LIME donates MiFi to budding court reporter

(CNS): Local telecommunications provider LIME has given a helping hand to Cayman News Service’s trainee court reporter by giving her a personal mobile-broadband router (MiFi). Ashleigh Hydes first worked with CNS in 2010, when she was 15, as part of the education department’s “Worklink” programme for senior high school students and is now a part-time intern, learning the ropes of court reporting. Her new MiFi enables her to get connected wherever she is – an essential part of being a good journalist in the Internet Age. “It's very convenient because I can use it anywhere and not have to worry about signal strength or open connections while on the go,” Hydes said. “Thanks to LIME and their support, I'll be able to get my reporting done in a more timely manner.” (Left: Ashleigh Hydes receives her MiFi from LIME's Julie Hutton)

One of a number of “Worklink” students that have spent a week with CNS, Hydes immediately took an interest in the courtroom battles. Having worked with CNS over her summer holidays and now working part-time as an intern, she and has developed her skills to the point where she can cover long and involved trials from the first mention through to the sentencing.

“Ashleigh’s natural ability for this type of reporting, which can be very demanding, was apparent even when she was in high school, and since then she has just got better and better, as readers will have noticed from her by-lined articles,” said CNS reporter Wendy Ledger. “I’m very pleased by how far she has come. She is already an enormous help to me, and if she sticks with it, she will be an excellent court reporter.”

Julie Hutton, LIME's Head of Marketing & Sales, said the company was happy to encourage a young Caymanian on a career path that few local people choose.

“We're delighted to provide Ashleigh with a MiFi to assist her with reporting for Cayman News Service during her internship,” she said. “Being able to connect and send information straight away will be a great help to her, as we know news happens 24 hours a day and connectivity is crucial.”