Summer Internship

Marco Rankine, 16, recently completed a summer internship with the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI). His accomplishment was recognised with a Certificate of Appreciation at an employee appreciation and awards dinner at Luca restaurant last week, following a day-long strategic retreat for employees held at the Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort.

Marco, a student at John Gray High School, first came to MACI, the parent organisation of the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR), as part of his school’s work/study programme. He made such a good impression on the staff of the accounting department that he was asked to stay on as a summer intern. "He has demonstrated an enthusiasm and a work ethic beyond what one would expect of his young years," said Mrs. Glenda Dilbert-Davis, MACI’s Head, HR & Admin. (Designate).

Marco, the son of Susan Graham and Peter Rankine, is expected to graduate from JGHS next year, and it is hoped that he will continue his interest in the maritime industry and apply for one of MACI’s annual scholarships, said MACI’s CEO, Mr. A. Joel Walton. MACI is keen to encourage young Caymanians to seek opportunities in the maritime field, a traditional venture for Caymanians, Mr. Walton added.

"My time this summer at the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands has been a great experience for me," Marco reported. "My first day I was not enthusiastic about coming to MACI to work, but those thoughts quickly fled my mind because everyone made me feel so welcomed, and before I knew it, I was looking forward to coming to work and I was working late. I have learned a lot during my time at MACI. Now I can’t wait until I graduate from John Gray High School to come back to MACI as a full-time employee. I encourage all young Caymanians to utilise the opportunities MACI has to offer," he concluded.

MACI has offered Marco the opportunity to do after-school work two days per week and also during school holidays, and he has eagerly agreed.

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry was established in 1903, and "flags" vessels of all sizes around the world with the prestigious British "Red Ensign". The world’s leader in the registration of mega-yachts, the Register currently has nearly 2,000 vessels that fly the Cayman flag.