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Prior to commencement of the First Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament, HE the Governor Mrs Jane Owen presented new Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mr Joey Hew and Ms Barbara Connolly with their Instruments of Appointment.

The Honourable Speaker Sir Alden McLaughlin shared apologies from the Honourable Deputy Governor, Franz Manderson and the Member from Newlands, Mr Wayne Panton for missing the sitting.

Seven reports were tabled during the sitting, including the annual reports for 2023 from the Health Services Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Financial Reporting Authority.

Minister for Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development, Hon. Jay Ebanks motioned for the Information and Communications Technology (Validation) Bill, 2024 to be deferred until the next meeting of the House. The motion was passed unanimously.

Minister for Tourism Hon. Kenneth Bryan rose to put forth the first Government Motion calling for a referendum on a cruise berthing facility. Minister Bryan spoke passionately about the need for the referendum, stating that its aim is to empower the people to have their say in a fair and democratic process.

Minister for Border Control, Labour & Culture, Hon. Dwayne Seymour rose to bring Government Motion No. 2 and No. 3 of 2024-2025 The Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision) - The Immigration (Transition) (Grant of the Right to be Caymanian) Order, 2024 concerning the grant of Caymanian status to two persons. The Right was duly granted by unanimous vote to the two applicants.

The Sitting concluded with Government Motion No. 4 of 2024-2025 Amendment to the Development Plan 1997 - Proposed Rezoning: Lower Valley, Block 32D Parcels 320-322, 339-341 & 355 and Block 38E Parcels 637-638 which was moved by Minister Jay Ebanks.

Minister Ebanks recommended the resolution of the proposed rezoning to rezone the Block and Parcels from an agriculture zone to a medium density zone. He said the “initiative was a timey solution to help alleviate the housing crisis situation faced by many Caymanians.”

The Government Motion was duly noted by unanimous vote.

To watch Monday's proceedings, visit:

First Sitting of the Fourth Meeting of the 2023-24 Session of Parliament | 7 October 2024 | Part 1

First Sitting of the Fourth Meeting of the 2023-24 Session of Parliament | 7 October 2024 | Part 2

For further information visit: www.gov.ky/governmentinparliament.

How to follow: Watch live broadcasts of sittings on CIG YouTube and CIGTV (Logic - Channel 23, C3 - Channel 3, Flow - Channel 106).