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CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) -- The Portfolio of the Civil Service (PoCS) recognised 80 interns at this year's Intern Celebration at Government Administration Building with seven receiving awards on Wednesday 21 July, 2021.

The recognition and award ceremony attracted interns from across the Civil Service. The event took place in the presence of Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Hon. Franz Manderson; Minister for Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan; PoCS Chief Officer, Mrs. Gloria McField-Nixon and heads of department.

Emceed by returning intern Ayanda Jones serving in the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development; the ceremony included a rendition of the National Song by Shakur Ebanks of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure. 

Mrs. McField-Nixon welcomed attendees and shared her story of her start as an intern within the Cayman Islands Government.  "The Civil Service takes great pride in facilitating work experience opportunities for bright, young Caymanians," she said. "This cohort showcased exceptional talent, with many of our interns quickly adopting and exemplifying our Civil Service Values -- Passion, Integrity and Professionalism -- while others demonstrated high aptitude for innovation."

 In his opening remarks, the Deputy Governor who began his career in the Civil Service when 16 years old, shared two powerful examples of the CI Government assisting Caymanians in exceptional circumstances.
Emphasising the organisation's commitment to being a World-Class-Service, Mr. Manderson said, "What gets us out of bed every morning is that we can make our people's lives better." 

Remarks were also given by Director of Communications, Ms Oneisha Richards, and by former CIG intern, Internal Auditor, Briannah Myles.   Ms Richards urged interns to, "Be driven. Show up always, even when you don't feel like it, and even when you don't feel prepared. It's like starting, being driven to succeed will be a big part of your success."

Minister for Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan was a surprise addition to the programme. Addressing his first-ever Intern Celebration, he told the audience that he too had worked as a civil servant having been a firefighter, and believed that the principles learned in public service were transferable.

The event included a PowerPoint video presentation highlighting interns in action across the ministries. PoCS HR Management Adviser, Mrs. Charlene Howell-Litchmore, announced the recipients of the Recognition Award Programme in the categories of Passion, Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation and Team Work.

The students honoured were:
*    Dimitri Myles for Passion, Youth Services Unit 
*    Amber Smith for Integrity, Department of Counselling Services
*    Marley McCoy for Professionalism, Cabinet Office, Department of Communications; and
*     Bryanna Davis for Innovation, Department of Children and Family Services

The team winners were:
*    Jada Ledgister, Jaymar Myles and Diondre Wright in the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development.

The internship event concluded with a vote of thanks by Johnathan Woods and a prayer by Marley McCoy, followed by light refreshments.

Following the event, Ms Jones said, "All speakers were well prepared and delivered remarks that reminded me of why I keep coming back to the Civil Service."
The event's co-organiser and PoCS intern, Johnathan Woods shared, "As part of the team that made sure the intern appreciation event ran smoothly, I had to give feedback on which candidates should be selected to participate. Furthermore, I made sure we had all the technical equipment and that all the equipment worked adequately."

Joint organiser, Ms McCoy said, "Overall, this internship has been one of the best summer work experiences I have had so far and I am very grateful for the positive and friendly atmosphere."