Governor Announces Change of Command for the Cayman Islands Regiment

Her Excellency the Governor has announced a change of command for the Cayman Islands Regiment, with the formal handover from Lieutenant Colonel Roger Carter to Lieutenant Colonel Graham Muir scheduled to take place on 26 March.

In accordance with the Defence Act, Major Muir will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel by the Governor following selection by a promotion board comprised of representatives from across Government, including the Office of the Commissioner of Police (OCP), the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs (MDA&HA), the Governor’s Office, and other relevant stakeholders.

This appointment forms part of the Government’s long term succession planning for the Regiment and its transition to Caymanian leadership in the shortest possible time. Promoting from within the existing officer cadre reflects a clear commitment to developing established leaders, strengthening institutional continuity, and ensuring that command responsibility is underpinned by experience gained within the Cayman Islands context. This approach is further evidenced by the Governor’s recent promotion of two Caymanian officers, Lieutenant Tyler Lawson and Lieutenant Cassandra Jocson, to the rank of Captain on the recommendation of the Regiment Promotions Board. As officers move into new roles, others assume greater responsibility, broadening leadership depth and building sustainable command capacity across the organisation.

The Incoming Commanding Officer Major Muir, originally from Northern Ireland, has served as the Regiment’s Training and Operations Officer since January 2024. He brings over 20 years of military experience, including 17 years of full-time service as an officer in the British Army.

His career has included training and mentoring Army officers on promotion courses, equipping him with valuable expertise in leadership development and professional standards. He has also served within the UK’s military headquarters with oversight for disaster response operations, experience that will support the continued strengthening of the Regiment’s role in national resilience and coordinated multi-agency response.

Major Muir maintains strong professional links with the UK Ministry of Defence and other UK Overseas Territories regiments, including those currently deployed alongside Cayman Islands personnel in Jamaica. These relationships will support continued dialogue on training access, cost efficiencies, equipment acquisition, and specialist assistance when required.

Tribute to the Outgoing Commanding Officer

Her Excellency the Governor extends sincere thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Roger Carter, who retires after 36 years of military service, including three years as Commanding Officer of the Cayman Islands Regiment.

Under his leadership, the Regiment has strengthened its operational capability, expanded its contribution to national resilience, and enhanced its regional engagement.

This change of command reflects the Governor’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable, Caymanian-led defence capability — one that invests in its people, strengthens national resilience, and continues to develop leadership capacity for the future of the Cayman Islands.