Following our front page story concerning “Mysterious people in FCO responsible for premier’s investigations” we have been sent a statement on behalf of the Governor’s Office that we are pleased to publish in its entirety and without comment.

“His Excellency The Governor Duncan Taylor, CBE, currently attending a Governors’ Conference in the UK, has seen the Cayman 27 “The Panel” broadcast on Tuesday evening (1 May 2012) and other press reporting of this programme and the allegations made by the Honourable Premier McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP and the Honourable Minister for Education, Training and Employment Rolston Anglin, JP that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Governor are conspiring against the Premier and the Cayman Islands. In response to a number of enquiries from the media, he has made the following statement.

“The suggestion that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) or I are working against the interests of the Cayman Islands is completely without foundation.  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, less than two weeks ago:  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.  I wholeheartedly support that vision.  I have and will continue to devote all my energy to helping make that vision a reality.  When I took up my responsibilities as Governor I swore an oath to “well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II … and the people of the Cayman Islands”.  I am passionately committed to fulfilling the oath I made.

“During his visit, the Minister also made clear that he was confident that the Commissioner of Police and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) were pursuing the investigations which involve the Honourable Premier properly.  I share that view and remain confident that the Commissioner will ensure that the RCIPS carry out their responsibilities in this regard objectively and fairly.”