Jane Owen was sworn in as the 15th governor of the Cayman Islands in the House of Parliament in George Town on Friday, 21 April.
The second female United Kingdom representative in the islands’ history said she was “both humbled and excited” to be appointed “and to have this opportunity to work with you all”.
She told those gathered to witness the occasion that she has three main commitments.
“First, to listen and to learn,” she said. “Second, to further strengthen this great vision that we share – to ensure that Cayman remains vibrant, successful, safe and resilient.
“And finally, to devote myself to the service of all the people of the Cayman Islands, on behalf of His Majesty the King.”
Earlier in the day, the soon-to-be governor flew into Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman where she was greeted by government officials and the police service.
After being shown to her new residence on Seven Mile Beach, she was taken to the House of Parliament for her swearing-in ceremony, which was open to the public.
Following the arrival of members of the government, police service, judiciary and guests, Speaker of the House Katherine Ebanks-Wilks read her welcome address.
She told attendees that she was very pleased that the new appointment will see three arms of the government overseen by women.
The Speaker urged Owen to get to know these islands and their people over the next four years and wished her a “most productive and rewarding first governorship”.
Former acting governor and now Deputy Governor Franz Manderson then read the warrant of appointment by King Charles III.
And the governor was asked to recite the Oath of Allegiance and Oath for Due Execution of Office administered by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, marking her appointment.
‘Professionalism, integrity, and openness’
On welcoming the governor, Premier Wayne Panton, speaking on behalf of the Cayman Islands government, said the day was the start of a “very delightful” journey together.
Past conversation led him to believe that Owen is a person of “professionalism, integrity, and openness” as well as being determined and committed to serve, he said.
The premier urged the governor that, if any disagreements arise throughout her term, to engage with the government and seek to understand any concerns raised.
“We look forward to working with you to ensure a strong, prosperous and bright future for the people with these wonderful Cayman Islands,” he concluded.
Manderson was the last speaker to welcome the governor on behalf of the Cayman Islands Civil Service, which she will now head.
He said her arrival marks an opportunity to further strengthen the UK-Cayman relationship.
“I firmly believe that together and working closely with the elected government, we can build a brighter future for the Cayman Islands,” the deputy governor said.
In her reply, the governor said it was a privilege and an honour to have been appointed, and “to continue to build this special and important relationship between the UK and Cayman”.
She said everyone is gathered in a “spirit of partnership based on mutual trust and respect” underlined by the “clear resolve we all share to serve the people of these beautiful islands”.
Owen told Parliament that she has a lot to learn and asked for help in doing that.
“I’m determined to ensure that our UK-Cayman relationship continues to grow and continues to bring benefits for both sides,” the governor said.
She will always respect the boundaries of the Constitution, she said, while being open to sharing expertise and experience from the UK “where this can add value here in Cayman”.
Direct responsibilities
During her time in the Cayman Islands, the new governor plans to focus on her direct responsibilities – external affairs, defence, internal security and promoting good governance.
That will include, among other things, supporting law-and-order authorities, supporting robust and fair immigration policies, and preparing to face each hurricane season.
“I hope I will really get to know people from all walks of life, and to be able to listen to their priorities and their concerns,” she added.
During the hour-and-a-half event, there was also prayer, renditions of the national anthem and national song, and the presentation of a pink orchid to the new governor.
A 21-gun royal salute and the inspection of the Guard of Honour that were planned for after the ceremony were put on hold due to heavy rain.
The governor will spend her first week in a series of introductory meetings with Cabinet and senior government officials. She will also chair her first Cabinet meeting.
An all-day Sister Islands visit is scheduled for Saturday, 29 April, when she will tour both Cayman Brac and Little Cayman with the premier and other government officials.
In her first weeks, the new governor will also attend a Jasmine fundraiser and take part in the Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge.
Owen and the premier will travel to the United Kingdom to attend the Coronation of the King and Queen Consort, which will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May.
They will remain in the UK following the coronation to attend the Overseas Territories’ Joint Ministerial Council from 11-12 May before returning to the Cayman Islands.
International diplomacy
Owen was born in Bilston in the West Midlands, England, in 1963.
She was educated at Ellerslie School in Malvern and obtained an honours bachelor of arts in Russian, French and German at Trinity College, Cambridge.
In 1987, she entered the then-Foreign and Commonwealth Office and began her career in international diplomacy.
Her previous role, which she held from 2017 to this year, was as HM Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and non-resident Ambassador to Liechtenstein.
Although this will be her first time as governor, she has also represented the United Kingdom in Oslo, Norway; New Delhi, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Hanoi, Vietnam.
Owen married David Donnelly in 1998 and has two children – Phoebe, 23, and James, 21. Her husband passed away in 2017.
She succeeds former governor Martyn Roper, who left the Cayman Islands on 29 March, after four-and-a-half years in the role.
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