UKOTCF has learnt, with great sadness, of the death on 1^st April 2021 of Bruce Dinwiddy. Bruce was a member of Council and Chairman of the Wider Caribbean Working Group from 2006 to 2015.

Bruce was previously Governor of the Cayman Islands (2002-05). His interest in environmental issues dates from his time as Overseas Development Institute Fellow in Swaziland (1967-69) and ODI Research Officer in London (1970-73). After joining the FCO, he spent two years as desk officer for Hong Kong, then Britain’s most important remaining Colony. His early foreign postings were in Vienna, Cairo, Bonn and Ottawa. During 1995-98 he was Head of the FCO’s African Department (Southern) and non-resident Commissioner of British Indian Ocean Territory. He was High Commissioner to Tanzania (1998-2001) before being appointed Governor of the Cayman Islands.

While in Cayman, Bruce was acutely conscious of the delicate balance between development and environment in a fast growing small island economy. He took an active interest in environmental issues, including the Blue Iguana programme and conservation of other endangered species. In September 2004, Grand Cayman was ravaged by Hurricane Ivan, the worst storm to strike the islands in living memory. His last year as Governor was much taken up with various aspects of the recovery.

Bruce was a UK Friend of Cayman and was pleased also to remain involved in UKOTCF, after his time on Council, as an Advisor to the Forum, with wider Caribbean and other Overseas Territories. Until shortly before his death, he frequently kept the Secretary of WCWG up to date with information on the Cayman Islands and other matters.

The present Governor of the Cayman Islands, Martyn Roper, said “I was very saddened to hear about the passing of former Governor Bruce Dinwiddy CMG who served as the Governor of the Cayman Islands from 2002 until 2005. Governor Dinwiddy’s tenure in Cayman coincided with the difficult period of Hurricane Ivan and its aftermath, an incredibly challenging period for him and everybody on our Islands. Governor Dinwiddy did much to develop the UK/Cayman partnership, particularly on preparation for future natural disasters.

“I know from discussions with many people across our Islands that he is fondly remembered for his kindness and affection for these Islands. He continued to support Cayman after his departure working closely with the Friends of Cayman (I met him at their London dinner in 2018 shortly after becoming Governor). He was also part of the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum.

“He will be greatly missed. I am sure I speak for everyone on our Islands in expressing deepest condolences to Governor Dinwiddy’s wife Emma, his family and friends at this sad time.”

Cayman Premier Alden McLaughlin followed suit with his tribute, stating “The people of the Cayman Islands will always remember him for his many contributions to assist our community after the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004. His compassion, humility and commitment to serving the Cayman Islands will never be forgotten.” He added that Mr Dinwiddy continued to be a “friend of the Cayman Islands long after his tenure as Governor ended, making many trips back to our shores.”

UKOTCF’s Chairman, Dr Mike Pienkowski, said “Bruce Dinwiddy was a great friend to UKOTCF and to his fellow Council-members, including myself. He had thought deeply about the role of a Governor, and had the gift of being able to explain this, and how it could help conservation, to a wide range of parties, including conservationists and MPs, amongst others. His wise counsel and gentle and friendly advice provided us with great help, allowing UKOTCF to be as effective as possible. He was a stalwart in building up the UKOTCF’s Wider Caribbean Working Group and his diplomatic skills helped us in all sorts of other ways.

“We will miss Bruce greatly. We have lost a true friend, and send our deepest sympathy to Emma and the family.”

The Cayman Islands flag will fly at half mast, alongside the Union Flag on all Cayman Islands Government buildings until Tuesday, April 6, to mark his passing.