The future of Cayman’s government remained in limbo on Friday, even as Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly sought to reassure Cayman that “a constitutionally viable elected Government remains in place”.
In a statement released Friday afternoon, the premier stressed the “Cabinet is constitutionally quorate and therefore fully able to function”, as she tried to quell fears following Thursday’s shock resignations.
“To this point, the Cabinet is meeting today, Friday, 1 November 2024 to discuss its weekly business agenda to fulfil our constitutional duty to you, the people we serve,” she stated.
Her statement was also accompanied by a photo showing a much smaller Cabinet meeting, including remaining United People’s Movement ministers Dwayne Seymour, Jay Ebanks, Kenneth Bryan and Isaac Rankine.
Cayman’s Constitution dictates that a quorum for any meeting of the Cabinet means a majority of ministers are present.
“With a majority of five sitting ministers, inclusive of myself as Premier, the Cabinet is constitutionally quorate,” O’Connor-Connolly stated.
Resignations ‘most regrettable’
She described the exodus of four MPs – including the deputy premier – from her ruling coalition as “most regrettable”.
“The past 24 hours in the Caymanian political landscape has been unprecedented,” she stated.
Though O’Connor-Connolly currently remains in the premier’s chair, with the backing of six remaining UPM members, she will need support from across the aisle if she hopes to keep her legislative agenda on track in Parliament – or even to call a meeting of the House.
In her statement, O’Connor-Connolly indicated talks remained ongoing “to further secure Government stability and to proceed about the business of our people”.
“The sacred duty of elected office remains top of mind for myself and my colleagues, despite the uncertainty of the present circumstances. Our earnest and primary desire is to maintain stability within our Government, for the benefit of the people we serve and to maintain the confidence of you, the public and those who conduct business with us,” the statement added.
A secondary statement from the Governor’s Office also attempted to calm tensions in the wake of the four resignations.
“Cayman has a strong constitution which has stood the test of time and robust democratic principles upon which the constitution is based. We will have constant reference to these as discussions continue,” she said.
Owen added that the civil service will also continue to provide public services and policy implementation during this period.
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