Hew and Conolly sworn in as opposition leader and deputy

In a short ceremony in Parliament on Monday morning, Joey Hew was appointed as leader of the opposition, with Barbara Conolly as the deputy leader.

Governor Jane Owen presented the instruments of appointments to Hew and Conolly.

Firstly, she turned to the outgoing opposition leader, Roy McTaggart, to say, “Thank you, sir, for your great service in this role, for your professionalism and for your collaborative approach, which I think is a real testament to the very-well-functioning democratic principles of this House.”

After Hew received the document that made his new role official, the governor announced that Hew intended to appoint Conolly as deputy leader of the opposition, and invited the MP for George Town South to come forward to receive her instrument of appointment.

This is the first time a woman has held the role of deputy leader of the opposition.

Speaker of the House Sir Alden McLaughlin, a former premier and former leader of the opposition, presided over the ceremony at which his two Progressives colleagues were appointed to their new positions.

He congratulated Hew and Conolly on their new roles, and said the smooth transition within the opposition was “another clear indication … of the well-functioning democratic processes in this beautiful country of ours”.

Hew’s appointment as opposition leader and head of the Progressives was announced in August at the political party’s national council meeting.

Hew, the MP for George Town North, was first elected in 2013 and served as a councillor in the Ministry of Tourism and Transport before taking a post in Cabinet as minister of planning, commerce and infrastructure after the 2017 election. He was deputy leader under McTaggart going into the 2021 election.

Conolly has been a member of Parliament since 2017, and is the shadow minister for education and social development.

‘Change is in the air’

Addressing the appointment of his successor in Parliament Monday, and with a nod to next year’s general elections, McTaggart noted that “change is in the air”.

In a marked reference to the upheaval within the government benches since the last election – which have included the ousting of former Premier Wayne Panton and the change in government party name from PACT to the United People’s Movement led by now Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly – McTaggart said the change in leadership on the opposition side were “intentional” and “purposeful”.

He said it had been his honour to lead the opposition through turbulent and challenging times, adding that it was now time to “look ahead, embrace renewal, and prepare for what is next”.

McTaggart told legislators he had full confidence in Hew, who he said represents “the very best of what our party aspires to be – a blend of fresh thinking, unwavering energy, and a deep heartfelt connection to our people”.

Insisting that the change in leadership does not mark a change in the Progressives’ core principles, McTaggart added that Hew “brings a dynamic vision that will propel us forward while still honouring the legacy and principles that have defined us. He is stepping into this role at a very pivotal moment. Things are about to get interesting.”

Despite stepping aside as opposition leader, McTaggart, the MP for George Town East, indicated he would continue to work closely with his successor.

“I will be there, not as a leader, but as a partner, ready to support, guide and lend my experience whenever needed. The torch I pass today is not an end, but a beginning,” he added.

‘The next chapter’

Hew, in a speech to the House, thanked his colleagues for placing their trust in him, telling them, “Together, we will write the next chapter in Cayman’s story.”

He said he was committed to his role as leader of the opposition, and said, “While I will continue to hold government accountable, I also look forward to working with them throughout the term for the betterment of our nation.”

Welcoming his deputy to her role, Hew said Conolly, who has been a member of the Progressives, formerly known as the PPM, since 2002, had played a key role in determining the party’s direction.

Noting her career in financial services and her experience in various parliamentary roles since being elected in 2017, Hew said she bring “immense expertise to this position”.

“Her appointment today is truly historic, as she becomes the first woman to hold this office, and I have no doubt her leadership will be instrumental in shaping the policies that will positively impact the lives of Caymanians,” he added.

Conolly also addressed the House, thanking her colleagues and her constituents for their support.

“As I step into this new role,” she said, “my focus will be on fostering unity, driving meaningful progress and ensuring that the voices of all Caymanians are heard and represented.”

O’Connor-Connolly welcomed Hew and Conolly to their new roles and thanked McTaggart for the smooth transition of leadership.

Several other government and opposition legislators also congratulated the two George Town politicians on taking up their appointments.