The Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cayman Class of 2026 concluded its six-month leadership journey with an immersive Government Seminar, providing participants with an unprecedented opportunity to explore the institutions, processes and leaders responsible for shaping public policy and delivering essential services throughout the Cayman Islands. Held only days after Constitution Day, the seminar served as the programme’s final educational experience before graduation, offering a timely and meaningful examination of Cayman’s constitutional framework and the vital role Government plays in the nation’s continued development. Participants began the day with a guided tour of the House of Parliament before engaging in a series of candid discussions with Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon, Speaker of Parliament Hon.
Ezzard Miller, and Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joseph “Joey” Hew, himself a former President of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Cayman supporter. Using an interactive breakout format, participants rotated among the speakers, allowing for open dialogue on constitutional development, coalition Government, parliamentary procedure, democratic accountability, public sector modernisation, civic participation and the evolving challenges of governing an increasingly dynamic and interconnected society. Rather than simply observing Government in action, participants were encouraged to examine the important relationship between leadership, public service and active citizenship, reinforcing the programme’s central philosophy that effective leadership extends well beyond the workplace.
The Government Seminar represented the culmination of six months of intensive learning, during which participants explored virtually every aspect of Cayman life through seminars, site visits, panel discussions and collaborative experiences. Topics included financial services, tourism, healthcare, education, criminal justice, sustainability, immigration and workforce development, infrastructure, technology, culture and heritage, and the Sister Islands. Introduced by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce in 2009, Leadership Cayman has grown into the country’s Premier leadership development programme.
It remains the only initiative of its kind in the Cayman Islands. Each year, professionals from the public, private and non-profit sectors are selected through a competitive process to participate in the intensive six-month programme, which promotes a deeper understanding of the social, economic, political and business issues shaping the future of the Islands.
Since its inception, more than 360 leaders have completed the programme and joined an influential alum network representing senior leadership positions throughout Government, business and the wider community. Many graduates now serve on public boards, charitable organisations, professional associations and community groups, reflecting the programme’s long standing commitment to developing informed, engaged and community-minded leaders. Throughout the programme, Leadership Cayman participants are challenged to move beyond their own professional perspectives by engaging directly with senior decision-makers, industry experts and community leaders. The result is not only a greater understanding of the issues facing Cayman, but also stronger relationships across sectors and a renewed commitment to civic engagement and community service. “The programme is about far more than leadership theory,” said Jada Ramoon, Programmes Coordinator at the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce.
“It allows participants to understand how the Cayman Islands truly functions, to appreciate the interconnectedness of our community and to build relationships that often last throughout their careers. Watching each class grow in confidence, broaden their perspectives and become more engaged citizens is one of the most rewarding aspects of Leadership Cayman.” Chamber Chief Executive Officer Wil Pineau congratulated the Class of 2026 on completing the programme and encouraged participants to remain actively engaged with the Chamber and the Leadership Cayman Alumni Network as they continue their professional journeys. “Leadership Cayman does not end at graduation,” Pineau said. “It marks the beginning of a lifelong connection with a network of leaders committed to making the Cayman Islands an even better place to live, work and do business.
I encourage each graduate to stay connected with the Chamber, support future Leadership Cayman classes, participate in alumni activities and continue investing in your own leadership development while giving back to the community.” Pineau also expressed his appreciation to the distinguished speakers who helped make the Government Seminar such a meaningful conclusion to the programme. He thanked the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ezzard Miller, and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joey Hew, for generously sharing their perspectives on leadership, governance, and public service. He extended special congratulations to Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon on her recent appointment. “We are particularly grateful to Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon for her longstanding support of Leadership Cayman,” Pineau said.
“For many years she has championed the programme within the public service, encouraging talented civil servants to apply and recognising the value Leadership Cayman brings to both individual professional development and the wider public sector. Her continued support has helped strengthen the diversity and quality of each Leadership Cayman class.” The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere thanks to seminar sponsors Dart and Walkers for their support of the Government Seminar, as well as to the programme's Major Sponsors — A. L. Thompson's, Moore Cayman, RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Ltd., and Wheaton Precious Metals.
Their continued investment in Leadership Cayman helps make possible the immersive experiences, expert-led discussions and community engagement opportunities that have established the programme as one of Cayman’s premier leadership development initiatives. As the Chamber prepares to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026, attention is already turning to the next generation of Cayman’s emerging leaders. Applications for the Leadership Cayman Class of 2027 will open in August. Professionals interested in broadening their leadership skills, expanding their professional networks and gaining a deeper understanding of the Cayman Islands are encouraged to learn more and apply by visiting www.leadershipcayman.ky. Since its establishment, the programme has become one of the Chamber’s flagship leadership initiatives, helping cultivate informed, collaborative and community-focused leaders who continue to shape the future of the Cayman Islands.