CINWS Service Expands Team to Strengthen Forecasting Capabilities

Cayman Islands National Weather Service recently appointed four meteorologists as part of a broad government effort to strengthen its capabilities to deliver round-the-clock coverage and more advanced forecasting for residents across the Islands.

Jevon Forrest and Sheena Karanja join the Service as Meteorological Observers, and Paula Wellington and Desiree Neverson-Jack as Meteorological Forecasters. The appointments mark a significant step in the National Weather Service’s transition from an aviation-focused operation to a comprehensive weather service that strengthens public safety, supports planning and builds resilience through expanded monitoring, analysis and information-sharing across the Cayman and the wider Caribbean region.

These appointments reflect the government’s commitment to building a world-class national weather service,” said Kerry Powery, Acting Director General of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service. “Combined with our ongoing investment in infrastructure and technology, this expanded team will improve forecasting accuracy, enable earlier warnings and ultimately do more to protect the lives, property and economy of the people we serve.”

Meteorological observers collect, monitor and report weather data across all three Islands using the Automatic Weather Observing System. They will also manage the international retransmission of observations from Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport on Cayman Brac, feeding data into global aviation and meteorological networks.

This data fulfils international reporting requirements to the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Meteorological Organization, supports global weather modelling and contributes to long-term climatological records tracking changing weather and climate patterns.

Meteorological forecasters produce and issue weather forecasts and warnings for the Cayman Islands. Drawing on global weather models and local observations, they support aviation operations, strengthen public preparedness and ensure timely, accurate information reaches residents during significant weather events.

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Photo Caption: (Left to Right) Jevon Forrest, Meteorological Observer; Sheena Karanja, Meteorological Observer; Paula Wellington, Meteorological Forecaster; and Desiree Neverson-Jack, Meteorological Forecaster, who recently joined the National Weather Service as part of ongoing efforts to expand weather observation and forecasting capabilities across Cayman.