The State Opening of the 2026-2027 Session of Parliament commenced with Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen delivering the Throne Speech outlining the Government's legislative priorities for the year ahead.
During her remarks, Governor Owen highlighted the strength of the financial and professional services industry as the cornerstone of the Cayman Islands economy, pointing to growth in areas such as reinsurance and family offices. The Governor also said she was pleased that the Government aims to greatly increase innovation and digitisation, including across our public services, enabling better sharing of information and a more seamless customer experience.
She commended the Government's landmark Caymanian Protection Act, which represents a significant step in promoting opportunities for all Caymanians and managing the pace of population growth. The National Workforce Plan, developed in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, will create more efficient processes and checks in the work permit system, aligning immigration policy with the needs of the economy.
Governor Owen also highlighted the Government's focus on ensuring young people completing school, vocational training or university have a clear path to employment. She noted that the Civil Service has this year welcomed a record number of more than 200 summer interns. The Governor also highlighted the work of the Ministry of Education and Training in expanding access to early years education through the Early Childhood Assistance Programme, describing it as an investment that will pay dividends for the next generation.
Reflecting on her three years of service, Governor Owen said, “The people of these islands display strong resilience, a generosity of spirit and a determination to build something good for future generations – and that is truly inspiring.”
Prior to adjournment, Speaker Hon. Ezzard Miller and Members of Parliament paid tribute to Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, CBE, who will retire as Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service in July 2026, making this his final sitting of Parliament.
The Speaker said, “I have found you in all of our interactions to be a man of integrity, honesty and a man of your word... I think, Mr Manderson, it is fair to say that you are leaving the civil service much better than you found it.”
Premier Hon. André Ebanks spoke about Deputy Governor Manderson's legacy of making the lives of Caymanians and residents better. “That commitment, leadership, thoughtfulness, and farsightedness are what I think embody the person that we call Deputy Governor.”
Deputy Governor Manderson thanked his colleagues, Chief Officers and the senior leadership team. “Today has exceeded all of my expectations. I know how much I love my civil service. I know how much respect I have for all members of this Parliament... I cannot tell you how much your words have meant to me.” He added, “I retire with peace. I hand over the baton knowing that the civil service is in capable hands. I have every confidence in our new Deputy Governor, Mrs Gloria McField-Nixon, an exceptional leader who has helped to shape the modern civil service.”
“Thank you for the extraordinary privilege of allowing me to serve the beloved Cayman Islands for 44 years. It has been the honour of my lifetime.”
Parliament will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 23 June for the Second Sitting, when they will formally debate the Throne Speech.