Government in Crisis: Cayman Islands Faces Second Coalition Collapse

Governor Jane Owen

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – Governor Jane Owen is urging the public to “remain tuned in to official channels” as the British Overseas Territory deals with the second collapse of a coalition government here within four years.

Government in Crisis

In a brief statement, Mrs. Owen said. At the same time, she has been advised that four Members of Parliament, including Deputy Premier André Ebanks, have resigned from the Government on Thursday; she is in discussions with Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly “and will provide a further update as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, our public service continues to discharge their duties to ensure continuity of service to the public. I urge the public to remain tuned in to official channels”.

Resignations

Ebanks, Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Health Minister Sabrina Turner, and Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden announced that they were all immediately resigning from the United People’s Movement (UPM).

“In recent months in particular, the level of dysfunction and disorganization, and a lack of professionalism, places the country at risk of erroneous decision making and reputational damage which could have long-term adverse consequences,” the four said in a joint statement.

Opposition Response

Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has made no public comment on the situation so far, but the opposition Progressives party said that while it is “carefully considering its options,” it “stands ready to provide the leadership the Cayman Islands needs.”

The Progressives held an emergency meeting late Thursday and, afterward, in a brief statement, noted that the resignations highlight “an urgent crisis” in the government, one that threatens Cayman’s “stability and unity.”

Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce calls for “clear and steadfast leadership” in light of the situation.

“As our country faces critical decisions on matters such as funding major projects, the upcoming referendum, and sustaining our international reputation, stability is paramount,” said the Chamber’s president, Joanne Lawson.

“We cannot afford to let uncertainty damage confidence in the Cayman Islands,” she said, noting that the abrupt move, accompanied by statements highlighting “dysfunction, disorganization, and lack of professionalism” within the government, has triggered “grave concerns” as the nation faces an uncertain political landscape just months before the general elections.

Conclusion

The recent collapse of the coalition government in the Cayman Islands has left the nation in a state of uncertainty, with many questioning the stability and unity of the country. The opposition Progressives party has called for swift and decisive action to restore confidence and chart a secure path forward, while the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has urged for clear and steadfast leadership. As the nation moves forward, it is crucial that the government prioritizes transparency, accountability, and effective leadership to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the Cayman Islands.

FAQs

* What is the current state of the government in the Cayman Islands?
The government is in crisis, with four members of parliament resigning from the United People’s Movement (UPM) and the opposition Progressives party calling for swift and decisive action to restore confidence and chart a secure path forward.
* What is the reason for the resignations?
The reasons for the resignations are attributed to the level of dysfunction and disorganization within the government, which is causing risks to the country’s stability, unity, and reputation.
* What is the opposition Progressives party’s response to the situation?
The Progressives party is calling for swift and decisive action to restore confidence and chart a secure path forward, while also urging the government to prioritize transparency, accountability, and effective leadership.
* What is the stance of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce on the situation?
The Chamber of Commerce is urging for clear and steadfast leadership in light of the situation, emphasizing the importance of stability and confidence in the country’s future.