LEADERSHIP CHANGE FOR THE PROGRESSIVES

Veteran Cayman Islands politician Roy McTaggart has formally announced that he is relinquishing the position of leader of the People’s Progressive Movement(PPM/Progressives) and Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition.

a press release on Sunday 11th August following a meeting of the Progressives’s National Council the previous day, Mr McTaggart announced that he will be stepping down at the next Party Conference in January.

Mr McTaggart who took over as leader of the Progressives following the 2021 election which the PPM lost, also revealed that he would give up the role of Leader of the Opposition at the next Parliament meeting.

He had succeeded Sir Alden McLaughlin - currently Speaker of the Parliament - who had led the Progressives in the previous two of its three terms in office.

The exiting party leader also confirmed that he would nominate his Deputy, Joey Hew, as his successor for both roles.

“All elected members of the Progressives Opposition fully support this transition, which provides Mr Hew with the opportunity to better prepare to lead the Progressives into the upcoming election,” the party said.

With elections due by next April, it’s expected that Mr Hew would lead the Progressives in an election campaign even if the polls were called before January when Mr McTaggart formally demits the post of party leader.

The statement said that in his address to Party members, Mr McTaggart expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Leader of the Progressives and the Leader of the Opposition, highlighting his confidence in the party's future and Joey Hew's leadership.

“Serving as the Leader of the Progressives and Leader of the Opposition has been a tremendous honour, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. We have a great Party with a storied history, and I believe it is time for new leadership to continue our mission of driving positive change for the Cayman Islands," McTaggart said.

Expressing gratitude for what is expected to be a no-contest changing of the guard, Mr Hew said he is looking forward to the election process at the party conference in January and is focused on returning to Government after the elections.

The Progressives credit Mr McTaggart with ably guiding the party through significant challenges while in opposition and for what it called holding the “chaotic, disunified, and spendthrift PACT/UPM government accountable.”

According to the party, its outgoing leader has “actively pressured the government to address the impact of the rising cost of living crisis, particularly for vulnerable groups like pensioners. “

Additionally, it said Mr McTaggart has consistently pushed for effective measures to combat increasing crime, completing the mental health facility, and prudent fiscal management of public funds… ”demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the well-being and security of the Caymanian people.”

Regarding the incoming party and presumptive Opposition Leader Joey Hew, the Progressives’s statement noted: “Mr. Hew has vigorously advocated for affordable housing, modern transportation, small business support, and job creation. Additionally, he has championed environmental protection and sustainability by promoting renewable energy, advanced waste management solutions, and conservation initiatives.”

The Progressives Party traces its history starting with Kurt Tibbetts, followed by Sir Alden McLaughlin and Roy McTaggart. If elected Party Leader of the Progressives at the Party Conference, Mr Hew will be the Party’s fourth leader over its 22-year history. The party said this reflects its uniqueness among political parties and its strong tradition of orderly leadership transitions.

The Progressives were in government in 2005 with Kurt Tibbetts as leader, and for two consecutive terms (2013-2017/2017-2021) led by Sir Alden McLaughlin.