Four new members of Human Rights Commission

(CNS): As the country’s still relatively new Bill of Rights begins to make more of an impression on life in Cayman, the governor has appointed four new people to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) along with Alistair Walters, the remaining member who has been appointed as chair until his term on the commission expires next January. James Austin-Smith (left), a lawyer and former Human Rights Committee member, will take over the chair next year. The other new members are Chelsea Frazier Rivers, a well-known activist on behalf of the disabled; Lisa Hurlston-McKenzie, an environmental expert and advocate; and Rev Donovan Myers, known for his community work with drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, violent crimes and homelessness.

Established under Section 116 of the 2009 Constitution, the Human Rights Commission seeks to promote, protect and preserve human rights in the Cayman Islands.

Walter, who takes up the chairmanship from Richard Coles,  offers continuity from the last commission. An attorney for over 20 years, he is the managing partner of Campbells and is also a member of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.

James Austin-Smith is a lawyer specializing in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. He is a former member of the Cayman Islands Human Rights Committee and has been appointed as a member until 1 January 2015, when he will assume the role as chairman for a three year period.

Chelsea Frazier Rivers raised the issue of abuse of disabled parking with the Blue Spot campaign, “calling out” the able bodied who use designated disabled parking spots. She has served as chairperson, member and advisor to several committees and associations in her quest to make a difference in the lives of Cayman's children and those less fortunate. Rivers has been appointed as a member for a period of two years.

Lisa-Ann Hurlston-McKenzie is an environmental and sustainability consultant in the private sector who previously worked for the Department of Environment. She has worked on a number of publications and facilitated numerous national and regional meetings related to climate change impacts, vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation in small island states. Hurlston-McKenzie has been appointed as a member for a period of four years.

Reverend Donovan Myers is the minister at the Savannah United Church. He has a personal interest in human rights and justice and is a former member of the Human Rights Committee and the current chair of the National Youth Commission. Reverend Myers has been appointed for a period of three years.

The governor said she was very pleased to make the appointments to what she described as an important body. “I have no doubt that the backgrounds of each of these members will go a long way towards enhancing the work of the HRC,” she added.