“Most helpful & dedicated”

Environmental Health Officer Derrick Williams has been awarded Cayman Islands Government February Employee of the Month for being Most Helpful and Dedicated to Customers.

Deputy Governor, Mr. Franz Manderson acknowledged Mr. Williams for his service at the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). “You serve as a role model for all Cayman Islands Civil Servants. I would like to thank you for your work ethic and the level of commitment you have to your job within the Environmental Health District Team. You, sir, have displayed a remarkable level of performance and wholehearted commitment to the Cayman Islands Government and its people. For that I thank you,” Mr. Manderson said.

The Deputy Governor’s Award Programme was developed as an internal award scheme to recognize civil servants who exceed expectations.

Mr. Williams has been described as a focused individual who continues to exceed expectations to produce the best possible results for the people of the Cayman Islands. During the 2014/15 financial year, Mr. Williams’ unit was reduced by two staff — one was promoted and the other retired. Despite this reduction, he completed the ‘herculean’ tasks of what three people once produced, including monitoring over a thousand inspections and producing 526 reports; 120 complaint investigations; seven cosmetology training sessions for 118 persons; served 33 Public Health Abatement Notices for various nuisances. Additionally, he worked with other government agencies to assist with several programs, including inspection work related to the Hotel Licensing Board for Guest Houses and Condominiums; annual inspections of Schools and pre-schools; and the Barber Salon Monitoring Programme. He also worked with the Food Safety Team and conducted 59 inspections of locally slaughtered animals.

He continues to carry out his work and has willingly gone above and beyond his regular duties. Due to a vacancy in the Sister Islands he started visiting the islands regularly to ensure the provision of adequate environmental health services. Despite his extensive workload, Mr. Williams still finds the time to coordinate the DEH football team, and was the DEH’s staff member who recorded the most steps during the recent Government run Pedometer Challenge.

“It is obvious that Mr. Williams doesn’t see his position as a job,” said DEH Director Roydell Carter. “Throughout these trying times, Mr. Williams carried all his extra duties with enthusiasm, passion, and commitment; he was always looking at ways to improve and to be helpful to the customers he serves. On behalf of the DEH’s staff, I congratulate Mr. Williams for his dedication and success; also for being the first DEH staff to receive the DG Award.”

Ministry of Health & Culture Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn also praised Mr. Williams. “On behalf of the entire Ministry team I want to congratulate Mr. Williams for this well-deserved recognition. His “can-do” attitude and infectious smile make him a valuable member of the DEH team, and the work that he does is tremendously important to the health and safety of the Cayman Islands. A big thank you to Mr. Williams and the team at DEH for their continued hard work and commitment — please keep up the great work, and keep smiling!”