Topic: Juliana O’Connor-Connolly
Opposition members raise questions over police funding
Opposition members questioned Acting Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon on police funding in Parliament on Friday.
Housing block for Brac school construction workers opens
An accommodation block that will house construction workers for Cayman Brac’s new high school and other future development projects has been officially opened.
Key takeaways for Cayman Brac East candidates’ forum
Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly and independent candidate Maxine McCoy-Moore were no shows at the Cayman Brac East candidate forum.
O’Connor-Connolly returns to fold as PPM confirms Kenneth Bryan as deputy leader
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has parked plans to retire and will instead seek re-election on a PPM ticket, she confirmed via voice message at the party’s convention Saturday night.
PPM leader Hew pushes ‘experience’ message as election line-up takes shape
People’s Progressives Movement leader Joey Hew believes the party has shored up an experienced line-up to contest the general election with the final pieces expected to fall into place in the coming days.
Premier leads beneficial ownership talks in London
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led a delegation to the United Kingdom to discuss beneficial ownership registers, among other issues.
UK politicians put ‘tax havens’ in the crosshairs as Premier leads talks in London
A Cayman Islands delegation heads to London this week for talks with British government leaders amid renewed clamour for increased transparency from offshore financial centres.
General election set for 30 April
A general election has been set for 30 April after Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly announced a Cabinet reshuffle that will allow her diminished administration to function for the next six months.
Divisions over conservation law and conduct in Cabinet led to government split
Division over the handling of a number of key policy priorities including the National Conservation Act, beach erosion, the Cayman Brac high school project and the landfill deal contributed to the collapse of the UPM coalition this week, the Compass understands.
Premier insists government functioning as talks remain ongoing
The future of Cayman's government remained in limbo on Friday, even as Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly sought to reassure Cayman that "a constitutionally viable elected Government remains in place".
Government approves extra $51.8M in spending, as surplus shrinks
The government on Friday approved an additional $51.8 million in spending for this year, as it announced that its expected surplus for 2024 had fallen to $16.5 million, which is $28 million less than originally budgeted.
Pilot, attorney, aspiring meteorologist among Caymanians ‘making waves’
Nine Caymanian students and professionals living abroad were celebrated for making significant contributions to their respective fields globally at the third annual Cayman Connection...
Premier ‘deeply troubled’ by football stadium shooting
Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon with all members of Parliament in the wake of Sunday night's shooting at the Ed Bush Stadium.
Changes planned but premier insists conservation law won’t be ‘gutted’
Government is planning changes to the National Conservation Act in order to provide a new balance between protecting the environment and considering people, Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly said Friday.
120 families to get $1,200 grant for early childhood tuition
A one-time grant of $1,200 will be sent to 120 vulnerable families in Cayman to cover at least one month of tuition fees at registered early childhood education centres.
Cayman’s premier among top 10 highest paid world leaders
Cayman’s Premier is among the top ten highest paid heads of state in the world - earning a salary that is more than the UK Prime Minister and comparable with the US president.
‘Musical chairs’ as McLaughlin takes Speaker’s role
Former Premier Sir Alden McLaughlin reflected on a "high stakes game of musical chairs" as the political merry-go-round continued on Thursday when he assumed the role of Speaker.
Premier discusses behind-the-scenes talks that led to UPM
Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has given some behind-the-scenes insights into the late-night discussions that led to the formation last week of the United People's Movement.
Take our poll: Cayman’s new government
What is the most pressing issue you hope government officials prioritise? Are you confident the United People's Movement will address the challenges facing Cayman? Vote in our poll on Cayman's new government.
O’Connor-Connolly’s new government meet on budget as deadline looms
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and her new administration spent their first official day in office working on the national budget.
O’Connor-Connolly new premier as United People’s Movement forms
Juliana O'Connor-Connolly is the new leader of the Cayman Islands. Embattled Premier Wayne Panton agreed to step down after his leadership was widely condemned in a vote of no confidence in Parliament Tuesday.
McTaggart to new government: ‘Time to get to work’
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart says now that Cayman's new government has been installed the focus must turn to getting the much needed budget out.
Gov’t launches local TVET grant for students
Caymanians interested in pursing technical and vocational careers now have the opportunity to receive a grant to further their studies at local institutions.
Deputy premier says she stepped in amid inaction over Bernie Bush complaint
Though Premier Wayne Panton was aware of a February complaint lodged against Sports Minister Bernie Bush by a female civil servant, it was only following the intervention, months later, by Deputy Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, that the MP issued an apology.
House divided as Seymour’s exit sparks scramble for power
Government members were locked in behind closed-doors talks for much of Monday, as Premier Wayne Panton sought to hold on to his slender grip on power amid divisions over spending priorities.
Private school buses ‘a work in progress’, says education minister
Logistics, finances and private sector cooperation are some of the challenges the Ministry of Education has encountered in attempts to move forward plans for private school buses.
Red Bay Primary expansion work begins
Work has begun on a four-month project to build three new classrooms and convert three more at Red Bay Primary School.
Maths specialists among 137 new educators
In response to years of weak mathematics results in local classrooms, 14 new specialist maths teachers are joining primary schools across the Cayman Islands in the upcoming school year, Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has announced.
Maths grades ‘not ideal’, says education minister
Cayman’s education minister has pledged to improve mathematics skills in government schools, after a report revealed students are underperforming.
22-year-old Bodden Town woman identified as crash victim
Channah Connor, the 22-year-old niece of Deputy Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, has been named as the victim in the fatal single-vehicle collision on Shamrock Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.
‘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.
‘Wrong’ fire doors dampen timing for John Gray move
The completion of the move of John Gray High School to its long-awaited new building has hit a snag as Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly announced Wednesday that two fire doors ordered for the new school were the wrong ones.
New Brac school plan revisited
Government has approved a business case for a new school to replace the aging Layman E. Scott High School campus on Cayman Brac, Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has announced.
One year on, checking the PACT’s progress on education goals
One year after the PACT government's publication of the 2022-2024 Strategic Policy Statement (SPS), 29 of the 34 education-related goals remain on the ‘To-Do’ list.
Mandatory swimming classes added to government school curriculum
Students in Reception through Year 2 attending government schools will have a mandatory swimming class added to their curriculum next year.
International Women’s Day Message from Minister for Education Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly
On March 08 each year, we pay tribute to women worldwide and laud them for their strength and resilience. It is indeed my privilege to honour the courage of women around the world, but most significantly, women who have played a transformative role here in the Cayman Islands.
Education minister back home, in ‘good spirits’ after hospital stay
Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has been discharged from hospital after spending almost a week under medical care since testing positive for COVID-19.
COVID-positive O’Connor-Connolly to be airlifted from Brac
Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, who was confirmed as COVID-positive earlier this week, is being airlifted from Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac to the Cayman Islands Hospital for observation and treatment.
Premier: Education Minister O’Connor-Connolly in isolation with COVID
Premier Wayne Panton confirmed Monday that Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in isolation.
Pending: Anti-bullying legislation
As Anti-Bullying Month comes to a close, Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly reiterated government’s commitment to “delivering supporting legislation” to address the issue in local schools.
Staff shortages prompt early mid-term breaks for gov’t schools
Government schools across Grand Cayman will begin mid-term break early as the number of students testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of staff in isolation relating to those cases continue to rise.
Cayman Brac Public Works Department Receives New Transport Van
Julianna O’Connor-Conolly has handed over the keys of a new 16-seater, 2020 Toyota Hiace to the Cayman Brac Public Works Department.
Education Ministry adds funds to scholarship programme
The Ministry of Education has received another $8 million for local and overseas scholarships and bursaries.
Free public school meal programme launched
A public school programme that ultimately aims to provide free breakfasts, lunches and snacks to all 5,200 public school students, launched last week with the beginning of the new school year.
Education minister: Why I waited so long to get vaccinated
Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly received her second COVID-19 vaccination last week, several months after her government colleagues rolled up their sleeves to get their jabs.
O’Connor-Connolly defends decision to join Panton’s government
In the first meeting of Parliament under the new administration, Cayman Brac East MP Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, who accepted a Cabinet role in Wayne Panton's government just hours before legislators were sworn in on Wednesday, defended her decision to leave the Progressives opposition.
Juliana, Isaac join PACT government
Former Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has accepted a Cabinet position in Wayne Panton’s government, while new East End representative Isaac Rankine has come back to the coalition of independents.
Five female candidates head to Parliament
Five female representatives, two more than that of last legislature, will be taking their seats in Parliament.
Cayman Brac, Little Cayman each feature two-candidate battles
Sitting MPs Moses Kirkconnell and Juliana O'Connor-Connolly are both facing off against one opponent each, as they fight to secure re-election to represent Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman and Cayman Brac East, respectively.
Ministry confirms school re-start date pushed back
Cayman's government schools will remain closed for two weeks longer than planned as the holiday break has been extended, Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has announced.
Cost estimates for John Gray project continue to rise
The final phases of the new John Gray High School could cost more than $106 million, according to the Ministry of Education. The estimate, shared with the Legislative Assembly Thursday, is higher than the figures provided to the body just days before by Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.
Lands minister pulls proposed beach-access changes
Law changes meant to empower the Registrar of Lands to register a public right of way where there is no objection to that registration have been withdrawn by Lands Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly.
New CARICOM Youth Ambassadors selected
Jorel Bellafonte and Zoe Conolly-Basdeo have been appointed as Cayman’s new CARICOM Youth Ambassadors.
Suckoo: ‘There is no motion’ against premier
Cayman’s legislatures continued to distance themselves from rumours of a no-confidence motion against Premier Alden McLaughlin over the Domestic Partnership Bill.
Fact check: What MLAs got wrong in the domestic partnership debate
The Cayman Compass took a closer look into some of the MLA’s wide range of opinions over the Domestic Partnership Bill, separating fact from fiction, and in many cases filling in the blanks.
Colours Cayman: It’s time for governor to act
Local LGBTQ group Colours Cayman has called on Governor Martyn Roper to “fulfil his constitutional role” and “restore the rule of law” in the...
Education roundup: Minister outlines school reopening plan
Minister of Education Juliana O’Connor-Connolly appeared alongside several of her colleagues during the 26 June government press conference to address questions about reopening Cayman’s schools.
Schools to reopen in September
Cayman’s schools are set to reopen in September, Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed Wednesday.
Parents question paying school fees during school closures
While parents of students in private schools question why they need to pay full fees during school closures, the association representing the schools say, without fees, the schools may have to close permanently.
Education minister: Schools closed until further notice
Cayman’s private and public schools will not reopen any time soon, according to Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly.
Cayman schools test distance learning
Cayman schools have responded to disasters in the past. Emergencies like hurricanes and fires are events administrators know to prepare for.
Government schools get new buses for field trips
Government has purchased 16 new vehicles for public primary and high schools in the Cayman Islands. The total cost for the vehicles was $745,752, according to the Department of Education Services.
More Caymanians opt for private schools
Enrolment in private schools is increasing as more local parents opt out of placing their children in Cayman’s government-run public schools, the Public Accounts Committee heard last week.
Water service restored throughout island
Water service has been restored to all customers across Grand Cayman.
Educators eye cameras for classrooms
Education officials are considering adding cameras in local classrooms.
Budget breakdown: $20M prison upgrade among key spending plans
Government has announced plans to spend nearly $1.5 billion dollars over the next two years to support its plans and programmes. In a special feature, we analyse where that money comes from and where it goes.
Curriculum information remains on hold
The Ministry of Education has enlisted the help of a local public relations agency to promote the new curriculum being implemented in its primary schools, but so far little information on the programme has been released.
Activists want LGBTI included in anti-bullying legislation
Colours Cayman is calling on the government to include sexual orientation and gender identity in its proposed anti-bullying legislation.
Pay raise for teachers delayed
Despite a government surplus and the promise last year of a 1 Sept. wage increase for teachers, Education Ministry officials now say teachers won’t get the expected bump in salary for another year.
Cayman officials visit agriculture and food show in Jamaica
A delegation from the Cayman Islands picked up some tips and got a firsthand look at Jamaica’s agriculture industry this week.
Education Minister: Paying for test fees under review
Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said on Thursday, during the Legislative Assembly, that her office is developing a policy paper on how to address the cost of exam fees for Cayman students.
