Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 28 May 2012, c97w)

Lord Ashcroft (Conservative):

“To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the comments in a statement by Premier McKeeva Bush of the Cayman Islands that the United Kingdom-appointed Governor has done “nothing of substance” to help the country; that he has “stealthily and insidiously undermined” Government efforts to “get our economy off the ground and get jobs for people”; and that “He’s done nothing for three years to help us but to throw cold water on whatever we were trying to do”.

Lord Howell of Guildford (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Conservative)

I have noted the Premier of the Cayman Islands’ comments in the media attacking the Governor and the Government and suggesting that there is a conspiracy to undermine the Cayman Islands, and can assure the noble Lord that there is no truth whatsoever in those suggestions. As the Governor said in his statement on 3 May:

“the UK Government’s vision for the Cayman Islands was set out clearly during the visit by the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham (from 18-21 April 2012): a vision of a flourishing and vibrant economy, whose public finances are well managed and whose adherence to internationally recognised standards of governance enhances its reputation as a good place to live, work and do business”.

The Governor shares that vision and that commitment, and he has our full support.