GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – When the drafters of the modernised Constitution of the Cayman Islands gave authorisation for the appointment of Temporary Ministers, they probably knew they were making history.

What they likely didn’t realise was the long reach of that history, which was made again today when Councillor Alva Suckoo took the oath to act as Temporary Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs and his brother, Deputy Chief Officer Christen Suckoo, became his Acting Chief Officer.

“I believe this is the first time we have had a Temporary Minister appointed whose sibling automatically became his Acting Chief Officer,” said Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin.

Mr. Alva Suckoo took the oath Tuesday morning at Government House before the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting to fill the shoes of Minister Hon. Tara Rivers who is in London attending the Education World Forum from 20-22 January. Travelling with her are Councillor for Education Winston Connolly and Chief Officer for Education Mary Rodrigues. Deputy Chief Officer Dr. Tasha Ebanks-Garcia joined them to be a part of a series of employment related meetings.

The Temporary Ministers Provision was first put into practice by the Progressives Government in August 2013. Before the modernised constitution of the Cayman Islands was adopted in November 2009, Ministers who were away, on leave or ill had their duties assigned to another Minister, adding to the remaining Cabinet member’s responsibilities.

“The Temporary Ministers Provision is one that we will utilize as the need arises,” said Mr. McLaughlin. “It just makes sense that the duties of a Minister are shepherded through while he or she is absent and not added to the busy work of fellow Ministers.”

Minister Rivers and her team will remain in London until 26 January to participate in several meetings with high ranking Ministers and Lords responsible for Education and Employment in the United Kingdom.

Temporary Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs Hon. Alva Suckoo, takes his oath with Cayman Islands Governor Her Excellency Hon. Helen Kilpatrick at Government House Tuesday morning. Cabinet met at the Governor’s residence. While Mr. Suckoo is Temporary Minister, his brother Christen, becomes his Acting Chief Officer. Photo: Tammie C. Chisholm