Acting DG defends HR policy in CS

| 02/08/2019 | 66 Comments
Cayman News Service
Gloria McField-Nixon in the LA, 26 July 2019

(CNS): Acting Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon defended the recruitment policies in the civil service last week, in response to criticisms made by MLA Kenneth Bryan after another failed attempt by the George Town Central representative to mandate that certain public sector jobs are reserved for Caymanians. McField-Nixon, who is chief officer of the Portfolio of the Civil Service, said the policy of ‘Caymanians first’, rather than Bryan’s proposal of ‘Caymanians only’, was a success. She said the CS was attracting highly qualified Caymanians to top jobs.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, McField-Nixon explained that almost three-quarters of public sector jobs are held by Caymanians, which when compared to less than 50% in the private sector was impressive. She added that almost 8 out of 10 leadership jobs are already held by Caymanians.

Bryan had submitted a private member’s motion, supported by Bernie Bush, who still sits on the government benches, asking the premier to adopt a policy that would see all senior civil service jobs, down to deputy heads, reserved for qualified Caymanians only within five years. The opposition member argued that in order to advance the country and prepare for possible independence in the future, local people must be at the helm of government departments.

He said he had met with Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and his chief officer to discuss the motion and they had rejected it out of hand. As he accused them of holding back local civil servants and not caring about Caymanians, he appealed over their heads to the governor.

As Bryan outlined the goal of the motion, he also took aim at the DG and the CO for failing when it comes to succession planning. He said the civil service was going backwards and that the 74% ratio of Caymanians was not good enough. He said he had received many complaints that public servants are not getting a fair chance to be promoted.

But after speaking for around twenty minutes he said he was withdrawing the motion because he knew it was not going to be supported, so there was not point wasting the House’s time.

However, the motion to withdraw was opposed by the government and so a continuing debate on that motion continued until the Legislative Assembly was adjourned without resolution.

On Friday, when the proceedings resumed, McField-Nixon responded with a statement, in which she outlined the efforts being made to recruit, retain, train and promote Caymanians. She accused Bryan of painting a dreary picture of the civil service, “which could not be further from the truth”, and that Bryan’s comments risk damaging the reputation of the civil service and demoralising leaders.

McField-Nixon said that mandatory placement of Caymanians would also undermine the achievements of all those who have been promoted on merit and hard work. She insisted that there were no short-cuts but the public service was united in the objective of putting local people in all top jobs.

She said the CS had a solid track record when it came to the employment and promotion of Caymanians. With the exception of specialist positions or those jobs appointed by the governor, Caymanians are being appointed on merit and are dominating the top tiers, she said.

See McField-Nixon’s statement starting at 44:50 (first video) and Bryan’s debate starting at 44:00 (second video) on CIGTV

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Category: Jobs, Local News, Policy, Politics

Comments (66)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    All that are well, hope it ends well. Take care my friends.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Sounds like someone was trying to garner some votes by “misguided” pandering to the largest electorate block. What he didn’t count on was being put roundly in his place.

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  3. Andrew Tomlinson says:

    Until Cayman has the proper educational infrastructure to produce homegrown professionals for leadership positions in the civil service and the private sector. The reason why larger countries thrive is BECAUSE of diversity. People from different backgrounds unified working together will always be successful.

    With that being said. Some of these laws are borderline racist. Caymanians here are a “island mentality” where anything different or foreign is disgusts them. We “fight” so hard for everything to be Caymanian, i.e. Caymanians must be head of the police force, head of the fire department. Yet all I’ve learned from “Cayman Kind” is that we love to bring each other down, we’d rather stifle and hate to see another “Caymanian” be successful in their career.Top leadership jobs will never be held by 100% Caymanians because we are to busy trying to crawl over each other than to succeed together.

    Also some of you civil servants need some damn customer service training yuh too fas.

    Sincerely,
    A “Caymanian” born in the USA and raised in GCM. whom mother/father, grandparents and great grandparents are/were Caymanian.

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  4. Suckafree Cayman says:

    Those stooges can get up here and pontificate and bemuse people as much as they want and I am not a opposition supporter in any shape or form. But we have seen and understand who exactly the DG and his disciples support in government We had a very clear demonstration of this last week when a ministry removed its chief officer for a number of very serious issues and she was rehired instantly with press coverage to boot to DG’s the office no less.

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    • Totally a promotion! says:

      She was previously sworn in as the Acting Deputy Governor of the Cayman Islands during parliamentary proceedings, so this cushy appointment in the Deputy Governor’s Office should clap back at all her haters!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Cliched political grandstanding to try and buy the dumbass vote. If that’s the constituency these MLAs are relying on they are in for a rough ride.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    It is important to understand the words that are being used and to look beyond the surface to get the full picture. The devil is in the details.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Bernie never spoke and it was his motion ? Looks like he really pulled a fast one on Kenneth.

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    • Anonymous says:

      That was not the plan. The main mover, Mr Bryan, was supposed to simply get up and withdraw the motion with perhaps some brief remarks.

      But instead he took the cowards route and delivered a number of cheap shots demonstrating a severe lack of good judgement and then purported to withdraw the matter having spoken to it substantively- hence the referencing to pelting rocks and hiding behind mama’s frock tail.

      So because the motion was withdrawn we were deprived of hearing Bernie’s contribution.

      Confusion, discourtesy, improper procedure, immaturity and sheer rudeness…and the best is yet to come. Still think single member constituencies is a better system for us?

      Bring it on 2021.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Mr. Bryan,
    You came to politics elected by the people democratically to effect change.
    You cannot fight darkness with darkness.
    Get out of the bar, and go back to honesty, integrity and transparency.
    If you do not fix your sh*t before the next vote, you’ll be running jetskis at Public Beach before you know it.
    You know the right way. The right way is not just a cliche to garner votes, but a way of life that actually impresses people enough that they entrust you with their vote.
    Don’t let yourself down bro’.
    Your people are depending on you, Kenneth.
    Leave the past mistakes in the past and embrace truth. If it is painful for you, you have constituents who trusted you. Go back to them. Call a public meeting. Apologize and mobilize. Get the majority behind you and explain to them what you are facing.
    Embrace the press and invite them to attend. Bring truth to the people, however inconvenient.

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    • Anonymous says:

      1:10 wise words I hope Kenneth listens. Unnecessary and illogical attacks on two outstanding Caymanains will get him nowhere. Both he and Bernie have likely lost the civil service vote and that means the end of both of them.

      Trust me I am a civil servant and this is the best the civil service has ever been.

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      • Anonymous says:

        I was so happy to hear Gloria’s speech. I sincerely hope those entitled persons who think they should be promoted on the sole basis that they are real Caymanians were also digesting what she was saying. There are many civil servants who support Kenneth’s crap. They do not want to produce or produce at a low level and if a competent expat is hired they have fits. Thank you so much Gloria.

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      • Anonymous says:

        In the Brac This is the worst the Civic Servants have ever been, no accountability at all, but a lot of eating going on on work hours

        • Anonymous says:

          Hush! It’s always been like that on the Brac. They have nothing to do except take handouts from government disguised as salary.

          • Anonymous says:

            9:41 am, you are wrong it was never like this even15 or 20 years ago now eveything is let loose in the Brac now, PWD does nothing, everything is contracted out and the other Dept.’s is ditto anyway lots of eating going on.

      • Anonymous says:

        Csymanian are very forgetful peoples by next election they will forget about this long time and the policiations know it.

  9. Anonymous says:

    MLA Bryan was up against the same gang that got rid of governor Choudhury.

    This clique is entrenched.ď

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    • Anonymous says:

      11:17 you live in a strange world. I bet you believe in Aliens.

      All I can say is that I have been in the civil service for 15 years and I have never been more proud to be a civil servant. I am a Caymanian!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Should be proud of your wages, free pension, free medical lots of paid sick leave/holidays/vacations for little work and it seems no one get to work on time these days

  10. Find The Truth says:

    Again we have an issue.

    What is the reasoning behind the desicion not to ensure that Qualified Caymanians are in the top tier posts.

    Well, one blatant and obvious reason is the “Brotherhood”. People need to understand how that group works. They swear an oath of allegiance to the “Brotherhood” that they WILL give preferential treatment to fellow “Brothers”.

    If anyone has bothered to do their research then you will know that this “Brotherhood” comes under the control of the “Masters” in Jamaica and ultimately the UK. Thats where the affiliation is from. Thats why these “Brothers” have the positions they have. Thats why they CAN NOT allow something that would impede the “Brothers” from other countries.

    Now knowing that, and understanding that, do you think that local members of this “Brotherhood” will allow certain legislation to be passed. Hell No. It goes against their sworn oath.

    NOBODY CAN PROVE THIS IS NOT SO.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Well said and great insight, that “Brotherhood” is the same reason Ofreg cannot progress, it is a rat’s nest over there.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Qualified does not mean competent. You have some who sit exams and pass but cannot deliver. Sitting in a classroom, or doing a mickey mouse online degree does not equip you. You need experience in the real world.

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      • Infaliable Truth says:

        If I had a group of ” Brothers” that were looking out for me like the “Brotherhood” here does, of course I would be productive.

        The problem is that this “Brotherhood” is ONLY about the betterment of the “Brothers” and the “Brotherhood”, hence why all the secret stuff.

        When you have someone who is NOT a part of the “Brothehood” then a wall is put up to ensure that person fails no matter what.

        Its the FACTS of this group. There is no denying it and NOBODY can say it is not so.

        And for your information there are lots of people who have REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE, the only thing keeping them down IS THE “BROTHERHOOD”. I for one have suffered under them. But KARMA comes around every so often.

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  11. Anonymous says:

    UnCivil Servant gets it!

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  12. Anonymous says:

    Doesn’t anyone get the irony of this whole thing!

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  13. Anonymous says:

    My company had no hr, the Americans that worked there made sure that went away.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I am a proud civil servant who has received more training in the last 2 years than in the last 20 years. I was just promoted to a senior post after working so hard. But I am proud that I earned it on merit not just because I am a Caymanian

      I just can’t understand why Bernie and Kenneth won’t leave our civil service alone. We are doing great things without your gross interference.

      Thankfully 2021 is not that far away. We are not going to forget this unnecessary and disgusting attack Kenneth and Bernie.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Trying to defend the indefinsible….

      No story here, move on

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    • Anonymous says:

      Kenneth met his match. If he and Bernie think they can take on Franz and Gloria they are sadly mistaken. While Ken and Bern talk about helping Caymanians Franz and Gloria do it every day.

      Shame on Ken and Bern. Thankfully Ken with be back on the talk show full time soon and Bernie back in west bay doing nothing.

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      • Anonymous says:

        9:30 pm and 7:08am, you two forgot that Caymanians forget easily, by election time in May 2021, everyone including you two will long forgotten this ..

  14. Anonymous says:

    Yes mostly Caymanians because those originally on contract keeping getting renewed until they get Caymanian Status. FOI how many persons in middle management and above got Caymanian status while on contract with the government and what positions they hold now. That will give you the true picture. Many of the CFOs that are status holders also got status while employed by Franz/government and they are now counted amongst this 8 of 10 statistics Gloria is referring to.

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    • Anonymous says:

      6:17. You forgot to mention that those CFO,s that our DG kept on have all delivered unqualified opinions on their financial statements. That is what you should be focused on. In order words our Civil Service is focused on high performance and delivery. How can that be a bad thing? 74% Caymanians in the civil service is actually staggering. When you take out teachers and police officers the number goes to 90%. Well done Gloria and Franz. We are seeing the major improvements in the civil service.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Take out prison officers and it’s probably 97%

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        • Anonymous says:

          If caymanians could pass basic maths and English, know a little about what being a prison officer entails and be able to run a mile in under 10 minutes then maybe they could be employed as prison officers. Or shall we just give them the job as they are entitled.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Trust me, if that was the real standard nuf people wouldn’t be employed there… Seems your passport is more important these days in that particular organization.

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      • Anonymous says:

        6:17 have you checked the many international employees, some Asians, Spaniards and the list goes on and on.
        The races make their people get the jobs. When a Caymanian with a masters degree applied for a job, she got a phone call from HR asking if she was Caymanian. Until this day she has never heard from that goverment government organization.
        Point is, that same organization is oover flowing with all of their nationals.

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        • Anonymous says:

          10:51am she was not in the lodge or did not have any connections to it, thats why she did not get the job.

        • Anonymous says:

          Just because she had a masters degree does not make her competent, or suitable. Seems everyone here has a masters degree!

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  15. Anonymous says:

    From what I hear it’s the ex-pats who get shafted in the recruitment process. Someone comes here with years of experience and hard-earned professional qualifications only to find themselves being told what to do by a Caymanian with very little experience, questionable qualifications and a rather limited command of English. For obvious reasons I’m not going to give details but I know a number of ex-pats who came here expecting to fill a useful role in CIG and found they’re just wasting their time.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    Bernie next, we need to straighten out all of them and keep their little political fingers out of the Civil Service staff matters.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    Housekeeping and landscaping caymanians only and there is no more unemployment.
    And minimum wage to 10 an hour.
    Simple solution that solves a lot of problems.

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    • Anonymous says:

      But…. it doesn’t. I would never hire s caymanian to clean my house. I hate to say it but it’s true. If I wanted someone who dicked around half the time I’d have my husband clean the house.

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Yes, what the civil service needs is more people like Kenneth Bryan, Bernie Bush and their dumbass cronies. Christ Jesus! Well done Gloria, a truly bright Caymanian as opposed to one elected to a high paying position by deluded voters, for her excellent answer. After all, these same limited intellect, limited achievements, limited qualifications Caymanians Kenneth and Bernie are rooting for, can always run for election and may, like them, win and even end up like Dumbwayne Seymour, a Minister with an even higher salary, one which is in direct inverse proportion to his ability and intellect.

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  19. Anonymous says:

    “Qualified” and “the best person for the job” are two very different options.

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  20. Anonymous says:

    Kenneth has to be stopped. He simply doesn’t get it and is almost as bad as Bernie and that is saying a lot. Both of these boys simply doesn’t understand that capability matters. As a Caymanian I am insulted by this motion. I am going to work hard and earn my top job.

    It is staggering that The Motion failed to contain any reference to caymanians being capable or even qualified. 2021 can’t come to fast. I made the mistake of voting for Bernie. I am embarrassed to admit that now.

    Imagine Kenneth getting up there to allegedly promote caymanians while tearing down Mr Manderson the acting Governor and Ms Gloria the acting Deputy Governor. Shame shame on you Kenneth and Bernie.

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    • Anonymous says:

      “Dr” Frank and Foolio reincarnated. The people of GTC sure know how to pick em.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Wow can you imagine we elected Dr Frank Follio Kenneth Bernie and now the new Star John John.

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        • Anonymous says:

          10;42 pm, thats possible, because Cayman has some of the most stupid fool voters in the world. They might just vote in those 5 stars.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Me thinks your alphabet soup headline should have read, “Acting DG defends HR policy in CS with BS”

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  22. Jah Dread says:

    Missa Kenneth you have to know when to hold, know when to Fold and return stronger, you were set up. Your motion was bound for defeat from the time the DG’s rejected you outright Breda. Rewind and come again in a different style, like can they show the upward mobility stats for Caymanians for the last five years and the same applying to non Caymanians in the service. Specify the departments.

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  23. UnCivil Servant says:

    Gloria Nixon is trained to defend the dreadful senior management in the civil service by Franz Manderson. They both are in complete denial and part of the reasons why the civil service is a mess. It’s not about merit but about favors, the old boys club and lodge connections. Look at the differences how Eric Bush, Jennifer Ahearn and Dorreen Whittaker, Linda Evans were treated by the DG. Ask yourself why? The fish rots from the head.

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    • Derry says:

      Uncivil oh no not you again. You still upset because you didn’t get promoted. You claim the civil service is a mess, well not according to the staff and customer service surveys. You are the lone wolf crying In your office. I bet you just woke up. You are the one in denial because from where I sit everything has changed for the better in the civil service. Get with the programme. Ask yourself this question do I earn my salary every day? If you can think straight the answer should make you sick of your uncivil stomach.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Eric and Doreen had it coming. Linda I don’t know. Jennifer is a step or ten ahead of them mentally, they don’t like that.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Its people like uncivil that make me want to Puke . You have no idea what leadership is all about.

      You need some help Uncivil.

      I bet you sit at your desk all day complaining about work and life.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Folks lets pray for Uncivil. He has been posting this nonsense for a while now. Don’t worry Uncivil we will soon have a nice cozy place for you to stay in East End. We must not leave the sick behind.

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  24. Anonymous says:

    Man, she dressed him down properly and thoroughly, good on her. The next one she needs to dress down is Bernie

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  25. Anonymous says:

    Thank you Gloria. This has helped HODs who are requested to give a Caymanian a job who knows that he or she does not qualify for a job. Thank you so much.

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  26. Sad says:

    Regrettably having 8 out 0f 10 leadership positions in the C.S. has resulted in the overall poor performance of the public sector. Increasing the percentage will only make it worse.
    “World class” is a pipe dream given the reality.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Sad… what Island are you living in? You sadly won’t accept the reality that Cayman is great because our civil service working with the private sector makes us the best place in the world to live. Accept that fact and stop living in a world of negativity. You will feel better and won’t be sad anymore. Trust me.

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  27. Anonymous says:

    I heard the speech by Ms. McField-Nixon and all I could say is bravo, well written and delivered. The Maya Angelou reference at the end was heart breaking and I do not know if Ms. Nixon ended in tears.

    I also listened to the opposition just before (I think Radio Cayman ran the proceedings through multiple days), including the leader of the opposition (leading JA*** in my opinion). Throughout his over twenty minute diatribe, he not once referred to the issue. Instead he and his gang went on about how “this is their time” and who could get the “last lick”. Really now, is this the caliber of opposition we have in Government? I know there has been a lot of rhetoric about changing the PPM in the next election, but I am sorry the Opposition and their leader has got to go.

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