Commission Statement on the Allegations Made Against the Honourable Speaker

The Commission for Standards in Public Life (“the Commission”) is aware of the recent allegations made against the Honourable Speaker of the House.  The Commission wishes to remind the public and all stakeholders of the functions of the Commission which are set out under section 119(9) (b) in the Cayman Islands Constitution Order and section 5(b) of the Standards in Public Life Act (2021 Revision) (“the Act”). One of the functions of the Commission as set out in section 5(b) of the Act is to monitor standards of ethical conduct in the Cayman Islands Parliament, the Cabinet and on the part of public authorities and public officers. A person in public life includes “members of the Cayman Islands Parliament, including the Speaker” (Schedule 1 (1)) of the Act.

The standards for ethical conduct for all persons in public life in the Cayman Islands are addressed at section 9(1)(a) of the Act which provides that persons in public life shall observe the standards set out in Schedule 2.   This Schedule outlines the seven Nolan Principles for adherence by persons in public life.  These principles direct persons in public life to exercise selflessness, integrity, objectivity, openness, honesty, accountability, and promote leadership by example. Whilst the Commission is not privy to the full details of the allegations, it understands as reported in the media that the matter relating to the Honourable Speaker is being investigated by the RCIPS and we, the Commission remain vigilant as to the outcome of that investigation.