Press Release: National Trust Week Highlights
From exploration of opportunities in the metaverse to a youth panel advocating for a seat at the table to discuss national policies that affect young people, the 35th Anniversary Celebration Week of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) started with a dynamic all-day Conference on Tuesday April 19th. The stellar list of local and international speakers included Fabien Cousteau who, like his world-renowned grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, kept the audience spell-bound with his keynote speech, and Caribbean Economist Marla Dukharan’s casting of a bright light into the virtual world of NFTs. H.E. the Governor Mr. Martyn Roper provided opening remarks, as well as conveyed a congratulatory message to the National Trust from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The Honourable Premier Wayne Panton in his remarks shared the crucial relevance of an organization like the National Trust to the community and the vital importance of participating in and supporting Cayman’s sustainability and resiliency programmes. Other highlights of the Conference included a lifestyle panel which dazzled the audience with a presentation by designer Taryn Larock on how fashion can be sustainable by converting “ghost nets” from the oceans into swimwear, and an outstanding one by designer Isy Obi which was fascinating as it even showed how the incorporation of technology such as QR codes in clothing design can share Cayman’s stories with the world. There was also a robust panel discussion on what is needed for protection of built heritage and highlighted as essential pieces of Cayman’s heritage featuring Natalie Urquhart, Arthurlyn Pedley and Simon Boxall. Attendees were treated to a medley of folk songs by Dequan Smith on the cello, 2019 young musician of the year, accompanied by Frances McConvey on keyboard. A special thank you to Lisa Scott, great-grand daughter of the composer of our National Song, who sang our National Song beautifully, it was an incredible honour. Bella Rooney from ‘Protecting Paradise’ was on site interviewing attendees and there is much more to look forward to in the coming weeks as the National Trust will be showcasing video highlights of the conference.
To read our full press release click here
Photo Credit: Jon Schutte
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