Sixteen Caymanians complete Dart hospitality training

Sixteen young Caymanians are stepping confidently into the next chapter of their careers after graduating from the fourth cohort of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme – a four-month journey that blended classroom learning with real-world experience across five of Dart’s premier hotel properties.

The graduates were celebrated in a ceremony held on 9 Oct. at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, marking their transition from trainees to full-time employees in Cayman’s hospitality industry. All members of the cohort have secured full-time employment in the hospitality sector.

‘A life changing experience’

For many of the participants, the programme – a partnership between Dart and Florida-based Lynn University – was a life-changing experience. Several opened their first bank accounts, received their first passports and learned key life skills such as money management and conflict resolution.

“The programme has changed my life in so many ways,” said Destiny McLean, who received an award for customer service.

McLean described the programme as her first step into adulthood, stressing that she didn’t realize how much she would grow.

Hotel tours, Lynn University courses and the practical training were what stood out for her. “I hope what we’ve built continues to flourish long after this programme,” she said.

Daniel Ancel, who won awards for perfect attendance, leadership and customer service, described the experience as transformative. “The tourism immersion tours were unforgettable,” he said. “They gave me a deeper appreciation for how culture, service and teamwork come together to make a destination truly special.”

He described his favourite part of the journey as the opportunity to meet others who were equally as passionate about the hospitality sector.

Ancel, now working at Ave restaurant at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, said his goal is to become a hotel manager one day.

The programme offers participants 30 hours of paid weekly work experience alongside theoretical instruction from Lynn University faculty members.

Participants rotate through Dart’s full hospitality portfolio: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Hampton by Hilton, Bonny Moon Beach Club and Hotel Indigo, Grand Cayman – with additional exposure through partners such as the Academy of Wines and Spirits.

To date, 55 Caymanians have graduated from the programme, many of whom have gone on to secure full-time employment in the hospitality sector.

Celebrating Caymanian excellence

Ben Meade, Dart’s senior manager for communications and content, served as master of ceremonies at the graduation, describing the graduates as “the future authentic ambassadors of the Cayman hospitality experience.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Gary Rutty congratulated the graduates, calling the initiative “a powerful example of what happens when the public and private sectors work hand in hand.”

“You represent the next generation of ambassadors of Cayman’s tourism product,” Rutty said, urging the graduates to keep pushing themselves. “Visitors fall in love with the people who make this place special – us Caymanians.”

Rutty also commended Dart’s “true investment in Cayman’s potential” and thanked the company for “believing in Cayman talent.”

The future of hospitality

Katrina Carter-Tellison, vice president of academic affairs at Lynn University, praised the graduates for their “amazing promise.”

“I’ve enjoyed seeing how successful past graduates have become,” she said, noting that the training that they received would serve them anywhere in the world.

Dianne Conolly, programme manager at Dart, said she had come to see herself as a mother figure to the participants – and the warmth and affection they showed her made it clear the feeling was mutual.

“These are exciting times for the programme – filled with opportunities for learning, growth and discovery,” she said. “The future of hospitality in Cayman is indeed in great hands.”

Enrique Tasende, Dart’s senior vice president of active investments, reminded graduates of the resilience they showed in choosing a demanding career. “When others were on the beach this summer, you chose to learn,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Angelina Brown, recipient of the most improved award, who expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers.