Stuart Jack

Cayman Islands get new Constitution

Friday 6th November was a historic day. The new Constitution of the Cayman Islands came into effect (www.constitution.gov.ky). 

Over the last week or so efforts had been made to educate the public about the Constitution. That has involved material in local newspapers and on TV and appearances on both radio talk shows by myself and members of the team of officials who have worked really hard to bring the new Constitution to fruition. 

Despite some heavy rain earlier in the day and some storm clouds hanging over Grand Cayman a public ceremony was held on the steps of the Legislative Assembly to mark the commencement of the 2009 Constitution. There was all the pomp and ceremony that one expects of major events in Cayman, including the singing of the National Anthem and National Song and a march past by uniformed branches of government (police etc) and uniformed voluntary organisations (scouts and guides, etc). 

I made an introductory speech drawing attention to the main features of the new Constitution, which I presented as “the people’s Constitution” (click here to read my remarks). The country’s first Premier, McKeeva Bush, Deputy Premier, Juliana O’Connor Connelly, and Deputy Governor, Donovan Ebanks, - all Caymanians – were then sworn in. Mr Bush then made a speech as Premier (this can be viewed in full at www.cayman27.com.ky). 

As I said at the end of my remarks it is now for everyone involved in government to carry out their responsibilities with humility and dedication and for the people of these islands to ensure we do.

Posted at 03:22 08 November 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]