Jane Owen issued her first proclamation as governor on Monday, 31 July, to prorogue the 2022-2023 session of parliament.
The proclamation, published in the Gazette, marks a suspension of the business of the House until the 2023-2024 session begins.
Members of parliament will continue to hold their electoral seats, and the Cabinet will continue to function, according to a press release.
The governor, premier and speaker will consult on a date for the new session and the governor will issue another proclamation to formally begin.
Typically, parliament prorogues every year during the summer months and when the general elections are held in the spring every four years.
Proroguing and dissolving parliament is a task uniquely assigned to the governor through the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009.
The UK’s parliament also prorogues its two Houses each year upon the proclamation of reigning monarch, who delivers the announcement in the House of Lords.
House committees will continue to function during any proroguing period.
Currently, the only select committee formed by the 2021-2025 term of elected MPs is the Select Committee on Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
The Public Accounts Committee and the Select Committee to Oversee the Performance of the Office of the Ombudsman are both scheduled to meet on 6 Sept.
The press release listed a number of key moments from the 2022-2023 session including the election of Katherine Ebanks-Wilks as the Speaker of the House.
“I have been able to oversee a number of debates as well as the establishment of a select committee during this past session,” she said.
“As I look forward to the new session, I am excited to roll out our new website and various media platforms.
“I’m also looking forward to enhancing the procedures of parliament and offering more opportunities that will promote more public participation.”
Other significant moments from parliament include the swearing-in ceremony of Jane Owen, a special meeting for the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the coronation of King Charles III, and two changes to the membership of the Public Accounts Committee.
Last week deputy auditor general Angela Cullen reminded the Public Accounts Committee that a there has been a lack of regular parliamentary sessions.
She said this has consistently resulted in late tabling of the government’s annual reports, financial statements and minutes, and restricted public accountability.
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