Three behind the scenes, but key officers, at the Cayman Islands courts were recognised for their work and dedication at an event honouring long-serving officers.

Yasmin Ebanks – Listing Officer, Cecile Collins – Deputy Clerk of the Courts and Jacqueline Scott – Maintenance Officer have served the courts for a combined total of 80 years.

Chief Justice Anthony Smellie said, “These three officers and others like them within the Judicial Administration are shining examples of the calibre of persons who make the public service such a vital part of the success of these Islands. They should be admired for their quiet dedication to the service of the public in the administration of justice.

“The public face of the courts is usually the judiciary and the magistrates, but working silently behind the scenes are stalwarts, without whose service the court would grind to a halt. These are the people who interface with a wide range of practitioners and public in the legal system, from judges and magistrates, to bailiffs, juries and petitioners.”

Cecile Collins joined the Courts straight from school at the age of 16 and has worked in all areas of the courts except the more recently introduced Financial Services Division (FSD). She is now the Deputy Clerk of the Courts responsible for administering the Criminal Registry.

“Ms Collins now holds a very demanding position,” said Chief Justice Smellie, “ensuring with the assistance of staff she supervises that criminal court records are complete, secure and available when required. She is also responsible for the issue of summonses, for both witnesses and juries. She is well regarded by her colleagues, and well respected in the profession.”

Collins credits long-retired Clerk of Courts and Acting Magistrate Ena Allen for taking her under her wings when the fledgling officer arrived in 1981. “I have had much support from everyone over the years,” she said.

Yasmin Ebanks has served at the Courts for 25 years. She is now the Listing Officer for the Grand Court, a position she has held since 2003. She has overall responsibility for listing across the five divisions – Financial Services, Family, Civil, Criminal, and Admiralty. She has been a civil servant for 31 years.

Ebanks interacts with lawyers involved in Grand Court cases. Under the supervision of the chief justice and in consultation with the judges, she schedules cases according to the availability of judges and parties, the demands of the cases and their urgency, as well at what is at stake.

“Her office is a real hive of activity for the administration of cases coming before the Grand Court and she has earned herself a reputation as a dedicated and effective officer. As such,” the Chief Justice said, “she advises me on a weekly basis on what the fixtures should be for the following week

“Mrs. Ebanks is a highly valued member of staff and very well regarded by her colleagues and the stakeholders she services.”

Jacqueline Scott, Courts Maintenance Officer, is responsible for assisting applicants in the enforcement of maintenance orders for childcare. Following formal court instructions, she assists mothers in drawing up affidavits and issues summonses for delinquent fathers to be brought before a judge for enquiries and issue of appropriate orders. Similarly, Scott supports the judges and magistrates in ensuring that appropriate records are available, especially where applicants are not represented by attorneys.

Prior to joining the court, Scott served as a police officer and before becoming the Courts Maintenance Officer she served as a bailiff.

Chief Justice Smellie said, “Mrs Scott has a dignified presence and is very well regarded.”