Deputy Governor's 2024 Awards

Deputy Governor’s 2024 Awards Ceremony

Martha Connolly, Communications Manager in the then Ministry of Border Control, Labour & Culture, was named the Cayman Islands Government 2024 Employee of the Year at the annual CIG Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony held at the Kimpton Seafire Resort on 15 May 2025.

Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson selected Ms Connolly as the top honouree under the Deputy Governor’s Award Programme. She was drawn from the pool of 12 Employees of the Month for 2024, also chosen by him from across the Civil Service.

The Deputy Governor and the Cayman Islands Government salute 2024 CIG Employee of the Year Martha Connolly and the other individuals and teams who deliver excellence every day, living out our purpose of Making Lives Better.

"Please be proud of what you have achieved. You have served with distinction. You have risked your life. You have done everything that was asked of you and more and you have done it with passion, integrity and professionalism”

 

- Hon. Franz Manderson, Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service

 

 


Employee of the Year - Martha Connolly

Ms Connolly was highlighted as “the driving force behind the Ministry of Border Control, Labour & Culture’s powerful public presence”, with her leadership having been especially vital in navigating sensitive issues.

In her acceptance remarks Ms Connolly said, “To be recognised as Employee of the Year for 2024 is an honour of a lifetime. Civil servants, let us keep striving for excellence in everything we do and continue to serve with heart as we work together to become a world-class Civil Service.”


Employee of the Year - Finalists

January

Twila Rodgers 

Learning Support Assistant,

Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development , Sunrise Adult Training Centre

Strategic Goal: Delivering an Outstanding Customer Experience

Watch Interview

Febuary

Ashley Mclaughlin

Call Centre Agent,

Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development, Needs Assessment Unit

Strategic Goal: Develop Exceptional Leadership

Watch Interview

March

Martha Connolly 

Communications Manager,

Ministry of Border Control, Labour & Culture, Administration office in the Ministry of BCLC

Strategic Goal: Delivering an Outstanding Customer Experience

Watch Interview

April

Trenda Kelly

Administrative & Operations Manager,

Ministry of Financial Services & Commerce, Department of Commerce & Investment

Strategic Goal:  Delivering an Outstanding Customer Experience

Watch Interview

May

Dennis Oli

Prison Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs,

His Majesty's Prison Service

Strategic Goal:  Delivering an Outstanding Customer Experience

Watch Interview

June

Suzanne Collins

Project Manager, Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development 

Strategic Goal:  Pursue Excellence in Talent Development

Watch Interview

July

Samatha Sillitoe

Detective Constable (Major Incident Room Office Manager), 

Office of the Commissioner of Police, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service

Strategic Goal: Pursue Excellence in Talent Development

Watch Interview

August

Dena Ebanks-Iqbal

Assistant Recruitment Manager,

Ministry of Education, Human Resources Unit in the Ministry of Education

Strategic Goal: Delivering an Outstanding Customer Experience

Watch Interview

September

Christopher Mcfield 

Customs and Border Control Officer, 

Ministry of Border Control, Labour & Culture, Customs & Border Control Service

Strategic Goal: Demonstrate Excellence in Governance Practices

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October

Charla Hobson

Facilitator, Formal Education,

Portfolio of the Civil Service, Civil Service College

Strategic Goal: Pursue Excellence in Talent Development

Watch Interview

November

Chanel Martinez
Human Resources Manager,
 
Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development, Department of Financial Assistance
 
Strategic Goal: Developing Exceptional Leadership
Watch Interview

December

Michael Mothen
 
Student Services Coordinator,
 
Ministry of Education, Department of Education Services
 
Strategic Goal:  Demonstrate Excellence in Governance Practices
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Moments of Magic

The Moments of Magic awards recognised three teams whose work during 2023 demonstrated how the Civil Service Makes Lives Better.

Department of Counselling Services

Another highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the coveted “Moment of Magic” team award, which was presented to the Department of Counselling Services. 

Accepting the award on the department’s behalf were DCS members including Clinical Supervisor Charmane Miller, Programme Coordinator Brendon Malice and Parent Facilitator Amber Caum