Speaker Issues Condolences at UK MP’s Tragic Passing

House Speaker, Hon. McKeeva Bush has sent a letter to the Speaker of the UK Parliament, Sir Lindsay Hoyle expressing condolences at the untimely demise of UK MP, Sir David Amess.

“Our sentiments are expressed to the bereaving family and the parliament community of this highly respected and distinguished MP,” the Speaker wrote. “Please accept on behalf of the Parliament of the Cayman Islands our sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of a fellow Member of Parliament.”

“We are shaken by this barbaric and heinous murder of our contemporary and compatriot, Sir David Amess. This horrendous act brings shockwaves to representatives and parliamentarians,” the Speaker said. Sir David, a Conservative MP since 1983, was stabbed multiple times at a regular Friday constituency meeting on 15 October.

The full text of the Speaker’s letter to his counterpart in the UK follows.

October 17, 2021.

The Right Honourable Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP

Speaker’s Office

House of Commons

Parliament of the United Kingdom

London

Dear Rt Hon Speaker,

It is with deep sadness and grief that I write you as the Speaker on behalf of the Representatives and as the Speaker of the House of Parliament of the Cayman Islands.

We are shaken by this barbaric and heinous murder of our contemporary and compatriot, Sir David Amess. This horrendous act brings shockwaves to representatives and parliamentarians.

We note keenly that he was a versatile Member of Parliament (MP) who has served over three decades in that capacity at age sixty nine (69). Undoubtedly, he was a kind and gentle human being who served his people and constituents admirably. He was clearly an effective legislator who acted and advocated for animal welfare and demonstrated interest in the vulnerable and the persons he represented.

It is also noteworthy, as you have alluded to, that MPs' security and safety may be a real and genuine issue to consider, in due course.

Sir Amess has passed laws for the most vulnerable in the society and evidently demonstrated passion as he executed his role and was a dedicated public servant. He worked assiduously as a representative and law maker. It can’t go unnoticed and unheralded his active involvement and sterling contribution as an All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Cayman Islands and facilitating engagements to discuss policy matters which touch and concern our Islands.

Our sentiments are expressed to the bereaving family and the parliament community of this highly respected and distinguished MP.

Please accept on behalf of the Parliament of the Cayman Islands our sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of fellow Member of Parliament.