National Weather Service Director General Retires After 41 Years

After more than four decades of public service, Director General John Tibbetts will retire from the Cayman Islands National Weather Service at the end of this month, bringing to a close a career of more than 41-years dedicated to strengthening the Cayman Islands’ weather services and national preparedness.

Having joined the former Department of Civil Aviation in 1985 – now the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands – as a Weather Observer in the Aviation Weather Office, Mr Tibbetts has played a central role in transforming a small aviation-focused operation into today’s National Weather Service, overseeing its growth in capability, technology and service to the Cayman Islands.

Throughout his career, Mr Tibbetts served in several operational and leadership roles, beginning as a Weather Observer before progressing to Operational Weather Forecaster and Chief Meteorologist, and ultimately being appointed Director General in 2014 following the retirement of longtime Director Fred Sambula.

Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose said Mr Tibbetts’ career reflected the very best of the Cayman Islands Civil Service. “Director General John Tibbetts’ 41 years of public service bear testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of the Cayman Islands and to the highest standards of the Civil Service. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, passion, and leadership, helping to build a National Weather Service that plays a vital role in safeguarding our Islands.  He successfully developed a team that is recognised and respected throughout the Caribbean. His contribution to meteorological services both locally and regionally will have a lasting impact, and I wish him every success in his retirement.”

Growth and modernisation

During his tenure as Director General, Mr Tibbetts oversaw a period of significant growth and modernisation for the National Weather Service. This included the expansion of forecasting capability, observation systems, technology, staffing and regional collaboration, while supporting the organisation’s transition from an aviation-focused weather office into a modern National Weather Service serving the wider needs of the Cayman Islands.

His leadership also helped strengthen the Service’s role in supporting national preparedness and emergency response, including through some of the Cayman Islands’ most significant weather events, such as Hurricanes Gilbert, Mitch and Ivan. During this time, the National Weather Service continued to expand its forecasting capabilities, observation systems and public warning services in collaboration with local, regional and international partners.

“John’s leadership has helped shape not only the National Weather Service, but also the people within it,” said Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery. “He has always been passionate about developing the next generation of meteorologists and ensuring the Service continued to evolve to meet the needs of the Cayman Islands. His vision, guidance and unwavering commitment have laid a strong foundation for the future, and we are proud to continue building on the legacy he leaves behind.”

Incredible privilege

Reflecting on his career, Mr Tibbetts said it had been a privilege to serve the Cayman Islands and witness the continued development of the National Weather Service.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve the Cayman Islands for the past 41 years and to be part of the remarkable journey of the National Weather Service,” Mr Tibbetts said. “I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated colleagues, regional and international partners, and to play a part in the transformation of the Service from a small aviation weather office into the organisation it is today. As I prepare for retirement, I do so with immense pride in what we have achieved together and every confidence that the Service will continue to grow, innovate and serve the people of the Cayman Islands for many years to come.”

As he retires, the National Weather Service continues to build upon the foundations established throughout Mr Tibbetts’ career, including ongoing investment in technology, expanded staffing, progress towards continuous 24-hour weather observation and forecasting, and the completion of its new headquarters later this year.

Thanks from the Premier

Premier the Honourable André Ebanks thanked Mr Tibbetts for his decades of public service and his lasting contribution to the Cayman Islands.

“John Tibbetts’ contribution to the Cayman Islands extends far beyond the National Weather Service,” said the Premier. “For more than four decades, he has helped strengthen our national resilience, modernise our weather services and ensure generations of Caymanians have benefited from accurate, timely and trusted weather information. On behalf of the Government and people of the Cayman Islands, I thank him for his outstanding public service and wish him every happiness and fulfilment in his well-earned retirement.”

The Cayman Islands Government extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Tibbetts for his 41 years of dedicated service and wishes him every success and happiness in his retirement. Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery will assume the role of Director General Designate ahead of his appointment as Director General on 1 September 2026.