Gratitude for a rewarding career in service to the country and anticipation of a busy ‘retirement’ were messages shared by retiring Chief Secretary the Hon. George McCarthy OBE, JP.
Earlier this week top government officials, colleagues and staff of his Portfolio attended an informal lunch to celebrate the culmination of his distinguished career.
Incoming Chief Secretary Donovan Ebanks, MBE, joined in the celebration, saying, “You have been an extremely commendable role model to many, and I‘m personally grateful to have worked under and beside you. I hope your retirement will be long and enjoyable.”
Many others were on hand to present Mr. McCarthy with a gift and good wishes.
Offering his own words of advice, he encouraged civil servants to always be courteous as well as efficient. “We’re the beneficiaries of a very rich heritage,” he reminded. “It should be a privilege to serve.”
Mr. McCarthy joined the civil service in 1974 as an internal auditor. In 1992 he became Cayman’s Financial Secretary, and in 2004 he was appointed to the country’s most senior civil service position – Chief Secretary, head of the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs and Head of the Civil Service.
Speaking of his many retirement plans, Mr. McCarthy simply said, “It pays to have a sense of adventure.”
