THEY CALL HIM MR FANTASTIC! MPs PRAISE OUTGOING DG MANDERSON

Tributes and accolades flowed on Friday June 19th as the Cayman Islands Parliament honoured outgoing Deputy Governor Franz Manderson for his stellar contributions to the civil service and wider community.

Mr Manderson’s last day at work on July 8th will also fall on the same date that he entered the civil service 44 years ago.

In this snapshot, Caymanian Times captures the moments and emotions that marked the occasion during the first sitting of the new session of Parliament on Friday June 19th..

Speaker, Ezzard Miller: “I have found you in all of our interactions to be a man of integrity, honesty, and a man of your word…I think, Mr Manderson, that it is fair to say that you are leaving the civil service much better than you found it.”

Premier, Andre Ebanks: “He sat back in his chair, and he just said, ‘Look, I think my time has come. I think it’s time for me to get out of the way, move aside. I think I’ve left the civil service better than I found it. It’s time for me to move on, but I’m going to do this in an ordinary fashion, and it won’t be until next year.’ And that characteristic that you can apply to other aspects of his life is his farsightedness.”

Leader of the Opposition, Joey Hew: “He has done more than just developing a world-class civil service over his years as head of the civil service. Also as a West Bayer, he has mentored many, many young men that he probably wasn’t even aware of.”

Deputy Premier, Gary Rutty: “I would like to thank and congratulate my dear friend for all he has done for this country and our people. I also thank him for the loyal and sincere friendship that he has provided to me over the years.”

Deputy Opposition Leader, Kenneth Bryan: “I wish that they had something like a Purple Heart to give to you, and I think the CBE(Commander of the British Empire) isn’t adequate enough…I think you should be called ‘Sir’ (given a knighthood). because of the service you have given to this country.”

Deputy Speaker and Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden: Your contributions have left a lasting impact on our community and our country, and on the many lives you have touched throughout your career.”

Min. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks: “He was always accessible, providing support that made all civil servants feel valued and appreciated.”

Min. Rolston Anglin: “I want to thank him for giving me an opportunity to shape my life and career. He motivated me, supported me and believed in me long before titles ever mattered.”

Min. Jay Ebanks: “I know you know that you have left the country in good hands…We really appreciate everything you have done for this country.”

Min. Isaac Rankine: “You started on your birthday…so leaving on your birthday, 7th of July 2026, that is a good solid 44 years of service. From a schoolboy starting out in the public service to the head of the civil service, that is a full circle.”

Min. Nickolas DaCosta: “A leadership style that has always been professional, always dignified, but never distant…I think it’s safe to say that in the Cayman Islands Civil Service, and indeed this Honourable House, we have, through the Deputy Governor, through Franz Manderson, Mr Fantastic!”

Min. for Caymanian Employment, Michael Myles: “You said, ‘I can leave now because I finally found the government that I can leave the civil service to.’ You’ve also reassured me multiple times that you had built a civil service, and that you also believe, leaders that will move the country forward, not just the civil service.”

Parliamentary Secretary, Julie Hunter: “I saw how you handled difficult situations. I saw how you served with humility. I saw how you trained those around you.”

Opposition MP Roy Tatum(Progressives): “Your legacy will endure in the institutions you’ve strengthened, especially the civil service to which you devoted so much of your life’s work. It will endure.”

Parliamentary Secretary, Heather Bodden: “You have served this country with dedication and distinction. Now it’s time to enjoy a well-earned retirement.”

Backbench MP (Cayman Islands Community Party) Wayne Panton: “There are times when he has not been fantastic. Would you like to know what he has been instead of fantastic? He has been awesome!”

Independent Opposition MP, Dwayne Seymour: “You have this rare gift of being able to guide us through our biggest challenges with total confidence, while still being one of the first persons to celebrate our wins.”

Opposition MP Roy McTaggart (Progressives): “I appreciate what you have done. The leadership you provided, and examples that you are leaving behind for others who come behind you.”

Acting Attorney General, Reshma Sharma: (Quoting the DG) ‘We pay tribute to those among us who embody the spirit of excellence, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization and the communities we serve’. “How very satisfying to be able to quote him right back to himself this afternoon.”

In acknowledging the accolades, DG Manderson, at times overcome by emotion, gave a brief lesson on the importance of having a purpose in life.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that one of life’s most important lessons is never to confuse your purpose with your work. Work is what you do, purpose is why you do it. If you confuse the two, then when work ends, you will believe your life has lost its meaning, but if your work serves your purpose, then every day becomes a gift…I simply wanted to make a difference. I wanted to serve my beloved Cayman Islands. I wanted my mother and my sister to look at me and say he made us proud. If that was my purpose, then I can honestly say then that I’ve never worked a day in my life. I simply fulfilled my purpose.”