Topic: House of Parliament
Anglin stresses need for ‘strict’ immigration policy
A get tough policy on immigration is vital to protect the future of Caymanians and Caymanian business, the finance minister has warned MPs
Opposition raises concerns over ministers’ budget silence
Opposition leader Joey Hew tore into the coalition government over its failure to outline plans to deal with the eyesore landfill and shore up Seven Mile Beach
Divided loyalties? How MPs balance their private interests and public roles
Many of Cayman’s elected MPs have business interests spanning almost every sector of the islands’ economy, according to transparency records reviewed by the Cayman Compass.
New MPs get straight to work in Parliament
A day after being sworn into office, Cayman's new MPs on Wednesday got down to business by selecting members for parliamentary committees, before delivering their post-election speeches of thanks.
André Ebanks elected premier following parliamentary ballot
André Ebanks found himself being challenged Tuesday for the job of premier, when the PPM nominated its leader, Joey Hew, for the role.
Former minister alludes to $38M closing cost to exit ReGen project
In addition to the already significant costs associated with the ReGen project it appears that government is also facing a $38 million price tag to be able to exit the contract that was entered into with the Dart-led consortium.
UPM minority government passes 14 bills in Parliament
Despite severely depleted numbers in the ruling government, Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly piloted 13 financial services-related bills in the Parliament on Monday, leaning on the...
MP, barrister back top lawyer on changes to ganja laws
Chris Saunders, independent MP for Bodden Town West, said he agreed with the view that ganja amnesty bins should be set up at ports of entry.
Wheels in motion for Cayman’s long-awaited transportation plan
While Transport Minister Jay Ebanks says a "comprehensive plan" for public transportation is set to be presented in the form of a green paper, however it is unclear when this document will be released to the public.
‘Hell on wheels’: Lawmakers support reducing speed limits
Cayman's legislators have unanimously voted for government to consider reducing speed limits and increasing traffic fines in a bid to curb rising road fatalities and daily collisions.
Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill faces further review
The long-awaited Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill looks unlikely to hit the Parliament floor any time soon as it has been sent back to the Genders Affairs Unit for additional work.
Changes approved to limit MPs’ duties as justices of the peace
New law changes have been approved to limit the functions Members of Parliament can perform as justices of the peace to protect the separation of powers between the elected government and judiciary.
Speaker: MPs code of conduct needs ‘force of law’
Speaker of the House Sir Alden McLaughlin has called for a renewed push to get a proposed code of conduct put in place for parliamentarians, which should have the force of law behind it.
Bryan: Airworthiness exemption for Little Cayman airport to continue
Cayman Airways flights into Little Cayman will continue uninterrupted as its aviation exemption to fly into the Edward Bodden Airfield will not cease after September, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan has assured.
McLaughlin knocks unanswered parliamentary questions
House Speaker Sir Alden McLaughlin registered his displeasure with the lack of government responses to Parliamentary questions.
Minimum wage remains unchanged for most, except service workers
Cayman's minimum wage, which has been previously described as below the “starvation wage,“ will remain unchanged until next July when only hospitality and service workers will benefit from a new wage of $7 per hour.
‘Gone far too soon’: Cayman honours Donovan Ebanks
It was as if the heavens were weeping along with family and friends of Cayman's first deputy Governor Donovan Ebanks on Friday morning as the rains came down over his casket as officers carried it into the House of Parliament.
First deputy governor Donovan Ebanks to get official farewell
Government has announced a national mourning period to honour Cayman's first deputy Governor Donovan Ebanks starting Thursday.
Sexual harassment bill delays dubbed ‘epic failure’
Despite the fanfare accompanying the debut of the long-awaited Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill last year, and two rounds of consultation, Cayman remains without any formal legislation.
Government calls on UK experts as public transport plan stuck in park
As the community continues to grapple with daily traffic congestion it seems a solution to woes felt by commuters is still some ways off from taking shape.
Speaker knocks limited Parliament council meetings
Speaker of the House Sir Alden McLaughlin has pressed members of the Parliament Management Commission Council to prioritise their responsibilities to the House, saying the lack of meetings cannot continue.
Consumer Protection Bill pulled for further amendments
Bodden Town West MP Chris Saunders has withdrawn his Consumer Protection and Guarantees Bill, saying he intends to make amendments to the legislation, which would require further public comment, before tabling it in Parliament.
Contentious secret trials bill heads to Parliament
Legislation aimed at legalising closed-door trials allowing government to present secret evidence in the absence of the public, media and the complainant in a given case heads to Parliament this week.
From police to Parliament: Clerk Zena Merren-Chin on Cayman’s democracy
For more than 14 years, Clerk of the Parliament Zena Merren-Chin has had a front row seat to the inner workings of democracy in Cayman and she says it's a special honour she holds dear.
Opposition MP details PACT’s ‘track record of failure’
Deputy Opposition leader Joseph Hew has urged the United People’s Movement government to concentrate on seven key priorities in its 2023-2024 budget.
McTaggart knocks UPM government’s ‘spend, rather than save’ budget choices
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has called for a "shift in direction" of the United People's Movement government's expenditure plan saying that its "spend, rather than save" choices in the 2024-2025 budget will have serious economic implications for the Cayman Islands.
Governor vows ‘hostile environment for criminal activity’
Following a fatal shooting, Governor Jane Owen has reaffirmed that fighting crime remains a priority, saying there will be "a targeted response to specific incidents, especially those involving violence and firearms".
Long-awaited budget to take centre stage as Parliament set to reconvene
Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly is set to deliver her inaugural budget address as finance minister next Friday, 8 Dec, following the ceremonial opening of Parliament.
Winspear renews call for scheduled Parliament meetings
As Auditor General Sue Winspear welcomed the formation of the new United People's Movement administration, she also called on the new premier to create a set schedule of parliamentary meetings.
MPs vote in favour of beneficial ownership transparency law
A newly passed law will allow access to beneficial ownership information as part of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing investigations – but not to the public.
Panton bids farewell as premier
Former Premier Wayne Panton, in a statement of 'gratitude and clarity' issued after his resignation as government leader Wednesday, said stepping down was the "bravest thing" he could do and was in the best interests of the islands.
Premier sole opponent to pepper spray motion
Premier Wayne Panton was the only challenger in Parliament last week of a private member’s motion calling for the legalisation of pepper spray and mace for use as self-defence tools.
Government revenue forecast to miss $1.037B target for 2023
Government revenue for 2023 is expected to be “marginally shy” of the year’s targeted $1.037 billion, according to Premier Wayne Panton.
$200K public transport report to be published ‘very shortly’
Auditing company Deloitte has completed its plan for a new public transportation system and it will be made public “very shortly”, according to Infrastructure Minister Jay Ebanks.
Government facing questions over transport plan as Parliament resumes next week
Parliament is set to officially open on 19 Sept. and Opposition lawmakers are seeking answers on a range of issues, from government's public-transport plans to updates on restoring the southern end of Seven Mile Beach.
Parliament pauses for the summer
Jane Owen issued her first proclamation as governor on Monday, 31 July, to prorogue the 2022-2023 session of parliament.
Progress reports on sub-sea cables, public transport and a park
Updates on sub-sea communications cables, a promised public transport report and progress on the Eddie Sanchez Memorial Park were all given in Parliament this week.
Bush defends record after criticism over PAC appointment
During an impassioned speech in Parliament, McKeeva Bush hit out at Opposition members who said he should not have been reappointed to the Public Accounts Committee.
Saunders takes aim at PACT spending plans
Former deputy premier Chris Saunders is set to launch his first move from the Opposition benches through three private member motions when Parliament resumes this week.
Parliament passes 12 bills in final sitting of the year
Legislators had a busy last sitting of the year in Parliament, passing 12 bills and deferring one more.
Katherine Ebanks-Wilks makes history as youngest House Speaker
West Bay Central MP Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, 43, has become Cayman's youngest Speaker of the House after being elected to the post by her government peers in Parliament on Friday.
Parliament passes 6 pieces of legislation in single day
Members of Parliament pushed through six pieces of legislation on Monday, during a sitting of the House which was boycotted by Opposition members and marked the final time McKeeva Bush would preside over the chamber as Speaker.
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.
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.
