The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure (PLAHI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Wilbur Welcome as the new Director of the Department of Agriculture (DoA), effective June 2025.
Mr. Welcome brings with him a strong track record of excellence in public service, leadership, and a passion for agricultural development. With long-standing experience at varying levels in government administration and community engagement, he is well positioned to lead the Department through its next phase of growth and modernisation.
In his new role, Mr. Welcome will oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the DoA, with a focus on supporting local farmers, improving food security, and enhancing the islands’ agricultural sustainability and resilience.
Chief Officer Eric Bush, welcomed the appointment, stating: “Mr. Welcome’s proven leadership and commitment to the Cayman Islands will continue to drive the department forward in meeting the evolving needs of our agricultural sector. We are confident to work alongside him in advancing key initiatives that support local food production, empower our farmers, and build long-term resilience in the sector.”
The Ministry of PLAHI embraces the new direction Mr. Welcome will take the DoA and welcome this transition with optimism and forward-looking spirit. His appointment marks a renewed focus on innovation, collaboration, and community-driven solutions within the agricultural sector.
Mr. Welcome expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, saying: “I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working closely with our farmers, stakeholders, and team members to ensure the continued success and sustainability of agriculture in the Cayman Islands. I am able to build on foundations that have been laid before me, and I thank Mr. Crichlow and Mr. [Adrian] Estwick, before him, for building that foundation.”
The Ministry also extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Brian Crichlow for his years of dedicated service and leadership. Under his guidance, the Department achieved several important milestones, including advancements in animal health services, farmer outreach programmes, and agricultural education initiatives. Mr. Crichlow will continue to work within the Ministry of PLAHI to drive national policies around agriculture, food security and regulatory infrastructure for the Department of Agriculture.
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