GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – The Ministry of International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs has appointed André Ebanks to be the Cayman Islands Representative to the United Kingdom and Europe with effect from Monday, 2 September 2019.

Mr Ebanks is currently the Deputy Chief Officer in the Ministry of Community Affairs. His three-year secondment, as head of the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK and Europe follows on from the successful tenure of Eric Bush, who has returned home as Chief Officer in the Ministry of International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs.

As Cayman’s most senior official in the United Kingdom, Mr. Ebanks’ new job will promote the welfare of Caymanians and develop the interests of the Cayman Islands Government in the UK and Europe. As well as delivering consular services to Caymanians – including Caymanian students – he will assist stakeholders by supporting Cayman Islands Government activities in the United Kingdom and Europe relating to its ongoing economic, political and socio-cultural interests in that region. Furthermore, Mr. Ebanks’ office will collect/distribute data; foster and strengthen strategic links; promote and facilitate inward investment as well as representing the Cayman Islands in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association, the EU Overseas Countries and Territories Association, and at other official/ceremonial events.

Speaking of the secondment, the Head of the Civil Service and Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson says: “We are delighted to have found such a dynamic candidate to build on Mr. Bush’s progress in this post.”

“Great strides have been made in supporting professional development within the Civil Service. Mr. Ebanks’ posting comes on the back of the Civil Service’s strong track record of secondments, succession plan consideration, performance tracking, and training both locally and aboard.”

Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin who is currently Mr. Ebanks’ Minister says: “The Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe is a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our relationship with the governments of the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. I have every confidence that André will do an excellent job in his secondment and continue to build on the excellent work done by Eric Bush over the last 3 years.  As the UK continues to wrestle with the issues presented by Brexit and as we continue ourselves to deal with the complexities and challenges to our Financial Services industry as a result of initiatives largely driven by the European Union, it is vital we have a capable and willing Caymanian on the ground to represent our Islands. I believe André will ably fulfil this role on our behalf.”

In preparing for his move and new position in the London based office, Mr. Ebanks talked about the exciting new role, its challenges and his priorities.

“I am honoured to have been selected for this post,” he says on the eve of his departure to the metropolis.

“The London office sits in the heart of the city; one of the political and economic capitals of the world (and one whose country we share a constitutional link with). As such, it serves at ground zero on the international frontline to protect and advance the interests of the Cayman Islands and all its residents,” he explains.

“In view of Brexit, the UK faces its most complex and polarising political crisis since the Second World War. “It will be critical for the Cayman Islands to monitor matters closely to determine how best to position itself in a post-Brexit world. Therefore, an immediate priority will be to assist Cayman map its strategic objectives in this potentially new global landscape. Brexit provides an opportunity to not only recreate our relationship with the UK as part of a revitalised Global Britain, but with the rest of the world.”

As the Cayman Islands’ Representative, one of his first official engagements will be attendingSeptember’s Labour and Conservative party conferences at a time of great change in British politics.

Eric Bush, Chief Office for the Ministry responsible for the office said, “Andre Ebanks has the qualities needed to continue to raise Cayman’s positive profile in the UK and in Europe. During his familiarisation trips earlier this year I saw, first-hand, that Andre is capable and eager to continue and enhance the programme of political, commercial and cultural engagement on behalf of the Cayman Islands.”

The incoming Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe will be supported by the Deputy Representative Charles Parchment as well as two Assistant Representatives and a Business Manager. The Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK and Europe also houses representatives from the Department of Tourism and the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands.