Yesterday was the last day that any Governor of the Cayman Islands would address the Legislative Assembly in traditional Governor’s uniform.
Governor Bruce Dinwiddy, while presenting his Throne Speech yesterday (Monday) only a few weeks before his departure from Cayman later this month, revealed, ‘In line with modern practice in other British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, future Governors in Cayman will wear normal business attire, even on the most formal occasions’.
Governor Dinwiddy outlined five key areas that priority is to be given to by the Government for 2005/6.
The first is the continuance of restoration following Hurricane Ivan, including continuing assistance with rebuilding of homes through the District Assistance Committees and the Cayman Islands Development Bank. Another focus will be repairing infrastructure to pre-Ivan standards.
Also prioritised is law and order. ‘The recent increase in violent crime is of great concern to the Government, as I am sure it is to all residents of these islands,’ he said, before outlining responses such as financial commitment to a policing plan, and the new Commissioner who is to come here the end of this week.
Another priority is social services, including special focus on education, health and family-related services.
The fourth priority area is ongoing support for key economic sectors including tourism and financial services.
Delivery of efficient and effective government services will also be prioritised.
Pointing out that Hurricane Ivan is the most obvious event to stand out during he and his wife Emma’s time here, Governor Dinwiddy called the speed of recovery and restoration astonishing. ‘The fact that it has been achieved almost solely from our own resources is even more remarkable,’ he said.
Commenting on the relationship between the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom, he said that with regard to disappointment felt here that the UK Government did not contribute more to Cayman’s longer-term Hurricane Ivan recovery, perhaps the European Union would do something to restore Europe’s reputation here during the next few months via the Commission’s emergency assistance programme.
Towards his conclusion the Governor said, ‘Emma and I shall watch with hope and great affection the progress of the Cayman Islands in the years to come’.
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