Garfield Ekon
Staff Writer
Turks and Caicos, November 6, 2024 – The Government of the Cayman Islands, is in limbo, following the resignations of three Cabinet Ministers, and one Parliamentary Secretary, but, the Premier, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said the Cabinet remains “constitutionally quorate and therefore fully able to function.”
In a media statement, the Premier said the Cabinet had its weekly meeting on Friday, to discuss business agenda, and to fulfill “our constitutional duty”, with a majority of five sitting Ministers.
“The sacred duty of elected office remains top of mind for myself and my colleagues, despite the uncertainty of the present circumstances. Our earnest and primary desire is to maintain stability within our Government, for the benefit of the people we service, and to maintain the confidence of you, the public, and those who conduct business with us,” the Premier declared.
On Thursday, the Ministers who left the Cabinet were: Deputy Premier, Andre Ebanks, Katrine Ebanks-Wilks, Sabrina Turner, and Parliamentary Secretary, Heather Bodden. Their resignations have left the United People’s Movement (UPM) without a majority, it now has seven members, three short of a Parliamentary majority.
In a press release, the former Deputy Premier, described their leaving the Cabinet, as “untenable,” as in recent months, “in particular, the level of dysfunction and disorganisation, and a lack of professionalism, place the country at risk of erroneous decision making and reputational damage, which could have long term adverse consequences,” he said.
Adding that there was lack of parity between Ministers who are not afforded the same level of “transparency and involvement” to make informed decisions in the “best interest” of the people, he declared that it is leading to the “erosion of due process.
“Unchecked disrespect, particularly towards women in caucus,” the former Premier outlined, noting that many meetings failed to “foster objective analysis, or to provide a forum for respectful exchange of different views,” Mr. Ebanks stated.
The Islands’ Parliament has 19 members, and the Government needs at least 10 to have a majority. The coalition administration is now unable to past any legislation, due its minority status.
Governor, Hon. Jane Owen, said she is in “discussions” with the Premier, and assured that “our public service continues to discharge their duties to ensure continuity of service to the public,” the Governor said, while the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) said the Government is on the brink of “collapse,” and cautioned against any “chaotic coalition” being put in place.
This all unravels as the Cayman Islands are under Hurricane Warning; impact with Tropical Strom Raphael is expected tonight.