Not-for-profit organisation Cayman Connection is preparing to open nominations this week for the 2026 Making Waves Awards.
This marks the fifth year of the programme that recognises Caymanians living abroad who have made contributions in their respective fields at a regional or global level.
It includes nine award categories: arts, culture and heritage, STEM, education, inclusion, financial, legal and professional services, environment and sustainability, health and wellness, sports, and tourism, travel and hospitality.
A new addition for 2026 is the People’s Choice award, which will allow the public to vote for one nominee from across all nine categories.
Voting will open on the Cayman Connection website after the shortlist is announced, and the nominee with the most votes will be recognised at the awards ceremony.
Winners will receive a Caymanite trophy made by Horacio Esteban, whose work has been gifted to the Royal family.
They will also receive a CI$500 bursary for professional development, media features, invitations to the ceremony in Grand Cayman with additional tickets for family and friends, and opportunities to mentor upcoming talent.
Those who submit nominations will be entered into a prize draw for a flight to visit their nominee or to return to the Cayman Islands, with terms and conditions applying.
Nominators will also receive an invitation to the 2026 ceremony.
The Making Waves Awards were established to recognise Caymanians overseas who have contributed to their fields while promoting ‘Caymankind’ globally.
Past winners have received recognition from international news outlets and at awards ceremonies abroad.
More information is available on the Cayman Connection website here.
