The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has appointed Elroy Bryan-Watler as Deputy Chief Officer (Education Policy and Planning), effective 11 May 2026, after serving in the role in an acting capacity since June 2024. He brings more than two decades of experience in Cayman's education system, having worked in schools, school leadership, and education policy.
As Deputy Chief Officer, he will shape the policies and long-term plans that guide education across the Cayman Islands, advising the Chief Officer on policy matters and working with government and school leaders to set the strategic direction for the sector. In practice, his work will influence everything from curriculum decisions and school standards to how the Islands supports students with special needs.
"Mr. Bryan-Watler's career spans ground that very few people in our education system can claim, from classroom teaching and special needs support, through school leadership, and into policy. That range matters. The soundest decisions are made by those who understand what actually happens in schools and Mr. Bryan-Watler brings that understanding to this role. This appointment also reflects something this Government is committed to: identifying Caymanians who have invested in their profession and creating the pathways for them to lead," said the Honourable Rolston Anglin, Minister for Education and Training.
Mr. Bryan-Watler's career began at the Lighthouse School, where he spent 14 years supporting students with physical and developmental disabilities. He then served as Deputy Principal at Savannah Primary School (now Joanna Clarke Primary School) before returning to the Lighthouse School as Principal.
He subsequently joined the Department of Education Services (DES) as Acting Senior School Improvement Officer, leading on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). During that time, he helped develop a new SEND Code of Practice and worked with the Student Services team to put targeted support in place for students with additional needs. He later served as Deputy Director within the DES, assisting the Director to oversee Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Further Education across the Islands.
Mr. Bryan-Watler holds a Master of Science in General Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (with a minor in Business and Health). He is a 2008 Golden Apple Award recipient for Excellence in Teaching and a 2009 recipient of the Young Caymanian Leaders Award (YCLA).
"Elroy brings real enthusiasm to everything he does. He comes prepared, he pushes forward, and he never loses sight of the children at the centre of it all. I have watched him grow into this role over the past year," said Ms. Cetonya Cacho, Chief Officer, Ministry of Education and Training.
"I have always been guided by the principle of putting service above self. As I continue in this role, I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of our children, young people, and families are meaningfully included in the decisions that shape our education system and services for the future," said Elroy Bryan-Watler, Deputy Chief Officer (Education Policy and Planning).