud of Them’ awards programme.
This year’s honourees were named, along with two ‘Rising Stars’ recipients, for their accomplishments across a range of categories at a ceremony, themed ‘Inspiration in Action’, held Wednesday evening at the Kimpton Seafire ballroom.
The awards, organised by the Youth Services Unit and Ministry of Youth, are presented annually to young people who have done outstanding work in areas such as career, sports, academics, business, culture and community service.
Each honouree received a $1,000 cheque, with the rising stars receiving $500, along with billboards featuring their faces placed around Grand Cayman. In 2025, the ministry will launch a social media campaign to highlight their stories.
Young trailblazers
In his opening remarks, Minister of Youth Isaac Rankine noted, “This year, our recipients come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common, their ability to inspire and uplift other Caymanian youth.”
Rankine said, along with celebrating the trailblazers, “May we remember that role models also need encouragement.”
Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Leanni Tibbetts, a ‘Proud of Them’ alumnus, pilot and former Miss World Cayman Islands, who shared her journey of struggle and success, and the importance of never giving up.
“Barriers are not broken in your comfort zone. If you don’t have those supporting you that are closest to you, don’t worry. God sends you reinforcement … God will send you people to help you,” she said.
The dinner-style awards celebration also featured performances by soloist Blu Watler, the UCCI Dancers and soloist Jhenelle Colquhoon.
2024 honourees
Charlotte Webster – Sports
Deirdre Edwards – Academics
Delora Johnson – Sports
Dequan Smith – Culture
Jaedon Hanson – Academics & Community Service
Jhosta Williams – Academics & CultureJordan Crooks – Sports
Karishma Seeram – Academics & Community Service
Katty Powery – Academics & Culture
Micah Leon – AcademicsRaeann Matute-Scott – Academics
Rayne Harding – Culture
Selena Forbes – Academics
Tobias Mejia West – Sports & Community Service
Vanessa Burke – Community Service
James Munroe Jr. – Rising Star, Sports
Samaya Ritch – Rising Star, Academics
Inspiration in action
Among this year’s crop of honourees is Olympic swimmer Jordan Crooks, who at age 11 competed at numerous international meets, including CARIFTA, CCCAN, UANA Island Games, Youth Pan-American Games and Youth Olympic Games. Most recently, he swam in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he finished eighth in the 50-metre freestyle final.
Among his notable achievements were making the 2024 All-SEC First Team, being named 2023 SEC Swimmer of the Year, and taking gold in the 2022 World Swimming Championships in the 50m free.
In his profile, Crooks said, “My family is my biggest support system. Without them I would not be where I am today.”
The competitive swimmer, who also has a passion for fishing, said, “My dream is to one day be able to operate fishing charters, so that I may share my knowledge of the waters with others, young and old.”
Empowering young people
Fellow award winner Vanessa Burke told the Cayman Compass that it was a “humbling surprise” to receive this year’s award recognition for community service.
“I’ve been working tirelessly to ensure young people feel empowered to chase their dreams and know that their voices matter. To be recognised for something that comes from the heart is both unexpected and deeply meaningful,” she said, adding, “I hope this serves as a reminder to the youth of Cayman that, no matter the challenges life brings, resilience and passion can take you far.”
Over the years, Burke has advocated for youth empowerment through various initiatives, earning recognition as a ‘Boyz2Men‘ programme support awardee and being named a Next Generation Leadership Forum awardee.
Burke recently became dean of CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, dedicated to increasing the visibility of young people by engaging with them in their communities.
“Representing the youth of West Bay and the entire Cayman Islands is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. When you give yourself to the service of others, you find purpose in every step,” Burke said.
Love of sports
Tobias Mejia West is being honoured for his contributions in sports and community service.
“I was definitely surprised when I learned that I had won the ‘Proud of Them’ award. It feels amazing to know that my hard work for something I feel so passionate about is being acknowledged locally at this level,” he told the Compass.
From a young age, he immersed himself in sports. But his love for community service also runs deep. He has been a member of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps since 2020.
“I love sports because there is so much thought that goes into every pitch, hit, run, bowl, shot and wicket. It’s really fun to try to analyse and figure out what the players are thinking and what their next move will be … I also love giving back to my community and making a difference in people’s lives [whether] it’s coaching younger athletes, ushering at church, delivering a meal or marching along my fellow cadets.”
West said he plans to use his cash prize to “support my continued involvement in sports and make a donation to one of the charities that I do community service with”.
‘Hard work and perseverance’
EY valuations analyst Jhosta Williams is being recognised for her accomplishments in academics and culture, receiving multiple awards including the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Highest Achiever, valedictorian of the 2021 class of the University College of the Cayman Islands, making UCCI’s President’s List and graduating summa cum laude.
Beyond her studies, Williams is active in her church’s youth programme; she’s a singer and violinist who performs alongside her siblings in church and around the community. In her free time, she enjoys playing football.
Williams told the Compass, “Being recognised feels very rewarding and I am elated to have been given the honour of being a part of an amazing group of young people both recognised in the past and presently for our contributions.
“The award helps to validate the hard work and perseverance that I’ve put into my pursuits and serves as a reminder of the encouragement and support I’ve received from my family, friends and community. It also motivates me to continue striving for excellence and give back to the community that has supported me.”
Originally, the ministry recognised 12 honourees every six months, but in 2019, the programme moved to an annual celebration.
For more on ‘Proud of Them’, visit the Youth Services Unit website.
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