Local businessman, devoted husband and father of two, independent candidate Kent McTaggart has declared for Bodden Town.

Hoping to win one of the four seats available, Mr. McTaggart states, “My dream for our Country is a Cayman defined by trust, honesty, responsibility and respect. With this comes prosperity and peace, and that is why I now seek your support to become a Representative of Bodden Town.” Should Mr. McTaggart be elected, his first tasks will be to identify the true fiscal position of the Country, re-establish trust in the government and create a positive movement in the quality of life of all Caymanians.

“Cayman is our home and I am passionate about building a bright future for our children. It is time for me to step forward and defend the values of Caymanians.” Says Mr. McTaggart.

Having built a successful 20-year career in construction, Kent is refocusing his experience in managing diverse, complex projects to the cause of serving Cayman and its people. “Running major construction projects – that include the management of budgets, labor pools, procurement processes and client relationships – has taught me to always look for better, more efficient ways to get things done,” he explains, “I’ll bring that experience with me to the Legislative Assembly.”

Managing large teams has also taught Mr. McTaggart how to unify and coordinate the efforts of diverse personalities towards a common goal, and he believes this is what the country needs to pull together and put Cayman first. “Teams perform best when they work together,” says Kent, “The best decisions for Cayman will come from lively, honest, respectful discussion that is centered on a common goal – to do what’s best for Cayman.”

Mr. McTaggart’s family dates back to Malcolm McTaggart – who arrived in Cayman from Jamaica in the 1860’s – and continues into the 1700’s through his lineage with family names like Bodden, Eden, Thompson and Rivers. These roots have served as a major inspiration, “I am immensely grateful and proud of the many generations of Caymanians who have worked hard to give us these islands we call home. It is because of them that I promise to do what is best for our Country.”

Raised with his two brothers in Spotts Newlands, Kent attended both public and private school in Cayman, and abroad. As a young man learning at his father’s side, Kent excelled in the construction trades, rising from a helper to lead carpenter, then foreman and subsequent supervisory positions. In 1998, with the help of his father and the blessing of his church, and led by the late Pastor Al Ebanks, Kent went on to build the Agape Family Worship Center. “Working alongside my father and Pastor Al, I was taught the importance of integrity, honesty, accountability, compassion and hard work,” he says. “I learned that to lead requires a great level of trust. It is a privilege that comes with great responsibility.”

“Our actions today will affect our tomorrow and that is why it’s time for us all to take pride, be responsible and provide our future generations with the opportunities they deserve.”

Kent is married to his wife of 13 years and has 2 children.