Cayman Governor says stability can be maintained with Cabinet quorum amid resignation

Governor Jane Owen emphasized the importance of maintaining a “calm and stable government” in the Cayman Islands amid the recent turmoil caused by the resignation of four members from the ruling coalition.

This incident marks the second collapse of a coalition government in just four years. The departing members include Deputy Premier André Ebanks, Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Health Minister Sabrina Turner, and Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden, all of whom have left the United People’s Movement (UPM) effective immediately.

“In recent months in particular, the level of dysfunction and disorganization, and a lack of professionalism, places the country at risk of erroneous decision making and reputational damage which could have long-term adverse consequences,” the four said in a joint statement.

In a statement, Owen stated that the Cayman Islands government can continue to function as long as there is a quorum in Cabinet.

“As many have said already, calm and stable government remains the priority. As you all know, Cayman has a strong constitution that has stood the test of time and robust democratic principles upon which our constitution is based.

“We will have constant reference to these as discussions continue. Under the constitution, the Cabinet can continue to function provided it has a quorum of five ministers, including the Premier,” the Governor said.

She said the Civil Service will also continue to provide public services and policy implementation as they always do, promising to “provide further updates to you in due course, so I encourage you to remain tuned in to all official channels”

Last week, the opposition Progressives Party said that while it is “carefully considering its options” it “stands ready to provide the leadership the Cayman Islands needs”.

The Progressives in a brief statement noted the resignations highlight “an urgent crisis” in the government, one that threatens Cayman’s “stability and unity.”

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“We must act with urgency, resolve, and a relentless commitment to the future of our islands. We must restore unity and stability to the business of government. Cayman deserves nothing less,” the party said.

Former premier McKeeva Bush warned that “pushing the country into an early election does not speak well for a stable country.”