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Parliament of the Cayman Islands

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Parliament of the Cayman Islands
NameParliament of the Cayman Islands
Legislature12th Parliament
House typeUnicameral
Foundation0 1831 (as the Legislative Assembly)
Leader1 typeSpeaker
Leader1Katherine Ebanks-Wilks
Election121 November 2023
Leader2 typePremier
Leader2Julianna O'Connor-Connolly
Election215 November 2023
Leader3 typeLeader of the Opposition
Leader3Roy McTaggart
Election321 November 2023
Members21 (19 elected + 2 official)
Political groups1Government (12), PPM (7), Independents (5), Opposition (7), Cayman Islands People's Party (3), Independents (4), Ex officio (2), Governor, Attorney General
Voting system1First-past-the-post
Last election114 April 2021
Meeting placeGlass House, George Town
Websitehttps://www.parliament.ky/

Parliament of the Cayman Islands. It is the supreme legislative body of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands. Established under the 2009 Constitution of the Cayman Islands, it succeeded the former Legislative Assembly and is a unicameral institution. The Parliament is responsible for making laws on all domestic matters and scrutinizing the actions of the Government.

History

The origins of the legislature trace back to the first Jamaican assembly established after the Treaty of Madrid (1670). Following the Cayman Islands' separation from Jamaica in 1962, a local Legislative Assembly was formally constituted. A significant constitutional advancement occurred with the promulgation of the 2009 Constitution of the Cayman Islands, which renamed the body the Parliament and enhanced its autonomy. Key historical figures in its development include early administrators like William Cartwright and modern leaders such as Sir Thomas Russell.

Composition and structure

The Parliament comprises 21 members: 19 elected Members of Parliament and two official members, the Governor and the Attorney General. It is presided over by a Speaker, elected from among the MPs. The principal administrative officer is the Clerk of Parliament. The Parliament meets in the Glass House building in George Town.

Powers and functions

The Parliament holds the power to make laws on all matters outlined in the 2009 Constitution of the Cayman Islands, particularly those in the Internal Self-Government portfolio. It exercises oversight through committees like the Public Accounts Committee and the Standing Orders Committee. The body must approve the annual budget and has the authority to enact legislation on critical areas such as financial services regulation and immigration.

Elections and membership

Elections are held at least every four years under a first-past-the-post system across nineteen single-member constituencies. Candidates typically align with parties like the People's Progressive Movement or the Cayman Islands People's Party, though many run as Independents. The most recent general election was the 2021 Caymanian general election. To stand for office, individuals must meet qualifications set by the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009.

Relationship with the Government

The Government, led by the Premier, is formed from the majority party or coalition in Parliament. The Premier, such as Julianna O'Connor-Connolly, and ministers are accountable to Parliament through mechanisms like Question Time. The Leader of the Opposition, currently Roy McTaggart, heads the major non-government bloc. This relationship is defined by the principles of responsible government within the framework of the Westminster system.

Current state and recent developments

The 12th Parliament, following the 2021 Caymanian general election, is dominated by the People's Progressive Movement under Premier Julianna O'Connor-Connolly. Recent legislative activity has focused on issues like climate resilience, environmental conservation, and economic diversification. Ongoing constitutional discussions, often involving the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, consider further enhancements to the Parliament's powers. The institution continues to navigate the territory's unique status as a major global financial centre.

Category:National legislatures Category:British Overseas Territories legislatures Category:Politics of the Cayman Islands