DAY1 | 2025 | Hon . Katherine Ebanks Wilks, Minister for Health | Opening Remarks

The Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks is a distinguished leader in the Cayman Islands, recognised for her extensive contributions to public service and parliamentary leadership. First elected as a Member of Parliament in 2021, she made history by becoming the youngest Speaker of the House of Parliament on 7 December 2022. In her speakership role, she chaired the Parliament Management Council, served as President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Cayman Islands Branch) and led the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Youth Parliament Organising Committee.

Re-elected for a second term in 2025, Katherine has continued to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to her community and effective governance. Her diverse experience includes serving as Deputy Speaker of the House, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Financial Services & Commerce, and the Ministry of Education. Additionally, she has held the positions of Acting Deputy Premier, Acting Minister for Financial Services, Commerce, Investment, Innovation, and Social Development, and Acting Minister for Education.

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal profession, Katherine began her career in financial services in the private sector and pursued her law degree, while working full time. She later transitioned to the civil service, where she worked in Portfolio of Legal Affairs at the Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission. Katherine is deeply passionate about her community, representing the constituency of West Bay Central, and is a founding director of the United Against Bullying Foundation, which focuses on preventing and educating youth about bullying behaviour. She is also a founding director of the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium, an organisation which supports at-risk youth.

In her current role as Minister for Health, Environment, and Sustainability, Katherine has been actively working with her ministry team to implement the Climate Change Policy and the updated National Energy Policy, while promoting public health and environmental stewardship. She has been instrumental in driving reforms within Parliament, including the launch of a new parliament website and the establishment of an independent communications team to enhance transparency and accessibility to the parliamentary process. She prides herself in having participated in the recent reform of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which were in need of modernisation.

Katherine is dedicated to empowering women in politics and fostering collaborative efforts across the Commonwealth. Her leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication solidify her status as a respected figure in the political landscape of the Cayman Islands.