Veteran civil servant Mr. Richard Simms has been confirmed as Director of the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services (DVES), effective 1 January 2015.
The new Director is responsible for optimising the management of Government’s fleet of some 900 vehicles – from mosquito foggers and surveying vehicles, to police vehicles and commercial heavy equipment.
Welcoming the appointment and congratulating Mr. Simms, Minister Kurt Tibbetts said, “We are excited to have new blood in the DVES and are confident in Mr. Simms’ abilities to run the department efficiently.”
DVES duties entail the procurement, maintenance and operation of these vehicles, which are used by various Government departments, units, sections and Government-owned companies.
With a staff of 35, from mechanics to accountants, the department also manages the Government fuelling facility, and monitors the distribution of some 320,000 imperial gallons annually. As part of the national disaster-preparedness plan, staff also oversee all emergency fuelling facilities.
Mr. Alan Jones, Chief Officer of the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI), welcomed the appointment. “Mr. Simms brings a wealth of leadership, knowledge and experience to the post. He was a valuable asset to the DVES during this secondment last year, and I expect even greater things going forward,” said Mr. Jones.
Mr. Simms remarked that he was proud to have been appointed to the role of Director of DVES and looked forwarding to continuing his work with colleagues and partner agencies.
He was seconded to DVES for a year, from the Department of Vehicle and Driver’s Licensing (DVDL), where he was Deputy Director.
Prior to joining DVDL in 2007, he spent 17 years in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS).
After serving in various RCIPS departments he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant April 1998. He went on to work in the Complaints and Discipline as well as the Training Departments, while he continued to earn his own personal certifications and qualifications for specialised training. His dedication to the professional development of the force earned him a promotion to Inspector, after which he was assigned to head the Family Support Unit.
In 2000 Mr. Simms was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for excellent service. After receiving a Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2005, he returned to the Central Police Station as the Officer-in-Charge of a shift, and the next year was promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector. His last RCIPS postings were as the Area Commander for West Bay, and then for George Town.
As DVDL Deputy Director he was responsible for strategic management of all operational and licensing functions/staff. He also assisted with reviewing legislation, and provided policy advice to the Ministry and other government entities.
In January 2014 he was appointed Acting Director for the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services.
His qualifications include a certificate in criminal justice and police management, from the University of Leicester, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the International College of the Cayman Islands.
Mr. Simms is also active in the wider community. Among other commitments he has served on the Board of Directors for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre for more than a decade.
IMAGE Credits: GIS Information Officer Lennon Christian
Mr. Simms takes charge of Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services.