Acting Governor Announces New Appointments to the Cayman Islands Constitutional Commission

His Excellency the Acting Governor, Franz Manderson, is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished individuals to the Cayman Islands Constitutional Commission, effective immediately.

The new membership of the Constitutional Commission is as follows:

John Lemuel Hurlston, CVO, MBE, JP, PhD (Honoris Causa) – Chairman

Mr. Hurlston brings decades of public service and leadership experience to the role. He served as Chief Secretary and Deputy Governor until his retirement in 1995, after 26 years in the Cayman Islands civil service. A respected figure in both the public and private sectors, he has held numerous directorships and was named Managing Director of Montpelier Properties (Cayman) Limited in 1997. Twice honoured by Her Majesty the Queen, Mr. Hurlston was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University College of the Cayman Islands in 2012 and published his memoir, A Life that Counts, in 2016.

Hon. Alex Henderson, KC – Member

Mr. Henderson is a seasoned legal professional with 48 years of experience in litigation and arbitration. He served as a Judge of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands from 2003 to 2015, and previously as a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia from 1995 to 2003. He has delivered the second highest number of judgments in the history of the Grand Court and remains active in legal development as an editor of the Cayman Islands Law Reports, a member of the Law Reform Commission, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and INSOL (world-wide federation of national associations of accountants and lawyers who specialise in turnaround and insolvency).

Annalisa Shibli – Member

Ms. Shibli is a dual-qualified litigation lawyer with expertise in commercial litigation, crossborder insolvency, and restructuring. Raised in the Cayman Islands and born in Trinidad and Tobago, she has practiced law in both the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong. Her international perspective and commercial acumen bring valuable diversity and insight to the Commission’s work.

The Role of the Constitutional Commission

The Constitutional Commission is a three-person independent body established under section 118 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order, 2009. It plays a vital role in advising the Government on constitutional matters, publishing materials to foster informed public discussion, and promoting understanding and awareness of the Constitution and its values.

Its core functions include:

• Advising the Government on questions concerning constitutional status and development in the Cayman Islands;

• Publishing reports, discussion papers, and informational documents on constitutional issues;

• Promoting understanding and awareness of the Constitution;

• Exercising any additional functions as prescribed by law.

Commission members, all of whom volunteer their time, are appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition.

Announcement in Honour of Constitution Day

This announcement is being made in celebration of Constitution Day 7 July. The appointments of these distinguished individuals underscore the ongoing commitment to upholding and strengthening the Constitution, the rule of law, and good governance in the Cayman Islands.

Statement from His Excellency the Acting Governor, Franz Manderson

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of these three highly accomplished individuals to the Constitutional Commission,” said Acting Governor Franz Manderson.

“Their extensive experience, diverse perspectives, and unwavering commitment to public service will be invaluable to the Commission’s important work in strengthening understanding of our Constitution and supporting good governance in the Cayman Islands.”

For more information about the Constitutional Commission, please visit:

www.constitutionalcommission.ky