Seeking future captains of commerce

(CNS): The nominations process for The Young Caymanian Leadership Award YCLA 2009 is now open and the Foundation is looking for young Caymanians between the ages of 20 and 35 that demonstrate strong leadership qualities through their personal and professional accomplishments. Anyone may nominate a Caymanian of their choice, including parents, siblings, coworkers, fellow church members, friends or spouses. (Left 2008 winner Stephen Ryan).

The Awards ceremony is now a well-established annual event entering its tenth yea.r The 2009 YCLA will be presented during a gala evening and awards ceremony, which will be televised live on Cayman27 attended by hundreds of Cayman’s top community and business leaders. Determining factors in choosing the winner include character, professional achievements, community involvement and commitment to helping others, said the foundation. “Past academic performance and level of education may be considered but are not a prerequisite for the YCLA,” it said.

The YCLA is decided upon by an Honorary Board composed of 15 prominent Cayman leaders who were selected for participation based on their established positions in the community as well as their ability and willingness to serve as role models for the younger generation. “It is very important to note that the honourary board of directors relies entirely on the community to put forth names of young Caymanians for the YCLA,” said the foundation in a statement.

Previous recipients include Olivaire Watler in 2000, Dax Foster in 2001, Sara in Collins in 2002, Steve Blair in 2003, Cindy Scotland in 2004, Jonathan Tibbetts in 2006, Canover Watson in 2007 and Stephen Ryan in 2008.

YCLA information packages have been forwarded to the human resource departments of major companies. Nomination forms may also be obtained by calling Melissa Wolfe at 916-8335 or emailing ycla@candw.ky or online at www.ycla.ky