Topic: Governor Martyn Roper
Privy Council deliberating on Cayman’s same-sex union legislation
The legal battle to quash Cayman's same-sex legislation has reached its final stage before the UK's Privy Council where five judges will determine whether former Governor Martyn Roper overstepped his role when he enacted the Civil Partnership Act in 2020.
Former Governor Anwar Choudhury retires, sends Cayman farewell message
Though UK diplomat Anwar Choudhury's time at the helm as Cayman Islands Governor was short lived he still recalls the affectionate embrace he and his family received from residents here during his brief tenure here.
Parting words: Governor reflects on Cayman moments
Governor Martyn Roper, who departed Cayman on Wednesday, 29 March, looked back at his time as the Crown's representative on island in a recent interview on the Cayman Compass Facebook show 'The Resh Hour'.
Eight milestones during Governor Roper’s tenure in Cayman
As Governor Martyn Roper prepares to leave Cayman after four-and-a-half years as the representative of the Crown in Cayman, the Compass takes a look back at some of his milestones.
In photos: Governor Martyn Roper’s time in Cayman
A look back at some of the events during Governor Martyn Roper's four-and-a-half years in the Cayman Islands.
Watch: Governor reflects on time in Cayman as tenure draws to a close
Earlier this month, Governor Martyn Roper reflected on his past four years in Cayman, and what his time on the islands has meant to him.
Premier silent, as Governor denies role in Saunders’ exit
Governor Martyn Roper has distanced himself from MP Chris Saunders' sudden departure from the PACT administration, saying his row with the former deputy premier was not the source of his exit from the Cabinet on Tuesday.
Tension between Saunders and governor revealed in email exchange
A heated dispute between Governor Martyn Roper and former Deputy Premier Chris Saunders appears to have set off a chain of events that culminated with Saunders' sudden exit from the PACT administration on Tuesday.
‘World class’ John Gray High School officially opens
A multi-million dollar 'state of the art' high school in George Town was officially opened this week to much fanfare and celebration – 15 years after construction began.
Roper parting gift: Brac names road in his honour
As of Friday night, the road leading to the new Cayman Brac District Administration complex will be named Martyn Roper's Way, a nod to the outgoing governor's "decisive" action during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rain fails to dampen Brac Agri show excitement
Though forced to scamper for shelter at times due to sudden torrential rain, those attending the 17th annual Cayman Brac Agriculture Show Saturday celebrated the return of the long-awaited event.
Governor calls out reckless driving in wake of ‘heartbreaking’ hit-and-run death
The "horrible and tragic" death of Italian waiter Abele Hiwet, who was killed in a hit-and-run last week, is the latest among pressing concerns about Cayman's roads, according to outgoing Governor Martyn Roper.
Breast cancer beach walk attracts record numbers
The Breast Cancer Foundation had a record turnout for its annual Light Up The Night beach walk on Saturday, 4 March, with over 1,500...
Cayman welcomes Royal couple Prince Edward and Countess Sophie
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, arrived to a warm welcome at the Owen Roberts International Airport last evening heralding the start to their royal visit in the Cayman Islands.
Review of Cayman’s electoral boundaries to begin
A review of the current makeup of Cayman's electoral boundaries will commence this month following the appointment of the 2023 Electoral Boundary Commission, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
Swimmer Jordan Crooks among 8 receiving New Year honours in Cayman
King Charles III's first New Year Honours List includes four people in Cayman who are receiving awards, while four others, including champion swimmer Jordan Crooks, will be receiving King's Certificates and Badges of Honour.
Governor delivers his final Christmas message
In his last Christmas message as governor of the Cayman Islands, Martyn Roper reminisced on his four and a half years here, from the serious work during the COVID pandemic to the more fun side of life, sword fighting with pirates and learning to play the steel pan.
Miss World Cayman Islands hosts EnviroWalk 2022 5K Walk/Run
The Miss World Cayman Islands Organization (MWCI) invites the community to take part in the EnviroWalk 2022 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, 26 June, from...
Governor happy to finish the Flowers Sea Swim
Finishing two places ahead of the last swimmer to cross the finish line during the Flowers Sea Swim on Saturday, Governor Martyn Roper completed the mile-long event in just over an hour.
Cayman using BVI corruption report to strengthen internal controls
Cayman has commenced an exercise to review and where necessary implement recommendations from the British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry corruption report to strengthen local systems, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
Governor eyes stiffer penalties for DUI and illegal gambling
Governor Martyn Roper says Cayman has a "big problem" on its roads and he plans to push for stiffer DUI penalties as the number of crashes and fatalities grows.
Governor: Mask mandate removal a government decision
Governor Martyn Roper has acknowledged concerns within the community about the continued mask mandate, but stated the ultimate decision on the matter remains with government.
Prison Papers: Official – ‘Anyone’ could escape from Northward
A senior prison official has said in a sworn affidavit that ‘anyone with sufficient determination to escape’ from Cayman’s prison could do so.
Governor Roper tests positive for COVID
Governor Martyn Roper confirmed Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Governor to elected representatives: ‘Fully respect the separation of powers’
Governor Martyn Roper has urged all elected representatives to 'fully respect the separation of powers' in the aftermath of Minister Bernie Bush being stripped of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Grand Court rules in favour of governor’s use of reserved powers
The Grand Court has ruled Governor Martyn Roper acted within the scope of the powers granted to him by the Cayman Islands Constitution when he enacted civil partnership legislation in 2020.
Thousands of dollars raised as Cayman stands ‘together with Ukraine’
Cayman residents dug deep into their pockets on Sunday night, giving generously towards efforts to support the Ukrainian people who have been suffering due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
Governor urges Cayman to stand with Ukraine
As the world watches the unfolding hostile invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, Governor Martyn Roper has said he stands with the embattled country and believes so does Cayman.
Governor wishes the Queen ‘speedy recovery’ from COVID
Governor Martyn Roper has added his voice to others around the globe, wishing Queen Elizabeth a "speedy recovery" from COVID.
Jasmine celebrates 22 years of Flag Day on 25 Feb.
Jasmine Palliative & Hospice Care is taking to the streets from 25-26 Feb. to raise awareness and collect much-needed funds for those in Cayman...
Children’s COVID vaccine to arrive Thursday
The children's dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be arriving in Cayman on Thursday's British Airways flight and will be open for use for all kids 5 -11 on island, Governor Martyn Roper has confirmed.
Gang killer’s affair with prison officer linked to security concerns
Gang killer Osbourne Douglas was involved in a relationship with a former Cayman Islands prison officer that began in the early days of his life sentence at Northward Prison and was still ongoing early last year, according to court documents.
New UK OT minister to visit Cayman
United Kingdom Overseas Territories Minister Amanda Milling is set to begin a three-day visit to Cayman starting Wednesday evening, the Governor's Office has announced.
Governor says hate crime law a government decision
While Governor Martyn Roper says hate crime legislation is a matter for Cayman's government to determine he has agreed with local LGBTQIA+ groups it was an important issue to raise for discussion.
Governor Martyn Roper reflects on Christmas traditions
Governor Martyn Roper reflects on the holiday season and shares his favourite Christmas food, carol and resolutions for the new year in Cayman.
Updated: Governor, DG plead for road safety as 28 collisions mar pre-holiday weekend
With the holiday weekend quickly approaching, both Governor Martyn Roper and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson are appealing to motorists to exercise caution on local roads, as collisions continue to increase.
Trump administration tried to intervene in Skylar Mack case
One year ago American teenager Skylar Mack and her Caymanian boyfriend Vanjae Ramgeet shot into the headlines becoming the first individuals to be jailed here for breaching COVID-19 quarantine rules.
Governor’s use of reserved powers reviewed
A two-day judicial review into Governor Martyn Roper’s use of his reserved powers began in the Grand Court on Thursday, 2 Dec.
Judicial review of governor’s reserved power to begin
Later today, 2 Dec., the Grand Court is set to hold a judicial review into Governor Martyn Roper’s use of his reserved power to enact civil partnership legislation in Cayman.
The Resh Hour: Governor Martyn Roper
Governor Martyn Roper discusses Cayman's border reopening, the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, the vaccination and booster programme and a look at his expectations for 2022.
Throne Speech: Governor announces interim health chief, public holidays for Queen’s anniversary
Governor Martyn Roper, in his annual Throne Speech, announced an interim replacement for outgoing Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee and two public holidays to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 70th year on the throne.
Caymanian students now eligible for UK tuition loans
Caymanian students starting their studies in the UK in the 2022/2023 academic year will now be eligible for tuition loans, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
Condolences offered for COVID-19 patient who died in hospital
Governor Martyn Roper, Premier Wayne Panton and Opposition Leader, Roy McTaggart, have all offered condolences to the family of 73 year-old man who tested positive for COVID-19 but died due to an undisclosed, underlying illness.
Governor and premier receive booster jabs
On Friday morning, Governor Martyn Roper and Premier Wayne Panton joined the growing number of people opting for a third, or booster, dose of the vaccine.
One year on: Civil Partnership advocates want more
While local couples, both same-sex and heterosexual, have been making use of the Civil Partnership Act, LGBTQ+ advocates here say it still falls short of offering the protection needed to be on a par with marriage.
Cayman’s Delta variant cases came in from Miami
Cayman's first confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant came in from Miami, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has confirmed.
Cayman marks one year without COVID community transmission
As the Cayman Islands marked one year without local transmission of the COVID-19 virus on Sunday local health officials have continued their call for vaccination to keep the community safe.
Police to increase armed patrols, offer of $50,000 reward in response to multiple shootings
Cayman's National Security Council has authorised several initiatives in response to this morning's shooting in George Town including an increase in armed patrols in high incident areas and at liquor-licensed premises.
Premier calls emergency briefing following George Town shooting
Premier Wayne Panton has said he has requested an emergency briefing with all Members of Parliament and the Commissioner of Police following Friday morning's shooting which left one dead and five others in hospital.
Fewer than 200 get first jab since vaccine supplies replenished
Governor Martyn Roper has joined the growing chorus of concerned voices as numbers continue to drop in Cayman's national vaccination programme.
Cayman’s ‘opaque’ election campaign financing rules flagged
The 'Election Expert Mission' from the British Islands and the Mediterranean Region has identified the lack of transparency in election campaign financing as one of the key areas for growth highlighted by their report, made public on Friday.
Governor reassures LGBTQ community over civil partnership rights
Governor Martyn Roper has said if the legal challenge over of the use of his special reserve powers in enacting the Civil Partnership Law succeeds that is not the end of the matter.
Fresh vaccine supply set to arrive on BA flight
Cayman is set to receive 11,700 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines on Wednesday's British Airways flight, Governor Martyn Roper has confirmed.
Hundreds turn out for Queen’s birthday celebrations
Score of onlookers, from babes in arms to ladies dressed in full finery, converged on West Bay Road Monday afternoon to witness the annual official celebrations to mark the Queen's Birthday.
High-tech eye in the sky: Cayman chopper among most advanced in the region
When Cayman’s second helicopter returns next month, the RCIPS Air Operations Unit will boast of being the most advanced in the region with the latest modifications to its helicopter fleet which will be especially useful as the hurricane season stretches on.
Cayman begins genome sequencing to determine strains of COVID
The Health Services Authority has commenced genome sequencing of local COVID-19 cases making Cayman the first in the region, outside of the Caribbean Public Health Agency, to conduct such testing, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
Cayman hits 70% vaccination rate
As of today, 3 June, 45,195 people in Cayman (70% of an estimated population of 65,000) have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the daily update from the Ministry of Health.
Roper: Give gov’t time on reopening plan
Governor Martyn Roper has said while the recent uptick in vaccinations will take Cayman closer to the goal of reopening borders, it will still take more public support to make it happen.
The Resh Hour with Governor Martyn Roper
Governor Martyn Roper discuss Cayman's vaccine uptake, the border reopening plans and more on The Resh Hour.
DPP Patrick Moran resigns
Cayman's Director of Public Prosecutions Patrick Moran has resigned from his post, Governor Martyn Roper confirmed Wednesday afternoon.
Leader of the Opposition adds his voice to vaccination push
Leader of the Opposition Roy McTaggart is encouraging everyone across Cayman who has not yet been vaccinated to do so "as soon as possible".
In...
Parliamentary secretaries receive instruments of office
Government’s three parliamentary secretaries received their instruments of office for their appointment on Tuesday, from Governor Martyn Roper at his office in the Government Administration Building (GAB).
Governor: ‘Urgent review’ needed of online harassment of MPs
Governor Martyn Roper has said he has asked Police Commissioner Derek Byrne to conduct an 'urgent review' of online harassment aimed at elected representatives seeking to work through formation of a coalition government.
Cayman holds moment of silence for Duke of Edinburgh
Cayman fell silent at 9am on Saturday, as a mark of respect for the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to coincide with the official funeral, which took place at Windsor Castle.
Governor: Panton only candidate to claim government so far
Governor Martyn Roper said Friday he has yet to receive any further representations from any group seeking to form a government since his meeting with Wayne Panton on Thursday.
Cayman mourns Prince Philip’s passing
Tributes poured in from Cayman and around the world following the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away Friday at Windsor Castle.
50 apply for domestic election observer spots
A total of 50 people have, so far, applied to be domestic election observers for the 14 April general elections, Governor Martyn Roper has...
Domestic election watchers sought as COVID-19 blocks international observers
Governor Martyn Roper confirmed Tuesday that there will be no international election observers coming to Cayman to oversee the 2021 general elections.
Election writs issued
Governor Martyn Roper has issued updated election writs to the 19 returning officers who will be charged with conducting Cayman's general election on 14 April.
Judge denies withholding judicial review documents from public
Grand Court Judge Richard Williams has denied instructing court staff to withhold from the public documents relating to a judicial review of Governor Martyn Roper's use of his constitutionally granted reserve powers.
2020 in Photos
Let us take you on a photographic journey of a challenging 2020.
Governor: 26 more ‘COVID-19 heroes’ honoured in New Year list
Governor Martyn Roper has announced that New Year awards will be bestowed on 26 people for their efforts in helping to keep Cayman safe from COVID-19.
