The Cayman Islands Airports Authority announced this week that it has promoted three trainees to air traffic control officers at the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport on Cayman Brac.
The three new officers, Lauryn Bennette, Jose Delgado and Stephen Ebanks, all successfully completed an internationally recognised training programme that took eight months to complete and earned the official designation of licensed air traffic control officers. Their training also included intensive simulator training at Owen Roberts International Airport and an additional six months of on-the-job training at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport.
Ebanks spoke about the rigours of the training programme.
“Those times when you get up early and work hard. Those times when you stay up late and push through. Those times when you don’t feel like working, you’re too tired, you don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway. That is the dream. It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey,” he said.
The trio’s on-the-job training was guided by experienced instructors Rodney Dixon, Perry Norris and Eric Bodden, whose mentorship and support played a pivotal role in preparing them for this significant milestone in their careers.
“Success is no accident,” said new air traffic control officer Delgado. “It comes from hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most of all, a love for what you do or are learning to do. To be an air traffic controller is to be proud, bold, courageous and confident and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Now that they’re fully certified, the three new air traffic control offers can operate independently and assume solo duties in the air traffic control tower at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport.
Bennette said she worked for her success and didn’t just dream about it.
“I stopped doubting myself, put in the hard work, and made it happen,” she said. “Anyone can give up but holding it together when others expect you to fail – that shows true strength.”
Charles Kirkconnell International Airport Manager Joshua Burke said he was “incredibly proud” of the three new air traffic control officers.
“It’s been a privilege to watch Lauryn, Jose and Stephen grow through this demanding process and rise to the challenge,” he said. “Their professionalism, commitment and teamwork throughout training have been impressive.”
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