Acting chief lands top post at MIISD

| 28/08/2023 | 24 Comments
Tamara Ebanks

(CNS): Fourteen months after she began acting as chief officer for the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development, Tamara Ebanks has been appointed to the actual role. Officials said she secured the post following a “rigorous open recruitment process”, including a panel interview.

According to a press release, Ebanks has a wealth of experience and knowledge after more than two decades as a public servant. Throughout her career, she has worked in various ministries involving different subject areas, contributing significantly to the development and enhancement of their respective portfolios and departments.

Previous roles have included deputy chief officer in the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure, as well as in the Ministry of Commerce, Planning, and Infrastructure. She has also held roles within the Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce, and Environment. Her expertise includes the development of legislation, regulation and policy; finance and budget management; talent development and retention; and has served on key steering committees.

“Tamara Ebanks has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to public service throughout her career,” said Deputy Governor Franz Manderson. “Her promotion as chief officer is well deserved, and I am confident she will continue to perform at a very high level in her new post. She has a track record of accomplishment; during her brief tenure as acting chief officer, she presented to her minister the Identification Register Bill, the Cayman Islands Identification Card Bill, and the Financial Assistance Bill, all of which are landmark pieces of legislation.”

The DG also noted that she was also the deputy CO who established the Centre for Business Development.

“I look forward to working closely with her to advance the government’s strategic priorities and deliver positive outcomes for the people of the Cayman Islands,” Manderson added.

MIISD Minister André Ebanks offered his warm-hearted congratulations to Ebanks on the appointment.

“Her diligence, collaborative approach and steadfast support have been instrumental in driving the ministry’s success during her time as acting chief officer,” he said. “I look forward to working with her as we lead the ministry to bring about meaningful reforms that will benefit the Cayman Islands and its residents.”

Ebanks said she is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the ministry.

“MIISD is characterised by impressive energy, passion and dynamism that drive the entire team,” she said. “I am honoured to lead a group of professionals who are united in their ambitions to bring meaningful and measurable reforms to fruition in tandem with the elected government’s strategic priorities. It is my earnest hope and belief that we will continue to make significant progress for the benefit of all who live, work and do business in the Cayman Islands.”

Ebanks holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management with distinction from the University of Portsmouth and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with Honours from York University. She also possesses numerous certifications that further enhance her qualifications for the role.

MIISD is responsible for a wide range of initiatives, including the reform and modernisation of the government’s delivery of financial assistance, the provision of social work services and support for adults with special needs, the development of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, strategic investment, digital infrastructure and cyber safety, and the implementation of a digital identity programme.


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Category: Government Administration, Jobs, Local News, Politics

Comments (24)

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  1. Dr. Neely Panton says:

    Congratulations on your promotion Tamara 👏

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  2. Anonymous says:

    Keywords used in almost every government press release.

    Rigorous
    Wealth of experience
    Intense training
    Accomplished
    Culture of
    Initiatives
    Strategic
    Impressive
    Energy
    Positive outcomes
    Numerous

    Why not just say she had the best qualifications and experience for the job and done!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Congrats Tamara. You have earned this promotion. Thank you DG for making this selection. You have changed the culture of the civil service. Gone are the days of promotion based on tenure.

      2:40 you represent everything that is wrong with Cayman these days.

      Jealousy is a bad thing.

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    • Anonymous says:

      You forgot Paradigm again…

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    • Anonymous says:

      4:03. If you don’t have any meaningful contribution to make… then don’t.

      Congrats to Tamara and thanks to the DG for his unwavering support for Caymanians.

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    • Anonymous says:

      They are trying to increase your vocabulary!

  3. Anonymous says:

    Why are there so many dislikes when Tamara is congratulated? You all don’t think a Caymanian is worthy of being promoted and praised? This is the reason there is so much animosity among the locals and the expats.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Congrats on your achievements Tamara.

    However, an endorsement by Franz Manderson is not necessarily an assurance to the public.

    Just saying.

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  5. Ima Speak says:

    Congrats, Tamara. So very happy for you. Keep up the good works!!

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Reminder that DG did not promote the Young Caymanians it would occur through normal progression and transition. Please do not give credit to those who nothing to do with it other than announce it – before I throw up!

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    • Anonymous says:

      11:33 What exactly are you saying. Your comment doesn’t make sense.

      The DG has promoted at least 8 Caymanians to Chief Officer level. How many Caymanians have you promoted.

      Hold your puke

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    • Anonymous says:

      11:33 Bizzare comment. Our DG did the promotion so he has every right to announce it.

      people can’t promote themselves moreover there is no promotion through normal progression. Come out of your cave please.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations Tamara, very well deserved. A Caymanian with education, knowledge and a kind heart. You’ve made us proud.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations Tamara. Keep up your good work.

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  9. I think the law states a maximum of 12 months acting! Why was no one else allowed to act?

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  10. anon1 says:

    Congrats Tamara,

    Great person for the role and best of luck.

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  11. Anonymous says:

    Congrats Tamara.

    Another capable caymanian promoted in our civil service.

    We can knock the DG but he has slowly promoted highly capable caymanians including many women to help lead the civil service.

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    • anon says:

      All these accolades, all these qualifications, but when will Mr Manderson place emphasis on his army answering their telephone.This comment in no way relates to Tamara who has truly earned her promotion.

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