Leadership Cayman launches 2026 seminar series with “Media in Our Community”

The Leadership Cayman Class of 2026 officially commenced its seminar series on Wednesday, 4 February, with an immersive and thought-provoking session titled Media in Our Community. Generously supported by Compass Media as Tour Sponsor and the Cayman Islands Government as Venue Sponsor, the seminar provided participants with a multifaceted look at how local media informs, influences, and reflects Caymanian society. The evening opened with a guided tour of the newly revitalised Compass Media facility on Shedden Road. Led by Tripp Donnelly, participants were offered an inside look at the organisation’s evolution, its strategic direction, and the innovations shaping its role in a rapidly changing media landscape. The tour offered a unique opportunity for the cohort to understand how traditional and digital media intersect in the Cayman Islands, and how media organisations adapt to serve an increasingly diverse audience. Following the tour, the class travelled to the Government Administration Building, where they enjoyed dinner before being escorted to the Government Information Services (GIS) filming and production area. There, the cohort received a behind-the-scenes overview of how government messages are crafted, vetted, and disseminated to the public. The session highlighted the rigorous processes behind public sector communications, offering insight into how accuracy, transparency, and timeliness guide the work of GIS teams. The core seminar featured a dynamic panel discussion with three prominent figures from Cayman’s media sector: 

• Sandra Hill, Cayman Marl Road 

• Vanessa Hansen-Allot, Compass Media 

• Wendy Ledger, Cayman News Service
Each speaker provided a distinct lens on journalism and digital storytelling, drawing on their professional experiences across mainstream, online, and grassroots platforms. From the challenges of maintaining credibility in an age of instant information, to navigating audience expectations and community feedback, the panel delivered a rich and balanced examination of the modern media environment. Their engaging contributions sparked robust dialogue among participants, who explored topics such as media ethics, the growth of citizen journalism, and the responsibility of media in shaping public opinion. Breakout sessions encouraged further analysis, allowing the cohort to reflect on how media intersects with leadership, governance, and community trust. The evening concluded with a debrief at The Roost, where participants and mentors continued their conversations in a relaxed, social setting. “I am very pleased with how the first seminar went,” said Jada Ramoon, Programmes Coordinator for Leadership Cayman. “Everyone was highly engaged, curious, and willing to share their perspectives. It set a strong foundation for the year ahead.” The seminar was supported by Leadership Cayman Mentors Amber Caum, Victor Crumbley, and Lisa Parks, with Melissa Whorms serving as Moderator. The Chamber congratulates the Leadership Cayman Class of 2026 on a successful launch to their seminar series and looks forward to another year of meaningful dialogue, community engagement, and professional growth.