Martha Connolly CIG 2024 Employee of the Year

Martha Connolly, Communications Manager n the then Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture has been named the Cayman Islands Government 2024 Employee of the Year. Chief Officer for the Portfolio of the Civil Service, Gloria McField-Nixon made the announcement on Thursday, 15 May during the annual CIG Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony held at the Kimpton Seafire Resort.

Deputy Governor, Honourable Franz Manderson selected Connolly as the top awardee under the Deputy Governor’s Award Programme. She was drawn from the pool of twelve Employees of the Month for 2024, also chosen by him from across the Civil Service.

Before revealing the Employee of the Year, Chief Officer McField-Nixon hinted, “This individual understands in an information age, our ability to communicate is going to be the deciding point of whether or not we are able to deliver for our societies, giving them the information that they need to stay safe and to be informed. And in the sensitive topics that we have to discuss, making sure that we also do not create any international incidents because of the way we talk about very sensitive issues.”

Prior to her selection as Employee of the Month, Connolly had received a Chief Officer’s Choice award, which highlighted that, “Martha is the driving force behind the Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture’s powerful public presence. Her leadership has been especially vital in navigating the sensitive issue of irregular migrant arrivals. Through proactive messaging and empathetic engagement, Martha has prevented crises, fostered respectful dialogue, and strengthened public trust. Her work does not just inform—it inspires. Martha is a standout communicator, a steady hand in turbulent times, and a true champion of the Ministry’s mission.”

In her acceptance speech, Connolly expressed gratitude for the recognition. “Thank you to my Ministry team and its leadership under Chief Officer Wesley Howell. She added, “To be recognised as Employee of the Year for 2024 is an honour of a lifetime. Civil servants, let us keep striving for excellence in everything we do and continue to serve with heart as we work together to become a world-class Civil Service.”

Addressing the twelve finalists ahead of the announcement, the Deputy Governor expressed great pleasure to be at what he dubbed the Civil Service Oscars, to recognise outstanding civil servants. “Please be proud of what you have achieved. You have served with distinction. You have risked your life. You have done everything that was asked of you and more and you have done it with passion, integrity and professionalism.”

Another highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the coveted “Moment of Magic” team award, which was presented to the Department of Counselling Services. The ceremony also showcased 57 individuals who, along with the Employees of the Month, received Chief Officer’s Choice awards under the DG’s Award Programme during the year.

Joining in the celebration of civil servants was Her Excellency, Governor Jane Owen. Similarly, Government Ministers, led by Premier Honourable André Ebanks demonstrated their support for the Civil Service. The Premier underscored the importance of the work of civil servants and reinforced their impact on the community.

Special guests at the event were Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Captain Darren McLean and his wife. Captain McLean recently returned home as the first Caymanian police helicopter pilot.

The awards ceremony was the culmination of the 2024 round of the Deputy Governor’s Award Programme. It continues to highlight the outstanding contribution of civil servants and the crucial role they play in the Cayman Islands.

Article and photographs compliments GIS