6 November, 2012 is a very important day in the history of the Cayman Islands. This is Implementation Day, the day on which Part I of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009 – the Bill of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities comes into effect.

Human rights are the essential rights and freedoms which all individuals are entitled to regardless of their nationality and citizenship.  These rights are fundamental to maintaining a fair and just society.  Ensuring they are upheld becomes a responsibility for public officials:  they have a duty under the Constitution to ensure that all acts they carry out and decisions they make are carried out or made in a lawful, rational, proportionate and procedurally fair manner in accordance with the Bill of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities.

The 2009 Constitution gives you yet greater protection for your rights and freedoms and greater authority to defend them.  Adherence to the Bill of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities will help us to become a stronger society where all human beings are equally valued, can participate fully and are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The Governor’s Office is proud to support the Human Rights Commission in celebrating Implementation Day and I encourage you to visit www.humanrightscommission.ky to ensure you understand your rights, learn how to protect them and learn how the Constitution provides for your rights to be respected.

Duncan Taylor, CBE