The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has had an effective succession planning programme in place for many years. Continued positive success from the program has seen two members of staff transition into management roles. Mrs. Ruth Myles and Ms. Annick Jackman have been promoted to Manager, Public Relations and Manager, National Promotions & Events respectively.

“The Department of Tourism has a strong commitment to the Tourism Industry to not only support and drive our strategic objectives of increasing visitation, improving the recognition of ‘Brand Cayman’ and implementing innovative methodologies in the competitive tourism market,” shared  Oneisha Richards, Deputy Director of International Marketing and Promotions. “We also remain committed to identifying and growing talent. Our Tourism education programmes and succession programme have allowed the Department to accomplish this. I am particularly pleased that the Department is able to continue to fulfil its objectives and support the industry while allowing strong career growth and performance within the Department. I am looking forward to working with both ladies.”

Mrs. Ruth Myles was the successful candidate for the post of Manager of Public Relations, and assumed the role in December 2013.  Ms. Annick Jackman has been appointed to the post of Manager of National Promotions and Events, assuming the role in February 2014. Both will remain based in the Grand Cayman Head Office.

A Ministry of Tourism scholar, Ruth had been employed with the Department of Tourism as a Public Relations Officer for two years, following a two year stint in the other pillar of the Caymanian economy where she worked in public relations for the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.  A committed civil servant, Mrs. Myles began her career in the communications and brand management field working with Government Information Services as an Information Officer for three and a half years.

Her passion for tourism ever present, she recalls that her goal of working through the ranks of DOT began in 2000 when she was employed as one of the original staff members to open the Comfort Suites Grand Cayman.  Through that experience, and with the mentoring of the owners of the property, she received her first taste of DOT, travelling as a representative for Comfort Suites International on a sales blitz across Canada and working with DOT’s Canada Office.

“It was an honour to represent the Cayman Islands during that exciting and educational blitz but working with the DOT team was beyond my expectations,” said Mrs. Myles.  “That experience, combined with my love of tourism and customer service, led me on the educational and career path to see my dream of one day becoming part of the team to effect positive movements in Tourism turn in to a reality.”

Possessing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Minor in Advertising from University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, Ruth prides herself in continuing to improve her knowledge through reading and attending courses that will keep her up to date in the PR field. Ultimately, she intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration.  She also remains active with Leadership Cayman (class of 2011), a dynamic community leadership programme offered by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce.

Annick has been employed with the Department of Tourism as an Events Marketing Representative for the past 10 years where she has been part of many successful national events.  She possesses  a Master’s degree in Public Sector Management from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madres y Maestra: Dominican Republic and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish with a Minor in Computer Science from the University of the West Indies: Barbados. Ms. Jackman is also a charter member of the Grand Cayman Toastmasters Club serving in various leadership positions inclusive of past Area Governor responsible for the clubs in the Cayman Islands and two clubs in Jamaica, mentoring members and earning the designation of Distinguished Toastmaster, which is the highest designation within the Toastmasters programme. She credits her success in Toastmasters as key to her development in effective communication and leadership.  She is also a trained Image Consultant who understands the importance of branding.

Ms. Jackman is optimistic about the new challenges she will face as a manager, “The Department of Tourism is a dynamic organization and I am excited to serve as part of such as a passionate team and for the opportunities to continue showcasing the exceptional Cayman Islands to the world.”

A strong proponent of succession planning, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson has expressed his satisfaction with the country’s marketing and promotional department for the institutionalization of this remit.  “It has been the continuing mantra within the Civil Service to recruit, develop and retain Caymanians in key managerial and technical roles within the business.  DOT has demonstrated the success of workplace planning strategies; the advancement of these two well-qualified persons reinforces the unit’s commitment to continuous improvement for their organization which ultimately strengthens the Civil Service.”

The Public Relations and Marketing fields are crucial to the continuing success that has come to be expected of the Department of Tourism.    “We in the Ministry are proud of the contributions Ms. Jackman and Mrs. Myles have made and look forward to seeing them continue to advance in their careers,” commented Chief Officer Stran Bodden.  “They have embodied a true passion for tourism, a willingness to learn, and have demonstrated leadership within the organisations and through professional associations.  It is always our hope that we develop leaders from within and these advancements represent another example of how the Department of Tourism remains committed to the success of its staff.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Annick Jackman (L) and Ruth Myles (R)