The Cabinet Office and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities pay tribute to the Patron of the Cayman Islands Disabilities Policy, the late Mr. Keith Parker Tibbetts Jr., CMH, Cert. Hon, who tirelessly championed the rights of persons with disabilities. Mr. Tibbetts was at the forefront serving on teams that developed the Cayman Islands Disability Policy (2014) and the Disabilities (Solomon Webster) Act, 2016, which was enacted to promote, protect and ensure the enjoyment of full human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others. In this regard, he served on the Cayman Islands Disability Policy Steering Committee, the Policy Subcommittee, Legal Subcommittee and Implementation Planning Task Force.

In recognition of his deep personal commitment to advocating for the rights of those living with disabilities, he was appointed by the Cabinet in 2017 to serve as a Member of the inaugural National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

An outspoken and quick-witted gentleman, Mr. Parker gave selflessly of his time and energy to the Council where he remained an active member until 2020. Informed by his extensive business skills and experience and by his own physical challenge, Mr. Tibbetts contributed unique and highly relevant insights to the Council on how the Policy’s strategies and actions steps could be effectively implemented.

As Patron and outspoken champion of the Policy, he advocated for its sustainable implementation in the short, medium and long-term, and he clearly lived his life as a stellar embodiment of the Policy’s vision – “Ensuring persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society.” Despite his active involvement in his business ventures, Mr. Parker never wavered from his steadfast commitment and activism over the years for persons with disabilities. 

This undoubtedly contributed to the raised level of awareness that we have in our community – and for which the Council continues to advocate - in protecting and including vulnerable persons in our society. Mr. Tibbetts’ advocacy in this arena will be forever remembered. We are so grateful for all that he contributed, but more importantly, to have known this remarkable and thoughtful man who exemplified service over self and illustrated how persons with disabilities are able to successfully contribute to our society. May his memory be a blessing to all.