Acting boss confirmed for vehicle department

Richard Simms, Director, Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services

(CNS): After a year acting in the position, veteran civil servant Richard Simms has finally been confirmed as the director of the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services (DVES). Simms is responsible for managing almost 900 government vehicles, from mosquito foggers and surveying vehicles, to police cars and commercial heavy equipment.

His duties include the procurement, maintenance and operation of the government fleet. With a staff of 35, from mechanics to accountants, the department also manages the government fuelling facility and monitors the distribution of some 320,000 imperial gallons annually. As part of the national disaster-preparedness plan, staff also oversee all emergency fuelling facilities.

Simms, who was seconded from the Department of Vehicle and Driver’s Licensing (DVDL), where he was Deputy Director, into the acting post at DVES, said he was looked forwarding to continuing his work with colleagues and partner agencies.

Before joining DVDL in 2007, Simms spent 17 years in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). After serving in various RCIPS departments he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in April 1998. He went on to work in the Complaints and Discipline as well as the Training departments, while he continued to earn his own personal certifications and qualifications for specialised training. He was promoted to inspector, after which he was assigned to head the Family Support Unit.

In 2000 Simms was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for excellent service.  After receiving a Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2005, he returned to the Central Police Station as the officer-in-charge of a shift, and the next year was promoted to the rank of chief inspector. His last RCIPS postings were as the area commander for West Bay, and then for George Town.

As DVDL deputy director he was responsible for strategic management of all operational and licensing functions/staff. He also assisted with reviewing legislation, and provided policy advice to the ministry and other government entities. In January 2014 he was appointed acting director for the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services.

His qualifications include a certificate in criminal justice and police management from the University of Leicester, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the International College of the Cayman Islands. Simms is also active in the wider community. Among other commitments he has served on the Board of Directors for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre for more than a decade.

Alan Jones, Chief Officer of the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI), said, “Mr Simms brings a wealth of leadership, knowledge and experience to the post. He was a valuable asset to the DVES during this secondment last year, and I expect even greater things going forward”

Minister Kurt Tibbetts commented, “We are excited to have new blood in the DVES and are confident in Mr. Simms’ abilities to run the department efficiently.”