By Compass Contributor Christopher Tobutt
Elegance and applause filled the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort on Friday, 19 Sept. as the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) hosted the 2025 Stingray Tourism Awards, honouring the stars of Cayman’s tourism industry.
More than 140 guests gathered in the ballroom, including government officials, hospitality leaders and tourism professionals from all three islands.
CITA President Sharlene Brenkus captured the spirit of the evening: “We are immensely proud of the 34 nominees recognised for their outstanding contributions. Their dedication to service is what makes our islands so extraordinary.”
The awards rolled out with flair, beginning with Employees of the Year. Verona McLean of Cayman Brac Beach Resort was honoured for the Accommodations category, while Armand Dilbert of Saint June at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman won for the Restaurants category. Jevon Nickelson of Dollar/Thrifty Auto Rental earned the Transportation category award and Ragime Powery of Divetech was celebrated for the Watersports category. Most of the awards were presented by Miss Cayman Islands Universe First Runner-Up Genesis Ryan.
Next came the Managers of the Year, spotlighting leadership across the industry. Sandrine Dixneuf, spa director at The Ritz-Carlton won in the Accommodations category; Joan Walsh-Simms of Seven Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton for the Restaurants category; Nicci Paul of Red Sail Sports for the Watersports category, and Archie Whittaker of Cayman Crystal Caves for the Allied/Attractions category.
The Rising Star award went to Gustavo Noborikawa of Grand Cayman Marriott Resort, whose enthusiasm and talent signal a bright future.
The emotional high point of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Cabinet Minister Jay Ebanks to Ivan Farrington, honoured for his decades of visionary service in shaping Cayman’s tourism legacy.
“Mr. Farrington’s contributions reflect dedication and a deep, enduring love for Cayman,” said Brenkus, as the audience rose in a heartfelt standing ovation.
The celebratory evening served as a sparkling tribute to the more than 14,000 individuals who make Cayman’s tourism industry world-class.
Christopher Tobutt is a freelance journalist who has written for various publications in the Cayman Islands since 2003.
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I remember Ragime Powery when he was 10 years old and started hanging out at Divetech and he wanted to learn to snorkel. Ragime was given mask, snorkel and fins. He was guided by a Divetech instructor and he was overwhelmed with joy after his first introduction to the underwater world of his native country, Cayman….