Forty-six students completed the 2012 Mentoring Cayman Programme organised by the Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture. The students along with their mentors celebrated their accomplishment with a closing ceremony hosted by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Duncan Taylor and his wife, Mrs. Marie -Beatrice Taylor. This event was held on June 13, 2012 at the Governor’s Residence on West Bay Road.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Duncan Taylor and by Chamber President David Kirkaldy. Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn provided an address to the group on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture. Certificates and tokens to mentors were presented to each participant and closing remarks for the evening provided by Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks, Programmes Manager at the Chamber.

“Congratulations to the volunteer mentors and students who have completed this year’s Mentoring Cayman programme. Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool. It is an effective way of helping people to progress in their careers. It is a partnership between two people (mentor and mentee) normally with similar interests sharing similar experiences. It is a helpful relationship based upon mutual trust and respect. . It is my hope that the positive relationships that have been developed this year will continue into the future. Special thanks to the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture for their ongoing financial support for this programme. If anyone is interested in becoming a mentor in the 2013 programme please contact the Chamber office. It is an experience that you will always remember.” Wil Pineau, CEO Chamber of Commerce

“It was such a pleasure to organize and be a part of the 2011/2012 Mentoring Cayman Programme. The mentors and mentees had varying interests and represented a diverse range of industries within the Cayman Islands. At the end of this year’s programme, I am certain that the young people are even more inspired in their respective areas of interest. The Chamber is grateful to each mentor who came on board to contribute to the programme.” Leanna Jarvis, Events Manager at the Chamber

The Mentoring Programme began in November 2011 with the introduction between students, their parents and mentors at an Opening Reception. Each year, top achieving Year 11 high school students from both the public and private sector are invited to participate in the Programme and are then carefully matched with executive level mentors. The Chamber organised a workshop in conjunction with Professional Facilitator, Rod Waddell, to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to sustain a successful mentoring relationship.

“What we teach our children today will determine what all our futures are tomorrow. I was extremely happy to be a part of the programme again this year to assist with the orientation of this year’s group of mentors.” Rod Waddell, Professional Facilitator

The sentiments expressed by many of the mentors who became involved for the first time is that they look forward to participating again.

“It was an experience of a lifetime. Participating in this programme gave all of us as mentors the responsibility and opportunity to mould and shape the minds of our young people. It was a pleasure to work with my mentee, Francella Martin, who at such a young age already knows what she wants to be and actually has a plan. A lot of us as adults did not have a driving force behind us when we were growing up. This is simply inspiring.” Kedeshia Dunn-Thomas, a participating mentor

“I believe that the Mentoring Cayman programme was a wonderful experience for my daughter, Lorena. Not only did she enjoy her experience with her wonderful Mentor, Ms. Tamara Ebanks but she learned a lot as well and bonded with her. I think their friendship will continue to grow and they have already made plans for the summer. I would like to thank everyone at the Chamber of Commerce and everyone else involved for making this such a wonderful experience for both me and my daughter. It was a privilege to be involved.” Leatha Morejon, Parent of Lorena Morejon

I would like to thank my Mentor, Ms. Tamara Ebanks for all of her time and effort in making the Mentoring programme a wonderful learning experience for me. Even though I have completed the programme I will continue to keep in touch with Ms. Tamara as she is a wonderful teacher and has also become a wonderful confidant. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about taking part in this program to do so. Lorena Morejon, Student (Triple C School)

The participating schools were Clifton Hunter, St. Ignatius, Cayman Prep & High, Triple C, John Gray High, and Cayman International School. During the programme year, two social sessions were organised: a luncheon at The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa with guest speaker Canover Watson, past YCLA recipient and Managing Director of Admiral Administration; and an evening on a Catamaran Cruise.

For those interested in becoming mentors in the upcoming programme, please contact [email protected]