Dart’s hospitality training programme graduates latest cohort

A ceremony recognising the 18 young Caymanian graduates of the 2026 Dart Hospitality Training Programme took place on 15 Oct. at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and included a surprise inspirational Caymanian guest speaker.

This year’s graduates represented the fifth cohort of the four-month paid training initiative for young Caymanians that aims to offer real-world experience across the hospitality industry. The programme includes a two-week employability skills course, rotational training across key hospitality functions and position-specific training.

Dart partners with Florida-based Lynn University to enhance the syllabus. Another key part of the programme is that students undergo training at Dart properties including Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman, Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman and Bonny Moon Beach Club.

Before the ceremony, graduate Destiney Campbell-Ulett reflected on her experience in the programme and why she chose hospitality.

“I like interacting with people, working with people, so I thought … this is a good thing to do,” she said. “I really enjoyed it. It showed me a lot of behind the scenes of how hotels work.”

Graduate Shantelle Waugh also shared her experience. “For me, I liked that they bring in teachers from overseas to teach us about hospitality and give us examples and … little quests to do during the whole course.”

Words of wisdom

The ceremony was emceed by Ben Meade, senior manager brand and communications for Dart.

The programme included comments from Joanne Lawson, CEO of Dart; Perry Powell, acting chief officer, Ministry of Tourism and Trade; Katrina Carter-Tellison of Lynn University; and Dianne Conolly, manager of the hospitality programme from Dart.

Lawson spoke about the “extraordinary experience” that working in hospitality offers to young Caymanians. She shared how she started out working two jobs while in university, including in a restaurant and a bagel shop. She quipped that today, she can still spread cream cheese on a bagel perfectly.

Her first full-time job in hospitality in Cayman was at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort.

“At the time, I was not mapping out a career that would eventually lead me where I am today,” she said. “I was working hard, learning from people around me, and trying my best in every role that I took home. Looking back, every experience mattered, every role taught me something, and the challenge that helped me grow and the people I worked with along the way helped me shape the person I am today.”

She also offered three simple words to the graduates: notice, learn and act. “Notice the opportunities around you … learn from every experience, and then every person you encounter; and act on your ambitions, one step at a time,” she said. “Congratulations to each of you.”

In Powell’s remarks, he shared the impact of the programme on Cayman. Since its inception, the programme has produced more than 70 graduates.

“You are entering an industry that plays an important role in our country’s prosperity,” he said. “You have a unique opportunity to help shape its future; your contribution matters.”

Carter-Tellison also encouraged the graduates in her remarks on behalf of Lynn University.

“This project is arguably the most important project I do all year,” she said.

“As you begin your careers, fundamentally, remember that the human connection is always going to be at the heart of hospitality.”

Conolly shared that when they were recruiting for the programme, she received 110 applications.

“That was encouraging because it demonstrates how many young Caymanians are looking for opportunities to learn, gain experience and build careers in hospitality.”

She highlighted her relationship with the graduates and promised to stay in touch as the young people embarked on the next stages of their careers and education.

Graduates Antwoine Powell and Catalinna Hernandez also offered reflections to all the graduating students.

Powell said he was honoured to be a part of the programme. “On my first day, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But … I pushed past my usual introverted nature and chose to put myself out there to get the absolute best experience. I’ve made some truly amazing friends. We’ve all gained so many valuable lessons.”

Hernandez shared an emotional story about how much the programme meant to her personally and said it had changed her life.

Surprise guest

The surprise guest of the evening was Chef Jordy Rankine, who shared his journey in the industry from Cayman to becoming a private chef for celebrities and appearing on the television show “Chopped.”

Rankine said that he grew up on “Meals on Wheels and government housing” but his mentors saw something in him that he had a hard time seeing himself.

“If you leave here with anything, I hope it’s this: You will have to decide fast. Some of your decisions will be wrong – you’ll have no time to plan perfectly. You’re going to be terrified. Stay focused. Your eyes will lie to you and tell you there’s a wall between you and what you want. Keep working. Remember, excuses … those who rely on them rarely do anything at all.”

Continued success

In his vote of thanks, Justin Howe, chief operating officer at Dart, said the idea for the programme was conceived by Lawson and Dart hospitality coordinator Juliet Du Feu as a way to encourage and develop Caymanian talent in the hospitality industry.

The ceremony didn’t just celebrate the 18 graduates from 2026 but also highlighted past graduates who are continuing to succeed in their careers.  This includes Andre Washington, a 2023 programme graduate, and Sauntie Kelly, a 2025 graduate, both of whom recently travelled to St. Augustine, Florida, as part of Dart’s Hospitality Training Exchange Programme, where they gained international experience across hotel operations, tourism attractions, culinary arts and event management.

For more details on the Dart Hospitality Training Programme, visit Dart.ky.

2026 graduates

The 2026 cohort included:

• Aidan Hurlston-Anderson
• Akeleah Cole
• Alaysha Moncrieffe
• Amanda Montero
• Antwoine Powell
• Arelis Carter-Ramires
• Catalinna Hernandez
• Deionte Dixon
• Destiney Campbell-Ulett
• India Bush
• Jayden Lynch
• Josea Wilson
• Kaydin Ebanks
• Melony Herrera
• Zaiydah Ebanks
• Shantelle Waugh
• Robbie Rivers
• Xavier Powery-Saunds

Editor’s Note: The Cayman Compass is a subsidiary of Dart Media and Entertainment.