The Commission comprises up to 16 members representing youth, the public sector, private sector and civil society.
Committee Members
Brittany MacVicar
Chairperson
Dr Erica Lam
Clinical Psychologist
Diana DeMercado
Attorney-at-Law
Dr. Winston Isles
Registered Medical Practitioner
Monina Thompson
Youth Representative
Reon Porter
Youth Representative
Raeann Matute-Scott
Youth Representative (Sister Islands)
Onassia Miller
Representative from the Finance/Business Community
Nathan Chesney
Layperson and Deputy Chairperson
Leanni Tibbetts
Community Engagement Advisor
Diarra Hoyte
Secretary
Laila Shim
Representative from the National Drug Council
Sharice McLean
Representative from the Ministry of Education and Training
Ashlyn Goubault-Ebanks
Representative from the Ministry of Social Development
Melissa Whorms
Representative from the Ministry of Youth
Mellony Bryan-Waugh
Representative from the Youth Services Unit
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!
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 Erica Lam
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Lam is a trained Doctorate Clinical Psychologist and Registered Expert Witness with over 15 years of post-qualified experience in providing specialist mental health and trauma services to our community. Dr.Lam is accredited by the British Association of Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). She has also been awarded a Certificate in Complex Trauma and Dissociation by The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Supervision.
She is also certified in Neurosequential Model in Therapy as a trainer, and a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner. She is experienced in multiple of evidence-based models in attachment and trauma processing approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization; Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Dr Lam has extended clinical experience working with looked-after children services, their families, foster parents and adoptive parents. She is also experienced in developing trauma-informed care through consultation and training and has a track record of service improvement.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Lam works with many community and charity initiatives and has led many outreach projects. One of her current focus areas involves working with community leaders to improve access for children to mental health services.
Diana DeMercado
Attorney-at-Law
Proudly born and raised in Cayman Brac, Diana is a young Attorney-at-Law at one of Cayman’s leading law firms and a strong advocate for youth empowerment and national development. Growing up in the Brac shaped her intentional and meaningful outlook on life, inspiring her to consistently push, uplift, and empower young Caymanians to reach their full potential. Through her service on the National Youth Commission, Diana is passionate about creating opportunities for young people, amplifying youth voices, and encouraging active civic engagement across the Cayman Islands. She is also a former recipient of the Proud of Them award, recognized for her exceptional academic achievement during her legal studies. Prior to joining the Commission, she served for three years as a board member of the Cayman Islands’ national airline, where she gained valuable experience in governance, leadership, and public service. Diana looks forward to continuing her work on the Commission by contributing to policies that support and inspire the next generation of Caymanian leaders.
Dr. Winston Isles
Registered Medical Practitioner
Dr. Isles is a citizen of St.Kittts-Nevis. He is an Urgent Care and Family Physician with over two decades of experience as a medical doctor. He holds an undergraduate degree in Zoology/Chemistry (Hons). He completed his medical training at the University of the West Indies where he obtained the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (MB.BS). Dr. Isles also pursued post-graduate training in Sports Medicine at the University of Exeter in England, where he was awarded the Master of Science (MSc) degree in Sports Medicine.
Dr. Isles holds registration to practice medicine in a number of Caribbean islands including, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St.Kitts-Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago and Anguilla.
He has served on a number of boards and commissions over the last several years, including The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) High Performance and Coaching Development Committee.
Dr. Isles is an avid sportsman. He represented the University of the West Indies (UWI) in both Cricket and Football during his student years. He also played NCAA Division 1 Football(soccer) whilst pursuing undergraduate studies in the USA and was nominated Academic All American during his Sophomore year.
He represented his country (Nevis) in football and was the captain of the national team on a number of occasions.
His career pathway also included various stints in teaching. He taught Chemistry and Biology at the secondary level in St. Kitts-Nevis. Whilst working in Trinidad also, he was a tutor for second year pre-clinical medical students at the University of the West Indies(UWI), St. Augustine campus.
His community spiritedness has seen him being elevated to the rank of Justice of the Peace (JP) in Jamaica. Dr. Isles has mentored a number of at-risk youths in various capacities over the years that has resulted in significant positive lifestyle changes. Some of whom have gone on to acquire tertiary level education.
Dr. Isles has a strong passion and commitment for youth advocacy and empowerment.
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.
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.
Raeann Matute-Scott
Youth Representative (Sister Islands)
Raeann Matute-Scott is a student at Truman Bodden Law School, passionate about representing the voices of her peers and making a positive impact on her community. She has a strong background in youth leadership and academic achievement, and is passionate about youth advocacy and public service.
She possesses an Associate’s Degree in Literary Studies with honours from the University
College of the Cayman Islands and is committed to academic excellence. Raeann graduated as Salutatorian of her high school class, having been recognised on the CXC regional merit list and succeeding in a number of extracurricular activities, including being Tourism Ambassador and a former Youth Parliamentarian. She was previously a vice president on the UCCI student government and is currently the Liverpool Representative on the TBLS Student Society. One of her most notable accomplishments was being named a Proud of Them Honoree in the category of Academics.
Raeann is driven by her faith in Jesus, which fuels her desire to be a servant-minded leader, committed to compassion, integrity, and meaningfully impacting the youth of the Cayman Islands.
Nathan Chesney
Layperson and Deputy Chairperson
Nathan Chesney serves as Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Commission, supporting the Commission’s mandate to enhance and empower youth within the Cayman Islands. He contributes to the Commission’s work through inclusive leadership and practical strategy, with a focus on ensuring that youth programmes and opportunities are accessible, easy to understand, and designed to meet young people where they are.
Nathan is an Inclusion Facilitator with Inclusion Cayman, where he supports inclusion in practical, real-world settings. This experience complements his role on the Commission by helping ensure youth initiatives are accessible, clearly communicated, and designed in ways that encourage meaningful youth engagement.
Nathan is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and holds a Master’s in User Experience Design. He is also a Google-certified Project Manager and holds a Joint Honours BSc in Criminology and Psychology, combining a strong understanding of human behaviour with the ability to design systems and services that work in real life.
With professional experience in inclusion and service design, Nathan supports Commission initiatives by helping to reduce barriers to participation, strengthen communication, and improve the overall experience for young people and their families across both in-person and digital channels. He is particularly committed to translating ideas and policy priorities into clear, usable programmes that deliver measurable impact.
Nathan’s mission through the National Youth Commission is to encourage youth within the Cayman Islands to activate and unlock their latent potential and become the best possible version of themselves, no matter who they are. He is committed to building practical pathways to opportunity by supporting collaboration across the public and private sectors, strengthening youth voice, and helping deliver initiatives that equip young people with the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Cayman’s future.
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.
Laila Shim
Representative from the 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.
Ashlyn Goubault-Ebanks
Representative from the 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.
Melissa Whorms
Representative from the 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.
Mellony Bryan-Waugh
Representative from the 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.
