The Wick Candles & Scents, in partnership with Ted Green and Women’s Haven, has named Dejea Lyons as the inaugural recipient of the Las Tortugas Scholarship Award.
The scholarship, valued at US$4,000, was launched earlier this year in celebration of The Wick Candles & Scents’ 10th anniversary, in collaboration with entrepreneurs Tedrick Green and Melesia Adderley. It aims to support young Caymanians in pursuing tertiary education, with the inaugural cycle drawing an impressive pool of applicants.
Lyons distinguished herself through her academic achievements, leadership and vision for the Cayman Islands’ future. In her application essay, she wrote:
“Winning this grant would have a transformative impact on my ability to pursue postgraduate studies and contribute meaningfully to the future of environmental governance in the Cayman Islands. As a generational Caymanian, my commitment to environmental protection is not merely academic; it is deeply personal. It is rooted in the urgent need to preserve my homeland’s natural heritage in the face of growing environmental threats, particularly climate change.”
She will use the award as a part of her pursuit of a master’s of science degree in environment, politics and society at University College London, where she plans to focus on environmental governance and climate resilience for small islands and developing states.
Her passion for sustainability has already taken her to international platforms. She has represented the Cayman Islands at COP26 and COP28 as part of the UK Overseas Territories Youth Delegation, speaking on panels about climate finance and the vulnerabilities of small islands. Beyond academics, her dedication extends into the arts, where her years in competitive dance have honed her discipline, collaboration and resilience.
“This grant represents more than just financial aid. It is an investment in the future of a small island community fighting to adapt and survive,” she wrote. “It would empower me to continue building the knowledge, skills and networks needed to create lasting change in the Cayman Islands. With your support, I am prepared to return home and help lead the urgent transformation our islands need, building a future where greed does not come at the cost of our environment and every Caymanian’s voice shapes the path to sustainability.”
Kimberley Antonette Conolly, founder of The Wick Candles & Scents, expressed pride in the scholarship’s first awardee: “Her dedication to protecting our islands and amplifying Caymanian voices on global stages embodies the spirit of this scholarship. We are honoured to invest in her future and, through her, in the future of Cayman.”
The Las Tortugas Scholarship committee proudly congratulates Dejea, whose dedication to environmental stewardship and academic excellence represents the hope and resilience of the Cayman Islands’ next generation.
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