Following an open recruitment drive, Mrs. Felicia Robinson has been identified as the successful candidate as new Director of Children and Family Services.

Mrs. Robinson commenced official duty on Thursday, 4 August, 2016.  She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in social work, policy and legal drafting, both technical and strategic, having worked in the field for over 20 years and in over 22 jurisdictions as a child protection and policy specialist. She has also worked to develop social and public policies within, public and private entities and with civil society, government leaders, senior public officials, regional and international professionals as well as experts across multiple fields.

“It is a pleasure to have Mrs. Robinson join our team,” said Community Affairs, Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Osbourne Bodden. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to what is the most important work of this Government; that is, the protection of children and strengthening of families. With her expertise, I have no doubt that the Department will grow from strength-to-strength and ultimately realise my goal of becoming the benchmark in the region when it comes to services for children and families.”

She has held the post of Director of Human Services and Family Affairs at the Government of St. Lucia and is proficient in financial management oversight as well as monitoring and evaluation of output performance. She is proficient in the preparation of policy papers, formulating recommendations for amendments to laws, reviewing of draft model bills, presentation of technical reports, publications and speeches and liaising with community partners and stakeholders as well as regional and international agencies. Mrs. Robinson has provided support to countries in their efforts to attain improved compliance with international human (child) rights treaty obligations and in developing services for children and families from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Mrs. Robinson’s education consists of a post-graduate diploma in legislative drafting from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados, an LL.B (Hons.) (2010) degree from the University of Liverpool (Cayman Islands Law School), a master’s in social and public policy from the University of Leeds, MA, a certificate in social work from the University of the West Indies and a bachelor’s (hons.) degree from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. She is originally from Barbados and is a long-term Cayman Islands resident.

Her substantial expertise and qualifications equip her to successfully fulfil the role of the Director at the Department of Children and Family Services. As part of her people management responsibilities, Mrs. Robinson will also be collaborating with the Ministry to further develop the Department’s succession plan to ensure that her team is effectively equipped for career progression.

Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker said, “We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Robinson and look forward to the further strengthening of the Department under her expert guidance and leadership.”