The Ministry of District Administration and Lands Announces New Leadership Appointments in the Department of Lands & Survey

Registrar of Lands and Deputy Director roles filled by experienced civil servants.

The Ministry of District Administration and Lands (DAL) is pleased to announce key leadership appointments in the Department of Lands & Survey. Effective 1 December 2024, Ms. Regina Ebanks has been appointed as Registrar of Lands, succeeding Ms. Sophia Williams, who now assumes the role of Deputy Director.

Ms. Regina Ebanks’ career spans nearly two decades with the Department of Lands & Survey, where she has demonstrated exceptional commitment, proficiency, and expertise in land management. Ms. Ebanks joined the Department in July 2006 as an Office Attendant and ascended to the role of Land Registry Officer. After completing her LLB at the Truman Bodden Law School, she was promoted to Assistant Registrar of Lands in December 2020. In July 2022, she assumed the dual role of Deputy Registrar of Lands and Deputy Information Manager.

As Registrar of Lands, she will oversee the enforcement of legislation relating to land registration and tenure while ensuring the continued accuracy and integrity of the land register.

Director of Lands & Survey, Uche Obi, lauded Ms. Ebanks for her “dedication and proven expertise within the department,” highlighting the importance of her role in maintaining the Department’s quality service and affirming the significance of her appointment.

The new Registrar succeeds Ms. Sophia Williams, who has been appointed Deputy Director of the Department of Lands & Survey. Ms. Williams brings significant experience to her new role, having served as Registrar of Lands since November 2013, following her tenure as Registrar of Titles in Jamaica from 2006 to 2013. She holds an LLB from the University of the West Indies.

Department Director Obi described Ms. Williams as “a driving force behind modernizing land registration processes in the Cayman Islands.” During her tenure as Registrar, Ms. Williams led key initiatives, such as the implementation of the document request system and the department’s document scanning project, both of which drove operational efficiencies and public accessibility.

The Deputy Director position became vacant following the retirement of Mr. Michael Whiteman, who dedicated over three decades to the Department. Joining the Department in 1992 as a Technical

Assistant in the Surveying Section, Mr. Whiteman’s career reached several milestones, including earning his RICS qualification in 2000 and his historic appointment as the first Caymanian Chief Surveyor in 2015. Mr. Whiteman was instrumental in implementing the department’s succession plan, which led to the appointment of Mr. Darren Kelly as Chief Surveyor in 2022. Reflecting on Mr. Whiteman’s contributions, Director Obi stated, he “demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing the department’s mission.”

Acting Chief Officer of DAL, Mr. Wilbur Welcome, remarked, “We are delighted with the success of the succession plan as demonstrated with these appointments. These promotions reflect the depth of talent within the Department of Lands & Survey.” Mr. Welcome added that Ms. Ebanks and Ms. Williams bring strong leadership and experience to their roles, which will be invaluable as the Department continues to foster innovation to enhance service delivery.

The ACO offered sincere appreciation for the retiring Deputy Director, saying, “We also thank Mr. Whiteman for his many years of service and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

The Ministry extends its gratitude to Mr. Whiteman for his dedicated service and congratulates Ms. Ebanks and Ms. Williams on their new roles.