The Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure (CPI) announces the appointment of Stephen Quinland as Director of the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services (DVES), effective 1 September 2019.

Mr Quinland, who has been in the Acting Director position since 2018, will oversee the Department’s operations, administration, Government Fuelling Facility and District Emergency Fuelling Facilities.

He will be responsible for implementing the Government’s Fleet Management Programme, which includes fleet asset acquisition, maintenance and repair, asset disposal, provision of fuel, spare parts inventory, as well as developing and administering the Department’s operating budget of over $5 million dollars.

The Fleet Programme has over one thousand vehicles and equipment assigned to government agencies and departments in the Cayman Islands. It consists of diverse makes and models of motorcycles, passenger vehicles and light-heavy duty trucks. Also included in the fleet are police, hazmat emergency response vehicles, ambulances and specialised heavy equipment.

Minister of Commerce, Planning Infrastructure, Hon. Joey Hew says Mr Quinland “brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the post for a successful tenure given his progressive level of responsibilities and leadership within the Department.”

Chief Officer in the Ministry of CPI, Alan Jones expressed great satisfaction with the selection of Mr Quinland for the position. He underscored that the appointment of a competent Caymanian to such senior level augurs well for the civil service and that it is further evidence of good succession planning in critical areas.

“Mr Quinland is a valuable member of the Ministry of CPI’s management team. He is a loyal and dedicated worker who stepped into the Acting Director position when needed and we are pleased that he is fully assuming this role as Director”, Mr Jones adds.

Mr Quinland says he is excited to be Director of DVES as “it is a testament that hard work and dedication pays off”. He notes that he sees his position as an opportunity to contribute to the government and the people of the Cayman Islands. “We have been reviewing our services and how they affect the environment in which we work and live. We will be phasing out certain chemicals where possible and monitoring their use and disposal. We are also gearing up, through training, to support government’s commitment to the National Energy Policy in terms of our progressive conversion of fleet to more efficient alternatives,” he states.

Mr Quinland previously served as Deputy Director of DVES from 2011 to 2018, where he assisted the Director in the development a management of a $4.7 million annual operational budget. He was also responsible for the development of fleet administration standards and vehicle operating policies.

Additionally, Mr Quinland who has been in the civil service since 2006 has worked as Assistant Manager of Licensing, and Vehicle Licensing and Transport Unit Inspector at the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing.