One day left on UK talks

(CNS): The Cayman Islands team has until 3.30pm London time today to conclude the UK round of the constitutional talks. Discussions will, according to GIS, focus on outstanding human rights issues and the proposed bill of rights. UK Minister of State Gillian Merron said it was important that Overseas Territories (OTs) and the UK strike a balance between mutual obligations and expectations. (Left: Minister Alden mcLaughlin, Nicholas Sykes, MLA Osbourne Bodden outside Lancaster House)

Merron, who is chairing Thursday’s final day of talks, said the UK’s need to retain sufficient reserve powers, including for governors, is aimed at protecting itself against contingent liabilities, implementing its international obligations and ensuring good governance. The necessary safeguards to protect UK interests still provide OTs sufficient room for agreement, she added.

GIS has reported that Minister Alden McLaughlinsaid the talks were are going well, with all sides bearing in mind the ultimate goal — which is the well-being of the Cayman Islands. “This process has been underway for more than eight years and now the end of this crucial stage is in sight.  With every passing day I grow increasingly confident that, together, we will deliver to the Cayman Islands a modern constitution that will provide the framework for our continued progress and prosperity well into the 21st Century.” He said.

“Tomorrow is a critically important day for Cayman as we seek to resolve the few remaining issues and have the terms of this final draft of the Constitution agreed to by the Cayman delegation and the United Kingdom.”

Leader of the Opposition McKeeva Bush said he was pleased that issues are being ventilated.

“I look forward to discussions tomorrow on the remaining outstanding issues. The bill of rights is the most important matter to be discussed because if we don’t get it right, it will change the way Cayman is forever. I will not support any issue that changes our moral values,” he added.