News

Her Excellency, the Governor Jane Owen is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Charles Jennings as Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Ms. Elisabeth Lees as a Member of the Commission. Both appointments are effective from 1 July 2024 for a one-year term.

Mr. Jennings, who has been a dedicated Member of the ACC since August 2022, succeeds Mr. Adrian (Gus) Pope, following his highly successful tenure. Mr. Pope has been an integral part of the Commission since 2020, serving as Chairman for the past two years.

Her Excellency expressed her gratitude for Mr. Pope’s exemplary service, stating, “I wish to thank Mr. Pope for his dedication to the Commission since 2020, and his outstanding leadership for the past two years. During his tenure as Chairman, the ACC conducted a number of complex investigations, and contributed to the Cayman Islands’ removal from the FATF grey-list in October 2023, which is to be commended”.

Her Excellency further commented on the new appointments, “I am pleased to appoint Mr. Jennings and Ms. Lees to these new roles and am confident that they will work diligently alongside the other members to enhance the stability, prosperity and reputation of the Cayman Islands through the important work of the Commission”.

 

Mr. Jennings brings a wealth of experience as a former worldwide managing partner of the Cayman Islands law firm of Maples and Calder and former President of the Cayman Islands Law Society. Since 2012, Mr. Jennings has been Chair of the Financial Services Legislative Committee. His leadership is expected to further strengthen the Commission's efforts.

Ms. Lees joins the Commission with a distinguished background in regulatory law and financial crime. Ms. Lees served as the National Coordinator to the Anti-Money Laundering Steering Group in the Cayman Islands from 2019 until January 2022, leading the Cayman Islands’ response to its Fourth Round Caribbean Financial Action Task Force Mutual Evaluation Report. Her expertise will be a valuable asset to the ACC.