Chamber of Commerce hosts closing reception for Mentoring Cayman 2019

2019 Mentoring Cayman Closing Reception

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand closing ceremony of the 2019 Mentoring Cayman programme on Tuesday, June 25 at Government House – the Governor’s Residences.

The six month programme is a joint partnership with the Ministry of Education, which pairs top achieving students with mentors from Chamber of Commerce member businesses and provides them with career workshops to maximise their potential to become the next generation of business and community leaders.

“Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,000 students have benefitted from being a part of the Mentoring Cayman programme,” Chris Kirkconnell, President of the Chamber of Commerce said. “This year, we had a record 64 students matched with mentors from the public and private sector.”

“The programme serves as an introduction to the many career paths available on island,” Mr. Kirkconnell said. “Not only are students learning invaluable skills that they will need when entering into the working world, but they are also forming relationships with the leaders of Cayman’s business community.”

Dr. Shari Smith from the Scholarship Secretariat, who represented the Honourable Julianna O’Connor-Connolly of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands addressed both the students and the mentors in his speech at the reception.

“Students, I’m sure there is a sense of tremendous honour and accomplishment for reaching this point. To be nominated as a participant in this programme is but only one example of the rewards you can continue to receive as you strive towards excellence,” Dr. Smith said.

Dr. Smith was among the 150 people in attendance at the closing reception where mentees were joined by their mentors, as well as their parents, to commemorate the end of the 2019 programme. Principals and teachers from Cayman Academy, Cayman International School, Cayman Preparatory and High School, Clifton Hunter High School, Grace Christian Academy, Hope Academy, John Gray High School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Triple C School, and Wesleyan Christian Academy were also present to represent their participating schools.

“Mentors, you are to be especially commended for your dedication and positive impact to this important Mentoring Cayman Programme and my Ministry looks forward to the continuation of your valiant participation in the upcoming year,” Dr. Smith said.

“Indeed we are all privileged to be here, undoubtedly amongst our country’s next generation of great leaders.” Other guests included the Deputy Governor, the Honourable Franz Manderson, who represented His Excellency, the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper; as well as representatives from sponsoring companies including Caribbean Alliance Insurance, Cayman Water, Cox Lumber, Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance, and Rocky’s Diamond Gallery.

“Mentoring Cayman continues to epitomise the definition of successful private and public sector partnership, and true corporate social responsibility,” Dr. Smith said.

Mr. Wil Pineau, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce said education was an important focus for the Chamber of Commerce and the Mentoring Cayman programme would remain a critical component of the Chamber’s educational efforts.

The 2020 Mentoring Cayman programme will launch later this year. Those interested in becoming a mentor for the 2020 Programme can contact the Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] for further details.