The Cayman Islands obtained its first constitution in 1959. That was 52 years ago when these Islands were still a dependency of Jamaica. That first constitution was replaced in 1972 with a more advanced document, which gave the people more control over the governance of their country.
In an historic referendum on 20 May, 2009, Caymanians approved a new modern constitution to govern the affairs of the Cayman Islands. Today, 4 July, 2011, is celebrated as Constitution Day. It is a symbolic day reserved for national pride.
Our constitution is the foundation on which our democracy is built and the ultimate embodiment of the rule of law. No man or woman is above it. All who exercise authority in our country do so pursuant to the constitution. Through the introduction of a modern bill of rights our new constitution provides the means to protect the people of the Cayman Islands against tyranny, corruption and arbitrary actions by the Government. It enables the people of the Cayman Islands to take a stand in their community on the issues important to them, the ideals they believe in and the things that make Cayman – Cayman. In addition to introducing Cayman’s very first bill of rights our new Constitution also created a number of institutions supporting democracy. The Constitutional Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Standards in Public Life and the Judicial and Legal Services Commission increase public participation in government decision making and provide more checks and balances on the exercise of executive authority. These commissions also seek to ensure that the people of the Cayman Islands are served by persons of honesty and integrity. The challenge over the immediate future is to get the commissions and other mechanisms fully functional and arm them to properly carry out their constitutional purpose and function. We must encourage our Government and public officials to promote transparency and accountability while serving with honesty and integrity. The Bill of Rights comes into effect in November next year. The next 16 months will be a busy time as we prepare for the profound effect it will have on the way government does business. The rights, freedoms and responsibilities enshrined in our Constitution were influenced by our history, culture and Christian heritage. The Government must ensure we are ready to recognise, respect and give effect to these rights, freedoms and responsibilities. Government must plan to achieve the highest standards of respect for human rights by public officials anywhere in the world. Our Constitution should be acknowledged and celebrated for the unique features that make it distinctly our own.
It should be embraced and respected for the assurance it provides us all of the supremacy of the rule of law and protection of individual human rights.
Alden McLaughlin
Leader of the Opposition
The rights, freedoms and responsibilities enshrined in our Constitution were influenced by our distinct history, culture and Christian heritage.
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