Wednesday, May 28, 2025
On May 14, 2025, the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority (CINAA) held a heartfelt Long Service Awards Ceremony recognizing the loyalty, commitment, and invaluable contributions of its staff. The event celebrated employees who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, and over 25 years of service to safeguarding and promoting the Cayman Islands’ rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. These milestones reflect not only the professional achievements of the staff but also their enduring impact on the country’s thriving tourism industry.
Celebrating Commitment to Preservation and Tourism Excellence
CINAA plays a pivotal role in preserving the Cayman Islands’ treasured sites, including iconic landmarks such as the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, a key attraction featuring native flora and fauna, and Pedro St. James, the historic “birthplace of democracy” in the Cayman Islands. The authority’s mandate includes maintaining these sites and developing educational programs that enrich the cultural experience for residents and tourists alike.
The Long Service Awards ceremony was an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the dedication of those employees who have been instrumental in fulfilling CINAA’s mission. The honourees’ work ensures that the Cayman Islands remain a vibrant destination that respects its natural environment and cultural roots.
Distinguished Government Officials Emphasize National Importance
The awards ceremony was attended by several prominent government officials, underscoring the event’s significance within the broader context of the Cayman Islands’ tourism and heritage sectors. Among the dignitaries were:
- Hon. Gary Rutty, MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development
- Mr. Stran Bodden, Chief Officer for the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development
- Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, MP, Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs
- Ms. Heather Bodden, MP, Parliamentary Secretary
Their presence and participation in the awards presentations highlighted the government’s appreciation for CINAA’s crucial role in national development and tourism growth. The Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development has repeatedly emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism that leverages the Cayman Islands’ cultural and natural assets, a vision shared by CINAA.
More information on the government’s tourism strategy and initiatives can be found on the official Cayman Islands Government tourism website: www.visitcaymanislands.com.
Ceremony Moderated by Experienced Leaders
The event was skillfully moderated by Ms. Leanna Jarvis of CINAA, who guided proceedings with grace and professionalism. Assisting her was Ms. Watoya Stewart, Senior Human Resources Manager at the Ministry of Tourism & Ports. Together, they created a warm, celebratory atmosphere that honored the dedication and achievements of all award recipients, along with their families and colleagues.
Honoring Decades of Service: The Award Recipients
The 2025 Long Service Awards recognized employees across multiple milestone categories:
10 Years of Service:
- Amanda Bush
- Candace Ransome-Grant
- Standford Crosbie
- Albert Christian
- Wilson Dixon (11 years)
15 Years of Service:
- Nancy Whittaker (16 years)
- Patrick Thompson (18 years)
- Stacy Hurlston (19 years)
20 Years of Service:
- Vincent Haughton
- John Lawrus (24 years)
25+ Years of Service:
- Hal Miller (25 years)
- Earl Lewis (30 years)
- Trevor Leslie (35 years)
These milestones represent decades of unwavering commitment to the Cayman Islands’ cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and tourism excellence.
Recognizing Broader Community Impact
Beyond marking tenure, the ceremony also acknowledged the broad community contributions made by CINAA staff. Their work touches every aspect of the visitor experience and cultural education, from developing engaging interpretive programs to ensuring the ongoing preservation of heritage sites.
Mrs. Carla Reid, CINAA Chairperson, reflected on the significance of the occasion:
“We are incredibly proud to honour these individuals who have dedicated so many years of service. Their contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of our national attractions and the community experiences we provide. This ceremony was a meaningful reminder that behind every memorable visitor experience is a committed team member who makes it possible.”
Such statements underscore CINAA’s understanding that the authority’s success is built upon the passion and dedication of its people.
CINAA’s Role in Tourism and Heritage Preservation
CINAA operates within the framework of the Cayman Islands Government’s wider tourism and heritage policies. According to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, cultural tourism is a significant growth area, attracting visitors eager to explore the islands’ history, traditions, and natural environment.
CINAA’s stewardship of key sites like Pedro St. James Historic Site and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park supports this growth by offering authentic experiences that educate and inspire. The authority’s work aligns with the government’s goals of sustainable tourism development that respects and preserves the islands’ unique character.
For further details, visit the official Cayman Islands Government portal on heritage and cultural preservation: www.gov.ky.
The Importance of Long-Term Commitment in Tourism Development
The Long Service Awards ceremony highlighted a key truth in tourism and heritage sectors: sustainable success depends on continuity and institutional memory. Employees with long tenures bring invaluable experience, knowledge, and passion that help shape policy implementation and visitor engagement strategies.
As tourism continues to evolve with global trends, including increased emphasis on sustainability, eco-tourism, and cultural authenticity, the contributions of these long-serving individuals will remain vital to adapting and thriving.
Building a Sustainable Tourism Future
The Cayman Islands’ tourism strategy integrates environmental sustainability and community involvement as core pillars. CINAA’s work in maintaining natural parks and historic sites supports the islands’ commitment to protecting biodiversity and cultural heritage, essential to attracting discerning travelers.
Employees recognized for their long service have been central to these efforts, ensuring programs and site management practices meet high standards of conservation and visitor satisfaction.
Conclusion: Honouring Excellence, Inspiring the Future
The 2025 CINAA Long Service Awards ceremony was more than just a celebration of employee milestones—it was a reaffirmation of the Cayman Islands’ dedication to excellence in tourism and heritage management. By honoring those who have served for decades, CINAA emphasizes the human foundation of its success and the ongoing promise of its mission.
With the support of the Cayman Islands Government and the dedication of its staff, CINAA is well-positioned to continue enriching the cultural landscape and enhancing the visitor experience for years to come.
