There are three award categories for the 2026 theme of Physical Infrastructure, and they are as follows:

1. Landmark Leaders (“Early Pioneers”)

This category honours up to 25 individuals from across all three islands who led or contributed to the creation of major public infrastructure in the Cayman Islands before 1970. These include main roads, ports, airports, utilities, or fundamental public buildings. 

To be eligible, an individual must have:

• Been the originator, driving force, or key executor behind a major public infrastructure that was the first of its kind or significantly transformed life in the  Cayman Islands;
• Left a lasting legacy — with their contribution still visible, functional, or felt in the community today.

2. Infrastructure Innovators (“Pioneers”)

This category recognises up to 75 individuals from across the three islands who have played a long-term, transformative role in national infrastructure development.

To be eligible, an individual must have:

• Consistently contributed 30 years or more directing the planning, design, execution, or policy development of major physical infrastructure;
• Demonstrated a record of excellence or innovation that has had a sustained national impact on the Cayman Islands; and  
• Received formal recognition for their professional work — such as accreditation, licensure, awards, or honours from a professional body or government entity, either locally, regionally, or internationally. 

Important Notes for Category 2:

• Individuals whose main contributions are already recognised through a group or institutional nomination in Category 3 will not be considered again in this category for the same body of work.
• Nominations must clearly show the nominee’s independent impact, separate from broader organisational achievements.
• Length of service alone is not sufficient for eligibility. 

3. The Builders of Cayman (Group Award)

This category honours companies, businesses, statutory authorities, and government departments that have made exceptional, long-standing contributions to national development through infrastructure. 

To be eligible, an organisation must: 

• Have been established for 30 years or more, with a proven record of distinguished and consistent service in infrastructure development; 
• Have made transformative contributions to major national infrastructure projects — such as roads, ports, airports, utilities, or public buildings — that have had a lasting impact on the physical and civic landscape of the Cayman Islands;
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility, innovation, or community engagement, through efforts such as:
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Voluntary or community service
  • Contributions beyond the organisation’s core mandate, in support of national development goals.