Prison officer named top employee for November
Franz Manderson (right) presents Employee of the Month certificate to Ephraime Holgate
(CNS Local Life): Ephraime Holgate, of HM Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS), has been awarded the Cayman Islands Government Employee of the Month for November 2016. Deputy Governor Franz Manderson recognised the prison officer for being “most constructive” based on the attention he gives to his assigned projects, completing his work in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Holgate also works to the same high standards that align with the mission and vision of the Prison Service, stated a press release on the award.
Among the projects Holgate worked on were facilitating the temporary relocation of the prison kitchen to HMP Fairbanks and building a food storage pantry there; constructing walkways through HMP Northward for inmates and staff to use during inclement weather; raising a covered walkway at HMP Fairbanks to protect staff and visitors entering and exiting the facility; expanding the Immigration Detention Centre to eliminate the need for satellite sites in the event of increased numbers; and renovating the hostel at HMP Northward into a staff lounge and meeting area.
Acting Chief Officer Kathryn Dinspel-Powell praised Holgate’s dedication and commitment. “Mr Holgate not only saves the Prison Service money by undertaking projects in-house, but he also provides superior mentorship and coaching to inmates who are assigned to work with him.
“In fact, he has even been known to stay in contact with inmates after their release, thereby providing them with much-needed community support.”
The HMCIPS hired Holgate in October 2006, and for the past nine years, he has served as a prison officer assigned to the Alpha Wing and the basic unit, where he was responsible for low- to medium-risk prisoners.
Recently, he was seconded to the maintenance department where his knowledge, skill and experience in construction, carpentry and masonry were instrumental in improving the conditions at HMP Northward.
Holgate is a jovial, easygoing officer who is well liked by both colleagues and prisoners, said the press release.
“Mr Holgate’s hard work has saved the Cayman Islands Government thousands of dollars by repairing a prison that has been burned, condemned and rebuilt,” said Neil Lavis, Director of Prisons.
“His contributions help make the prisons habitable and safe to work in, as best as possible. We need a new prison but Mr Holgate, along with others in maintenance and with help from prisoners, has made a remarkable difference in the conditions we live and work in. He has an amazing range of skills and willingly goes above and beyond the call of duty to help others and the organization. We are very grateful for Mr Holgate.”
Manderson thanked Holgate for his work ethic, ability to anticipate and fulfil a need when seeing it, and commitment to service. “You provide great value to HMCIPS by ensuring that projects that could become costly if outsourced are dealt with internally,” the deputy governor said.
“The way you undertake your daily assignments embodies the tone of cooperation, willingness, and progress. When assigned a task, you give it your full attention, ensuring that projects are addressed promptly, are cost-effective and aligned with our mission. Thank you for demonstrating such a remarkable level of performance and commitment to the Cayman Islands Government.”
Category: Civil Service, Prison Service
