The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce officially launched the Leadership Cayman
Class of 2026 began their journey of discovery at the Orientation Dinner, held last night
(14 January) at Grand Old House. The evening marked the first time the newly selected
25 professionals came together to begin one of the Cayman Islands’ most respected
leadership development experiences.

Established by the Chamber in 2009, Leadership Cayman is a six-month immersive
programme designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the social, economic, and
political landscape of the Cayman Islands. It remains the only programme of its kind
locally, offering bi-weekly seminars, site visits, and direct engagement with senior
leaders across key sectors.

Warm Welcome From Chamber Leadership

Cristina Spratt, Chamber President-Elect, Leadership Cayman alumna, and former
Planning Committee Chair, opened the event with a message about connection and
growth. She emphasised that the cohort’s diversity—from finance and law to
government, entrepreneurship, and the nonprofit sector—would be one of their greatest
strengths over the months ahead. Echoing sentiments widely shared through the
programme’s alumni network, she noted that Leadership Cayman often creates a sense
of family, bringing together professionals who may never otherwise cross paths.

Her remarks set the tone for an evening that was both inspiring and energising,
encouraging participants to embrace

Encouragement From the Planning Committee

Melissa Whorms, Chairperson of the 2026 Planning Committee and Class of 2021
graduate, offered a warm and honest perspective on what awaits the cohort. She
encouraged participants to prepare for deep discussions, moments of challenge, and
unexpected personal growth. Drawing from her own experience, she shared that the
seminars often sparked such engaging dialogue that she found herself simply absorbing
the perspectives of others—a reminder of the richness that comes from learning directly
from Cayman’s leaders and institutions.

Ice-Breakers That Revealed the Cohort’s Creativity
A lively ice-breaker quickly helped the group warm up: each participant introduced
themselves, shared what they do, and then named a Marvel-style “superpower” they
wished they had. The twist—no superpower could be repeated—forced participants to
get inventive as the evening went on.

What began as classic choices soon evolved into imaginative and humorous abilities,
revealing personality and creativity while showcasing the value of bringing such a wide
range of professions and backgrounds together. This diversity—accountants, lawyers,
government officers, entrepreneurs, financial experts, creatives, and more—is one of the
programme’s greatest strengths.

Alumni Reflections: Growth Through Connection
Several alumni shared reflections throughout the evening, emphasising that Leadership
Cayman’s impact often lies in the unexpected: meeting people outside one’s industry,
hearing perspectives not encountered in day-to-day work, and discovering new ways of
thinking about community leadership. They described the programme as one that both
challenges and expands participants’ understanding of the Cayman Islands and their role
within it—insights echoed in Chamber reporting on past cohorts.
Their contributions reinforced the sense that the 2026 cohort was stepping into a
well-supported, dynamic learning community.

A Strong Start to the Six-Month Journey
As dinner concluded, participants mingled in small groups, connecting with each other
and with attending alumni. The discussions were warm, lively, and filled with
anticipation—an early sign of the bonds that often form during the programme.

Chamber Programmes Coordinator Jada Ramoon said: “I was very happy with the turn
out for the Orientation Dinner. This year’s group seems very enthusiastic to begin the 6-
month process, and they have started to get along so well already I have high hopes for
this year’s Leadership Cayman class, and I cannot wait to see what this group will
accomplish throughout the programme.

The evening captured the spirit of Leadership Cayman: openness, curiosity, and shared
purpose.

Next on the Agenda: The Sister Islands Opening Retreat
The cohort will next travel to Cayman Brac from 22–24 January for the programme’s
signature Opening Retreat, which features team-building exercises, leadership
development workshops based on the Leadership Tampa model, and in-depth
discussions in the unique setting of the Sister Islands.
This retreat is followed by the Sister Islands Seminar, kicking off the bi-weekly series of
sessions that explore core national issues—including government, sustainability,
tourism, education, infrastructure, and more.