Juliana O’Connor-Connolly Named New Premier of Cayman Islands

Above: The Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly

By Alexander Britell

Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has been named the new Premier of the Cayman Islands, according to a statement from Governor Duncan Taylor.

Taylor said a majority of the elected members of the United Democratic Party supported her appointment, after lawmakers passed a no-confidence motion against former Premier McKeeva Bush, who was arrested last week on suspicions of corruption.

Faced with a choice of dissolving the Legislative Assembly or revoking Bush’s appointment, Taylor revoked the Premier’s appointment.

Juliana O'Connor-Connolly

O’Connor-Connolly is the first-ever female Premier of the Cayman Islands. She has previously served as Speaker of the House (from 2001 to 2003). In 1997, she was the first woman to be named a Minister in the Cayman Islands. Most recently, she was the territory’s Deputy Premier.

“Following the passing in the House yesterday of the Motion of lack of confidence in the government, I consulted the Honourable Premier, as required under Section 51(1) of the Constitution. The Premier responded in writing this morning suggesting that I dissolve the Legislative Assembly,” Taylor said in a statement. “After careful consideration and using my discretion as the Constitution entitles me to do, I have decided not to dissolve the Assembly but to revoke the appointment of the Premier.”

Taylor said he had formally notified Bush of his decision, and all Ministers have vacated their office, as required under the constitution.

“I am satisfied that the Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly can form a stable, functioning government,” Taylor said.

The Governor said he would issue a further statement following the appointment of ministers.