A Career Dedicated to Helping Others: Tina Barton

For more than 20 years, Tina Barton has shown up for the people of the Cayman Islands.

As Personal Assistant to Chief Officer Wesley Howell in the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration, she works behind the scenes to help deliver services that support residents, businesses and the wider Cayman Islands community.

Tina’s decision to join the Civil Service was guided by a simple motivation: “My inspiration is my passion for helping others and serving my country.”

As a proud Caymanian, Tina sees the title ‘civil servant’ as exactly what it suggests: an opportunity to serve the people of the Cayman Islands.

Supporting the Work of the Ministry of Caymanian Employment & Immigration

Led by Minister the Hon. Michael Myles, MP, the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration drives the Government's work on employment, immigration and the advancement of Caymanians in the workforce. The Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP) falls under the Ministry, as does Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC). Together with its boards and tribunals, the Ministry provides strategic direction and support for Caymanian Employment, Immigration (including residency), Caymanian status and work permits, and support and director for pensions and labour administration.

This work reaches into many aspects of daily life and sits at the heart of the modernisation of the Islands' immigration framework. At the centre is the Office of the Chief Officer, which sets the Ministry's direction and ensures policy becomes services that residents, employers and applicants can rely on.

As Personal Assistant to the Chief Officer, Tina helps keep that office running. She manages the daily demands on the Chief Officer's time, coordinates across the Ministry's departments and teams, and ensures decisions and priorities move through the system clearly and consistently. It is a role that calls for discretion, organisation and a calm presence, often while supporting several priorities at once.

Making a Difference Through Everyday Work

Tina also engages directly with the public and with colleagues across departments. Whether guiding someone through a process or assisting a customer who is frustrated or concerned, she values the chance to provide support and resolve issues. This opportunity to assist people is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.

“I am pleased that I am able to positively impact our beautiful Island,” Tina shared. “I take genuine pleasure in assisting customers, helping others and resolving issues.”

She believes that maintaining efficient processes and supporting the work of the Ministry helps contribute to the broader purpose of government, and that every role within the Civil Service plays a part. Through these everyday responsibilities, civil servants help deliver the programmes and policies that support the public service and the wider community.

The Value of Professional Development

Continuous learning and development are an important part of the Civil Service. They support succession planning, strengthen organisational capacity, help civil servants contribute more effectively to government priorities, and ensure that they are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the country.

Like many government employees, Tina has taken part in professional development opportunities designed to strengthen her leadership skills. One that had a meaningful impact on her career was the Institute of Leadership and Management certification programme.

“I found that the ILM training and development opportunity was a valuable growth experience, and I recommend it for other civil servants who wish to upskill their leadership development,” she said.

A Career Built on Service

Tina has served in the Civil Service for more than 20 years, including six years in her current role. Over that time, she has seen how government initiatives evolve to address new challenges and opportunities.

Leaders within government continue to guide the development of policies that support economic growth while protecting opportunities for Caymanians.

While these policy discussions often receive attention through official announcements and updates shared through GOV.KY and government social media, the daily work of implementing programmes depends on the dedication of civil servants across the public sector.

Advice for Future Civil Servants

Working in the Cayman Islands Government provides opportunities for professional development, collaboration and long-term career growth. It also offers the chance to contribute to national priorities and the wellbeing of the community.  

For anyone considering a career in government, Tina offers simple advice: “If you take pleasure in helping others, a career in the Civil Service would be beneficial.”

Tina’s motivation remains the same now as when she first began her career. She is proud to serve her country and proud to be part of the Cayman Islands Civil Service.

Through stories like Tina's, the I Am a Civil Servant series highlights the people who keep government running every day, quietly, consistently and with genuine pride in serving their country.

Read more stories of the people who serve the Cayman Islands at gov.ky/iam