Four UPM Government Members Resign

Deputy Premier André Ebanks, Ministers Turner and Ebanks-Wilks along with Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden announced today they had resigned from the UPM Government effective immediately.

Former Deputy Premier and MP for West Bay South Hon André Ebanks said “This decision was taken after careful and deliberate consideration of what was in the best interests of Caymanians and good governance. We have determined that our roles as Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary are untenable on the following main grounds:

·        in recent months in particular, the level of dysfunction and disorganisation, and a lack of professionalism, places the country at risk of erroneous decision making and reputational damage which could have long term adverse consequences;

·        all Ministers are not afforded the same level of transparency and involvement to make informed decisions in the best interests of the people and the country as a whole which is leading to the erosion of due process;

·        the atmosphere in meetings does not foster objective analysis or provide a forum for a respectful exchange of differing views (in fact there is unchecked disrespect, particularly towards women in Caucus, which dissuades open dialogue and discourages healthy discourse);

·        increasingly, self-interest above country interest is reflected in decision making, which diverts funding, time and efforts from addressing national priorities and hinders equitable resolution of constituency needs.

We do not express the foregoing lightly. This determination is agonizing,” he said.

“Notwithstanding the gravity of this determination, we owe a higher duty to the country and its people. We cannot compromise our professional integrity and our responsibility to uphold the highest standard of good governance, accountability, due process and objectivity,” Mr. Ebanks concluded.

Consequently, in accordance with section 52(1)(c)of the Cayman Islands Constitution, the four members of UPM Government resigned their respective offices effective immediately, lose of business Monday 4 November 2024 to facilitate an orderly exit within two working days.

The 4 MPs said they will however remain dutiful representatives of their constituencies until the Governor calls a general election when the people of the Cayman Islands can choose to elect a new group of principled leaders committed to good governance, professionalism, innovation and a shared vision to take our three Islands to a brighter future for this and future generations of Caymanians.