News

The Water-Authority Cayman family has grown with the return of two of its scholarship recipients, Chynna Retumban and Kristina Powell.

Ms. Retumban was the Authority’s 2014/2015 scholarship recipient. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry for Drug Discovery from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. The Authority continued its support of Ms. Retumban when she went on to receive a Master of Science in Green & Sustainable Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, gaining honours for both degrees.

During her summers Ms. Retumban participated in the Authority’s summer internship programme. Ms. Retumban was also the 2013 and 2014 winner of the Rotary Science Fair. She joined the Authority as a full-time employee in March of 2019 as a Laboratory Technician II with the Water Resource & Quality Control Department.

“The Water Authority’s support throughout my studies has been very appreciated. I’m ready to take all that I have learned and use it to be an asset to the Authority and the wider community,” notes Ms. Retumban. “I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity,” she adds.

It’s a sentiment shared by fellow scholarship recipient Kristina Powell.

“There are a lot of students who don’t have the privilege of getting a scholarship. I’m grateful to the Authority for my scholarship because it allowed me to really focus on my studies,” explains Ms. Powell.

Ms. Powell was the Authority’s 2016/2017 scholarship recipient. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. from the University of Tampa. During her time at university Ms. Powell was inducted into three academic honour societies; Beta Gamma Signma (business), Alpha Iota Mu (IT) and Phi Kappa Phi (all disciplines). She also participated in the Authority’s summer internship programme during her school breaks. She joined the Authority as a full-time employee in January of 2019 as an Applications & Network Support Specialist (Designate) with the Information Systems. Department and is currently pursuing a Master degree in Cybersecurity.

In addition to welcoming back its two scholarship recipients, the Authority is also celebrating the achievements of its Senior Development Control Technologist, Kodie Scott. Mr. Scott who was promoted to his current position at the beginning of 2019, recently completed his Master of Science in Public Health (Global Health) in December 2018 with the support of an educational sponsorship from the Authority.

“I’m thankful to the Authority for its support. Being able to move forward with my education has helped me to take on challenges of my new role, and will have a positive impact on the work of the Authority,” notes Mr. Scott.

“We’re so proud of achievements of Chynna, Kristina and Kodie,” explains Water Authority Director, Dr. Gelia Frederick van-Genderen.

“Investing in the future of our young people is incredibly important to the Authority. We are pleased to see our young Caymanians progress in their education, particularly in the STEM fields, and look forward to seeing Chynna, Kristina and Kodie grow with the Authority,” she adds.

Every year the Authority offers a scholarship of up to CI$30,000 to a suitably qualified Caymanian student. The deadline for applicants for the 2019 scholarship is Friday, 31 May. Potential applicants can find information on the scholarship and how to apply by visiting the Authority’s website.