Governor Announces New Commanding Officer for Cayman Islands Regiment

Her Excellency the Governor has announced a forthcoming change of command for the Cayman Islands Regiment, with Lieutenant Colonel Roger Carter set to hand over to Lieutenant Colonel–designate Graham Muir at a formal ceremony on 26 March. The appointment follows a promotion board process under the Defence Act, after which Major Muir will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel by the Governor, with the panel drawing on representatives from across Government, including the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs, the Governor’s Office and other key stakeholders.

Officials say the move is part of long‑term succession planning to transition the Regiment to Caymanian leadership as quickly as possible, while building depth and continuity within the existing officer corps. Promoting from within, including recent promotions of Caymanian officers Lieutenant Tyler Lawson and Lieutenant Cassandra Jocson to the rank of Captain, is aimed at growing established leaders, broadening responsibility and strengthening sustainable command capacity across the organisation.

Major Muir, originally from Northern Ireland, has served as the Regiment’s Training and Operations Officer since January 2024 and brings more than 20 years of military experience, including 17 years of full‑time service as a British Army officer. His background includes training and mentoring officers on promotion courses and working within UK military headquarters with oversight for disaster response operations, experience that will support the Regiment’s expanding role in national resilience and coordinated multi‑agency response. He also maintains strong professional links with the UK Ministry of Defence and other UK Overseas Territories regiments, including those currently working alongside Cayman personnel in Jamaica, which will help facilitate ongoing cooperation on training, equipment and specialist support.

The Governor has paid tribute to outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Carter, who retires after 36 years of military service, including three years leading the Cayman Islands Regiment, during which time its operational capability, contribution to national resilience and regional engagement have all been strengthened. The change of command, the Governor noted, reflects a continued commitment to building a sustainable, Caymanian‑led defence capability that invests in its people, enhances national resilience and develops the next generation of leaders for the Cayman Islands.