Leaders to lead new leaders on Chamber programme
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has opened applications for its 2011 leadership programme. This year the steering committee is made up of graduates from the first class which was described by the Chamber as a great success. Wil Pineau, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce made the announcement on Thursday morning explaining that Leadership Cayman offers a unique experience for those who take the course providing insight into aspects of Cayman society that people may never in a lifetime otherwise get to see. From the inner workings of the criminal justice system to the inside of the kitchens of the Ritz-Carlton the programme is about understanding Cayman inside and out.
“This is a tremendous opportunity as many of us are in silos within the industries we work, that’s where our friends and relationships are,” Pineau said. “Leadership Cayman takes people outside of their usual fields and offers unique insight into different elements of the community helping future leaders cross the borders of those silos.”
Twenty eight people successfully graduated from the class of 2010 and this year there will be 24places available. The committee chaired by Sandy Cram a graduate of the 2010 course says that the committee is hoping to get a lot more applicants so that they can select the best group of people for the 2011 programme.
The course costs $1950 for Chamber members, $2250 for none members and this year a scholarship will be offered to one candidate. Pineau said the course was fantastic value for money as it was subsidized by the number of corporate sponsors which is why they six month programme was so inexpensive. He said the fee includes everything from course materials tot he cost of the various tours that form part of the programme.
Following the same pattern as the first programme Leadership Cayman consists of 12 seminars and two retreats. The seminars generally take place on a Wednesday evenings and cover a diverse range of topics from the performing arts to government and politics. The idea behind the course is that at each seminar students interact with and question at least three experts in a given field and are able to probe and inquire about the details of their speciality. Whether it’s the director of the hospital or a CEO of a financial services institution the class get a candid look at the industries they represent.
Last year Pineau said Leadership Cayman was able to secure a high calibre of speakers for each seminar however, during the Cayman Islands Government seminar no MLAs were able to attend because of scheduling problems. This year, Pineau says, the dates have been set well ahead of time and the hope is that elected officials will be present.
He pointed out that the support from a divers and interesting selection of speakers was a major part of the course. “The success of the course is dependent on the speakers,” he said explaining that there willingness to talk openly and answer questions about their fields enabled the graduates to gain a greater understand of the Cayman community.
For full details on how to apply for the next programme log on to www.caymanchamber.ky or email: leadershipcayman@caymanchamber.ky or call Joanne Diaz-Berry 949 8090 ext123
Category: Business
Not a bad idea, but who should pay?
Our country would benefit greatly if our MLAs went on this course LOL