Two top civil service spots filled
(CNS): While government remains completely silent on the fate of former Chief Officers Angela Martins and Diane Montoya the Chief Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Donovan Ebanks, has appointed Jennifer Ahearn as Chief Officer, for the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture and Dorine Whittaker as Chief Officer in the Ministry of Community Affairs and Housing. According to government there were 20 applications for the posts.
As part of an open recruitment process four candidates were interviewed by a selection panel consisting of Donovan Ebanks, Peter Gough, Strategic Advisor and Nick Freeland from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“It is particularly pleasing to see these officers, and ladies, move up to these senior posts,” said Ebanks. “Both have proved themselves admirably at the deputy level and earned these advances. Their promotions will open up opportunities in the public service for other deserving persons”
Dorine Whittaker has been in public service for 23 years, and has served at ministry level for thirteen years, eleven of which as deputy chief officer. On returning from college she became a business studies teacher at the Cayman Islands High School/John Gray High School and a part-time lecturer at the Community College of the Cayman Islands (now known as the University College of the Cayman Islands). In addition she was Head of House for five years.
She became Head of Business Studies and served for four years in that capacity and she said she was delighted with the opportunity to serve as Chief Officer.
Jennifer Ahearn has worked in Government for over 12 years starting as a Planning Assistant. She was promoted to Assistant Director MRCU and then Deputy Chief Officer in the Ministry of District Administration, Planning, Agriculture and Housing.
“The Ministry’s subject matters are diverse, but undoubtedly interconnected,” she said about her new post. “I am looking forward to applying the knowledge and experience I have gained in the civil service to ensure that the ministry delivers the services needed in these challenging times.”
Category: Local News
Congrats, Dorine, I know that you and Mike will work well together because you are both hardworking honest people with the heart to help our country and those that have fallen on hard times….We are in your hands and expect good things from you…I see a good team forming.
Well done both! They deserve it. And before we get into the "foreigners getting our PS positions", let it be remembered that Ms Ahearne (a Born Canadian) was promoted from Planning Dept over born Caymanian candidates by a born Caymanian Kearney Gomez who wanted her in his Ministry to take over from another born Canadian lady, so she got there through a born Caymanian recognising her merits. Furthermore, she is married to a very successful born Caymanian businessman.
One has to say these thing these days-the Marl Road has already started some bitching about the paper caymanian stuff.
Congratulations on your postings. May you both guided with the wisdom from comes from the unseen hand. Thank you for being willing to take on this responsibility during this time in our history.
I dont know Ms. Ahern well enough to make any comment but can attest that the hon. Minister for Community Development is getting an honest, hardworking and dedicated caymanian in Ms. Whittaker. Blessings and prayers.
Another north sider is moving up. Congratulations to Dorine, job well done. We are all proud of you.