Governor Owen: I will listen and respect

Newly appointed Cayman Islands Governor Jane Owen was sworn into office on Friday, shortly after arriving in this British overseas territory on a flight from the United States.

Her Excellency gave an inspiring speech to guests at a dinner held at the Pedro St James National Historic Site on Saturday night. She spoke of her first experience with the kindness shown to her thus far, some of her priorities as Governor, and the ongoing relationship between the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands.

Speaking about Cayman kindness, Governor Owen recounted: “I feel that over the last day and a half, I have really had a wonderful welcome to your beautiful islands, along with my daughter Phoebe. And I think we’ve really felt that sense of Cayman kindness.”

She added that her “first priority is to listen. Second, I would of course continue to respect, as Governor Roper did, the framework of our constitution. Therefore, I will prioritise those areas which are in my direct responsibility as Governor; external affairs, defence, internal security and good governance.”

Photographs by the CIG

In addition to her plan to work in partnership with the government, Her Excellency noted the value of the ongoing partnership between the UK and the Cayman Islands.

She said: “I do also believe that Cayman and the UK share a relationship that is unique as it is important. It’s a partnership of trust and respect, a partnership that we need to continue to grow in what is an ever changing world. I strongly believe that it brings benefits to both sides. It brings the benefit of global reach, diversity of experience, shared values, and new ideas that we can exchange together.”

According to Owen, 60, she is committed to supporting the Cayman Islands as well as representing Britain’s interests during her tenure. “I am both humbled and excited to be appointed as governor. First, to listen and to learn; second, to further strengthen this great vision that we share to ensure Cayman remains vibrant, successful, safe and resilient; and finally, to devote myself to the service of all the people of the Cayman Islands.”

Before Owen’s short speech, House Speaker Kathy Ebanks-Wilks, Premier Wayne Panton and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson all gave welcoming remarks and pointed out some of the things that the new governor will become familiar with in the coming months, such as the calorific dangers of heavy cake and understanding the local accent.

They also all stressed the need for her to fully represent the Cayman Islands on the world stage and empathise with the issues impacting local people.