Copyright caymancompass
A budget pledge by the National Coalition For Caymanian government to fund an official opposition leader’s office and additional staff will allow the People’s Progressive Movement to work more effectively, party chief Joey Hew has said. Hew explained the cash would help pay for extra staff to carry out research, draft opposition questions for Parliament, draw up private members’ motions and speech writing. He added that the new office would also be used for liaison with party members and the public, as well as the media. Hew said, “These are all things that are generally not done in constituency offices.” He explained constituency office staff were skilled in dealing with matters such as social assistance for constituents. He emphasised that the decision restored the situation that existed before the Legislative Assembly was abolished in 2020 and replaced by a Parliament. Hew said during the transition, provision for an office and staff for the opposition leader was “overlooked” and that Roy McTaggart, who became opposition leader after the 2021 general election, used his constituency office as the leader’s headquarters as well, but supported by one staff member devoted to opposition business. Hew said he had later written to the Speaker of the House asking for two full-time and one part-time office staff and financial support for the opposition leader’s office of about $5,000 a month, in line with the sum given to cabinet members for their offices. He added that the details of the new deal had yet to be confirmed. “It would have go to the parliamentary council for approval and then I guess a legal draft would need to be done, then it would go to the cabinet.” He added, “I want to thank the premier and his team for listening to the case we made for restoring this office. “This is not about asking for a favour – it’s about ensuring that Parliament functions as it should. “My PPM colleagues and I believe that a well-resourced opposition is essential for strong scrutiny, sound governance and a healthy democracy. “With this restoration we can continue to serve the people of the Cayman Islands with integrity, transparency and respect for our democratic institutions.” The PPM highlighted that other Westminster system jurisdictions, including Bermuda, provided leaders of the opposition with offices and staff “as an essential element of accountability, transparency and good governance.” The party added, “Restoring this allocation strengthens democracy, ensuring that the opposition can effectively scrutinise legislation, question spending and represent the people with professionalism and integrity.”
