Young boat mechanic awarded maritime scholarship

(CNS): Christopher Delaney is the recipient of this year’s specialist maritime Gwen Bush Memorial Scholarship. The college fund is awarded annually to young Caymanians pursuing studies in the boat building trade and other maritime careers. Delaney has been accepted at the International Yacht Restoration School and will be focusing on a Marine Systems Certificate 1 Year Programme. The course will teach him to install, troubleshoot, maintain and repair the major systems found in power and sail boats and is partnered with the American Boat and Yacht Council.

Delany has been working at Compass Marine Ltd from the time he was in high school repairing boats of all sizes. “I am very thankful for this opportunity and would also like to thank Compass Marine for pushing me in the right direction,” he said when he received his award named in honour of Gwen Bush who dedicated years of service to Caymanian seamen during the “Southwell” years of shipping in the Cayman Islands. The award is a collaboration between the Seafairers Association and the education ministry.

“The Maritime industry is a huge part of our country’s history and it is important that we celebrate and honour it, and help in any way possible, our young people who wish to continue on the tradition and have a career in this field,” said Minister for Education Rolston Anglin. “I wish Christopher all the best in his certification.”

For more information on the scholarship please visit www.education.gov.ky or email the Scholarships Secretariat at scholarships@gov.ky