Twenty-five Caymanians and permanent residents were recognised for academic and professional achievements in accounting and finance at the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants’ 18th Annual Awards Gala.
The event, held Saturday, Sept. 26, brought together accounting professionals, government leaders, families and supporters to recognise people reaching educational and career milestones.
This year’s honourees included 12 people who earned bachelor’s degrees, three who completed master’s degrees and 10 who achieved professional qualifications.
Three people also received CIIPA’s annual special awards. Deloitte’s Alexander Hennings received the Rising Star Award, Autonomous’ Jacqui Retief received the Outstanding Member Award, and former KPMG managing partner Roy McTaggart received the Pioneer Award.
CIIPA President Laurie Mernett, who was part of the original committee that established the awards gala, said the event was created to give members of the community an opportunity to celebrate achievements together.
“We wanted to make sure that we gave people the opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate,” Mernett said. “Eighteen years later, seeing how this event has grown and seeing all of you here tonight reinforces why it was so important to create that opportunity.”
Bachelor’s degree honourees were Allison Juarez, Destini Bush, Gabriel McDermot, Karenn Watler, Michael Glidden, Nadine Gonzales Edano, Rashane Williams, Resan Foster, Simone Clifford-Ebanks, Tatiana General, Xairia Robinson-Fernandes and Zeporah Reid. Master’s degree honourees were Martina Watler, Lesly Lopez and Olivia Plunkett.
Those recognised for professional qualifications were Allison Tatum, Andrew Cayasso, Darwin Cook, Ella Plunkett, Isaiah Ebanks, James Powell, Krista Buck, Lanie Whorms, Micaiah Jeremiah and Nasier Levy.
CIIPA Chief Executive Officer Sheree Ebanks said recognising emerging professionals is part of the institute’s effort to strengthen the accounting profession and encourage more Caymanians to pursue careers in accounting and finance.
“We know the commitment it takes to reach these milestones, from balancing studies and exams with work and family responsibilities to continuing to develop professionally throughout a career,” Ebanks said.
CIIPA said the annual gala forms part of its wider efforts to develop Caymanian talent and support accounting professionals throughout their careers.
