(CMR) The Cayman Islands National Weather Service said it has several new hires, each bringing a unique blend of passion, skill, and potential to the team. The newcomers are Dwayne Leslie, Jovaine Leslie, Niya Mothen, and Benjamin Harding.
The Weather Service said each new team member embodies the spirit of Caymanian excellence and has already found professional success with the organization.
Dwayne Leslie joined as a Meteorological Observer IV Trainee in December 2022 and recently completed the Aeronautical Meteorological Observer certification from the United Kingdom Met Office College in November 2023, showcasing both his dedication and aptitude for the study of meteorology.
Similarly, Jovaine Leslie demonstrated remarkable potential as a Meteorological Observer IV Trainee in February 2023. Leslie earned his Aeronautical Meteorological Observer certification from the UK Met Office College in November 2023 and attended the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology in Barbados in March of this year to undertake the Entry Level Meteorological Technician course, further enriching his expertise.
Niya Mothen was hired as a Meteorological Observer IV Trainee in August 2023 and attended the Entry Level Meteorological Technician course at the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology in Barbados in March 2024, laying the groundwork for her promising career.
As Meteorological Observer IV Trainees, the National Weather Service said their main responsibility will be the taking of regular, special meteorological observations for both aviation and other weather-related purposes.
Their remit also includes the sampling of upper-level conditions via radiosonde (balloon-attached sensors) release. The observations not only form part of the global meteorological dataset used for Numerical Weather Predictions from which weather forecasts can be made but also form part of the Cayman Islands’ climatological record. The accuracy of this data is not only paramount for safe aviation operations but also important to the quality output of global weather and climatological models.
Dwayne Leslie, Jovaine Leslie, and Niya Mothen will join an experienced group of meteorological observers who will share practical knowledge of their day-to-day operations to complement their newly acquired technical knowledge.
Completing the ensemble of emerging talent is Benjamin Harding. Starting as a Meteorological Forecaster Trainee in August 2023, Harding's journey reflects a blend of hands-on experience and academic rigor. Having completed several internships with the National Weather Service and earning a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science in the United Kingdom, Harding is currently undertaking the basic instruction package for the meteorologist course at the UK Met Office College. His completion of the course in May 2024 marks a significant milestone in his journey toward becoming a certified weather forecaster.
Harding’s role as a Meteorological Forecaster Trainee involves analyzing various meteorological observational data, satellite images, and model outputs to generate public forecasts for the Cayman Islands and aviation forecasts for the Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman and the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport in Cayman Brac.
The provision of pilot briefings, conveying forecast information about en-route and destination conditions, is another aspect of Harding’s duties which is critical for aviation safety. Severe weather is a natural occurrence and can be a life-threatening event if not forewarned. The role of a forecaster is to provide that warning to both the public and aviation partners.
Harding, in the cases of extreme weather, will assist a Senior Meteorologist or the Chief Meteorologist in composing severe weather bulletins and weather notifications. Communicating the appropriate level of risk to the public, either in written or verbal form via interview, is critical to eliciting the appropriate level of response that can help reduce damages to properties and loss of life. This is a serious responsibility but as in the case with the observers, Harding will join a group of well-experienced forecasters that will help guide him in his development.
Beyond the infusion of new talent, strategic staffing adjustments have fortified the service's operational framework. David Thompson, assumed the role of Meteorological Observer III in March 2024, following seven years of observer experience and the successful completion of an Associate's Degree in Computer Science at the University College of the Cayman Islands, underscoring the service's commitment to nurturing homegrown expertise.
Mr. Thompson’s new role is focused on the climatological aspect of meteorology, including data acquisition, analysis, climatological product generation and storage as well as the quality control and assurance aspects. Thompson will assist the technical team with on-site/field investigation, new instrumentation siting, and installation.
Additionally, Shamal Clarke's appointment as Manager of the Research and Media Services section in November 2023 marks a pivotal milestone in the service's evolution. This strategic placement aligns with the organization's overarching strategic plan, serving as the cornerstone for a robust organizational structure poised for future growth and innovation.
Director General of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, John Tibbetts, expressed unwavering optimism and immense pride in the accomplishments of the new recruits and the strategic promotions within the service.
Director Tibbetts said, “I eagerly anticipate the blossoming careers of these officers and the boundless opportunities that await them in their ever-evolving careers in meteorological science.”
As the Cayman Islands National Weather Service braces for what forecasters predict to be an extremely active hurricane season, the organization said the addition of fresh talent, coupled with the promotion of seasoned professionals, injects vitality and expertise into the service's operational framework. Demonstrating a commitment to preparedness by bolstering the service's capacity to anticipate, monitor, and respond to the challenges posed by potential weather systems.
Director Tibbetts said, “With a strengthened workforce and enhanced organizational structure, the weather service is better equipped to provide accurate forecasts, timely warnings, and crucial information to safeguard lives and property in the face of potential storms.”
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