Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks
Cayman Islands Government
Minister of Health, Environment, and Sustainability
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 of Financial Services, Commerce, Investment, Innovation, and Social Development, and Acting Minister of Education.
With over 15 years’ experience in the legal profession, Katherine began her career in Financial Services in the private sector and persued 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 is working to strengthen healthcare systems, promote environmental stewardship, and advance climate resilience and long-term sustainability in the Cayman Islands. Since assuming office, she 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 the enhancement of community wellbeing. She has supported the development of a new National Health Strategy and Plan focused on chronic disease prevention, mental health support, healthcare regulation and public health modernisation. Under her leadership, the Ministry has also supported expanded mental health services, including the establishment of the Poinciana Mental Health Advisory Council, plans for a dedicated youth mental health facility, and the development of community-based mental health support initiatives.
Katherine has also been actively engaged in shaping national waste-management reform, including the development of a long-term solid waste strategy, expanded recycling and waste-diversion initiatives, and measures to modernise landfill operations and environmental health legislation. In addition, she has supported efforts to strengthen conservation governance and protect the Cayman Islands’ natural resources
for future generations.
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.