New unit created to co-ordinate government policy
(CNS): Long serving career civil servant Robert Lewis has been appointed to head up a new government policy unit. The Cabinet Office’s Policy Coordination Unit has been created to coordinate the development and implementation of policies across all government ministries and portfolios, officials said in a release Friday. Lewis is working with a small team to develop independent advice for the Cabinet, the National Security Council, the premier and other agencies – as directed by the Cabinet Secretary. One of the first projects which Lewis has undertaken is to complete an action plan to implement the national Crime Reduction Strategy (CRS).
The CRS plan offers a four-pronged approach to crime reduction: early intervention, reducing re-offending, prevention and situational prevention.
“This holistic approach holds fast to the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’. In particular we maintain that, for crime to be effectively reduced in the medium’ to long-term, special attention must be given to early intervention,” said Lewis.
Lewis has served government for 24 years – most recently as the Department of Planning’s Assistant Director for Strategic Planning and Policy Development. He also sat on several committees tasked with developing national policies and enhancing departmental efficiencies.
At present he also sits on the National Energy Policy Committee, the Census Advisory Committee, and the National Climate Change Adaptation Working Group. He also chairs an energy policy subcommittee, which focuseson energy efficiency and conservation in relation to land-use, construction processes and buildings.
Cabinet Secretary Orrett Connor, said, “With proven strengths and experience, Lewis is well-equipped to contribute to government’s strategic growth.”
In a press release government officials said, Lewis conducts occasional lectures and discussions on leadership, management and career development. He has presented locally and overseas to government entities and non-governmental organizations on policy and managerial topics such as strategic planning, smart growth and empowerment.
“I am passionate about facilitating the professional development of government’s aspiring supervisors and managers in the interest of more efficient and effective public service,” he says
The new policy director holds two masters degrees: in Public Policy and Management (University of London); and in Urban and Regional Planning (Florida Atlantic University). He also holds management certifications from Napier University (Scotland); and from the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA).
The CRS plan can be viewed here
Category: Local News
The unbridled expansion of the goverment Gravy Train continues !
No offense to Mr Lewis but the time has come for new ideas and fresh minds from the private sector. We do not need more public sector minds trying to advise on public sector policies which clearly do not work. Trying to achieve their plans from within will also not work. Private sector individuals have to operate under different constraints with efficiency, profitability and creative direc tion. The idea must be to not coordinate already failed policies. Good luck to Mr Lewis but there are people in the private sector who are seeking to help, support and add their expertise for the future growth of the country and who have a fresh approach. They are ignored. I hope the fresh approach is being sought by the Civil Service and not just a rehash of what we have with different words in new presentations by some who are trying to protect their positions.
I also know Mr. Lewis, but what is improtant is:
Other than the expected personal commentary, does't Anyone have any thoughts/comments on what he and the govt are seeking to achieve with this new crime plan?
After all, this is the biggest threat to our way of living right now!
I hope that Robert starts hanging with Jennifer Dilbert (FOI) and the auditor general.
It is time for ethical and competent people start taking the unethical and incompetent politicians to task for the way that they abuse Cayman and its people.
This is actually the most important committee in years. But to head it with just another civil servant means it will be utterly ineffective. Watch: six months from now and nothing will have happened except perhaps more hot air from Mr Lewis along the lines of the penultimate paragraph of this article. “Passionate”. “Facilitating”. These are not the words of a deep thinker, despite (or perhaps because of?) all those academic qualifications. They are those of a bureaucrat.
Kudos toMr. Lewis, this is a well deserved placement and we all should look forward to the results that benefit us all.
"develop independent advice for the Cabinet, the National Security Council, the premier and other agencies – as directed by the Cabinet Secretary" — on what, exactly?
It means he's going to give them the kind of advice they tell him to give them. That's just so it won't be 'my fault' anymore. And we're going to be paying for it. Big time.
And so the civil service grows even larger. . .and larger.
Great. Another new layer in the civil service. Just what we need.
So what the heck has the Cabinet Secretary been doing all these years and if this job is so vital why did he not appoint someone before this?
But congratulations to Robert, a bright fellow. Try and actually DO something in the Cabinet Office, Robert, because it is not at all clear that anyone else is doing very much.
Another committee without a chance of making a difference or completing the task. While I like Lewis a lot he is a PHYSICAL PLANNER–not sure he has expertise to even talk about the issues given to this committee.
Not overly concerned because historically nothing will come of this committee's reports either.