Timeline unclear to adopt code of conduct for MPs

Almost 17 months after Cayman’s first parliamentary code of conduct was initially discussed, there is no indication when it will be formally adopted by lawmakers.

Premier Wayne Panton has said his “preferred course of action” would be for all members of Parliament to sign the code of conduct before it is tabled in the House.

Signing the code, he said, would indicate legislators’ commitment to adhere to the standards of behaviour as outlined in the document.

“This would be binding on the current cohort of Parliament. Following this, the Code would be tabled in Parliament and passed, such that it would become binding on future members of Parliament,” he told the Cayman Compass as he responded to queries on the status of the code last week.

However, Panton did not indicate the current status of the code, when it will be ready for signing, nor when it will be taken to Parliament.

The Office of the Premier confirmed that, during the consultation period, no Member of Parliament was asked to sign.

Long road to adoption

“Immediate” implementation of the code for parliamentarians was part of PACT’s deal with House Speaker McKeeva Bush to secure a government, following the April 2021 general election. Bush had been convicted of common assault on a female bar manager on December 2020.

In July last year, on the eve of the government’s first 100 days in office, Panton announced the enactment of a code of conduct for government ministers.

At that time, the government indicated it was “working on the finalisation of the code of conduct for parliamentarians”.

In November 2021, the Government Information Service told the Compass was told the code should be finalised and approved by year’s end or in January this year.

Panton told the Compass the document was circulated by the Clerk of Parliament on behalf of the Parliamentary Management Council on 18 March.

“To date, I have not received any specific concerns or objections, only clarification questions and outright support,” he said.

Just recently, government announced the publication of a 26-page Cabinet Manual, outlining all procedures for conducting government business.

However, the code of conduct for MPs has remained in limbo.

Opposition: Delay not on our end

Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart told the Compass, the Opposition “is concerned that the Parliamentary Code of Conduct has not progressed” but insisted “any delay is not on the part of the Opposition”.

“The Opposition certainly does support a code of conduct that is fit for purpose. However, we have told the Government that we will not support a Parliamentary Code of Conduct that does not stand up to serious scrutiny, is ineffective and does not include an independent body to investigate and make a determination of any potential breaches of the Code of Conduct,” he said in an emailed statement.

McTaggart said that the premier had committed to meet with the Opposition to discuss their concerns, but no meetings have yet taken place.

“But we have made suggestions, and I am aware that the Constitution Commission has also provided the Government with useful input. These could help speed this process along, should the Government see fit to consider them and if the Premier can get agreement in his Caucus and with the Honourable Speaker,” he added.

Bush: Code is not a partisan issue

House Speaker McKeeva Bush said he “took the initiative to produce a draft Code of Conduct over a year ago that I believe was initially reasonable”.

However, he said the premier had assumed the preparation of the document from that time.

“For completeness, the Code is not a partisan issue but rather for the entire House and there is now attempts to meet consensus. It’s a matter for the entire House (or a majority if it comes to that) to make a determination on the final iteration. It’s my intention to continue to facilitate the process, despite not having a vote (if it comes to that) on the agreement of the final document,” he said via WhatsApp message.

Bush added he intends to make a statement on the matter in the House when the legislative body resumes.

The date for the opening of Parliament has yet to be announced.