Local IT expert earmarked to take over CSD

| 30/06/2022 | 21 Comments
Darvy Whittaker

(CNS): Caymanian Darvy Whittaker has been appointed as director-designate of the government’s Computer Services Department and will take the helm in 12 months when the current expatriate director, Simon Spiers, steps aside. Whittaker, who has worked in the department for more than three decades, secured the job after an open recruitment process. His appointment follows the release of a report by the Office of the Auditor General which found that government still has much work to do to improve its online services, an area linked to the CSD.

As the provider of strategic solutions serving core government, as well as select statutory authorities and government companies, the department is tasked with facilitating the digital and technological objectives of all public sector entities. CSD also maintains the government’s data centres and network and serves internal users with technology. Officials said it acts as an internal business partner for government entities to create their own digital and technology systems.

CSD is now under the Ministry of Social Development, and Acting Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks congratulated Whittaker.

“With more than three decades of commitment within the department, Mr Darvy Whittaker exhibits an exemplary combination of leadership, aptitude and dedication required for success in this crucial position,” she said. “The Computer Services Department provides the crucial framework and underpinning for government to serve the people of the Cayman Islands, building and maintaining the systems that enable government to conduct business as well as generate core government revenue.”

Whittaker, who began his new job at the beginning of this month, said he appreciated the ministry’s confidence in him. “The position of Computer Services Director of course entails significant responsibilities and challenges, and I look forward to leading a highly dynamic and dedicated team of professionals to continue bringing meaningful and measurable improvements to fruition,” he said.

He also thanked the leaders throughout his career who provided support and guidance, including former CO Alan Jones and the current CSD director, Simon Spiers, who has held the post for six years. He will help Whittaker transition to his new role over the next 12 months.

Whittaker has many years of experience in the delivery of information technology services and was the deputy director for service delivery, with responsibility for all aspects of information systems user experience across the Cayman Islands Government. He has an MSc in Information System Management from the University of Liverpool.


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Category: Government Administration, Politics

Comments (21)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    So the current Director came for 3 years and is now at 6!

  2. Anon. says:

    Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Congratulations!

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  3. Anonymous says:

    BIG Congrats Darvy, very happy for you and very proud of you. you are a great guy – keep it up.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Congrats. But why is CSD not overseeing all government departments? Seems like it’s associated with POCS but should have a wider breath?

  5. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations to Mr. Whittaker. A great example of hard work and dedication. A nicer person you will be hard-pressed to find. A natural leader and very capable of fulfilling the duties of the role and taking this very important department to the next level.

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  6. Patricia Bryan says:

    Congratulations, Darvy. It is long overdue and well deserved. All the best when they time comes to move into the role.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Well done, Darvy! Now try to get to the bottom of that sexual harassment case that’s been hanging around CSD.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Congrats D. Knew it was just a matter of time. I know you will make the CSD run as best as possible given what leverage is afforded to you. Continue to make and show what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and commitment. Bless….

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Great news. Congratulations Mr. Whittaker. May God speed you in your work.

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  10. Anonymous says:

    How dare Eric Bush and DG Manderson promote another Caymanian. I thought I read on this site that they are doing an awful job.

    Sorry folks no one believes your rants about these two civil servants.

    Congrats Darvy you will make us proud.

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  11. Anonymous says:

    Congrats!

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  12. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations and well deserved!!!

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  13. Little Miss Stew Beef says:

    So you mean to tell me that one needs 30 years experience in a Department before you’d be eligible to run it?
    Either:
    1. He wasn’t interested in this post until recently
    2. There was no incentive to get Caymanians to have the most senior posts
    3. The in-house training was so poor that he’s only just qualified for the job.
    Something don’t look right ya…

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Congrats Mr. Whittaker….almost time for retirement.

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  15. Anonymous says:

    Wonderful News. Well done.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    Ok A CAYMANIAN in the job…WELL DONE!
    Sadly, you’ve got a lot of problems to sort out. I wish you well but EVERYONE’S expecting A LOT! GOOD LUCK!

  17. Forman says:

    Good work DD! We graduated Cayman High School together and those were our finer days..❤

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