Cayman Connection UK celebrates sixth year
(CNS Local Life): Governor Martyn Roper last week welcomed more than 100 guests at Government House for the sixth annual Cayman Connection UK (CCUK) reception. The event, held Thursday, 15 August, brings together Caymanian students who are studying in the UK and those who are preparing to go to the UK for the first time.
The CCUK gathering also includes private sector guests who are sponsoring scholarships for Cayman students abroad and provides a platform for students to network with potential employers, stated a press release issued by the Governor’s Office.
In welcoming students and guests, Roper noted the advantages of being involved in CCUK and studying abroad and after the event said, “It was a pleasure to meet so many Caymanian students at Government House yesterday evening (Thursday) before they head off to the UK. They were able to meet students who are already in the UK to hear direct about their experiences.
“Cayman Connection UK does an excellent job supporting Caymanian students whilst studying in the UK. The UK offers world-recognised universities and academic excellence. Education is important for nurturing UK/Cayman links. The advantage the UK offers, because Caymanian students only pay home not overseas costs, is enormous and I am keen to see even more Caymanians studying in the UK.”
He also encouraged students to look at Chevening scholarships, with applications accepted until 5 November, saying, “I would encourage students who have a degree to consider this scholarship programme. Chevening scholarships provide a fantastic opportunity to study for a one-year master’s degree in the UK where students have the opportunity to develop, network and experience our diverse UK culture.”
Eric Bush, former Cayman Islands Representative in the UK, who also attended the event, encouraged the students and advised them on updates from the Government Office in the UK (CIGO-UK), including the announcement of the new Cayman Islands Representative Andre Ebanks, and reiterated the important partnership between CIGO-UK and CCUK.
Bush, who is now Chief Officer of the Ministry of International Trade, Aviation and Maritime Affairs, said, “It was a pleasure seeing so many and such a diverse group of young adults excited to start or continue their studies in the UK. I wish all our students well and hope they stay active and engaged with CCUK and encourage them to experience all that the UK and Europe has to offer.
“CCUK is a fantastic organisation which CIGO-UK partners with for student engagement and wellbeing,” he said, noting that at his ministry is looking “to expand Cayman’s global footprint and open other Government Offices around the world, it’s great to know we have a fantastic working model to build on”.
Kate Kandiah, CCUK co-founder, spoke to guests with lead student ambassador David Ramsaran about the network and recent events in the UK. Updates included reports on student activity in the UK over the last year, social events that took place and updates on upcoming activities. She also discussed other areas of support CCUK and thanked Roper; the Cayman Islands Government particularly Bush and Phillippa Knights, the new head of student liaison at the London Office. Kandiah then encouraged students and friends to sign up to CCUK using the registration form on the CCUK website.
“This year we welcomed a great cross-section of students studying in all fields,” she said of the reception. “Our aim of this event is to bring together students who are currently studying or have studied in the UK with those who are about to go for the first time; this is a great opportunity for them to mix and chat, share experiences and to help each other.
“It’s fantastic to also welcome previous student members who have now graduated and are progressing their own CCUK alumni programme in Cayman.”
Category: Education, Local News
