WEST BAY CENTRAL DISTRICT COUNCIL IS UP AND RUNNING

By Staff Writer

As an indication of an election promise fulfilled, the West Bay Central district council is up and running.

It was one of the commitments made by MP Katherine Ebanks-Wilks to activate the council as a central reference point to address the issues and concerns of the constituency.

Speaking during a meeting to install the board, Mrs Ebanks-Wilks who is also the Speaker of the Cayman Islands Parliament, told residents that the council will be independent and advisory.

She stressed that it would not have any political leanings and that representation will not depend on political affiliation.

Council members are selected through a democratic and transparent process with an interim board laying the groundwork for how the council will function and the issues it will tackle.

The successful council members are Ms Sharlene Rogers (Deputy Chair), Mr Charles Brown, Ms Alyssa Ebanks (Youth Ambassador), Ms Sophia Bryan, Ms Glenda Lee-Ebanks, Ms Daubreen Maxwell, Mrs Roberta Powery, Mr Shemar Harding, Mr Jehu Rivers and Mr Clint Hunter (Chair).

“Congratulations to all Nominees, who have been identified by their neighbours and friends as persons who can lead in this capacity”, said Mrs Ebanks-Wilks. “I look forward to seeing this WBC Council be a driving force for West Bay Central.”

Already several areas of concern have been lighted from a small online survey recently carried out.

The main issues are housing, cost of living and traffic management, especially specific to the West Bay West area.

Mrs Ebanks-Wilks said these matters, along with others brought up by residents will be referred to the relevant government departments for action.

Advisory District Councils are enshrined in law in the Cayman Islands.

They are established to operate as advisory bodies to the elected members of the Parliament and “shall have such functions, duties and powers as are conferred by this Law or regulations made under this Law”.

The legislation also states that the Council for an electoral district may advise in relation to finance, tourism development, immigration-related matters, district administration, works, gender affairs, education, training, employment, community affairs, housing, health, environment, youth, sports, culture and any other matters affecting the district.

The members, all of whom shall be appointed by the Governor in Cabinet are a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer; and up to six other members at least two of whom shall be recommended by the Leader of the Opposition.