Computer Services head retires after 31 years in gov’t
Gilbert McLaughlin
(CNS): Gilbert McLaughlin, the director of Computer Services, who has been with that government department for 31 years, retired on Friday, 9 October. He joined the department as a programmer in 1984, after completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science, and became its head in 1997.
McLaughlin’s professional growth mirrored the progress of the department, which had been in its developmental stages when he first joined. His journey included a number of roles within its development teams. He also oversaw or helped to complete many information technology (IT) development and support projects such as the Immigration Department support systems, Oracle financials and the online services for the Maritime Authority and General Registry.
McLaughlin said he is proud of the level of dedication, skill and work ethic shown by the team with which he has worked for so long. “Many staff members work outside of normal hours to keep the IT systems working or to fix problems that have occurred. Some work all night or for several days in a row to complete projects because they have to be done,” he said.
“Computer Services staff have always worked hard to be successful within the limited resources available,” he added.
McLaughlin also emphasised the high calibre of IT expertise among the staff in different areas of the department, many of whom are “go-to” people, problem solvers and stars, who have won the deputy governor’s and chief officer’s top employee awards.
“Whatever changes are in store for the Cayman Islands Government, and Computer Services Department, I know the team will have a significant role to play,” he added.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 1981, at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, McLaughlin began to take computer science classes as part of a master’s degree, also in biochemistry. He went on to discover a love for computer science and transferred into the bachelor’s programme. On completion, in 1984, he returned home to Cayman to join Computer Services, was quickly promoted to analyst programmer and rose steadily over the years.
With the grant of a scholarship from Government, in 1994 he completed a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas in Arlington. Afterwards, he took on various managerial roles, notably as software development manager, before becoming head of the department.
Category: Civil Service, Information Technology
