The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) is delighted to announce the successful completion of its pilot Tour Guide Training Programme, which saw 18 participants receive certificates as tour guides.

The intensive three-day course was held from 3rd-5th August 2022 at the NTCI Clubhouse located in Dart Park. The programme was offered to residents, particularly aimed at business professionals within the Tourism industry, such as hotel concierges and tour guides. A huge thank you to our sponsors R3 Foundation Cayman and Workforce, Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) for their valued support and for making this pilot programme a success.

“The National Trust is thrilled to continue its partnership with R3 Cayman Foundation and WORC to build pilot programmes that allow us to engage and educate our community on our treasured environment and built heritage. Our hope is that the participants feel excited and proud to share what they learn with visitors, family and friends and build a greater community appreciation for our work,” said Annick Jackman, NTCI Executive Director.

The participants who attended the NTCI Tour Guide Training Programme had the opportunity to take part in engaging lectures covering topics such as Cayman’s Culture and Heritage, and Environmental topics ranging from endemic wildlife to Climate Change. Participants were given in-depth tours of NTCI Heritage Sites and the Blue Iguana Conservation facility. Special thanks to guest lecturers for sharing their expertise and passion with the participants, including: Catherine Childs, NTCI Environmental Programmes Manager; Stuart Wilson, NTCI Historic Programmes Manager; Luke Harding, Operations Manager, Blue Iguana Conservation; Dr. Ben Stading, Lonny Coote, and Arthurlyn Pedley.

“R3 Cayman Foundation recognized the importance of sustainability and green growth within the tourism industry as part of our recovery from the Pandemic. We were pleased to sponsor the National Trust's tour guide training programme. We are happy that the programme was so well received with 18 participants including two from Cayman Brac.”- Carla Reid, R3 Cayman Foundation.

Dianne Connolly, Manager - National Training & Development at WORC, stated: “The Department of Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman is once again excited to partner with the National Trust of the Cayman Islands and R3 Cayman Foundation, to get Caymanians trained and certified with entry level tourguide skills. The National Trust Tour Guide Training Programme allows our Caymanians the opportunity to not only improve on or learn this trade but gain a greater appreciation of the Cayman Islands environment and historically significant sites. WORC continues to invest in training opportunities where Caymanians can learn about local cultural, environmental and historical resources and share this with knowledge with locals and visitors to our islands.”

The NTCI was pleased to award 18 participation certificates to those who attended the full three-day intensive course. A small graduation ceremony was held at Grand Old House on 5th August 2022, with special guest, Honourable Chris Saunders, MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Finance & Economic Development and Minister for Border Control & Labour who handed out certificates to the graduates.