| CAYMAN ISLANDS Cayman Islands Cayman Islands (overseas territory of the United Kingdom) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/24/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
George Town (on Grand Cayman)
49,035 (July 2010 est.)
McKeeva Bush
Premier since 6 November 2009
Premier since 6 November 2009
The monarch is hereditary; the Governor is appointed by the
monarch;
Next scheduled election: None
monarch;
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
coalition is appointed by the governor Leader of Government
Business. Elections: last held 20 May 2009
Next scheduled election: May 2013
coalition is appointed by the governor Leader of Government
Business. Elections: last held 20 May 2009
Next scheduled election: May 2013
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%
| RELIGIONS |
Church of God 25.5%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian / United Church 9.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.4%, Baptist 8.3%,
Pentecostal 6.7%, Anglican 3.9%, other religions 4%, non-denominational 5.7%, other 6.5%, none 6.1%, unspecified 3.2% (2007)
Pentecostal 6.7%, Anglican 3.9%, other religions 4%, non-denominational 5.7%, other 6.5%, none 6.1%, unspecified 3.2% (2007)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
British crown colony with 8 districts; Legal system is a combination of British common law and local statutes
Executive: None; the monarch is hereditary; the governor is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or coalition is appointed by the governor Leader of Government Business
Elections: last held 20 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013)
Legislative: Unicameral Legislative Assembly (18 seats; 3 appointed members from the Executive Council and 15 elected by
popular vote; to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 20 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013)
Judicial: Summary Court; Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal
Executive: None; the monarch is hereditary; the governor is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or coalition is appointed by the governor Leader of Government Business
Elections: last held 20 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013)
Legislative: Unicameral Legislative Assembly (18 seats; 3 appointed members from the Executive Council and 15 elected by
popular vote; to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 20 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013)
Judicial: Summary Court; Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal
| LANGUAGES |
English
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands on May 10, 1503 and named them Las Tortugas after the numerous sea
turtles there. Columbus had found the two small islands (Cayman Brac and Little Cayman) and it was these 2 islands that he named
"Las Tortugas". A 1523 map of the islands referred to them as Lagartos, meaning alligators or large lizards, but by 1530 they were
known as the Caymanas after the Carib word for the marine crocodile which also lived there. The first recorded English visitor was
Sir Francis Drake in 1586, who reported that the caymanas were edible, but it was the turtles which attracted ships in search of
fresh meat for their crews. Overfishing nearly extinguished the turtles from the local waters. The first recorded permanent inhabitant
of the Cayman Islands, Isaac Bodden, was born on Grand Cayman around 1700. He was the grandson of the original settler named
Bodden who was likely one of Oliver Cromwell's soldiers at the taking of Jamaica in 1655. A variety of people settled on the
islands: pirates, refugees from the Spanish Inquisition, shipwrecked sailors, and slaves. The majority of Caymanians are of African
and British descent, with considerable interracial mixing. Britain took formal control of the Caymans, along with Jamaica, under the
Treaty of Madrid in 1670 after the first settlers came from Jamaica in 1661-71 to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. These first
settlements were abandoned after attacks by Spanish privateers, but British privateers often used the Cayman Islands as a base and
in the 18th century they became an increasingly popular hideout for pirates, even after the end of legitimate privateering in 1713.
Following several unsuccessful attempts, permanent settlement of the islands began in the 1730s. The Cayman Islands historically
have been popular as a tax haven. In November 1794, 10 vessels which were part of a convoy escorted by HMS Convert, were
wrecked on the reef in Gun Bay, on the East end of Grand Cayman, but with the help of local settlers, there was no loss of life. The
incident is now remembered as The Wreck of the Ten Sail. Legend has it that there was a member of the Royal Family onboard
and that in gratitude for their bravery, King George III decreed that Caymanians should never be conscripted for war service and
Parliament legislated that they should never be taxed. However, no real evidence has been found for this. From 1670, the Cayman
Islands were effective dependencies of Jamaica, although there was considerable self-government. In 1831, a legislative assembly
was established by local consent at a meeting of principal inhabitants held at Pedro Castle on December 5th. Elections were held on
December 10th and the fledgling legislature passed its first local legislation on December 31st 1831. Subsequently The Governor of
Jamaica ratified a legislature consisting of eight magistrates appointed by the Governor of Jamaica and 10 (later increased to 27)
elected representatives. In 1835, Governor Sligo arrived in Cayman from Jamaica to declare all slaves free in accordance with the
Emancipation Act of 1833. The Cayman Islands were officially declared and administered as a dependency of Jamaica from 1863,
but were rather like a parish of Jamaica with the nominated justices of the peace and elected vestrymen in their Legislature. From
1750 to 1898 the Chief Magistrate was the administrating official for the dependency, appointed by the Jamaican governor. In 1898
the Governor of Jamaica began appointing a Commissioner for the Islands. The first Commissioner was Frederick Sanguinetti. In
1959, upon the formation of the Federation of the West Indies the dependency status with regards to Jamaica ceased officially
although the Governor of Jamaica remained the Governor of the Cayman Islands and had reserve powers over the Islands. Starting
in 1959 the chief official overseeing the day to day affairs of the islands (for the Governor) was the Administrator. Upon Jamaica's
independence in 1962, the Cayman Islands broke its administrative links with Jamaica and opted to become a direct dependency of
the British Crown, with the chief official of the islands being the Administrator. In 1953 the first airfield in the Cayman Islands was
opened as well as the George Town Public hospital. Barclays ushered in the age of formalised commerce by opening the first
commercial bank. Following a two year campaign by women to change their circumstances, in 1959 Cayman received its first
written constitution which, for the first time, allowed women to vote. Cayman ceased to be a dependency of Jamaica. During 1966,
legislation was passed to enable and encourage the banking industry in Cayman. In 1971 the governmental structure of the Islands
was again changed with a Governor now running the Cayman Islands. Athel Long CMG, CBE was the last Administrator and the
first Governor of the Cayman Islands. In 1991 a review of the 1972 constitution recommended several constitutional changes to be
debated by the Legislative Assembly. The post of Chief Secretary was reinstated in 1992 after having been abolished in 1986. The
establishment of the post of Chief Minister was also proposed. However, in November 1992 elections were held for an enlarged
Legislative Assembly and the Government was soundly defeated, casting doubt on constitutional reform. The "National Team" of
government critics won 12 (later reduced to 11) of the 15 seats, and independents won the other three, after a campaign opposing
the appointment of Chief Minister and advocating spending cuts. The unofficial leader of the team, Thomas Jefferson, had been the
appointed Financial Secretary until March 1992, when he resigned over public spending disputes to fight the election. After the
elections, Mr. Jefferson was appointed Minister and leader of government business; he also held the portfolios of Tourism, Aviation
and Commerce in the Executive Council. Three teams with a total of 44 candidates contested the general election held on
November 20, 1996: the governing National Team, Team Cayman and the Democratic Alliance Group. The National Team were
returned to office but with a reduced majority, winning 9 seats. The Democratic Alliance won 2 seats in George Town, Team
Cayman won one in Bodden Town and independents won seats in George Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Although all
administrative links with Jamaica were broken in 1962, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica continue to share many links and
experiences, including membership in the Commonwealth of Nations (and Commonwealth citizenship) and a common united church
(the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands) and Anglican diocese (although there is debate about this) as well as a
common currency (until 1972). Also, by 1999, 38-40% of the population of the Cayman Islands was of Jamaican origin and in
2004/2005 little over 50% of the expatriates working in the Cayman Islands (i.e. 8,000) were Jamaicans (with the next largest
expatriate communities coming from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada). In September 2004, The Cayman Islands
were hit by Hurricane Ivan, causing mass devastation, loss of human and animal life (both wild and domestic/livestock) and flooding,
with some accounts reporting that 25% or more of Grand Cayman had been underwater and with the lower floors of buildings being
completely flooded. This natural disaster also led to the bankruptcy of a heavily invested insurance company called Doyle. The
company had re-leased estimates covering 20% damage to be re-insured at minimal fees when in fact the damage was over 65%
and every claim was in the millions. The company simply could not keep paying out and the adjusters could not help lower the
payments due to the high building code the Islands adhere to. Much suspense was built around the devastation that Hurricane Ivan
had caused as the leader of Government business Mr. Mckeeva Bush decided to close the Islands to any and all reporters. This led
to severe reports in the media of hundreds dead, when in fact none but two that refused to stay in the shelters were lost. It was also
a collective decision within the government at that time to turn away two British warships that had arrived the day after the storm
with supplies. This decision was met by outrage from the Islanders who thought that it should have been their decision to make.
However, when the Island re-opened in early December to tourists the cruise ships once more started to pour in, all intrigued to see
the damage. While there were visible signs of damage, in the vegetation and an apparent lack of construction in some places, the
Island was bustling again as some things had been freshly re-built and those that were not were quite on their way. There remain
housing issues for many of the residents as of late 2005. McKeeva Bush was reappointed on 27 May 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Cayman Islands
turtles there. Columbus had found the two small islands (Cayman Brac and Little Cayman) and it was these 2 islands that he named
"Las Tortugas". A 1523 map of the islands referred to them as Lagartos, meaning alligators or large lizards, but by 1530 they were
known as the Caymanas after the Carib word for the marine crocodile which also lived there. The first recorded English visitor was
Sir Francis Drake in 1586, who reported that the caymanas were edible, but it was the turtles which attracted ships in search of
fresh meat for their crews. Overfishing nearly extinguished the turtles from the local waters. The first recorded permanent inhabitant
of the Cayman Islands, Isaac Bodden, was born on Grand Cayman around 1700. He was the grandson of the original settler named
Bodden who was likely one of Oliver Cromwell's soldiers at the taking of Jamaica in 1655. A variety of people settled on the
islands: pirates, refugees from the Spanish Inquisition, shipwrecked sailors, and slaves. The majority of Caymanians are of African
and British descent, with considerable interracial mixing. Britain took formal control of the Caymans, along with Jamaica, under the
Treaty of Madrid in 1670 after the first settlers came from Jamaica in 1661-71 to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. These first
settlements were abandoned after attacks by Spanish privateers, but British privateers often used the Cayman Islands as a base and
in the 18th century they became an increasingly popular hideout for pirates, even after the end of legitimate privateering in 1713.
Following several unsuccessful attempts, permanent settlement of the islands began in the 1730s. The Cayman Islands historically
have been popular as a tax haven. In November 1794, 10 vessels which were part of a convoy escorted by HMS Convert, were
wrecked on the reef in Gun Bay, on the East end of Grand Cayman, but with the help of local settlers, there was no loss of life. The
incident is now remembered as The Wreck of the Ten Sail. Legend has it that there was a member of the Royal Family onboard
and that in gratitude for their bravery, King George III decreed that Caymanians should never be conscripted for war service and
Parliament legislated that they should never be taxed. However, no real evidence has been found for this. From 1670, the Cayman
Islands were effective dependencies of Jamaica, although there was considerable self-government. In 1831, a legislative assembly
was established by local consent at a meeting of principal inhabitants held at Pedro Castle on December 5th. Elections were held on
December 10th and the fledgling legislature passed its first local legislation on December 31st 1831. Subsequently The Governor of
Jamaica ratified a legislature consisting of eight magistrates appointed by the Governor of Jamaica and 10 (later increased to 27)
elected representatives. In 1835, Governor Sligo arrived in Cayman from Jamaica to declare all slaves free in accordance with the
Emancipation Act of 1833. The Cayman Islands were officially declared and administered as a dependency of Jamaica from 1863,
but were rather like a parish of Jamaica with the nominated justices of the peace and elected vestrymen in their Legislature. From
1750 to 1898 the Chief Magistrate was the administrating official for the dependency, appointed by the Jamaican governor. In 1898
the Governor of Jamaica began appointing a Commissioner for the Islands. The first Commissioner was Frederick Sanguinetti. In
1959, upon the formation of the Federation of the West Indies the dependency status with regards to Jamaica ceased officially
although the Governor of Jamaica remained the Governor of the Cayman Islands and had reserve powers over the Islands. Starting
in 1959 the chief official overseeing the day to day affairs of the islands (for the Governor) was the Administrator. Upon Jamaica's
independence in 1962, the Cayman Islands broke its administrative links with Jamaica and opted to become a direct dependency of
the British Crown, with the chief official of the islands being the Administrator. In 1953 the first airfield in the Cayman Islands was
opened as well as the George Town Public hospital. Barclays ushered in the age of formalised commerce by opening the first
commercial bank. Following a two year campaign by women to change their circumstances, in 1959 Cayman received its first
written constitution which, for the first time, allowed women to vote. Cayman ceased to be a dependency of Jamaica. During 1966,
legislation was passed to enable and encourage the banking industry in Cayman. In 1971 the governmental structure of the Islands
was again changed with a Governor now running the Cayman Islands. Athel Long CMG, CBE was the last Administrator and the
first Governor of the Cayman Islands. In 1991 a review of the 1972 constitution recommended several constitutional changes to be
debated by the Legislative Assembly. The post of Chief Secretary was reinstated in 1992 after having been abolished in 1986. The
establishment of the post of Chief Minister was also proposed. However, in November 1992 elections were held for an enlarged
Legislative Assembly and the Government was soundly defeated, casting doubt on constitutional reform. The "National Team" of
government critics won 12 (later reduced to 11) of the 15 seats, and independents won the other three, after a campaign opposing
the appointment of Chief Minister and advocating spending cuts. The unofficial leader of the team, Thomas Jefferson, had been the
appointed Financial Secretary until March 1992, when he resigned over public spending disputes to fight the election. After the
elections, Mr. Jefferson was appointed Minister and leader of government business; he also held the portfolios of Tourism, Aviation
and Commerce in the Executive Council. Three teams with a total of 44 candidates contested the general election held on
November 20, 1996: the governing National Team, Team Cayman and the Democratic Alliance Group. The National Team were
returned to office but with a reduced majority, winning 9 seats. The Democratic Alliance won 2 seats in George Town, Team
Cayman won one in Bodden Town and independents won seats in George Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Although all
administrative links with Jamaica were broken in 1962, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica continue to share many links and
experiences, including membership in the Commonwealth of Nations (and Commonwealth citizenship) and a common united church
(the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands) and Anglican diocese (although there is debate about this) as well as a
common currency (until 1972). Also, by 1999, 38-40% of the population of the Cayman Islands was of Jamaican origin and in
2004/2005 little over 50% of the expatriates working in the Cayman Islands (i.e. 8,000) were Jamaicans (with the next largest
expatriate communities coming from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada). In September 2004, The Cayman Islands
were hit by Hurricane Ivan, causing mass devastation, loss of human and animal life (both wild and domestic/livestock) and flooding,
with some accounts reporting that 25% or more of Grand Cayman had been underwater and with the lower floors of buildings being
completely flooded. This natural disaster also led to the bankruptcy of a heavily invested insurance company called Doyle. The
company had re-leased estimates covering 20% damage to be re-insured at minimal fees when in fact the damage was over 65%
and every claim was in the millions. The company simply could not keep paying out and the adjusters could not help lower the
payments due to the high building code the Islands adhere to. Much suspense was built around the devastation that Hurricane Ivan
had caused as the leader of Government business Mr. Mckeeva Bush decided to close the Islands to any and all reporters. This led
to severe reports in the media of hundreds dead, when in fact none but two that refused to stay in the shelters were lost. It was also
a collective decision within the government at that time to turn away two British warships that had arrived the day after the storm
with supplies. This decision was met by outrage from the Islanders who thought that it should have been their decision to make.
However, when the Island re-opened in early December to tourists the cruise ships once more started to pour in, all intrigued to see
the damage. While there were visible signs of damage, in the vegetation and an apparent lack of construction in some places, the
Island was bustling again as some things had been freshly re-built and those that were not were quite on their way. There remain
housing issues for many of the residents as of late 2005. McKeeva Bush was reappointed on 27 May 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Cayman Islands
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 93,000 companies were registered in the
Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300 banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in
1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is
aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.9 million in 2008,
with about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of
the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Cayman Islands)
Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300 banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in
1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is
aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.9 million in 2008,
with about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of
the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Cayman Islands)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The Cabinet is appointed by the governor on advice of the Premier. The British Crown appoints a Governor, who is recruited from
the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and serves as the British representative, including his role as the direct representative of
Queen Elizabeth II. Daily administration of the islands is conducted by the Cabinet. The Deputy Governor, and Attorney General
are appointed by the governor. Responsibility for defense and foreign affairs resides with the United Kingdom; however, the Deputy
Governor handles the portfolio for External Affairs, and the Cayman Government may negotiate certain bilateral matters directly
with foreign governments.
The governor can exercise complete executive authority if he wishes through reserve powers reserved to him in the constitution.
However, he must consult with the Premier prior to using such powers and must do so in the interest of the Cayman Islands (so long
as it doesn't prejudice British interests). He must give royal assent to all legislation, which allows him the power to strike down any
law the legislature may see fit for the country. In modern times, the governor usually allows the country to be run by the cabinet, and
the civil service to be run by the Deputy Governor, who is the Acting Governor when the Governor is not able to discharge his usual
duties for one reason or another.
Constitutional Modernization has come to the forefront of politics recently with the collapse of the now defunct Euro Bank
Corporation in 2003. The prosecution in the trial was forced to reveal that the British Government had planted moles (and used
wire taps) throughout the banking industry using MI6, at the consent of the governor. This caused the trial's collapse, and
subsequent release of those charged with wrongdoing. Along with this, the only mole that was known at the time was allowed to
leave the country, never to answer for what he (or the United Kingdom) was doing. This infuriated the elected members of the
legislative assembly as they maintained that the governor and the United Kingdom had put into question Cayman's reputation as a
tightly regulated offshore jurisdiction. Some saw this as the United Kingdom meddling in the territory's affairs to benefit itself (and
the EU), at the expense of the islands' economy.
Constitutional talks however went on hold following Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Subsequently in May 2005 the ruling UDP was ousted
by the PPM, which restarted the process of constitutional modernization. A new draft constitution was passed by the electorate via
referendum on 20 May 2009 and adopted on 2 November 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Cayman Islands
the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and serves as the British representative, including his role as the direct representative of
Queen Elizabeth II. Daily administration of the islands is conducted by the Cabinet. The Deputy Governor, and Attorney General
are appointed by the governor. Responsibility for defense and foreign affairs resides with the United Kingdom; however, the Deputy
Governor handles the portfolio for External Affairs, and the Cayman Government may negotiate certain bilateral matters directly
with foreign governments.
The governor can exercise complete executive authority if he wishes through reserve powers reserved to him in the constitution.
However, he must consult with the Premier prior to using such powers and must do so in the interest of the Cayman Islands (so long
as it doesn't prejudice British interests). He must give royal assent to all legislation, which allows him the power to strike down any
law the legislature may see fit for the country. In modern times, the governor usually allows the country to be run by the cabinet, and
the civil service to be run by the Deputy Governor, who is the Acting Governor when the Governor is not able to discharge his usual
duties for one reason or another.
Constitutional Modernization has come to the forefront of politics recently with the collapse of the now defunct Euro Bank
Corporation in 2003. The prosecution in the trial was forced to reveal that the British Government had planted moles (and used
wire taps) throughout the banking industry using MI6, at the consent of the governor. This caused the trial's collapse, and
subsequent release of those charged with wrongdoing. Along with this, the only mole that was known at the time was allowed to
leave the country, never to answer for what he (or the United Kingdom) was doing. This infuriated the elected members of the
legislative assembly as they maintained that the governor and the United Kingdom had put into question Cayman's reputation as a
tightly regulated offshore jurisdiction. Some saw this as the United Kingdom meddling in the territory's affairs to benefit itself (and
the EU), at the expense of the islands' economy.
Constitutional talks however went on hold following Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Subsequently in May 2005 the ruling UDP was ousted
by the PPM, which restarted the process of constitutional modernization. A new draft constitution was passed by the electorate via
referendum on 20 May 2009 and adopted on 2 November 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Cayman Islands
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Major offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug transshipment to the US and Europe (2008)
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
BACKGROUND NOTES
24 MAY 2010
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The Cayman Islands' physical isolation under early British colonial rule allowed the development of an indigenous set of administrative
and legal traditions which were codified into a Constitution in 1959. Although still a British Overseas Territory, the islands today are
self-governed in nearly all respects. The Constitution, or Cayman Islands Order, that now governs the islands came into effect in 1972
and was amended in 1994.
The Cayman Islands' political system is very stable, bolstered by a tradition of restrained civil governance, sustained economic
prosperity, and its relative isolation from foreign policy concerns by virtue of its colonial relationship with the United Kingdom. Public
discussion revolves around public sector expenditure and social services, the pace of additional economic development, and the status of
the large foreign national community on the islands.
Click here to read more »
24 MAY 2010
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The Cayman Islands' physical isolation under early British colonial rule allowed the development of an indigenous set of administrative
and legal traditions which were codified into a Constitution in 1959. Although still a British Overseas Territory, the islands today are
self-governed in nearly all respects. The Constitution, or Cayman Islands Order, that now governs the islands came into effect in 1972
and was amended in 1994.
The Cayman Islands' political system is very stable, bolstered by a tradition of restrained civil governance, sustained economic
prosperity, and its relative isolation from foreign policy concerns by virtue of its colonial relationship with the United Kingdom. Public
discussion revolves around public sector expenditure and social services, the pace of additional economic development, and the status of
the large foreign national community on the islands.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Forty-ninth Session
15 September – 3 October 2008
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD –
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES AND THE ISLE OF MAN
CAYMAN ISLANDS
PART I
Please indicate whether the Convention on the Rights of the Child has been invoked or referred to directly in domestic courts, and if so,
please provide examples of such cases.
In the Court of Appeal decision in Grant v J.A. Cumber Primary School and ors [2001 CILR 78] the appellants appealed the Grand Court
decision which upheld the exclusion of their son from school so long as he wore his in dreadlocks in accordance with his religious
beliefs as a Rastafarian. Both the Grand Court and the Court of Appeal referred to the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as a
number of other international conventions. However, in both instances it was emphasized that unless these conventions were translated
into the domestic law of the Islands either by a Law of the legislature or the enactment of a bill of rights in the written constitution, no
relief could be entertained by the courts for any alleged breaches of these or any other international conventions.
The Court of Appeal concurred with the finding of the Grand Court that notwithstanding the fact that the CRC had not been
incorporated into the domestic law of the Islands, it could be relied on indirectly as a background standard by which to assess the
reasonableness of the decision to expel the child from school.
Please provide brief information on the ten-year Children Plan which was adopted in 2007 after the submission of the State party’s
report.
This Plan does not apply in the Islands.
Please indicate the processes and mechanisms that exist to ensure an efficient coordination of policy and strategy development with
regard to programmes, services and laws for the implementation of the Convention in each devolved Administration as well as in the
Overseas Territories.
Within the Islands, the agencies charged with responsibility for children or issues affecting children receive clear mandates from the
Government and take the necessary action to implement and coordinate that government policy. These stakeholders are often brought
together at various seminars and conferences where pertinent issues are raised for discussion with a view to identifying the challenges
that must be addressed and the most effective means of doing so.
By way of example, in February 2008 the Attorney General and the Ministry of Health and Human Services hosted the opening session
of the National Children and Youth Symposium to which all agencies that impact child development, as well as the general public, were
invited. The Symposium was held with the aim of creating a national policy framework to facilitate measures for the growth and
development of children and youth.
Click here to read more »
Forty-ninth Session
15 September – 3 October 2008
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD –
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES AND THE ISLE OF MAN
CAYMAN ISLANDS
PART I
Please indicate whether the Convention on the Rights of the Child has been invoked or referred to directly in domestic courts, and if so,
please provide examples of such cases.
In the Court of Appeal decision in Grant v J.A. Cumber Primary School and ors [2001 CILR 78] the appellants appealed the Grand Court
decision which upheld the exclusion of their son from school so long as he wore his in dreadlocks in accordance with his religious
beliefs as a Rastafarian. Both the Grand Court and the Court of Appeal referred to the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as a
number of other international conventions. However, in both instances it was emphasized that unless these conventions were translated
into the domestic law of the Islands either by a Law of the legislature or the enactment of a bill of rights in the written constitution, no
relief could be entertained by the courts for any alleged breaches of these or any other international conventions.
The Court of Appeal concurred with the finding of the Grand Court that notwithstanding the fact that the CRC had not been
incorporated into the domestic law of the Islands, it could be relied on indirectly as a background standard by which to assess the
reasonableness of the decision to expel the child from school.
Please provide brief information on the ten-year Children Plan which was adopted in 2007 after the submission of the State party’s
report.
This Plan does not apply in the Islands.
Please indicate the processes and mechanisms that exist to ensure an efficient coordination of policy and strategy development with
regard to programmes, services and laws for the implementation of the Convention in each devolved Administration as well as in the
Overseas Territories.
Within the Islands, the agencies charged with responsibility for children or issues affecting children receive clear mandates from the
Government and take the necessary action to implement and coordinate that government policy. These stakeholders are often brought
together at various seminars and conferences where pertinent issues are raised for discussion with a view to identifying the challenges
that must be addressed and the most effective means of doing so.
By way of example, in February 2008 the Attorney General and the Ministry of Health and Human Services hosted the opening session
of the National Children and Youth Symposium to which all agencies that impact child development, as well as the general public, were
invited. The Symposium was held with the aim of creating a national policy framework to facilitate measures for the growth and
development of children and youth.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2005 Report
Cayman Islands (in conjunction with a report on Montenegro)
The government failed to resist the influence from management of two companies: C Market (a supermarket chain) and Knjaz Milos (a
mineral water bottler), which pressured the government to stall foreign takeovers of these two large companies. (Both were partly
privatized in the 1990s.) The government attempted to arrange the sale of Knjaz Milos to the preferred investor (Danone of France) and
pressured the Security Exchange Commission, an independent body in charge of takeover bids, to reject the bid of another investor (FPP
Balkan Ltd. of the Cayman Islands). Worth ﾬ55 million (US$66.5), the transaction was completed only when the government withdrew
from the process. The commercial court, a body known for acceding to government influence, is stalling the takeover of C Market after
the Slovenian supermarket chain Mercator expressed interest.
Click here to read more »
Cayman Islands (in conjunction with a report on Montenegro)
The government failed to resist the influence from management of two companies: C Market (a supermarket chain) and Knjaz Milos (a
mineral water bottler), which pressured the government to stall foreign takeovers of these two large companies. (Both were partly
privatized in the 1990s.) The government attempted to arrange the sale of Knjaz Milos to the preferred investor (Danone of France) and
pressured the Security Exchange Commission, an independent body in charge of takeover bids, to reject the bid of another investor (FPP
Balkan Ltd. of the Cayman Islands). Worth ﾬ55 million (US$66.5), the transaction was completed only when the government withdrew
from the process. The commercial court, a body known for acceding to government influence, is stalling the takeover of C Market after
the Slovenian supermarket chain Mercator expressed interest.
Click here to read more »
Summit of the Americas fails to address human rights
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the many
fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the three
themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
A number of governments, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Honduras, indicated that they were not prepared to formally sign
the Declaration. Leaders agreed to instead adopt it by consensus and have Trinidadian Prime Minister Manning sign on behalf of all
leaders.
The governments that had registered objections did not feel that the Declaration deals adequately with the current global economic crisis.
They also wanted to see strong references to the issue of Cuba's reintegration into Organization of American States (OAS) and the lifting
of the US embargo against Cuba.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the recognition in
the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
"At a time of global economic turmoil and with a new spirit of compromise in the air between the government of US President Barrack
Obama and other governments in the Americas this Summit offered an unparalleled opportunity to lay out a strong human rights vision
for the Americas," said Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, who was part of the Amnesty International
delegation at the Summit. "Instead, human rights have once again been pushed to the back."
Amnesty International had made a number of recommendations as to ways in which an earlier draft of the Declaration needed to be
strengthened with regard to human rights. The organization said it was disappointed that there were no such improvements in the final
Declaration.
Click here to read more »
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the many
fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the three
themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
A number of governments, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Honduras, indicated that they were not prepared to formally sign
the Declaration. Leaders agreed to instead adopt it by consensus and have Trinidadian Prime Minister Manning sign on behalf of all
leaders.
The governments that had registered objections did not feel that the Declaration deals adequately with the current global economic crisis.
They also wanted to see strong references to the issue of Cuba's reintegration into Organization of American States (OAS) and the lifting
of the US embargo against Cuba.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the recognition in
the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
"At a time of global economic turmoil and with a new spirit of compromise in the air between the government of US President Barrack
Obama and other governments in the Americas this Summit offered an unparalleled opportunity to lay out a strong human rights vision
for the Americas," said Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, who was part of the Amnesty International
delegation at the Summit. "Instead, human rights have once again been pushed to the back."
Amnesty International had made a number of recommendations as to ways in which an earlier draft of the Declaration needed to be
strengthened with regard to human rights. The organization said it was disappointed that there were no such improvements in the final
Declaration.
Click here to read more »
Cayman Islands: Ensure Equality for All
Restore Broad Anti-Discrimination Protections in Draft Constitution
March 11, 2009
(New York) - The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, should revise a draft constitution that will be submitted to voters on
May 20, 2009, to ensure that it gives full protections to all against unequal treatment, and the British government should ensure that this
happens, Human Rights Watch said today in letters to the Cayman governor, Stuart Jack, and the British foreign secretary, David
Miliband.
The draft constitution is being revised by the Cayman Islands government and will eliminate a free-standing guarantee of equality before
the law and limit anti-discrimination protections only to rights expressly included in the constitution. This means that large and critically
important areas of daily life would not be covered, including access to jobs, housing, and medical treatment. Reportedly, the government
succumbed to pressure from religious groups, and the action was apparently intended to deny protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender people.
"The British government is using a double standard, approving a draft constitution for an overseas territory that gives fewer protections
than British citizens enjoy at home," said Boris O. Dittrich, advocacy director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights
program at Human Rights Watch. "Equality means equality, and it should apply across the board."
Human Rights Watch urged the British and Cayman governments to ensure that protections in the new constitution apply not only to
discrimination by the state, but also to discrimination by private entities.
The new constitution will be voted on in a referendum during the territory's general elections.
Equality Cayman, a nongovernmental organization in the Cayman Islands, has strongly criticized the scope of the proposed language for
section 16 in the draft constitution, stating that it offers inadequate protections against prejudice and inequality.
Human Rights Watch urged the British government to ensure that the new constitution is in line with expanding protections against
discrimination in UN and European law. The United Kingdom has extended the UN human rights treaties and the European Convention
on Human Rights to the Cayman Islands.
"Protecting against discrimination and promoting equality should be core purposes of a bill of rights," said Dittrich. "The territory's new
constitution should not fall short of that aim."
Click here to read more »
Restore Broad Anti-Discrimination Protections in Draft Constitution
March 11, 2009
(New York) - The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, should revise a draft constitution that will be submitted to voters on
May 20, 2009, to ensure that it gives full protections to all against unequal treatment, and the British government should ensure that this
happens, Human Rights Watch said today in letters to the Cayman governor, Stuart Jack, and the British foreign secretary, David
Miliband.
The draft constitution is being revised by the Cayman Islands government and will eliminate a free-standing guarantee of equality before
the law and limit anti-discrimination protections only to rights expressly included in the constitution. This means that large and critically
important areas of daily life would not be covered, including access to jobs, housing, and medical treatment. Reportedly, the government
succumbed to pressure from religious groups, and the action was apparently intended to deny protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender people.
"The British government is using a double standard, approving a draft constitution for an overseas territory that gives fewer protections
than British citizens enjoy at home," said Boris O. Dittrich, advocacy director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights
program at Human Rights Watch. "Equality means equality, and it should apply across the board."
Human Rights Watch urged the British and Cayman governments to ensure that protections in the new constitution apply not only to
discrimination by the state, but also to discrimination by private entities.
The new constitution will be voted on in a referendum during the territory's general elections.
Equality Cayman, a nongovernmental organization in the Cayman Islands, has strongly criticized the scope of the proposed language for
section 16 in the draft constitution, stating that it offers inadequate protections against prejudice and inequality.
Human Rights Watch urged the British government to ensure that the new constitution is in line with expanding protections against
discrimination in UN and European law. The United Kingdom has extended the UN human rights treaties and the European Convention
on Human Rights to the Cayman Islands.
"Protecting against discrimination and promoting equality should be core purposes of a bill of rights," said Dittrich. "The territory's new
constitution should not fall short of that aim."
Click here to read more »
Statement from Premier Bush
01 April 2010
We could not address the problems of the country in a detailed written document outside of our manifesto during the campaign as the
PPM hid the truth from the country regarding the state of public finances and total expenditure. All matters that reached ‘the light of
day’ were thoroughly discussed and we developed plans to address them, however these were very few items.
“The fact that we sat down with the FCO who wanted us to put in income tax and property tax and the fact that we said no to that; and
that we said we wanted the opportunity to address the problems left by the PPM in an already worsening world wide economic
downturn; and no business started in the country to bring in revenue, meant that we had to take time to develop plans and to bring
business in which the PPM failed to do.
“The sad and hard cold facts are that my government is now in a salvage operation mode designed to take the country out of the grips of
wasteful PPM expenditure. We had no alternative but to raise additional revenue by increasing various fees rather than by income tax or
property tax. It is obvious from the latest financial information that those measures are starting to work. I have said that when we turn
the economy around we will look at reducing fees. We have reiterated this fact many times, including the day we put the fees in place.
“All along, the PPM knew what our plan was, as did the FCO. That was to repair the two basic pillars of the economy, finance and
tourism. We had to address certain vexing issues surrounding immigration which were negatively impacting our competitive position in
the Financial Services arena. Let us not forget that we worked hard in the first few months after the General Elections to get us off the
OECD grey list, which PPM mismanagement caused the country to get onto in the first place!
“We have said publicly that we are cutting expenditure. I made the first move by saying that legislators’ salaries must be cut. The civil
service is now working on the methodology on how to effect personnel cost reductions. The Government has provided a target amount
of expenditure that they must live within.
“The FCO clearly understands where we are going. They might not have agreed with us in the beginning, but for us to have agreed with
them would have meant income and property tax. I was adamant that that would not be done.
“What the PPM needed to tell the country was their specific plan to get us out of the mess that they created.
“They cannot expect the public to believe that after four years at the helm they are not in a position to speak based on fact! They are
playing games and politicizing this most serious national issue!
Click here to read more »
01 April 2010
We could not address the problems of the country in a detailed written document outside of our manifesto during the campaign as the
PPM hid the truth from the country regarding the state of public finances and total expenditure. All matters that reached ‘the light of
day’ were thoroughly discussed and we developed plans to address them, however these were very few items.
“The fact that we sat down with the FCO who wanted us to put in income tax and property tax and the fact that we said no to that; and
that we said we wanted the opportunity to address the problems left by the PPM in an already worsening world wide economic
downturn; and no business started in the country to bring in revenue, meant that we had to take time to develop plans and to bring
business in which the PPM failed to do.
“The sad and hard cold facts are that my government is now in a salvage operation mode designed to take the country out of the grips of
wasteful PPM expenditure. We had no alternative but to raise additional revenue by increasing various fees rather than by income tax or
property tax. It is obvious from the latest financial information that those measures are starting to work. I have said that when we turn
the economy around we will look at reducing fees. We have reiterated this fact many times, including the day we put the fees in place.
“All along, the PPM knew what our plan was, as did the FCO. That was to repair the two basic pillars of the economy, finance and
tourism. We had to address certain vexing issues surrounding immigration which were negatively impacting our competitive position in
the Financial Services arena. Let us not forget that we worked hard in the first few months after the General Elections to get us off the
OECD grey list, which PPM mismanagement caused the country to get onto in the first place!
“We have said publicly that we are cutting expenditure. I made the first move by saying that legislators’ salaries must be cut. The civil
service is now working on the methodology on how to effect personnel cost reductions. The Government has provided a target amount
of expenditure that they must live within.
“The FCO clearly understands where we are going. They might not have agreed with us in the beginning, but for us to have agreed with
them would have meant income and property tax. I was adamant that that would not be done.
“What the PPM needed to tell the country was their specific plan to get us out of the mess that they created.
“They cannot expect the public to believe that after four years at the helm they are not in a position to speak based on fact! They are
playing games and politicizing this most serious national issue!
Click here to read more »
Donovan Ebanks
Honourable Deputy Governor
Fourth Floor Government Administration Building
Grand Cayman
CAYMAN ISLANDS KY1-9000
18 March, 2010
Dear Mr. Ebanks,
As per our correspondence with you dated 11 March, 2010 regarding the introduction of new legislation with potential human rights
connotations and specifically, our immediate concerns with the recent Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill 2010 (the Bill), we
wish to take this opportunity to offer constructive feedback on the Bill.
In accordance with our assigned and independent advisory role per Section 116 of the 2009 Constitution Order, the Human Rights
Commission (HRC) must make the necessary preparations to ensure all new legislation is drafted and implemented in accordance with
specified human rights accountabilities as per Section 1 – The Bill of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities and all relevant international
human rights treaties currently extended to the Cayman Islands.
The HRC respects the Government‟s motivation behind implementing the Bill and recognizes the importance of protecting the rights of
victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings. However, we do believe there are important areas for concern in the Bill and will address
them accordingly below. In doing so, we wish not only to support the Government‟s endeavor to effectively implement the Bill of Rights
in 2012 but we hope our advisements regarding legislation prevent not only the need to amend laws proven incompatible to the
Constitution after their initial enactment, but allow for great cost -effective efficiency and transparency of governance over the long
term..
The Bill has been largely based on the UK Act of the same name passed in 2008 as renewed and amended by Coroners and Justice Act
2009. The first UK Act was limited to a one year term of validity because of its primary role as emergency legislation enacted to reverse
a decision by the House of Lords in the “Davies case”. In this UK Act we see the same review and reporting requirement as found in
Section 23 of the Bill.
The HRC asserts that the right of those being prosecuted to know who is making the accusation against them is a fundamental one. But
the HRC also recognizes the fact that it is only in very few and often exceptional circumstances that the need for witnesses to be granted
anonymity in criminal proceedings exists.
Therefore, the HRC would like to call attention to the following sections of the Bill that are concerning from Cayman‟s constitutional,
legislative and applicable human rights perspectives:
Click here to read more »
Honourable Deputy Governor
Fourth Floor Government Administration Building
Grand Cayman
CAYMAN ISLANDS KY1-9000
18 March, 2010
Dear Mr. Ebanks,
As per our correspondence with you dated 11 March, 2010 regarding the introduction of new legislation with potential human rights
connotations and specifically, our immediate concerns with the recent Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill 2010 (the Bill), we
wish to take this opportunity to offer constructive feedback on the Bill.
In accordance with our assigned and independent advisory role per Section 116 of the 2009 Constitution Order, the Human Rights
Commission (HRC) must make the necessary preparations to ensure all new legislation is drafted and implemented in accordance with
specified human rights accountabilities as per Section 1 – The Bill of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities and all relevant international
human rights treaties currently extended to the Cayman Islands.
The HRC respects the Government‟s motivation behind implementing the Bill and recognizes the importance of protecting the rights of
victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings. However, we do believe there are important areas for concern in the Bill and will address
them accordingly below. In doing so, we wish not only to support the Government‟s endeavor to effectively implement the Bill of Rights
in 2012 but we hope our advisements regarding legislation prevent not only the need to amend laws proven incompatible to the
Constitution after their initial enactment, but allow for great cost -effective efficiency and transparency of governance over the long
term..
The Bill has been largely based on the UK Act of the same name passed in 2008 as renewed and amended by Coroners and Justice Act
2009. The first UK Act was limited to a one year term of validity because of its primary role as emergency legislation enacted to reverse
a decision by the House of Lords in the “Davies case”. In this UK Act we see the same review and reporting requirement as found in
Section 23 of the Bill.
The HRC asserts that the right of those being prosecuted to know who is making the accusation against them is a fundamental one. But
the HRC also recognizes the fact that it is only in very few and often exceptional circumstances that the need for witnesses to be granted
anonymity in criminal proceedings exists.
Therefore, the HRC would like to call attention to the following sections of the Bill that are concerning from Cayman‟s constitutional,
legislative and applicable human rights perspectives:
Click here to read more »
Making a Mark: The First 100 Days in Office Nicola Williams Complaints Commissioner
18 November 2009
As the new Complaints Commissioner, I am ultimately accountable to the people of the Cayman Islands for the performance of my
administration. This is the reason I am releasing a progress report for my First 100 Days in Office, the first of its kind in this Office’s
short history. The report details the first steps I have taken and covers my activities in many sectors. I am confident that the public and
interested parties will find the information to be indicative of my commitment to improve good governance in the Cayman Islands.
The peoples’ expectations are very high and are in line with my Administration’s tune of change that would institute an effective and
functioning office with the long-term prospect of serving as a model office not only for the Cayman Islands but for the Caribbean
region. It is my intention not only to continue to inform and educate the public about the role of this Office but also to set standards for,
and monitor, the effectiveness of Internal Complaints Procedures throughout government. Above all, this Office will continue to
investigate complaints against government entities without fear or favour in order to promote good governance.
The days ahead will be long and will require hard work. I ask for your patience, your guidance and your prayers.
OVERVIEW
It’s hard to believe, but 18 November 2009 marked my 100th day as Complaints Commissioner of the Cayman Islands. The first three
months have been enormously exciting and productive, and I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the things I
have had the privilege to be a part of and give you an idea of what lies ahead.
The OCC is and continues to be a learning environment. The Principles of Good Administration,
* getting it right
* being customer focused
* being open and accountable
* acting fairly and proportionately
* putting things right
* seeking continuous improvement
applies as much to us as to the government entities we investigate and monitor.
In my first 100 days, I have tried to focus on learning as much about every aspect of the Cayman Islands as possible and reaching out to
the residents; government, business and industry leaders, and those in the many communities we serve. In these meetings, I quickly
learned that the Cayman Islands are a truly incredible place and that the Office of the Complaints Commissioner can make a tremendous
impact on the lives of our residents nationally, as well as being a positive force within the Caribbean region, and beyond. One of the
important aspects of my role as Complaints Commissioner is to spread the word among numerous groups and individuals in an effort to
communicate the many ways in which this Office enriches the lives of our various constituencies and to strengthen our role in this
society, while at the same time, listening to valuable feedback.
I am very proud of the contributions this Office is making in that regard. In this challenging economic environment, we are fortunate to
have the support and goodwill of our many constituents.
Click here to read more>>
18 November 2009
As the new Complaints Commissioner, I am ultimately accountable to the people of the Cayman Islands for the performance of my
administration. This is the reason I am releasing a progress report for my First 100 Days in Office, the first of its kind in this Office’s
short history. The report details the first steps I have taken and covers my activities in many sectors. I am confident that the public and
interested parties will find the information to be indicative of my commitment to improve good governance in the Cayman Islands.
The peoples’ expectations are very high and are in line with my Administration’s tune of change that would institute an effective and
functioning office with the long-term prospect of serving as a model office not only for the Cayman Islands but for the Caribbean
region. It is my intention not only to continue to inform and educate the public about the role of this Office but also to set standards for,
and monitor, the effectiveness of Internal Complaints Procedures throughout government. Above all, this Office will continue to
investigate complaints against government entities without fear or favour in order to promote good governance.
The days ahead will be long and will require hard work. I ask for your patience, your guidance and your prayers.
OVERVIEW
It’s hard to believe, but 18 November 2009 marked my 100th day as Complaints Commissioner of the Cayman Islands. The first three
months have been enormously exciting and productive, and I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the things I
have had the privilege to be a part of and give you an idea of what lies ahead.
The OCC is and continues to be a learning environment. The Principles of Good Administration,
* getting it right
* being customer focused
* being open and accountable
* acting fairly and proportionately
* putting things right
* seeking continuous improvement
applies as much to us as to the government entities we investigate and monitor.
In my first 100 days, I have tried to focus on learning as much about every aspect of the Cayman Islands as possible and reaching out to
the residents; government, business and industry leaders, and those in the many communities we serve. In these meetings, I quickly
learned that the Cayman Islands are a truly incredible place and that the Office of the Complaints Commissioner can make a tremendous
impact on the lives of our residents nationally, as well as being a positive force within the Caribbean region, and beyond. One of the
important aspects of my role as Complaints Commissioner is to spread the word among numerous groups and individuals in an effort to
communicate the many ways in which this Office enriches the lives of our various constituencies and to strengthen our role in this
society, while at the same time, listening to valuable feedback.
I am very proud of the contributions this Office is making in that regard. In this challenging economic environment, we are fortunate to
have the support and goodwill of our many constituents.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Queen since 6 February 1952
Queen since 6 February 1952
Duncan Taylor
Governor since 15 January 2010
Governor since 15 January 2010
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
