The Political System of the Cayman Islands

Overview

The Cayman Islands is a parliamentary democracy with separate judicial, executive and legislative branches, and a history of over 165 years of representative government. The islands are a British Overseas Territory and the Government combines elected representation with the British monarch as the symbolic head of state, represented by the Governor.

Historically, the members of the Legislative Assembly of the Cayman Islands, as it was known, were elected using a system of multi-member constituencies with proportional representation. Under this system, each voter cast one vote for a party, and the parties were allocated seats in the Legislative Assembly in proportion to the number of votes they received.

In May 2017, Cayman held a landmark general election – the first with single member constituencies, following a pivotal change to the country’s electoral system. In this “One Man, One Vote” electoral system, voting districts were increased to 19, with each district now only represented by one Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). However, there is some discussion about how effective the 'One Man, One Vote' system has been with critics arguing that it encourages hyperlocal campaigns which fail to look at the bigger picture. including Cayman's place in the world.

On December 3, 2020, the Legislative Assembly was officially renamed to the Parliament of the Cayman Islands, through an amendment to the Cayman Islands Constitution.

Branches of Government

Executive Branch: Led by the elected Premier, who forms a Cabinet responsible for implementing government policies and managing public affairs.

Legislative Branch: The unicameral Parliament, consists of 21 members, including elected MPs and ex-officio members. Parliament's duties include enacting laws, approving the budget, and ensuring government accountability.

Judicial Branch: An independent judiciary, comprising the Grand Court and other courts, upholds the rule of law and interprets the Constitution, operating independently of the executive and legislative branches.

Other Key Features: The Cayman Islands Constitution (2009) and the Bill of Rights (2012) establish the legal framework and protect fundamental human rights.

The CI Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue

The Cabinet of the Cayman Islands:

The Executive branch of the Cayman Islands Government is made up from a team of elected individuals comprising the Cabinet. Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen, chairs the Cabinet, with the Premier and other Ministers formulating and implementing policies that shape every facet of government. The Cabinet members are:

Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen (Chair): Mrs. Jane Owen, serving as the Chair of the Cabinet, plays a crucial role in overseeing the governance framework of the Cayman Islands. While her responsibilities are distinct from those of the elected officials, her role is pivotal in maintaining a harmonious collaboration between the elected government and the British Overseas Territory ministers at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office is part of His Majesty King Charles III (British) Government.

Premier André Ebanks, MP (Premier and Minister Financial Services & Commerce): As the Premier, Hon. André Ebanks leads the Cabinet and works with the Deputy Premier to lead the government and is responsible for the Financial Services and Commerce Portfolio.

Deputy Premier Gary Rutty, MP (Deputy Premier, Minister for Tourism, Ports and Social Development & Innovation): Serving as the Deputy Premier, Hon. Gary Rutty is also responsible for the Tourism and Trade Development Portfolio.

Ministers:

• Hon. Isaac Rankine, MP, Minister for Social Development & Innovation and Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
  
• Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP Minister for Health, Environment & Sustainability
• Hon. Jay Ebanks, MP Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure
  
• Hon. Rolston Anglin, JP, MP Minister for Finance & Economic Development and Minister for Education & Training
  
• Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, JP, MP Minister for District Administration & Home Affairs
  
• Hon. Michael Myles, MP Minister for Caymanian Employment & Immigration

Parliamentary Secretaries

• Hon. Wayne Panton, JP, MP – Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Caymanian Employment and Immigration; Infrastructure; Health, Environment and Sustainability; Financial Services and Commerce
• Ms. Heather Bodden, OCI, Cert. Hon., JP, MP - Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Social Development; Education and Training; Tourism
• Mrs. Julie Hunter, JP, MP – Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure; Education and Training; Culture and Heritage

Ex-Officio Members:

• Hon. Franz I. Manderson, MBE, Cert. Hon., JP (Deputy Governor): The Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz I. Manderson, serves as an ex-officio member, contributing to the governance structure.

• Hon. Samuel Bulgin, QC, JP (Attorney General): As the Attorney General, Hon. Samuel Bulgin brings legal expertise to the Cabinet, advising on legal matters and ensuring adherence to the rule of law secretary

Cabinet Secretary

• Mr. Samuel Rose, Cert. Hon., JP: As the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Samuel Rose plays a vital role in facilitating communication and coordination within the Cabinet, ensuring the smooth functioning of government affairs.

Clerk of Cabinet

• Ms. Kim Bullings, Cert. Hon.: Ms. Kim Bullings, as the Clerk of Cabinet, manages the administrative aspects of the Cabinet, contributing to the efficient operation of government proceedings.

Cayman Islands Parliament

The Cayman Islands Parliament, formerly known as the Legislative Assembly, is a unicameral legislature with 21 members, 19 elected directly by the people and 2 ex-officio members appointed by the Governor. The current Speaker of the House is former MP Hon. D. Ezzard Miller. The current elected members and their constituencies are as follows:

Hon. André Ebanks (Premier) - West Bay South

Hon. Gary Rutty (Deputy Premier) - George Town South

Hon. Isaac D. Rankine - East End

Hon. Katherine A. Ebanks-Wilks - West Bay Central

Hon. Johany S. “Jay” Ebanks - North Side

Hon. Rolston Anglin - West Bay North

Hon Nickolas DaCosta - Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman

Hon. Michael Myles - Prospect

Hon. G. Wayne Panton - Newlands

Hon. Heather D. Bodden, OCI, Cert. Hon. - Savannah

Hon. Julie Hunter, West Bay West

Mr. Joseph X. Hew (Leader of the Opposition) - George Town North

Hon. Kenneth V. Bryan - George Town Central

Hon. Roy M. McTaggart - George Town East

Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly - Cayman Brac East

Hon. Roy Tatum - Red Bay

Hon. Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden - George Town West

Hon. Dwayne S. Seymour - Bodden Town East

Mr. Christopher S. Saunders - Bodden Town West

The Constitution of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Constitution 2009, which came into effect on November 6, 2009, is the supreme law of the Cayman Islands, outlining the framework for its governance as a British Overseas Territory. The Constitution is an affirmation of the Cayman Islands' commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights.

Part I: Foundation of the Constitution

• Establishes the Cayman Islands as a self-governing territory with its own constitution.
• Defines the territory and its people.
• Guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms, including the right to life, liberty, security, and fair trial.

Part II: The Governor

• The Governor, appointed by the King, is the Head of State and represents the Crown.
• Exercises certain reserved powers in relation to defence, foreign affairs, and internal security.

Part III: The Legislature

• A unicameral Parliament consisting of 19 elected members and the appointed Speaker.
• Responsible for enacting laws and holding the Government accountable.

Part IV: The Executive

• A Cabinet led by the Premier, who is the elected head of government.
• Responsible for implementing government policies and administering public affairs.

Part V: The Judiciary

• An independent judiciary upholds the rule of law and interprets the Constitution.
• Comprises the Grand Court, the Court of Appeal, and Summary Courts.

Part VI: Finance

• Establishes the principles of public financial management and accountability.
• Creates the Public Accounts Committee to oversee government spending.

Part VII: The Public Service

• Guarantees the independence and impartiality of the civil service.
• Establishes principles for the appointment and promotion of public servants.

Part VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions

• Defines citizenship and nationality.
• Protects the environment and cultural heritage.
• Provides for amendments to the Constitution.

Bill of Rights (2012):

• Came into effect in 2012, further entrenching fundamental rights and freedoms.

It included provisions on non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and access to justice.

An educational guide to the Cayman Islands Constitution is available here.