YCLA officials issue last call for 2012 nominations

(CNS): There is only one week remaining for the Cayman public to nominate candidates for next year’s Young Caymanian Leadership Award 2012. Anyone may nominate a Caymanian a between the ages of 20 and 35 including employers, employees, parents, siblings, coworkers, fellow church members, friends or spouses.  “There are so many young leaders that deserve the recognition, but it is up to the public to take the time and nominate them for the YCLA,” said Melissa Wolfe. “The Foundation relies entirely on the community to bring our young Caymanians to the forefront.” (Photo by David Wolfe)

Every year, five finalists are selected from the nominations that are collected from the community.  All five are honoured during the annual gala evening awards ceremony, which is televised live on Cayman27 when the recipient is announced on live TV.

The event, which sells out every year, is attended by hundreds of Cayman’s top community and business leaders.  “The Foundation has received outstanding submissions over the years and we highly encourage people to resubmit those applications for the 2012 Award,” added Wolfe. 

“Those candidates have continued to show leadership qualities that should be honoured and recognized.”

2000 YCLA recipient Olivaire Watler said the award presented an opportunity to recognize and celebrate young leaders not simply for their own sakes, “but as sources of inspiration for our youth who are beset by so many negative influences in our society today."

The managing director of CIMA who won the award in 2004 said the opportunity to hold the  YCLA title is an honour and a privilege.

“It is a platform that mustbe used to positively influence our young people but also it is the one avenue which is certain to bring the recognition to the many Young Caymanians who have contributed and who will continue to contribute to the development of our country.
2004 YCLA recipient,” said Cindy Scotland

Canover Watson chair of the HSA who won in 2007 said  the country’s young leaders need support.

“Please nominate one of our shining stars for the YCLA so they can burn bright for all our young people to see that they too can reach for the stars,” he said.

YCLA will be accepted only until Tuesday, November 15h, 2011.  Anyone interested in nominating a young Caymanian between the ages of 20 and 35 are encouraged to act now and contact Melissa Wolfe at ycla@candw.ky.

Officials also pointed out that if a candidate has been nominated in the past, the nomination must be resubmitted for consideration for the 2012 YCLA.  Nomination forms may also be obtained by emailing ycla@candw.ky or online at www.ycla.ky