CIIPA celebrates honourees at 18th Annual Awards Gala

The Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA) celebrated the academic and professional achievements of the next generation of Cayman’s accounting and finance professionals at its 18th Annual CIIPA Awards Gala at the end of September.

The Gala brought together members of the profession, government leaders, families and supporters to recognise Caymanians and permanent residents who reached significant milestones in their education and careers.

This year, CIIPA recognised 25 honourees, including 12 who earned bachelor’s degrees, three who completed master’s degrees and 10 who achieved professional designations. In addition to recognising academic and professional achievements, the Gala presented CIIPA’s annual Special Awards, which honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession and the wider Cayman Islands community

Deloitte’s Alexander Hennings received the Rising Star Award, while Autonomous’ Jacqui Retief was named the Outstanding Member Award winner and former KPMG Managing Partner, the Honourable Roy McTaggart, JP, MP the Pioneer Award winner.

CIIPA President Laurie Mernett, who was part of the original committee that helped establish the Awards Gala, reflected on how the event has grown over the past 18 years. “We wanted to make sure that we gave people the opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate,”

Mernett said. “Eighteen years later, seeing how this event has grown and seeing all of you here tonight reinforces why it was so important to create that opportunity.”

The academic award honourees include:

Bachelor’s Degree

Allison Juarez

Destini Bush

Gabriel McDermot

Karenn Watler

Michael Glidden

Nadine Gonzales Edano

Rashane Williams

Resan Foster

Simone Clifford-Ebanks

Tatiana General

Xairia Robinson-Fernandes

Zeporah Reid

Master’s Degree

Martina Watler

Lesly Lopez

Olivia Plunkett

Professional Qualification

Allison Tatum

Andrew Cayasso

Darwin Cook

Ella Plunkett

Isaiah Ebanks

James Powell

Krista Buck

Lanie Whorms

Micaiah Jeremiah

Nasier Levy

CIIPA’s Chief Executive Officer Sheree Ebanks said recognising the achievements of emerging professionals remains an important part of the Institute’s work to strengthen the profession and encourage more Caymanians to consider careers in accounting and finance. “We know the commitment it takes to reach these milestones, from balancing studies and exams with work and family responsibilities to continuing to develop professionally

throughout a career,” said CIIP Mrs. Ebanks.  “It is incredibly rewarding to see our honourees reach their goals, and we hope their achievements also inspire other Caymanians to pursue the many opportunities available through accounting and finance.”

CIIPA also thanked the families, friends, educators, mentors and employers who supported this year’s honourees throughout their studies and professional development, as well as the sponsors whose support helped make the 18th Annual Awards Gala possible.

The annual event forms part of CIIPA’s broader commitment to developing Caymanian talent, supporting accounting professionals throughout their careers and promoting the important role the profession plays across the Cayman Islands economy.