The current Acting Port Director, Ms. Beth McField, is confident that PACI is equipped with experienced and capable staff who will assist with maintaining operations while attending to the needs of all stakeholders with professionalism, competence and expertise.
Beth McField, Acting Port Director
(CMR) The Cayman Islands Port Authority has confirmed that the former Port Director, Joseph “Joey” Woods will be retiring in late April. CMR had reported last year that Woods has resigned from his top port position and it was anticipated that he would likely be leaving altogether.
This announcement comes days after the Deputy Director, Willem Jacobs also tendered his resignation after 26 years on the job. Jacobs tendered his resignation on February 3 giving his contractual 6 months of required notice per his contract.
On February 9 his resignation was acknowledged and he was informed his services would no longer be required at the Cayman Islands Port Authority – essentially placing him on gardening leave for the remainder of his contract. However, his request for 26 weeks of severance pay was not addressed in the first email and appears to be an outstanding negotiation point.
Tuesday morning the port's Acting Port Director, Beth McField confirmed the resignation and numerous contributions of both men during their tenure with the authority. She noted that Jacobs introduced various software and computerized systems that improved internal structures within the PACI.
He also implemented the current electronic system that moved the PACI from manual to computerized crane operations.
In the interim, Dale Christian the current Cayman Brac Port Manager will assist with operations until the recruitment process for the new Deputy Director has been concluded. Christian has been with the port for over 27 years working in the marine section, cargo operations, cruise berthing and security management.
For the past 12 years, he has been working in Cayman Brac as Port Manager. He recently conducted a systematic operations scheduling audit for Grand Cayman, with a view to streamlining efficiencies.
McField also took the opportunity to thank former Cruise and Security Manager, and former Acting Port Director, Joseph Woods well.
Woods was also a long-servicing employee at the port for over 19 years. His contributions include implementing the Harbour Patrol Unit which enhanced the marine section. Woods was instrumental in bringing the PACI into compliance with international security standards. He also improved cruise ship berthing efficiencies after that came under his remit.
He will remain with the authority until the final date of his retirement on April 24.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid