Public Invited to Vote as Making Waves Awards Introduces Inaugural People’s Choice Award
Members of the public are being invited to help decide the recipient of the Making Waves People’s Choice Award, a new addition to the 2026 Making Waves Awards programme.
For the first time in the awards’ five-year history, members of the public can cast their vote for one outstanding individual from among this year’s shortlisted finalists, giving the community a direct voice in celebrating Caymanian excellence on the global stage.
Created by Cayman Connection, the Making Waves Awards recognise Caymanians living overseas who are making exceptional contributions across a wide range of industries, while proudly representing the Cayman Islands internationally.
Following a rigorous judging process, finalists have now been selected across nine award categories:
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Arts, Culture & Heritage |
Jawara Alleyne Grace Byers Alyssa Gilbert |
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STEM sponsored by CUC |
Arielle Mon Desir Lyea Rivers Isabel Samuels |
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Education sponsored by Ministry of Education & Training |
Bella Alves Tiffany Jeremiah Raechel Nelson |
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Inclusion |
Richard Parson Amy Watson-Rankin |
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Financial, Legal & Professional Services sponsored by Maples Group |
Shaune Fraser Tom McCallum Shivonne Mitchell |
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Environment & Sustainability sponsored by Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability |
Connor Childs Rickeem Lashley Isaiah Thomas |
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Health & Wellness sponsored by Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability |
Dr. Larissa Johnson Dr. Rashida Smith-Webb |
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Sports sponsored by Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage |
Karthik Adapa Gunnar Studenhofft Vanjae Ramgeet |
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Tourism, Travel & Hospitality sponsored by Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development |
Enzaghi Bush Jordy Rankine |
While category winners will continue to be selected by an independent panel of judges, the People’s Choice Award places one final decision in the hands of the public.
“Every finalist has an inspiring story of perseverance, innovation, leadership and service,” said Ashlea Akinwumi (nee Webster), Cayman Connection Executive Director. “The People’s Choice Award gives our community the opportunity to celebrate the individual whose journey has resonated most with them. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read the finalists’ stories, learn about their remarkable achievements and cast their vote.”
The People’s Choice Award winner will be the finalist who receives the highest number of public votes and will be announced at the 2026 Making Waves Awards ceremony which will be streamed live on the Cayman Connection Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Voting is now open at https://caymanconnection.org/vote where members of the public can learn more about each shortlisted finalist before casting their vote. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
For more information, email makingwaves@caymanconnection.org.
09 Aug, 2023
14 May, 2026
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