Civil Service awaits the next government

Deputy Governor Franz Manderson is assuring that the civil service is prepared for all eventualities regarding the outcome of the election as wrangling continues over the formation of the next government.

In a statement, Mr Manderson said the service which he heads “prepares for a number of scenarios after each election”.

“On behalf of my civil service family, and the wider public service, I wish to offer sincere congratulations to the 19 candidates who were successful at the general election held on April 14th. Every election year the Civil Service prepares for a number of scenarios.”

In his taped message, Mr Manderson also stated: “We understand that we may have a new government. The existing government may be returned. Or we could have a combination of both. This year has been no different.”

The Deputy Governor who oversees the running of the government public administration system said the civil service has prepared a number of documents including briefing notes, handover notes, and organisational charts “to ensure a smooth transition of power”.

“The purpose of our civil service is to make the lives of those we serve better. We do that by implementing the policy priorities and projects of the government and for the people of the Cayman Islands.”

Whichever team that emerges from the current intensive negotiations to form the next coalition government has been assured by Mr Manderson that the Civil Service stands ready to work with - and for - them.

“I wish to assure our new government that the civil service stands ready to work with you, for you and the people of the Cayman Islands.

I wish everyone continued health and strength, and I look forward to working with the new government once it is formed.”

Those last words ('once it is formed') are critical as preparations are being made for the opening of a new session of Parliament this Wednesday.

In a press release last week, HE Governor Martyn Roper had confirmed that meeting of Parliament following the submission of a list of MPs led by Wayne Panton, which at that time had shown a controlling majority to form the next government.

Based on that, the Governor’s statement explained that “the next step in the process is the publication of a proclamation to call a session of the Parliament, which Mr Panton has requested for Wednesday, 21 April, at which all newly elected and appointed Members of Parliament will be sworn in and vote for a Premier.”

But circumstances have changed since that statement was issued last Friday with some incoming MPs switching allegiances - and in one case defecting, but then reflecting.

The balance of power at this juncture still remains unclear.