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Over one hundred guests enjoyed an evening with His Excellency the Governor on Thursday night to celebrate six years of Cayman Connection UK (CCUK).

The event takes place in Cayman every year to bring together Caymanian students who are studying in the UK and those who are preparing to go to the UK for the first time.

CCUK also welcomes private sector guests who are sponsoring scholarships for Cayman students abroad and provides a platform for students to network with potential employers.

The Governor addressed the students and guests, welcoming them to Government House and commenting on the advantages of being involved in CCUK and studying abroad.

Mr Roper 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.

Mr Roper also added: “On a related note, Chevening applications are now open until 5 November and 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.”

Mr Eric Bush, Chief Officer of the Ministry of International Trade, Aviation and Maritime Affairs attended the event and gave words of encouragement to the students, advised 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.

Mr Bush commented: “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 organization which CIGO-UK partners with for student engagement and wellbeing. As the Ministry of International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs looks 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, Co-Founder of CCUK, 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 events, including a workshop taking place on Friday 16 August. Ms Kandiah talked through other areas of support offered by CCUK and thanked HE the Governor, The Cayman Islands Government particularly Eric Bush and Phillippa Knights, the new head of student liaison at the London Office. Ms Kandiah closed by encouraging students and friends to sign up to CCUK using the registration form on the CCUK website.

Ms Kandiah commented about the event: “This year we welcomed a great cross-section of students studying in all fields. 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. The work of CCUK would not be possible without the support of the Cayman Islands Government, in particular Eric Bush and Assistant Representative in charge of student engagement in the London Office, Philippa Knights.”