Statement by H.E. the Governor

His Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands, Duncan Taylor, has today made the following statement:

“Following the passing in the House yesterday of the Motion of lack of confidence in the government, I consulted the Honourable Premier, as required under Section 51(1) of the Constitution. The Premier responded in writing this morning suggesting that I dissolve the Legislative Assembly. After careful consideration and using my discretion as the Constitution entitles me to do, I have decided not to dissolve the Assembly but to revoke the appointment of the Premier. Formal notification of my decision has now been given to him.  As a consequence, all Ministers have vacated their office, as required under Section 52(2) of the Constitution.

Section 49(2) of the Constitution states: “Where a political party gains a majority of the seats of elected members of the Legislative Assembly, the Governor shall appoint as Premier the elected member of the Assembly recommended by a majority of the elected members who are members of that party.” Following representations made to me by a majority of UDP MLAs advising that they support the appointment of Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, JP, MLA as Premier of the Cayman Islands, I have this morning appointed her in this capacity. I await her advice on the appointment of Ministers.

I am satisfied that the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly can form a stable, functioning government.

I would like to congratulate the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly on her appointment as Premier. I will issue a further statement following the appointment of Ministers.”

His Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands, Duncan Taylor, has today made the following further statement:

“Pursuant to section 49(5) of the Constitution, the Honourable Premier, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, has advised me on who should be appointed as Ministers in Government. I can now confirm that the following Ministerial appointments have been made:

Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, JP:                    Premier and Minister of Finance, District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture

Rolston Malachi Anglin, JP:                          Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Financial Services and Employment

Dwayne Stanley Seymour, MLA:                   Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing

Jason Mark Philips Scotland, JP:                  Minister of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture

Cline Astor Glidden, Jr, JP:                          Minister of Tourism and Development
The first meeting of the new Cabinet will take place this afternoon (19).

I would like to congratulate all members of the new Cabinet on their appointments.”