The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce celebrated six outstanding Caymanians at its 2026 VoTech Stars Reception, recognising excellence across a diverse range of vocational and technical professions while highlighting the importance of developing a skilled, future ready workforce. The programme, launched in 2022, aims to raise the profile of vocational and technical careers, showcase Caymanians succeeding in these fields, and encourage more young people to consider them as rewarding career pathways. Government representatives, employers, educators, sponsors, Chamber members, family members and supporters gathered for an evening of networking and celebration before the formal programme began.
The reception focused not only on the achievements of the six honourees, but also on the broader contribution that skilled professionals make to the Cayman Islands economy and community. In welcoming attendees, Chamber President-Elect Garth Arch, MBE, emphasised the importance of recognising vocational and technical professions and ensuring they receive the attention they deserve. "Vocational and technical professions receive the recognition, respect, and investment they deserve." Arch also stressed the need to broaden perceptions of career success. "University is not the only pathway to success." He noted that technical careers require intelligence, creativity, problem-solving and discipline, while also offering opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship and long-term professional advancement.
The programme aligns closely with the Chamber's advocacy pillar of Building a Future Ready Workforce, which seeks to ensure Caymanians have access to the skills, training and opportunities needed to thrive in an evolving economy. Through initiatives such as VoTech Stars, the Chamber works to strengthen talent pipelines, promote workforce development and encourage greater participation by Caymanians in skilled professions. The heart of the evening featured a series of professionally produced video profiles, with each recipient introduced by Chamber Programmes Coordinator Jada Ramoon. The videos allowed attendees to hear directly from the honourees about their career journeys, the challenges and rewards of their professions, and the advice they would offer young people considering similar paths. As Ramoon noted: "Tonight, we have celebrated six different journeys, but they share one powerful message: vocational and technical skills have tremendous value.
" The six 2026 VoTech Stars represented a broad cross-section of vocational and technical careers: • Melany Gonzales-Smith, Senior Physical Therapist and Manager of the Physiotherapy Department at Health City Cayman Islands, recognised for her expertise in rehabilitation and patient care. • Javon Copeland, Electrical Apprentice at Corporate Electric, whose career highlights the value of apprenticeship and hands-on training. • Paul McField Jr., Aircraft Engineer with Cayman Airways, whose passion for aviation developed into a highly specialised profession. • Jesus Pino, Plant Manager at Consolidated Water, recognised for nearly two decades of professional growth and continuous learning. • Lee Powery, Generator Technician with Corporate Electric, who has developed expertise across both mechanical and electrical disciplines. • Marco Finelli, Wireman and Fire Alarm Technician with Corporate Electric, recognised for his specialist knowledge and years of experience in the electrical field. Following the video presentations, each recipient was invited to the stage to receive a 2026 VoTech Stars Award, drawing enthusiastic applause from colleagues, employers, family members and friends. Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the vital role skilled professionals play across sectors including healthcare, aviation, utilities, electrical services and critical infrastructure.
While the recipients' backgrounds differed, their stories shared common themes of perseverance, mentorship, professional pride and a commitment to continuous learning. The Chamber also recognised the employers, educators, mentors and families who helped support the honourees throughout their careers, as well as programme sponsors Cayman Water, McAlpine, Health City Cayman Islands, Arch and Godfrey, and Corporate Electric. Closing the evening, Ramoon encouraged attendees to continue championing vocational and technical professions and the opportunities they create for Caymanians. "Your skills matter. Your professions matter. And Cayman needs the expertise you bring."
As ambassadors for the programme, the six 2026 VoTech Stars now join a growing movement to elevate vocational and technical careers, inspire the next generation and help build the skilled workforce needed to support the Cayman Islands' continued growth and prosperity. Photo Captions Photo 1 VoTech Stars from Left to Right: Jesus Pino, Lee Powery Marco Finelli, Paul McField Jr. Javon Copelad, and Melany Gonzales-Smith, with Chamber President-Elect Garth Arch MBE. Photo 2 Chamber Members, Left to Right: Emily Sintorn, Garth Arch MBE, and Jada Ramoon Photo 3 Garth Arch, MBE Photo 4 VoTech Stars Awards.