Acting Clerk of Court named

(CNS Local Life): With the departure of Tabitha Philander on Friday, 10 February, Shiona Allenger, who had been serving both as Senior Deputy Clerk of Court and Registrar of the Financial Services Division, has been appointed Acting Clerk of Court. Allenger, a Caymanian attorney, joined Judicial Administration (JA) in 2015. In her previous dual roles, she supported the Clerk of Court in many of her administrative and statutory duties.

“We thank Ms Philander for her service to the administration of justice in Cayman and wish her all the very best for the future,” said Chief Justice Anthony Smellie, as he also welcomed Allenger. “As I said at the opening of the Grand Court this year, we will miss her calming influence as a leader of the registry staff who respond to many types of challenges on a daily basis and her sound knowledge of the responsibilities of her role as Clerk of Court.”

Court Administrator Suzanne Bothwell similarly thanked Philander for her six years’ service to the JA and the judiciary, and for her dedication to the organisation.

Bothwell added that Allenger could be depended upon to apply to her new position the same commitment and expertise demonstrated in her previous roles. “I look forward to partnering with her on the many new initiatives Judicial Administration will be undertaking to modernise our judicial system,” she said.

Allenger spoke to the honour of working at the Courts, noting that her positions have brought with them a chance to serve the country and citizens of the Cayman Islands. “I do not take these opportunities for granted but rather feel blessed and excited and look forward to working hand-in-hand with my team and other colleagues at Judicial Administration in providing excellent customer service consistent with world-class standards.”

She was called to the bar in 2004.   She holds a bachelor of laws degree (high honours) from the Cayman Islands Law School, received her professional practice certification from Belfast University, and earned a master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in human resources, from the University of Phoenix.

Her positions before joining JA included assistant clerk at the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly; case coordinator/supervisor, at Guardian Ad Litem, in Fort Lauderdale; and service as legal assistant, paralegal and administrative director at a number of other US government agencies.

Philander, who had joined JA from nine years’ service at the Supreme Court of the Bahamas where she presided over pre-trial hearings and managing various registries, said: “I hope I left the Courts and its administration a little better for my time here.”

Tags: Acting Clerk of Court, Cayman Islands Judicial Administration, Clerk of Court, Shiona Allenger

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