Cayman Islands MPs push for attorney general post to be reserved for Caymanians
Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan
Key Points(5)
- Two lawmakers in the Cayman Islands are calling for a constitutional amendment that would require the territory’s attorney general to be Caymanian, bringing the position in line with requirements for elected members of Parliament and the deputy governor.
- Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan and government backbencher Julie Hunter have joined forces on a private member’s motion seeking to amend Section 56 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009.
- The proposal comes as current Attorney General Samuel Bulgin prepares to retire next year after more than two decades in the post.
- Unlike the deputy governor and elected members of Parliament, the attorney general’s position is not reserved exclusively for Caymanians.
- Bryan said the proposed change was intended to promote constitutional fairness, strengthen nation-building and support long-term succession planning.
Two lawmakers in the Cayman Islands are calling for a constitutional amendment that would require the territory’s attorney general to be Caymanian, bringing the position in line with requirements for elected members of Parliament and the deputy governor.
Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan and government backbencher Julie Hunter have joined forces on a private member’s motion seeking to amend Section 56 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009.
The proposal comes as current Attorney General Samuel Bulgin prepares to retire next year after more than two decades in the post.
Unlike the deputy governor and elected members of Parliament, the attorney general’s position is not reserved exclusively for Caymanians.
Bryan said the proposed change was intended to promote constitutional fairness, strengthen nation-building and support long-term succession planning.
“This is not about lowering the legal standards for the attorney general, as the JLSC will still have their independence to ensure that any candidate meets the top tier legal qualification and experience,” Bryan said, referring to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
He added that Caymanian attorneys were developing strong careers and should have the opportunity to reach the territory’s highest legal advisory position.
“We have brilliant Caymanian attorneys coming through the ranks with strong careers, and it’s time to show that there is no glass ceiling in our country,” Bryan said. “The attorney general is the principal legal adviser to our nation, and that role requires deep, lived connections to our people.”
Hunter’s support for the motion signals some cross-party backing for the proposed change. However, the amendment would require broader political and public support, as well as formal constitutional discussions with the United Kingdom government.
Bryan said he did not anticipate significant opposition from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, arguing that reserving the position for Caymanians would be consistent with the existing requirement for the deputy governor’s post.
He said he would be disappointed if the proposal faced opposition, describing it as a measure to support the development of governance in the Cayman Islands.
The attorney general’s office has a complex history in the territory. In 2003, former Attorney General David Ballantyne retired following the collapse of the Eurobank money-laundering trial, amid allegations of spying and the destruction of evidence.
Bulgin was appointed that same year, shortly after receiving Caymanian status, and was given a lifetime appointment.
The proposed amendment would not remove the requirement for the attorney general to meet the highest legal qualifications and experience standards. Instead, it would add Caymanian status as a condition for appointment.
The motion will need to secure the necessary support before the constitutional amendment process can proceed.
