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The Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Franz Manderson, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamara Ebanks as Chief Officer for the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development. Ms. Ebanks has been serving in an acting position for the past 14 months.  After a rigorous open recruitment process, including a panel interview which included two professionals from the private sector, Betty Baraud and Brigitte Kirkconnell-Shaughness, Ms. Ebanks was selected to lead the Ministry's efforts to drive innovation, investment, and social development in the Cayman Islands.

Ms. Ebanks brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge gained from her more than two decades within the Civil Service. Throughout her career, she has worked in various Ministries and 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, and in the Ministry of Commerce, Planning, and Infrastructure, along with 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; as well as serving on key steering committees. Her diverse background and extensive civil service knowledge make her well-equipped to lead the MIISD.

"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. She was also the Deputy Chief Officer in charge of establishing 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."

Expressing his support for Ms. Ebanks' appointment, Minister André Ebanks stated, "I would like to express warm-hearted congratulations to Tamara Ebanks on being appointed as the Chief Officer of the Ministry of Innovation, Investment, and Social Development. Her diligence, collaborative approach, and steadfast support have been instrumental in driving the Ministry's success during her time as Acting Chief Officer. 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."

Ms. Ebanks explained that 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. 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."

Ms. 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 modernization 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 program. As Chief Officer, Ms. Ebanks looks forward to continuing to drive innovation, investment, and social development in the Cayman Islands.