Despite
the island-wide power outage, The Cayman Music & Entertainment
Association (CMEA) held its Annual General Meeting at George Town’s
Town Hall on Sunday, 12 Jan.  

In
attendance were CMEA founders, Icon awardees, distinguished and
lifetime members, and a diverse showing of general members. Everyone
was excited to hear reports, participate in the vote and give input
to the newly elected officials.

After
a meeting quorum, a beautiful opening prayer and the singing of the
National Song, members unanimously decided that they needed to work
on their harmonies, then listened to the Executive Committee’s
report on the status of the association after 2019.  

Strong
nominees vied for each of the five elected positions. Members
listened intently as nominees presented their perspectives and
qualifications. 

Votes
were cast according to the constitution, and in short order, new
leadership was democratically chosen and presented to enthusiastic
applause and congratulations. 

Support
for young musicians, enhanced benefits for members, strengthening
relationships with venues, and expanding positive exposure of Cayman
artists, locally and internationally, were some of the many important
topics on members’ minds. The new council listened carefully and
held a short debriefing, post AGM, to consolidate member input and
make plans for the initial steps forward.  

“Members’
input is crucial to guide the elected officers. We want the CMEA to
be very participatory, member-driven and fun - true to the spirit of
music,” says Director, Eden Hurlston. 

Returning
Secretary, Vashti Bodden is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to
work.

“I
am honoured to have been re-elected as Secretary and look forward to
representing the membership community. There’s a lot of hard work
to be done to make strides in the local music scene and the new Exec
is engaged and committed.”

The
2020 Executive Committee wishes to thank the former President,
Jean-Eric Smith and his Executive Officers, for their efforts through
the years; and to thank all CMEA members, and the Cayman music
community as a whole, for their support.

Current
President, Michael Wilks, is optimistic as he takes the helm. “I’m
honoured to have been chosen to lead the CMEA into a new decade of
cooperation and collaboration. We have a lot of exciting
initiatives planned, and we definitely welcome thoughts and ideas on
how we can improve life for all musicians and entertainers that call
these shores their home.”