Former Cabinet Minister Dwayne Seymour announced his resignation from the opposition Progressives party on Thursday, 9 Oct.
The Bodden Town East MP made the announcement in a public statement saying he would continue to represent the district as an independent MP. It was not immediately clear if Seymour hopes to be part of the ruling National Coalition for Caymanians coalition.
Initially he is expected to sit on the opposition benches as an unaffiliated MP, similar to fellow independent Chris Saunders.
Parliament convenes next week Wednesday for the coalition, which took office in May, to outline its priorities in the Strategic Policy Statement.
Seymour said in a statement, “This decision was not made lightly. I have sought counsel from my family and my closest advisors from the Bodden Town East Constituency, and I have taken considerable time to reflect on it, weighing both my own principles and the responsibilities I owe to the people of my district and, indeed, the entire Cayman Islands.”
Seymour, who served as health minister in the last Progressives administration under Premier Sir Alden McLaughlin, broke with the party to join the independent coalitions led by Wayne Panton and later Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. He served as minister of border control, labour and culture in the United People’s Movement administration before officially joining the PPM for the 2025 election campaign.
He has also previously served in McKeeva Bush’s now defunct United Democratic Party administration and was briefly a cabinet minister in the interim People’s National Alliance party after Bush was ousted from power following his arrest in 2012.
The Progressives issued a statement later on Thursday acknowledging Seymour’s decision and thanking him for his service to the party.
Party leader Joey Hew said, “The Progressives remain focused on working for the people of the Cayman Islands, committed to strengthening our team and adapting where necessary to meet the needs of our country.”
Seymour’s statement, released on his Facebook page, adds, “The trust and support I have received from the wonderful and amazing people of Bodden Town East over the years has been deeply humbling and profoundly heart-warming. My years of experience have given me the encouragement and motivation to pursue this decision.
“I will continue to serve as an independent Member of Parliament. My commitment to the people of Bodden Town East remains steadfast and true.
“I appreciate your understanding, and I look forward to maintaining a cooperative relationship with all members of Parliament as we continue to strive to improve the lives of our constituents and the entire Cayman Islands.”
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They need younger people in the gov like Hunter. Let John John work a construction job for a week and show him how Cayman is built. On sweat, not free vehicles, gas and food like he is used to. He really needs to call this politician thing a wrap.