With the 2018 YCLA Gala Event coming up on this Saturday, November 10th, 2018, the Young Caymanian Leaders Foundation wanted to take the time to share more on each of our finalists – focusing on Wilbur Welcome!

Wilbur Welcome is a Senior Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Financial Services and is happily married to Shari Welcome. Prior to joining the Ministry Wilbur held the position of Senior Analyst at the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Wilbur is originally from Bodden Town, and now resides in the peaceful district of East End and is an active member of the William Pouchie Memorial United Church, in North Side. He is an Elder and Treasurer of the William Pouchie Memorial United Church; he also serves as the Sunday school superintendent, co-founder and program coordinator of the Anchors Christian Boys Club, member of New Direction Male Choir, and an executive on the Men’s Fellowship of the William Pouchie Memorial United Church. He is also an alumnus of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cayman program.

Throughout his life Wilbur has demonstrated strong community spirit, assisting with Vacation Bible School and sports days under the United Church, and participated in national and local club football. His interests include farming, fishing, travel, sports, photography, the arts, and history. Wilbur holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a concentration in Finance from North Carolina State University and earned his MBA at Campbell University.

Age:  34

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina State University, Masters of Business Administration from Campbell University

Employment: Senior Policy Analyst with the Cayman Islands Government Ministry of Financial Services and Home Affairs

Accomplishments:

• Helped lead the passage of all Non-Profit Organisations Law 2017 and other financial services related laws and regulations in the Cayman Islands
• Co-founder and Program Coordinator of the Anchors Christian Boys Club at William Pouchie Memorial United Church
• An alumnus of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program
• Former member of the Cayman Islands Football National Team

Advocacy:

“I am My Brothers Keeper” – we should all strive to have care and compassion for each other despite our differences.

Core Message to the Youth:

“First and foremost, be yourself. While it is good to have positive role models, it is also important to find out what you like and who you are instead of trying to be what’s popular. Also, have compassion for each other. Despite someone being different, we all have feelings and issues that we are facing. Take the time to look out for each other and understand each other’s circumstances and position while also maintaining a common respect for one another.”

Personal Interpretation of “It Takes a Village:”

“Historically in the Cayman Islands the phrase ‘it takes a village’ related to the raising of a child. However, based on my experience it takes a village is applicable to all parts of society. It takes a village to, among other things: reduce crime, promote social harmony, eradicate inequality, and protect our environment. It takes a village, to me, simply means that if we all work together for each other and for the greater good we can achieve great things for the entire country and the world.”

We are so proud to call Wilbur Welcome one of our Finalists this year and can’t wait to celebrate him and the other four finalists at this year’s YCLA 2018 Gala Event!

YCLA 2018 EVENT DETAILS

This year’s gala event will be held this Saturday, November 10th, at the Kimpton Seafire to celebrate and honor this year’s YCLA 2018 Finalists – Kacey Mobley, Kimberley Conolly, Samuel Young, Staci Scott, and Wilbur Welcome.  The theme is “It Takes a Village.” Doors open for the reception at 6 pm. At 6:45, doors are closed to accommodate the live telecast. Doors re-open after the broadcast for the remainder of the evening to celebrate.  Ticket sales are closed, but if you would like to still watch the ceremony where we highlight the finalists and announce the recipient, you can watch the live telecast on our Facebook Page >>HERE<<.