Cayman’s first radio station returns with new content

(CNS): More than forty years after the station first hit the airways in the Cayman Islands when the college opened in 1973, ICCI-FM has returned to the airways with a range of new shows produced by students. The local station was off air for two years but the jazz, classical, and easy listening station is back with programmes that include interviews with local politicians and other personalities. The station is part of the college’s educational programmes and David Marshall, the ICCI president said the school will be partnering with local radio stations to develop formal internship programmes to encourage Caymanians in radio careers.

“This station holds significant historical value on the Island and now that it is back, we are renewing our commitment to use ICCI-FM for the benefit of our students and the wider community in Cayman,” said Marshall.

He explained that three ICCI students, Priscilla Eden, Clement Patterson, and Gelyssa Rankin are providing the station with its first original re-launch content after taking an 11-week course to prepare them for the work.

The students produced their own radio shows which began airing on Monday. Each was responsible for interviewing an MLA, an on-Island radio personality, and other ICCI students about the importance of education to young people in Cayman. The Education minister Tara Rivers, opposition member Bernie Bush, and Alva Suckoo, a government beack-bencher were all interviewed by the students. 

Marshall also said the college plans to work with primary and secondary schools to provide opportunities for their students to boost their communication skills and confidence by writing and voicing essays which ICCI-FM will air as part of its programming.

“This is a real pathway for young people to move into on-air, sales, production, and even engineering careers right here on Island. It is awesome to help create employment pathways in radio for our very talented youth,” said Marshall.

In August 2012, a lightning strike damaged the ICCI-FM radio tower and equipment and put the station out of action. The college is now on a fundraising campaign to purchase more instructional equipment and to provide scholarships for students interested in studying broadcasting.