Speakers at her retirement reception recently lauded Information Commissioner Mrs. Jennifer Dilbert, MBE, JP as a “trailblazing, modern, Caymanian woman” with a “distinguished” career.

Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Helen Kilpatrick, CB, hosted the Government House event on Wednesday, 20 November 2013. Mrs. Dilbert will be leaving her position at the end of December 2013 after more than three decades in service.

Mrs. Dilbert received plaudits from Acting Deputy Governor and Chief Officer, Ms Jennifer Ahearn, JP, on behalf of herself, the Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP and the entire civil service.

Former Governor, Mr. Michael and Mrs. Monica Gore and former Governor Mr. Peter Smith, also sent best wishes. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP also paid special tribute to the departing Information Commissioner.

Mrs. Dilbert contributed significantly to the growth of Cayman’s financial services industry during her time in top positions at the Currency Board, the Financial Services Supervision Department, the Monetary Authority and the private sector.

Additionally, she served in a semi-consular position at the Cayman Islands Government Office in London, promoting the Cayman Islands’ welfare in the UK.

Since becoming Information Commissioner almost five years ago, Mrs. Dilbert has held 36 freedom of information hearings and issued 34 rulings, during which “the integrity of her processes” were rarely questioned, Mrs. Ahearn noted.

Mrs. Dilbert also received praise for practising what she preaches with regards to keeping her agency’s stakeholders well informed. Public authorities might do well to follow this effective model, Mrs. Ahearn said, commenting: “From a civil service perspective, too much prevents us from continuously and consistently sharing information about our work.”

She added that Mrs. Dilbert’s understanding of the change process had helped make the civil service more transparent.

Mr. Bush spoke from his heart about his long friendship with both Mrs. Dilbert and her husband, Mr. Leonard Dilbert, who retired after holding the first Chief of Staff position in the Premier’s Office under Mr. Bush. Applauding her intelligence and capabilities, Mr. Bush also highlighted her illustrious career, her excellent performance as Information Commissioner, and her overall contributions to the Islands, both in the public and private sectors.

Responding, Mrs. Dilbert said she had genuinely enjoyed the challenges in her career, before thanking all who had helped her throughout her life.

Photos by Bina Mani

With Governors: Standing l-r: Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Information Commissioner Jennifer Dilbert and former Governor John Owen; seated: former Governor Athelstan Long

Solo 2: Mrs. Jennifer Dilbert will retire end December 2013.

McKeeva Tribute: Leader of the Opposition McKeeva Bush gave a special tribute to the retiring Mrs. Dilbert.

Gov speaks: Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Helen Kilpatrick, CB hosted the event.

Ahearn Gift 2: Ms Jennifer Ahearn presented gifts on behalf of the civil service.

With Staff: Information Commissioner Jennifer Dilbert with her staff: from left: Senior Appeals and Policy Analyst Cory Martinson, Acting Information Commissioner Jan Liebaers, Office Manager Shelly-Ann Davis, Registrar of Hearings Nadira Lord and Appeals and Compliance Analyst Clara Smith.

Ahearn DG tribute: Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn as Acting Deputy Governor spoke on behalf of the Deputy Governor as well as the entire civil service