By: Public Relations
The Fourth Meeting of the 2023-2024 Session of Parliament was held from 22 to 26 July, 2024. The Premier, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, was absent due to illness. Consequently, Deputy Premier Hon. Andre Ebanks served as Acting Premier, and Minister for Tourism and Ports Hon. Kenneth Bryan served as Acting Deputy Premier.
Several key bills and motions were addressed. The Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2024, presented by Attorney General Hon. Samuel Bulgin to modernise firearm regulations, was supported with amendments. The Supplementary Appropriation (January to December 2023) Bill 2024, Summary Jurisdiction (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Pharmacy Bill, 2024 were all unanimously approved.
Significant announcements were made by Speaker of the House, Hon. Sir Alden McLaughlin, including the need for a code of conduct for Parliamentarians. Minister for Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan provided updates on the National Tourism Plan for 2024-2025 and announced that the Cayman Islands will host the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of the Industry Conference in September 2024.
The Minister for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, tabled seven reports, including the Cayman Islands National Energy Policy 2024-2045. During her remarks, Minister Ebanks-Wilks noted that this is the first update to the policy since its initial approval by the government in 2017. The policy includes revised targets, new definitions, and strategies to ensure market fairness and consumer inclusion.
Several questions were directed at ministers, including questions regarding the minimum wage, total hospital bed capacity in the Cayman Islands, progress towards a public transportation system, and traffic calming measures for the Spotts section of Shamrock Road.
Notably, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks announced that the Government has decided to take the necessary steps to exit the Integrated Solid Waste Management System (ISWMS) Project agreement led by the Dart Consortium to find a more affordable solution. The Minister emphasised that a sustainable solution remains a key priority for the Ministry.
The Fourth Meeting of the 2023-2024 Session of Parliament underscored the collaborative efforts in addressing legislative changes, approving financial appropriations, and acknowledging the contributions of Caymanian citizens in various fields, emphasising a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.
In total, five legislative bills were passed, sixty-six papers and reports were tabled, two Government motions were passed and four Private Member motions were passed.
The public is reminded to tune into the Government channels on Thursday, 1 August at 10:00 a.m., for a Special Sitting of the House of Parliament on the occasion of the visit by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the United Kingdom House of Commons.
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