The Premier of the Cayman Islands, the Honourable André Ebanks MP, recently completed his first official overseas visit to Europe, which included visiting London to meet with HMG Ministers, MPs and key stakeholders. The visit focused on strengthening ties between the Cayman Islands and the UK, and important discussions on security, investment and financial transparency.
Premier Ebanks withDeputy Representative for Financial Services to Europe Julie Campbell (far left) and UKOT Representatives
Premier Ebanks with members of the Cayman Islands APPG
Premier Ebanks held meetings with various parliamentarians, including the Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty MP, Environment Minister Mary Creagh MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel MP and the Cayman Islands APPG. These meetings covered a wide range of priorities for the Cayman Islands – from infrastructure and economic growth to healthcare, education, security and climate resilience.
The Premier met with MPs from across the political spectrum, reinforcing the Cayman Islands’ commitment to strong cross-party relationships with UK parliamentarians. These conversations provided a chance to share updates from the Cayman Islands and to highlight areas where continued UK support can make a tangible difference.
A special dinner was hosted for officers of the Cayman Islands APPG. This provided a valuable opportunity for the Premier to engage more informally with the APPG and to further strengthen the UK - Cayman Islands bond.
Premier Ebanks thanked everyone for the warm welcome and productive conversations, noting that the visit marked a positive step in ensuring the Cayman Islands’ voice is heard at the heart of Westminster.
Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty MP and Premier Ebanks
THE GOVERNOR OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS COMES TO LONDON
The Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK were delighted to welcome Her Excellency Jane Owen, Governor of the Cayman Islands to London this week during her official visit.
Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, with Her Excellency Jane Owens, Governor of the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia said,
“It was a pleasure to catch-up with Her Excellency, to introduce her to the members of our CIGO-UK Office and to share the great work the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK is doing to strengthen the relationship between the Cayman Islands and the UK.
I was delighted to introduce the Governor to members of the Cayman Islands APPG, where we had meaningful discussions on key issues, mutual priorities, and opportunities for ongoing collaboration. The engagement reaffirmed the importance of strong parliamentary connections and for greater understanding of the Cayman Islands amongst parliamentarians."
Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK with Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen and Commandent Robert Scotland
Commandent Robert Scotland with Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia
"With Commandent Robert Scotland of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard also in London, it was a valuable opportunity to come together to discuss the important contribution our Coast Guard makes to protect the Cayman Islands territorial waters.
I am grateful to Her Excellency for taking the time to meet with us and for her continued leadership. I look forward to my office supporting her with the important work that she does.”
CAYMAN STUDENTS ATTEND A PRIVY COUNCIL HEARING
Dr Tasha with Cayman students outside the
UK Supreme Court
A rare opportunity recently arose for Caymanians in the UK to witness a case from Cayman being heard in the Privy Council.
Prior to the Hearing, students took part in a pre-Hearing Q&A with the Cayman Islands Government Crown Counsel, who discussed the details of the case and enjoyed answering the students’ questions. Those who were unable attend in-person followed the proceedings online. A follow-up zoom to discuss the judgment is being organised by the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK.
Speaking about the day, the Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, said:
"Watching democracy in action alongside these bright young minds has been a true privilege. I’m deeply grateful to the Cayman Islands Attorney General’s Chambers for their support in creating such a rich and meaningful experience for our students.”
Cayman students at the UK Supreme Court
Cayman students meeting with the Crown Counsel
Students said:
“Today was my dream day as an aspiring lawyer because I was able to sit in a court room as esteemed as the Supreme Court, and see honourable justices that I’ve read about and judgments in front of me in real time. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I’m so grateful that Ms Garcia and her team extended this opportunity to me and other caymanian students.” Cathy Myles, Cayman student studying law in the UK.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to see a caymanian court case in the Supreme Court. It was amazing to see everything that I’ve learnt throughout law school in real life” Dreshna James, Cayman student studying law in the UK
“Attending the privy council meeting this morning was a great opportunity and I’m very grateful for it” Jacob Kelly-Johnson, Cayman student studying law in the UK.
“Being in that space and listening to legal arguments and watching how the judges engaged with each point was fascinating and eye opening” Latoya Frazer, Cayman student studying law in the UK.
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
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