MPs have backed an opposition proposal to protect parliamentary seats in traditional districts – even if major population shifts dictate boundary changes.
Kenneth Bryan, deputy leader of the People’s Progressive Movement, who introduced a private members’ bill to protect representation in five areas, said he was pleased by the decision, which will be implemented later this year.
Bryan, however, said he had agreed to withdraw his bill to allow Jay Ebanks, a coalition government minister and MP for North Side, the second-smallest constituency in Grand Cayman, to bring forward his own bill, designed to do the same thing.
He said, “I don’t care about the credit – I care about the end result. When we get the outcome in the best interests of the people, it doesn’t matter where it comes from.”
Bryan explained that two bills seeking the same thing could not be tabled under Parliament’s rules and that there was “a higher possibility” of a bill being expedited if it came from the government side.
He said, “I’m happy … that we can show we’re not always fighting because the next generation is watching.”
The private member’s motion asked for five districts to be guaranteed at least one MP, in line with provisions for Cayman and Little Cayman to ensure they have two seats.
Now West Bay, George Town, Bodden Town, North Side and East End will be protected against amalgamations because of population shifts that could abolish historic constituencies.
Bryan said, “It’s important to Jay because it affects North Side … I was happy to withdraw my bill and happy to see that the government has approved this.”
He insisted after he introduced his bill, “Our constitution must reflect the heart of our communities, not just a spreadsheet of numbers.
“By securing this amendment now, we can protect the unique cultural and historic identity of our traditional districts for generations to come.”
Bryan added a precedent was established in 2019 for “minor or uncontroversial” constitutional amendments and appealed for cross-party support for the change so it could be fast-tracked to Stephen Doughty, the UK’s overseas territories minister.
The Office of the Premier confirmed this week, “Preserving parliamentary seats for Grand Cayman’s traditional districts is seen as minor and non-controversial.”
The Electoral Boundary Commission’s 2023 report highlighted the risk of constituencies being redrawn on strict population-based lines and forcing smaller ones, such as East End and North Side, to merge with other seats.
The 2023 recommendations for redrawing Cayman’s constituencies were rejected twice by the previous government.
Reasons included a low level of public engagement in the process, potential confusion among voters and a lack of specific terms of reference, as well as its closeness to the April 2025 election.
Governor Jane Owen said in March a new Electoral Boundary Commission would be appointed this year to conduct a comprehensive review.
Premier André Ebanks signalled last October that he would ask Owen for another examination of constituency boundaries, with commissioners to be appointed in early 2026.
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