Cayman First Insurance celebrates grand opening of new offices
After 34 years of operation in the Cayman Islands, Cayman First Insurance recently celebrated the Grand Opening of its new corporate headquarters. On hand to witness this milestone in the company’s history was Acting Governor The Honorable Franz Manderson, The HonorableDeputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell, other government leaders and a host of industry representatives and clients.
The Deputy Premier brought congratulatory remarks during the opening ceremony, commending the company on its leadership and vision. Minister Kirkconnell also applauded the company on its commitment to Cayman and to Caymanians, highlighting its track record of
taking care of its employees, creating opportunities for the training and advancement of Caymanians and giving back to the local community. Noting that insurance is an essential service, the company was also saluted for its role in creating security in the local economy and its
contributions as a market leader to a robust insurance sector.
Ian Fair, the company’s Chairman, was also in attendance for the opening celebrations and highlighted the growth and progress of the company over its relatively short history. “As Chairman, I am honored and delighted by your presence this evening to share in the pride andaccomplishment that we feel in the official opening of the new Cayman First Centre. Cayman First Insurance Company Limited was born out of the dynamic and pioneering vision of a group of Caymanians who had a dream to create the first Caymanian owned Class (A)
insurance company. The company was launched in March 1984 and today is a significant part of the Bahamas First Group, its parent company. We are extremely proud of our growth and success over the last thirty-four years and see this new building as a prelude to our future growth and commitment to this market.”
Patrick Ward, Group President and CEO, added, “Tonight, we celebrate with Cayman First;
Cayman First embraces innovation and service excellence to stay first with its clients and at the
forefront of the highly competitive insurance market in the Cayman Islands.
Maintaining our ‘First In Insurance’ position also calls for us to be a company with prudent risk
management practices and financial integrity. Our track record in both areas is underscored by
the company’s financial strength rating of A- (Excellent), as recently affirmed by insurance rating
and information agency, A.M. Best.”
The company’s Managing Director, Gordon Philip led the event’s formalities, explaining, “This
new 27,000 square foot state-of-the-art office facility not only reflects Cayman First’s long-term
commitment to this market but our core philosophy to provide our employees and clients with a
modern, user-focused working and business environment.”
Philip was joined by Mrs. Kathy Kirkconnell, wife of the Deputy Premier, and long-standing
employee, Judy Campbell, Cayman First’s Vice President of Property and Casualty Insurance, for
the official ribbon cutting event. Guests were then led on a tour of the new corporate
headquarters.
The first-rate celebration was well-attended by nearly 300 guests including government, local and regional industry leaders and representatives and clients. Guests were also treated to a performance by the Cayman Youth Choir, under the directorship of Rebecca Wall.
Aptly named the Cayman First Centre, the modern complex is located on the corner of Vibert Bodden Drive and Shedden Road. The company expects to be fully operational from the new headquarters in June 2018.
