In a Cayman Island’s first, the governor has handed over the reins for the conduct of external affairs to the premier and three other government ministers.
A statement from the premier’s office reported that Governor Helen Kilpatrick had the power to delegate responsibilities relating to regional and international affairs to each relevant minister’s portfolio.
“This is in keeping with the general delegation under the 2009 Constitution of all matters of policy formulation and implementation to the elected government, except for the areas of special responsibility, which remain with the governor,” the statement read.
“The responsibility does not allow the Cayman Islands to sign treaties without first getting permission from the United Kingdom,” it continued.
Premier Alden McLaughlin has been assigned responsibility for the Caribbean Community, the Association of Caribbean States, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, or any other Caribbean regional organization or institution; other Caribbean regional affairs relating specifically to issues that are of interest to or affect the Cayman Islands; and European Union matters directly affecting the Cayman Islands.
Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell has been given responsibility for external affairs involving tourism-related matters; Finance Minister Marco Archer will take on affairs related to taxation; and Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton will have responsibility for those external affairs regarding the regulation of finance and financial services.
Under the Constitution, both the premier and ministers must keep the governor informed of any external affairs activities and any government costs associated with them.
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