Ocean guardian earns CS accolade

(CNS): The sterling efforts of Mark Orr who has for years done his absolute best in the face of dwindling resources to protect Cayman’s marine life have been recognised publicly by his bosses. Orr is the latest CIG Employee of the Month who has not only been lauded for his efforts but has received a well-deserved cash bonus as well.  “The best value-for-money within government” is how his bosses described him last week when Franz Manderson, the deputy governor presented him with the award for September.  Orr who is the Chief Conservation Officer at the Department of Environment (DoE) said his efforts were all about teamwork.

Manderson commended Mr Orr, who is also the head of the DOE enforcement arm, for his sense of dedication and commitment. “I fully understand the risks and rewards of wearing an enforcement uniform, as this was the foundation of my civil service career,” Manderson said.

This was the second CIG Employee of the Month presentation and Orr’s commitment to the job and work ethic were praised extensively in his nomination form which also describes him as a true conservationist.   It went on to say that “he is available for any disaster: including conservation violations, pollution incidents, as well as search and rescue; and he responds at any hour and in any weather”.

Some of the Chief Conservation Officer’s recent work has included dealing with the issue of captive stingrays, the protection of nesting sea turtles and the hazards posed to unwary swimmers by the lone wild dolphin.

The form states that “Mark is driven by the belief that his work makes a difference’ and that he “clearly stands highest in devotion to duty”. 

The Deputy Governor’s Award programme was developed to recognise civil servants who exceed expectations.  Every 12 months the Deputy Governor will select a winner from among individuals who have received the CIG Employee of the Month award over the past year. The awards serve to reinforce and encourage the high standards which are expected from all Cayman Islands civil servants.

The other September awardees were Michelle Connolly-Rivers, Sophia Chandler, Sherilyn Eden and Brian Crichlow.