GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – Former premier Wayne Panton has confirmed his departure from the PACT coalition government, less than 24 hours after it survived a motion of no confidence, telling Caymanians he is praying that they “will always look into the mirror of our national destiny and like what they see.”
Panton was replaced as head of the government by his former deputy, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, stepping down following the widespread condemnation of his leadership during the opposition-inspired motion of no confidence on Tuesday.
“I have always believed that the members that came together as the PACT government represent the best way forward for the people of the Cayman Islands; that belief has not changed.
“In this watershed moment in the history of our three islands, we need steady, experienced, disciplined leadership,” Panton said, noting that following a “grueling day of parliamentary debates, I met with my Cabinet colleagues to discuss the best way forward in the interest of the country.
“In times like these, sometimes the bravest thing you can do for your country and your people is to pass the mantle of leadership to someone else,” Panton said in a statement.
He said he would continue to serve as a Member of Parliament “and a servant of the people,” adding, “I will continue to use my experience and skill to help guide the Cayman Islands, offering my best advice and wisdom so that the next generation of leadership in this country can do the best for CaymanKind today, tomorrow, and always.”
Panton said his colleagues would be able to offer the kind of leadership needed to complete the work his administration had started.
“Indeed, we must always remember that pride must never be more important than the interest of our people, and personalities and egos must never be allowed to halt the progress of Caymanians.
“Our people need our help. Amid greed and ambition threatening to drown our Islands, Caymanians look to the government to chart a safe and sensible way forward – a way that puts Caymanians at the front of the line of our national policy agenda.”
The former premier said that the island continues evolving and transforming; he wants each Caymanian to “protect our heritage, history, culture and traditions.
“Caymanians have earned a place where we will always be concerned with the greater good and the welfare of the less fortunate. Each of you deserves a Cayman where Caymanians enjoy the fruit of steady, healthy, managed economic growth that Caymanians can truly feel and see on their kitchen tables and in their wallets and bank accounts”.
Panton said he was eternally grateful to his former colleagues in the government, saying, “Thank you for taking a chance with me and for all the good we managed to do.
“We may have disagreed at times on what path to take, but we have always agreed on the destination: tending to the best interests of the people of the Cayman Islands,” he said, also thanking the “dedicated members of the Civil Service.
“To the families and people of the Cayman Islands – thank you. And a very special thank you to the amazing people of Newlands, the place of my heart, my home. Thank you for your patience, your loyalty, and your faith. Newlands will see much more of me as I continue to serve you with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and sense of purpose,” he added.
Panton’s coalition government had survived the motion of no confidence late Tuesday night, with the opposition failing to receive the necessary two-thirds majority required to unseat the administration.
When the vote was taken, eight legislators voted in favor of the motion, while seven voted against it with three abstentions. Two of those abstaining came from the ruling PACT coalition.
The government and opposition have nine seats in the 19-member chamber, leaving Ebank-Wilks with a critical casting vote.
The new premier’s deputy is expected to be Andre Ebanks. The two legislators had abstained in the vote on Tuesday, opting not to support the embattled administration.
Media reports said that Panton will now become the Speaker of the Parliament. A statement issued by the Parliament on Wednesday evening confirmed that the Speaker, Katherine Ebanks‐Wilks, had resigned in what has been termed as an effort to maintain stability and support the government in meeting its constitutional requirements.
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