GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – Governor Jane Owen says “calm and stable government” remains the priority in the Cayman Islands, which is dealing with the second collapse of a coalition government here within four years.
Last Thursday, four members of Parliament, including the Deputy Premier André Ebanks, resigned from the government. The others are the Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Minister, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Health Minister Sabrina Turner, and Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden, who have left the United People’s Movement (UPM) with immediate effect.
“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.
In a statement, Governor Owen said that she appreciates that “this has been an uncertain time for many people throughout our islands” and that she is closely following developments after the resignation of four members of the UPM government.
“As many have said, calm and stable government remains the priority. As you all know, Cayman has a strong constitution that has stood the test of time and robust democratic principles upon which our constitution is based.
“We will have constant reference to these as discussions continue. Under the constitution, the Cabinet can continue to function provided it has a quorum of five ministers, including the Premier,” the Governor said.
She said the Civil Service will also continue to provide public services and policy implementation as it always does, promising to “provide further updates to you in due course, so I encourage you to remain tuned in to all official channels.”
Last week, 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, in a brief statement, noted that the resignations highlight “an urgent crisis” in the government, one that threatens Cayman’s “stability and unity.”
“We must act with urgency, resolve, and a relentless commitment to the future of our islands. We must restore unity and stability to the business of government. Cayman deserves nothing less,” the party said.
Former premier McKeeva Bush warned that “pushing the country into an early election does not speak well for a stable country.”
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