PARLIAMENT OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS OFFICIAL HANSARD REPORT - Legislative Assembly
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PARLIAMENT OF
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
OFFICIAL HANSARD REPORT
First Meeting of the 2021/2022 Session
First Sitting
Wednesday
14 July, 2021
(Pages 1-31)
Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, MP,
Speaker
Disclaimer: The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official record.
Parliament of the Cayman IslandsPRESENT WERE:
MINISTERS OF THE CABINET
Hon G Wayne Panton, JP, MP Premier, Minister for Cabinet Office and Sustainability and
Climate Resiliency —“MSCR”
Hon Christopher S Saunders, MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Finance and Economic
Development and Border Control and Labour — “FEDBCL”
Hon Juliana Y O’Connor-Connolly, JP, MP Minister for Education and District Administration and Lands
— “EDAL”
Hon Bernie A Bush, MP Minister for Home Affairs, Youth, Sports, Culture and
Heritage — “HAYSCH”
Hon Kenneth V Bryan, MP Minister for Tourism and Transport — “T and T”
Hon André M Ebanks, MP Minister for Financial Services and Commerce — “FSC” and
Investment, Innovation and Social Development — “IISD”
Hon Sabrina T Turner, MP Minister for Health and Wellness — “MOH”
Hon Johany S “Jay” Ebanks, MP Minister for Planning, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure
— “PAHI”
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
Hon Franz I Manderson, MBE, Cert Hon, JP Deputy Governor, ex officio Member responsible for the
Portfolio of the Civil Service
Hon Samuel W Bulgin, QC, JP Attorney General, ex officio Member responsible for the
Portfolio of Legal Affairs
ELECTED MEMBERS
GOVERNMENT BACKBENCHERS
Hon Katherine A Ebanks-Wilks, MP Deputy Speaker, Parliamentary Secretary to FSC and EDAL
Ms Heather D Bodden, JP, MP Parliamentary Secretary to T&T and IISD, Elected Member for
Newlands
Mr Isaac D Rankine, MP Parliamentary Secretary to HAYSCH and PAHI, Elected
Member for East End
OPPOSITION MEMBERS
Hon Roy M McTaggart, JP, MP Leader of the Opposition, Elected Member for
George Town East
Mr Joseph X Hew, MP Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Elected Member for
George Town North
Hon Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MP Elected Member for Red Bay
Mr Moses I Kirkconnell, JP, MP Elected Member for Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman
Ms Barbara E Conolly, JP, MP Elected Member for George Town South
Mr David C Wight, JP, MP Elected Member for George Town West
INDEPENDENT MEMBER
Mr Dwayne S Seymour, JP, MP Elected Member for Bodden Town East
Parliament of the Cayman IslandsOfficial Hansard Report Wednesday, 14 July 2021 1
OFFICIAL HANSARD REPORT
FIRST MEETING 2021/22 SESSION
WEDNESDAY
14 JULY 2021
10:07 AM
First Sitting
[Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, Speaker, presiding] ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS
OR AFFIRMATIONS
The Speaker: Good morning.
I call on the Honourable Premier to say prayers The Speaker: None.
this morning.
PRAYERS READINGS BY THE HONOURABLE
The Premier, Hon. G. Wayne Panton, Minister of SPEAKER OF MESSAGES AND
Cabinet Office and Minister of Sustainability and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Climate Resiliency: Good morning colleagues. Let us
pray. The Speaker: Honourable Members, today as we meet
Almighty God, from whom all wisdom and to conduct an important parliamentary business of our
power are derived: We beseech Thee so to direct and Islands, we do so in full enjoyment of our
prosper the deliberations of the Parliament now assem- Constitution, the rule of law, freedom and democracy.
bled, that all things may be ordered upon the best and These are tenets and principles which have been hard
surest foundations for the glory of Thy Name and for fought for by our predecessors and it is our duty to en-
the safety, honour and welfare of the people of these sure that we protect our parliamentary democracy for
Islands. future generations to come. I make this statement be-
Bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth II; cause of the harsh reality facing some of our neigh-
Charles, Prince of Wales; and all the Royal Family. bours today.
Give grace to all who exercise authority in our Com- The unprecedented situation in our neighbour
monwealth, that peace and happiness, truth and jus- to the north, Cuba, is one which we must carefully ob-
tice, religion and piety may be established among us. serve for we have strong, many strong familial links and
Especially we pray for the Governor of our Islands, the connections there and history has taught us that similar
Speaker of the Parliament, the Leader of the Opposi- uprisings have had a direct and severe impact on our
tion, Members of the Cabinet, Ex-officio Members and community here. Let us remember the people of Cuba
Members of the Parliament; the Chief Justice and in our prayers as they face not political matters, but the
members of the Judiciary, that we may be enabled savage matters of COVID.
faithfully to perform the responsible duties of our high We have started a drive for assistance for
office. All this we ask for in Thy great Name’s sake. Cuba; there are thousands of people in need and we
Let us say The Lord’s Prayer together: Our Fa- hope to have the cooperation of the Cuban government
ther, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy in getting supplies directly to the people that are in need
Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in thereof.
Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive This morning I also wish to place on the record,
us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass our profound shock and sadness at the assassination
against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us of a member of a CARICOM family, the president of
from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the Haiti, His Excellency Jovenel Moïse in an armed as-
glory, forever and ever. Amen. sault on his home during the early hours of Wednesday,
The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make the 7th July, 2021 which also injured the First Lady, Her
His face shine upon us and be gracious unto us. The Excellency Martine Moïse.
Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon us and While I did not have the pleasure of knowing
give us peace, now and always. him personally, I believe that some Members of Parlia-
Amen. ment may have had an opportunity to meet and interact
with him during regional CARICOM meetings in the
The Speaker: This honourable Parliament now re- past; nevertheless the people of Haiti, who seemingly
sumes its sitting. have had no end to their national suffering, have been
Please be seated. once again visited by tragedy, loss, and instability.
I note that the Honourable Premier immedi-
ately issued an official statement extending sympathies
Parliament of the Cayman Islands2 Wednesday, 14 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
on behalf of the Government and people of the Cayman It is worthy to mention that it has been an inor-
Islands and that we join the region in lowering flags to dinate and protracted time, I should say, since a Prime
half-mast for three days and will again do so on the day Minister of the Caribbean has been appointed. It is a
of President Moïse’s funeral. magnanimous and significant achievement at this time,
Let us not be misguided into thinking that we as the Prime Minister is now deemed an active member
are far removed from these problems. Our region is and participant of the body of officials and dignitaries
smaller than we think, and some would like us to be- chosen by the British Monarch as an Advisory Council
lieve that we are not a part of this region but colleagues, to the Crown. His influence and decisions can be far-
we are a part—have always been a part— and we can- reaching and have both regional and international im-
not get away from the familial links that we have in our pact, and potential global effect.
region. So we believe, that a breakdown in the rule of I am confident he will serve judiciously as the
law in our neighbours does not bode well for us; we are Most Honourable Prime Minister of Jamaica, as the
not as insulated from the fallout as one might hope. I representative of his people in a parliamentary democ-
have served here long enough to have been a minister racy system based upon the British Westminster
that had to deal with these kinds of fallout, and it didn't Model, and as a Member of the British Commonwealth.
bode well for our social services. He is highly respected and sought after in the Carib-
I therefore ask, prior to formal commencement bean region, the wider diaspora, and throughout the
of today’s proceedings, that all Members rise to ob- Commonwealth.
serve a minute of silence as a mark of respect for the To that end, this appointment is a clear indica-
untimely passing of one of our regional leaders. May tion of his value and contribution to societies and
God continue to bless the people of Haiti and peace, influencing authorities to govern various jurisdictions.
justice—and indeed stability—come to that weary, With his astute and reasonable mind, he will serve in
weary, land. that capacity profoundly with distinction. We are confi-
Let us rise for a minute. dent and equally proud, that as a noble and Honourable
Leader, he will represent the Caribbean region and the
MINUTE OF SILENCE diaspora most admirably, and in the interest of all peo-
(for His Excellency Jovenel Moïse) ple.
I have sent a letter accordingly, as this mes-
The Speaker: Please be seated. Thank you very sage will also be sent on behalf of this honourable
much. House.
Now for a more pleasant announcement: Hon-
ourable Members, as I rise, it behoves me to recognise [Pause]
the Prime Minister of Jamaica who has been appointed
to the United Kingdom's Privy Council. The Speaker: Members, now for a more tedious but
As a personal friend, and as the Speaker of this important message as we meet for the first time for
august House of Parliament, it is duly fitting and appro- business and some Members are not aware as yet of
priate to publicly acknowledge this significant achieve- the rules and conventions of this House.
ment. It gives me great pride and distinct pleasure to So, Honourable colleagues, today to begin our
learn of his instalment by Her Majesty the Queen, to the first business sitting, I wish to address several matters
Privy Council. Undoubtedly, accolades are in order as of procedures that are spelled out in our Standing Or-
his accepted form of address is now, the Most Honour- ders, and in the rules and conventions of the orders of
able Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister. the House of Commons in the United Kingdom and
It was commendable to have read that Her Maj- other Commonwealth countries that we usually adhere
esty the Queen has been graciously pleased to ap- to rules and convention.
prove that the Prime Minister be appointed a member Our Standing Orders protect your right as
of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council. Evi- Members to debate, but there are constraints and rules
dently, this sends a clear, strong, and convincing mes- to which you must adhere. The rules must be strictly
sage of the calibre and erudite mind which the Privy followed no matter your opinion and the subject being
Council seeks and will rely on for guidance and advice. debated. The debate must be relevant to the matters
The Prime Minister is beyond doubt, a stalwart before the House.
and a Nation-builder who will be able to analyse, distil No one will be allowed to accuse our insult fel-
and deliberate on difficult issues which the Committee low Members or the Chair, not even with just one word,
may face, and make cogent and rational decisions and while standing, sitting or speaking, when called upon
recommendations for the better good of governance. by the Speaker. The word “coward”, for instance, when
These views and ultimate decisions by the Queen, will spoken and directed to any Member, whether on the
be authoritative and mandatory within the perspective backbench, Government or Opposition, is a good ex-
of Commonwealth Territory and binding in some juris- ample. Words spoken in this House, even if not re-
dictions. peated in the written Hansard, can damage and hurt,
particularly, in our small community.
Parliament of the Cayman IslandsOfficial Hansard Report Wednesday, 14 July 2021 3
Members should be aware of the protection we It is the practice of the House to not publish
have when speaking, because there is Parliamentary scurrilous language used in debate and even though
Privilege, but it is exactly that protection that dictates we have immediate publication, those who are respon-
decency and truth, not speculation—and I repeat that: sible ought to take being responsible and understand
not speculation or hear-say. that when the Chair says a matter is expunged, it is not
It should be understood by everyone that ours carried by any media.
is still not a sovereign Parliament, but still a legislature Honourable Members must observe Standing
with powers of representation. If a matter is not ad- Orders, particularly Rules of Debate, as found on page
dressed in our local Standing Orders or our Immunities, 24 of our Standing Orders, at the beginning of section
Powers and Privileges Law, we must turn to the orders 32, ending at section 39 on page 27.
of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom and I must ask you to pay very close attention to
other such established Parliaments to ensure conform- the Enforcement of Orders, beginning at section 40 on
ity of Parliamentary rules and control. Parliamentary page 27 and ending at section 41, sub-section 14 on
Privilege is the sum of the peculiar rights enjoyed by page 29, which I will take the time to read so one and
you as Members of this honourable House, without all understand what enforcement under these orders
which you could not discharge your functions. That mean.
privilege cannot, and must not, be abused. Section 40 says:
Members, or those outside the House who dis- “The Presiding Officer is responsible
regard these rights and immunities are in breach of for the observance of the rules of order
privileges and can be punished. This applies to the me- in the House and in the Committees of
dia and any other entity or person. The Parliament has the whole House respectively, and his
the right to punish actions that obstruct or impede the decision upon any point of order shall
Parliament in the performance of its functions, and are not be open to appeal and shall not be
contemptible offences against this authority. These in- reviewed by the House save upon a
clude disobedience to legitimate commands, and do li- substantive motion made after notice.”
able the House, its Members, or its Officers, which in-
clude the Clerk and the Serjeant-at-Arms. The protec- Section 41 says:
tion that absolute privilege gives, must not be abused. (1) “The Presiding Officer, after having
Some people believe that it is not the duty of called the attention of the House, or of
the media to publish accurate accounts of the House, a Committee, to the conduct of a Mem-
but only the accounts that suit them, and we see that ber who persists in irrelevance or tedi-
many times in this country. No reasonable person ous repetition, either of his own argu-
would deny that some care must be taken by the media, ments or of the arguments used by the
lest it appears that “food for gossip” is being provided other Members, may direct the Member
under legitimate guise. It is one thing to report debates to discontinue his speech and to re-
of the Parliament as a matter of public interest, but it is sume his seat.
quite another, for the media to carry any irresponsible
or scandalous words that may happen to fall from the (2) The Presiding Officer shall order any
lips of the Members speaking in the Parliament, Member whose conduct is grossly dis-
whether they are relevant to the matter being debated orderly to withdraw immediately from
or not—doing so helps spread scandals across the Is- the House during the remainder of the
lands without consideration of the victim. day’s sitting and may direct such steps
In my opinion, the media should act responsi- to be taken as are necessary to enforce
bly in these matters. If a Member does abuse his privi- that order.
leges, not for making a real contribution to the question
being debated, but as a license to speak irresponsibly (3) If a direction to withdraw under para-
about someone, and especially someone who has no graph (2) is not complied with at once,
standing here and cannot defend themselves, the me- or if on any occasion the Presiding Of-
dia should not add to the wrong by casting open the ficer thinks that his powers under that
windows of this House and letting the world know about paragraph are inadequate, he may
it. Media that regards a man’s reputation so lightly, as name such Member or Members in the
to publicise charges of dishonesty or underhanded be- manner provided by paragraph (4) or
haviour of some kind without even the slightest evi- (5).
dence, has little to complain about if made to make a
substantial payment in redress through the courts. (4) If a Member shows disregard for the au-
The same principle would apply if the words thority of the Chair, or abuses the rules
were recorded and subsequently ordered to be ex- of the House by persistently and wilfully
punged and not available for re-broadcast or as part of obstructing its business, or otherwise,
the written Official Report.
Parliament of the Cayman Islands4 Wednesday, 14 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
the Presiding Officer shall direct the at- (10) If resort to force if necessary, the Pre-
tention of the House to the incident, siding Officer may suspend the sitting
mentioning by name the Member con- during the removal of the offending
cerned. The Presiding Officer shall then Member.
call upon a Member of the Government
to move “That the Honourable Member (11) A Member who is directed to withdraw
for ……… (pointing out the respective con- or who is suspended under this Stand-
stituency) be suspended from the ser- ing Order shall not be entitled to attend
vice of the House”, and the Presiding the sitting from which he was directed
Officer shall forthwith put the question, to withdraw or, in a case of suspension,
no seconder being required and no to attend any sitting or enter the pre-
amendment, adjournment or debate be- cincts of the House until the termina-
ing allowed. tion of his suspension.
(5) If the offence has been committed in a (12) On receiving from a Member sus-
Committee of the whole House, the pended under this Standing Order a
Chairman shall forthwith suspend the written expression of regret, the Presid-
proceedings of the Committee and, as ing Officer shall lay it before the House,
soon as the House has resumed, report and it shall be entered in the minutes of
the circumstances to the House, and the proceedings. On a motion being
follow the procedure provided by para- made for the discharge of the order of
graph (4). suspension the question thereon shall
be decided without the amendment or
(6) If a Member is suspended under any debate. If the question is agreed upon,
provision hereof, his suspension on the the order shall be discharged and the
first occasion in any meeting shall con- Member readmitted.
tinue for one day, on the second occa-
sion for two days, and on a third or sub- (13) In the case of grave disorder arising in
sequent occasion for the duration of the House, the Presiding Officer may, if
that meeting and the subsequent meet- he thinks it necessary, adjourn the
ing. House without question put or suspend
the sitting for a time named by him.
(7) Not more than one Member shall be
named at the same time, unless several (14) Nothing in this Standing Order shall be
Members present together have jointly taken to prevent the House from pro-
disregarded the authority of the Chair. ceeding against any Member for any
breach of order not herein specified.”
(8) A Member who is suspended under par-
agraphs (4) and (6) or is directed to Honourable Members, at times, requests have
withdraw under paragraph (2) shall been made to allow the use of Hansards—the Official
forthwith leave the House and its pre- Report of this Parliament—in certain court cases. I
cincts. have taken [that] this is not allowed and there are rea-
sons:
(9) If any Member who has been directed to • It is precedence set down centuries ago;
withdraw or has been suspended under • The House never loses its absolute privi-
this Standing Order, refuses or neglects lege;
to obey the direction of the Presiding • There is no such thing as a waiver of Par-
Officer in that behalf, the Presiding Of- liamentary privilege;
ficer shall call the attention of the • The Official Report (the Hansard) cannot
House to the fact that recourse to force be replaced by the Court by another report;
is necessary in order to compel obedi- • It is neither a substitute for tapes nor are
ence to his direction, and that Member tapes a substitute for the Hansard;
named by him as having so refused or • The Official Report of the Parliament is “sui
neglected to obey his direction, shall generis” [unique] (and you know I’m not a
thereupon, without further question Latin-speaking person) and not an alterna-
put, be suspended from the service of tive to other documentation;
the House during the remainder of the • The report is prepared under definitive
meeting or for ten days, whichever is principles and are not arbitrary or whimsi-
the longer. cal and are set out in published literature;
Parliament of the Cayman IslandsOfficial Hansard Report Wednesday, 14 July 2021 5
• It cannot be altered by order of a Court; we are in Committee, and although it may be broad-
• It cannot be inquired into or challenged by casted, it is not part of the Official Report.
a Court; When Members say things when not called
• The Hansard never loses its absolute priv- upon, they are not reproduced in the Hansard. A Mem-
ilege. ber may request it for use in the Parliament to prove
what was said, because it could have been heard in
In the Commonwealth it is set down in Law, broadcast, and needs to be addressed. A Member has
and Convention, that the proceedings in Parliament that right but the Speaker has to give consent.
should not be impeached or questioned in any court, or A Member must direct his or her speech to the
any place for that matter, out of Parliament. This pre- questions under discussion or to a Point of Order. The
vents proceedings in Parliament from being examined, precise relevance of an argument may not always be
questioned, or used to support causes. We must bear perceivable, but a Member must speak to the matter at
in mind the century’s old convention that no civil or hand, nothing else.
criminal proceedings may be instituted against any A Member who persists in irrelevance or tedi-
Member in respect of spoken or written words to the ous repetition may be directed by the Speaker to dis-
House or a committee. continue his speech and resume his seat. Conversa-
Convention and Law says no evidence in rela- tions by Members near each other should be done in a
tion to debates, minutes of evidence, any document, whisper. This Chamber is a very confined area and loud
proceedings, or examinations before the House or a voices do distract the Member speaking and Members
committee is admissible in any proceedings before a who want to hear.
court or to a person authorised by law to take evidence, When the House is sitting and a Member
unless, permission has been given by the Speaker. wishes to enter the Chamber, they should bow to the
The strength of this traditional position of the Chair. On taking their seat, they should again bow to
convention is to protect the institution of Parliament, to the Chair. If a Member wishes to leave their seat, they
prevent issues or conflicts with the courts, and to avoid should bow to the Chair and if they wish to exit the
the risk of any ill-conceived attempts to use Chamber, they should bow to the Chair. I should say to
Parliaments’ proceedings for wrong private purposes. you that a nod of the head is sufficient. A bow from the
It also ensures a considerable level of formality and middle is not necessary. It is not anything else but rec-
conformity in concepts of evidence and prevents skir- ognising the Chair.
mishing with the Parliament. Whenever the Speaker rises, there must be si-
Also, it is not apparent in what circumstances lence and any Member who is speaking or offering to
audio, and/or video of proceedings of the House or the speak should immediately sit down. Members should
Committee can have probative value in Court used to- not leave their seats while the Speaker is addressing
gether with, or instead of, the Official Hansard’s Report, the House. They should not leave their seats while the
nor can any proper purposes be served in using audio Governor is addressing the House on the Throne
or video to supplement or contradict the Official Han- Speech.
sard’s Report, to impact any legal proceedings unless If a Member persists in standing after the
the tapes are the Official Hansard Reports, and permis- Speaker has risen and refuses to resume his seat when
sion has been given by the presiding officer. directed by the Speaker to do so, he must withstand the
An official report of the Parliament on the “re- Order of Suspension or can be named.
lease of Hansards”, is not prepared for use as evidence I direct your attention to the 24th Edition of Er-
in a court of Law or anywhere else; nor is it other than skine May for your knowledge of the orders that will be
what it sets out to be; substantially the verbatim report; directed against misconduct, some of which I have
nor will it ordinarily contain everything said by every mentioned already.
Member during a sitting of the Parliament. Only the Committees and witnesses of Committees may
Member called by the Chair to speak has the Floor and be subject to sections 9 and 12 of the Parliament’s Im-
should be and will be recorded. munities, Powers, and Privileges Law and can order
The official report is evidence of what was said any person to attend the committee to give evidence or
as reported in the Hansard. It cannot be used to prove produce documents in their possession or control.
anything else, is useless to establish truth of its con- Section 6 (1) of Immunities, Powers, and Privi-
tents and is a legal record of a sitting. leges Law specifically says, in reference to witnesses
We do not allow the Hansard to reproduce being notified by summons:
comments from a sitting position. A Member’s com- “Any order to attend, give evidence or pro-
ments are recorded in the Hansard if he or she has duce documents before the Assembly [Par-
been called upon to speak by the Chair, or if he makes liament] or a committee shall be notified to
a remark that is subsequently picked up by another the person required to attend or produce
Member and used in the debate. But a remark from the documents by a summons under the hand
sitting position is not reproduced in the Hansard unless of the Clerk issued by the direction of the
Speaker.”
Parliament of the Cayman Islands6 Wednesday, 14 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Section 8 (1) and (2) of the Law states: final jurisdiction of the Conventions and Orders as
“Where any person ordered to attend, give passed down to Parliament, through ages and centu-
evidence or produce any paper, book, rec- ries. No committee can operate outside of these rules;
ord or document before the Assembly [Par- if it does, the Speaker must exert his powers.
liament] refuses to answer any question put The final arbiter of the rules is the House which
to him or to produce any such paper, book, deems it powers of Order to the Honourable Speaker.
record, or document on the ground that is So to make it clear, the Chair of any committee, select
of a private nature and does not affect the or standing, finance, public accounts, whatever, gets its
subject of enquiry, the Speaker may excuse operative works and its authority from the seat of au-
the answering of such question or the pro- thority: the House, and thus, the Speaker.
duction of such paper, book, record or doc- As Speaker of this Honourable Parliament, I
ument, or may order the answering or pro- am responsible and I will ensure the conventions and
duction thereof.” rules of parliamentary democracy are abided by each
and every committee of this Honourable House and
Section 8(2): Members of course, hoping that I will have complete
“Where any person ordered to attend, give good behaviour.
evidence or produce any paper, book, rec- Honourable Members, the Standing Orders are
ord or document before any Committee re- here for your use. You must use them to aid you in your
fuses to answer any question put to him or work. As a long standing Member here, I can’t tell you
to produce any such paper, book, record or how many times I’ve had to resort to the full Standing
document on the ground that the same is of Order to ensure I got my work done. Particularly, in the
a private nature and does not affect the sub- old days when they just thought we were here to say
ject of enquiry, the chairman of the commit- Nay and Aye and not to do anything else. I had to prove
tee may report such refusal to the Speaker I am elected. Therefore, I must work and I will try to
with the reasons therefor; and the Speaker work within the Standing Orders and I should say that
may thereupon excuse the answering of in my 36 years now, I've never been put out. I had some
such question or the production of such pa- rough times but I’ve sailed close enough to the wind to
per, book, record or document or order the get the peoples’ work done and that's what you must
answering or production thereof.” and why you must study your Standing Orders because
there are times [when] you will have to sail close to the
Section 9(1) and (2) of the law says: wind and being a long-standing Member I will recognise
“Every person summoned to attend, give that, but I will also exert the powers within the Standing
evidence, or produce any paper, book, rec- Orders.
ord or document—such documents—before I am sorry to have taken so much time this
the Assembly—Parliament—or a committee morning on these matters but seeing that we were not
is entitled, in respect of such evidence, the yet able to have our conference for new Members, I
disclosure of any communication or the thought it appropriate—since you are beginning a very
production of any such paper, book, record important piece of business today—that I should re-
or document, to the same rights or privilege mind Members to my left who have been here for some
as before the Grand Court. time, and to my right some of you who are new and
some who are also here for some time, that the Orders
Section 9(2) says: need to be obeyed; not the Speaker so much, but the
“Except with the consent of the Governor, Orders.
no public officer shall - Thank you kindly.
a) Produce before the Assembly—Parlia-
ment—or a committee any such paper,
book, record or document; or PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS
b) give before the Assembly—Parliament—
or a committee evidence on any such The Speaker: None.
matter, as it relates to or forms part of
the correspondence of any […] civil de-
partment or to any matter affecting the PRESENTATION OF PAPERS
public service.”
AND OF REPORTS
All committees of the House are creatures of
the House. They are responsible to the House, must CAYMAN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
report to the House, and abide and operate by powers 2022-2024 STRATEGIC POLICY STATEMENT –
and rules given by the House. The Honourable JULY 2021
Speaker is the arbiter of the rules. The House is the
Parliament of the Cayman IslandsOfficial Hansard Report Wednesday, 14 July 2021 7
The Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Finance. 5. Supporting climate change resilience and
sustainable development;
Hon. Christopher S. Saunders, Deputy Premier, 6. Increasing social justice in the workforce;
Minister of Finance and Economic Development 7. Utilising sports to enhance the lives of our
and Minister of Border Control and Labour: Thank people;
you, Mr. Speaker. 8. Building a modern infrastructure to ensure
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government, I a successful future for our Islands;
beg to lay on the Table of this honourable Parliament, 9. Improving our financial services as an in-
the Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) for the 2022- dustry product and economic driver for our
2024 financial years. Islands; and lastly,
10. Improving our tourism industry as a prod-
The Speaker: So ordered. uct and economic driver.
Is the Honourable Minister speaking thereto?
Mr. Speaker, over the next three financial
Hon. Christopher S. Saunders, Deputy Premier: years, the Economics and Statistics Office (ESO) has
Yes, Mr. Speaker. forecast that our economy is expected to recover over
Mr. Speaker, the Government's 2022-2024 the near term, beginning with a growth of 1.2 per cent
Strategic Policy Statement, otherwise known as the in this year, 2021. Economic activity is expected to fur-
SPS, outlines the Government's fiscal plans, its poli- ther accelerate by 4.7 per cent in 2022 and an average
cies, broad priorities and outcomes for the next three of 2.9 per cent between the years 2023 and 2025.
years for the period, 1st January 2022 to 31st Decem- Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that while most
ber, 2024. industries are expected to contribute to growth in 2021,
This SPS will also guide the development of led by construction, some industries, such as hotels
the detailed Budget for the next budget period, which and restaurants, along with transport and storage, are
will cover the financial years 2022 and 2023. That not expected to grow as the Islands continue to enforce
budget Mr. Speaker will be brought to this honourable measures that ensure the safety of our people, and in
Parliament in November of this year. particular, our children and other vulnerable groups.
Mr. Speaker, this SPS is the first one produced Mr. Speaker, the economic growth which is led
by this Administration, and it accords with both the prin- by the construction sector, will be directly influenced by
ciples of responsible financial management and the several large construction projects from the private and
terms of the Framework of Fiscal Responsibility, other- public sectors including:
wise known as FFR, as set out in the Public Manage- • The NCB Hilton Hotel;
ment and Finance Act. • The new Hyatt Hotel at the Pageant Beach
Mr. Speaker, the SPS also reflects this Gov- Site;
ernment's goal of improved fiscal prudence, while cre- • The Indigo Hotel;
ating an environment for economic growth and PACT • Completion of the John Gray High School;
Governments. A Government that is people driven, ac- • Completion of the long term mental health fa-
countable, competent and transparent. This SPS is cility; and
built on the PACT Government making the necessary • Continued road network expansion and up-
steps to making people lives better, in meaningful grade.
ways. Mr. Speaker, this Government has made it a
The PACT Government has crafted this SPS policy priority of ensuring that Caymanians have mean-
on strengthening our pillar industry of financial ser- ingful participation in the workforce and expect that this
vices, rebuilding and improving our tourism industry fol- policy will shift the labour market dynamics and mini-
lowing the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pan- mise the impact of displacements on the overall em-
demic, and diversifying our economy through new and ployment figure. We believe that this policy will result in
developing industries. more Caymanians being employed and will result in the
Over the next four years the PACT Govern- overall unemployment rate moving more from a fore-
ment’s key priorities and broad outcomes are: cast of 5 per cent in 2021 to 4.4 per cent in 2022, and
1. Improving education to promote lifelong then average 3.6 per cent in the remaining three years.
learning and greater economic mobility; Mr. Speaker, the Consumer Price Index (CPI),
2. Ensure an equitable, sustainable and suc- which measures the change in retail prices is expected
cessful healthcare system; to increase by 2.1 percent in 2021 by 1.9 per cent in
3. Providing solutions to improve the well-be- 2022, and two per cent in 2023, and by 2.6 per cent in
ing of our people, so they can achieve their 2024. These forecast changes are primarily driven by
full potential; forecast in the United States, the principal market for
4. Strengthening good governance for more which the Cayman Islands import most of its consumer
effective government; products.
Parliament of the Cayman Islands8 Wednesday, 14 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Mr. Speaker, despite the impact of the COVID- The finance costs are expected to increase over the
19 pandemic on the Government’s financial perfor- SPS forecast period, primarily due to the repayment of
mance and forecast financial results, along with the government debt.
Government's response to ensuring the health and Additionally, Mr. Speaker, output from Statu-
safety of the people of the Cayman Islands and stimu- tory Authorities and Government Companies (SAGCs)
late the local economy, the Government remains com- show small increase over the SPS forecasts period.
mitted to maintaining fiscal prudency, and expects to be Dominant among these expenditure category are the
in full compliance with the principles and the FFR cost of services produced for Government by the
throughout the SPS period of 2022 to 2024. Health Services Authority, the Cayman Islands Na-
Mr. Speaker, I will now highlight the financial tional Insurance Company, the Cayman Islands Mone-
forecasts that are contained in the SPS document: tary Authority and Cayman Airways.
Mr. Speaker, over the next three financial
Operating revenues years, the Government is committed to $434 million in
planned capital investments and capital injections.
This SPS does not contain any new fees or Government Ministries, Portfolios and Offices are ex-
taxes levied on the public. The forecast assumes the pected to spend approximately $331 million to fund the
ongoing successful prevention of the transmission of following:
the virus and are therefore more dependent on as- • Completion of all phases of the John Gray
sumptions about future developments than is normally High School in George Town, as well as
the case. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, operating reve- other critical education infrastructure;
nues are expected to increase over the forecast period, • Invest in a new submarine communica-
surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. tions cable system;
As the tourism sector begins to recover, other • Security improvements to the prison facili-
major sectors of the local economy are showing tre- ties;
mendous resilience and growth, led by the expansion • Procurement of patrol vessels for the
of the construction sector; such growth is expected to Coast Guard;
result in increased demand for goods and services, • Specialised equipment for the Royal Cay-
thereby driving revenue from import duties and other man Islands Police Service;
consumption based revenue items. • Modernisation of local infrastructure, in-
Mr. Speaker, the Government's total operating cluding the road network; and
revenue for the SPS forecasts period 2022-2024 is just • The purchase of lands for national environ-
under $2.7 billion which are broken down as follows: mental conservation, to name a few.
• $868.7 million in 2022
• $895.8 million in 2023; and Additionally, Mr. Speaker, over the next three
• $930 million in 2024 financial years, the Government expects to inject capi-
tal, totalling $103.3 million into SAGCs to support their
Mr. Speaker, the main drivers of these reve- operations and to fund capital projects. The majority will
nues are: be invested in the Cayman Islands Airports Authority,
• other companies’ fees — $387.5 million the National Housing and Development Trust, the Cay-
• other import duty —$449 million man Turtle Centre, the University College of the Cay-
• private fund fees — $152.5 million man Islands and Cayman Airways.
• partnership fees — $240.4 million; and
• mutual fund administration license fees — Borrowings
$150.5 million
On the subject of borrowings, Mr. Speaker, in
Operating expenditure forecast 2021 Government intends to borrow $230 million and a
further $100 million in 2022. The total borrowing of
Mr. Speaker, the SPS forecast period is to be $330 million will be used, along with operating reve-
just under $2.6 billion in operating expenditures broken nues, to fund capital investments by Government which
down as follows: total $331 and government investments in SAGCs of
• $843.2 million in 2022 $103.3 million over the SPS forecast period. During the
• $861.5 million in 2023; and SPS forecasts period, the government is expected to
• $864.8 million in 2024 pay off approximately $145.5 million in outstanding
government debt.
Mr. Speaker, the modest increase in operating At 31st December 2024, it is forecast that the
expenditures is due to Government’s new initiatives for Government will have a debt balance of $398.8 million,
education, health, security and social development, which will represent 7 per cent of GDP, one of the low-
coupled with increases in health insurance premiums.
Parliament of the Cayman IslandsOfficial Hansard Report Wednesday, 14 July 2021 9
est in the world. The Government is committed to main- Over the SPS forecast period, unrestricted cash re-
taining full compliance with the principles throughout serves are expected to be:
the SPS forecast period. • 167.1 days of executive expenses in 2022;
• 125.2 days of executive expenses in 2023;
Operating surplus and
• 94.3 days of executive expenses in 2024—
On the subject of operating surplus, Mr. again, above the 90 day requirement.
Speaker, the Act requires that the Government main-
tain a positive operating surplus. Throughout the SPS Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform this
period, the Government is projected to remain in com- honourable Parliament that the UK Government's
pliance with the requirement to maintain a positive op- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
erating surplus. The operating surplus of Government (FCDO) has agreed to the SPS that has just been laid
is forecast to be: on the Table for the Government’s 2022 to 2024 finan-
• $25.5 million in 2022; cial years. This is an important and significant endorse-
• $34.4 million in 2023; and ment of the Government's plans.
• $65.2 million in 2024. Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I would like
to lay on the Table, the FCDO’s agreement to the SPS
The Act also requires that the Government and also read into the record.
maintains a positive net worth; the Government is fore-
cast to maintain a positive net worth throughout the [Pause]
SPS forecast period. Net worth is forecast to be:
• $1.3 billion at the end of 2022; Hon. Christopher S. Saunders, Deputy Premier: Do
• $1.4 billion at the end of 2023; and I have your permission?
• $1.4 billion at the end of 2024.
The Speaker: So ordered.
Mr. Speaker, the Act also requires that the an-
nual entire public service debt service cost—that is in- Hon. Christopher S. Saunders, Deputy Premier:
terest and principle—not be greater than 10 per cent of Give that to the Speaker for me and you can lay this
government’s revenues. The Government is forecast to one for me. I brought copies for everyone as well, in
remain compliant throughout the SPS forecast period case they want to read along; here you go.
with debt service ratio of: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This letter from Paul
• 8.2 per cent in 2022; Candler, Director of the Overseas Territories, dated the
• 8.6 per cent in 2023; and 13th July 2021 was sent to the Honourable Premier,
• 7.1 per cent in 2024. Wayne Panton, and reads:
“Dear Premier Panton,
Again, Mr. Speaker, all years are below the 10 I am writing in response to your letter to
per cent requirement. The net debt ratio is that the Act Lord Ahmad on 6 July 2021, requesting approval
requires that the Government net debt does not exceed for your 2022 to 2024 Strategic Policy Statement
80 per cent of Government’s operating revenues. Net (SPS) and associated borrowing proposals.
debt is calculated as the total amount of outstanding On behalf of the Foreign Commonwealth in
Government debt, plus the risk-weighted debt of Development Office (FCDO), I am content that the
SAGCs, less the liquid assets of government. Cayman Islands Government (CIG) can present the
For the SPS forecasts period, net debt is fore- SPS to the Cayman Parliament and proceed with
cast to remain well below the limit, achieving full com- the proposed borrowing plans. As the SPS fore-
pliance with this ratio. casts that the CIG Government will remain in com-
• In 2022, we are looking at 26.5 per cent; pliance with the three borrowing limits set out in
the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility, these do
• 29.4 per cent in 2023; and
not require formal approval from the UK Govern-
• 30.7 per cent in 2024—again, well below
ment.
the 80 per cent ratio.
I thank you for the transparent and collabo-
rative approach you have taken in sharing this in-
Cash Reserves
formation with us. I would be very grateful if you
could continue to keep me and my team updated
On the issue of cash reserves, the Act requires
with the latest fiscal out turns and projections. If
Government to have liquid cash reserves of not less
subsequent fiscal forecast project a breach in any
than 90 days of estimated executive expenses. This ra-
of the borrowing’s limit, formal UK approval would
tio is calculated at the point in a financial year, when
be required for updates to the SPS and new bor-
Government’s liquid cash reserves are expected to be
rowing from that point onwards.
at their lowest, typically 31st December, each year.
Parliament of the Cayman Islands10 Wednesday, 14 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Despite the fiscal challenges that COVID-19 PROVIDING VALUE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE
has brought, the SPS demonstrates a commitment CAYMAN ISLANDS
to sound public financial management and shows
the CIG’s public finances in a strong position. It is The Speaker: The Honourable Leader of the Opposi-
particularly notable that you have maintained a tion.
high level of reserves and are anticipating return-
ing to an operating surplus by 2022 under these dif- Hon. Roy M. McTaggart, Leader of the Opposition,
ficult circumstances. Elected Member for George Town East: Thank you,
Thank you for your continued collaboration Mr. Speaker.
with the UK. I have recently taken over as Director Mr. Speaker, I beg to lay on the Table of this
of the Overseas Territories Directorate and look honourable House, the Annual Report for the Year
forward to meeting with you in the near future. ended 31st December 2020, for the Office of the Auditor
Yours sincerely General, entitled “Providing Value to the People of the
Paul Candler Cayman Islands”.
Director Overseas Territories.”
The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Member speaking
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to highlight thereto?
that the safety of the people of the Cayman Islands, and
the recovery of this economy are the top priorities of the Hon. Roy M. McTaggart, Leader of the Opposition:
PACT Government. Very briefly, Mr. Speaker.
The Government recognises that difficult deci- Mr. Speaker, the Annual Report contains the
sions have to be made to counter the impact of the audited financial statements for the Office of the Auditor
COVID-19 pandemic but the decision must be made General for the year 2020 as well.
with prudent fiscal limits. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, we I draw Members’ attention to the fact that the
have to be responsible with the people's money. accounts are audited by Baker Tilly [Chartered Profes-
The financial targets set out in this SPS, allows sional Accountants] and they issued an unqualified or
for funding of key policy initiatives, including: unmodified opinion on those financial statements on
• Enhancing education programmes; March 24th, 2021.
• Expanding and modernising healthcare; I commend the report to this honourable
• Enhancing social development pro- House; it contains details as to the work of the Auditor.
grammes; With those comments, sir, I thank you.
• Sustainable development;
• Understanding climate change resiliency; CAYMAN ISLANDS LAW REFORM COMMISSION
and ANNUAL REPORT NO. 16 —
• Supporting the financial services sector in 1ST APRIL 2020 TO 31ST MARCH, 2021
being a mainstay economic driver in the
Cayman Islands. The Speaker: The Honourable Attorney General.
The Government recognises that setting these The Attorney General, Hon. Samuel W. Bulgin:
financial targets are not simply numbers, but that these Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
targets affect the lives of our citizens at a personal Mr. Speaker, I beg leave of this Parliament to
level; we are talking about a child having daily meals at lay on the Table, the Cayman Islands Law Reform
school, Mr. Speaker, or a person having access to ad- Commission Report, which covers the period 1st April
equate, quality healthcare. 2020 to 31st March 2021.
Mr. Speaker, this Government remains stead-
fast in its commitment to delivering its programmes for The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Member speaking
improving the quality of life for all Caymanians, while thereto?
balancing the need to manage the country’s finances in
an accountable, competent, and transparent manner The Attorney General, Hon. Samuel W. Bulgin: Mr.
but most importantly, Mr. Speaker, being people-driven Speaker, save to draw honourable Members’ attention
and making sure that we put people first. to the Chairman's foreword, where he made a point that
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. this is the 16th Annual Report of the Commission and
that the reporting period took place in the midst of a
[Desk thumping] daunting challenge for these Islands and the world, due
to the COVID-19 global pandemic, which few could
OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL have foreseen.
CAYMAN ISLANDS ANNUAL REPORT, He observed, Mr. Speaker, that despite those
31ST DECEMBER 2020 — challenges, it has been a progressive year for the Com-
mission. According to him, Mr. Speaker, as in previous
Parliament of the Cayman IslandsOfficial Hansard Report Wednesday, 14 July 2021 11
years, the Commission continued to keep the laws of The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Honourable Minister
the Cayman Islands under review in a systematic way speaking thereto?
by maintaining a record of possible future Law Reform
Projects, through its own assessment of the areas in Hon. Bernie A. Bush: No sir, thank you.
need of reform and, of course, having received referrals
from other stakeholders. The Speaker: Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, according to the Chairman, the
Commission has maintained concentration upon its THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
core work with the result that during and post the shel- ANNUAL REPORT 2019 AND 2020
ter-in-place legislative requirements, a range of pro-
jects, all of which have direct bearing on the needs of The Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Investment,
contemporary Cayman Islands society, were ad- Innovation, and Social Development.
vanced.
He made the point sir, that on the 8th November Hon. André M. Ebanks, Minister of Financial Ser-
2020, the final report of the Commission, “Bullying: vices and Commerce and Minister of Investment,
Legislation, Policy or Both?” was submitted. The final Innovation, and Social Development: Thank you, Mr.
reports contained recommendations which sought to Speaker.
respond to the issues that relate to bullying behaviour I beg to lay on the Table of this honourable
in the public and private schools. Of course, the vote House, the 2019 and 2020 Annual Reports of the Min-
was submitted or underpinned by an Education istry of Community Affairs.
(Amendment) Bill, 2020 and Anti-Bullying School Reg-
ulations, 2020. The Speaker: So ordered.
Mr. Speaker, he also highlighted, and this Par- Is the Minister speaking thereto?
liament would have been aware, of the review of litiga-
tion funding in the Cayman Islands, as it relates to con- Hon. André M. Ebanks: Very briefly, Mr. Speaker. Just
ditional and contingency fee agreements, and also the to say that through a twist of fate, I happened to be a
decriminalisation of suicide, and those of course culmi- member of the Ministry of Community Affairs at the rel-
nated in legislation being passed by this honourable evant time, as reporting for that period, as the Deputy
Parliament. He also mentioned the Commission's on- Chief Officer and I would just like to thank all of the staff
going work on the contempt of court report, and also on at that time for their incredible work—it is integral to the
the issue of the Registered Land (Amendment) Bill, as social fabric of this society, in terms of needs assess-
it relates to the enforcement of mortgaged types of se- ment, social work and gender affairs. It was a pleasure
curity over real estate and the necessary reform to that to work with them, to see their work in action, and I
Law. would just like that noted for the record.
Mr. Speaker, I would only further wish to thank
the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Hector Robinson, [Desks thumping]
QC, and the Commission’s Honourable Justice, Alex-
ander Henderson, QC, retired judge, Commissioner GOVERNMENT OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Vaughn Carter, Commissioner Abraham Thoppil, the CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES
Solicitor General and the Director of Public Prosecu- (CAYS) FOUNDATION
tions, as well as the Commission’s staff, the Director ANNUAL REPORT – YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Mr. Jose Griffiths, paralegal Ms. Felicia Connor and Ad- 2020
ministrative Secretary, Ms. Lourdes Pacheco.
I commend this report to the Honourable The Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Investment,
Parliament and to the wider public. Innovation and Social Development.
I thank you, sir.
Hon. André M. Ebanks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
OMBUDSMAN CAYMAN ISLANDS— I beg to lay on the Table of this Honourable
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 House the Children and Youth Services—shortly
named (CAYS)—Foundation, Annual Report ended
The Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Home Af- 31st December 2020.
fairs, Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage.
The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Minister speaking
Hon. Bernie A. Bush, Minister of Home Affairs, thereto?
Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage: Mr. Speaker,
on behalf of the Select Committee that oversees the Hon. André M. Ebanks: Very briefly Mr. Speaker, to
Office of the Ombudsman, I beg to lay on the Table the say thank you to this Foundation for their incredible
Ombudsman's Office 2020 Annual Report. work in handling troubled teens and working alongside
the Department of Children and Family Services
Parliament of the Cayman Islands12 Wednesday, 14 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
(DCFS). It is very noble work and they do it with very [Desk thumping]
meagre funding, so thank you for their services.
THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE
MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE, CAYMAN ISLANDS BOARD OF GOVERNORS
INVESTMENT, ANNUAL REPORT 2018
AVIATION AND MARITIME AFFAIRS - MITIAMA
CAYMAN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT The Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Education.
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly, Minister for
The Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Investment Education and Minister of District Administration
and Innovation. and Lands: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I beg to lay on the Table of this honourable Par-
Hon. André M. Ebanks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. liament, the 2018 Board of Governors Annual Report.
I beg to lay on the Table of this honourable
House, the 2020 Annual Report for the Ministry of In- The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Minister speaking
ternational Trade, Investment, Innovation and Maritime thereto?
Affairs of the Cayman Islands Government.
Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly: Thank you, Mr.
The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Minister speaking Speaker; only to say that the University College Board
thereto? of Governors Report for 2018 received an unqualified
opinion from the Auditor General and it was during that
Hon. André M. Ebanks: Just very briefly, to say that year that they saw the recruitment of the new President.
the Ministry dealing with COVID, in the middle of 2020,
had to convert its operations to deal with the COVID WATER AUTHORITY OF
response and not their original intended objective. I just THE CAYMAN ISLANDS —
wanted to note their outstanding work during the pan- 2018 AND 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
demic.
The Speaker: The Minister of District Administration
CAYMAN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT OFFICE — UK and Lands.
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly: Thank you. Mr.
The Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Investment, Speaker.
Innovation and Social Development. Mr. Speaker I beg to lay on the Table of this
Honourable Parliament, the Water Authority of the Cay-
Hon. André M. Ebanks: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I beg man Islands 2018 and 2019 Annual Reports and to also
to lay on the Table of this honourable House, the Cay- indicate that they received unqualified opinions.
man Islands Government Office — UK, Annual Report The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Minister speaking
2020. thereto?
The Speaker: So ordered. Is the Minister speaking Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly: Mr. Speaker
thereto? just to thank the awesome Board at the Water Authority
and to publicly express the Government's appreciation
Hon. André M. Ebanks: Very briefly. This report again, for their year upon year successes with a very vital
is a twist of fate, as it was one in which I am deeply commodity here in the Cayman Islands, especially with
familiar with, as at the time I was the Cayman Islands the expansion to Cayman Brac and the work that
Representative to the UK, which this report is reporting they're doing there in the plans that they have for Little
on. Cayman.
I would say, not in relation to myself but to the To recognise the passing of one of the mem-
overall staff complement, it was extraordinary to watch bers, Mr. Chris Randall; to thank his family for his valu-
Caymanians overseas assist their fellow Caymanians, able contribution.
students, [and] vulnerable, transport back and forth on Also to put on record the Government’s ex-
British Airways (BA) between London and Cayman and pression of gratitude and appreciation to the most re-
to also have received and helped folks who were leav- cent Chairman, Mr. Kearney Gomez, and also to Mr.
ing Cayman to arrive on BA. Doing so while they were Alfonso Wright; Mr. Wright having tendered his resig-
in lockdown themselves in their residence, was extraor- nation because he's been graduated from a Public Of-
dinary to watch. ficer to a Civil Servant, and Mr. Kearney Gomez having
My heart goes out to the staff. I will never forget tendered his resignation after the last election due to—
their support. A piece of me will always be in London. in his opinion—the catastrophic results of the election.
Thank you.
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