The Cayman Islands Government will honour the outstanding contributions of its civil servants at the 2025 Employee of the Year Ceremony, to be held on Thursday, 16 April at the Kimpton Seafire Resort, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The evening will bring together senior government officials, civil servants and others to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership and dedication to public service.
It will be the last Employee of the Year event held under the leadership of Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service Honourable Franz Manderson, who retires in July.
The ceremony is a centrepiece of the Deputy Governor’s Award Programme, which recognises civil servants whose work demonstrates excellence, supports the delivery of the government’s strategic objectives and exemplifies the Civil Service’s core values. The Employee of the Year will be selected from the twelve Employee of the Month awardees for 2025, each representing a diverse range of roles and ministries across the Civil Service.
This year’s nominees are Francesca Hamann, Desmond White, Kimari Fletcher-Barrett, Karima Connor, Shawnna-Kay Sinclair-Miller, Tanya Scott, Kimberly Kirkconnell, Jovanna Ebanks Wright, John Wesley, Jeniffer Bodden-Haylock, Darbra Bodden and Maribel Rosado. Each has been recognised for outstanding performance, initiative and a steadfast commitment to serving the people of the Cayman Islands.
Commenting on the significance of the award ceremony, Deputy Governor Manderson stated, “Throughout my tenure, nothing has given me greater pride than witnessing the dedication, talent and heart of our civil servants. These awards exist because that excellence deserves to be seen and celebrated. The individuals we are honouring have gone above and beyond, they have demonstrated passion, professionalism and a deep commitment to serving the people of these Islands. As I approach the end of my service, I am more convinced than ever that the strength of our Civil Service lies in people like them. It is my honour to recognise them one final time in this way.”
In addition to the Employee of the Year award, the ceremony will feature a “Moment of Magic” award and the recognition of 90 Chief Officer’s Choice awardees. Last year, Martha Connolly, Communications Manager in the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration, was named the Cayman Islands Government 2024 Employee of the Year.
Attendance at the ceremony is by invitation. Members of the public may watch the livestream on CIG YouTube and CIGTV cable channels.
Caption: Employee of the Year, Martha Connolly (third from left) poses with Her Excellency, Governor Jane Owen, Premier Hon. André Ebanks and Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson after receiving her trophy, certificate and sash.