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.
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”.
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.
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.”
“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.
The Progressives, however, said with crucial government ministers stepping down, “the Cayman Islands faces a defining moment that demands swift and decisive action to restore confidence and chart a secure path forward.”
The opposition said it had warned “for years” of the “critical need for a stable, transparent, and unified government dedicated to serving all Caymanians.”
The resignations “have brought these concerns to a breaking point, underscoring the dangers that an unchecked, disorganized government poses to the future of our Islands.”
The party, which lost power in the 2021 general election, said, “Now, more than ever, we must act without delay to protect the interests of our people.
“A credible, organized, and unified government must be established to ensure that the country is placed back on a steady course.”
Meanwhile, 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.
Lawson said this uncertainty “poses risks for our entire community, threatening to slow progress on crucial issues and diminish the confidence of local and international stakeholders alike.”
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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