Ombudsman Appoints Caymanians to New Assistant Ombudsman Roles

The Ombudsman, Sharon Roulstone, is pleased to announce the appointment of two Caymanian professionals to leadership roles within the Office of the Ombudsman. Mrs. Shamique Frederick has been appointed as the Assistant Ombudsman for Complaints, and Mrs. Jerray Vassell as the Assistant Ombudsman for Information Rights. These appointments mark a significant milestone in the office’s ongoing commitment to strengthening leadership, maximizing operational efficiency and enhancing its role as the Cayman Islands’ guardian of fairness, transparency and accountability.

The Assistant Ombudsman position is a new post which reports to the Deputy Ombudsman in each side of the office; complaints and information rights. The two Caymanian appointees are the first to be selected for this new role and were named following a comprehensive internal recruitment process conducted by an external agency.   

As Assistant Ombudsmen, Mrs. Frederick and Mrs. Vassell will play crucial roles in leading a highly experienced team of investigators and analysts. Their responsibilities include strengthening public confidence through enhanced engagement, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and addressing systemic concerns through own-motion investigations

Mrs. Frederick brings over eight years of regulatory and investigative experience, developed through her work under the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act. Her expertise includes managing complex investigations, handling sensitive matters with fairness and balance, and engaging effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons) from the University of Liverpool, a degree in Literary Studies from the University College of the Cayman Islands, and Practitioner Certificates in Freedom of Information (PC.foi) and Data Protection (PC.dp). She is also a qualified civil and commercial mediator, a TCM Accredited Investigator, and has advanced her leadership skills through the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM).

Mrs. Frederick’s passion for public service is rooted in a strong commitment to accountability, fairness, and fostering stronger relationships between institutions and the public. Reflecting on her appointment, she said:

“I am deeply grateful for the encouragement of my colleagues, mentors, and family throughout my journey. Having begun my career in the Office of the Ombudsman (formerly the Complaints Commissioners Office) as an intern and now stepping into leadership is truly a full-circle moment, made possible by my genuine commitment to the organization’s mission and the meaningful difference it makes in the lives of those we serve. Ombudsman Sharon Roulstone’s commitment to developing her staff has also been instrumental in shaping my career, and I am proud to be a reflection of that vision. As I embrace this new role, I remain committed to leading with integrity and to advancing fairness, accountability, and public trust for the people of the Cayman Islands.”

Mrs. Vassell has had an extensive career within the Civil Service, serving in various roles at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, the Public Lands Commission, and the Department of Health Regulatory Services. Her diverse experience has equipped her with a strong regulatory background and a deep commitment to transparency and accountability. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Walden University, a Bachelor of Social Science from the University College of the Cayman Islands, and Practitioner Certificates in Freedom of Information (PC.foi) and Data Protection (PC.dp). She is certified in advanced investigative techniques, including the PEACE interview model, and has enhanced her leadership and management skills through the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM) and the IAPP Certified Information Privacy Manager certification.

Expressing her gratitude, Mrs. Vassell said: “I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve the Cayman Islands in this capacity and for the trust placed in me. I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues and the community to uphold the principles of fairness and good governance.”
She added, quoting an anonymous source that inspires her ethos: “Justice is not just about laws – it’s about listening, understanding and acting with integrity.”

Ombudsman Sharon Roulstone welcomed the appointments, stating: “After my appointment as Ombudsman in 2022, when there had been no succession planning or tangible professional development opportunities for staff, my primary mission was to create those opportunities to allow staff to reach their full potential. The appointments of these two natural-born leaders are a milestone in that mission, and I am so proud of Shamique and Jerray for putting in the hard work to reach this level on their professional journey. They each bring a wealth of experience, insight, and dedication, which will serve the Office of the Ombudsman well. I am delighted to welcome them to these new leadership roles and to continue the mission to help them and other

staff reach new levels in their professional development.”

The Office of the Ombudsman is an impartial and independent office of Parliament that acts as a guardian of fairness, transparency, and accountability for the Cayman Islands. The office comprises two divisions: the Complaints Division and the Information Rights Division. It investigates complaints about government services and police misconduct, decides appeals related to requests for government records, and receives reports of personal data breaches and whistleblower disclosures from both the public and private sectors.