Governor praises electoral process

In her statement to Parliament this week, Governor Jane Owen congratulated the voting public for their high turn out to the 30th April general election and also gave praise to those who ran the election so well.

She welcomed the 19 representatives who were voted in by the electorate and said her thoughts were particularly with the newly elected members of Parliament, who were seated in Parliament for the first time.

The Governor was pleased with the entire process, saying: “Since I announced the date of the election back in December, I have observed the democratic path that has brought us to this ceremony in Parliament today.  Our General Election was carried out, as is our tradition, in a free, fair and transparent manner, which should make us all proud.”

She paid tribute to the Supervisor of Elections, Mr Wes Howell, his Deputies Mrs Sheena Glasgow and Ms Chevala Burke, the over 300 polling staff and volunteers, the police and special constables and many others who, she said, worked so hard to ensure a robust process. She pointed out the extra effort that had been put into getting more people to vote, including the inclusion of mobile and postal voting, which had doubled since the last election, which had facilitated participation for those with reduced mobility, for emergency services, polling staff and for those travelling or living abroad.

Mrs Owen said of the voting public:

“I would also like to thank the electorate, our people, for taking part and for making your vote count. Collectively you help foster our sense of civil pride.”

She said there had been 25,643 registered voters in Cayman – an increase of over 2,000 from the year 2021, and there had been a high voter turnout of 73%, which she termed “impressive” by any international standards.

Findings from the International Election Observer Mission from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association were positive, confirming a robust ballot process and highlighting Cayman’s inclusive and welcoming attitude to all voters but she said she hoped the incoming Government would take steps to address some key areas in their reports for future development, including more transparent campaign financing, reviewing constituency boundaries and developing regulations around social media.

With regard to the Referendum, she said the results were clear, although they were not binding, and the Government would have discretion in how it proceeded to develop policies in regard to the three issues.

She concluded by giving a pledge to work with the new government in partnership and trust, respecting the Government’s autonomy in domestic affairs, ensuring good governance and the rule of law, the separation of powers, and integrity.

“I will also work with you to fulfil my own responsibilities for internal security in particular, as we protect and promote the security of our population in all areas of national life and work,” she said.

She also commended the civil service and said Cayman was fortunate to benefit from a professional and passionate public service.

Mrs Owen said the United Kingdom reinforced its commitment to Cayman as a British Overseas Territory and said she hoped that Members joined her in recognising that this relationship brought significant benefits through the United Kingdom’s position within the UN and in many international decision-making bodies in the fields of trade, finance, health, defence, climate and development.

“I believe there is much scope to develop our partnership further as we plan for the future. At a time of global dissonance and friction, it is a good moment to treasure close friends and shared values” the Governor stated.

The Governor closed her remarks by stating that it was a privilege to serve the people of the Cayman Islands.

“Together we have so much to be thankful for. We treasure our islands and everything they stand for. And we treasure each other – including through our different backgrounds, different perspectives, different priorities,” she said. “It is often through finding a middle way that we can build a successful future. So, let us today also celebrate that special Cayman Kindness to each other, and the unity that it inspires.”