MHES announces new DCS director.

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Rayle Roberts as Director for the Department of Counselling Services (DCS). He assumed his role on Monday, 9 February.

Mr. Roberts brings a wealth of experience with over 20 years in the social development and human service landscape. He joins the Ministry having recently served as Deputy Director for the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). 

Following the retirement of Ms. Judith Seymour who headed up DCS, Mr. Roberts will continue to lead the Department, which encompasses The Counselling Centre, the Family Resource Centre, and the Caribbean Haven Residential Centre. As he steps into his new role, he aims to strengthen the continuum of care for individuals and families facing trauma, addiction, and psychological challenges in the Cayman Islands; as well as enhancing inter-agency collaboration and ensuring that DCS services remain responsive and outcomes- driven. 

Commenting on the appointment, the Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, said: "Mental health and wellbeing are essential to strong families and healthy communities. Mr. Roberts brings a depth of experience and proven leadership that align with the Government's commitment to improve mental and physical health outcomes for all. I am confident that under his leadership, the Department of Counselling Services will continue to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused care for the Cayman Islands." 

"I am honored to serve as Director of the Department of Counselling Services at such an important time for mental health and family wellbeing in our Islands," added Mr. Roberts. "DCS is home to dedicated professionals who support individuals and families navigating trauma, addiction, and life's most difficult moments with skill and compassion. My commitment is to build on the strong foundation already in place by strengthening our continuum of care, deepening collaboration across agencies, and ensuring our services remain accessible, responsive, and outcomes-driven. We will be intentional, accountable, and forward-thinking in how we deliver services, ensuring that DCS remains a cornerstone of wellbeing in the Cayman Islands." 

Mr. Roberts is a qualified social worker with specialist experience in gerontology and has served in senior leadership roles at both departmental and ministerial levels. In his previous role as Deputy Director for DFCS, he provided oversight for a wide range of programmes including child safeguarding, family services, community development, and inter-agency coordination with mental health, substance abuse, and rehabilitation entities. His role as member of the Poinciana Mental Health Advisory Board has also allowed him to influence clinical and policy discussions, shaping the future of mental health services in the Cayman Islands. 

Prior to his deputy directorship, Mr. Roberts was Acting Deputy Chief Officer for the Ministry of Innovation, Investment and Social Development, under secondment. In this role, he led three major agencies and provided oversight of multiple entities delivering services related to mental health, substance abuse, support for older persons, disability services, and protection for vulnerable people. In this capacity, he managed multimillion-dollar budgets, supported Cabinet priorities, and advanced initiatives to better integrate social services across the Government. 

Mr. Roberts has also played a key role in policy and legislative reform, contributing to amendments to social protection legislation including the Children's Act, Older Persons' Act, and the Vulnerable Persons' Act, ensuring that services and laws remain responsive to the needs of the Cayman community. 

Acting Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Exie Tomlinson-Panton, added: "Mr. Roberts' appointment comes at an important time for the continued development of counselling and mental health services. His leadership and record of policy reform and fiscal stewardship position him well to take the Department forward, while keeping the needs of service users at the centre of decision-making."