The Progressives hosted over 260 party supporters, members and the business community Tuesday 24 May 2016 at its annual fundraising dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

A welcome reception was followed by dinner, a keynote presentation by the Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin and a live auction featuring donated items and unique experiences.

In his presentation, Mr. McLaughlin ran through his Administration’s many successes over their three years in office, highlighting such issues as addressing the financial position of the Cayman Islands, noting that the latest budget is the last one that will require final sign-off from the UK Government and that even with cash in the bank, no overdraft facility, and income exceeding expenditure, Government debt has also been significantly reduced.

He also mentioned the upcoming budget: “the budget is now with the United Kingdom for vetting and we expect to receive the thumbs up this week in time for delivery in the Legislative Assembly on May 30. We are happy with the new budget and I believe the country will be as well”, he said. His only glimpse into the new 18-month budget covering July 2016 — December 2017 was the good news that it did not include any duty or tax increases and complied with all the principles of responsible financial management as set out in the Public Management and Finance Law and the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility.

Going further, he concluded by saying: “I have to add that the United Kingdom has said to us on several occasions, and again in recent weeks, how extremely impressed they are with the way we have turned around government finances.”

Although the speech – which was similar to presentations the Premier has given previously at Chamber of Commerce business lunches, the Cayman Economic Outlook Conference and others – focused on the turn-around work that had been done over the last three years of his administration, the Premier also noted that there was significant work yet to be done and he outlined some of his broad plans for the upcoming year, asking the crowd for their ongoing support as the 2017 elections draw near. He later noted that he was pleased with the great turn-out for the fundraising event, which had exceed participation numbers of similar events they have held in the past, attributing this to the fact that people are impressed with the work that The Progressives have been doing.