Minister Begins Briefings with Leadership Team to Advance Health, Environment and Sustainability Agenda

Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainability, began formal briefings with her leadership team last week, as the newly established Ministry moves decisively to deliver on national priorities and enhance the wellbeing of Caymanians and the Islands.

The Ministry brings together three essential and interconnected areas—health, environment, and sustainability—into a single, strategic portfolio. This integration reflects Government’s recognition that lasting improvements in public health depend not only on access to care, but also on the quality of our natural environment and the long-term resilience of our communities.

In her first official meeting with the entire senior leadership team, Minister Ebanks-Wilks was joined by Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Wayne Panton. Together, they were briefed on key programmes, legislative priorities, and opportunities for immediate and measurable impact.

“We are getting down to work,” said Minister Ebanks-Wilks. “The wellbeing of our people and the health of our environment go hand in hand. From ensuring access to quality healthcare to protecting our natural resources and planning for a sustainable future, this Ministry is about improving life today while safeguarding the Cayman Islands for generations to come.”

The Ministry’s integrated approach will strengthen coordination across critical areas such as climate-related health risks, sustainable waste management, food and water security, and access to safe, healthy environments. These are essential building blocks of a resilient society and contribute directly to the overall quality of life for all Caymanians.

Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks, who leads the Ministry’s civil service team, emphasised the importance of teamwork and integration in achieving meaningful results.

“Bringing these areas together into one Ministry allows us to break down silos and think more systemically. We are focused on building a cohesive, high-performing team that collaborates across sectors to deliver for the public. This is an important opportunity to rethink how we serve the people of the Cayman Islands—and how we safeguard our future.”

The Ministry is already progressing a number of key initiatives, including the development of national clinical standards for healthcare practitioners, updates to major pieces of health legislation, implementation of findings from the STEPS 2023 National Health Survey, enhancing the management of the marine ecosystems along with programmes and initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and climate resiliency. These efforts reflect a growing understanding that health outcomes are shaped not only by services, but also by the broader social, economic, and environmental conditions in which people live.

In the coming weeks, Minister Ebanks-Wilks will continue briefings, engage with key stakeholders, and begin shaping the Ministry’s strategic direction with a strong focus on delivering results that matter to Caymanians.