Boards director retires after creating clarity

(CNS): After six years of serving as the director of boards and work permits at the immigration department Sherryl Miller, the first person to hold the post has decided to retire from the civil service. Since taking the job she has helped develop the standing orders and procedures for the boards now in use, compiled a reference document containing the various policies of the boards as well as updated the application forms for work permits, making them easier to follow. Miller also introduced the English language test which will by the year end allow prospective workers to take the tests in their own countries and redesigned much of the immigration paper work to make it clearer and more accessible, officials said.

“I believe it is important for the various policies of the boards to be published,” she said. “This will eliminate much confusion and frustration for our customers, and even within the department,” Miller added. While coordinating the work of the immigration Boards and their dozens of appointed members has been demanding, Miller said she has enjoyed great relationships with board members, and will miss the camaraderie.

The director said that interacting with the public and the business community was a rewarding aspect of the post. Even so, she instilled in her staff the importance of separating business from personal relationships “which is essential, especially in such a small community.”

Although a long way from retirement age Miller said she never intended to stay in the director’s chair for so long. “I hope to see another capable Caymanian appointed who will bring to the position fresh ideas and new energy,” she added.
Miller says it’s important that young people being given opportunities within the workforce. She began her civil service career as a teenager in 1976, when she became Radio Cayman’s first female announcer. Now she looks forward to spending quality time with her family, fulfilling her urge to travel more and pursue other interests.

“It has been a great honour to serve my country as a civil servant, especially inthe position of Director of Boards and Work Permits,” said Mrs. Miller adding that the job had been challenging, rewarding and exciting. “No two days are the same.”

Chief Immigration Officer Linda Evan said the department was grateful to miller and it would be a very difficult role to fill. “It is of utmost importance that we find someone with the integrity and professionalism she has displayed,” Evans said as the department begins the process of recruiting a new director.

“Her service to the government spans over an even longer period and she can truly walk away knowing that she has given her country her all, for which the people of this country should be thankful.”

Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs Chief Officer Franz Manderson applauded Miller’s “dedication and commitment to the government and people of the Cayman Islands,” sating that she was a key member of his senior team when he was Chief Immigration Officer.

“Together we completed a number of projects, such as the Work Permit Administration System. While I am sorry to see her leave the service, I wish her good health and a happy retirement."