In Parliament Today – Summary for 9 December

In Parliament Today – Summary for 9 December

09 December 2024, 10:00 PM

Politics & Government

The First Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament began on Monday, 9 December.

Seven Papers and Reports were tabled, five by Premier and Minister for Finance, Education, District Administration and Lands, Financial Services and Commerce and Health Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, one by Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Ports and Social Development and Innovation, Hon. Kenneth Bryan and one by Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson.

During her presentation of the unaudited quarterly financial report for the nine-month period ending 30 September, Premier O’Connor-Connolly explained that core government ended with 3.3 billion in total assets and 1 billion in total liabilities. Premier O’Connor-Connolly also outlined that the government did not borrow during the 9-month period and will resist doing do for as long as possible in the current financial year.

In tabling the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce's Annual Report 2023, Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Hon Juliana O’Connor-Connolly highlighted the significant achievements of the Ministry. They included among other things, Cayman's removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, the opening of the Washington DC office, approval for the establishment of an Office in Asia and the launch of a new, user-friendly event system that allows online submissions from stakeholders including hospitals, funeral homes and marriage officers.

In her capacity as Minister for District Administration and Lands, Premier O’Connor-Connolly tabled a report on the vesting of Crown Land at Registration Section West Bay Beach South, Block 13B Parcel 103H16 to Logwood Estates Ltd. She also tabled a report on the vesting of Crown Land at Registration Section West Bay Beach North, Block 11C Parcel 70 to Anthony Ashmore.

Deputy Governor and ex-officio member responsible for the Portfolio of the Civil Service, Hon. Franz Manderson tabled the Public Service Pensions Board Annual Report 2023, noting that the past year presented new challenges following a period of unique circumstances resulting from rapid inflation. Mr Manderson outlined that the Public Service Pensions Board continues to be the standard, and as of 31 December the market value of the fund was $1.134 billion.

Fourteen Bills were approved for third readings, namely: