Up Front

Lastweek, we invited readers to submit their nominations for Personof the Year ­ the man or woman, who in their opinion had madean impact in their chosen field or in the nation as a whole, andwhose actions had been newsworthy . We received several worthysubmissions ­ of people in sports, politics, community service,the church, and a cross-section of professions, all of whom qualifiedas outstanding newsmakers. After much debate and careful consideration,our editorial staff reached a consensus on the selection ­of Woman of the Year 2000

For the impact of her role as Acting Chairmanof the Immigration Board, Cayman Net News has selected SherriBodden Cowan as its Woman of the Year.

During 2000, it is true to say that theImmigration Board and the Department of Immigration were agrressivein their mission to bring new policy directives to the immigrationprocess, with the broader view of making the department more customer-friendly.Much of this happened at a time when Mrs. Bodden Cowan presidedas Acting Chairman, and with the help of the Board's Chairman.

The actions of the Board, the Department, the Chief Immigration Officer and all the staff in fulfillingthis mission have placed it under public spotlight in many instances.

In the latter part of the year, the Immigrationwebsite was launched. The Board implemented a policy by whichemployers can submit Business Staffing Plans ­ an outlineof their staffing needs over three years, for which work permitsare required. In addition, employers can now apply for BusinessVisitors' Permits, for visiting persons needing to work on temporaryassignments.

These and other innovations in which Mrs.Bodden Cowan played a propelling role, have resulted in a kinder,gentler Immigration and greater public understanding of its workings.

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