The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has appointed its first designated safeguarding lead, a new role aimed at strengthening the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
Carolina Ferreira will oversee the development and implementation of safeguarding policies, coordinate staff training, monitor compliance and lead awareness initiatives designed to embed safeguarding practices throughout the ministry.
Health minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said the appointment supports a key government priority to improve safeguarding.
“The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults has been identified as a key priority under this government’s Strategic Policy Statement, and the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has an important role to play in achieving that goal,” she said in a government press release on 14 July.
Ebanks-Wilks noted that healthcare professionals are often among the first to recognise when someone may be at risk because of their regular contact with children, older adults and families.
“Through those interactions, they are well placed to identify concerns, provide guidance, and connect individuals with the support they need.
“Establishing this dedicated safeguarding role strengthens the systems, guidance and oversight that support staff across the ministry in carrying out that responsibility,” she added.
The minister said youth mental health will also be a priority for the ministry’s safeguarding work, highlighting the links between abuse, neglect and children’s mental wellbeing.
Ferreira brings more than 20 years of experience in child protection, children’s rights, advocacy, and gender and sexuality education.
She began her career with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children before returning to Cayman, where she served as deputy director and child protection and sexuality education programme manager at the Cayman Islands Red Cross.
During her time with the Red Cross, she led the multi-agency Protection Starts Here child sexual abuse prevention initiative, helped establish the Stewards of Children training programme, developed the ‘My body is my own’ child abuse prevention curriculum, and launched the Seal of Protection safeguarding initiative for organisations.
She joined the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability in 2022 as communications manager and has represented the ministry on several child safeguarding and children’s rights committees.
Commenting on her appointment, Ferreira said she was honoured to once again apply her experience, skills and academic training in service to Cayman.
“I am committed to advancing a child rights-based approach to safeguarding that not only protects children from harm but also empowers them, strengthens families and promotes long-term wellbeing,” she said.
Chief officer Tamara Ebanks said the creation of the position provides dedicated leadership for an area that has significant implications for legislation, policy, professional practice and collaboration across government.
“For more than two decades, Carolina has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and a genuine passion for protecting children and vulnerable people,” Ebanks said.
“We are proud to have someone with her depth of experience, subject matter expertise, and understanding of the Cayman Islands leading this work.”
