On Wednesday 30th April the Cayman Islands held its general election.
In total, 58 candidates ran for 19 seats across the three islands. Candidates ran either as independents or as a member of one of the three parties:
The Cayman Islands National Party (CINP)
People’s Progressive Movement (PPM)
The Caymanian Community Party (TCCP)
No party won a majority, but less than 24 hours following the general election the successful candidates from the CINP and TCCP, along with 3 independents, joined together to create the National Coalition for Caymanians to form a government.
On Tuesday 6th May, the 19 Members of Parliament and the members of Cabinet were sworn-in to their new positions.
NEW PREMIER
Honourable André Ebanks being congratulated by Governor Jane Owen after being officially sworn-in as Premier of the Cayman Islands.
On Tuesday 6th May, the Honourable André Ebanks was officially inaugurated as Premier of the Cayman Islands during a formal ceremony at the House of Parliament in George Town, Grand Cayman. He formally accepted the role by taking the oath of office, which was administered by Governor Jane Owen, marking his position as the most senior member of Cabinet. Premier Ebanks will also be the Minister for Financial Services and Commerce.
The new Cabinet were also sworn in at the ceremony, including Deputy Premier the Hon Gary Rutty MP. The Cabinet is formed from the CINP, TCCP and three independents.
Governor Jane Owen delivering her speech during the swearing in of Members of Parliament, Cayman Islands.
During the ceremony, Governor Owen reaffirmed her dedication to collaborating with the new administration, stating:
“I pledge to work with you in partnership and trust, respecting the Government’s autonomy in domestic affairs, ensuring together that we uphold good governance and the rule of law, the separation of powers, and integrity in all we do. I will also work with you to fulfil my own responsibilities for internal security in particular, as we protect and promote the security of our population in all areas of national life and work.”
During his remarks, Premier Ebanks noted that the National Coalition for Caymanians, which he leads, will exhibit professional character:
“It matters how we show up and carry ourselves in Parliament, it matters how we show up in the Government Admin Building, it matters how you treat someone in the supermarket, it matters how you treat someone in the parking lot, because in this country we respect each other.”
He further emphasised that the country would bring back values that would make its foreparents proud.
Newly sworn-in Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are joined by Governor Jane Owen, Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson and Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose at an orientation this this morning at Government Admin Building.
Premier Hon. André Ebanks (centre), Deputy Premier Hon. Gary Rutty and Katherine Ebanks-Wilks listen attentively at the start of the orientation meeting.
APPG REINSTATED
We are pleased to confirm the re-establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cayman Islands, following the APPG’s Inaugural Meeting and election of officers on Wednesday 7th May.
The APPG is chaired by Sarah Champion MP, with Lord Brady of Altrincham serving as Vice-Chair, and Baroness Laing of Elderslie and Edward Morello MP serving as officers.
The Cayman Islands APPG will serve as a cross-party platform for Parliamentarians with an interest in the Cayman Islands, its people, economy, environment, and our shared democratic values. It will also play an important role in strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom
Hon. Andre Ebanks MP, Premier of the Cayman Islands:
“I am very pleased to see that the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Cayman Islands has been re-established in the new UK Parliament. It will provide a valuable forum to bring together Parliamentarians from different political parties to discuss issues of shared interest, and an important platform to inform policymakers about developments in the Cayman Islands.”
Tasha Ebanks Garcia, Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK:
"The re-establishment of the APPG is an important and exciting milestone and we look forward to working collaboratively with the new APPG as we continue to foster constructive relations between UK Parliamentarians and the Cayman Islands. I am truly humbled by the interest shown in the Cayman Islands. On behalf of the Government and people of the Cayman Islands I wish to express sincere gratitude to each member of our newly formed APPG."
Sarah Champion MP (Labour, APPG Chair):
“I am honoured to Chair the newly re-established Cayman Islands APPG. The Cayman Islands has a unique and valued relationship with the UK built on mutual respect and a shared British heritage. I look forward to working with colleagues across Parliament to deepen our understanding of the issues that matter most to Caymanians and to support our special and productive relationship.”
From 13-16th May, Speakers from across the UK Overseas Territories gathered in Parliament for the 5th Speaker-led Conference, hosted by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons.
This important event continues to strengthen relationships and enhance parliamentary procedure across our global parliamentary family. We are delighted that the Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, was there to represent us.
Key topics included: 💻 Artificial Intelligence – establishing best practices in a parliamentary democracy 🔔 Presiding and Proceedings – exploring the role of the Speaker 🛡️ Keeping Our Democracy Running – managing cyber threats and emergency preparedness in parliamentary settings
Cayman Islands Government Office UK, 34 Dover Street, Dover House, London, England W1S 4NG, United Kingdom, W: www.cigouk.ky | E: info.cigo@gov.ky | T: +44 (0) 207 491 7772
We respect and value your privacy. At any time, you may choose to opt out of receiving communications from the Cayman Islands Government Office UK. If you would like to unsubscribe or if you believe you have received this communication in error, please let us know here.
