Accountant to be CI governor
(CNS): Cayman will be welcoming a new face from the UK later this year when Helen Kilpatrick CB will become not only the first woman to take up the governor’s job in the Cayman Islands when Duncan Taylor departs, but the first accountant rather than an FCO diplomat. Kilpatrick, who does not have a Foreign and Commonwealth Office background, will take up her appointment in September when she will transfer from the Home Office, which she joined in April 2005 as the director general for finance and corporate services. She is currently acting Home Office permanent secretary and accounting officer and has a background mostly in UK local government. A chartered accountant, Kilpatrick has never worked in the diplomatic service or served overseas for the British government.
The official announcement was made Tuesday and the governor’s office released the information under embargo until Wednesday morning.
The first female to be appointed as the UK’s representative in the Cayman Islands, Kilpatrick has extensive experience working in local government. Before her appointment to the Home Office she was deputy chief executive and director of resources for the West Sussex County Council, where she was also treasurer of the Sussex Police Authority.
According to the governor’s office, on her appointment Kilpatrick said she was honoured to be appointed governor of the Cayman Islands.
“I look forward to working in a constructive partnership with the newly elected government to ensure a safe, successful and sustainable future for the Cayman Islands,” she added.
There was no other comment from the FCO or any further explanation for the unusual choice but it clearly indicates the UK’s desire to have a financial expert overseeing the UK’s interest in Cayman rather than one skilled in the art of diplomacy .
Kilpatrick’s curriculum vitae:
Full name: Helen Kilpatrick CB
Children: One son, one daughter
2005 – present Home Office, Director General (Finance & Corporate Services)
1995 – 2005 West Sussex County Council, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources. Also Treasurer, Sussex Police Authority
1989 – 1995 London Borough of Greenwich, Controller of Financial Services
1988 – 1989 London Borough of Greenwich, Assistant Borough Treasurer
1987 – 1988 London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Chief Accountant (Technical)
1986 – 1987 London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Group Accountant (Housing)
1985 – 1986 Greater London Council, Group Auditor
1982 – 1985 Greater London Council, Graduate Trainee (Finance)
Category: Local News
I cannot wait, the next 4years are going to be a lot of fun.
Poor Mac is just as tied up as Billy Rae's donkey was that time.
First the FCO appointed a stern new Northward Prison Director – and if he does not become a guest at that Honorable Institution – then our stern new Lady Governor will teach him to sit- and-stand-and-do-tricks on command.
I don’t think he’ll do tricks. Too proud. I see him sneaking out of the corral and runnin off
FYI according uk gov data she was making around 144K which less taxes is around 86k pounds she will now be making 160000kyd or 126k British sterling looks like a pay rise to me. Unless a directive has changed somewhere this job is to make sure real Brits have some sort of consular service and oh yes ” good governance” which is British for issue regular press releases about how it is not really your job to do whatever the public is demanding that you do.
Beam me up Scotty I want in on this away team for sure.
I think her rank in the british government means she was payed atleast £180,000. Would be easy to look up as all top paid civil servants salaries are public knowlege
Sounds like jealousy to me. Think you are qualified to do the job?
According to the Home Office Annual report for 2012 she had a salary between 210k to 215k sterling and also got a bonus of between 10k to 15k. See page 84 at the following link
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/143619/annual-report-2011-12.pdf
And they say Cayman civil servants are overpaid? lol.
CNS, it is difficult to believe that Ms. Kilpatrick would take such a massive pay cut to be our Governor. Perhaps you could follow up on this to see whether there are any increases in emoluments for the Governor in the forthcoming budget.
She's an accountant & a very good one. She is here to find the money so look out you overspending government persons. And to see who is getting paid for not being at work!! SHould be very interesting.
This is fantastic news! I am very excited. Ms Kilpatrick we look forward to welcoming you and to your expected positive impact here in Cayman.
yeah yeah yeah, unlike many of you , Id rather wait to see the results before putting all my eggs in one basket. Everyone is assuming things will straighten out.
What many of you havent thought about is, if she finds irregularities, then what will happen? Help us solve them or help use the info to sink us and take over?? thats the question you people should be asking yourself before you jump blindly on the bandwagon.
Aarite den, we kin watch for even less in them dere minutes from Scoobydoo and his gang of transparency PR actors! Now they will be required to do REAL work. Should be interesting!
Caymanians wake up…it does not matter if they send us a tall governor, a short one, a fat one, a woman one, a black one, a Chinese one, a gay one, the governor is the governor and they come with the UKs and the FCOs agenda and have MI-6 on speed dial. Don’t ever be fooled otherwise. It is what it is. Different day same story.
Ja mon, and dat be 'cos all de bigges kriminal in de world be here, and de worl' revolve arand cayman…or maybe we jus' paranoid??
Not a problem unless you have something to hide. Crooks are naturally opposed to oversight of any kind. God bless our Queen!
Exactly how/where does the Queen factor into this equation?
Being HER subjects, as opposed to being independent and subject to the likes of Mac and Foolio raping and pillaging at will without oversight. THAT is where the Queen factors in. Take a look next door if you want to see where independence would lead us. It’s not necessarily about the UK, it’s all about oversight in general. Without it, the crooks will have their way. Without oversight, China Harbour would be setting up camp right now. Take a look at Nassau if you want to see how that would work out.
Wow! Big changes are in the air.
Maybe she should be FS and fire are the worthless jokers in the Ministry starting with them all. Collecting big salaries and being incompetent at your job is the problem wit the Civil Service
Please provide names and supporting documentation.
Unfortunately CNS won't print the names. How do you explain the absence of an audit for so many years.
The list would likely be too long for them to post here. … Just sayin ..
And they are &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Not incompetent
just hanging onto the statusquo, while they made the ministers look good.
No need to do that any longer they will have to perform now and they will.
If I were in the new finance dept, I would swiftly introduce new policies, procedures, and systems of control and accountability in the CIG. We all know that "record keeping" has not been a priority for over a decade and needs a comprehensive review to prove this government is serious about managing the nation's finances. I would have hoped an overhaul intiative would have commenced by now.
17:27, you can introduce all the changes/policies/systems of control etc in the world but until you change the incompetent refuse-to-be-accountable-to-anyone grossly overpaid people at the top in Finance, you will never ever make any difference.
When we were young we all learnt that water took the shape of any vessel it is placed in.
Does anyone really believe that since this new governor happens to be a woman that the FCO agenda has changed, that she will be more favorable to Cayman's interests over her masters?
Wow, after all these years we still have so much to learn about ways and means of neo-colonialism!
Dont get me wrong, Welcome Ms. Kilpatrick. For the record, we dont have a problem with you as you are just the messenger. Its your bosses that we sometimes have issues with, especially when they calculate the destruction of the Cayman financial industry in an effort to benefit the City of London.
You hit the nail on the head!
Hear hear!!! Cayman, we must stay strong and get our act together. This means balancing our books at all costs and sending a strong "NO" message of Independence to the UK.
Welcome beancounter Gov. Yes, we need some accoutability. However, I am saddened that we no longer deserve and will receive the Crown's pomp and circumstance that I have been teaching my children to respect as they grow.
We are proud BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY CITIZENS and treating me anything less than a BRITISH CITIZEN is unloyal.
If Mother England is playing this game, then it is time to behave (Thanks for this right ol mess Mac?)
We CAN recover, we CAN fight the G8, we CAN be the sole dependant island to thrive under UK rule.
Me, like other rational sensible educated Caymanians know and fear the route to Independence. Do not believe your power hungry politicians, Independence has only brought other Caribbean countries to their kness. See this link and do NOT drink the Koolaide.
http://www.silvertorch.com/dates-of-independence.html
The UK has always had Cayman islands best interest at heart. But not the Caymanian tribal chiefs who have only their own personal interest at heart to the detriment of the islands themselves. If you can't see that then you have choosen the dark side. War is coming. It starts now.
17.00…and whilst we are at it, what did the Romans ever do for us??
Hmmmm… now why would they make such a statement in giving us a female governor!
You have a problem with women it seems! Well I say good and welcome Ms. Kilpatrick as our next Governor. I have a feeling some will meet their match!
Most women dont make good leaders of a country. I know I've made some feminist mad, but I think it is rare you will find iron women like Magaret Thatcher. That is my personal opinion. I have lead an organization before and nothing against my own sex, but I see men doing better in making tough decisions without the emotional ties and female whim. The day the world have no real men to lead it and no real women to raise their children properly, is a sad day and possibly a sign of the end of times. This has nothing to do with saying men are better than women, but nature has it that male and female have roles, and these roles are crucial to the development of the home and society. I am not a christian. I am not some religious woman. I am just talking from a naturalistic point of view. Women have their place and men too. But I think the commenters should respect opinion like mine – Most women don't make good leaders!
Muppet! Mrs T, love her or hate her put a very sick nation back on its feet. Dalia Grybauskaite the president of Lithuania has Almost single handedley stamped out political corruption and I am sure will be next EU commission president. The previous lady Icelandic pm bought that country back from the grave. No man achieved those things. You are just another one so busy believing how good you are that you can’t see past your nose. I am a man, only a prejudiced fool would not see the facts or believe them.
Ummm…I think you are proving the poster's point. They are the exceptions that prove the rule: women do not usually make good leaders.
Tell that line of BS to the Prime Minister of Autsralia…
Most men don't make good leaders of a country. Just like women. I think everyone in every country can relate to that. Especially here lately. Its rare to find anyone who can lead a country and make everything work well. The job is hard because of the customers. But its a job that has to be done. As a stay home father of the past 5 years I can say that I never would have thought growing up I would be the one to raise my son. Although I am a pro and make good money I am lucky to have a wife that makes 3 times what I can so raising my son is my job and I am happy to be the one to do it. And good at it. Its sad that your life has not shown you that any one (man or woman) can do pretty much anything they put their mind to.
Didn't the "Cayman Cowboy" Andy Martin make this prediction years ago with a song that went "Woman a gah run this country"??? Or was it the Barefoot Man?
F**k Nostradamus and the Mayans, I am listening to every word that comes out his mouth from now on!
woman a go run this country!
In de 21st centuryyy! 😀 (clearly many here aren't living in this century with these sexist remarks) The woman hasnt even stepped foot on the island yet and people already throwing judgements simply because she's a woman…doesnt change a thing. Goodness she isn't an alien! Governor is governor, man or woman. Guarantee if u put a mentally challenged person who was a man compared to a well educated established woman some nutshells would prefer the dude simple because he's a guy!
In regard to speculation as to why Helen Kilpatrick was chosen to be our next Governor: a statement she recently gave to the media begins to paint a picture. “I look forward to working in a constructive partnership with the newly elected government to ensure a safe, successful and sustainable future for the Cayman Islands.”
Note also the phrase "…ensure…a sustainable future for the Cayman Islands"? Among her passions, and heading a list of her exceptionally strong professional skills, are fiscal reform, economic sustainability, and good regulation. All things sadly lacking in our government for many, many years.
Adding more strokes to the canvas: Ms. Kilpatrick was appointed Home Office finance director as part of a thrust to post qualified accountants as finance directors in every department of the UK government. She oversaw significant restructuring of resources under her remit and was made responsible for implementing a turn-around of the Home Office. Also note the word "partnership". This tells me that Her Excellency Ms. Kilpatrick will be substantially more pro-active than past governors regarding the involvement of the office of Governor in the governance and the reform of these islands. (Are you getting the picture now?)
To those who here have voiced concern that this woman may not have what it takes to go nose to nose with some of the hard-liners roun' yah: Worry ye not! Helen Kilpatrick is more than capable of handling arrogant overbearing males and can easily tame the likes of Bush if he gets unruly. To get where she got to today, she swam in tanks of sharks that make Mac look like pond fry in comparison. To reach the heights she has in her career, I am sure she had to smack the chops of many an arrogant male. Bush, or any other bully, will not know what hit them if they get feisty with this chica because she is a woman.
Ms. Kilpatrick has more practical experience in matters of governmental finances than all of Cabinet and the LA put together, so they are not in much of a position to argue, intimidate, or blow BS by her regarding fiscal policy and government finances. As part of her former post, she oversaw a budget of over thirteen billion pounds! By comparison, the budget of the Cayman Islands is not even pocket change to the Home Office budget.
She even served as interim Permanent Secretary to the Home Office. Without doubt she had to deal with many a mouthy male know-it-all. Moreover, she worked with and reported directly to permanent secretary Sir David Normington, a man whose reputation earned him the nickname of "the smiling assassin". Bush only thinks he's bad. Normington could eat Mac for breakfast, lunch, supper, and midnight snack. Do not mistake her demure appearance and congenial approach for weakness: Ms. Kilpatrick has developed a big pair of brass ones! I have no doubt that she can handle Mac and his ilk with the flick of a well-manicured pinky.
In my opinion Ms. Kilpatrick's appointment it is a positive thing, and an indication that the UK cares enough about us to lend us such a brilliant resource when her talents could be quite well utilised in her home country in these difficult economic times. Her appointment gives a strong indication that the UK are quite determined and committed to assisting us in getting our affairs in order. We the people, and those whom we have elected, had better take this message and opportunity quite seriously indeed!
If she is so good then the UK should have really kept her closeby because they are in dire need of her expertise.
In fact, far more than us.
Check and compare the books if you require evidence.
The "yes I'm bad but so are you" defense is getting lame. And its still not a good excuse for corruption and incompetence.
Re: "And its still not a good excuse for corruption and incompetence."
Very true … and also yet another reason why the UK should have kept her closer to home … because that country is dripping with corruption and incompetence.
Don't believe me? Just ask a typical (honest) mainland Brit today.
😉
On second thought … just watch and read the (independent) daily UK news.
Regardless, many of you insist on coming on CNS and talking the most hypocritical and outlandish crap.
In all seriousness, it is that typical narcissistic attitude of the UK and its people that is propelling them to the bottom as it regards their global diplomatic reputation.
Snap back to reality and stop living in the past – truth is truth, sorry.
(This is why so many Brits on CNS hate my anonymous guts so badly … because I simply stick to the truth – the truth that, in their eyes, is supposed to remain hidden and untouched.)
#realtalk
We don't hate you whodatis!!! It is pointless hating anyone who can froth at the mouth so much and always has to have the last word. Its like talking to a wall. We all want to help you. Please let us know your medical expense account and name of your pshyciatrist, will make a donation to ensure they keep you in longer next time…meds need time to work.
Of course you know all 65m people in the UK personally, so you are qualified to judge that they are all narcissistic. Can we say prejudice?
I don't hate you at all – in fact I love your rants. Every time I see one I have a chuckle at how bent out of shape you get almost every day ( and sometimes many times a day ) by something you can't control and don't understand. Reading your reaction to anyone who dares write something positive about the UK is like witnessing Pavlov's dog at work.
Now where did I put that next bone?
Oh dooooo shut up. No really, please do. Such a bore.
What I find distasteful, Whodatis, is that (in my opinion) you manage to massage the facts, whatever they might be, to fit your pre-judged agenda.
"If she is so good then the UK should have really kept her closeby because they are in dire need of her expertise"
Seems to me that if she appeared less competent, then that also would be "proof" to support your pet conspiracy theory.
I stick to the truth. You do not have a monopoly.
Truthseeker
You prove me right in every comment you make. Thank you. Whodatis if you could only put your considerable energy into helping Cayman islands instead of bashing the UK good things would happen. You seem like an intelligent person. Anti UK does not make you pro Cayman. What do you think about the Caymanian leadership? Can it be made better?
Interpretation – there is no-one in the other 480000+ people employed by the civil service in the UK who could step into her shoes, or in the altenative, she can't be any good or the UK would have held on to her.
Prejudice – definition -" preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or experience."
You are, I am afraid, absolutely full of it. In both senses.
Don't be afraid, son – be brave!
In any event – I am proud of the superior economic standing of my country when compared to the UK, and many others as well.
At least we don't print new "money" out of thin airlike Britain does.
*Which is something I have been highlighting for quite some time and interestingly, it is the very reason why the UK now has its "double downgraded" status rating. Where is that "quantative easing" defender that loved to attack me here on CNS … quiet as a churchmouse now.
All of this talk is cheap – show me your figures or just take a seat.
When it comes to cheap talk, you are indeed an expert. Anything else and you're an empty barrel.
I would be interested to see you support your assertion that the economic standing of Cayman, when compared across the board to the UK, is superior.
Here is just 1 comparison:
Unemployment among Caymanians 10.5% and rising:
http://www.cayman27.com.ky/2013/04/25/big-story-unemployment-tensions-in-the-cayman-islands
Unemployment in the UK 7.8% and holding steady:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22868901
Unemployment for Caymanians is 37% higher than in the UK even though there are 2+ jobs for every Caymanian in the workforce and some 25% of the Caymanian workforce is employed by government, much of this employment being an unemployment program in disguise.
I'll take a seat now and let you dazzle me with your intellect.
My friend, I will rise to your challenge with one simple point.
Where we have an overdraft – the UK has PRINTED and injected into its economy something to the tune of £200 Billion in the last 18 months.
Do you really want to get into the long term implications of these different realities?
Hint: Think "bubble".
Actually, never mind – why am I wasting my time paying attention to your ridiculous argument?
You can have a seat at the table after you crawl your way back up to Cayman's credit rating.
Okay? Good.
Oh dear, is that the best you can do? You really need to stop the generalised thinking and do some research. Here is a table of comparative credit ratings:
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/cayman-islands/rating
This organisation produces a summarised credit rating based on the credit ratings of major rating agencies. You will find the UK in 11th position with a combined rating of 97.96; you will find Cayman in 24th position with an equivalent rating of 85.
There is, in addition, the unquantifiable but very real positive influence on Cayman's credit rating of having that little Union Jack in the top corner of the flag – you know, the one that implies that the UK will ultimately backstop Cayman in the event of default.
I'm liking my seat at the table – how about you?
Let's look at credit ratings (with those agencies who bother to rate entities like the Cayman Islands):
Moody's: Cayman Aa3 ; UK : Aa1
Dagong: Cayman AA- ; UK : AA+
So where do you get the idea Cayman has a better credit rating than the UK?
The UK only has that credit rating because of its geopolitical standing. Any other country with its level of debt and economic woes would have been downgraded long ago.
1. Apples and oranges. You are comparing unemployment figures for Caymanians in Cayman versus all resident unemployed persons in the UK whether they are British Citizens or not. The Cayman total unemployment rate is 6.2% which compares favourably to the UK's 7.8%.
2. The UK unemployment figures are a bit of a fudge. The real figures are much higher: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/reality-check-with-polly-curtis/2012/feb/16/unemployed-uk-how-many
I can only assume that the logic behind your first assertion is that you believe the unemployment rate for non-UK citizens resident in the UK to be much lower than for UK citizens, so that the combined effect is to reduce the overall unemployment rate. The link below indicates that unemployment rates for both groups are roughly the same:
http://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/download/pa014.pdf – see page 5.
Further, the same link ( and incidently the last UK census also) indicates that the percentage of non-UK citizens in the workforce is 14.5%, so that any difference in unemployment rates in that group is significantly diluted in the overall estimate of national unemployment.
Compare this to Cayman, where the immigration situation is very different. The latest ESO figures show the following:
Labour force
Caymanian 17701
Non-Caymanian 19919
Unemployed
Caymanian 1732
Non-Caymanian 621
Unemployment rate
Caymanian 9.8%
Non-Caymanian 3.1%
Your overall unemployment rate of 6.2% is indeed significantly impacted by the very low rate applicable to work permit holders as is to be expected given Cayman's work permit laws. To some extent you are right, the situation in the UK and the situation in Cayman are somewhat apple and orange'ish, just not in the way you meant and if you find solace in this you are delusional.
As for 2, my view would be all unemployment estimates are a fudge. Do you have any evidence that Cayman's figures are less fudged than the UK's?
Those are not the latest ESO figures.
The point is that given that expats comprise the majority of the working population and the unemployment rate among them is low it follows that there is not really a shortage of jobs in Cayman and therefore Cayman (but not necessarily Caymanians) is in a better position economically than the UK.
I see you've decided to move the goalposts now you're original point was shown to be in error. Your final position is fatuous – you cannot claim that Cayman is in a better position economically than the UK simply because there are more jobs than Caymanian workers, if the benefit of those jobs does not accrue to Caymanians. Who exactly are you developing Cayman for?
No shifting of goal posts. Your assumptions were incorrect. Who we are developing Cayman for is an important but entirely separate question which we must now move to address. Less permits, more Caymanian employment.
If only things were as simple as you apparently like to believe. " Less permits, more Caymanian employment" – really?
How about a more real world scenario of less permits equals economic contraction, economic contraction equals less jobs in total, less jobs in total equals less jobs for Caymanians, less jobs for Caymanians equals even greater unemployment.
Cayman has a relatively unique social and economic structure, which seems to concern you, but which you chose to ignore when it suits you.
Aha! I thought you'd fall into the trap. So more jobs in Cayman is better for Cayman's economy and Caymanians then? i.e. it compares favourably to the UK?
I think you need to go back and check where this started before you " Aha " anyone.
My original challenge to Whodatis was to support his blind assertion that Cayman was economically superior to the UK. My words were " Here is 1 comparison" and went on to refer to the higher unemployment rate among Caymanians. I did not claim it was the only issue to be considered, but it is a fact, not an assumption as you have incorrectly referred to it.
When you failed in your challenge to this point by misunderstanding the role of immigrant labour in the UK, you then moved the goalposts to redefine the issue as the overall rate of job availability.
You then made the erroneous assumption expressed as " …less permits, more Caymanian employment". A quick check of the ESO figures for the years when work permits went down will show Caymanian employment also went down.
You are batting 0 for 3 and your last comment is the most thoughtless so far – it has nothing whatsoever to do with the original point I made. I suggest you read it again, think about it for a short while and then cringe at its stupidity. I bet you're glad you didn't use your real name!
Let's give it a go anyway
In fact you dont have any real money to print at all, since Cayman's local currency is in reality the US dollar.
In any event, we are still better off when compared to the UK in that regard.
At the end of the day, I am a Caymanian, you are not (probably a Brit) – and it burns you up inside.
That is the real reason so many of you are on here constantly trying to tear down this country.
Yet you scoff at the notion of our independence. Quite the confused bunch aren't ya?
Happy Friday, though.
🙂
Seriously, go independent. We would prefer you did. Get ready for the economy to sink like a stone.
I do not scoff at your independence push or your desire to be the 'Braveheart' of Cayman. As dictated by the UN, your right to determination is yours whenever you choose it. You may want to consider a few things before you pick up the face paint.
My country is only just voting on the break of Scotland and the Union after 300 years of people lamenting and waxing about William Wallace and freedom.
Be warned though … as soon as the Independence euphoria started, Scottish regiments became the first to be disbanded, Military establishments and air bases started to close down or down graded and education fundingcuts was mooted.
When it comes to paying for your own defence, education and carrying the further job losses economically, it will pay to have a plan B.
This is the sticking point for Scotland and this is despite the ownership of rich oil and mineral deposits in the North Sea.
Cayman can hardly rely on the rum cake industry or the dwindling finance industry as a Plan B.
Those are all fair points, and thank you for making them without being insulting to Caymanians.
Are you saying that the UK should not send us a good competent person to fill the post of Governor?
Our government and budget may be small potatoes compared to the Home Office; however, as a world financial we touch a significant chunk of the world's wealth. Regardless of the anti-"tax haven" rhetoric that we are seeing from certain factions within the UK, a lot is at stake and I should think that the UK wants to make ensure that we continue to do well. On another note, if the UK's aim indeed is to reduce our standing as a tax-avoidance centre, that will mean a great deal of change for us, possibly in a very short time. It will take a strong presence to guide us through the upheaval if that is where we are headed. All the more reason to have a strong and capable person in the Governor's seat.
Who knows? Maybe Ms. Kilpatrick actively sought the challenge of the Governor's post here. Maybe she was weary of fighting the battles of Whitehall and wanted a change of pace. Maybe she got tired of chilly British winters and she fancied donning a bikini and sipping Pina Colada's by the pool in December. There are many plausable reasons why she was assigned the post. I am happy to see that she seems to be a good and capable person. Time will tell the rest. (Hmm…? I wonder how she looks in a bikini? Better than any of the past Governors I would bet!)
Hmmm…I think she is hiding a steel backbone behind that sly smile…I don't think the "old boys" are going to find her as "pushable" as they would like…a little like a younger Margaret Thatcher..
Do you thing she will look into Operation Tempura?
Let's add a little more information for the benefit of the readers.
Ms. Kilpatrick was as recently as 2012 the chair of the Diversity Strategy Programme Board.
Here is the official Home Office pdf.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/120023/diversity-progress-2011-12.pdf
In addition to this, Ms Kilpatrick went through a ceremony of Royal Investiture to become a Companion of the Order of the Bath
http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy/5209232482/in/set-72157625472035800/
Mrs Helen Kilpatrick from Chichester is made a Companion of the Order of the Bath by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace
Here is some more information on the Order of The Bath
http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheBath.aspx
Reading between the lines, what we have here is a very high-powered appointment for a stratospheric over-achiever. The new government will be her perfect accessory.
A CB is nothing more than a long service and good conduct medal for senior civil servants.
"The new government will be her perfect accessory".
This is one of the most artful expressions I have seen here in a long time. Priceless! Bravo!
Then that would be three of us in the know. You, me and Ms. Kilpatrick. Bravo to you, too!
hahahaha….. take that cayman
Take what?
to be governed by a female accountant!
So what?
Are you so unsure of your masculinity that this scares you?
Well I guess the UK said that the Cayman Islands needs a face lift with respect to new governance that is why they sent a woman. Well since Governor Taylor appears to be transparent in certain things that suits, I guess she will UNRAVEL THE TRUTH BEHIND TEMPURA. We are all watching.
oooooooh yeah can u digg it what a bitch lick for de good ole boys club ???
Great News…a Lady will have a much better sense of housekeeping and intuition, and somebody who understands money and financial services?? This has got to be good
What a sexist statement!
Nothing sexist about telling the truth…in fact the one exception that proves it is Juju…
Looks like we have become part of a Home Office/FCO job swap rotation scheme:
"9 January 2013 – Mark Sedwill has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary for the Home Office. Mr Sedwill, who will take up the post on 1 February 2013, will replace Helen Kilpatrick who has been Acting Permanent Secretary since Dame Helen Ghosh left the department to join the National Trust. He is currently Director-General (Political) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan".
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-permanent-secretary-for-the-home-office–2
CNS, just a small correction. She has a CB, not a CBE. http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_183669.pdf
Going by honours alone she is the most senior governor we have been sent.
CNS: Thanks. Correction made.
My wife used to be a Companion of the Bath. Now she tells me the shower isn't big enough for both of us, and mumble something about not being able to keep my hands to myself.
Let me start by saying that I do not subscribe to the paranoid musings of some who believe that every Governor sent here is an agent of MI6. Having said that, it would be nice if the FCO could provide an explanation of why they have appointed one Governor or another. In this case, I think we can all agree that CIG needs some accounting/finance help. But why send someone so senior in the UK Civil Service? No disrespesct to my beloved Cayman, but this posting seems like a demoition for Ms. Kilpatrick. I'm sure they have their reasons, and she has her reasons for accepting, but why not tell us those reasons?
Pardon me but I do not see this as a demotion at all. This lady does not have FCO experience but she might be the one that really gets down and does some hard work. Se has the qualifications and experience that Cayman needs at this time. The Brits are a stickler for protocol so that should come easy enough for her. Now that we have real gentlemen and ladies in Government I see a real opportunity for a positive outcome .
This could be interesting………
Youmean this will be interesting. While Duncan Taylor was a bit of a lightweight this lady is a heavy-hitting senior civil servant. Teamed up with Alastair Swarbrick I can see some serious shake ups coming.
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Obviously the FCO doesn't think he's a light weight if he is off to be the Ambassador to Mexico.
Yes, you see Madam Governor we always move the total from this column to the other one. Then we add up the totals and replace the minus with a plus sign. What?? You don't say.
HAHAAA…Macanomics…Love it…
Perfect!
As McKeeva might say, "Welcome to the Cayman Islands sweetheart. Once you realize that you are on my turf ere ting will be alright dahling".
You forgot the " now sit down little girl!"
I think she will be governor of the Cayman Islands, not Northward!!
So she has no FCO background… so what ??? She still is "connected" to the UK intelligence community with their agendas.
So when did they let you out Space Cadet?
The plural of “Agenda” – is “Agenda” – just a a quick heads up.
The singular of agenda is agendum
Right. With a CV like that she is comnected to the intelligence services! With respect, you are talking compete bollocks. Quite apart from anything else, she is not only a numbers gal, she is now Home Office- as far removed politicall from FCO and their MI6 (or SIS ) as it is possible to be. Also no overseas experience at all. In anyevent, since when does any intelligence agency put an operative in the headline role? There are no doubt SIS people here, but they will be working in banks, civil service or regulatory agencies.
Her CV says something different to me. No diplomatic experience, because no need to be diplomatic anymore. Hard core experience in government accounting, because we sure as hell arn't displaying any skill or expertise in that direction. We are going to be treated like a British county council who cannot control their budget , folks – mummy has sent us someone to spank our botties and tell us how to put it right.
O please don't be so niave. CV doesn't says all
Ahhh – because the CV has been falsified as part of her deep cover, right. That makes sense. Otherwise she would have been a bit busy – accountant by day, SIS operative by night, sort of thing . Or was she a mole inside West Sussex Council? Hotbed of radicalism, I hear, although I had thought that domestic intelligence was the Security Services mandate, not SIS.
One thing I don't understand – perhaps I am too naive – why would they put a secret agent in the most high profile job possible? I mean, the woman won't be able to go shopping at Fosters without drawing attention. Wouldnt someone like the social secretary or the AMO be a more sensible choice?
Oh wow! A Lady Governor with a strong finance background – how interesting! It will be a real treat to watch the male chauvinists in high office in the civil service deal with this change. I pray for Governor in waiting Kilpatrick that she will have the strength, along with the usual female intuition and her obvious high intelligence, to govern this country as it should be governed. I also pray that she will see through the smoke screens and hypocritical attitudes that abound, especially from those who will be working very closely with her.Times are definitely achanging!
“Usual female intuition”?! And what pray is that?
You’re as sexist as those you accuse of sexism!
Welcome to the Cayman Islands, Kilpatrick. I trust you will find your stay a most enjoyable one.
Regardless of who she is or her intentions, the fact still remains that we are on the road to independence from the UK (even though most of us refuse to see it) and her appointment should be viewed in accordance with that reality.
The British government is under increasing pressure to do away with its low-tax territories, plus the very concept of colonialism / imperialism is being questioned at the highest international courts.
Considering the shift of economic and diplomatic power in the world today, as clearly demonstrated by the recent G8 meeting, western politicians will nottake drastic measures to further rock their already listing and breached boats.
Instead, they will simply expand upon the financial services already being carried out in places like London and Delaware – therefore resulting in a preservation of the status quo, however with the appeasement of its ruffled, but ignorant, citizens.
We must be brave and act wisely in the coming years, Cayman. Yes, the tired, 60 year old bogeyman of Caribbean independence will be used against us.
Unfortunately even in this era of; "Yes We Can" change, political "springs" of mass resistance, globalisation, mind-boggling technology, the toppling of dictators, riotous and murderous western civil unrest (UK included) and, praises and foreign investment attraction to the extremely turbulent BRICS nations (corruption, women's rights, rape, police brutality, riots, human rights violations) etc. … many will still try and convince us that the way of independence is one of certain destruction!
I suggest that we all jump into the year 2013 and remain focused on the road ahead – armed with our long-standing stability, stellar reputation and exceptionally superior economic standing when compared to the rest of the world (UK included) – all qualities achieved and maintained without the aid or "guidance" of the double-downgraded, recessive UK government, might I add.
There will surely be much opposition to my words but many of us are simply stuck in the past without realizing it – others are just plain spiteful. Granted, some may be genuinely opposed to my perspective as well, so that is okay.
However, I reiterate that independence is surely coming our way, and we will be much better off having initiated the discussion and act ourselves rather than having it done on our behalf … by the colonizers, no less.
– Whodatis
yeah ole boy…i right ya with ya! No diplomatic service…an accountant from their civil service ya say? Shows how much respect they have for this territory….nothing from the lady's smarts of course – not the point. I "see" something in the chess play move! Talk about wake up and smell di coffey! get me the brazillian steamer ya….this one need be strong boy.
Whodatis, we will probably both get shot down for this. I remember about 2 years ago I mentioned that we (Cayman) should discuss/educate ourselves about the possibility of one day becoming an independent country. Please understand that I am not advocating for it, but who knows what the future holds. Most people will respond with reference to the "other caribbean" islands that went independent and are worse off today but it does not have to go that way at all. Some of those islands have the land mass, industries and infrastructure but corruption got in the way and turned them up-side-down. I can only refer to Jamaica because I have visited there more than any other place in the caribbean and it saddens me whenever I visit – It is such a beautiful place and has so much going for it but corrupt politicians/people have no respect for their homeland. If we the people could keep electing the caliber of people that we did last month (barring a few) I would say that we could look down the road in another 10-20 years with a whole different perspective. The Mother Land might well be ready to cut us loose in the future and while I don't think it will come suddenly we should be thinking that it could happen. So why not talk of the "what ifs" Yes, there is much to do here but we should not let that deter us from planning for the future.
Hello, Poster.
Thanks for adding and sharing your perspective.
Yes, we will be shot down for saying these things but so long as we stick to the truth who can be against us, right?
You are spot on with your assessment. However, we should not overlook the crucial role that exterior forces played in the breakdown of the Jamaican economy, development and infrastructure.
To make a long story short it went a little something like this;
Does any of this sound familiar?
Regardless, as suggested by yourself, we ought to begin our own discussion on independence armed with the knowledge and understanding of the above as well as a modern mindset.
Bit lost here – if they were independent (forced into it, apparently, notwithstanding your view that independence is a good thing) how did the mother country then force them to borrow money or accede to imposed economic austerity programs, or order them to sign trade agreements? Surely independence means that you get to make your own policy choices? Or is it more the nature of giving you a free shot – try wholesale socialism, then when it doesnt work, blame the former colonial power. Repeat as many times as needed – forever?
some of what you say makes sense however you forget one very important thing in that we weren't colonized because there was no one here unlike other large caribbean islands we started out as a colony of England and decided to remain so over the years. What will happen in the future is anyones guess but in a globalized world no one is independant anymore and very few have the capacity to be so even if they wanted to.
We were colonized, but only recently. We existed for hundreds of years as a group of multi racial British Subjects and have been colonized from next door so that our roots, heritage and culture are being overrun.
So true about "next door" and we don't mean Cuba!
Please afford her the common decency of addressing her as "Mrs. Kilpatrick".
Actually poster, I was limited by the information provided in our local news releases.
Whereas it is clear that she has two children, there was no mention of a husband / spouse, marital status – past or present.
Therefore, I kept it neutral.
Anyway … now that we've gotten that crucial issue out ofthe way – do you have feedback on any aspect of my post beyond the first sentence?
Not done with the first sentence yet mr grumpy. I believe the use of Ms. is a slightly less insulting in this case
Don't worry, I understand your reluctance.
After all, the rest of the post is a tad complex for some folks.
You did your best – and that's what really matters, son.
Dooooo shut up.
You got a real purty mouth.
"Ms" is the neutral form of address in the advanced world. Why should a woman be defined by her marital syatus? You are not.
Re: "Why should a woman be defined by her marital syatus? You are not."
That was the whole point, Ed.
Anyway … do you have anything substantial to add to the discussion, or are you joining the majority of your friends and sticking to the cheap shots?
I give up. You're too clever for me! Only a genius would have the subtltey to reproduce my typo.
The "whole point" as you put it is that you, in your uneducated, backward and third world chip on the shoulder way, chose to define the woman by her marital status.
As I said before, no one is defined by marital status but it is patently and amusingly obvious to all of us what define you.
I think you are missing the point that by simply identifying her as "Kilpatrick" rather than "Mrs. Kilpatrick" e.g. whodatis made no reference to her marital status at all. Incidentally, the article itself referred to her throughout as "Kilpatrick". I am not usually a defender of Whodatis, but your attack is unjustified in this case.
Thank you, poster.
Simple. Because she is a woman.
But of course you can refer to our premier as "Alden", the Deputy Leader as "Moses" etc.?
Did they mention a husband? How about Ms. to be safe!
Ummm…the news article referred to her throughout as "Kilpatrick". Your complaint is misdirected.
Youre spot on, he only thing missing is that the Cayman Islands will son have its Country Financial rating downgrade by Moodys etc. Tough times are really ahead, so lets all work together for the common good and stop tearing each other down. Whodat is keep your dialogue going.
No downgrade in sight. Sorry to disappoint you.
Moody’s can (and has been) be bought
You must be on dope.
Rather be on some freshly plucked 2013 dope than hooked on some expired 1962 moonshine, ol buddy!
😉
My goodness, that is a pile a' thumbs ain't it??
I love it when that happens … lets me know I'm coming in loud and clear!
Thank you for showing the world what is Caymans biggest problem and challenge. Loud and clear.
You're coming in loud, don't fool yourself on the clear part. Although I concede that for you 1 out of 2's not bad.
Dear Whodatis:
I can only pray you are wrong. People of Cayman please wake up and see that Independence is a wrong way forward! Only power hungry politicians would support it and fear mongers like Whodatis welcome it?
See the failure of our Caribbean cousins dear Caymanians:
http://www.silvertorch.com/dates-of-independence.html
The link shows the dates of Caribbean Independence. Do I need to show you the downward scale of their economies too or are we smart enough to understand UK Independence in relation to Caribbean poverty? Caribbean Economics 101 folks!!!
I hope she has the backbone to stand up to people like Big Mac. This being her first post in the diplomatic service or serving overseas for the British government, I'm worried that she's going to get eaten up. Big Mac can smell fear and is arrogant enough to test your strength.
Best of luck Governor Kilpatrick.
He'll be retired and living in Northward by then ole Chap !
This lady will be more than capable of holding her own, and quite frankly anybody challenging her here in Cayman will be comprehensively outmatched. You don't reach the position that she has attained in the UK without far more abililty and nous than most can claim in Cayman, including our ex Premier.
Interesting appointment it must be said and I for one look forward to it.
Thankfully he's a powerless backbench has-been facing serious charges. It is hard to imagine anyone being intimidated by his current station, or his current network of loosely-aligned subordinates.
Big Mac??? Fret bout di direct tax coming!!!
Brilliant, I only wish this happened when Mac was in.
Why? As a Governor, I don't think she is going to be involved with reviewing the budget or is she?
I would have hoped for someone more experienced. Someon who is familiar with the regulations and processes.
Agreed!
Me too. That would have been amusing!
Interesting
Very interesting. This lady is obviously very smart and it will be good to have someone with a financial background. If one googles her extensively, she appears to have left wing leanings and is also "big into" gender and diversity issues. She is also divorced so has experience, perhaps, of one parent family raising. I think she could be a very refreshing change. Welcome Ms Kilpatrick!
Most of the things you mention make her a bad choice for the Cayman Islands.
Not at all. That's why I highlighted them. She needs to change this place from a bigoted homophobic fundamentalist Old Testament worshipping backwater into something that can confidently face the 21st century in the real world rather than that of ranting god botherers (not all with Caymanian accents) relying on fairies and other imaginary things in the sky to keep us going.
Er………very well put, 19:58. No mistaking your message. Admirable clarity.
Oh, is that her mission? I thought she was being sent here as the governor, not to advance cultural imperialism, promote a liberal agenda, and oppose religious beliefs. If it is, she will get the shock of her life.
Excellent choice and is very timely as the big boys need to settle down, stop fighting and allow the nation to heal.
What are you talking about?
Considering the issues our islands are facing with the ex premier and now with the west bay election fiasco, our UK government sends someone as Governor with no experience! Man this is going to be a scary next couple of years!
Unpublished CI Government accounts for the past umpteen years may have had some influence on this choice.
Why? What do you think she is going to be able to do about it? Just because she has a background in finance/accounting doesn't mean that she can step outside her Governor role.
For example, the Governor is responsible for the police but I didn't see that this helped us in any way or form as the RCIP is more of a mess than it has ever been.
To my knowledge, the Governor is more a puppet figure (similar to the queen) who cuts ribbons, holds speeches and kisses babies………
WTH! Is that this best the UK could do? She has no relevant experience or frame of reference. We seem to be going down hill after Duncan Taylor.
She's a damned sight more experienced than most of the politicians you have to choose from. Give her a chance to prove herself (and I've no doubt she will) and get over yourself.
Good Move need a woman to balance all of these men in parliament. She will outshine the current governor, women always do better than men. Congrats Ms. Kilpatrick.
Bigot!