Leadership and Resilience Demonstrated at CHOGM 2024

By: Anne Kensington-Lott

The Cayman Islands delegation continued to demonstrate its leadership on the global stage during the second day of the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) 2024, with Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and Chief Officer Eric Bush participating in key discussions. The day’s focus remained on fostering sustainable growth, economic resilience, and international collaboration across the Commonwealth.

Chief Officer Eric Bush, representing Minister Jay Ebanks, participated in Roundtable Session 7: Building Resilience Infrastructure, alongside 36 leaders from the private and public sectors. The session tackled critical issues such as Renewable Energy and Green Investment Opportunities and Sustainable and Secure Supply Chains, both of which are vital to ensuring the long-term resilience of island nations.

Reflecting on his experiences of navigating crises, Bush remarked, “When faced with adversity, bureaucracy falls away, and success is defined by the urgency to rebuild. In the aftermath of devastation, there’s no time for debate — action is paramount. However, one key element often missing from these discussions is the financial capital required to drive swift recovery and resilience efforts.”

Bush’s remarks underscored the urgency of global financial support to strengthen the resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and address the existential threats posed by climate change and economic shocks.

Following the roundtable, Premier O’Connor-Connolly and Chief Officer Bush were invited to a high-profile Sustainable Markets Initiative private event hosted by His Majesty King Charles III, where they engaged with leading figures on advancing sustainable business practices.

During a personal exchange, Premier O’Connor-Connolly told His Majesty that she had been praying for him. King Charles responded graciously, “Thank you. Please continue to do so.” This warm moment of mutual respect encapsulated the close ties between the Cayman Islands and the broader Commonwealth.

Additionally, the Premier and Chief Officer Bush also interacted with several prominent leaders, including:

1. Hon Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas

2. Hon Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda

3. Hon Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

4. Rt Hon Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council

These discussions focused on fostering greater cooperation, particularly in areas related to climate resilience, green investment, and ensuring equitable economic growth for island nations.

Premier O’Connor-Connolly noted, “Our conversations today reaffirmed the importance of unity and collaboration within the Commonwealth. It is through shared commitment that we can tackle the pressing challenges of our time—resilience, sustainability, and ensuring that development remains centred on the well-being of our people.”

Inspiration from Samoa’s Youth

In a heart-warming conclusion to the day, Premier O’Connor-Connolly was approached by a group of young Samoan women who, inspired by her earlier address, requested a photo opportunity. The Premier was visibly moved by their enthusiasm, saying, “It is an incredible honour to know that my words have resonated with these young minds. Their passion and optimism give me great hope for the future of the Commonwealth.”

The Commonwealth Summit is set to begin on Friday morning, with His Majesty King Charles III delivering the opening remarks — his first at a major Commonwealth Summit since ascending to the throne. The summit will address critical issues ranging from climate change to economic cooperation, and the Cayman Islands delegation will continue its active involvement.

For more updates on the Cayman Islands’ participation at CBF 2024, follow us on social media or visit www.gov.ky .

For further information on CHOGM 2024, visit the official CHOGM websites at www.samoachogm2024.ws  or www.thecommonwealth.org/chogm .