Tamara Ebanks appointed chief officer of investment ministry

Tamara Ebanks has been appointed as chief officer for the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development.

Ebanks has been serving in an acting position for the past 14 months.

Following an open recruitment process during which candidates were interviewed by a panel that included two professionals from the private sector, Betty Baraud and Brigitte Kirkconnell-Shaughness, Ebanks was selected for the role.

According to a press release issued by the ministry, Ebanks brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge gained from her more than two decades within the civil service.

“Throughout her career, she has worked in various Ministries and subject areas, contributing significantly to the development and enhancement of their respective portfolios and departments,” the ministry said.

Previous roles held by Ebanks have included deputy chief officer in the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, and in the Ministry of Commerce, Planning, and Infrastructure, along with roles within the Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce and Environment.

Her expertise includes the development of legislation, regulation, and policy; finance and budget management; talent development and retention; as well as serving on key steering committees, the release noted.

‘Exceptional leadership’

“Tamara Ebanks has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to public service throughout her career,” said Deputy Governor Franz Manderson in the release. “Her promotion as Chief Officer is well-deserved, and I am confident she will continue to perform at a very high level in her new post. She has a track record of accomplishment; during her brief tenure as acting Chief Officer, she presented to her Minister the Identification Register Bill, the Cayman Islands Identification Card Bill, and the Financial Assistance Bill, all of which are landmark pieces of legislation.

“She was also the Deputy Chief Officer in charge of establishing the Centre for Business Development. I look forward to working closely with her to advance the government’s strategic priorities and deliver positive outcomes for the people of the Cayman Islands.”

Minister André Ebanks, who leads the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development, congratulated Ebanks, saying her “diligence, collaborative approach, and steadfast support have been instrumental in driving the Ministry’s success during her time as Acting Chief Officer”.

Ebanks, in the release, said she was committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the ministry.

“MIISD is characterised by impressive energy, passion, and dynamism that drive the entire team,” she said. “I am honoured to lead a group of professionals who are united in their ambitions to bring meaningful and measurable reforms to fruition in tandem with the elected government’s strategic priorities. It is my earnest hope and belief that we will continue to make significant progress for the benefit of all who live, work, and do business in the Cayman Islands.”

Ebanks holds a master’s degree in human resource management with distinction from the University of Portsmouth and a bachelor’s degree in sociology with honours from York University.