Changing of the guard at the court house

The system of courts in the Cayman Islands can be traced back to the 1700s, but the position of court administrator is just 15 years old. Until her retirement, Delene Cacho held that post for more than 10 years. 

She can still be seen at the Law Courts Building, however, for a transition month with her successor, Kevin McCormac, who took up the post on 1 May. 

It was former Chief Justice George Harre who saw the need for a court administrator. At the opening of Grand Court in 1996, he pointed out that Cayman’s courts were trying to do two different jobs. One was dealing with local cases typical of small Caribbean islands. The other, which had to be done with the same resources, was dealing with civil cases that arose from the growth of the offshore financial industry. Such cases, he observed, “may involve disputed funds which exceed the entire national budget of the Cayman Islands.” 

He declared it was vital to have an overall plan for the court system, prepared by a specialist who could give it full-time attention. Geraint Jones OBE was subsequently appointed as a consultant specialising in court administration.  

One of his recommendations was for the appointment of a court administrator and by the opening of Grand Court in 1998, Chief Justice Harre was able to welcome Terry Beckett in that role. 

The creation of the post was debated in Legislative Assembly and Finance Committee during 1997. Asked why a Caymanian had not been appointed, Attorney General Richard Coles said there was no one locally with the specialised experience required. Mr. Beckett, he noted, had worked for 35 years in the Lord Chancellor’s Department in England and Wales, that department being responsible for courts administration and court offices. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Cacho had been serving as Clerk of Court. She underwent on-the-job training and overseas work. She succeeded Mr. Beckett in October 2001.  

This year, at the opening of Grand Court, Chief Justice Anthony Smellie announced Mrs. Cacho’s retirement. In paying tribute to her, he noted: “Delene Cacho has been a true court official, having spent practically her entire career in one capacity after another within the courts, holding many different and important positions, including that of clerk of courts and acquiring along the way, an unrivalled breadth of experience in the administrative business of the courts. 

“She can count among her strengths and accomplishments as administrator, the well earned reputation this administration has for fiscal discipline and good management of its budget. This includes the effective application of our resources, which has allowed the administration to expand its operations at Kirk House.” 

Kirk House, across the street from the Law Courts Building, now houses three court rooms, numerous court offices for staff and judges, and the Civil Registry. Notable among these facilities is Court Five, with its capability for video links and jury box monitors for the examination of documents in financial cases. 

The chief justice said Mrs. Cacho was fondly regarded by her staff, and well liked and respected by the profession and the public in general. He said her calm, kind and steady presence would be missed.  

Mr. McCormac’s appointment was announced last week. A news release issued through the courts office stated that he was selected after an open recruitment process and careful consideration. 

It also set out the duties of the post. Mr. McCormac “will be responsible for the overall management and administration of the non-judicial operations of the Courts. On the directions of the chief justice, he will lead, manage and guide the strategic development and implementation of efficient and cohesive processes. As court administrator, Mr. McCormac will also serve as chief officer for the Judicial Administration under the Public Finance and Management Law and the appointing officer under the Public Service Management Law.” 

His background includes more than 30 years experience in the management and development of courts and judicial systems in England and Wales. As chief executive to the West Sussex Magistrates’ Court Committee, he was responsible for leading the Judiciary and staff through a major period of change at a time of increasing budgetary constraints. He is the author of legal textbooks and has during his career edited law reports. In 2001, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to the criminal justice system. 

Having served as deputy director in the Ministry of Justice, Mr. McCormac took early retirement from the UK Civil Service in October 2010, but remained involved in various projects as consultant or manager. He is a barrister, qualified at the Inns of Court School of Law and holds an MA in Jurisprudence from Oxford. 

Mr. McCormac and his wife, Maggie, have two children and two grandchildren.