Mapping Standards, Shaping Cayman

For Darren Kelly, Chief Surveyor at the Lands & Survey Department, the work of the Civil Service is as much about precision as it is about purpose. Every line drawn on a map, every survey submitted and reviewed, and every official record maintained contributes to a stronger, more structured Cayman Islands.

With 12 years of service, and 2.5 years in his current role, Darren has built a career defined by accuracy, trust, and forward-thinking leadership.

“Our services and products support small to large scale projects, which facilitates the improvement of our communities and the lives of Caymanians,” he shares.

And the impact of Darren’s work can be seen across the islands; in developments approved with confidence, disputes avoided, and data made accessible for informed planning and growth.

Guiding the Ground Beneath Us

As Chief Surveyor, Darren oversees the review and approval of all official land boundary maps across the Cayman Islands, ensuring they are accurate, properly recorded, and meet national standards. “One of my main duties is to review and authenticate all cadastral surveys in accordance with the law,” he shares. This statutory responsibility - guided by the Land Surveyors Act, related regulations, and technical circulars - plays a vital role in maintaining the legal clarity and integrity of land use across the country.

In addition to reviewing and approving surveys, Darren manages the quality, formatting, and digital recording of all submissions. This data is increasingly accessed through modern, interactive tools that allow for viewing in a multi-dimensional digital space.

Darren also leads the team responsible for ensuring that the Cayman Islands’ official maps remain accurate, up to date, and accessible to both government agencies and the public.

Setting Standards, Supporting Surveyors

In addition to overseeing government records and survey reviews, Darren serves as Chairman of the Land Surveyors Board; a role that puts him at the helm of ethical and professional conduct for all licensed land surveyors operating in the Cayman Islands.

“I’m obligated to ensure the ethical and professional conduct of Licensed Land Surveyors,” he says, adding that his responsibility also includes preparing and grading the professional licensing examinations for Land Surveyors “who, if successful, are then permitted to undertake cadastral surveys here.”

In this way, Darren’s influence stretches across both operational duties and professional development, shaping the future of the field as well as safeguarding its standards.

A Career That Started With Curiosity

Darren’s journey in public service began during high school, when he participated in a job placement programme through John Gray High School and spent a few months at the Lands & Survey Department.

“This short tenure exposed me to the important activities within the department.

I had a newfound understanding and respect for the work being administered, and I wanted to be part of it.”

The experience helped Darren discover a profession that suited his strengths, while the blend of office-based analytical work and field activity fueled both his interests and ambitions.

Darren’s story speaks to the value of early engagement with public service, and the long-term careers that can be built from local opportunity.

Developing Through Support

Darren is quick to credit the Civil Service’s structured approach to professional growth as a cornerstone of his career.

“The Department’s implementation and application of its Succession Plan has been pivotal in my development,” he says. “I’ve been supported in every position, from entry level to the position I’m now appointed to.”

He describes the Civil Service as an environment where training is encouraged, accessible, and ongoing, and where every stage of progression is supported through intention and mentorship.

Why Public Service?

When asked what he values most about working in the Civil Service, Darren is clear:

“The people we serve, and the hard-working and dedicated team members who continue to take the Civil Service from strength to strength.”

He also notes the quiet but lasting impact of government work, much of which may not reach the public spotlight, but which is nonetheless deeply felt in the services and systems that make daily life more functional, fair, and secure.

Advice for the Next Generation

Darren encourages those considering a civil service career to see it as an opportunity to shape the country from the inside out. “Through your work, input, collaborative efforts, and decision making, you can be influential in driving positive change in the Cayman Islands.”

He also praises the empathy and appreciation embedded in the culture of the Civil Service, saying that “It provides an empathetic working environment that nurtures the human element, making employees feel acknowledged and appreciated.”

All in all, Darren’s experience is a clear example of how far one can go in the Civil Service when support, strategy, and a passion for serving the public align.