The Commission comprises up to 16 members representing youth, the public sector, private sector and civil society.
Committee Members
Johann Moxam
Chairperson
Brittany MacVicar
Deputy Chairperson / Treasurer
Dr. Linden Swan
Registered Medical Practicioner
Laila Shim
National Drug Council
Mellony Bryan-Waugh
Youth Services Unit
Diarra Hoyte
Secretary
Cottrell Ellis
Psychologist
Stephen Jeremy Price
Finance Community
Ashlyn Goubault-Ebanks
Ministry of Social Development
Camila Muniz Ferreira
Ministry of Education
Reon Porter
Youth Representative
Tunisia Barnes
Ministry of Youth
Monina Thompson
Youth Representative
Melissa Whorms
Ministry of Youth
National Youth Commission
Get Involved
Whether you’re a young person with ideas to share, a community member looking to support, or an organisation eager to collaborate, we want to hear from you. Your voice and involvement can help shape the future of youth development in the Cayman Islands. Reach out today!
Johann Moxam is a Caymanian dedicated to family, community, and good governance at all levels in the Cayman Islands.
Johann studied at the University of Buckingham (UK), earning a Law Degree with Honours and a Master of Law. Devoted to family, he is the proud father to two sons.
Johann remains active as a champion for the people, demanding one standard applicable to all for accountability, whether rich or poor, for Caymanians and foreign investors alike. He grew up playing football and he represented the Cayman Islands on the National Team at various levels. He also represented the Cayman Islands in squash and tennis. He is formally head coach of the Cayman Islands Men’s National Flag Football Team.
Johann has 18 plus years of experience in the international financial services industry. Currently, he is the Managing Partner of Lainston International Management Ltd. Before this, Johann served in various positions with Merrill Lynch Bank and Trust Company (Cayman), one of the world’s largest publicly traded financial institutions. His roles with the institution, spanning fifteen years, included Assistant Manager, Company Secretary, and Money-Laundering Reporting Officer, serving as Managing Director for more than ten years.
His experience in the financial services industry led to his appointment as Co-Chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s Future of Cayman Economic Development initiative for the “Diversifying the Economy” driver group. He also served as a Director of the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and a member of the Business Staffing Planning Board. He has also been a member of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman for more than 15 years.
Brittany MacVicar
Deputy Chairperson / Treasurer
Brittany MacVicar is an Associate Director at Cayman Finance, specializing in Business Development within the Insurance, Reinsurance, Banking, and Trust sectors.
Her career spans over a decade, including multiple roles at a Big 4 accounting firm across the Cayman Islands, the United States, and Bermuda. Brittany has extensive expertise in managing Fortune 500 client engagements, providing transformative accounting advisory services, managing financial statement audits, and implementing quality and risk management systems. In her current role, Brittany collaborates closely with government agencies, business leaders, leadership teams, industry associations, and Cayman Finance members. She chairs sector-specific advisory groups to shape promotional strategies, foster sector-wide dialogue, and drive sustainable growth through advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and meaningful community engagement.
Although her background is in financial services, her passion extends beyond the boardroom. Financial services aren’t just for finance professionals, they benefit every Caymanian. From the roads we drive on to the businesses we build, this industry is woven into our daily lives. As the Deputy Chairperson and Treasurer of the National Youth Commission, Brittany is honoured to play a role in empowering young Caymanians with the financial literacy they need to navigate and shape our future.
Academically, Brittany holds a Bachelor’s (Honours) degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Manchester. She is an Accredited Director, Notary Public, a member of The Chartered Governance Institute of Canada, a certified Mental Health First Aider, active board member, as well as a dedicated mentor and volunteer supporting various charities across the Cayman Islands, all proudly focused-on women-led initiatives, social services, mental health advocacy, and our youth.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As a proud Caymanian, involved mother, and passionate advocate for youth, Brittany answers this question by effectively balancing her career, community, and family. Through her dedication to expand her impact locally, Brittany remains committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and meaningful outreach to empower the youth in our community.
Dr. Linden Swan
Registered Medical Practicioner
Dr. Linden Swan is a Consultant Paediatrician with over 30 years of experience in medical practice, including 20 years specializing in paediatrics. Currently serving at the Health Services Authority in Grand Cayman, Dr. Swan is dedicated to providing exceptional paediatric care, mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, and advocating for child health and well-being in the Cayman Islands.
Education & Expertise
Dr. Swan earned his Doctor of Medicine (DM) in Paediatrics from the University of the West Indies in 2007, following his Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Guyana in 1994. His extensive career includes positions at Faith Hospital (Cayman Brac), Bustamante Hospital for Children (Jamaica), and Georgetown Public Hospital (Guyana), where he has played a pivotal role in paediatric care, neonatal resuscitation, and medical education.
Passions & Contributions to NYC
As a mentor and educator, Dr. Swan is committed to training paediatric residents and interns, serving as an instructor in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) and Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). His goal is to enhance paediatric care services, advance medical education, and support healthcare initiatives that benefit children and families across the region.
Major Achievements & Leadership Roles
Former Acting Head of Paediatrics, demonstrating leadership in healthcare management and strategic planning.
Board Member of the J.G.H.S. PTA, actively supporting educational development in the community.
Committee Member of the Guyana Association of the Cayman Islands, fostering cultural and professional connections.
International Member of the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the Paediatric Association of Jamaica, contributing to global paediatric discourse and advancements.
Interesting Facts
Beyond medicine, Dr. Swan is passionate about gardening, music, dance, and chess, which he believes contribute to a well-balanced life and holistic well-being.
Laila Shim
National Drug Council
Laila Shim joined the National Youth Commission (NYC) as a representative for the National Drug Council (NDC) where she works as a Research Analyst. Laila has an extensive educational background in the field of social sciences, with a particular interest and focus on addictions and mental health. As a researcher, Laila intends to support the initiatives of the NYC by offering insight into the current key issues youth are facing according to the data collected from the national Cayman Islands Student Drug Use Survey (CISDUS).
By offering research support, the commission can ensure that its youth-focused policies and initiatives are guided and informed by the most current and locally relevant research that is available. She is overjoyed to be part of a commission that can put our local research into action so that our youth can benefit in the most effective ways possible. Laila’s most recent educational achievement includes the completion of a Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences from the University of Toronto. She has always had an interest in working with young people and while at school, gained an opportunity to complete an internship with the City of Toronto on their Visionaries of Youth Community Engagement Team where she worked on youth community efforts across Toronto. Although her seven years of studying in Canada was full of fulfilling and meaningful experiences, she does not in fact enjoy the cold and is happy to be back home where the breeze is warm and the days are sunny.
Mellony Bryan-Waugh
Youth Services Unit
Mellony Bryan-Waugh is currently the Head of the Youth Services Unit (YSU) under The Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage (MYSH).
Mrs Bryan-Waugh has had an extensive career as an educator and intervention services specialist. A teacher by profession, Mrs Bryan-Waugh has spent nearly three decades working with young people in the classroom as a senior school leader, programme facilitator and adult training specialist. She also possesses multiple qualifications in the field of education, including a Postgraduate Diploma of Education from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Warwick.
As Head of Unit, she is excited to take on the challenge to develop, enhance and strengthen our youth services and, by extension, our community. As a part of the National Youth Commission (NYC), she wishes to see a robust National Youth Policy that empowers and safeguards Cayman’s young people.
Diarra Hoyte
Secretary
Diarra Hoyte is a youth advocate with a passion for driving positive change. With a background in engineering, he applies his analytical skills both professionally and in his advocacy work. He has held several leadership roles, including President of the Caribbean Student Association at the Florida Institute of Technology and Secretary of the Florida Caribbean Student Association, where he fostered cultural engagement and collaboration among university students. Recognized as a past Proud of Them Honouree, Diarra is passionate about empowering youth through education and innovation. Currently, he serves as the Secretary of the National Youth Commission and a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, actively shaping policies and initiatives that empower young people across the Cayman Islands. Outside of his professional and leadership roles, Diarra enjoys reading, playing tennis, and immersing himself in music, balancing his technical expertise with creativity and personal growth. Through his work, he continues to inspire and uplift young people, ensuring their voices are heard.
Cottrell Ellis
Psychologist
Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Cottrell Ellis is a dedicated psychologist serving as the Psychologist for the National Youth Commission. His passion for understanding the biopsychosocial aspects of human behavior led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Trent University, Canada, in 2017. He later earned his Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, Canada, in May 2021.
In June 2021, Cottrell joined The Wellness Centre as an Associate Counselling Psychologist, where he provides therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. In 2022, he became a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), allowing him to practice not only in the Cayman Islands but also in multiple jurisdictions worldwide.
Cottrell is deeply committed to advancing mental health awareness and reducing stigma, particularly among youth and men in the Cayman Islands. His role with the National Youth Commission is driven by a vision to enhance mental health support through:
Developing process groups in both public and private schools.
Conducting regular, evidence-based research on mental health challenges within the community.
Advocating for the creation of nature-informed parks to promote mental well-being.
Additionally, he believes that fostering a deeper understanding of Cayman’s history can help break cycles of transgenerational trauma within the community.
Stephen Jeremy Price
Finance Community
Understanding the importance of education, it didn’t start as expected. Mr Bud’s on Walker’s Road was Stephen’s first scholastic stop, yet was expelled on Day 3. He restarted his educational journey at the Little Blue School on Mary Street, where he met his two closest friends to this day. He attended Cayman Islands Prep School and at age 12, went to boarding school at Saint Andrews School in Boca Raton, Florida, where he was Head Prefect, played varsity football, and captained the school’s baseball team.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at Cornell University in 1995, and began his career in NY as an analyst with Goldman Sachs, hired on to their analyst program.
Awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship from the British Council, in 1999 he graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in finance from Imperial College London. An alum of Corpus Christi, he holds a Master of Philosophy in Management Studies from University of Cambridge.
Following Cambridge, in 2000 he started an online brokerage company in Cayman at the height of the tech bubble (superb timing), and has been with RBC since September 2001.
As a Senior Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor, Stephen is the driving force of Price Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities which currently advises and manages over $2.5 billion in AUM. While he has lived mostly in Grand Cayman, he has studied and worked in several other countries, including South Africa, the UK, the US and Spain. He received his Chartered (CIM) designation from the Canadian Securities Institute and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Believing that life is service, he is Cayman first. He has served on the Cayman Islands National Pensions Board and currently he serves on That one board of the Cayman Islands National Cultural Foundation. He is a supporter of Inclusion Cayman, National Trust, Cayman Food Bank, the Breast and Cancer Foundation. As a multi-generational Caymanian, his children, Jamie and Lena, are 9th generation Caymanian. Stephen’s Great, Great Grandfather was Edmund Parsons, the last Caymanian Governor equivalent and his Great Grandfather, Robert Young, proudly laid the cornerstone at the Elmslie Church on July 1st 1920.
Ashlyn Goubault-Ebanks
Ministry of Social Development
Ms. Ashlyn Goubault–Ebanks is a member of the National Youth Commission, representing the Ministry of Social Development and Innovation. She looks forward to contributing to the national youth commission by advocating for youth development and empowerment to make a positive impact our community.
Ms. Goubault–Ebanks is currently employed with the Ministry of Social Development and Innovation as a Senior Policy Advisor. She holds a bachelors in Social Policy from the University of York and is completing her master’s in Public Policy and Management from the University of London, SOAS.
Camila Muniz Ferreira
Ministry of Education
Camila Ferreira is employed with the Cayman Islands Government’s Ministry of Education as the Designated Child Safeguarding Lead (DCSL), and serves as the Ministry of Education representative on the National Youth Commission. Camila received a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. As the Ministry’s DCSL, Camila coordinates and provides training for persons working in educational settings on child safeguarding, and is responsible for ensuring educational institutions are compliant with national child safeguarding requirements. Camila was instrumental in developing national child protection policies and including child protection requirements in legislation for educational institutions. She is excited to bring this experience to the NYC to assist with developing child safeguarding standards for other youth serving organisations. Camila is an adventure seeker and travel enthusiast at heart, and is always looking for her next exciting escapade – whether it be skydiving, zip-lining in the jungle, or taking a dip in hot volcanic springs in Greece!
Reon Porter
Youth Representative
Reon is completing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with Flight at The Florida Institute of Technology, where he is the first Black, Caribbean, and Caymanian Chief Justice of the Student Body and Chair of the Disciplinary Committee-and the cherry on top, a pilot! He has been in the Cayman Islands Youth Parliament for five years and represented the Cayman Islands at regional and international events in Trinidad, Tobago, St. Lucia, and Australia. Reon hopes to bring a better connection and hope to the Youth of the Cayman Islands through the National Youth Commission.
Monina Thompson
Youth Representative
Monina Thompson’s path in community service has been exceptionally rewarding, driven by her commitment to create a positive impact in the Cayman Islands. Her personal experience dealing with mental health challenges has fueled her compassion for others and her pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Carleton University.
Over the years, Monina has actively participated in various initiatives that reflect her dedication to community betterment. One of her most notable accomplishments was representing Cayman at the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) World Assembly in South Africa in June 2019. During this transformative experience, she worked at Huis Tekna, a children’s home providing support to those who have faced abuse. Her collaborative efforts with the Alex Panton Foundation to de-criminalise suicide in December 2020, through a proposal submitted to the Law Reform Commission, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to enhancing support for youth facing mental health challenges.
Monina’s journey as a Youth Ambassador Leader has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her community involvement. By fostering unity and empowerment within the community, she has witnessed the power of youth when given guidance and leadership opportunities. Monina’s contributions extend to her role as a motivational speaker, participation in beach clean-ups, prior Vice Presidency of JGHS Key Club, service as the 2017 Tourism Ambassador, involvement in Junior Achievement, membership in the 2020 Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) Women’s National Team, and representation of Cayman through steel pan competitions in Canada and swimming at the 2014 CARIFTA Games in Aruba.
Melissa Whorms
Ministry of Youth
Melissa is an accomplished professional with a strong commitment to youth advocacy and community development. Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and a master’s degree in business administration, Melissa combines a solid educational background with a deep passion for supporting young people. Currently Melissa serves as the Acting Assistant Chief Officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Heritage, with oversight of the Youth Services Unit and National Drug Council. She also represents the Ministry on the National Youth Commission.
In addition to her role in the Ministry, Melissa is an accredited mediator and a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for the rights of children and ensuring their voices are heard in legal matters. Through personal experiences of overcoming a challenging childhood, Melissa developed a deep empathy for those facing difficult circumstances, driving their passion for youth advocacy. Her primary goal is to ensure that young people are included in national decision-making processes and have a say in the policies and strategies that affect their future. Melissa is also dedicated to the development of a National Youth Policy to guide youth-related matters, aiming to provide direction and support to the next generation.
