Governor Jane Owen has appointed a new chair to the Human Rights Commission of the Cayman Islands – Ben Tonner, KC.
Tonner served as a member of the commission for over four years from 2015 to 2018 and more recently from 1 Sept., 2022, to 19 Nov., this year.
He succeeds Deborah Barker Roye, who acted as interim chair from 17 Sept., 2022, to 28 Oct. this year. Tonner’s tenure began on 20 Nov.
In a press release on 13 Dec., the governor offered her congratulations to the new chair.
“The commission plays a pivotal role in supporting democracy in our islands by promoting, protecting and preserving human rights,” she said.
“I commend chairman Tonner and all members for their commitment and dedication to the work of the commission.”
The Human Rights Commission was established under Section 116 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009.
It is an independent body with the primary responsibility to promote understanding and observance of human rights in the Cayman Islands.
The commission is comprised of a chair and four members, who are currently Deborah Barker Roye, Nick Quin, Cathy Gomez, and Jennifer Hunter.
Tonner KC leads the litigation practice at McGrath Tonner, Cayman Islands, and regularly appears as leading counsel in the Grand Court and Court of Appeal.
He has practiced litigation in Cayman for over 18 years and has extensive knowledge of both the criminal, civil and financial services divisions, the press release said.
It added that he remains committed to accepting instructions in publicly funded (legally aided) work.
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