Immigration officer takes top honours for June
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson (second from right) presents award to Darwin Elvis Cook Bodden, alongside (L-R) Home Ministry Deputy Chief Officer Wesley Howell, Acting Chief Immigration Officer Bruce Smith and Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Gary Wong
(CNS): Senior Immigration Officer (Enforcement) Darwin Elvis Cook Bodden has been named top government employee for June. In announcing his choice for best worker, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson praised Bodden’s exemplary efforts and his ability to coax the best individual and collective performance at work.
Manderson also spoke of the officer’s passion and drive in executing his duties regularly to a high standard, regardless of the conditions. “It has been said that as a result of your actions, the civil service as a whole should be looking towards creating the type of environment which is being created in the Enforcement Division of the Cayman Islands Department of Immigration,” Manderson said.
The RCIPS commended Bodden for his performance at a joint international operation in Mexico, where it became apparent there that, even in the face of imminent danger, he could be relied upon to follow his commitment and dedication to duty.
Bodden also led a tactical operation to remove a large group of illegal persons from a vessel in Cayman waters. And, while overseeing a multi-agency unit’s seizure of weapons from illegal persons, his keen observation and timely warnings of potential danger prevented untoward incidents.
In gaining this recognition, Bodden was also mentioned for his commitment to improving government’s efficiency, effectiveness and return for money spent, exemplified by his helping to cut his department’s operational costs and minimise staff fatigue levels by staggering work hours. This ensured that important operations could be conducted outside of the normal working day.
It was also noted that Bodden keeps staff morale high by regularly praising good efforts, thereby spurring his team to improve their performance. In addition, he was commended for holding regular meetings and one-on-one sessions with his subordinates to seek their opinion and input on decisions that might affect them.
But Bodden credited his staff with helping him win the award. “Without my team at Enforcement, my progress and work will not be as they are today. It is with all humility that I accept this award,” he said.
“My dedication is self-motivated; however a little recognition is always good and this has done more than recognise my work. I am proud of my job and I also love what I do.”
Category: Civil Service
