An official press release was issued to Cayman’s media on Thursday (8) confirming our announcement on August 7^th that Tammie Chisholm, ex-editor of The Caymanian Compass has been appointed as the new press secretary for the premier’s office.

Here is the full release:

The Office of the Cayman Islands Premier is now fully staffed with a Senior Political Advisor, Press Secretary, Political Assistant and Personal Assistant.

Honorable Premier Alden McLaughlin said that while the general election was in May, he wanted to take time to ensure he picked the right people for his team.

“I feel confident that this group will help Government in its mission to work for a better tomorrow and get the Cayman Islands back on course,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “They will be strategic in helping civil servants continue to do excellent work for the government; shielding them from political matters.

“Our goal is to form a seamless, transparent government where those elected can work hand-in-hand with the civil service to restore our country’s reputation and standing, not only with the UK, but here at home and globally.”

Roy Tatum has been appointed Senior Political Advisor. Mr. Tatum is a former senior manager and department head at Butterfield Bank.

Mr. Tatum is a member of the Progressives Executive team and has been active in local politics for more than a decade. He has previously served on the Immigration Appeals Tribunal as well as on boards of various civic and charitable groups. He will manage the office of the Premier and act as liaison between the political realm, the public and the Progressives Party and will maintain regular contact with the Premier, Ministers and Councilors, as well as the Civil Service.

Tammie C. Chisholm is Press Secretary. Mrs. Chisholm is former Editor of the Caymanian Compass where she worked for 10 years. She has a degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis on print journalism and has worked in the media for 33 years.

She will be the spokesperson and media liaison for the Premier and work as part of a team responsible for communicating the Premier’s message and reactions to local and world events.

Kenneth Bryan has been named Political Assistant to the Premier. Mr. Bryan worked four years as a television reporter for CITN, before stepping down to become a Progressive candidate in the 2013 election. He studied a degree in Business at the University College of the Cayman Islands.

Mr. Bryan will provide administrative, logistical, research and policy support to the Senior Political Advisor and the Premier. He will also assist with recommendations on press matters as well as helping the Premier maintain contact with constituents.

Kristy Watler is Mr. McLaughlin’s Personal Assistant and will aid in maintaining the Premier’s appointments, calendar, events and travel. She has attended the University College of the Cayman Islands and has been with government for 10 years; the last eight of those years serving as a personal assistant.

While Mr. Tatum, Mrs. Chisholm and Mr. Bryan are political appointments on contract, Mrs. Watler is a civil servant.

PHOTO: Seated from left are Press Secretary Tammie C. Chisholm and Senior Political Advisor Roy Tatum. From left, standing, are Personal Assistant Kristy Watler and Political Assistant Kenneth Bryan.