Long-time civil servant and former District Commissioner Ernie Scott died on Monday.
Scott retired in 2021 after a 47-year career in the civil service, the final 14 of which were in the role of district commissioner.
His public service began right out of high school as a clerical officer attached to the Customs Department, where he later rose to the rank of deputy collector in 1986.
Scott’s civil service career was expansive, including appointments to statutory boards such as the Liquor Licensing Board and the Development Control Board.
Scott oversaw a number of major events in the Sister Islands during his time as district commissioner, including the passage of Hurricane Paloma in 2008 and the arrival of the Prince of Wales in 2019.
Following Paloma, Scott “played a pivotal role in response and recovery efforts”, the Cayman Islands government said in a public statement following his death.
Premier André Ebanks shared his condolences with residents of the Sister Islands for their loss.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Cayman Islands, I extend heartfelt condolences to Mr Scott’s family, friends, and to all in the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman communities who mourn his passing. His legacy of public service will endure, and his memory will be honoured,” Ebanks said in a public statement.
Former Governor Martyn Roper praised Scott upon his retirement in April 2021.
“Ernie retires after an incredible 47 years in the civil service – an amazing achievement,” he wrote on Facebook.
“He has done so much over the years to support the people of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. I want to thank him for his outstanding public service over such a long period.”
Speaking in Parliament the day of Scott’s retirement, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson also took the opportunity to praise the civil servant.
“I would like to ask all members of this House to join me in thanking him for his dedication to public service, and to the people of the Cayman Islands, especially those in the Sister Islands,” Manderson said.
“He has done an amazing job for us, Mr. Speaker.”
Following Scott’s death, Manderson, in a statement from the Cayman Islands government, said he worked alongside Scott over the years, in particular on the issue of immigration, and that Scott had left “an indelible mark on the civil service”.
“His calm and thoughtful approach, combined with his unwavering sense of duty, earned him the respect of colleagues and the community alike,” Manderson said.
Nickolas DaCosta, minister for district administration and home affairs, described Scott as “more than just a public servant”.
“He was the heart of our community, a steady hand and source of wisdom to so many across the Sister Islands. His humility, deep compassion, and steadfast leadership shaped not only the progress of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, but the lives of those who called them home,” DaCosta said.
Related Videos
