Cayman Islands Tourism Association Honors Excellence at 2025 Stingray Tourism Awards

The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Stingray Tourism Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the nation’s tourism industry, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony was held on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort.

The evening celebrated excellence across key sectors—accommodations, restaurants, transportation, attractions and watersports. More than 140 guests attended, including government officials, industry leaders, and tourism professionals representing all three islands.

Acting Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Trade Development, Hon. Johany S. “Jay” Ebanks, delivered remarks on behalf of Deputy Premier Hon. Gary Rutty, MP. Minister Ebanks commended the honorees for their dedication and professionalism, highlighting their vital role in strengthening the Cayman Islands’ world-class tourism sector.

“We are immensely proud of the 34 nominees recognized for their outstanding contributions to Tourism and Hospitality. It was a true honor to celebrate their dedication to service, which is at the heart of what makes our islands so extraordinary,” said Sharlene Brenkus, President of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.

2025 Stingray Tourism Award Winners

Employees of the Year

• Accommodations: Verona McLean – Cayman Brac Beach Resort
• Restaurant: Armand Dilbert – The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman (Saint June Restaurant)
• Transportation: Jevon Nickelson – Dollar/Thrifty Auto Rental
• Watersports: Ragime Powery – Divetech

Managers of the Year

• Accommodations: Sandrine Dixneuf – The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman (Spa)
• Watersports: Nicci Paul – Red Sail Sports
• Allied/Attractions: Archie Whittaker – Cayman Crystal Caves
• Restaurant: Joan Walsh-Simms – Seven Restaurant (The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman)

Rising Star

• Accommodations: Gustavo Noborikawa – Grand Cayman Marriott Resort

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Ivan Farrington

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ivan Farrington, honored for his decades of service and leadership in shaping the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry.

“Mr. Farrington’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the very foundation of our tourism industry. His legacy reflects vision, dedication, and a deep, enduring love for Cayman. This award honors not only his remarkable achievements but also serves as an inspiration to future generations within our sector,” said Brenkus.

The Stingray Tourism Awards continue to be a landmark event, celebrating the more than 14,000 people employed in Cayman’s tourism industry. Each nominee and winner embodies the warmth, passion, and innovation that define the Cayman Islands.

CITA expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development, Grand Cayman Marriott and its dedicated staff, Health City Cayman Islands, Progressive Distributors Ltd., Foster’s, Jacques Scott, and Red Sail Sports.