Cayman grieves death of first deputy governor
(CNS): Flags are flying at half-mast on all government buildings today (Monday) and will remain lowered until the close of business Tuesday in honour of former Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service Donovan Ebanks, MBE, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 72. The Cayman Islands Government offered its condolences on the death of the Cayman Islands’ first deputy governor, whose long public service career spanned several decades. His distinguished service was recognised in 1994 with an MBE.
A government press release said that Ebanks began his civil service career at the Public Works Department in 1975, but he demonstrated “exceptional capability early on” and was promoted to chief engineer at just 30. His upward trajectory continued with subsequent promotions to deputy chief secretary in 1994 and chief secretary in 2009.
In 2009, following the enactment of the new constitution, which renamed the chief secretary position, Ebanks became the islands’ first deputy governor before his retirement in 2012.
Throughout his tenure, he spearheaded important initiatives, including civil service reform and the establishment of the Commissions Secretariat and Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI). His career has been marked by dedicated public service and significant contributions to the governance and development of the Cayman Islands.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.
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Category: Local News
Not a easy man who made some mistakes whilst in Government and his life but 1000 times better than the current office holder and civil servant cult like leader and self worship mogul. Rest in Peace Donovan Ebanks MBE!
Not everyone can handle success, and when they are not prepared for leadership by development through a world class education, training and overseas experience and exposure to test their mettle like Donnie had to do, then they can be said to be set up to fail! Leadership development is presently a joke now in the public service.
My deepest condolences to all the family, his close friends and the greater Caymans Islands community who mourn his passing. I pray God gives us all peace, comfort and hope during this sad time. This man was an exemplary man of character, dedication and hardworking civil servant, who took his career very serious and gave his very best to his country and people from the start of his employment until his retirement. Gone too soon, but never to be forgotten! RIP Mr. Donnie.
The new Civic Service never even answer their phones. thats hard work, snd cant be fired, what a mess it is these days.
Franz could learn a lot from this brilliant, honest and REAL Civil Servant. He didn’t just turn CIG into his own personal cheer leading squad and voting bloc.
Then again, 2003 was the beginning of the end so what can we expect.
Did Donnie ever organise a 5K though?
No but he was actively involved with the formation of the YMCA and the Little League, and the Field of Dreams.
Saddened to hear the news. I always respected and admired his work ethic and dedication to public service. I pray for God’s comfort for his loved ones during their time of grief.
So not think it protocol in any country to fly flags at half mast upon the death of a retired Civil Servant.
As a Deputy Governor he was also a Member of Parliament.
Show some respect for the man. He was one of us!
oh please don’t give em any more dumb ideas
What does the protocol of any other country have to do with this? Every country/nation/government makes its OWN protocols!!
RIP Donnie. You made your mark!
No mention of the fact that he was the person in charge of Operation tempura?
So sad to hear of his passing. As the first DG he made us Caymanians proud. The civil service under his leadership was one of integrity and accountability. Sad his successor didn’t uphold the same standards.
I’d say the opposite. Ebanks was Chief Secretary, a much lesser post than Deputy Governor is, and he only had the post because he was holding the predecessor post. He didn’t earn it. Franz earned it, and by the end of his tenure, the civil service will have been transformed. It is already significantly different from the way it used to be. Some things will never change, a lot of them are and will continue to.
Donnie groomed Franz for the post. Hand picked him and we already knew he was his successor. What are you even talking about?
And when he got the job Franz changed the rules of the game so that only his handpicked followers who are even less able than he is had any chance to join the cult.
And unlike Donnie, Franz never spent a day abroad at school, college university or even working. Yet he thinks he knows about world class.
My @$$.