Public Works Department

Published 19th October 2017, 3:40pm

Director of Public Works Department, Mr. Max Jones is the 2016-2017 Head of Department of the Year for the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure (MCPI).

The winner of this award is chosen in a democratic process by ministry peers who vote on their first and second choices. After the voting amongst the department members is complete, the results are passed on to the ministry and announced at the annual event.

MCPI Chief Officer, Mr. Alan Jones, JP, who presented the award at a special event at the PWD training room on North Sound Road, attended by the other HODs, described the annual award as “an opportunity to recognise everyone who takes part, and to improve the relationships between the ministry and department heads.”

Chief Officer Jones praised the PWD Director for being a “flexible, dynamic, solution-minded and accommodating individual” and presented him a plaque and certificate to the Cayman MAC Store.

For his part, Director Jones expressed his gratitude for peers who voted for him and felt honoured to be a part of the process.

Making it clear that, while he was delighted to receive the award, it was only possible because of the excellent staff in an excellent department, he commented, “This is really an award for the entire department, and my thanks go out to all those PWD employees who work hard every day and strive hard to provide excellent services to our client Ministries and departments and to the Cayman Islands.”

A veteran at PWD

During his 35 years’ service at PWD, following a bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering, Mr. Jones advanced from Executive Engineer Buildings to the position of PWD Deputy Director and eventually, Director, a post he has held for the last 12 years.

The department’s many successes reflect his hard-work and management over the years.

One such is the noticeable improvement in PWD’s customer service. A recent customer satisfaction survey that was used to garner feedback proved this fact. The results showed that regarding the last 207 work orders executed by PWD, 95% of customers stated that they were very satisfied or better.

Another contribution by Mr. Jones’ has been a focus on professional development for young Caymanians.

This year, six CIFEC students received the opportunity to pursue an internationally recognised certification. They did this by working at PWD three times a week during the school year. Twice a week the students learned practical skills alongside qualified PWD professionals in the field, while once a week they gained theoretical expertise in the training room. In late July, they will sit an examination for receiving an internationally-acclaimed City and Guilds Vocational Level 1 Certification.

Another achievement in which Mr. Jones takes pride is the establishment of a PWD Employee Welfare Association. Presently, 69 employees are benefiting from the availability of a new insurance policy which includes group life and accident coverage.

Headline photo (L-R): Director of Facilities Management Unit, Mr. Troy Whorms; Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services Director, Mr. Richard Simms; Assistant Director of Planning, Mr. Ronald Sanderson; Public Works Department Director, Mr. Max Jones, who was awarded Head of the Department of the Year; Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure Chief Officer, Mr. Alan Jones; Department of Commerce and Investment Director, Mr. Ryan Rajkumarsingh; Computer Services Department Director, Mr. Simon Spiers and E-Government Unit Director, Mr. Ian Tibbetts. Not present: Director of Planning, Mr. Haroon Pandohie; Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing Director, Mr. David Dixon. (Photos by Bina Mani, GIS.)