The Premier of the Cayman Islands is the political leader and
head of government
The head of government is the highest or the second-highest official in the executive branch of a sovereign state, a federated state, or a self-governing colony, autonomous region, or other government who often presides over a cabinet, a gro ...
. The post of premier in the
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands () is a self-governing British Overseas Territory—the largest by population in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are located to the ...
is the equivalent to
chief minister
A chief minister is an elected or appointed head of government of – in most instances – a sub-national entity, for instance an administrative subdivision or federal constituent entity. Examples include a state (and sometimes a union terri ...
or
prime minister
A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister is not ...
in other
British Overseas Territories
The British Overseas Territories (BOTs), also known as the United Kingdom Overseas Territories (UKOTs), are fourteen dependent territory, territories with a constitutional and historical link with the United Kingdom. They are the last remna ...
. It is the highest political level that can be attained within the British overseas territory. Prior to 2009, the position was known as Leader of Government Business.
The premier and Cabinet (consisting of all the most senior ministers) are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to King
Charles III
Charles III (Charles Philip Arthur George; born 14 November 1948) is King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. He was the longest-serving heir apparent and Prince of Wales and, at age 73, became the oldest person to ...
, to the
Parliament of the Cayman Islands
The Parliament of the Cayman Islands is the unicameral legislature of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands. It is composed of 21 members; 19 elected members for a four-year term and two members ''ex officio''.
The Governor may a ...
, to their political party and ultimately to the electorate.
The current premier is
Wayne Panton
Wayne Panton is a Caymanian politician, currently serving as Premier of the Cayman Islands.
Biography
Panton is an attorney who served as a managing partner for Walkers. Before becoming Premier of the Cayman Islands, Wayne Panton, served as a M ...
, since 21 April 2021.
Constitutional background
Until 2003 the position had no official recognition, but it was formalized by a constitutional amendment in June 2003, as the Leader of Government Business along with the
Leader of the Opposition
The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the largest political party not in government, typical in countries utilizing the parliamentary system form of government. The leader of the opposition is typically se ...
.
Further constitutional amendments in 2009 modified the name to Premier.
List
(Dates in italics indicate ''de facto'' continuation of office)
See also
*
*
Politics of the Cayman Islands
The politics of the Cayman Islands takes place within a framework of parliamentary democracy, within the confines of the Government of the Cayman Islands.
Constitutional Modernisation
Constitutional Modernisation has come to the forefront of poli ...
*
Governor of the Cayman Islands
The Governor of the Cayman Islands is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdom's overseas territory of the Cayman Islands. The Governor, a civil servant who has in modern times typically been a British subject normally resi ...
References
Further reading
Cayman Islands Government Portal:
"Message from the LoGB - The National Hurricane Plan""Members of the Legislature (MLAs)"Election Office
*
Politics of the Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands, List of Leaders of Government Business of
Premier
Premier is a title for the head of government in central governments, state governments and local governments of some countries. A second in command to a premier is designated as a deputy premier.
A premier will normally be a head of governm ...
{{gov-job-stub