Board of Governors
Michael Holding, Chairman
Hi, my name is Michael Holding and I’m immensely honoured to have been invited to be a member of the Island Primary Board of Governors for the year of 2024/25. My background is in the field of sports, playing administering and then broadcasting but I have been surrounded by folks in the education field all my life. My mother taught for decades and then became a Headmistress, My eldest sister taught, my oldest daughter is a teacher and I believe education in its many forms is the way to a better world for all.
I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I possibly can to the development of Island Primary as a highly rated institution, enjoyed by our students and respected by all.
Catherine Childs, Environment Representative
Catherine Childs is the Environmental Programmes Manager for the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, previously serving as the Education Programmes Manager. In both roles, she visited nearly every school in the country to teach students about Cayman's unique natural and historic heritage. She also taught at the tertiary level as an adjunct professor at UCCI. She holds a master's degree in Environmental Science with a post-graduate Certificate in Climate Change, is a registered Climate Change Professional (CC-P) and holds an IUCN professional certificate in Nature-based Solutions to the climate crisis.
Cathy also created a carbon offset initiative to benefit local communities through the protection of mangrove forests. She is passionate about the conservation of Cayman's natural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
Glen Inanga, Cayman Culture & Heritage Representative
Mr Inanga moved to Cayman in 2007 tasked with setting up a music programme at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). As an Assistant Professor of Music at UCCI, he is passionate about learning at all levels and believes that we can be the change that we want to see in the community in which we live. Since moving to Cayman, his efforts as Artistic Director have been focused on shaping Cayman’s cultural landscape through his work with the Cayman Arts Festival (CAF) which he co-founded in 2004.
As an international concert pianist soloist, he gave his New York début, performing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue to a capacity audience in Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Centre receiving rave reviews. His piano duo partnership with Jennifer Micallef has performed as soloists with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in the BBC Proms and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra in the Musikverein Concert Hall. Their recording of Robin Holloway's Gilded Goldbergs, on the Hyperion label, was selected as the Record of the Month, Editor's Choice, Gramophone Magazine. His most recent collaboration with Grammy Award winner John McLaughlin Williams features a recording of the complete works for violin and piano by Karl Weigl.
Nicola Williams, Early Years Representative
Nicola Williams has a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology, a Bachelor of Education teaching degree, a master’s degree in educational and counselling psychology, and a professional qualification in school leadership. Nicola recently completed a PhD in education with a focus on early child development and conducted her research study in the Cayman Islands.
She grew up and received her education in Canada before moving to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), Singapore and now the Cayman Islands working as a teacher and in the implementation of teacher and parent education initiatives in early child development including the establishment of a non-profit demonstration, research, and teacher education preschool in the TCI. Since moving to the Cayman Islands in 2015, she has been active in the early childhood community particularly in her capacity as Vice-President and now President of the Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association (CIECA).
In 2018, Nicola welcomed the opportunity to establish Sprogs Garden Playschool as Owner, Director, and Head of School implementing her Garden Playschool philosophy and approach during her four years there. She left the preschool in 2022 to dedicate her full attention towards the work of the CIECA with a focus on expanding local teacher training opportunities specific to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and advocating for access to high quality ECCE provision for all young children and their families. As part of these efforts, Nicola helped to establish an Associate Degree in ECCE at the University College of the Cayman Islands and is currently teaching courses for the program. A genuine respect and appreciation for young children has motivated her continued dedication and efforts to enhance the care and early experiences of young children around the world.
Lorna Bailey, Cayman Education Community Representative
Since relocating to the Cayman Islands in 1978, Lorna has been deeply immersed in the island's education community. Her career spans teaching in elementary and early years, shaping countless young minds, many of whom now hold prominent leadership positions locally. Beyond the classroom, Lorna dedicated nearly two decades to the Cayman Islands Scouts Association, serving as both Beaver Scout Leader and Commissioner.
Actively engaged in her church's youth programs, Lorna finds fulfilment in guiding children and teens. When not nurturing young minds, she indulges in her passions for musical concerts, gardening, reading, and exploring various artistic endeavours.
Though officially retired from full-time teaching since 2019, Lorna continues to enrich the education sector by substituting in schools, volunteering in reading programs for children, and mentoring aspiring educators. She cherishes the time spent with her husband, Claude, and enjoys creating memories with her four beloved grandchildren.
Nicola Sowerby, High School Representative
I moved to Grand Cayman in August 2000 to join Cayman Prep & High School as a teacher of RE and History. Over the course of my 16 years there, I not only taught, but also served as a member of the school management team. I truly cherished my time at Cayman Prep and decided to leave in the summer of 2016 to pursue a new venture—founding Clever Fish. What began as an after-school program quickly evolved after parents approached us about homeschooling their children. This led to our application to become a small school. The response from the community was overwhelming, and our school grew rapidly, attracting families who appreciated our unique approach—combining academic excellence with a strong emphasis on personal well-being and happiness, virtues we share strongly with Island Primary.
We are now at an exciting point in our journey, having outgrown our current location and are thrilled to be opening the new CF School at Buttonwood Park in Grand Cayman. Our school’s name ‘CF School’ both echoes our Clever Fish roots and encompasses our future of ‘Creating Foundations’ for children to thrive, and we are very much looking forward to joining Island Primary in Buttonwood Park from September 2025.
Rhachel Whyte, FTA Representative
As a proud parent and active member of the IP community, I’m excited to serve on the FTA board this year and act as the FTA Representative on the school’s Board of Governors. My partner Hilal and I have to two wonderful Island Primary children – Sofia in year 5 and Adam in year 3. I'm thrilled to work with the FTA, aiming to strengthen the bond between families and school. My goal is to support Island Primary in fostering an inclusive and supportive community, embracing their school values of: Kindness, Courage, and Commitment.
As an Early Years Educator, I've had the privilege of teaching many Island Primary students from age 2 at their former preschool, and it's wonderful to see them continue to grow in our new school community. I believe in the positive contributions families can make to a school, and I'm eager to be part of that growth. Looking forward to engaging with the school community and representing our FTA.