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The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises that Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. John Lee has confirmed his intention to leave the CMO post in January 2022, ahead of his contracted date of May 2022.

The Ministry wishes to thank Dr. Lee for his invaluable contributions and hard work in helping to keep our Country safe from the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020. “We much appreciate the many sacrifices over the past year and half and do wish him and his family continued blessings and good health”, commented Chief Officer Nellie Pouchie.

While the Ministry does not comment on specific employee matters, but given the public nature of the CMO post and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, feels it important to address the public in this regard.

A formal recruitment process will ensue to fill the CMO post. A further update will be issued in due course in this regard, said Chief Officer Pouchie.

Commenting on his decision to leave the CMO post, Dr Lee stated: “I have been incredibly honoured and proud to work for the Cayman Islands Government as the Chief Medical Officer. You'll be aware that the biggest challenges came from a direction none of us would have imagined. It has not all been about COVID-19; I have also had the chance to consider the health care system of the islands from a strategic position and I will share my views before leaving post.

However, my parents' health is failing and although I have tried to support them from afar, they really need me there and there is no one else able to help in this family matter. As a result, just over a month ago I shared my decision to leave my post in January 2022.

Cayman has weathered the COVID-19 storm as it raged around us with determination, ingenuity and sheer hard work. We are now highly vaccinated as a community, but I hope those remaining would please consider protecting themselves further with the opportunity that vaccination brings.”