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).

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.

Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly, JP, MP (Premier, Minister for Finance, Education, District Administration, Lands, and Cabinet Office): As the Premier, Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly leads the Cabinet. Her responsibilities span finance, education, district administration, lands, and overseeing the Cabinet Office, making her the central figure in the policy formulation process.

Hon. André M. Ebanks, MP (Deputy Premier, Minister for Financial Services & Commerce and Investment, Innovation & Social Development): Serving as the Deputy Premier, Hon. Andre M. Ebanks shoulders responsibilities related to financial services, commerce, investment, innovation, and social development.

Ministers:

• Hon. Kenneth Bryan, MP (Minister for Tourism & Ports): With a focus on tourism and ports, Hon. Kenneth Bryan works towards enhancing the Cayman Islands' attractiveness as a premier destination.

• Hon. Johany S. "Jay" Ebanks, MP (Minister for Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development): Hon. Jay Ebanks oversees planning, agriculture, housing, infrastructure, transport, and development.

• Hon. Sabrina Turner, MP (Minister for Health & Wellness and Home Affairs): Responsible for health, wellness, and home affairs.

• Hon. Isaac Rankine, MP (Minister for Youth, Sports, and Heritage): Hon. Isaac Rankine focuses on youth, sports, and heritage, contributing to the cultural and athletic development of the Cayman Islands.

• Hon. Dwayne Seymour, MP (Minister for Border Control & Labour and Culture): Overseeing border control, labour, and culture.

• Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP (Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency): Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks takes charge of sustainability and climate resiliency.

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.
  

The Cayman Islands governing political party, the UPM. From left to right, a (c) after the name indicates a member of the Cabinet, in the back row: Minister Johany 'Jay' Ebanks (c), Minister Isaac D. Rankine (c), Minister Heather D. Bodden, Minister Dwayne S. Seymour (c), Deputy Governor Franz I. Manderson (c), Attorney General Samuel Bulgin QC (c), Dr. W. McKeeva Bush MP, Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose. Seated left to right: Minister Sabrina Turner (c), Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks (c), Premier Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly (c), Governor Jane Owen (c), Deputy Premier André Ebanks (c), Minister Kenneth Bryan (c).

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 elected members and their constituencies are as follows:

Hon. Sir Alden McLaughlin (Speaker) - Red Bay
Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly (Premier) - Cayman Brac East
Hon. André Ebanks - West Bay South
Hon. Kenneth V. Bryan - George Town Central
Hon. Sabrina T. Turner - Prospect
Hon. Johany S. “Jay” Ebanks - North Side
Hon. Isaac D. Rankine - East End
Hon. Katherine A. Ebanks-Wilks - West Bay Central
Hon. Dwayne S. Seymour - Bodden Town East
Hon. Heather D. Bodden, OCI, Cert. Hon. - Savannah
Hon. Dr. W. McKeeva Bush - West Bay West
Mr. Bernie A. Bush - West Bay North
Hon. Roy M. McTaggart (Opposition Leader) - George Town East
Mr. Joseph X. Hew - George Town North
Mr. Moses I. Kirkconnell - Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman
Ms. Barbara E. Conolly - George Town South
Mr. David C. Wight - George Town West
Hon. G. Wayne Panton - Newlands
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 defense, 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.