Chamber of Commerce President: “We Cannot Speak Correctly About Cayman For Caymanians If We Do Not Prepare Our Children For Jobs”
Joanne Rutty Lawson (image source: DART)
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By Alric Lindsay
At the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum last week, president Joanne Rutty Lawson said, “We cannot speak correctly about Cayman for Caymanians if we do not prepare our children for jobs in the financial sector, hospitality or technical services.” According to her speech, such preparation is necessary to build “a future-ready workforce” to sustain Cayman’s economic success and to advance people’s quality of life.
Current status of workforce preparation
While the Chamber president did not delve into the detailed challenges faced by Chamber members with Caymanians entering the workforce, she commented overall that “Too long have we sat back and allowed our children to graduate when ill-prepared and without basic skills.”
She added:
We must ask ourselves, are we adequately preparing our children for the jobs of today? Let alone, are our educational institutions aligned with the skills and competencies required in an increasingly digital and globalised world? The answer must be a resounding yes. But achieving this will require focused effort and collaboration.
The Chamber has heard the call loud and clear from its members.
How to assist Caymanians to become “workforce ready”
Addressing how to assist Caymanians to become “workforce ready”, the Chamber president shared:
Building a future ready workforce is a top priority.
To answer this call, we have a plan consisting of two broad objectives.
First, to foster workforce development by establishing strategic partnerships aimed at creating opportunities through apprenticeships. This includes offering… accessible continuous learning opportunities for professionals across sectors to upskill our current workforce and create an environment where startups and innovators can thrive, supported by mentorship, funding and access to global markets.
Since finalising our advocacy and action plan last year, we have made significant strides in advancing this objective.
She added:
Our second objective is to develop a comprehensive national human capital planning strategy aimed at defining the skill sets required for future jobs within various industries. The plan must identify skill gaps, future forecast future labour market needs and align educational and training programmes accordingly.
She continued:
While we will not see these efforts come to fruition overnight, we must remain bold and resolute in our mission. A future ready workforce is not just about the technical skills, but about cultivating resilience, adaptability and commitment to lifelong learning. These qualities will empower Caymanians to excel in a world where change is the only constant.
Based on the Chamber president’s speech, it appears that these are the Chamber’s views regarding the components necessary for Caymanians to enter and excel in the workforce and ultimately contribute to the economic success of the Cayman Islands.
L-R: Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Wil Pineau, President Joanne Rutty Lawson, President-Elect Omari Corbin
Sustaining economic success
While it is necessary to contribute to the economic success of the Cayman Islands, the Chamber president noted that “success is never static.”
She explained:
It demands adaptation, forward thinking policies and a commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. And for years businesses have voiced concerns about rising operating costs, renting and difficulty in finding qualified and affordable labour.
She added:
Our State of The Business Survey 2025 underscores our economy’s strengths and challenges. Small and medium sized enterprises are critical to our economic success. Yet this year more than half of our businesses reported a decline in profits, a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures. Rising costs, notably in bank fees, health and property insurance and labour, are straining profitability.
Despite the challenges, many companies are planning to expand their workforce and are optimistic about relying on local labour. This spirit of optimism reflects the entrepreneurial drive that has always defined Cayman a drive we must continue to nurture through collaboration and innovation. Economic success cannot be an isolated goal. It must translate to tangible improvements in the lives of our people.
Advancing quality of life
Concerning the translation of economic success into improvements in people’s lives, the Chamber president shared:
A thriving economy is only meaningful when it elevates the well-being of those who live and work here.
Our survey responses highlight the pressing need for modern infrastructure. Infrastructure supporting a growing population, traffic congestion, housing affordability and access to quality health care remain persistent concerns. These issues are challenges to overcome and opportunities to create lasting solutions that will benefit future generations.
She added:
The importance of partnership between government and the private sector cannot be overstated. By working together we can sustain economic success, build a future ready workforce and advance the quality of life. Collaborative efforts to drive innovation in public transportation, invest in renewable energy and implement sustainable practises will create new economic opportunities while ensuring environmental stewardship.
She continued:
Education serves as a cornerstone of enhancing quality of life and building a future ready workforce by strengthening the connection between education, economic mobility and crime reduction, we can foster a resilient community prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow. Strategic investments in education and workforce development will not only secure long term economic success, but also empower individuals to achieve their full potential, creating a brighter and more prosperous future. These changes require collaboration, innovation and commitment.
She concluded:
On the journey to 2035, continuous progress on our Chamber advocacy and action plan is essential. We call on businesses, government and community leaders to join us in shaping the future of our islands.
Our goal for today’s forum was to bring critical issues to the forefront, encouraging thoughtful reflection as we visualise where we want to be and who we want to be in 2035, as we all prepared to cast our votes in April. In addition, as we’ve done since 1986, the chamber will host a series of televised cases candidate forums for the 19 constituencies.
These forums will provide an opportunity for members and the public to hear directly from the candidates and understand their position on matters that will shape our future.
Together, I’m confident that we can shape the Cayman Islands for 2035 and beyond, where opportunities abound, quality of life is unmatched and the workforce is prepared for the future.
