Four new members appointed to strengthen governance and accountability in the Cayman Islands
His Excellency, Acting Governor Franz Manderson, is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to the Commission for Standards in Public Life (CSPL), creating a new composition of the Commission focused on upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in public service.
The new appointments include Woody Foster, who has been appointed Chairman, alongside new members Tonicia Williams, Jay Ehrhart, and Diana Deopersad. Keith Blake has been reappointed for a second term, bringing continuity and experience to the Commission.
New Commission Membership:
Woody Foster, Cert. Hon – Chairman
Managing Director of Foster’s Food Fair Ltd and an integral member of the Foster Group Board of Directors. A respected community leader, Woody serves on multiple boards including Caribbean Utilities Company and chairs LIFE (Literacy Is For Everyone) Ltd. Woody was first appointed as a Member of CSPL effective 21 October 2024 for a four-year term. He was subsequently appointed Chairman on 1 May 2025 until the end of his tenure.
Tonicia Williams – Member
Senior Associate in Litigation and Restructuring at Conyers, called to the Cayman Islands Bar in 2014. Tonicia served as Deputy Chairperson of the Cayman Islands National Minimum Wage Committee in 2023 and has volunteered extensively with local charities. Appointed effective 1 May 2025 for a four-year term.
Jay Ehrhart – Member
Retired civil servant with over 20 years of service to the Cayman Islands across public relations, media, and tourism sectors. Most recently served as Executive Director of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association and previously held senior roles with the Department of Tourism and Radio Cayman. Appointed effective 11 December 2024 for a four-year term.
Diana Deopersad – Member
Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants with 20 years of external-audit and fund administration experience in the Cayman Islands financial services industry. Recently retired from her accounting career and eager to apply her expertise to improve governance standards. Appointed effective 7 July 2025 for a four-year term.
Keith Blake – Member
Recently retired from a distinguished career in insolvency and restructuring, with over 20 years in the Cayman Islands. Former Senior Director with Alvarez & Marsal and previously with KPMG. Reappointed for a second four-year term from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2029.
His Excellency, Acting Governor commented: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of four outstanding individuals to our important Commission for the Standards in Public Life. Each appointee brings distinct expertise and a proven dedication to public service, which will enhance the CSPL’s essential role in upholding integrity and accountability across our public institutions.”
Chairman Woody Foster said: “I am excited to lead this distinguished team and make a meaningful difference in driving up standards and accountability in public life. I look forward to working with my fellow members to ensure we drive and uphold the highest standards of governance in the Cayman Islands.”
Register of Interests 2025 Now Open
The CSPL reminds all Persons in Public Life that the annual declaration period for the Register of Interests is now open. Under the Standards in Public Life Act 2020, all qualifying individuals must submit their annual declaration of interests, assets, income, and liabilities.
Key Requirements:
• Annual declarations due: 1-30 July 2025
• Who must declare: All public officers at Head of Department level and above, board members of statutory authorities and government companies, elected and Official Members of Parliament, and other designated positions
• New post-holders: Must declare within 90 days of assuming office
• Changes in circumstances: Must be declared within 30 days
The Register of Interests is a cornerstone of good governance, ensuring transparency and helping prevent conflicts of interest. Every Person in Public Life plays a vital role in upholding standards of integrity, accountability and honesty.
Declarations can be submitted via the online portal at www.standardsinpubliclifecommission.ky/register-of-interestsor by contacting roi@standardsinpubliclifecommission.ky or +1 (345) 244-3685.
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