Director of Computer Services Department, Mr. Gilbert McLaughlin, retired on Friday, 9 October 2015.

Mr. McLaughlin joined the department as a programmer in 1984, soon after completing his Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, and became its head in 1997.

His professional growth mirrored the progress of the department, which had been in its developmental stages when he first joined.

This included a number of roles within its development teams. He also oversaw or helped to complete many information technology (IT) development and support projects such as the Immigration Department support systems, Oracle financials and the online services for the Maritime Authority and General Registry.

Mr. McLaughlin said he is proud of the level of dedication, skill and work ethic shown by the team with which he has worked for so long.

“Many staff members work outside of normal hours to keep the IT systems working or to fix problems that have occurred. Some work all night or for several days in a row to complete projects because they have to be done,” he acknowledged.

“Computer Services staff have always worked hard to be successful within the limited resources available,” he added.

Mr. McLaughlin also emphasised the high calibre of IT expertise to be found among the staff in different areas of the department, many of whom are “go-to” people, problem solvers and stars, who have won the Deputy Governor’s and Chief Officer’s top employee awards.

“Whatever changes are in store for the Cayman Islands Government, and Computer Services Department, I know the team will have a significant role to play,” he added.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 1981, at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, Mr. McLaughlin began to take computer science classes as part of a master’s degree, also in biochemistry. He went on to discover a love for computer science and transferred into the bachelor’s programme.

On completion, in 1984, he returned home to join Computer Services as a Programmer, was quickly promoted to Analyst Programmer and rose steadily over the years.

With the grant of a scholarship from Government, he later completed a Master’s Business Administration degree in from the University of Texas in Arlington, in 1994. After this, he undertook various managerial roles, notably as Software Development Manager, before becoming head of the department in 1997.

Ministry of Home Affairs Chief Officer, Mr. Eric Bush, congratulated Mr. McLaughlin on his retirement, and thanked him for his many years of service to the people of the Cayman Islands.

Mr. Wesley Howell, Deputy Chief Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who previously worked in the department, said Mr McLaughlin was committed to Computer Services, and led hard-working employees as they delivered and maintained systems from small to large.

(GIS)

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Computer Services Department Director, Mr. Gilbert McLaughlin retired 9 October 2015.