To improve business licensing in the Cayman Islands, the Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) added four staff members within the last month.

Claudia Brady took up her post as the Head of Compliance and Enforcement in late March. Her duties include managing investigations under commerce-related laws such as the Trade and Business Licensing, Local Companies Control, Liquor Licensing, Music and Dance, and Film Exhibition Control Laws. Mrs Brady will also monitor the activities of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professionals.
‘I previously was a chief inspector with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) as the district commander for George Town. My main responsibilities were to manage the day-to-day operations of the district and address areas of concern from residents and businesses alike’, Mrs Brady said.

‘I am very excited to work with the DCI and I look forward to imparting my law enforcement experience and assisting the business community with its efforts to comply with licensing requirements’.

Mrs Brady will be assisted by another newcomer, Senior Compliance Officer Jessie Melbourne, who started work with DCI in early March. Both have worked for the RCIPS – Ms Melbourne was formerly a sergeant who managed the Crime and Criminal Records Office and administered the RCIPS records management database.
In her new post, Ms Melbourne will ensure DCI operates in line with the parameters of internal policies and regulatory requirements, and confirm that proper due diligence is gathered on business owners.

‘I’m delighted to be at DCI as its regulatory and licensing duties continue to evolve. I hope to grow alongside DCI and take on new challenges’, Ms Melbourne said.

In addition to bolstering its enforcement and compliance capabilities, DCI also added support for its customer service efforts. Michelle Minzett and Jamian McFarlane were hired as Customer Experience Associates in late March. Both Mrs Minzett and Mr McFarlane will assist persons submitting applications and requesting information.

‘I previously worked with DCI as a temporary clerical officer, but my role now is much more people-oriented, with lots of face-to-face interactions with clients. My aim is to help DCI deliver a positive experience with members of the public’, Mr McFarlane said.

‘There are a lot of new DCI policies in place, from additional payment options and the elimination of drop-off applications, to new forms and guidelines. My job is to help persons be comfortable with the business licensing application process’, Mrs Minzett said.

DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh said all of the new recruits will support DCI in meeting the needs of the local business community.
‘I’m grateful for the additional staff, who will help with the licensing and regulation for businesses covered by the laws that DCI administers’, he said. ‘While it is still a small department, DCI intends to meet its obligations to all stakeholders, and our capable new recruits will allow us to better complete our assignments’.

IMAGE Credit to Matthew Yates, MFSCE. Photo caption: Department of Commerce and Investment Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh and Head of Business Services and Licensing Mitzi Watson-Jervis alongside new staff members Michelle
Minzett, Claudia Brady, Jamian McFarlane and Jessie Melbourne.