Vexed Bermoothes

Back in the 60s Bermuda led the way in constitutional reform among the British colonies.

Now, arguably, some of the laggards in that process have the opportunity to leapfrog Bermuda as they modernize their Constitution and Government.

The Cayman Islands is entering a process of constitutional reform. You can stay up-to-date at http://www.constitution.gov.ky.

Some refreshing thoughts:

We believe that there is no desire in the country to seek independence. Our aim is to improve the relationship with the United Kingdom, to make our internal government more democratic, efficient and accountable and to prevent any recurrence of the unfortunate incidents that have in the past strained our relationship with the Mother Country.

Some interesting ideas are being proposed by the Cayman Government for specific inclusion in the Constitution:

• The ability for voters to initiate binding referenda;
• No amendments to Constitution without referendum;
• A Commission on Standards in Public Life, including clear rules that Ministers and Public Officials must exercise their powers in the interests of the country and not for their private interest or benefit;
• Term limits on premiership;
• Improved oversight bodies, and enshrining their powers in the Constitution so that they cannot be reduced by the governments-of-the-day;
• Judiciary and prosecutions managed by independent (and bipartisan) Judicial and Legal Services Commission;
• Non-political and independent Attorney General (not a member of Parliament or the Cabinet); and
• The Governor should be required to exercise his powers for the benefit of the Cayman Islands in a way that is justified and proportionate. Decisions are to be made public and subject to the courts. Provision should be made for a Deputy Governor, who should be a Caymanian.