Premier McKeeva Bush. *Photo credit: gov.ky
GEORGETOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – A new Constitution giving more power to elected officials in this British Overseas Territory came into effect Friday with Premier McKeeva Bush regarding the change “as the beginning of a balance of ownership” and a manifestation of a common vision and will of the people.
“The adoption of this expanded and revitalised governing document on Friday, 6 November is indeed a momentous occasion for our people,” he said in a statement.
A government statement said that the new document “lays down fresh instructions for all three branches of government and introduces a Bill of Rights that will guarantee basic freedoms and human rights for all. “As such, Cayman’s citizens will experience a new rapport with their elected officials and there will be a different dynamic between the country and the UK.”
Voters approved of the new Constitution in a national referendum last year, with more than 62 per cent deciding in favour of the document that was agreed to during talks between the Cayman Islands government and the Foreign Commonwealth Office in 2008 and February 2009.
Bush said the new Constitution scrutinises and places greater responsibility on the government in terms of the people’s oversight.
“These enhanced checks and balances are now enshrined in this, the supreme law of the land, and they can only bode well for our future. And as with any major evolution requiring some degree of compromise, the best results invariably cater to the majority.”
He said the Constitution addresses areas such as “our Christian heritage, our culture and language, markers so often omitted in the constitutions of other developed countries.
“I say this while fully appreciating our phenomenal growth over the past four decades, development under our original Constitution that reclassified us from being ‘the islands that time forgot’ to becoming a recognized member in the global arena—no small accomplishment.”
He said despite the global economic crisis, citizens should celebrate the occasion, noting also that the Constitution “provides an essential frame-work for strategic planning and for the implementation of national objectives.
“A prime example of its relevance is that its provisions encompass every one of the outline goals contained in government’s 2009-2010 financial year. Ranging from the empowerment of youth and women and caring for our elderly, to protecting our key industries, enhancing our culture, and managing the public debt, these critical elements are all contained in the Constitution.”
Opposition Leader Kurt Tibbetts said he was also overjoyed by the occasion even as he reminded the leaders of the country of their obligations.
“I say this for it is imperative that each person in our society be aware of the contents of the constitutional document—and of our corresponding rights and responsibilities.
“History confirms that the Union Jack was once prominent in many countries across the globe. It is flown in fewer places today and in recent decades the UK has encouraged a process of delegating many of their responsibilities to its territories, thereby encouraging democracy to continue to flourish as the countries mature.”
He said that while the Cayman Islands intends to main a close relationship with Britain, “real growth can only occur when the democratically-elected leadership controls the intended course of direction, and when the people in turn continue to inform and thereby guide their representatives.
“This should not be difficult to achieve, for the constitutional review process has been underway for several years now, and a bounty of information resources and avenues of communication is available.
“It’s often said that a constitution is a living document. However, in itself it is simply ink and paper. It is people who breathe life into its pages and who exercise its provisions and allowances. It is therefore imperative that citizens continue to take advantage of opportunities to share their views, and to seek clarification regarding areas of interest,” he added.
In his message, Governor Stuart Jack said the occasion marks “a new milestone in the ongoing development of this vibrant country”.
But he said while he applauded the diligence and commitment of all those involved in getting the new constitution “I must also stress the importance of maintaining public ownership of the Constitution.
“This is critical because this reworked document heralds a new way forward for the people of these three islands, especially in terms of transparency, good governance, and proper checks and balances.
“True democracy should encompass public participation and government accountability to the electorate. A constitutional document defines responsibilities and rules for government, while serving to unify the people’s shared values, rights and ideals.”
The British government representative said that the Cayman Islands is fortunate to have developed a constitution that reflects the unique perspectives and culture of its people.
“So on this historic day, we will undoubtedly reflect on the intense debates of preceding months, but should also acknowledge that the real call-to-arms begins now, with the constitution’s implementation.”
