Leadership roles announced for Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development

Two men were named deputy chief officers in the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development on Thursday.

Trevor Gibbs and Charles Brown assume the roles for the ministry, led by Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks, as permanent members of the MIISD leadership team.

“Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to our ministry’s goals are truly commendable. I am confident that they will continue to work hard to advance the mission of MIISD and its seven departments, making a lasting impact on our country and people,” Ebanks said in a ministry press release.

Gibbs, formerly a senior policy advisor for the ministry, will oversee the Divisions of Investment and Social Development.

Brown, who has been serving as an acting deputy chief officer, assumes a permanent role with the Division of Innovation after a rigorous selection process, the ministry said.

Gibbs has 14 years of experience in civil service, including in management and policy development. He recently played an integral role, the ministry said, in developing the Cayman Islands Identification Register Act, 2022 and the Cayman Islands Identification Card Act, 2022. 

“I am humbled and grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to lead the Investment and Social Development policy teams,” Gibbs said. 

“The work currently being done within these subject areas has the potential to significantly improve our ability to safeguard children and the elderly, as well as to better support local businesses to access capital and investment opportunities.” 

Brown has worked in the civil service since 2008 and began his role as acting deputy chief officer in 2022. In that capacity, he showed “exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to fostering innovation within the ministry”, a press release said.

His experience includes projects relating to planning and design, road infrastructure, lands, coastal projects, digital initiatives and ministerial policy. He recently worked on the digital identity and eID card programme and continues to lead digital policy initiatives.

“I look forward to continuing my service as the Deputy Chief Officer of Innovation at MIISD,” Brown said. “Together with Chief Officer Ebanks and DCO Gibbs, we are committed to being innovative in our approach to driving transformative change, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and fostering a culture of innovation that propels our nation towards a brighter future.” 

Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said both appointees have “shown exceptional capability and commitment in their respective areas of innovation, and investment and social development”.