News

Third Sitting of the Fourth Meeting of the 2023-2024 Session of Parliament commenced on Wednesday, 24 July. Speaker Hon. Sir Alden McLaughlin made two announcements regarding the Standing Orders Working Group and the Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians.

On the matter of the Standing Orders Working Group, Speaker Hon Sir Alden McLaughlin said, "I am very hopeful that by the time this House next meets, we should be in a position where the House can decide what the new standing orders will look like." Additionally, he stated, "I wish to express my concern again about the fact that this House, this Parliament has not yet agreed on a code of conduct which all members may or would be required to subscribe to. I really believe it would be an important legacy of this term of this parliament for us to leave behind a code of conduct."

The parliamentary proceedings continued with the tabling of 16 papers and reports. The Minister for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, tabled seven reports, including the Cayman Islands National Energy Policy 2024-2045, which was approved by Cabinet on 16 April 2024. During her remarks, Minister Ebanks-Wilks noted this is the first update to the policy since its initial approval by the government in 2017. The policy includes revised targets, new definitions, and strategies to ensure market fairness and consumer inclusion.

The Standing Public Accounts Committee’s 2022-2023 Annual Report was laid on the table by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, summarising the committee’s meetings over the past year. The Office of the Auditor General’s General Report for 31 December 2022 was also presented without additional remarks.

The Acting Premier, Hon. Andre Ebanks, detailed supplementary appropriations approved for various projects under the Ministry of District Administration & Lands, including the Cayman Brac Bluff Playfield and land compensation for road construction.

During his two statements, Minister for Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, provided an update on the National Tourism Plan for 2024-2025, emphasising sustainable tourism growth that benefits residents, workers, and visitors alike. Minister Bryan also announced that the Cayman Islands will host the Caribbean Tourism Organisation's State of the Industry Conference this coming September. The conference is expected to attract 250 delegates from across the Caribbean, providing much-needed economic stimulation during what is considered the slowest month of the year for tourism.

The Finance Committee convened to review and vote on the Supplementary Appropriations (January to December 2023) Bill, 2024. The Committee successfully approved numerous appropriations and amendments to support various government projects and initiatives, ensuring continued development and support across the Cayman Islands.

The Finance Committee will meet tomorrow morning to finalise their report and minutes to be tabled during Parliament tomorrow.

The House will return at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, 25 July.