Topic: Governor Martyn Roper
Jane Owen named as Cayman’s new governor
Career diplomat Jane Owen has been appointed the new governor of the Cayman Islands and will succeed Governor Martyn Roper when he demits office early next year.
Governor honoured for work with LGBTQ community
As Martyn Roper's tenure as governor nears its end, the Cayman LGBTQ Foundation has honoured the UK's senior representative on island with an award for his work with the local LGBTQ community.
UK Navy ship seizes £24M of cocaine, burns drug boat
UK Naval ship HMS Medway, which was deployed to Cayman in September following the passage of Hurricane Ian, has been involved in a £24 million drug bust near the Dominican Republic.
Silent Witness marchers take to street
Activists, survivors and government officials all once again silently marched through George Town, letting their signs do the talking to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence.
Opposition no-confidence motion moves ahead
Debate on the Opposition's motion of no confidence in the government is set to begin Friday, 7 Oct., when Parliament resumes its sitting.
Governor: It’s now up to Parliamentarians to deal with Bush issue
With the deadline for Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush's resignation now gone Governor Martyn Roper said it is now up to Parliamentarians to take the next step when it comes to the West Bay West MP's future in the chair.
Ramsay-Hale appointed Cayman’s new chief justice
Margaret Ramsay-Hale will take over the reins of the judiciary as Cayman's new chief justice, effective 26 Oct., Governor Martyn Roper has announced.
Governor and Opposition join calls for Speaker’s resignation
Governor Martyn Roper, in a statement Tuesday, has added his voice to those urging Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush to demit office amid allegations of assault.
Floral tributes for late Queen as funeral approaches
Local leaders and government workers, on Tuesday, placed floral tributes on the steps of the Government Administration Building, while, in the UK, the coffin carrying Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Buckingham Palace.
Cayman legislators pay homage to Queen Elizabeth II
Lawmakers in the Cayman Islands have delivered tributes to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and paid their respects to the royal family in a special session of Parliament on Monday afternoon.
Police chopper to be deployed to Turks and Caicos after spike in gang killings
Cayman is set to deploy one of its two police helicopters to the Turks and Caicos Islands to assist with overnight aerial surveillance after a significant spike in gang-related violence there.
Legal aid granted for appeal into governor’s reserved power use
The Grand Court has ruled that legal aid should be granted to fund an appeal against a judicial review, which ruled Governor Martyn Roper acted within the scope of his reserved powers by enacting civil partnership legislation in 2020.
Miss World Cayman Islands 2022 contestants sashed
Five ladies selected for the 2022 Miss World Cayman Islands Pageant made their first public appearance and were officially sashed by their sponsors during...
Governor announces new Police Service Commission website
Governor, Mr Martyn Roper announces the launch of the new Police Service Commission (PSC) website, which can be viewed at: policeservicecommission.ky.
Queen sends good wishes to Cayman on Constitution Day
Governor Martyn Roper has shared a message from the Queen to the Cayman Islands, as the jurisdiction observes Constitution Day.
Official Beacon Lighting at Pedro St. James for Platinum Jubilee
Although weather prevented the Platinum Jubilee concert and event planned for Pedro St. James to go ahead on Thursday, 2 June, the Official Beacon...
Governor: World is at a ‘tipping point’ on climate change
The UK hopes to play a bigger role in driving global action on climate change in a development that has implications for Cayman, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
Judicial review filed into governor’s use of emergency powers
An application has been filed in the Cayman Islands Civil Registry for a judicial review into Governor Martyn Roper's use of his emergency powers in September to assent to the Civil Partnership Law, which legalised same-sex unions in Cayman.
Governor remains hopeful as England goes into 2nd lockdown
Developments in rapid testing and progress on vaccine research provide reasons for hope amid the gloom as England goes into a second national lockdown, Governor Martyn Roper said this week.
Update: BA flights move to weekly service
British Airways flights for the upcoming holiday season could increase in frequency, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
The Resh Hour debuts with guest Governor Roper
Governor Martyn Roper joins the Cayman Compass in studio for the premier edition of the Resh Hour, with Reshma Ragoonath.
Governor: Anti-LGBTQ comments ‘irresponsible’ and ‘shocking’
Debate over LGBTQ rights in the Cayman Islands has reached a boiling point on social media, with comments and accusations turning vitriolic at times. Governor Martyn Roper weighed in on the increasingly tense issue, calling on all members of the community to think twice about what they publish online.
Miller: Anglin legal challenge exercise in futility
Independent opposition member Ezzard Miller has said the planned legal challenge against the governor’s use of his reserved powers to enact the Civil Partnership Law is an 'exercise in futility'.
Premier ‘humiliated’ UK was forced to intervene on same-sex union bill
Premier Alden McLaughlin said he is "utterly humiliated" that the failure of local lawmakers to pass legislation on same-sex unions has forced the UK's hand when it comes to the Civil Partnership Law.
Governor approves same-sex partnerships law
Governor Martyn Roper has assented to the Civil Partnership Law, making same-sex partnerships legal in the Cayman Islands.
No formal UK decision yet on removal of Section 81
Local legislators’ failure to reach agreement on the Domestic Partnership Bill has given the United Kingdom “pause to reflect” on the removal of Section 81 from the Cayman Islands Constitution, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
Returning Nicaraguans settle in at home
For Norlan Jimenez Gutierrez, life is beginning to return to normal, as one of 60 Nicaraguans who were on a recent repatriation flight from Cayman.
Domestic partnerships to be changed to civil partnerships
Governor Martyn Roper next week will be finalising changes to the Domestic Partnership Bill, which he intends to rename the Civil Partnership Bill following feedback from the public during the ongoing consultation period.
Head of Governor’s Office leaving Cayman
Head of the Governor’s Office Matthew Forbes is set to depart Cayman next week, bringing an end to his four-year posting.
51 reservists become Cayman’s first regiment platoon
The first platoon of reservists for the Cayman Islands Regiment officially graduated on Sunday.
Cayman Regiment reservists showcase skills
Reservists with the Cayman Regiment reservists put their training to the test this week as they ran through a mock hurricane exercise, together with aerial support from the RCIPS Air Operations Unit.
No charges for Rankin in viral voice note controversy
A police investigation into a so-called ‘viral voice note’ by businessman Mario Rankin, including false allegations about the Governor has been dropped.
Opposition writes to UK foreign secretary over governor’s position on same-sex union bill
Opposition Leader Arden McLean has written to UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab over the governor’s decision to press ahead with the Domestic Partnership Bill.
Governor moves ahead with amended Domestic Partnership Bill
Governor Martyn Roper has made good on his promise to move forward with the Domestic Partnership Bill, publishing on Monday an amended version of the legislation together with 11 accompanying legislative amendments.
Cayman Islands legislators’ salaries difficult to pinpoint
The exact salaries of Cayman Islands legislators and high-ranking government officials remains unknown, but the public can approximate the earnings of elected leaders through recently released data.
Opposition requests governor’s emails with FCO
Opposition Leader Arden McLean has requested copies of emails between Governor Martyn Roper and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following the governor's announced plans to push through the recently defeated Domestic Partnership Bill.
Governor to push through Domestic Partnership Bill
Governor Martyn Roper will use his powers under section 81 of the constitution to assent to the recently defeated Domestic Partnership Bill and expects the law to be enacted by the beginning of next month, according to a statement released by the Governor's Office.
50,000 of Cayman’s COVID test kits heading to Zimbabwe
The Cayman Islands government has sold 50,000 of its COVID-19 test kits to an international charity for use in Zimbabwe.
The ELMA Relief Foundation paid...
Governor: ‘Sad day for the rule of law’
Cayman Islands Governor Martyn Roper expressed disappointment at the defeat of the Domestic Partnership Bill in the Legislative Assembly today, declaring it a "sad...
Cayman Regiment officers on final leg of training
Cayman’s first batch of Regiment officers entered their final leg of training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst this week.
2nd evacuation flight to Philippines announced
A second British Airways flight to Manila, Philippines, is set to depart Grand Cayman on 28 July, according to Governor Martyn Roper's social media pages.
Cayman continues its streak of COVID-free test results
The streak of no new COVID-19 cases continues as Medical Officer for Health, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez reported 437 negative results Friday, according to a Government Information Services press release.
Mixed emotions as 270 Indian nationals depart Cayman
It was a bittersweet moment for many of the 270 Indian nationals as they left Grand Cayman Friday on the first Indian airbridge flight organized by the Governor’s Office and Cayman Islands government.
Soaring over Cayman in a Wildcat
For the last two weeks, the Tailored Air Group aboard UK Naval ship RFA Argus has been providing air cover in the absence of the Royal Cayman Islands Police helicopters and last week they took Governor Martyn Roper, Governor's Office Policy Officer Simone Eade and Cayman Compass journalist Reshma Ragoonath on a flyover of Grand Cayman.
Governor makes last call for regiment sign-up
Governor Martyn Roper has made a final push for more Caymanians to sign up for the new Cayman Islands Regiment.
RFA Argus wraps up Cayman tour
UK Naval ship RFA Argus and its aviation team are ending their tour in Cayman and are now heading to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Governor urges more Caymanians to apply for regiment
The deadline to apply to join the Cayman Islands Regiment is this Sunday, and Governor Martyn Roper is calling for more Caymanians to sign up for the new defence agency.
Breakthrough on evacuation flight for stranded Indian community
The Governor’s Office believes it has made a breakthrough that could allow hundreds of stranded Indian nationals to return to their home country in early July.
RFA Argus crew runs through hurricane response on Colliers Beach
Royal Navy officers from RFA Argus sprang into action Thursday as officers initiated a medical evacuation scenario as they executed a mock response exercise at the scenic Colliers Beach in East End.
Governor assures Nicaraguans: ‘We’re doing all we can’
Under the fruit trees, Governor Martyn Roper on Monday sat and listened to the stories of hardship and despair among Cayman’s Nicaraguan community. The governor told the group of stranded worker, who have been without income for ten weeks, that he is doing his best to arrange an evacuation flight despite the country's borders being closed.
Governor: ‘Good response’ to regiment recruitment drive
Recruitment for the Cayman Regiment is underway and the Governor’s Office has said the community has already responded positively to the drive to fill the 50 posts for the new entity.
West Bay celebrates centenarian Florie Hulda Ebanks
The West Bay community came out to celebrate resident Florie Hulda Ebanks as she marked her 103rd birthday on Thursday.
No new coronavirus cases detected, total remains at 111
There were no new COVID-19 cases to report among the 494 tests results released by Chief Medical Officer John Lee on Wednesday, leaving Cayman’s total number of confirmed cases at 111.
17 new COVID-19 cases reported as restrictions rolled back
Cayman's COVID-19 tally increases to 111 as 17 new positive results were reported Tuesday by Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported at government's coronavirus press conference.
Governor: Regiment recruitment back on track
Recruitment for Cayman's defence regiment is set to resume, Governor Martyn Roper announced Wednesday.
Premier: Testing Cabinet for COVID-19 not priority
Premier Alden McLaughlin has said that testing himself and his Cabinet for COVID-19 is "not a priority” right now.
Gradual reopening of economy on course, despite 3 new COVID cases
Government remains hopeful that the phased reopening of the economy can continue despite a handful of frontline workers testing positive for the coronavirus in the latest screening.
Governor Roper tests negative for COVID-19
Governor Martyn Roper has tested negative for COVID-19, he said on Monday.
Governor: Moving to next suppression level still on track
Governor Martyn Roper said Sunday that Cayman’s transition into Level 3 of government's COVID-19-suppression plan is still on track despite the announcement Friday night of three positive cases of the virus at Kirk Market.
Cabinet to consider extending border closure till September
Cayman’s borders could remain closed at least until September if Cabinet assents to a new paper heading its way.
Roper assents to pensions changes
Premier Alden McLaughlin said he expects changes to Pension Law to take effect this week.
Roper: Repatriation flights ‘challenging’
Governor Martyn Roper has said Cayman’s hands remain tied when it comes to assisting many unemployed foreign workers, especially Indian nationals who are seeking a route back to their home country.
More inmates released but prison crowding persists
Four foreign nationals were released from Northward prison by Governor Martyn Roper and deported on Friday, in an effort to reduce crowding at the men’s prison and alleviate COVID-19 risk.
Easter Bunny exempted from curfew restrictions
It’s official, the Easter Bunny has been declared an essential worker and is now exempted from Cayman’s curfew hours.
4 students among 6 new virus cases
The Cayman Islands has six new cases of the coronavirus, including four students who had been quarantined at a local hotel, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announced today at the daily COVID-19 briefing.
Emergency BA flight arrives in Cayman
A British Airways flights from London arrived at Grand Cayman’s airport Monday afternoon, carrying 58 Caymanian students and other residents, who will be quarantined for 14 days in a government-mandated facility.
Premier apologises to governor on behalf of Cayman for ‘vile’ voice note
Premier Alden McLaughlin has apologised to Governor Martyn Roper following what he termed a “disgusting behaviour” in an audio note which was circulated on social media over the weekend.
Police investigate fake news involving governor’s wife
A police investigation has been launched into what Governor Martyn Roper called a “fake news attack”, alleging that his wife Lissie was travelling on Tuesday’s British Airways flight.
6 new virus cases reported, first on Brac
The Cayman Islands has six new cases of coronavirus, including the first reported case on Cayman Brac, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announced Saturday at the government’s daily briefing.
Private aircraft to collect 200,000 testing kits for Cayman
Government has secured a private aircraft to deliver 200, 000 COVID-19 testing kits from South Korea, Governor Martyn Roper has said.
Governor: Staying home saves lives
A message from Governor Martyn Roper
Governor warns public against seeking out COVID-19 patients
Governor Martyn Roper has expressed “serious concerns” that members of the community are actively trying to find out who are Cayman’s positive COVID-19 patients and where they live.
