Elizabeth McField is the interim Acting Port Director

The Port Authority Cayman Islands (PACI) has announced that Acting Port Director, Mr Joseph Woods has taken the decision to return to his substantive position of Manager of Cruise operations and Security with effect from Thursday 24 September. Ms. Elizabeth McField MHRM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP will serve as Acting Port Director commencing 25 September, 2021.

Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism commended Mr. Woods for his outstanding service, saying “for the past three years Joey Woods has demonstrated outstanding dedication to service. Under his stewardship, the Port Authority has maintained a positive financial position and despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the port operations have run smoothly and efficiently. On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to Mr. Woods.”

The recruitment process for the position of Port Director has been opened and the Board of Directors has welcomed Ms. Elizabeth McField to act in the role during the interim. Mr. Cline Glidden Jr., Chairman of the PACI Board of Directors noted, “While the operation of the port has been effectively maintained there have understandably been issues in the administration and HR areas, some of which have been highlighted in Auditor General reports. We have immediately started the recruitment process for the position of Port Director and in the interim have appointed Ms. Beth McField who is highly qualified in HR and Business Administration as the Acting Director for a three-month period during the recruitment of the Port Director.”

Mr. Glidden also noted that the Board’s intention is for “the operational side of the port to continue under the capable staff that have been managing it over the past three years, while Ms. McField concentrates on correcting the Human Resources and Administrative deficiencies to ensure that the new Director is welcomed into a happy, productive and efficient port when they are appointed, hopefully within the next three months.”

The Chairman also extended thanks on behalf of the Board saying “We want to publicly thank Mr. Woods for his stewardship during these challenging times and we are comforted that while he has decided to step down from the acting position after three years of service, we will still be the beneficiaries of his proven competencies.”