Uncharted 2026: Cayman Charts a New Path Toward True Inclusion

By Christopher Tobutt

Hotel Indigo was buzzing with purpose on Saturday, 14 March, as more than 200 people gathered for Uncharted 2026, the inaugural family conference hosted by Inclusion Cayman.  From the moment breakfast plates clinked and name tags were pinned on, it was clear this was not a typical conference. It was a community stepping forward together — families, educators, policymakers, business leaders — all ready to reimagine what inclusion in Cayman can and should look like.

Grounded firmly in the social model of disability, the event challenged attendees to shift their focus from individual impairments to the systems, environments, and attitudes that shape access and opportunity. The message was simple but transformative: inclusion is not about “fixing” people — it’s about fixing the systems around the, so that they are included without question, and by default.

Leadership Signals a New National Commitment

Master of Ceremonies Tobi Brennan opened the morning, followed by a series of welcome remarks that underscored the national significance of the day. Inclusion Cayman CEO Shan Harriman spoke about the organisation’s mission to ensure that people with disabilities are fully included in every aspect of Caymanian life — education, recreation, employment, and community.

Government leaders echoed that commitment. Premier Hon. André Ebanks, Minister Rolston Anglin, and Minister Isaac Rankine each emphasised that inclusion must be woven into the fabric of public policy. During an interview, Minister Anglin drew on his own experience helping members of his own family and people who he knew, before reaffirming both his, and the Government’s ongoing commitiment: ‘We as a community care for those who are disadvantaged — differently enabled, those who are vulnerable. The work Inclusion Cayman is doing has to be supported by government if we are to be truly inclusive in everything we do.’

For many families, these remark like this from members of the Government carried real weight. Rohan Bromfield, whose 13 year old son Jordan was born with Down syndrome, said hearing the Premier share a personal story about the challenges which had arisen in his own family, made the government’s commitment feel genuine. “It showed how early intervention and the right resources can change everything,” he said. Reflecting on his own journey, he added: “We’ve navigated these waters for 13 years, always looking for the next best opportunity Jordan can integrate into.”

It was a story that must have been echoed a hundred time in the hearts of parents, teachers and guardians throughout the morning. The will to help and nurture is natural, but its often difficult to navigate the right path at the right time, and events like  the connections, the help that is needed.

Keynote: The Pease Brothers Bring Inspiration and Proof of Possibility

The morning’s keynote address came from Kyle and Brent Pease, internationally recognised for their work in inclusive athletics. Brent competes in endurance events while pushing Kyle in a specially designed racing chair — a partnership that has taken them all the way to the Ironman World Championship.

Meeting them in person, you feel the force of their message: inclusion is not theoretical. It is lived, practiced, and made real when communities remove barriers and open doors. Their story set the emotional tone for the day — a reminder that people with disabilities belong not on the sidelines, but at the centre of community life.

Relationships, Employment, and the Human Side of Inclusion

Cary Ombres and Leslie Bromfield explored Best Buddies – a wonderful programme now being rolled out across Cayman, where children become not just helpers, but buddies of other children with special needs. Leslie Bromfield explored friendships, relationships, and social skills — areas often overlooked in policy discussions but central to belonging. Their message was clear: inclusion is not only about access; it is about connection.

The employment panel that followed brought the conversation into the workplace. Caron Murphy of A. L. Thompson’s, Keisha Powery Roberts of Conyers, and Leif Edwards Best of Dart shared practical strategies for building inclusive hiring practices. Central to all the discussions throughout the day was the concept that inclusive employment is not charity — it strengthens workplaces and communities alike.

Afternoon Workshops: Tools for Real World Change

The afternoon breakouts gave families and professionals hands on tools to navigate systems that can feel overwhelming. Sessions ranged from sustainable advocacy and turning assessments into actionable support, to long term planning, the Disabilities Act, and the role of technology and AI in inclusive learning environments. A sensory processing workshop offered practical insights for everyday life.

Across all sessions, the theme remained constant: people with disabilities must be brought fully into the mainstream of Caymanian life — not separated, not sidelined, but included in education, recreation, employment, and community.

A Day That Moved the Needle

By the end of the day, Uncharted 2026 had done more than deliver information. It created a shared space where families, professionals, and policymakers could learn from one another as equals. It left attendees inspired, informed, and ready to push for systems that reflect Cayman’s values of care, dignity, and belonging.

Inclusion Cayman’s message rang through every session: when we design systems with intention and empathy, everyone benefits.