Dart Hospitality Training Programme celebrates record cohort of 17 graduates
19 October 2026
Seventeen young men and women graduated from the Dart Hospitality Training Programme (DHTP) on Thursday, 15 October, marking the largest cohort to successfully complete the programme in a single year since its inception in 2022.
This year’s graduates are Aidan Hurlston-Anderson, India Bush, Destiny Campbell-Ulett, Arelis Carter, Akeleah Cole, Deionte Dixon, Kaydin Ebanks, Zaiydah Ebanks, Catalinna Hernandez, Melony Herrera, Jayden Lynch, Alaysha Moncrieffe, Amanda Montero, Antwoine Powell, Xavier Powery-Saunds, Robbie Rivers, Shantelle Waugh and Josia Wilson.
“When we began recruiting for this cohort, we received over 100 applications, which is a strong indicator of how many young Caymanians are looking for opportunities to learn, gain experience and build careers in hospitality,” said Dianne Conolly, hospitality programme manager at Dart.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme is watching trainees recognise their own potential. Some arrive with a clear idea of what they want to pursue, while others are still exploring their options. Over four months, they gain practical experience, build confidence and discover the many opportunities available to them within the industry.”
Six graduates – India Bush, Catalinna Hernandez, Melanie Herrera, Jayden Lynch, Alaysha Moncrieffe, Antwoine Powell – received special recognition during the graduation ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Lynch received the Exemplary Performance Award for consistently demonstrating excellent performance through the programme. “Jayden has really grown into a fantastic employee and has already received several outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor,” Conolly said.
Moncrieffe and Powell were both recognised for going above and beyond to deliver exceptional guest experiences, while Catalinna Hernandez received the Most Improved Award and Melanie Herrera a Perfect Attendance Award.
In addition, the trainees themselves voted Antwoine Powell as demonstrating strong leadership, and India Bush and Alayasha Moncrieffe as being team players.
Now in its fifth cohort, the DHTP has produced 72 Caymanian graduates. The programme provides trainees with hands-on experience across a range of departments within Dart’s hospitality portfolio, including Bonny Moon Beach Club, Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman, Hotel Indigo® Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
The programme aims to attract, train and retain Caymanians in hospitality careers while supporting the delivery of exceptional guest experiences through authentic Caymankind interactions.
“The success of our tourism industry depends on more than beautiful beaches, world-class resorts and the natural appeal of our islands. It depends on people – our people,” said Perry Powell, Acting Chief Officer of Tourism and Trade, in his address to the graduates.
“Initiatives like the Dart Hospitality Training Programme play an important role in developing local talent and creating opportunities for Caymanians to see tourism not simply as an entry-level job, but as a rewarding career with room to grow.”
The graduation ceremony also featured guest speaker Chef Jordy Rankine, who shared his personal journey in the hospitality industry, reflecting on how he got his start and the challenges he faced along the way. He encouraged the graduates to remain determined, emphasising that perseverance and a willingness to keep moving forward are key to overcoming obstacles and building a successful career. Cayman Airways sponsored Chef Rankine’s flight home to attend the event.
The DHTP’s impact extends beyond graduation, with alumni continuing to build careers, pursue further education and take on new responsibilities within the industry.
Earlier this year, Daniel Ancel, a 2025 DHTP graduate and server assistant at Ave at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, represented the nation at the Young, Chef Young Waiter, Young Mixologist world finals competition in the United Kingdom, after winning the Young Waiter award in Cayman. He is the second DHTP graduate to win the award at the local competition.
Xavier Powery-Saunds, a member of the programme’s inaugural 2022 cohort and a front desk agent at Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach, has also come full circle, taking on a mentoring role to support new trainees entering the programme.
Four other graduates have begun pursuing university degrees abroad, including two who are studying hospitality, demonstrating how the programme can serve as a foundation for both professional advancement and further education.
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