Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development Appoints Two Deputy Chief Officers to Key Positions

The Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development (MIISD) is pleased to announce the appointment of two highly experienced professionals to the critical roles of Deputy Chief Officers. Trevor Gibbs, formerly a Senior Policy Advisor within the ministry, has been promoted to Deputy Chief Officer and will be responsible for overseeing the Divisions of Investment and Social Development. Additionally, Charles Brown, who has been serving as Acting Deputy Chief Officer, has been chosen through a rigorous selection process to assume the permanent role and will be responsible for overseeing the Division of Innovation.

These appointments mark a significant step forward for MIISD as it continues its mission to drive investment, foster innovation, and enhance social development initiatives across the Cayman Islands.

Trevor Gibbs brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his new role. During his fourteen (14) years of experience in the Civil Service - much of which was in a management and/or policy development capacity, he has managed high performing teams at various levels of the Government structure, including at a Statutory Authority and within the Ministry. Most recently, Mr. Gibbs played an integral role in the development of the Cayman Islands Identification Register Act, 2022 and the Cayman Islands Identification Card Act, 2022.

Since his appointment, he has taken on the responsibility of leading the Social Development policy teams that are currently working on amendments to the Children Act, the Adoption Act and the Older Persons Act. He is also managing the Investment policy team as they work to support local businesses to grow by developing policies that promote greater access to resources, particularly capital.  

DCO Gibbs shared this about his recent appointment, “I am humbled and grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to lead the Investment and Social Development policy teams. The work currently being done within these subject areas has the potential to significantly improve our ability to safeguard children and the elderly, as well as to better support local businesses to access capital and investment opportunities. I fully understand and appreciate the positive impact that this work is expected to have on the community, so I consider it a privilege to support Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks to lead these teams in delivering thoughtful and well-developed policy advice to our Minister and the Government. 

Charles Brown transitioned to MIISD as Acting Deputy Chief Officer in 2022. His recent appointment illustrates his exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to fostering innovation within the ministry. His strategic vision and proven track record will undoubtedly contribute to MIISD’s success in driving forward innovation initiatives that benefit our society as a whole. He brings to the table a rich history of work in the private sector and the civil service since 2008. His exposure spans subjects relating to planning and design, road infrastructure, lands, coastal projects, digital initiatives and ministerial policy. Mr. Brown has also played strategic roles in growing the online processing capabilities of entities such as Department of Planning and DVDL most notably. He also been involved in a number of legislative proposals the most recent being the underpinning of the digital identity and eID card programme. He continues to lead the policy teams focused primarily on digital initiatives related to IT, Cyber and eGovernment and the social areas related to housing repairs.

DCO Brown shared- “I look forward to continuing my service as the Deputy Chief Officer of Innovation at MIISD. Together with Chief Officer Ebanks and DCO Gibbs, we are committed to being innovative in our approach to driving transformative change, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and fostering a culture of innovation that propels our nation towards a brighter future.”

Franz Manderson, Deputy Governor of the Cayman Islands Government had this to say about the new hires, “I fully support the recent appointments of Charles Brown and Trevor Gibbs as permanent Deputy Chief Officers at MIISD. They have each shown exceptional capability and commitment in their respective areas of innovation, and investment and social development. With their confirmed leadership, I am confident that MIISD, under the guidance of Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks, will continue to achieve its mission and contribute significantly to the well-being and progress of the Cayman Islands. Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Gibbs are Caymanians and their appointments are a testament to the effectiveness of our succession planning efforts. These promotions highlight our commitment to nurturing local talent and ensuring that leadership roles are filled by individuals who deeply understand and are dedicated to the prosperity of our country.”

Chief Officer of MIISD, Tamara Ebanks, expressed her utmost satisfaction with these appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Trevor Gibbs and Charles Brown as permanent members of our leadership team in their respective capacities. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to our ministry’s goals are truly commendable. I am confident that they will continue to work hard to advance the mission of MIISD and its seven departments, making a lasting impact on our country and people.”

As MIISD looks towards the future, these appointments signify a renewed focus on achieving excellence across our three divisions. They further solidify the ministry’s position as a key driver of positive change in our society, fully aligning with the Cayman Islands Government’s strategic priorities of improving lives, future-proofing for resiliency, and modernising government to improve public sector performance.”