Restoration of Opposition Leader’s Office Strengthens Cayman’s Democracy

The People’s Progressive Movement (PPM), as His Majesty’s Official Opposition, welcomes the Premier’s announcement that the upcoming budget will include dedicated funding for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

While this is a positive and necessary step, it is important to recognise that such an office is not a new initiative or political concession.

When Sir Alden McLaughlin was Premier, the Hon. Ezzard Miller, during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, was provided with an office and one staff member, funded through the Cabinet Office. The same courtesy and structure were extended to subsequent Opposition

Leaders after Mr. Miller.

Following the 2021 General Election, the Hon. Roy McTaggart utilised his constituency office as the Opposition Leader’s Office but was supported by one dedicated staff member focused solely on Opposition business.

However, during the transition to an independent Parliament, the provision for a staffed Opposition Leader’s Office was inadvertently overlooked. This gap became evident following the 2025 General Election, leaving the new Leader of the Opposition without a dedicated, functioning office.

Since then, Opposition Leader Hon. Joseph Hew has engaged in discussions with the Government to restore this vital component of parliamentary democracy — including the addition of an extra staff member, bringing the total to two dedicated personnel. This enhancement will allow the Opposition to operate efficiently, conduct research, and respond to national issues in a timely and professional manner.

Across the Westminster parliamentary system — including in comparable jurisdictions such as Bermuda — an Opposition Office is recognised as an essential element of accountability, transparency, and good governance. Restoring this allocation strengthens democracy, ensuring that the Opposition can effectively scrutinise legislation, question spending, and represent the people with professionalism and integrity.

“I want to thank the Premier and his team for listening to the case we made for restoring this office. This is not about asking for a favour — it’s about ensuring that Parliament functions as it should.

My PPM colleagues and I believe that a well-resourced Opposition is essential for strong scrutiny, sound governance, and a healthy democracy.

With this restoration, we can continue to serve the people of the Cayman Islands with integrity, transparency, and respect for our democratic institutions.”

The PPM Opposition remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional role and using the restored resources to carry out its responsibilities with diligence and professionalism on behalf of all Caymanians.