Local civil servants take up key ministry posts

| 25/07/2023 | 17 Comments
Cayman News Service
New DCO Danielle Roberts (left) with new SPAs Justin Hislop and Rolna-DaCosta

(CNS): The Ministry of Border Control and Labour has confirmed a new deputy chief officer and two senior policy officers. Danielle Roberts was confirmed as DCO in May, having been chosen over a dozen other Caymanians who applied for the senior job. Meanwhile, Rolna DaCosta and Justin Hislop have been appointed as senior policy officers.

All three of the local, public servants have a variety of experience from working across the government, according to a release from the ministry.

Roberts has worked for the Cayman Islands Government for sixteen years, starting in 2007 with the Ministry of Education, where she ran the Education Council Scholarship Programme. She moved on to managing policy development and renewal, drafting policies and writing Cabinet Notes and Papers, and developing education briefs, among other duties. Roberts has an MBA and various professional qualifications and is also the data protection leader for the ministry.

DaCosta joined the ministry this month from the Ministry of Financial Services. She has over eighteen years experience in various areas of public sector and financial services, including policy development, fund administration, and financial services regulation. She has a degree in management and marketing and has also completed various professional qualifications. DaCosta also played a key role in the recent development of key financial services legislation.

Hislop has been with the Ministry of Border Control and Labour for the past six years and was promoted from senior business analyst to senior policy officer in May. Hislop was instrumental in procuring the new Customs and Border Control (CBC) high-tech scanner used to inspect cargo containers, and recently assisted Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) in securing vendors to facilitate the training and development programmes. He has a degree in political science and various professional qualifications.

Chief Officer Wesley Howell said he was pleased to work with and lead such a strong team of talented Caymanians. “Each of them brings great experience and knowledge,” he said. “They are truly an asset to the civil service and will be an added complement to the ministry’s policy team.”


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Category: Jobs, Local News

Comments (17)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations to these amazing, talented and future of the Civil Service. Each of you are dynamic in your own way and will succeed at whatever this journey has for you

  2. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations to these absolutely outstanding young Caymanians!! They are bright and an asset to our Country. Rolna, always impressed when I have the opportunity to hear you speak in meetings – confident, knowledgable and humble. Way to go you three!!!

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  3. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations to all. I have had the pleasure of working with you all and your enthusiasm, professionalism, and courtesy are noted by many.

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  4. Beaumont Zodecloun says:

    You all shine for us. You are the future for us old pharts. Live your best lives and do your best on the job; that’s all anyone can ask.

    We are proud of you. Much love and blessings.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    Is it only me, or does it feel weird that we have to report on it and celebrate when a Caymanian gets a job or a promotion.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Give them a chance, folks.

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  7. Cayman Mon says:

    Why is it that some individuals, whom I suspect may not be true Caymanians, seem to hinder the progress of locals in their own country? It is disheartening to observe a recurring issue in our nation, where Caymanians are capable enough to train others, but are not given the opportunity to hold certain jobs. This situation must be rectified. The impact of this discrepancy is particularly detrimental to our young people who pursue higher education and professional qualifications abroad, only to return home and find limited prospects. They are not even considered for entry-level positions that could lead to more meaningful roles. Consequently, they choose to seek opportunities overseas, where they are rightfully given the chances they should have had in their homeland.
    I appeal to Mr. Premier and the Government to take a proactive stance in addressing this matter. Our fellow Caymanian citizens deserve to be supported and given a fair chance to advance in their own country. This does not imply any anti-foreign sentiment; rather, it reflects a desire for our own people to be treated equitably.
    Admittedly, there may be a few among us who may not contribute as diligently as they should, but this should not overshadow the potential and dedication of the majority of Caymanians who are eager to excel and contribute meaningfully.
    Let us foster an environment where merit and hard work are rewarded, where opportunities are extended to our own citizens first, and where we collectively strive for the betterment of our nation. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for all Caymanians and build a stronger, more inclusive society.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    jesus people, they are qualified young caymanians, at least give them a chance before you start tearing them down.

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  9. Anonymous says:

    ….meanwhile “other” non-privileged Caymanians are unemployed.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Would the non-privileged Caymanians be those who made no attempt to take advantage of a free education?

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    • Chloe says:

      this comment just annoys me to no ends

      When did we become such crabs in a bucket that we cant even celebrate the successes of our own people.

      Congratulations to Danielle, Justin and Rolna I LOVE seeing Caymanians thrive and become successful. Dont let the crabs take away from your achievements!

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  10. Anonymous says:

    Clueless.

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  11. Anonymous says:

    uh-oh spaghettios….
    I’ve got a bad feeling about this…

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