Complaints boss resigns

| 04/12/2014

(CNS): Nicola Williams, the complaints commissioner, has handed in her resignation and will be taking up a new post next year in the UK. In a statement released from her office on Thursday, Williams said she had accepted the appointment as the UK Service Complaints Commissioner (the Ombudsman for the UK Armed Forces), based domestically and worldwide. She will leave her job in Cayman in early January 2015. Williams had recently had her contracted renewed but only for twelve months and not for the full five year tenure normally offered and not until the eleventh hour before her first contract had expired.

Speaking to CNS in the wake of the announcement, Williams said, “Everyone knows I was reappointed for only one year instead of what would be the usual five years and as a consequence I thought it best to start to looking. I had previously been approached about jobs in the UK on visits in my capacity as a judge and given the situation here I thought I would pursue those other opportunities. On any view this position is a big step up.”

The role of the SCC was established by the Armed Forces Act 2006, as part of a service complaints system which came into effect from 1 January 2008. Williams was selected following open competition and a rigorous five stage selection process, which was chaired by an independent assessor from the Commissioner for Public Appointments in the UK.
In order to secure the powerful post, Williams also had to appear before the House of Commons Defence Committee for a pre-appointment hearing.

Pre-appointment hearings enable select committees to take evidence from preferred candidates for major public appointments before they are appointed. The Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Anna Soubry described Williams is an excellent candidate.

Williams confirmed that she will speak more before departing about the circumstances in Cayman at present regarding the office she held and how complaints are being treated in the civil service, as well as how government has addressed some of the issues she has brought to their attention via her reports. 

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  1. Slowpoke says:

    I understand that Ms. Montoya and Ms. Drummond are available.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Before she goes, can she investigate how many persons with Residence & Right to Work or acquired Caymanian Status that work with Government has adopted relatives to bring them to Cayman and what benefits they are receiving. And how many have they adopted.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Cns you need enquire about compliants made of a sexual nature about a senior government official.

  4. Anonymous says:

    They can’t handle the truth!!

  5. haranguer rides again. says:

    Great we need to close that whole waste of time and money office.

  6. Anonymous says:

    I often wonder how unfulfilled these puppets who have been promoted to their level of incompetence must feel! Knowing that their ability to do what is right is always tempered by their fear ofbeing demoted or put on leave, by the puppeteers who control them should they dare do the right thing!

    It must be so self conflicting to be controlled by those who would rather see some "inept moron", running the office of Complaints Commissioner, rather than an intelligent, self assured, "educated woman" who wants only to do her job, with-out interference from these puppeteers! 

    We love Ms. Williams, please know that you'll always be welcome by the people of this Island who appreciate all you have done to enlighten us about some of the corruption that exists in Cayman.  As they say, You'll Be Back!!

  7. Hear, Hear! says:

    Thank God for the FOIs.  I XXXX urge every person on this island to start acting ETHICALLY.

    The days of cronyism and corruption must come to an end. 

    As a Christian nation we must now walk the walk and apply ethics in what we do every day.  No more shall we stand for favors and favortism.

    Good job Ms Williams now let's do more of the same!

    • Anonymous says:

      Sorry 10:41, God has nothing to do with the FOIs and Cayman is no where near a Christian nation….Thank government, which makes me nauseous even having to admit that for placing FOI's and there isn't enough room to list how Christian this nation ISNT!!!

  8. Anonymous says:

    How is it that people who do what they are paid to do, are not not given the luxury of multiple contracts? People who run a "REGIME" like the RCIPS, have their contracts renewed on the plane step for a full term, yet Ms. Williams is given 1 year to get out of Cayman. Can someone explain?

    • Anonymous says:

      Easy explanation:

      1.  The Cayman Islands is corrupt to the core.

      2. The "Cayman Islands Concience" no longer has the ability to guide honesty – right from wrong is no longer discernable by most people in politics, the Civil Service, many organizations and business.

      3. In the Cayman Islands "Good Governance" exists only on pages of printed text.

      4. Like Dan Dougay she did her job.  That job function included the responsibiltiy to defend persons and entities against oppressive and dishonest governance, that is the reason why she was in effect dismissed, in a very underhanded way with a one year contract (the writing was on the wall in 10 ft letters and she saw it) by the FCO and the PPM government, with the UDP Opposition in full support, if not their agitation to dismiss her.  Let us hope that the new Complaints Commissioner will do to the FCO, the PPM and UDP what happened when they got the new Auditor Mr. Swarbrick – a man who is also doing his job excelently.

      Ms. Williams please be sure to dust off your shoes when you leave the Cayman Islands, someone like you who did your job excelently is not appreciatee in our Islands.

       

  9. hahaaa says:

    Another proud moment for Franz (NOT!!!!)

    • Anonymous says:

      This has nothing to do with Franz and everthing to do with our current Governor.  I believe Ms Williams will say so herself if asked.

    • Kenny says:

      exactly what has Franz got to do with this…. last time I checked he didn't employ her

    • Anonymous says:

       09:55.Isn't HE the Governor responsible for hiring or firing the holder of this post?

  10. Anonymous says:

    Ms. Williams is probably frustrated about the lack of effectiveness of the OCC, not through any fault of its own but because of the disregard shown for its function and the protectionism existing in other sectors of the public service.

    Generally speaking, the functions of this office are not as effective in our public service system because of cronyism and protectionism throughout the higher echelons of the public service. No accountability or consequences as a result of investigated complaints.

    Fundamentally however, the resources of that office are sorely lacking and her (and her predecessor's) efforts to secure a more viable budget have been largely ignored – perhaps with the intention to reduce the Office's effectiveness so that complaints against the public sector cannot be properly addressed.

    Thanks for your service Ms. Williams, congratulations and all the best in your new post.

  11. Anon says:

    It is a shame that Cayman is losing the expertise of this lady. She said it as she saw it but Government(s) seem to have an aversion to the truth – we prefer to pretend everything is alright.

    Government offering her a 12 month contract is an insult. Good luck Ms. Williams, in your new undertaking. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Management skills are sorely lacking in the Civil Service as a whole.

  12. Anonymous says:

    she & mr. baines dropped the ball & should have been gone along time ago!

  13. Anonymous says:

    After the debacle of the wrongful demand for production of the second Aina report it is about time for new and better blood to come into that role.

  14. Anonymous says:

    I wish Ms. Williams well and thank her for the sterling job she has done, though obviously unappreciated by those with the power to keep her in the position. Her contract only being renewed for one year was an insult, in my opinion, and I admire the fact that she took swift action to secure a better position. The problem here it seems is that anyone who dares to put the spotlight on corruption, or worse dares to take acton, is almost treated as the enemy and often pressured until they leave, or hated and attacked. This is a sad loss for these islands. I too will look forward to reading her final reports and I trust that she will be very blunt. I wish you well Ms. Williams.

  15. Nicosle says:

    Exactly what has she done for the past 6 yrs?

    • Anonymous says:

      You have obviously been sleeping for the past five (5) years.

      Sleep on because, there are none so dumb as those who will not learn.

    • Anonymous says:

      She collected a big pay cheque is what she did….why couldn't a caymanian do her job who has a degree? 

    • Fred the Piemaker says:

      Asked too many questions! Thats why she is being encouraged to leave. 

  16. Anonymous says:

    Here is another example of CIG treating a good employee poorly….and who knows now who will replace her. With all the waste in resources involved with the process to replace her also. 

    All while mediocre employees remain at the trough.

  17. Anonymous says:

    She will be missed.  Smart lady and I agree a loss to Cayman

  18. Anonymous says:

    Before you go, look into the many complaints that will be had about Government departments hiring criminals.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Came, got, gone….

  20. Anonymous says:

    Too bad "she" wasn't appointed Governor when Taylor left!  

    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe that's the plan… lol by end of year head of Prison and Police might be controlled by Jamaican nationals then Ms williams can claim in couple of years to have greater experience and then all the Jamaicans will be able to seek independence and kick the remaining Caymanian men to the curb.

  21. Anonymous says:

    The abuse to the competent will continue until they all get the message and leave.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Here is a good opportunity to combine the Complaints Commissioner post and the Information Officer post and save money. Perhaps a Caymanian can be found-any ideas, Ezzard?

    • Fred the Piemaker says:

      Because a Caymanian candidate will be entirely neutral and free from influence of course  – the exact reason that Ms Williams is on a plane to the UK.  But in this environment where it is somehow worse to point out embarrasing problems than to ignore them, your idea may gain some traction.   

    • Anonymous says:

      Ezzard would be ideal for both posts plus MLA, but only one salary!

    • Anonymous says:

      Genius. Maybe we should let you run the country whilst we're at it?

    • Anonymous says:

      Sad to hear this. She did a great job and insured confidentiality 

    • Anonymous says:

      Combine the departments YES but a Caymanian no way unless you can get one of the calibre of  Jennifer Dilbert otherwise we will only be getting a political puppet.

    • Anonymous says:

      for the record I do not support the merger of these two offices, they have distinct and different roles. Iwuld suprt hem utilizingthe samerecepion and cetain adinistraivead invesigative roles bu nthey mt reman separe.

      Ezzard Miller

      • Anonymous says:

        I notice Mr Miller is plagued with the same difficulties with CNS posting as many of us are. Any chance this will be fixed soon, Wendy/Nicky? (See his second sentence).

        Nicky: On January 1st we are launching a new site for CNS on a WordPress platform using the same template as the current CNS Business. We are also switching to the comment system now in use on Business, which will take care of all the technical problems with the comments. Apologies in the meantime.

  23. Anonymous says:

    Our country is falling and falling fast. As a Caymanian I say sell what you got and get the hell out before we all sink. The government is useless as was the previous one and I see no end to this but failure. They use and abuse the good foreigners that they get who come to sort out the corruption. They don't want the system to work they just want to have a system in place so they can say they are trying. God help us.

    • Anonymous says:

      And we want independence! God help us if that happens! these cant run the country now with check and balance from UK. Whtat you thnk will happen when they have their own way?

    • Anonymous says:

      WoW 90% agree were sinking

      It must be so. I hope the queen steps in soon  we need a fresh start.

      Get rid of all the heads Now

      They should all quit ASAP and save face

      The Govt is just running one Giant Scam at everyones expense

      I hope this woman spills the dirt on Cayman if anyone knows it it is her.

       

      • anonymous says:

        The Queen could step in but it is not going to bring the banks back. Three gone, another one about to make cuts and that is before further financial and tax compliance are implemented.

        On the other side of the fence, another billion has been misplaced by government. Whilst they are looking under seats and in the pockets of clothes in the laundry basket for this money, or any receipts that may account for it, cruise ships sail by losing the island even more revenue.

        So instead, everything is inward looking. Blame it on the CoP, blame it on expats, blame it on Jamaicans, protest March for this, vote of no confidence for that. Then what? 

        Can all this infrastructure and posts that lay empty be filled from the local pool of talent? Do you have anyone of the same calibre locally that would comfortably take on the role of CoP or move into an ombudsmen position with the Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom?

        As Ghandi said about the desire to gain Independence for India "we will make mistakes, but they will be our mistakes" which is a clear indication of accountability and taking ownership.

        What I see happening here are mistakes being made before any thoughts are taken of the consequences. Once these are realised, the mistakes are quickly someone else's mistakes. Once a local CoP, complaints commissioner, minister of statues and awards, etc are found locally or via a friend's cousin, who are you then going to blame it on?

        Either way, the dump will still get bigger, the cruise ships will still sail by, the billion in government funds will still be missing.

        • Anonymous says:

          Truly excellent post, 21:15. It gets to the heart of one of Cayman's diseases with 100% accuracy. But I doubt if even a majority of educated and intelligentCaymanians would agee with you. This idea that "Caymanians are the most effective, law abiding and efficient people in the world but being held back by expats" is running poisonously deep these days.

    • anonymous says:

      Yep. It is a house of cards falling fast.

    • Anonymous says:

      You actually sound like an expat with your comments. I dear say that Caymanians would continue to fight to keep the ship up rather than suggest a desertion.

      PS not all expats are here for the good of cayman but then again neither are all caymainians for the good of caymanians.

      A lot of you are hitting the Government and some of their decisions but we all need to look at both sides of the story.

      The private sector and public want the Government to cut fees but how does the Government then pay its own bills.

      In most countries the Government collects funds from taxes on salaries but this one does not. In stead the Government pays its bills through funds it collects from fees on things like fuel and food items.

      So you want the Government to not collect taxes on income plus cut fees but you still want them to pay bills.

      Good luck 

      • Anonymous says:

        Hello!! Are you sure your comments are for this article or another one. Where did this article talk about income tax. AND yes I am a Caymanian who can see the light and is fed up with the corruption in these islands and with talk of independence. We can't get it right under British rule and are stupid enough to think we can go it on our own. Like I said God help us.

      • Cass says:

        Well said 9:27

  24. Anonymous says:

    "On any view this position is a big step up." Ouch. Someone seems a bit passive aggressive there. 

    • Too funny says:



      Can you blame her?  She writes reports that the government simply ignores and then they get even with her for having the audacity to even write the reports by giving her a one-year renewal at the last moment.  Anything is a step up from this nonsense.

    • Anonymous says:

      She moves from a job where she is Complaints Commisioner for approximately 55000 people to one where she does a similar job for the entire UK Armed Forces – that's 175000 regular service personnel, 37000 reservists, 85000 civilian employeees and 130,000 cadets (and costs around around GBP58 billion per annum). What she will be doing also has meaning, unlike Cayman, where anything inconvenient gets ignored.

      By any measure, yes, it's a big step up

  25. Anonymous says:

    Good luck in your new post Nicola! You will be missed.

    I look forward to reading more of 'the circumstances in Cayman at present regarding your office and how complaints are being treated in the civil service, as well as how government has address some of the issues you have brought to their attention'… that should make a good read. 🙂

     

  26. Anonymous says:

    The UK Armed Forces gain is Cayman's loss, I'm afraid.

    • Anonymous says:

      15:06, I do not think so. I dislike George Bush but like his expression "all hat and no cattle".

    • Anonymous says:

      What are you afraid of ? Caymanians have always risen to challenges.

      • Anonymous says:

        It's an expression that means "I reget to say", dimwit. It does not mean I fear something.

  27. Anonymous says:

    Thank you for your service. Hey – Govt. I hope you have a replacement of her calibre available.

    • Anonymous says:

      She thought it best to hire an ex-police Jamaican officer, as her deputy….another step up for the Jacans?

      Can anyone say total domination? And you all worried about Obama closingdown financial services? LMAO!!

    • Anonymous says:

      There's hundreds of Caymanians apparently with MBAs and all kinds of degrees who are unemployed so we are told so there should be no problem at all.

    • Anonymous says:

      Please do a background check on the replacement. And try so hire from the UK and not from any worse-than-Cayman in the corruption category, third world country.

    • Well says:

      What happened to Sonji Myles I thought he was her understudy ?

       

       

      • Anonymous says:

        No my dear, she hired a Jacan over many qualified Caymanians, so now another police officer from Ja who deputised stand chance of getting top position to deal with complaints about government departments mainly ran by Jacan HR managers and or bosses, and majority of workers Jacan status holders or their spouse, either way, cant say a tING or you in trouble, so keep the complaints coming