Sir Alden McLaughlin, who has previously served as premier and speaker of Parliament, and Kenneth Bryan, the current deputy opposition leader, have both joined real estate firm Century 21.
The company on Saturday issued a press release announcing the addition of McLaughlin to its team.
Bryan confirmed to the Compass that he is taking up a “part-time” job at the agency.
McLaughlin told the Compass he had “enjoyed being unemployed for the past four months, but it’s not in my nature to be idle”.
He added, “I’ve worked continuously for 48 years, starting when I was 16. I worked throughout A Levels and then throughout law school. I like to work.
“So, now, my break is over, and it’s time to take up a new challenge. I’m excited at the prospect.”
He served as premier of the Cayman Islands from 2013 to 2021, and was speaker of Parliament from November 2023 to May 2025. In his last speech to the House, before this year’s election, McLaughlin announced he was retiring from politics after representing the electorates of George Town and Red Bay for 25 years.
The role of real estate agent is also a departure from McLaughlin’s pre-politics work. Prior to first being elected in 2000, he was an attorney and partner at the Charles Adams and Company law firm.
The former premier was invested with the title of Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George by King Charles III in January 2023. He is one of only three Caymanians to be knighted. Sir Anthony Smellie was knighted in October 2023, and the late Sir Vassel Johnson received the honour in 1994.
Broker Alex Wood said in the company’s press release, “We are honored to welcome Sir Alden to Century 21 Cayman. His unparalleled record of leadership, service and integrity will be an invaluable asset to our clients, our team, and the wider community.”
Bryan: ‘Not a change of career path’
Confirming that he would also be joining Century 21, Bryan, a former deputy premier and the MP for George Town Central, said he was still training to obtain his real estate licence, and would be working part-time at the company.
“This is not a change of career path or anything like that; it’s an opportunity,” he said, insisting that his focus remained on his constituents.
Sitting on the opposition benches, rather than having a senior role in Cabinet, has meant a “major salary drop”, he said, adding that he wants to earn more money so he can continue to address the needs of his constituents.
Bryan’s wife, Michele, is a sales agent at Century 21, and he said his role would involve essentially supporting her in her work.
Noting that some other elected MPs own their own businesses, he said his decision to join Century 21 and obtain another income should be viewed no differently. “The thing about working in real estate is you’re your own boss, you work whenever you want,” he said.
Editor’s note: This story has been amended from the original to include a reference to the knighthood of former Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie.
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This is such a joke. Anyone can be a realtor in Cayman when really no realtors are needed. I wouldn’t trust these two with buying or selling.a house. This seems like a conflict of interest for Mr Bryant as well.
It’s not April 1st and I can’t say I had this on my Bingo Card.
I’d argue that they are earning enough and don’t need distracting side gigs that take time away from their constituents. https://www.caymancompass.com/2023/11/30/governments-top-10-earners-were-paid-3-6-million-in-2022/
I had thought Alden was just going to be living a quiet life as a farmer before he went back into politics? Maybe he won’t run again so this is just another way to feather his nest.
Kenny obviously has much grander aspirations, but anyone with a brain would look at this and think maybe I won’t vote for him next time.
Having sitting members being part-time realtors looks terrible for Cayman; it doesn’t matter if they are in Government or not.
I’m just shaking my head.
I wonder if Kenny and Sir Alden are getting along now.
I may be wrong but I have not heard of any M.P.’s in the UK working as realtors and their salaries and expenses are less than half what our Cayman grandees earn. This can only be a conflict of interest and an insult to his constituents, they certainly won’t be voting for him in the next election.
What about Sir Anthony Smellie ?
When since has this become major news?
MP’s have been working full time and part time for many years!
And MP’s in the UK earn GBP93,909 per annum and are eligible for pension, travel, staffing office costs as well!.