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Cayman Islands
At stake: Legislative Assembly
Background
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The Cayman Islands—with a population of almost 44,000 people—are a self-governing overseas territory of Great Britain in the Caribbean. Originally administered by Jamaica, the islands remained a United Kingdom dependency after 1962.
For years, the Cayman Islands have been an important financial centre, given the fact that inhabitants—who enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world—pay no direct taxes. Banking assets in the area exceed $500 billion U.S., and tourism accounts for close to 70 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In the past legislative election, no actual political parties contested. Following the ballot, the United Democratic Party (UDP) was formed. McKeeva Bush became the leader of both the political organization and the government. Some opposition members assembled as the People's Progressive Movement (PPM) under Kurt Tibbetts. A third grouping encompasses former lawmakers.
2005 Assembly Election
In May 2004, McKeeva Bush said that the UDP's election platform would include proposals for a new Cayman Islands Constitution. Preliminary reports indicated that the ruling party is planning changes to the Elections Bill, which may include making voter registration compulsory, instituting mobile polling stations and reviewing campaign finance laws.
In September, following the destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan, the election was postponed until May 2005.
On Feb. 25, 2005, Bush expressed confidence in a victory for his party, saying, "I expect to do well and will stand on a good record. I've been elected for over 20 years."
Bush is facing opposition from Linford Pierson, who is leading the newly-formed People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), the People's Progressive Movement (PPM) of Kurt Tibbetts, and the four-member West Bay Alliance (WBA).
On Apr. 29, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce (CICC) hosted a candidates forum. WBA contender Thomas Jefferson criticized a UDP plan that aims to increase cruise ship tourism, saying. "Taking senior citizens on small boats is uncomfortable, dive sites will be affected by the boats. What we need to do is grow the air arrival visitors." UDP leader Bush dismissed an assertion that the current government is planning to build and operate casinos in the islands.
Voting took place on May 11. Final results gave the opposition People's Progressive Movement (PPM) nine of the 15 seats at stake. The governing United Democratic Party (UDP) elected five lawmakers—including McKeeva Bush. Independent candidate Moses Kirkconnell was re-elected. Turnout was tabled at 78 per cent.
PPM leader Kurt Tibbets said he felt "delighted that it was a victory by such a great margin." PPM general secretary Alden McLaughlin said the party plans to "introduce a new era of consultation and participation with freedom of information and of the press. We intend to introduce a new integrity to government."
Political Players
Queen: Elizabeth II
Governor: Bruce Dinwiddy
Leader of Government: McKeeva Bush - UDP.
Legislative Branch: The Legislative Assembly has 18 members; 15 elected members are elected to four-year terms in sinlge and multi-seat constituencies, plus three members ex officio.
Results of Last Election:
Legislative Assembly - May 11, 2004
Seats | |
People's Progressive Movement (PPM) | 9 |
United Democratic Party (UDP) | 5 |
West Bay Alliance (WBA) | -- |
People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) | -- |
Independent | 1 |
Ex officio members | 3 |
