Key watchdog job in dispute

| 28/09/2020 | 104 Comments
Cayman News Service, Cayman National Human Resources Department
Sharon Roulstone

(CNS): Ombudsman Sandy Hermiston has said that her office is in discussions with Sharon Roulstone after confirming that the former WORC director has not returned to her job there. Roulstone was seconded to WORC weeks after she was appointed as deputy ombudsman, but since the two-year transfer ended this summer, Roulstone has not been allowed to return. Following inquiries by CNS about Roulstone, Hermiston said, “We are currently in discussions regarding her position. Ms Roulstone is on the payroll of the Office of the Ombudsman and is being paid.”

CNS has learned from sources close to the matter that Roulstone wished to return to the job after leaving WORC but has not been given a start date.

In February 2018, less than a month after she was appointed to the Office of the Ombudsman to handle complaints about the civil service, Roulstone was seconded to the National Human Resources Department, later renamed the Workforce Opportunity and Residency Cayman (WORC), to head up the new department.

While Roulstone was in the director’s post at WORC, her job at the ombudsman’s office was filled by a Canadian, Ted Myles. Hermiston explained that he was “recruited to back-fill” the period that Roulstone was on secondment. “The term of his contract of employment was completed and he has returned home to Canada,” she said, noting that no one is acting in this role.

Hermiston said that Myles was working on a “part-time consultancy basis in order to ensure that we continue to provide our usual efficient and effective service in this transitional period.” The complaints division is currently headed by Hermiston herself, with part-time support from this consultant, she said.

However, CNS understands that most of the ombudsman’s team has been working from home during the pandemic and reporting directly to Myles on all cases during regular, more than twice weekly, Zoom sessions.

The ombudsman did not divulge the consultancy fee, which was paid in addition to the salary being paid to Roulstone, who is said to be ready, willing and able to go back to the job.

The treatment of Roulstone, who was not given an opportunity to continue serving at WORC and is now apparently being blocked from her substantive post at the ombudsman’s office, has caused concern among some members of the public who believe that a competent, qualified Caymanian is being marginalized over what may be political motivations.

Roulstone, whose sister, Shirley Roulstone, sued government over the people-initiated referendum on the cruise port project, is a qualified attorney who ran for office at the last election as an independent.

CNS has contacted Roulstone for comment and we are awaiting a response.


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Category: Government oversight, Jobs, Local News, Politics

Comments (104)

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  1. Big G Croszan says:

    Nothing to see here !, I will tell you what if I had to take my chances with anyone being fair and impartial ? its absolutely no choice to make .We all know what these people give and just exactly how nasty they can be? We need to stop deluding ourselves in Cayman!

  2. Anonymous says:

    I wonder if Ezzard will bring this one to the PAC? If he does, I will ask for special permission to bring popcorn..

  3. darlene mckenzie says:

    With no disrespect no need too worry this all soon be over. The lord soon send something worst than COVID-19. Because most people just hard-headed and simply do not care.

  4. Anonymous says:

    correction to the misinformed. Suggest you ask he Work Permit and her Caymanian Status/PR staff about the facts. You clearly do not know Sharon. At WORC Miss Roulstone applied the rules. She lobbied to have ambiguities in the law changed to close obvious loop holes. No one in authority paid Miss Roulstone any mind Now she cannot be held responsible for laws our own government has refused to change. This is why it is so easy in Cayman to get Work Permits and PR. Suggest you blame Alden and not Sharon.

    • Anonymous says:

      All her comments in the press were about streamlining the process for the benefit of employers. Laws didn’t need to be changed but needed to be applied. She did nothing to stem or curb the resurgence of slimy machinations to exclude Caymanians from positions. Scum sucking recruiters continued to anonymously chum positions for companies to ensure there were sufficient obscure requirements in actual application to exclude an otherwise eligible Caymanian applicants.
      Sharon went as far as to require Caymanians to register to even see positions thereby minimizing registration of applicants who didn’t want current employers to know they were looking and further allowing employers to develop position requirements around them without necessitating bottom-feeding recruiters to do their chumming.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Why do I feel like there must be more to the story…?

  6. Anonymous says:

    There is some poet justice considering how her main focus with WORC was making it easier for employers to circumvent the rules. But she’s still getting paid way more than she’s worth…whereas un- and under-employed Caymanians are not.

  7. Anonymous says:

    So Hermison hires her best friend and bring him from Canada to the island, on big bucks and when his contract ends, she still hires him on big bucks ($10,000 a month) as a consultant. Then we have a Caymanian who is not allowed to go back to her desk at the Ombudsman office and do her work?

    And we are letting this happen?

    Please someone turn off the lights on the way out

    • Anonymous says:

      Cronyism has always been in Cayman it was however in varying degrees more difficult with pretty much every administration before Aldart the Destroyer.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why do you people always look to blame the foreign managers/bosses? Not because a claim of “qualified and competent” is repeated does it make it true. Look at Sharon’s employment history, ask a few questions and then tell us when, where and how did she display high levels of competency.

      • Anonymous says:

        @11:34pm – Why don’t we look at Sharon’s employment history? Include her service on government boards, all 40-eleventeen of them. Waiting for you to point out the incompetence but not holding my breath.
        Facts matter. Hiding behind anonymity to make slurs does not make your case.
        Just the facts, ma’am.

        • Anonymous says:

          Being on hundredelevengeen boards does not potrtay competence, rather it shows kissing up as a way of progress.

  8. Anonymous says:

    Soon there won’t be much need for work permits because expats will just work online from their country of origin and get paid as a consultant. Good on the Ombudsman for contracting Caymanians out of good paying jobs!

    • Anonymous says:

      Well Alden should have something to say about this…not so much as hiring an expat instead of Caymanian (he fully supports that) but where is his work permit revenue!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Some law firms doing that, jobs not filled in Cayman.

      • Anonymous says:

        Often while the attorney general sits back and refuses to enforce the Legal Practitioners Law.

        • Anonymous says:

          Cannot wait for another attempt at the legal practitioners bill just before elections.

          • Anonymous says:

            Next time we get to accuse politicians, law firms, and regulators of being directly complicit in illegality and money laundering. I cannot wait!

      • Anonymous says:

        More and more Caymanian legal jobs are going to move remotely offshore next year.

        COVID 19 has changed the whole Caymanian legal market.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes! All the negative comments the last year about the detrimental “expats” will result in more of their positions being filled via “on-line” expats.

      We made them unwelcome, so now they will not come with their supporting expenses for our on-island economy… But their jobs are safe due to the web – they don’t need to be here; but our economy needs them.

      Be careful what you have wished for. Chase expats away, well done – their jobs will continue without their residence on island.

      How short-sighted, but typical.

  9. Anonymous says:

    So, if no personnis acting in the position right now, and Sharon is willing and able to return to her oost, AND the Omnudsman Hermiston wants to “ensure that we continue to provide our usual efficient and effective service”, then why not let Sharon return to her post?

    Why pay 2 people for the same job?

    The Premier should come out and say whether this delay in letting Sharon return to her post is in retaliation for Shirley challenging the cruise port plan by CIG.

  10. Anonymous says:

    She’ll be running again anyway

  11. South Sounder says:

    This makes my blood boil.

    Sharon is a qualified Caymanian lawyer for goodness sake bringing much needed expertise. Is the direction that we need to dumb down the civil service so they don’t rock the boat or is it that she is better qualified than most of the Ministers and a WOMAN.

    Sheri Bodden, another passionate Caymanian lawyer, another great loss.

    Shirley Roulstone, the woman is the kindest soul and a champion for her country.

    I could name so many others in the civil service who have been passed over or are hiding in the shadows for fear of retribution. Do you see the pattern emerging?

    It’s time the political bullies and abusers realise this country was built on strong women.

    IT’S TIME FOR WOMEN TO STAND UP!

  12. Anonymous says:

    Time to free us from mental slavery and abuse. Let’s vote the entire cabinet out in May 2021. It’s always against the caymanian and all for the expat.

    • Anonymous says:

      Think you’ll find they are all for themselves under the guise of discourse between Caymanians and expats. Don’t be fooled or else they won.

  13. Anonymous says:

    How can anyone expect any good from the Ombudsman office when they also withhold information in violation of the FOI Law?

    Franz you are becoming a failure!

  14. Anonymous says:

    Can you blame the Ombudsman? What has Sharon done in the last 2 years that warrants any fireworks? Time up.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Every time a competent and capable Caymanian rises to a position of responsibility at immigration, and actually starts to do the job required by their office, their own government tries to destroy them?

    Dennis Brady
    Linda Evans
    Waide DaCosta
    Kim Davies
    Sharon Roulstone

    Pretty consistent pattern there. You could not make this shit up….

    Sandy, please explain.

    • Anonymous says:

      9:37. Total rubbish

      • Anonymous says:

        All were competent and capable. All were doing a fair job with what they had. All suffered in consequence. What is rubbish?

      • Anonymous says:

        I agree with 11:02.

        9:25, care to share about what you believe is “Total rubbish” or will you hide in your anonymous post profile and spew unfounded thoughts???

  16. Anonymous says:

    Ok, so she was “not given an opportunity to continue serving at WORC and is now apparently being blocked from her substantive post at the ombudsman’s office”. Strange that both government agencies seem not keen to keep her. Maybe, just maybe this could be an indication of incompetency/performance issues on her part and nothing to do with some conspiracy theory relating to politics or her sister’s law suit. Oh, and before you all start expat bashing, I am a proud, open minded Caymanian.

    • Anonymous says:

      You are correct 9:32 about the performance issues which have been repeated in other positions this really nice lady has held in the last 20 years. She would make an excellent MLA though.

      • Anonymous says:

        So, pray tell how performance issues in various positions translates to qualifying as an MLA? Really? It appears that the voting public recognized all of that and hence the reason they chose not to elect her previously.

    • Anonymous says:

      In the civil service up is down and competency equates to incompetency. Those that do the work competently are a threat to those who take advantage. Age old problem, no world class promotion will change that.
      XXX

    • Anonymous says:

      Or maybe she is ethical and that does not sit well with certain corrupt government agencies.

      No conspiracy theory needed, it is common knowledge that the CIG is corrupt! Oh, and yes as a “proud, open minded Caymanian” you revealed your biases.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Where is the tender documents for the consultancy, and how much was he paid?
    Nice issue for Ezzard to dig into at PAC.

  18. Anonymous says:

    I can hear Alden now, dah wha you get Sharon, told you to stop Shirley getting up in mine and Mose cruise port business.

    Payback is a bitch…but Alden, karma coming for you, mark my words.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Alden is probably hoping that he can piss Sharon off enough for her to quit. She is likely to run in the next election and I’m sure Alden doesn’t want her nipping at Roy’s heals again…

    It is our own Caymanians that destroy our own and play right into the hands of those expats who thrive on seeing us doing it..Sandy and Joe, both expats, both Canadians, both taking jobs that well trained Caymanians can do and what do we do, encourage out of hate and disrespect for our fellow Caymanians..

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, we just have so many well trained Caymanians in all areas on these islands. Just look at the wonderful quality of our CIG Cabinet. Our brilliance on display daily.

      Why do we think with a population of only 65,000 people we have so much Caymanian expertise here?

      • Anonymous says:

        Because we do. Certainly more that the cabal allows to serve this country.

        • Anonymous says:

          Unfortunately, the well educated, well qualified Caymanians are kept down by people like you and other Caymanians that are less educated or see them as threats to their positions of power or money train..

          Cayman and Caymanians should not be defined by a few corrupt politicians..

        • Anonymous says:

          Obviously we are an incredibly educated and talented people. We certainly are an exceptional people. Amazing 11:45.

    • Hubert says:

      When are Caymanians going to understand that simply being a Caymanian is not a qualification for every job here?

      • Anonymous says:

        It should be the primary qualification not just a qualification. I think sharon is well educated and well qualified for this post but the PPM will never allow her to take this position. It doesn’t suit their political agenda.

        People, if you don’t start finding a place in this place we call home we will soon become extinct..or maybe that is the plan..

      • Anonymous says:

        Sure, but global law firm partner experience, decades of serving on boards, and running a successful international business counts for something, doesn’t it?

    • Anonymous says:

      Sorry, there are FEW well trained, competent and ethical Caymanians in ELECTED positions

      (YES, there are some in the educated population, but can’t get elected due to corruption and collusion with the unethical in power).

      We are at a crossroads; elect the past corrupt, uneducated, immoral in power. Or turn to a new generation of educated, legal-based professionals that have a sense of the needs of the people rather than the wants of the individual.

      I do believe Cayman has this new generation of moral legal-based professionals, but I have no trust today that they will be elected to leadership positions. The corrupt are still too influential.

      The Cayman population is still living in the 1950’s… Male controlled, repression of female rights, following religious beliefs that repress respect and dignity of others, always “Me, Me, Me.” And sadly, sacrificing the future prosperity of our youth for their own present-day dinner party.

      Please prove me wrong and vote for a more educated gov’t. Your answer today and tomorrow is not important – the answer will be witnessed in the next election. My prediction, our voting will reflect ignorance, and the current slate of fools will stay in power.

  20. Anonymous says:

    Obviously complaining to immigration that an expat was imported to take a job that a highly skilled and competent Caymanian can do is not a thing anymore. The head of immigration displaced by expats. How the hell dis we get here?

    • Anonymous says:

      Cain down dear, he did not take her job, he merely filled a vacant post during Shirleys absence.

      • Anonymous says:

        Shirley? Sharon. And Sharon has not been absent for months.

        • Anonymous says:

          And not absent – seconded. And whilst he may have been covering her role during her secondment , he still is even though the secondment is over. Not sure what else you call it when another person is getting paid to do your job and you are not – sounds pretty much like he has taken her job to me.

    • Anonymous says:

      Sharon is more qualified and educated that most of the MLA’s. Facts. Just listen to our press briefings over the last several months.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps. It is not up to the Ombudsman! Sounds like it is coming from higher up ! SHAMEFUL is what it is.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Sharon was and is a square peg in a round hole when it comes to Government. Just not suited to the task.

    Pity, but being Caymanian is really NOT a qualification. It a Nationality.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why. Because she applied private sector principles as to quality of service and responsiveness? Because she tried to make people accountable?

    • Anonymous says:

      Everyone says that but you know she is totally pro-work permit fee revenue and anti-Caymanian security.

    • Concerned says:

      It is not a nationality. Cayman is not a country. It is a british overseas territory. Unless I missed the independence party?

  23. Anonymous says:

    This type of thing has come to be expected in the Cayman Islands. Who exactly does the ombudsman report to and who authorized the part-time consultancy work for Ted Myles?

    If what this article is saying is true then it would appear that Ted Myles is effectively functioning in the same capacity that he was when he was located in the Cayman Islands.

    It is sad to see what has become of the Cayman Islands.

  24. Woody Owl says:

    Lost cause! please move on to more important and relevant issues affecting Caymanians Those who do the bidding of political henchmen and get the shaft at the end of day should not be complaining about their own failures to live up to the positions they should not be in in the first place. Why should i give HOOT!

  25. Anonymous says:

    This is a blatant shame…. who can we trust????

  26. Jamesdean says:

    Sounds like some skull duggery going on her??

  27. Anonymous says:

    So who do you complain to if you have a complaint about the Complaints Commissioner/Ombudsman? In all of this there ombudsman has failed to disclose any reason why Ms Roulstone has not been reinstated. Time for Frank Manderson or the Civil Service Association to step in. I feel another qualified Caymanian is about to get victimized while the expats keep their jobs. An all too familiar narrative in Cayman these days.

    • Anonymous says:

      Good luck with Manderson.

    • Anonymous says:

      Who the hell do you think is one of the key facilitators of expatriates taking Caymanian jobs, as is plainly the case in this instance?

      Alden should be congratulated as well. Nice to see the truth exposed so close to an election.

    • Anonymous says:

      Mac

    • Anonymous says:

      The Governor will accept your complaint, but you will need to get the Grand Court to make a ruling so he can utilize Section 81..Oh but wait do it quickly because Alden is about to pass a law to force you to pay the Government’s expenses as well as your own.

      Man, sometimes I wonder if this year we wouldn’t have been better off letting Covid run wild and thin this herd out some..

    • Anonymous says:

      @6:02. I like to read comments on CNS. I had to laugh. You really asked a vood question. Good point

    • Anonymous says:

      Who’s a qualified attorney…Sharon or Shirley?

    • Anonymous says:

      Another example of failing governance under the UK.

      We are in a total messup with victimization rampant against anyone like Ms. Roulston who actually has a heart and a brain for Caymanians.

      The Ombudsman office is exactly how the Governor, Franz Manderson, Alden wants it to be – utterly useless. As it has been since they were all put together.

    • Anonymous says:

      Expats look out for one another. When there are vacancies/jobs, their friends are updated and they apply, interviewed and hired.

  28. Anonymous says:

    Heard Miss Roulstone has not been paid since April..so much for honesty

  29. Anonymous says:

    Good luck trying to lawfully getting an expat to leave after contract is up, but if that was a Generational Caymanian, their desk would be cleared by noon of day of end date of that contract, the latest. Even the person heading up WORC is treated like other Caymanians.

    • Anonymous says:

      The dude is back in Canada and not working here anymore. Clearly there are some shenanigans going on but let’s not make it about Joe Expat wouldn’t leave when he already friggin did.

      • See wha' ah tell ya says:

        @6:12pm He still is being paid as a consultant in the same role no doubt. On or off island it doesnt matter. I hope they get this sorted asap so Ms. Roulstone can get back to work.

      • Anonymous says:

        But still in the role as a consultant. Sweet gig.

      • Anonymous says:

        Still being paid as if he was working here..no difference..just that he doesn’t have to be inconvenienced by living here…

      • Anonymous says:

        You’re missing the point. Sounds like he’s working from home – in Canada!!! I feel sorry for Caymanians.

      • Anonymous says:

        Dude is still being paid by us, but now as a consultant. Disgusting, and sure as hell looks like it stinks. There is often good reason why Caymanians are tiring of some of the expat “contribution” to this society. Spectacular fail, Sandy?

        • Anonymous says:

          She was appointed because Helen Kilpatrick was obsessed with appointing a woman no matter what. Diversity was Kilpatrick’s “ thing”. Was she fully qualified and experienced? Opinions differed then and do now but she met Kilpatrick’s main requirement.

          • Anonymous says:

            Wow, you are spot on but forgot to say she was also hired because she won’t make any waves…oops!

      • Anonymous says:

        However, CNS understands that most of the ombudsman’s team has been working from home during the pandemic and reporting directly to Myles on all cases during regular, more than twice weekly, Zoom sessions.

        If they are still reporting to him via Zoom, they saying that he left is pure unadulterated bull crap.

        • Anonymous says:

          Let’s see what the details are before we all lose our minds over this. Clearly something is not right and that’s not been made public yet (if ever). But right now everyone is just jumping on this bandwagon bashing everyone involved without knowing what’s really happening yet. Can we find that out first? CNS? Some follow up and details would be good.

  30. Anonymous says:

    Wow even the ombudsmen office plays it fast and loose with the immigration regs….Caymanians are screwed!

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