YCLA seeks nominations for annual gongs

(CNS): Nominations are now open for this year’s Young Caymanian Leadership Award, officials from the organization have announced. The annual awards ceremony depends entirely on public nominations and the foundation said people can begin to recommend young Caymanians now and up until the deadline for submissions which is 1 November. For the first time, officials stated, people can nominate directly on line. Nominees must be between the ages of 20 and 35 for the 2013 awards ceremony which is now in its 14th year. The gala dinner will take place on Saturday 23rd March at the Ritz-Carlton when the board’s choice will be announced.

“We rely entirely on the community to nominate young Caymanians for the YCLA,” said Melissa Wolfe of the Leadership Foundation as she urged people to send in their choices of those who deserve recognition. “Everyone knows an outstanding leader that deserves recognition.  The onus is on each individual to ensure that special person is nominated and therefore eligible for the Award.”

Anyone may nominate a young Caymanian, including parents, siblings, coworkers, fellow church members, friends or spouses.  Nominees for the YCLA however, must demonstrate strong leadership qualities through their personal and professional accomplishments.  Determining factors include character, professional achievements, community involvement and commitment to helping others.

“Well-rounded and dedicated leaders surround us every day and they are effective role models for our younger generation.  The Foundation was created so that the public can identify and honour them with a nomination,” Wolfe said.

Previous recipients include Olivaire Watler in 2000, Dax Foster in 2001, Sara Collins in 2002, Steve Blair in 2003, Cindy Scotland in 2004, Jonathan Tibbetts in 2006, Canover Watson in 2007, Stephen Ryan in 2008, Elroy Bryan in 2009, Collin Anglin in 2010, Natalie Urquhart in 2011 and most recently Garth Arch in 2012.

The YCLA is decided upon by an Honorary Board composed of 15 local 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, officials from YCLA stated in a release.

The 2013 YCLA will be presented during the annual gala evening awards ceremony, which will be televised live on Cayman27. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling Melissa Wolfe at 916-8335 or emailing ycla@candw.ky and nominations can be submitted online at www.ycla.ky