Stuart Jack

Farewell to the Cayman Islands

Mariko and I depart Cayman today. This is the last entry in my governor’s blog.

I hope that the readers of this blog in Cayman have learned something about a governor’s job and been stimulated to think about some of this country’s issues; and those readers further afield have learned something about these wonderful islands. I thank you for your attention.

We leave with a love for this country and its people and with a clear professional conscience.                                                                                                                 

I have been a public servant for 38 years and I have tried never to forget that public service is just that – serving the public and the national interest, not one’s own. It’s all about people.     

Cayman has some great people. The older generation worked hard and did much to make these islands the prosperous and comfortable place they are. Some of their old fashioned courtesy and sense of community may be disappearing but it is, I believe, still to a good extent recoverable. Unlike some other countries the young people generally are still courteous though some now take a lot for granted and some are influenced by imported cultures that can undermine the values and peace of these islands.                     

My greatest regret is that not more was done during my time to address the problems facing Cayman’s young people. But a governor can only do so much. The elected government, whose thunder he must be careful not to steal and who have to find the resources, and the community itself have got to make the real effort. Likewise on the environment and sustainable development. I expanded on my wishes for these islands in my previous blog entry, so will say no more today.                                   

During my working career to date I have been through some tough situations and dealt with some high profile issues – from the Cold War in Communist Soviet Union to organised crime in post-Communist Russia, from trade disputes with Japan to the problems of post-war Iraq. But no job has been as challenging or responsible as Governor of the Cayman Islands. That has included helping to achieve a good new Constitution and to steer the country through the threats and realities of hurricanes and the suspicions and realities of corruption or unethical behaviour in small pockets of the public service.                   

Some things developed in unexpected ways and some mistakes were made in matters for which I accept overall responsibility. But I remain firmly of the view that I did what I had to do. I believe that when more of the story can be told more people will understand that.     

This governor was not in the blind eye business. I did not turn a blind eye to alleged wrong-doing if – an important if – there was prima facie evidence and authoritative legal advice that called for allegations to be investigated. But I never went fishing for problems and if there was public confrontation it was the choice of others for their own reasons.    

Above all I hope Mari and I are remembered as people who cared – for the elderly, the disabled, the disadvantaged, for the majority of decent people, and for the youth and future of these beautiful islands. And for all three islands.     

We take away many memories. Our happiest are of friendly people and of new experiences. Mariko made a bit of a stir at our farewell reception when she played the steel pan. I did not take away a new hobby – my latest attempt at thatch rope-making was a disaster (not that I would have found much Cayman thatch in the London suburbs)  – but I do leave with more girth as a result of these islands’ good food.        

Among our pleasantest memories, certainly of those I captured on my camera, are the views from Seven Mile Beach, especially at sunset. Even if there is a cloud or two in the sky these islands remain beautiful. The clouds add interest…. and a reminder that life is complicated but with patience can get better. I wish these islands, their people, and anyone reading this the best of health and prosperity and ultimately a future with not too many but just enough clouds.

       Sunset on Seven Mile Beach

Posted at 17:25 02 December 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Ten wishes for the Cayman Islands

My wife Mariko and I will be leaving the Cayman Islands in two days’ time after four eventful years. On Wednesday, the day of our departure, I will post my final, final comments. In the meantime I have ten wishes for this country, which I direct primarily at those people for whom Cayman is permanent home.

1. Think longer term.

What kind of country do people want to hand down to their children and grandchildren? That has to be the starting point for all major decisions. “Sustainable development” should be the approach: an economy (and public finances) that is sustainable and in harmony with the environment and a healthy society.

2. Think global and think local at the same time.

People need to look beyond the 12 mile limit, as earlier generations did. To be flexible and pro-active in adapting to a changing world, while retaining what is good and special about Cayman. To embrace the ethnic and cultural diversity of this community and to welcome expatriates who contribute to wealth creation and to essential services, while promoting opportunities for Caymanians and restricting population growth. Cayman needs to keep good relations with its region, the US, the UK, Europe and further afield (Asia’s one key place). Develop schemes to enable young Caymanians to experience the wider world, not just college in North America.

3. Plan now for climate change.

Its implications for Cayman are enormous (rising sea levels, more intense storms, coral bleaching etc). You can better survive these if you act now. This will mean addressing some difficult issues like where and how to build housing, offices and national infrastructure.                                                                                                

4. Do more to preserve Cayman’s human heritage.

Do people want to see all Caymanian cottages disappear and few if any of the next generation able to do traditional crafts, music, dance, even cooking? Do more of these in schools and provide opportunities to continue afterwards (which is an issue for much other sport and culture, not just Caymanian traditions). Legislate to protect buildings and promote local culture.

5. Do more to preserve the natural heritage, the environment.

Pass a National Conservation Law without further delay. Require proper environmental impact assessments (as international investors are used to in most jurisdictions). Factor the environment into major decisions from the start, not just as a later add-on.

6. Care for the aged and disabled, and nurture the young.

Pass disability legislation. Take a hard look at how medical insurance and services are organised. Provide better education, especially pre-school and primary and technical and vocational, including apprentice-ships in collaboration with businesses. And more after school activities in local communities, more mentoring, and early intervention when children have problems. Focus more on vulnerable and at risk young people. Expect all teenagers to join a uniformed or other organised group?

7. Demand high standards of governance and public service.

Embrace the new Constitution with its devolution of more responsibility to the Cayman Islands and its new checks and balances. Do not be scared of Human Rights, which are there to protect ordinary people, but rather aim to extend them by legislation beyond those in the Constitution. And make good use of Freedom of Information.

The most effective way of enhancing good governance through local action would be comprehensive legislation requiring disclosure of all political funding (over say CI$100) and not just during election campaigns. People should know where politicians are getting their money and how they use it. This might reduce donations but, if the purpose is only to inform voters about policies and candidates, is much money really needed in such small constituencies?

Aim to make the public service more efficient through the current review, through training (Civil Service College), and a more joined-up collegiate approach by senior managers. Do not allow the Civil Service to be politicised.

Do whatever is necessary to sustain a high reputation for financial services and tourism.

8. Unity and community rather than divisiveness and egotism.

Democratic politics requires debate and an effective opposition, and government must be held to account. But excessive focus on personalities should give way to national interest and divisive rhetoric to unity on more major issues. To ensure continuity and expertise there might be less frequent changes to membership of statutory boards. Public and local community involvement should be encouraged in various forms, for example through public meetings from the outset on major policy initiatives and projects. Remember that the country has three islands and they must work together.

9. Vibrant media.

Resist any temptation to censor or pressurise the media. Encourage a range of views and information and types of media. This is fundamental to an effective democracy.

10. Support efforts to tackle crime and its causes.

The police need support. The whole community has got to say No to guns and violence. More joined up effort should go into dealing with the causes of crime (see comments above about youth at risk). The work to keep more people out of prison (including alternative sentences and the drugs court) and to facilitate the rehabilitation of prisoners should get the resources they need, including a facility for juveniles. And society has to be more forgiving, providing jobs and the real possibility of re-integration into society for ex-prisoners.

Posted at 15:24 30 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Farewell to the Sister Islands

This past weekend my wife, Mariko, and I paid our last visit as Governor and Governor’s spouse to the “Sister Islands” of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. 

Together with Grand Cayman, all three Cayman Islands are distinctive and Mariko and I will have special memories of them all. 

Cayman Brac 

One of my strongest memories of the Brac is spending the night on a mattress on the floor of the Aston Rutty community centre together with a couple of hundred local people whose homes had been damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Paloma.  I have written in this blog about the scenes of devastation I saw on that visit immediately after the storm, which left almost no building untouched, and about the island’s remarkable recovery since. 

I wanted to find some way to mark that recovery and say thanks to all the people, from the Brac and from further afield, who helped. So I suggested a thanksgiving as close as possible to the first anniversary of Paloma. We had that event on Saturday, again in the Aston Rutty Centre, and combined it with our farewell. It was an emotional occasion for many of those present, including most definitely ourselves. 

In the past Cayman Brac produced many of the country’s best seafarers and entrepreneurs, and today business families who originally come from this island and are now based in Grand Cayman play a large part in the economy of the Cayman Islands. Mariko and I spent one evening on this trip listening to the fascinating stories of two senior citizens who had been to sea, one ending up an extremely successful businessman and the other a sea captain. 

Job opportunities on the Brac are limited but this small island with its excellent high school still produces a disproportionate number of the country’s highest achieving young people. We got another glimpse of this at the one other official event during our last visit to the Brac – an awards ceremony for the local detachment of the Cadet Corps.

Little Cayman   

Again one of my strongest memories of Little Cayman is related to Paloma. This island was also affected and I did not want its needs to be ignored, even though reports suggested it was not as badly hit as Cayman Brac. I was the first official to get over there after the storm. The only way I could get there was in the back seat of a one-engined crop spraying plane which is used to spray against mosquitoes.   

The smallest of the three islands, with a regular population of less than 180, is normally a paradise of tranquillity and natural beauty. Little happens apart from diving, snorkelling, relaxing on its fine beaches, walking or cycling, observing the large local iguanas and birdlife, and admiring the stars at night.

With Bloody Bay Wall and other sites it is a diving mecca but only serviced by a handful of small hotels or dive lodges and reached by 19 seater twin prop planes. And for birdwatchers there are colonies of red footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds of international significance. 

One place well worth a visit is a small museum established by Linton Tibbetts, probably the most successful businessman to come out of the Sister Islands. A new part, which I helped to open, gives an interesting insight into the seafaring tradition of these islands.

Posted at 21:49 23 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Cayman's heritage and culture

Pirates Week is much more about Caymanian heritage than pirates 

Following the Pirates’ Landing (see earlier blog) there are local Heritage Days in each district of Grand Cayman (the Sister Islands also have such days), one district per day. A governor is expected to get to as many of these as possible. 

This year Mariko and I timed the end of my tour as Governor to come after Pirates Week – the heritage days seemed a good way of saying goodbye in each district. Before going to the Sister Islands (see next blog entry) we managed to get to the heritage events in East End, West Bay, North Side, and Bodden Town. Apologies to George Town and Savannah, where the heritage days coincided with our trip to the other islands. 

These events usually involve a lot of traditional food and a sort of public party in the evening. Each district does it slightly differently. For example East End displays a lot of utensils, photos and so on from past generations; while West Bay is more into traditional crafts such as thatchwork (weaving baskets etc) and rope-making. For visitors – and those foreign residents who know little about Cayman’s heritage – these events are a good way of finding out more about the country. 

In East End and North Side Mariko and I tried out a variety of Caymanian food such as conch stew and cassava cake. In West Bay I tried my hand at making some rope from thatch, but not so skilfully, managing to cause chaos by breaking one of the strings! In Bodden Town we also visited the Nurse Josie Centre for senior citizens and the Christmas display at the civic centre – both mines of memorabilia from past generations.

Cayman’s culture is constantly evolving 

All this heritage is about how people lived in the past and to some extent today. The saddest aspect is the small number of young people who seem interested in these traditional pastimes. It is gratifying, however, when you do see school children involved.  

Culture is dynamic and constantly evolving. The Cayman Islands are still a young country and now a multicultural one with maybe as many as 130 countries represented in the work force and a fair number of those in the people who have settled here.  

Just as Cayman has incorporated American country music into its culture and earlier on Caribbean and European elements, so local culture will continue to evolve. The Cayman National Cultural Foundation sensibly recognises the resulting richness and does not see this as incompatible with its work to preserve the more traditional parts of Cayman’s heritage.

Posted at 21:38 23 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Cabinet

When I started this blog I said that one purpose was to explain what a governor did. I’ve written about several facets of the job (ceremonial, community events, good governance, law and order) but not actually about the most regular and time-consuming aspect, which is Cabinet. 

Today we had our first weekly Cabinet session under the new Constitution. So now might be a good time to describe briefly what a governor’s role is in this respect. Details of what is discussed are confidential but I can see no reason why the public should not be told in general terms about how Cabinet operates. 

Cabinet is where all major decisions of the government are taken, at least formally (the ruling party may have actually decided at a party caucus meeting the day before). Under the new Constitution Cabinet is made up of the Premier and the four other elected Ministers and also the Deputy Governor and Attorney General, neither of whom has a vote. The Cabinet Secretary attends but no longer the Financial Secretary (unless invited for a specific meeting). 

The Governor normally chairs as “President of Cabinet”. But on most subjects he does not usually say anything – these are the matters like finance, economy, education, health etc which are devolved to the elected government. Only in extreme circumstances, and on instructions from British Government Ministers, does a governor use his reserve powers to overrule the elected government (I have done so only once in 4 years). 

The Governor’s role involves: 

-         together with the Premier agreeing the agenda (Wednesday/Thursday before the following week’s session). This involves looking at all the paperwork that will go to Cabinet for decision or information   

-         holding pre-Cabinet meetings to prepare for the meeting, for example to check that all necessary information is available and that legal aspects have been considered (Monday) 

-         chairing Cabinet: ensuring that the meeting is conducted in accordance with Cabinet rules and in particular that the conclusions of each agenda item are clear and properly recorded. (Tuesday)  

-         checking the draft minutes produced by the Clerk (Wednesday/Thursday)  

-         signing off the final version of the minutes (sometime after the next Cabinet session that will have confirmed the minutes).  

Other less important or urgent matters not on the original agenda can also be discussed under Any Other Business at the end of the meeting, but for major decisions there should be a policy paper containing all the necessary background information.   

Sometimes a session will begin with a presentation on a particular subject, for example a major project or new policy initiative. The presentation is given by officials, the Chair of a statutory board, or others involved.   

The weekly Tuesday Cabinet meeting can last from an hour to most of the day, typically 2-3 hours with 10-20 “Papers” (for decision) or “Notes” (for information only). Usually a few of these are deferred to a later meeting in order to allow for more consideration or further information. Cabinet can be held on another day of the week if necessary. Decisions can also be taken by a written round robin procedure any day of the week, though this is normally used only for more straightforward and urgent matters.   

The minutes are important as government departments will only take action on a decision once they receive an extract of the signed minutes. Advance copies can be authorised if something is urgent.   

There are Cabinet rules including a code of conduct that covers issues like conflict of interest and declaration of any personal interest in a matter being discussed. At present the code is part of a confidential document. In this age of greater transparency I personally do not see why it should not be made public. But any change will now have to await my successor and may also involve the new independent Commission for Standards in Public Life.

Posted at 15:49 17 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Legal Aid

There has recently been a lot of controversy about legal aid in the Cayman Islands – how it should be administered and how much public money should be spent on it. That is a legitimate matter for the elected government to consider. But it is also something that a governor must take an interest in.  Human rights obligations require an adequate legal aid system and care must be taken not to disrupt the operation of the courts and hence justice.

After a lot of meetings, telephone conversations, correspondence and legal advice I drafted a press release; both the Government and the Judiciary were content with the text; and I issued it (it can be found at www.gov.ky or www.ukincayman.fco.gov.uk).  

Some of the media presented this as a victory for one side or another.  That is not correct. The agreements reported in the press release (setting up of a committee to look at proposals to change the legal aid system and the provision of more money) should meet the needs of all the main stakeholders, at least for the time being.

Posted at 20:22 16 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Cayman history: fact and fiction

Fact can be fun: the National Museum  

I am always keen to understand the history and culture of wherever I live or visit, and I am keen that those who work with me do likewise. So last Friday I went with my wife and some of the staff of my office to see the recently re-opened National Museum of the Cayman Islands.

This is an excellent small museum, using modern technology and display methods to explain the natural and human heritage of these three islands. The 1950s is a period given particular prominence as the time when Cayman started to change from “the islands the world forgot”, a poor country but with a proud seafaring tradition, to a major financial centre and tourist destination. There are things to touch, buttons to press, videos to watch and voices to listen to. So plenty of fun for kids, young and old, as well as a lot to learn.

 Fiction can be fun: Pirates Week

Friday was also the start of Pirates Week, Cayman’s main annual festival. Pirates are part of Cayman’s tourist brand – the emblem of Cayman Airways is Sir Turtle, one of whose legs is wooden and definitely reminiscent of Long John Silver from “Treasure Island” (the name of one of the resort hotels).

In fact there is little evidence of Cayman’s involvement with pirates. These islands, unlike the Bahamas or Port Royal in Jamaica, were never a pirate base. A history of Caribbean piracy which I have only mentions Cayman once.

The festival is all the same great fun, particularly the Pirates’ Landing on Saturday. In this pirates land off a replica ship, defeat the redcoats (British soldiers) and capture the Governor, whom they keep until the pirates are themselves defeated and tried at the end of the week. It is said that actual governors agreed to take part in this comic drama on the waterfront in George Town until one was accidentally dropped in the sea. Since then an actor has done the job. There was talk of my playing the part this year for real, but a lifejacket didn’t go with 18^th century governor’s robes…

Not everyone likes the association of Cayman with pirates, even in this jocular fashion, and so the festival’s future is uncertain. What is not in doubt are the heritage days in each district that fill the rest of the week, which focus much more on local handicrafts and food than on pirates. Personally I hope that they keep both components of the week and the name.

Posted at 20:20 16 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Not by blog or blackberry alone

Six months as a blogger

It is exactly six months since I started this blog. In that time I have written 66 entries (if you include three going on the blog today). They have covered a lot of subjects relating to Cayman, from the Constitution to crime, from the environment to elections, hurricanes to heritage, senior citizens to sport.  

I have covered pretty well every major topic. There are two subjects which I will have only touched on lightly: sex and religion. The main reason I have kept away from these is that they are about people’s private lives. But there are related issues like teenage pregnancy – a big but largely unspoken problem in Cayman – that should not be ignored.  

Governments and governors must also respect people’s religious beliefs and the role of churches, and they have a responsibility to ensure freedom of religion.  

My wife, Mariko, and I will be leaving the Cayman Islands at the beginning of December, and so I’ll be writing only a few more entries as Governor. These will include some parting thoughts about this country – maybe something like “10 wishes for the Cayman Islands”.

People are more important than technology

One of the best known lines in the Bible is “Man shall not live by bread alone”, which is usually interpreted to mean that people need more than just material goods; they have spiritual needs. There is also a novel called “Not by Bread Alone”, written by a communist Russian writer Vladimir Dudintsev (I studied Russian literature at university). Communism in the Soviet Union was atheistic and materialistic but even some communists  recognised that people needed more than just material progress; values like honesty and humanity are important.

That remains true today. Human contact or “face time” is vitally necessary, particularly in families but also in government, business or nearly any area of endeavour. Blogs and blackberries are useful (and sometimes addictive) – they facilitate human interaction and sharing of information and ideas. But they are not a total substitute for people meeting together, for eye to eye contact, for problems solved with a handshake.

Posted at 19:47 16 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Reports on sea level rise and energy policy now available

My preceding blog mentions Cayman’s frequent problem of flooding. This is a particularly serious issue during hurricanes when combined with storm surge (incursion of sea water) as during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. 

Climate change threatens to make this even more of a challenge as sea level rises and hurricanes become more intense. The sooner an adaptation strategy is adopted the easier it will be to mitigate these risks. 

The Governor’s Office website (www.ukincayman.fco.gov.uk) now carries an expert report on the subject of sea level rise that makes sobering reading. There is also one on energy policy. Both of these are just reference documents, paid for by the FCO, to assist the Cayman Islands think about these issues and hopefully work up its own strategies.

Posted at 02:19 12 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

A wet weekend of celebration and remembrance

This past weekend provided many people in the Cayman Islands with a four day break – either side of the weekend were public holidays, a one-off this year on Friday for the start of the new Constitution and a regular one on Monday for Remembrance Day. 

A reminder of Cayman’s propensity to flood 

Unlike most in sunny Cayman it was not a great weekend for beach lovers. Fortunately this year’s hurricane season has been kind to us so far with only some three weeks to go. But as Tropical Storm Ida passed by all three islands had a lot of rain, leading to some local flooding. 

We celebrate a new Constitution and we remember those who have died in war 

On Friday we celebrated the new Constitution of the Cayman Islands (see my blog for 7 November). 

A more solemn ceremony was held on Sunday 8^th for Remembrance Day. The rain forced it inside – into the splendid setting of Elmslie Memorial Church, sometimes known as Cayman’s cathedral. I actually thought this in many ways a better place for the ceremony than outside – the atmosphere was solemn and the music sounded splendid, and there was not the usual problem of members of the parade, particularly children, fainting in the heat (8 apparently did at the Constitution event). But the wreaths had to be laid at the altar rather than the war memorial (see the clip on www.cayman27.com.ky ). 

Just as the rain paused on Friday for the Constitution ceremony, so it did on Sunday when we emerged from the church to walk to the second memorial where wreaths are traditionally laid, that to Caymanian seamen. Many Caymanians fought at sea in WW2. 

Posted at 02:14 12 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

The independence of the Auditor General

In a democracy such as the Cayman Islands it is vital to have checks and balances on government. That means ensuring the independence of the judiciary, the police and prosecutors, and of key institutions such as the office of the Auditor General, Complaints Commissioner and Information Commissioner. One of a Governor’s most important responsibilities is to defend that independence, which of course the Governor himself or herself has to respect. 

The actions and decisions of all of these will often arouse controversy, particularly on the part of those whose activities might be under the microscope or who have had an adverse decision made against them. If people feel that the independent offices of the state have erred – and anyone is capable of making mistakes – then there are legal routes for challenging them. But pressure should not be put on them not to do their job in the first place. 

Unfortunately this past week I had to intervene to defend the independence of the Auditor General. Click here to read my press release.

Posted at 18:23 09 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[1]

Cayman Islands get new Constitution

Friday 6th November was a historic day. The new Constitution of the Cayman Islands came into effect (www.constitution.gov.ky). 

Over the last week or so efforts had been made to educate the public about the Constitution. That has involved material in local newspapers and on TV and appearances on both radio talk shows by myself and members of the team of officials who have worked really hard to bring the new Constitution to fruition. 

Despite some heavy rain earlier in the day and some storm clouds hanging over Grand Cayman a public ceremony was held on the steps of the Legislative Assembly to mark the commencement of the 2009 Constitution. There was all the pomp and ceremony that one expects of major events in Cayman, including the singing of the National Anthem and National Song and a march past by uniformed branches of government (police etc) and uniformed voluntary organisations (scouts and guides, etc). 

I made an introductory speech drawing attention to the main features of the new Constitution, which I presented as “the people’s Constitution” (click here to read my remarks). The country’s first Premier, McKeeva Bush, Deputy Premier, Juliana O’Connor Connelly, and Deputy Governor, Donovan Ebanks, - all Caymanians – were then sworn in. Mr Bush then made a speech as Premier (this can be viewed in full at www.cayman27.com.ky). 

As I said at the end of my remarks it is now for everyone involved in government to carry out their responsibilities with humility and dedication and for the people of these islands to ensure we do.

Posted at 03:22 08 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

FACE Awards

On Wednesday 4 November the Governor’s Five Star Awards for Customer Excellence (FACE) were presented at an event at Government House (the Governor’s official residence) in the presence of civil servants and their families. 

Many of those attending had been nominated for the awards and we regard them all as winners. As I said in my remarks at this event the range of people put forward over the three years of the FACE Awards demonstrates that there are models of good customer service in virtually all corners of government service. 

The five main awards went to Clive Bennett (biohazard waste collector at the Department of Environmental Health), Angelique Howell (Chief Inspector of police in charge of the District of West Bay), Franz Manderson (former Chief Immigration Officer and now Chief Officer, Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs), Sydney Moore (Environmental Health Officer), and Mitchum Sanford (Sports Instructor on Cayman Brac). 

More information on the winners and what they stand for can be found at www.face.gov.ky.

Posted at 03:03 08 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Foot Review

The report by Michael Foot on the British offshore financial centres has been published today. There is a great deal of interest to the Cayman Islands, including the need to broaden the tax base. The review can be found at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/foot_review_combined.pdf                                                                 

In a brief statement the Cayman Islands Government welcomed the report’s “constructive observations and recommendations.”

Posted at 20:29 29 October 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]

Lots of Cayman’s civil servants nominated for awards

To acknowledge the work of Cayman’s best civil servants and to encourage higher standards of customer service across government I established two years ago the Five Star Award for Customer Excellence (FACE).     

This, the third year of the scheme, 93 civil servants were nominated by members of the public (external customers) or other civil servants (internal customers). These ranged from heads of department to waste collectors. Congratulations to all the nominees!    

The full list can be found at  http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,4648818&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL. Details of the scheme, including previous recipients, can be found at www.face.gov.ky   

Again we will have some excellent recipients of the awards. But you’ll have to wait until 4 November to learn who they are.

Posted at 20:23 29 October 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]