The Ministry of Education and Training has formally appointed Elroy Bryan-Watler as deputy chief officer for education policy and planning after nearly two years acting in the role.
He brings more than 20 years of experience across the Cayman Islands education system, with roles spanning classroom teaching, school leadership and education administration.
Bryan-Watler will oversee policy development and long-term planning for the education sector, working with government officials and school leaders on issues ranging from curriculum standards to support services for students with special educational needs.
In a press release on 2 June, education and training minister Rolston Anglin said Bryan-Watler’s background across different areas of the sector contributed to the decision.
“Mr Bryan-Watler’s career spans ground that very few people in our education system can claim, from classroom teaching and special needs support, through school leadership, and into policy,” Anglin said.
“That range matters. The soundest decisions are made by those who understand what actually happens in schools and Mr. Bryan-Watler brings that understanding to this role.”
Anglin also said the appointment reflected the government’s approach to developing Caymanian professionals for senior leadership positions.
Bryan-Watler’s career
Bryan-Watler began his career at the Lighthouse School, where he spent 14 years working with students with physical and developmental disabilities.
He later became deputy principal at Savannah Primary School, now Joanna Clarke Primary School, before returning to the Lighthouse School as Principal.
Bryan-Watler subsequently joined the Department of Education Services as acting senior school improvement officer, leading work related to special educational needs and disabilities.
During that period, he helped develop a new SEND Code of Practice and worked with student services teams to expand support for students with additional needs.
He later served as deputy director within the Department of Education Services, assisting with oversight of early years, primary, secondary and further education across Cayman.
Bryan-Watler holds a Master of Science in General Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with minors in Business and Health.
He received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008 and the Young Caymanian Leaders Award in 2009.
Chief officer Cetonya Cacho said Bryan-Watler had continued to develop into the role over the past year.
“Elroy brings real enthusiasm to everything he does. He comes prepared, he pushes forward, and he never loses sight of the children at the centre of it all,” she said.
Bryan-Watler said he intended to continue focusing on student and family involvement in shaping education policy.
“I have always been guided by the principle of putting service above self,” he said.
The appointment took effect on 11 May.
