Important Changes to WORC Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Cayman, 24 October 2023 – Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) announces the appointment of two (2) Caymanians as Deputies to their leadership team, Allison Lovinggood and Mervin Manderson. Mrs. Lovinggood is now the Deputy Director of Business Operations and Mr. Manderson Deputy Director of Compliance.

Mrs. Lovinggood’s previous role as the Manager of Training & Development showcased her ability to lead and drive initiatives that positively impacted the organization. Since December 2022, she has been undertaking additional responsibilities as the Deputy Director of Business Operations, further solidifying her readiness for her new role.

In her new capacity, Mrs. Lovinggood will be responsible for a wide range of critical operational areas including direct oversight of Human Resources, Customer Care, Records Management, System Development & Support, and Operations (facilities management). She will also be pivotal in analyzing, developing, and implementing improvements and policies, as well as ensuring compliance with legislation. Mrs. Lovinggood is expected to proactively manage a variety of programs and business process reengineering engagements.

Before her tenure at WORC, she held significant positions in a professional services firm and the private sector. This varied experience has uniquely equipped her for the challenges and opportunities of her new role.

Mrs. Lovinggood holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership & Innovation along with numerous professional certifications in Learning and Development. Her credentials in ISO Internal Audits, Master Trainer, Performance Coaching, and Data Protection stand as a testament to her commitment to excellence.

Mr. Manderson is now the Deputy Director of Compliance but is no stranger to the Civil Service. Having started his career in 2007 as a trainee at legacy Immigration Department. After successfully completing a six (6) month mandatory training, he moved into an officer position at Border Control at the Airport and Seaport where his duty was to ensure passengers and visitors were landed in accordance with the requirements of the then immigration law. Three (3) years later he transferred to the Enforcement Unit where his responsibilities were to investigate breaches of the Immigration Law, build case files for court cases, and act as the lead officer for repatriations to Cuba and for persons deported for criminal convictions. Over the next six (6) years, Mr. Manderson climbed the ranks and was promoted to Senior Enforcement Officer then to Senior Immigration Officer of Compliance and then Compliance Manager.  As Compliance Manager he also acted as Deputy Director of Compliance multiple times. He has a strong knowledge of the Immigration Transition Act and is currently enrolled in Truman Bodden Law School.

His notable achievements during his management career include setting a record with the highest administrative fine of CI $200,000, managing and overseeing over 160 arrests as well as hundreds of investigations relating to marriages of conveniences which led to permit refusals or revocations, managing the team that achieved over CI $1 million in administrative fines between 2019 and 2021 and during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, efficiently leading compliance officers in collaboration with RCIPS.

Mr. Manderson will support the WORC Director by providing strategic oversight of the Compliance Unit, which consists of Enforcements – Complaints – Marriage Investigations – Risk Management & FOI / Appeals, reducing illegal and unethical conduct and ensuring compliance with the Immigration Transition Act, serving as a focal point for compliance activities and making recommendations to improve trends identified as areas of weakness and over-seeing internal and external investigations.

The appointment of a Deputy Director for Business Operations is crucial in streamlining WORC's operational processes, ensuring efficiency and adaptability in a dynamic business environment. Simultaneously, having a Deputy Director of Compliance strengthens WORC's commitment to upholding regulatory standards, reinforcing trust and accountability within the organization and with external stakeholders.

WORC Director Jeremy Scott said, "I am immensely proud to announce Allison Lovinggood as our Deputy Director of Business Operations and Mervin Manderson as Deputy Director of Compliance. Their dedication, expertise, and leadership have been instrumental to WORC's growth, and I am confident they will continue to drive our mission forward. Congratulations to both on these well-deserved roles."