Minister Bryan apologises for video

Having been accused by the Opposition of breaching Ministerial Code of Conduct for endorsing his wife’s real estate business, Tourism and Transport Minister Kenneth Bryan has apologised unreservedly for his action.

Minister Bryan was accused of endorsing his wife’s business, from which he could personally benefit, via an online video, which saw him actively encouraging residents of Tropical Gardens to use his wife’s real estate business. The Minister was even seen handing out leaflets on the business, acts that Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart said were a flagrant breach of the principles of good governance.

Mr McTaggart said that the Minister really ought to have known better, stating he should not use his position to benefit a family member or himself financially. Minister Bryan could have had constituents in a similar line of business and his endorsement could unfairly impact their business, Mr McTaggart explained.

In particular, Mr McTaggart worried about the breach of section 19 of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, which states that a minister should not endorse commercial products or services in any media.

As a result of being reminded of his duty as a Minister to abide by the Ministerial Code of Conduct, Minister Bryan issued a statement saying:

“In relation to the video, I got this wrong and apologise unreservedly to my constituents, the people of the Cayman Islands, the Governor, the Premier and my other colleagues in the PACT Administration.”

He went on to say that he fully supported the Code of Conduct and the principles of good governance it was designed to enhance.

“Going forward, I will redouble my efforts to ensure that my actions are in keeping with the highest ethical standards of the office I am humbled to hold on behalf of the people of the Cayman Islands,” the Minister concluded.