FRESH NEW LEADERSHIP FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

By Staff Writer

In what was arguably one of the fastest government formations in recent political history, Cayman’s newest government coalition was assembled within a day of the April 30th general election.

Initially tipped to be called The National Coalition for Caymanians(NCFC), the new administration is a four-four-three formation of The Cayman Community Party(TCCP - 4 seats), Cayman Islands National Party (CINP - 4 seats) and three independents; Rolston Anglin, Jay Ebanks and Isaac Rankine.

Cabinet portfolios were being assigned ahead of the new government’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday May 6th.

Their combined 11 seats out of the 19 in Parliament pulled the rug from under the People’s Progressives Movement(PPM/Progressives) which was regarded in some circles as odds-on favourites to at least lead a new coalition formation.

The party had in part recruited and in part reinstated into its ranks 

three members of the former United People’s Movement(UPM) administration which formed the last Cabinet.

Despite securing seven seats with the inclusion of ex-UPM premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and two members of her then Cabinet - tourism minister Kenneth Bryan and labour and border control minister Dwayne Seymour - overtures to other successful candidates to gain the additional three seats needed for a PPM/Progressives-led majority did not materialise.

TCCP LEADS NEWEST COALITION

A joint statement following the commitment to form the coalition said: “This historic coalition will bring together dedicated leaders who share a common vision: building a Cayman that works for everyone. The group have confirmed they will be preparing and executing a coalition agreement which will specify the priorities, policies and projects to be adopted and completed during the 2025 administration, and this will include the Ministries that are intended. The intention of the group is to appoint an independent, non-elected Speaker.”

TCCP leader Andre Ebanks assuming the role of Cayman’s fifth Premier stated: “As coalition partners we are united in our commitment to form a responsible government that will work quickly to address the cost-of-living crisis, stabilise the country’s finances, expand opportunities for Caymanians, and ensure sustainable development that benefits all our people. We have already begun productive discussions about how we will deliver the results our citizens demanded and deserve.”

Gary Rutty speaking on behalf of the CINP added: “Yesterday, the people of the Cayman Islands voted decisively for hope. The results show a clear mandate for a new direction in our governance, with voters supporting candidates who pledged to put Caymanian interests first and tackle our pressing challenges head-on.

Mr Rutty was tipped as the new coalition government’s Deputy Premier. CINP leader Dan Scott failed to unseat ex-premier/UPM leader Juliana O’Connor-Connolly in the Cayman Brac East constituency. Previously stating locally and internationally that she was retiring from politics, Mrs O’Connor-Connolly had a change of heart and contested the poll on the ticket of the opposition PPM/Progressives, effectively relegating her then-UPM coalition to the political history books.

However, the outcome of the April 30th election means that the PPM/Progressives stay in opposition where she now joins them.

To date, there has been no further update on her political future.

Meanwhile, CINP founder and leader Dan Scott, although personally unsuccessful in his political debut, has nonetheless seen his new party in government in its first run.

He stated: “I am deeply grateful for the victories achieved by my fellow Cayman Islands National Party candidates. The overall election results present a diverse landscape and our focus remains steadfast on delivering on our promises and contributing constructively to the future of our nation. We are excited to build a government that prioritizes the needs of all Caymanians.”

The swearing-in ceremony for the new TCCP/CINP/INDEPENDENTSx3 coalition government was scheduled for Tuesday May 6th as confirmed in a statement by Her Excellency, Governor Jane Owen shortly after meeting the coalition leaders who had confirmed that they had sealed the government deal.

“Mr Ebanks presented a letter confirming that he has the support of the majority of the parliamentarians who were elected at the 30th April General Election and that he intends to form the new Government. The letter includes a total of 11 signatures from elected representatives (inclusive of Mr Ebanks) supporting his leadership of a new Government with Mr Rutty as his deputy.”

Governor Owens also affirmed: “I look forward to working in collaboration with the new Government. As Governor I will strive, along with the Deputy Governor and the whole public service, to support them in delivering their priorities and policies over the coming term.”

PPM REMAINS AS MAIN OPPOSITION

With the PPM/Progressives remaining in the opposition benches, party leader Joey Hew issued what he framed as ‘a message of unity and hope’. At the same time though, he questioned if the new government formation reflected ‘the will of the people’.

“The election is over and the outcome shows that the PPM with 7, won the largest number of seats of all the parties; the CINP 4, TCCP 4, and the independents 4. Negotiations have once more chosen the government and not the will of the people. Sadly the country may find itself in the same position it was in after the 2021 elections with a marriage of convenience comprised of several mismatched partners.”

Mr Hew went on to state: “As I return to the role of Leader of the Opposition, I promise you this: I will not stop fighting for the principles we believe in. You have my unwavering commitment that I will continue to serve, advocate, and champion the causes that brought us together in the first place.”

The PPM/Progressives leader who was leading the party in an election for the first time, also said: “To our opponents, congratulations on your victory. I hope that you will govern with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to the values that unite us as a nation. We may have been divided in this contest, but the challenges ahead—building a stronger economy, ensuring equality, and safeguarding our future—demand that we work together.”

PPM/Progressives are joined on the Opposition benches by independent Chris Saunders(Bodden Town West).

POLITICAL SHIFTS

The new TCCP/CINP/INDEPENDENTSx3 is Cayman’s fourth government formation in as many years; PACT (2012-2023), UPM-1(2023-2024) and UPM2-minority(2024-2025). The coalition leader TCCP was formed out of the departure of four members of the then UPM government of ex-premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. The UPM itself was created out of the remnants of the collapsed PACT coalition under then-premier Wayne Panton. Mr Panton contested the 2025 election as a member of the TCCP and was expected to take a backbench position. Ex-UPM premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly ran with the PPM/Progressives and will now sit with the party as an Opposition MP along with two of her ex-UPM (an ex-PACT) Cabinet members - Kenneth Bryan (now PPM/Progressives Deputy Leader) and Dwayne Seymour.

REFERENDUM OUTCOME

A three-question referendum was also held during the election vote on a proposed cruise pier, legalising gambling and decriminalising small amounts of cannabis.

Voters rejected the idea of the cruise ship pier but voted in favour of legalising gambling and decriminalising cannabis.

The vote on the cruise was a convincing 63.66 per cent (11,993) against - more than double those in favour at 28.75 per cent or 5,417.

The vote for a national lottery was closer with 50.76 per cent or 9,563 in favour against 41.24 per cent or 7,770 against.

The question of the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis won the ‘yes’ vote with 10,385 or 55.13 per cent in support against 36.11 per cent or 6,802 against.

The referendum also saw a concerning rate of rejected ballots: 1,262(6.70 per cent) on the cruise pier, 1,326 (7.04 per cent) on the national lottery issue and 1,474 (7.82 per cent) on the cannabis question.