A week after they laced up their trainers to compete in the marathon relay for Jasmine, Governor Martyn Roper and Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee were out running together again this weekend, to mark the end of Lee’s tenure as the Islands’ most senior medical advisor.
Posting on Facebook, the governor paid tribute to Lee, who he called a “Cayman icon and hero” for his efforts leading Cayman’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.
In the post, Roper explains that Lee requested to mark his farewell with his friends, a 5km run and a bacon sandwich at Government House.
“Dr Lee’s beautiful dog Jasper ran with us and enjoyed the breakfast!” Roper posted.
Remarking on his “outstanding” handling of the pandemic, Roper praised Lee’s “calm, professional and reassuring presence” which, in the immediate outbreak, saw Cayman become a COVID-free bubble, largely untroubled by the virus, that ravaged elsewhere in the world.
Lee was awarded an OBE last year for his “his outstanding contribution to health services in the Cayman Islands”.
Government is currently recruiting for a new chief medical officer, advertising the role on its website.
The job is described as an “advocate for public health for the people of the Cayman Islands… ensuring that a high standard of public health services is provided within the Cayman Islands”.
A temporary successor to Lee has been appointed, the governor announced during his throne speech last month.
“We look forward to working with… Dr Autilia Newton, who is highly experienced and formerly worked with the Public Health England Overseas Territories team. We remain in very safe hands,” Roper said in his Facebook post.
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