About Us
World Scout Organisation
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is divided into six regions, (Asia-Pacific, Inter-American, African, European, Arabian and Eurasia) with Cayman being in the Inter-American Region.
The World Scout Bureau, as the World Headquarters is called, is situated in Geneva, Switzerland.
World Scout Jamborees are scheduled to be held every 4 years the first of which was hosted in England in 1920. World Scout Conferences are held every two years. Each country, irrespective of size, may send up to six delegates to attend the world conference.
Our Mission
Scouting is a non-formal education movement complementary to the home and the school. It provides for the all-round development of the participant in an atmosphere of fun, cheerfulness & friendliness.
“The Mission of the Scout Movement is to contribute to the holistic development and continuous education of young people.”
It promotes discipline, self-respect, respect for others, patriotism, loyalty, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, service to others, trustworthiness and moulding of character.
The overall objective is that a young person, having shared in the experience of the Scout Programme, should become a responsible, productive and contributing member of society.
Early Beginnings
Scouting was introduced in the Cayman Islands in the late 1920’s (around 1928) by the Rev. Ed Beale, a Presbyterian Minister. Unfortunately, the programme lapsed several years later when he departed the Island.
In 1935, the Movement was resuscitated under the leadership of Mr. Ernest Panton who became the 1st Scout District Commissioner. Mr. Panton served in the capacity for several years and under his leadership the following were achieved:
- Expansion of Scouting to the districts of East End, Bodden Town and West Bay.
- Recruitment of several Sea Scouts to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves in Trinidad.
- Participation of Scouts in Annual Remembrance Day celebrations.
- Introduction of Cub-Scouting under the leadership of Mrs. Frances Bodden.
- Visit of Scouts and Caymanian Sea Captain aboard the Canadian Warship “Sioux” anchored off the coast of the Eastern district.
In later years, Mr. Valentine Anderson, who served as Scout Master under Rev. Beale, succeeded Mr. Panton as District Commissioner. He was ably assisted by Mr. Timothy McField and together they made an outstanding team. The lack of leaders, due to the exodus of seamen to the national dog carriers, created a major challenge at this. But despite this, Mr. Allison and his team worked tirelessly to carry on the work of the movement
Mr. Anderson faithfully served in the capacity for many years but was forced to retire because of ill-health. He was succeeded as School District Commissioner by Mr. Oswell Rankine who at that time served as Scout Leader for the East End Scout Troupe. Under Mr. Rankine’s leadership, and with the assistance of the executive commissioner, Winston Hayle, the local movement transitioned, in 1993, from a District Association of Jamaica to Scout Association status.
This move afforded the local Movement direct connection to the Inter American Scout Region and link to the World Organization of the Scout Movement; as well as a greater level of autonomy.
The position of District Commissioner was renamed Chief Commissioner and the Governor of the Cayman Islands was appointed, Chief Scout of the Cayman Islands Scout Association. Consequently, Mr. Rankine became the first Chief Commissioner of the Cayman Islands and Mr. Michael Gore, the first Chief Scout. Successive Governors have served in the capacity of Chief Scout since 1993. Mr. Orrett Connor succeeded by Mr. Rankine, became the 2nd Chief Commissioner in 1996.
In the early years and throughout, many individuals have contributed to the advancement of scouting in the Cayman Islands. These are Rev. John Gray, Mr. Harry McCoy, Mrs. Joyce Hylton, Mrs. Vernecia Watler, Mrs. Theoline Wellington, Miss Joanna Clarke, Mrs. Elizabeth Scholefield, Mr. Arthur Ebanks, Mr. George Seymour, Mr. Antonio Hawkins, Mrs. Reina Jefferson, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. Lorna Blackman among several others.
.
Meet Our Team
Orrett Connor
Chief Scout Commissioner
Winston Hayle
Executive Director
Christopher Clarke
Leader, Drill Team
Paula Erskine
Beaver Scouts Leader (TBC)
Lorna Blackman
Beaver Scouts Leader (TBC)
Board of Cayman Islands’ Scouts
- Antonio Hawkins – Chair
- Orrett Connor – Chief Commissioner
- Winston Hayle – Executive Commissioner
- Lorna Blackman – Asst. Chief Commissioner – Cub Scouts (Designate)
- Brenda Dawkins – Secretary
- Phillip Barnes – Treasurer
- Atlee Ebanks – Appointed Member
- Floyd Shaw – Appointed Member
- William Nixon – Appointed Member
Our organisational structure
