Topic: Wayne Panton
New childhood and maternal immunisation schedule launched
The Cayman Islands has introduced a new national immunisation framework extending protection from pregnancy through adolescence.
Small businesses shine at expo
The best of Cayman’s emerging entrepreneurs was on display at the Small Business Expo at Hotel Indigo on 2 Oct.
Government and opposition MPs clash over disappearing deficit
Government and opposition politicians clashed over government finances in the recent sitting of Parliament's Finance Committee as questions were raised about how a projected $60 million deficit could turn into a $10.3 million surplus forecast in just two months.
New government called a ‘turning point’ for environmental protection
Environmental campaigners are hailing the election of newly formed National Coalition for Caymanians as a watershed moment for sustainability, signaling promise in how the islands balance development and environmental protection.
Key takeaways from Newlands candidates’ forum
The first showdown between Wayne Panton, Alva Suckoo and Raul Gonzalez Jr. was closely watched by the voting population in Newlands.
Former premier: Conservation law changes are ‘totally unjustified’
Planned changes to the National Conservation Act will strip it of its power and tilt the balance of Cayman's future towards unchecked development, two former sustainability ministers have claimed.
Former premier’s loan to MP could spur legal changes, says public sector watchdog
The body in charge of public sector oversight will consider whether legal changes are necessary after a loan made by the former premier to an MP.
Politicians urge action on domestic abuse after Silent Witness March
The Silent Witness March came amid questions over whether legislation on sexual harassment would finally make its way through Parliament.
Politicians still reviewing delayed Sexual Harassment Bill
For the second time this year, Wayne Panton has asked government through parliamentary questions for an update on the Sexual Harassment Bill he piloted when he was premier.
Ethical concerns raised over $1.64M loan between Wayne Panton and Sabrina Turner
The $1.64 million loan arrangement between Wayne Panton and Sabrina Turner made during his tenure as premier does "not pass the smell test", according to veteran politician Ezzard Miller.
Panton loaned his health minister $1.64M to buy canal-front home while premier
Wayne Panton made a $1.64 million loan to Health Minister Sabrina Turner to buy a house in Patrick’s Island last year, at a time when he was premier, according to public record documents reviewed by the Cayman Compass.
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.
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.
Year in review: Cayman’s political scene shifts after ‘musical chairs’
Cayman's political landscape was marked by turmoil, twists and tactical manoeuvres in 2023, culminating in the replacement of a sitting premier and a rebranded coalition of independent MPs leading government.
Panton nursing broken ribs after accident
Former Premier Wayne Panton has been injured in an accident, suffering several broken ribs, House Speaker Sir Alden McLaughlin said in Parliament Friday morning.
Wayne Panton declines Speaker’s post
Former Premier Wayne Panton has declined the Speaker of the House post, saying that it "is in the best interest of the people of my community of Newlands, my country and my family".
Government yet to seal the deal on Speaker
Government is still waiting word from former Premier Wayne Panton on whether he will accept the role of the Speaker of the House, Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly said.
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.
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.
Inflation drops to 4.1% in second quarter of 2023
Consumer prices in the Cayman Islands during the second quarter of 2023 were 4.1% more than the same period in 2022.
Ten key promises: New schools, landfill transformation and public transport among government goals
Government's policy plan for the next three years outlined some key objectives, including sorting out the landfill, and omitted other flagship policies, such as the development plan. Here we look at some of the key commitments.
Opposition continues calls for cooperation despite chilly response
Opposition legislators have renewed their offer of assistance to Premier Wayne Panton and his administration as Cayman navigates the reemergence of COVID-19.
Two Caymanians appointed to Premier’s office
Dr. Celine Manoosingh and Nickolas DaCosta have joined Premier Wayne Panton's office, according to a government press release issued Friday.
Gov’t tells tourism industry 80% remains as vaccination target
The government has rejected calls from the Cayman Islands Tourism Association to reconsider its target to vaccinate 80% of the population against COVID-19 before launching a soft reopening of the borders to tourists.
Panton: COVID exposed ‘dramatic inequality’
Premier Wayne Panton has outlined his vision for a more sustainable Cayman.
Panton announces phased border reopening plan
Premier Wayne Panton has unveiled a five phase reopening plan for Cayman’s borders that could see a limited return of tourism by September and a full easing of restrictions for vaccinated travelers and their children by mid-November.
Mandatory vaccination will not apply to Caymanians and permanent residents
Premier Wayne Panton said his government is not inclined to introduce mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for Caymanians and permanent residents.
Gov’t considers 5-day quarantine, mandatory vaccines for work-permit holders
The Cayman Islands government is considering reducing the quarantine period for vaccinated travellers from 10 days to five days, and making it mandatory for work permit holders to be inoculated against COVID-19.
Premier: Cayman to push to be put on UK green travel list
Premier Wayne Panton says the Cayman Islands plans to push the United Kingdom to add the islands to its green travel list, which comes into effect on 17 May.
Governor asks UK to include OTs in vaccine passport app
Cayman should be included in any vaccine passport project used by the UK, Governor Martyn Roper announced today.
The first 100 days: How PACT could look to make a quick impact
As the Cayman Islands looks ahead to a new era under the leadership of Premier Wayne Panton, a blueprint for the possible direction of the country is beginning to emerge.
Seven days in Cayman: The rocky road to power
A week is often said to be a long time in politics and that has proved to be the case over the past seven days in the Cayman Islands.
What could we expect from a Panton government?
Like other political candidates, the ‘Community Creates Country’ manifesto of Wayne Panton and Heather Bodden notes that Caymanians are being left behind.
McKeeva Bush meets with Panton but no deal announced
McKeeva Bush departed talks with Wayne Panton and his coalition of independents on Friday afternoon, with no official word on whether the Speaker would be involved in helping Panton shore up his coalition.
Where they stand: The status of negotiations
By Friday evening, neither Roy McTaggart's Progressives-led alliance nor Wayne Panton's coalition of independents had a clear majority of 10 MP-elects necessary to form a new government.
Rival groups locked as Turner rejoins Panton’s coalition
Seven representatives led by Wayne Panton attended a public meeting Friday evening called by newly-elected member for Prospect Sabrina Turner to confirm she has returned to the group.
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.
Mac back in the fray as negotiations continue
Wayne Panton's coalition of independents could be back on, with McKeeva Bush entering the fray as a possible partner for the group.
The issue explained: The race to be premier
When is the race to form a government finalised? We answer some of the key questions surrounding how a government is formed and Premier appointed.
Panton meets governor as independents announce coalition
The successful independent candidates in Wednesday's general election have announced that they have joined forces and intend to form Cayman's new government, with Wayne Panton as premier.
Panton, Saunders among contenders in leadership race
Wayne Panton and Chris Saunders have emerged as two of the most likely leaders of a coalition of independent candidates if government is defeated at the polls next week.
Newlands candidates face off in district debates
Political hopefuls looking to secure the Newlands vote say traffic, infrastructure, cost of living and healthcare are the main issues facing their constituents.
Crosstalk debate: Newlands candidates face off
Candidates for Newlands Alva Suckoo, Roydell Carter, Wayne Panton and Raul Gonzalez join Crosstalk host Barrie Quappe to debate the issues affecting their district.
Panton, Bodden ditch Progressives
Former PPM ministers Wayne Panton and Osbourne Bodden have resigned from the People’s Progressive Party.
Auditor finds vast differences in pay to board members
From the port boss who receives just $150 per meeting to the utilities director who is paid more than $50,000-a-year, an auditor general’s investigation found vast disparity in the pay handed out to the men and women appointed to the boards of some of the Cayman Islands’ most important institutions.
Panton supports referendum ‘if they get the numbers’
Former Environment Minister Wayne Panton says he supports the democratic right of campaigners to seek a referendum on the controversial cruise port plan.
Wayne Panton to lead Cayman Islands Monetary Authority
Former government Minister Wayne Panton was named Wednesday as chairman of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, replacing his former colleague at Walkers law firm, Grant Stein, in the chairman’s post.
Letters – Giving a voice to the people
The free exchange of ideas is a necessary component of any healthy democracy. That is why the Compass reserves space in each issue for readers and leaders to share their perspectives as letters to the editor.
Campaign donors partially revealed
Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital founder Dr. Steve Tomlinson contributed more than $194,000 to 10 political candidates during the final eight weeks of Cayman’s 2017 general election campaign.
Ministers’ plan splits law enforcement roles
The Progressives-led coalition government has divided responsibilities for law enforcement agencies among government ministries, one led by the premier and the other by Minister Tara Rivers.
EDITORIAL – Time to place the Conservation Law on the endangered list
A pair of planned resort properties are setting the spotlight on the southernmost tip of the Seven Mile Beach area … and on the Cayman Islands’ powerful National Conservation Council.
EDITORIAL – One Man, One Vote: Lessons learned from the election
Instead of making Cayman’s districts smaller, more numerous and more inward-facing, officials should have done the opposite: Make the entirety of the Cayman Islands one single district, and allow residents to vote on the same slate of candidates.
Upset losses oust three sitting ministers
An eventful Election Day in Cayman yielded three surprising losses for reigning incumbents and ministers in the former administration.
Election candidates split over immigration restructure
Three candidates in Wednesday’s general election took deeply divided positions on immigration reform, with some favoring a work permit moratorium and others seeking to take the granting of work permits away from the Immigration Department entirely.
Permanent residence delays ‘classic case of mismanagement’
Two Newlands independent political candidates alleged Friday that the Progressives government’s mismanagement led to delays in hearing hundreds of permanent residence applications, delays the candidates said were “playing with people’s lives.”
Shipping industry braces for uncertainty
An uncertain global trade environment set the tone for the fifth annual Cayman Islands Shipping and Yachting Summit at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort on Monday.
Engagement made Cayman stronger, financial services minister says
Minister of Financial Services Wayne Panton has defended government’s engagement with proponents of tax transparency, stating it has made Cayman stronger.
Record-setting Nomination Day: 63 hopefuls compete for 19 seats
A record 63 candidates will contest the Cayman Islands general election on May 24 after a frantic day of nominations across the country generated some surprises.
AS IT HAPPENED: This is how nomination day played out
Returning officers will hear candidate nominations between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. today. Cayman Compass reporters will submit updates on location from the country's 19 nominating locations as they develop. — Ed.
Lawyers bill faces more delays as opposition reignites
Concerned that government may walk back its earlier agreement on changes to the controversial Legal Practitioners Bill, members of the independent opposition on Friday fired a new salvo in the months-long battle over the legislation.
Government signs agreement to assist small businesses
The Ministry of Commerce has outsourced the delivery of certain small-business support services to the Cayman Islands Small Business Association.
Minister: Bill seeks to guarantee Caymanian control of local law firms
A bill regulating the operation of Cayman Islands law firms and lawyers was approved unanimously Friday afternoon following an acrimonious week of debate.
Lawmakers try again on lawyers bill compromise
For the second time this week, Cayman Islands lawmakers suspended the public meeting of the Legislative Assembly to commence a private parliamentary session in attempts to “reach consensus” on the Legal Practitioners Bill.
Crowded field facing off in Bodden Town
Cars jammed the sides of the main road from the public library to Cox Lumber as passing motorists honked their horns and shouted encouragement in the direction of two separate, competing events – announcing the political candidacies of election hopefuls Dwayne Seymour and Robert Bodden.
Lawmaker reveals origins of MLA ‘following’ claim
Further allegations were made Thursday regarding local law firms hiring a private company to follow two Cayman Islands legislators.
Minister: Cayman cannot ‘dictate’ global finance rules
There is no significant evidence of Cayman-established law firms moving large numbers of staff overseas to the detriment of their local operations, Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton said Wednesday during a LA debate on the controversial Legal Practitioners Bill.
Gov’t pushes Legal Practitioners Bill forward
In a surprise move Wednesday afternoon, the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly began debate on the latest draft of the Legal Practitioners Bill.
Liquor sales at gas stations
I am publicly calling for an investigation by Minister Wayne Panton into the cabinet order 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010 regarding the prohibition of gas stations obtaining liquor licenses.
Legislature may go until last day
Government is running out of time to consider a long list of potential laws, including the Legal Practitioners Bill, the elimination of independent FOI and complaints commissioner’s offices and the establishment of local fuel market regulations, as lawmakers face the final three weeks of their current term.
MLAs urge prosecution of partners of Cayman’s major law firms
Unnamed Cayman Islands law firms are accused of “intentionally ignoring and deliberately circumventing” both the Legal Practitioners Law and Immigration Law, in a private members’ motion filed with the Legislative Assembly.
Panton takes issue with Compass editorial on proposed bills
It must be very stressful not having scandals or corruption charges against political leaders in government to write about anymore. I would hope though that you would take the time to ensure that you write an editorial that is factually correct and free of misrepresentation.
Trade and business changes remove ‘inconvenience’
A few aspects of Cayman’s licensing regime for local businesses will be changed during the next Legislative Assembly meeting, partially in response to concerns expressed by the private sector.
