Topic: Premier Wayne Panton
Timeline of troubled PACT coalition
Premier Wayne Panton has had a long-running battle to keep his PACT government, made up of members who ran as independents, intact.
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.
Miller: Election, not ‘horse trading’, only way to break political deadlock
Former legislator Ezzard Miller says he believes the existing parliamentary situation should be solved at the polls and not by MPs "horse trading" to fix a hung Parliament.
Premier Panton and PACT government survive despite narrow vote of no confidence
"The 'ayes' have it," Speaker Katherine Ebanks-Wilks announced just after 8pm Tuesday, confirming that a majority of MPs had voted in favour of a motion of no confidence in the PACT government.
Premier Panton holds his ground, insists PACT ‘has options’
Premier Wayne Panton today called on MPs to "respect democracy" and allow his PACT coalition to continue to "deliver for the people".
McTaggart insists premier must go
Wayne Panton and his PACT government have "run out of road", Progressives leader Roy McTaggart insisted as he called for disaffected government members to help oust the premier from office.
The Issue Explained: Government in crisis as vote of no confidence nears
Government is in turmoil with the House locked at 9-9 and a vote of no confidence looming. Here's a look at some of the key questions around the current crisis and its implications for Cayman ahead of Tuesday's parliamentary session.
Premier Panton insists PACT still best bet to lead Cayman
Premier Wayne Panton was scrambling to hold his government together today as the pressure on the PACT coalition ratcheted up a notch following McKeeva Bush's resignation from the group Thursday.
Special meeting of Parliament approved, no-confidence motion set
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has filed a motion of no confidence in the government and Premier Wayne Panton, and has summoned a special meeting of Parliament to debate it.
Bush: ‘PACT members asked premier to step down’
Former government backbencher McKeeva Bush laid bare the infighting among government members Friday morning, saying it got to a point where the PACT team had asked Premier Wayne Panton to resign and he refused.
Opposition calls on premier to resign or face no-confidence vote
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has called on Premier Wayne Panton to resign by 3pm on Friday or face a vote of no confidence next week in a special sitting of Parliament.
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.
No joking matter? Bernie Bush issued written apology over lewd comments
Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Bernie Bush was forced to issue a written apology to a female civil servant over lewd comments he made to her, leaving the women shocked and upset.
Seymour: ‘Panton should step down’
Bodden Town East MP Dwayne Seymour says he believes Premier Wayne Panton has reached the point where he should step down for the good of the Cayman Islands.
Veterans Association kicks off annual poppy appeal
Governor Jane Owen and Premier Wayne Panton were pinned with the first poppies on Saturday night signaling the start of the Cayman Islands Veteran's Association's annual fundraising poppy appeal.
Unemployment hits new low as population surges again
Unemployment in Cayman has fallen to the lowest point in decades as the island's population surged yet again, according to the latest data from the Economics and Statistics Office.
Rankine replaces Seymour as border control and labour minister
East End MP Isaac Rankine was sworn in as the new minister of labour and border control on Tuesday afternoon, bringing an end to four days of speculation about the stability of the PACT government following Dwayne Seymour's fiery resignation speech in Parliament.
The ties have it: Panton stays as premier with PACT intact
While the PACT government remains tightlipped about the sudden resignation of its border control and labour minister, Dwayne Seymour, and speculation about dissention within its ranks, it presented a united front, at least aesthetically, on Tuesday, with most members wearing pink to Parliament.
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.
Government silent over Seymour resignation amid leadership speculation
Following the sudden resignation of Minister of Border Control and Labour Dwayne Seymour on Friday, Premier Wayne Panton and his government remained silent over the weekend about the future of his administration.
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.
MPs vote for independent investigation of high electricity bills
West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush, stating his electricity bill tripled over two months this summer to more than $4,000 and led to him being put on a repayment plan, has called on lawmakers to investigate how local power companies bill their customers.
Government in turmoil as Seymour quits Cabinet with broadside at Premier
Cabinet Minister Dwayne Seymour sensationally tendered his resignation in an explosive speech in Parliament Friday afternoon during which he condemned the "disorganisation" and "lacklustre leadership" of the PACT administration.
Panton: ‘Cayman’s economy is strong and getting stronger’
Premier Wayne Panton told MPs this week that Cayman’s economy remains strong with more growth predicted over the coming years.
Panton seeks change to government borrowing limits set by UK
Premier Wayne Panton has approached the United Kingdom to make changes to the existing borrowing limits set out in the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility to assist Cayman with climate change related challenges.
Premier says civil servant jobs are safe amid call for budget cuts
Premier Wayne Panton has assured civil servants they will not lose their jobs or have wages slashed, after last month telling public sector heads to help cut nearly $50 million from the collective budget.
Opposition: Dip in government revenue shows construction slowdown
Cayman's construction industry has been expanding over the last few years, but based on the latest government revenue figures it seems the boom is slowing, says Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart.
Premier: Cost-cutting warning not ‘for or against’ any project
Premier Wayne Panton has stood by his internal memo calling for cost-cutting measures for the remainder of the fiscal year, saying that it "represents strong, proactive fiscal management".
Premier orders cost cutting as government spending nears $1 billion
Premier and Finance Minister Wayne Panton has implemented cost cutting measures across the civil service with government expenditures are set to surpass the billion dollar mark for 2023.
Flowers family looks to reintroduce glass recycling in Cayman
The Flowers Group is working with other local businesses in the hopes of bringing back glass recycling to Cayman.
Premier urges continued cooperation among overseas territories
Premier Wayne Panton has emphasised the importance of cooperation among British Overseas Territories in the face of a range of challenges from climate change impacts to issues affecting the financial services.
Premier hopes to rid Cayman of ‘expensive, polluting fossil fuels’
Cayman must shift away from its reliance on “expensive polluting fossil fuels” and move to reliable, clean, affordable renewable energy, Premier Wayne Panton said this week.
Sexual Harassment Bill moves to next round of public consultation
Public consultation on Cayman's long-awaited sexual harassment legislation will begin 15 Aug. and the group that has pushed for the law for more than a decade is calling for community support to get it on the law books.
McTaggart: Premier must ‘come clean’ on ReGen delays
Even though Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart welcomed news that the ReGen project is nearing its financial close, he says Premier Wayne Panton must explain why the project has been repeatedly delayed.
Premier says ReGen project nearing financial close
Premier Wayne Panton has announced a new deadlines for the long awaited ReGen project, assuring that "negotiations between the Government and the Dart-led consortium are progressing steadily."
Cayman mortgage rates going up again
Local banks have followed through on promises to delay implementing interest rate increases for at least 30 days.
Local leaders respond to Bush charges
While local leaders steered clear of commenting on the charges filed against West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush, the Opposition has turned the spotlight on Premier Wayne Panton.
Premier: Cayman struggling to cope with population surge
The Cayman Islands is struggling to cope with the impact of a surge in population that saw 8,000 new residents arrive on island in the space of a year, Premier Wayne Panton told business leaders Wednesday.
Government foots $73M medical bill for uninsured Caymanians
The Cayman Islands government paid almost $72.7 million to cover healthcare costs of uninsured indigents, veterans and seafarers last year, $39.7 million more than had been originally budgeted for the year.
Process to be simplified for duty waivers on medications
Individuals facing costly import duties to bring in medication to treat their medical conditions could soon be able apply for duty waivers using a form as part of of simplified application process.
CUC: Higher usage, not rising fuel rates behind bill increases
The Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd. says more use of air conditioning as the summer temperatures rise is behind the higher electricity bills many in Cayman are seeing this month, rather than any substantial increases in fuel rates.
MPs support motion to increase pension-withdrawal limits
Local legislators have unanimously voted for government to consider increasing existing withdrawal limits for Caymanians to be able to access more money from their pension funds to pay towards mortgage or land loans.
Lawmakers support motion to pause bank rate increases
Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday evening for government to continue discussions with local banks for existing interest rates to be cut and pause further increases.
Legislators question legality of road EIA under ‘defunct’ conservation council
Members of Parliament have questioned the legality of an environmental impact assessment on the East-West Arterial extension which was ordered by the National Conservation Council, now that the council is not operating because several of its members' terms have expired.
Bank rates, pension reform up for debate as Parliament set to resume
Lawmakers are set to return to Parliament on Wednesday where they are expected to debate approval for supplementary appropriations for the 2022 budget, as well as private member's motions aimed at addressing bank rates and pension reform.
Future of lottery, ganja referendum remains unclear
Despite repeated requests for official confirmation on the status of government's planned referendum, the public is no closer to knowing when the vote will be held or what the questions will look like.
ReGen deadline extended again
Finalisation of a deal to reach financial close for the ReGen project between Dart and the government has been pushed back another two months.
Bankers refuse premier’s appeal to delay interest rate hikes
Premier Wayne Panton says an appeal he made to Cayman's bankers to slow down increases in interest rates has been rejected.
MPs agree to consider 13% pay bump for civil servants over 3 years
Government has committed to consider implementing, as soon as possible, salary increases for civil servants amounting to 13% over a three-year period.
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.
Government bans importation of vehicles built before 2016
Government has banned the importation of vehicles that are over eight years old.
Government spending to top $1 billion
Government spending is expected to top $1 billion-a-year by 2026, Premier Wayne Panton revealed Wednesday.
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.
Seymour: Build Bodden Town section of East-West Arterial without EIA
Bodden Town East MP Dwayne Seymour says he intends to bring a motion to Parliament requesting that a section of the proposed East-West Arterial nearest to Bodden Town be built without an environmental impact assessment.
‘Labour of love’ as Inspire Cayman turns four
When Michael and Jackie Myles started Inspire Cayman Training Centre four years ago they had a dream of upskilling Caymanians who otherwise may not have had the chance in life to succeed.
Cabinet repeals requirement for temp jobs to be advertised
One week after the removal of former Deputy Premier Chris Saunders, Cabinet has repealed a requirement initiated under his watch for temporary jobs to be advertised before work-permit applications were submitted.
Premier says he asked Saunders to step down
Premier Wayne Panton, near one week after the exit of his former deputy, took to government radio on Monday to address the situation saying MP Chris Saunders was offered a chance to resign before having his appointment revoked.
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.
McTaggart calls for ‘transparency’ over Saunders departure
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has called on the PACT government to honour the 'T' of its acronym and tell the public the reasons behind Deputy Premier Chris Saunders's sudden exit from the government.
Who gets what in the Cabinet reshuffle?
Following Chris Saunders' exit from the PACT government, Premier Wayne Panton reshuffled Cabinet. Here are the current portfolio assignments.
Cabinet shake-up as Saunders exits PACT government
In a surprise move Tuesday, Deputy Premier Chris Saunders has resigned from the PACT government, citing differences with Premier Wayne Panton which he says prevent him from working with the Newlands MP.
‘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.
An evening of love and inspiration for boys and their mothers
"I love you, Mom." Starting with these simple words, dozens of boys from John Gray and Clifton Hunter High Schools and Hope Academy told their mothers they loved them, and why, and handed them a red rose in an emotional evening at the annual Boyz 2 Men dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, on Saturday.
International Women’s Day Message from Premier Wayne Panton
As we mark International Women's Day, I wish to extend my warmest greetings and recognition to all the incredible women who have made tremendous contributions to our islands, our communities, and our world.
Premier unveils long-awaited sexual harassment bill
More than a decade-and-a-half after Cayman's Business and Professional Women's Club began campaigning for sexual harassment legislation, a bill has finally been written.
New report outlines ‘severe’ climate-change risks for Cayman
A new report by UK experts highlights some of the biggest threats the Cayman Islands face from climate change.
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.
Premier denies ‘blindsiding’ animal charity with new regulations
Premier Wayne Panton has defended the government's decision to implement regulations aimed at protecting native species by controlling invasive animals and plants in Cayman, that has been met with widespread criticism by animal charities and pet lovers.
Humane Society: Don’t criminalise feeding, post-neuter release of animals
The Cayman Islands Humane Society is requesting the government to rethink new regulations that criminalise trap-neuter-release programmes for stray cats and dogs, and the feeding of animals in the wild.
Researchers aim to protect turtles from climate-change threats
Researchers at the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and the University of Exeter have teamed up on a project on how to protect local turtles from the multiple threats caused by climate change.
