Speaker addresses Parliament of the Cayman Islands during official visit
6 August 2024
Sir Lindsay Hoyle made an official visit to the Cayman Islands from 1-3 August, making history as the first sitting Speaker of the House of Commons to visit the Islands.
To mark the occasion, the Cayman Islands Parliament convened on Thursday, 1 August.
Welcoming Sir Lindsay, Speaker of the Cayman Islands Parliament Hon. Sir Alden McLaughlin recognised him as an advocate for the Overseas Territories.
“The abiding impression of you that remains with me, and I dare say other leaders in all the Overseas Territories is your respect, support and love for the Overseas Territories. This is most evident in your willingness to engage with parliamentarians across the territories and your various initiatives, such as establishing an annual Overseas Territories Conference.”
Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Roy McTaggart, joined Sir Alden in welcoming Sir Lindsay to the House of Parliament and the Cayman Islands.
In his address, Sir Lindsay credited his late father, Lord Doug Hoyle, for inspiring his love for the Overseas Territories. Sir Lindsay noted, “In my first term as Speaker, I championed the British Overseas Territories as an important part of the British family. As Speaker of the House of Commons, I have been committed to enhancing our strong partnership between the House of Commons and the British Overseas Territories.”
Premier O’Connor-Connolly further emphasised the strong collaborative partnership between the UK and the Cayman Islands.
“We have been able to converge on several matters of critical importance aimed at promoting security and good governance, sustainable development and the economic and social progress of the Cayman Islands as well as other British Overseas Territories.”
Sir Lindsay also commended contributions in the House of Commons during Youth Parliament, “I listened to Lili Anne Aleria eloquently discuss life as a modern young Caymanian and the future she hopes to see for her and her peers. And she brought to life how she has a vision, a vision for the future of Cayman.”
Sir Lindsay further stated, “It is about a modern relationship that we must have, not some colonial past. It is about a future that we work together. It is about looking after the universal recognition of all the Overseas Territories. I want to be a champion for you.”
Following the Meeting of Parliament, Sir Lindsay met with Premier O’Connor-Connolly for discussions at the Government Administration Building.
During his three-day visit, Sir Lindsay visited the Girl Guides and was the guest of honour at a reception hosted by Governor Owen. He also had the pleasure of observing training at the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Training Centre and visited Regiment Headquarters and Hazard Management Cayman Islands to see how the island prepared for natural disasters.
Watch the full video of the meeting of Parliament: