Premier André Ebanks on Tuesday led 19 elected lawmakers in taking their oath of office as the new coalition government of the Cayman Islands officially began its term following last week’s general election.
Ebanks will head the newly established National Coalition For Caymanians (NCFC), a political alliance formed in the aftermath of a tightly contested election that saw no single party secure an outright majority.
According to the official results, the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) captured seven seats—more than any other party—but still fell three seats short of forming a government. Two newly formed political entities, the Cayman Islands National Party (CINP)—founded by a former Ernst & Young manager—and the Caymanian Community Party (CCP)—established by members of the now-dissolved United People’s Movement (UPM)—each secured four seats.
By Friday, the CCP and CINP announced they had secured the support of three additional elected members, giving them a majority of 11 seats in the 19-member Parliament. They subsequently approached Governor Jane Owen to indicate their readiness to form a government.
The newly formed grouping unveiled its collective name, the National Coalition For Caymanians, at a public meeting on Saturday. Party officials explained the name as follows: “National” for the CINP, “Coalition” for the independents who joined after the election, and “Caymanians” representing the CCP’s foundational values.
“While a broad framework for the new government has been developed, ministerial assignments and portfolio responsibilities will be finalised later this week and an official announcement will be done in due course,” the NCFC said in a statement.
Ebanks explained the formation of the NCFC was rooted in the coming together of the CINP, the independents, and a shared commitment to serving the Caymanian people.
Among the new administration’s top priorities are addressing the government’s finances, which are currently projected to run a deficit. Ebanks said tackling this issue is essential as preparations begin for the 2026/2027 budget cycle.
“There is a mountain of work to get through,” he acknowledged, “but they would get through it as a team.”
The new government is scheduled to meet Wednesday with Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and senior civil service leadership for introductory briefings aimed at ensuring a coordinated and effective start.
“This is a time for focus, discipline, and collaboration. We are taking care to build a government that is not only stable and effective, but also transparent — one that communicates clearly, involves the people, and earns the trust of the country. That’s what the country deserves, and that’s what we’re committed to delivering,” Ebanks added.
In her remarks at the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Owen welcomed the newly elected Parliament and pledged to support the administration’s efforts over the next four years.
“We are gathered here today in this hallowed hall of Cayman’s democracy to welcome and formally confirm the 19 representatives who were successfully returned by our electorate,” she said. “I look forward to working with you as we plan to deliver for our people over the coming four years of this Parliament.”
