HMCIPS Celebrates Excellence, Dedication, and Service
His Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS), under the Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs (MDAHA), hosted its inaugural Employee of the Year 2024 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at the South Sound Community Centre. The annual event brought together prison service staff and senior leadership to honour employees who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, teamwork, and professionalism across all areas of operations.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Dedication, and Service,” recognised several outstanding officers and teams for their exceptional contributions to rehabilitation, security, administration, and community engagement within the prison service. Upon the successful completion of the 2024 employee of the month award scheme by the Prison Service team, all staff were given opportunities to choose their employee of the year from the twelve (12) nominees. The Ministry commends all twelve (12) prison employees for their excellence, dedication, and service, and prays for their continued success.
- January: Ellakay Watler
- February: Kaydian Ancel
- March: Nigel Gordon
- April: Jerome Burrowes
- May: Cohen Daley
- June: Lloyd Berry
- July: James Walrond
- August: Cesar Tilo
- September: Steve Miller
- October: Warren Davis
- November: Richard Barton
- December: Paul Bonner
Acting Deputy Chief Officer (ADCO), Lisa Malice, who oversees HMCIPS, offered remarks on behalf of the Honourable Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Hon. Nickolas DaCosta JP MP, who sent his heartfelt congratulations to staff for their achievements and underscored the importance of service grounded in purpose and humanity. ADCO Malice reminded the audience that leadership and excellence are not defined by position but by consistency and compassion. “Each of you plays an essential part in the progress we continue to make,” she said, adding that the work of the prison service extends far beyond facility walls. “Your professionalism and dedication directly impact lives — shaping safer communities and giving others a chance at redemption. May your journey continue to inspire those who walk beside you, and those who will follow.”
The evening culminated in the announcement of Mr. Cohen Daley as the 2024 Employee of the Year — an honour that reflected his exemplary service and unwavering commitment to rehabilitation and mentorship. In his remarks, Mr. Daley expressed gratitude for the recognition and his colleagues’ ongoing support. “Every day, know that your efforts do not go unnoticed,” he shared. “It is through our collective commitment that we make strides toward bettering the lives of those in our care and, by extension, the community to which they will return. I am proud to be a part of this dedicated team. Let us continue to support each other, learn from each other, and work together to build a more positive future for all. I am truly grateful to be recognised, and I look forward to continuing to serve alongside you all.”
Director of Prisons Daniel Greaves commended the dedication of his staff and highlighted the pride the entire organisation takes in its team. He noted that while awards celebrate individual accomplishments, they also reflect the collective effort that defines the prison service. “The success of HMCIPS is built on the strength of its people,” he said. “Our staff show up each day with integrity, compassion, and professionalism, often in challenging circumstances. Tonight’s celebration is not just about recognition — it’s about gratitude. We thank every member of this team for their commitment to excellence and for helping to move the service forward.”
Acting Deputy Chief Officer, Julian Lewis, also attended the event and joined in presenting awards alongside ADCO Malice, commending the dedication of all nominees and winners for their continued service to public safety and rehabilitation. Amongst other guests were senior leaders from the Cayman Islands Fire Service, and Mr. Francis Kearn, Deputy Head of the Governor's Office.
The Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs extends congratulations to all honourees and thanks the leadership and staff of HMCIPS for their continued commitment to excellence and service to the people of the Cayman Islands.
For more information, please contact the Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs Communications Team at mdaha.info@gov.ky. To stay connected with the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs, follow us on social media @mdahacayman or by visiting our website at https://www.gov.ky/mha/.
