The digital welcome pack has been created for Caymanians and Cayman residents arriving in the UK either for the first time or returning to work, school or university in the days and weeks ahead. The campaign includes messages from the Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK and Europe, Mr. André Ebanks, and Deputy and Assistant Representatives Mr. Charles Parchment and Ms. Phillippa Knights.

Mr. Ebanks commented: “We want Caymanians and Cayman residents coming from Cayman to the UK to know we are here for them and that, with prudent precautions, they do not need to fear covid-19 lifestyle in the UK. We are specifically aiming our welcome pack to those coming over on upcoming airbridges, but the information will form part of an ongoing support network for Caymanians overseas (even in Europe and Asia) to enhance, even further, a true sense of a Cayman community—a virtual home away from home. We want to ensure our diaspora know how to find us should they need us and, importantly, we can also contact them with up-to-date information in these uneasy times when conditions and rules may shift unexpectedly.’’

CIGOUK has partnered with affiliate network Cayman Connection UK to share information and include students and other Caymanians overseas in the discussion about what Caymanians may need when they move to the UK during these uncertain times. Messages of welcome will also be shared from Caymanians who remained in the UK during COVID-19 lockdown and the summer.

Dr. Shari Smith, Manager of the CIG Scholarship Secretariat added, “The Scholarship Secretariat has maintained close communication with all of our scholars during these unprecedented times which has proven disruptive in the lives of many of our students and impacted their studies. This September is not a typical university start for students and we can’t try to treat it that way or make decisions like it is. Our team is working assiduously to provide support to our students by facilitating the implementation of alternate provisions and measures in this regard. The Welcome Pack initiative contributes greatly to these efforts and I encourage all Caymanian students to take advantage of this resource which provides useful information about moving to and living in the UK, as well as updates about the current Covid-19 restrictions in the UK. The Secretariat continues to work in partnership with the CIGOUK and are appreciative of the efforts made by Mr. Ebanks and his team in getting students home safely when the pandemic hit. The Cayman Connection network programme has also proven to be a good opportunity for students living away from home to access a range of support and we encourage all our students studying in the UK to join.”

Kate Kandiah, founder of Cayman Connection UK added “Cayman Connection is a network for Caymanians and those associated with the Cayman Islands overseas. I am really excited to be working with CIGO UK to produce the digital welcome pack. Usually at this time of year I would be in Cayman preparing for our annual reception to welcome new students to the UK so whilst not in Cayman in person, I am excited to virtually welcome the new and existing cohorts to the UK for their adventures overseas.”

The “Welcome Pack” will be launching on social media channels through CIGOUK and CCUK and information can be found on cigouk.ky.