André eyes Tara’s vacant seat
(Press release): André Ebanks
André Ebanks: Independent candidate for West Bay South - Recently resigned from post as the Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe. Background and... More, the former Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe, has officially declared his candidacy as an independent for West Bay South in the upcoming April General Elections for the Cayman Islands. Ebanks said he is running because he believes the country is at a crossroads.
“I see division in many levels of society where there should be collaboration and harmony. I am standing because I want to close the divide and put in place the best plan for the people of West Bay South and the Cayman Islands, not only for now but for future generations, benefitting all Caymanians,” he said.
“My campaign will focus on the issues that truly impact the everyday lives of Caymanians: reducing the cost of living, improving living standards, employment for Caymanians, prioritised gender equality, enhanced human services and a fit-for-purpose educational system.
“To address these important issues my focus will be on securing a strong economy through protecting and promoting financial services, kick-starting innovation and alternative industries to achieve a more diverse economy, and supporting tourism, so that when the time is right, we can reopen our borders safely.
“I will look to advancing a sustainability agenda, balancing the development necessary for progress with the needs of our environment,” Ebanks said.
Ebanks has served for the past seven years in various roles in the public sector, including the past nearly two years as the Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe.
“In this role I represented our country’s political, policy and regulatory affairs. I managed relations between sister Overseas Territories and the UK Foreign Office, promoted business development, and assisted Caymanians in the UK and Europe with a wide range of matters.
“I am a qualified lawyer with an international perspective who has helped the Cayman Islands navigate significant issues of global importance, such as Brexit, the EU tax list and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On top of the strain of the pandemic, Cayman is about to face further headwinds with the recent addition of these islands to the FATF grey list and spectre of further black lists. My education, professional qualifications and experience are well suited to assisting the country through these challenging times,” Ebanks said.
Prior to his role leading the Cayman Islands UK office, he was deputy chief officer in the Cayman Islands Ministry of Community Affairs, which was principally responsible for the Department of Children and Family Services, the Needs Assessment Unit and the Gender Affairs Unit. Before that he was the senior legislative policy advisor in the Cayman Islands Ministry of Financial Services.
Ebanks has also served on various statutory boards and organisations in the community, including youth mentoring organisation ‘Generation NOW’, the Human Rights Committee, the Gender Equality Tribunal and Cayman Airways.
Prior to joining the civil service, Ebanks worked in the Investment Funds Practice Group of Walkers (Cayman), where he specialised in investment fund formation, restructurings, liquidations, general corporate and regulatory matters.
Ebanks is the son of Attlee Ebanks of West Bay. He is married to a senior civil servant and together they have two children. He has a B.A. in Sociology from Morgan State University, obtained his LLB from the Truman Bodden Law School, and has a Masters in Legal Practice from Manchester Metropolitan University. In 2005 he was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Middle Temple, and in 2006 called to the Cayman Islands Bar.
“My goal is to shape policies and make decisions that will help Cayman prosper for the benefit of all Caymanians,” Ebanks said.
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Category: Candidates
Andre for me you hit it on the head up front, ‘the great divide’ . Over the years the difference between the have and the have nots has considerably widened. This gap is so wide that the lower earning workers find it impossible to own a house let alone rent one.
When I arrived in 1968 all lived in harmony and family land was handed down to enable offspring to eventually build a home. Sadly much of this land was sold to enable families to live and who can blame them. I should point out that many ladies working would hold down two jobs, one in the day and one in the evening whilst families helped each other particularly those whose menfolk where at sea.
I observed all of this and the history of Cayman ever since. During this time the weathly have expanded their wealth, both Caymanian families and overseas , many being entrepreneurs.
My message to the next government is FIX THE WEATH GAP. Failing to do so will create further disharmony.
I know I have critics out there who put me in the weathy category. At least it was brought about by honest means. So critizing me as your wont. My point remains, the next government needs support the lower income people.
My family vote will go to Andre, whom I have not met, but having checked him out, I believe in his credentials. So Andre, please read my message.
A vote for Andre is a Vote for PPM and CDP. McKeeva was supposed to announce his affiliation with PPM& CDP at his kick-off campaign on Monday night, but He was advised not to. Tara’s endorsement is just another confirmation of his affiliation. On the other hand is Paul Rivers and Mervin Smith converted CDP/PPM’s now? Or were they always undercover. Trust No Flesh!!
We have one true independent candidate and that Elvis McKeeva and we know what he stands for “NO WEED NO VOTE”. A Vote for ELVIS IS A VOTE FOR TRUE TRANSPARENCY. What a pity we didn’t have a national vote as we would get many surprises come this election.
What a lot of BS. No affiliation. No endorsement that I have seen. Maybe some people simply recognise great talent when they see it. I hope Andre is elected and gets to be a part of the next government. He has a lot to offer and hopefully can convince enough other coalition members to work with common purpose to move our country forward in the right way.
All the best my friend. Andre is a great person and I have known him for over 10 years. I can assure you that he will do the best for us, the people!
I hope more candidates show up in the next 4 hours. I’ll vote again for that cab driver from last time. Looking like another Unity continuation nightmare.
Hands down Andre is the best candidate in WBS.
My biggest fear is that the rumors are true that Alden is running both, Andre for PPM and Raul for CDP. Either way they pick up seats to form another PPM government.
I think both Andre and Raul needs to tell us the people of WBS that they will not align themselves with PPM/CDP like Tara did.
I am not voting for anyone that is with either team and if they both are, I’ll take the day off and I will pass on this election.
So you would rather vote for a backbencher,who sits there for 4 years,not able to do any thing for you.Then complain at the next election?
I didn’t say anything about him being on the backbench. I would love for him to take a ministerial seat but with a group that does not involve either of those groups.
Tara had no independence, she was a lacky for Alden and couldn’t speak her mind.
As a woman to not speak up on either occasion when Mckeeva (assaulted one young woman and allegedly assaulted another) speaks volumes of her character. As a woman, I am embarrassed and ashamed that she as a Caymanian women in a position of power she did nothing or say anything on behalf of every woman on these islands. I am glad she is gone. I don’t want to elect another lacky for Alden or Mckeeva.
…let alone her inaction as gender affairs minister.
Raul is more likely to be CG’s replacement with UDP/CIDP, or one of those who don’t mind selling out Cayman, he’ll go back home to Nicaragua or his wife’s country, Jamaica. Care about Cayman people? Where did his kids go to school? Dart’s CIS
Do not believe rumours.
Never met the guy but his educational background and work experience seem like a good fit for the job.
This is fantastic news. You have my vote Andre.
Candidates with civil service experience have made us proud.
Look at Marco and Alden all started in the civil service.
Hmmm….educational background and qualifications are/were great too! What happened there?
What? The “system” sucked her in and ate her up! Unless you’re ready to be corrupt you can’t fit in! Remember Winston?
McKeeva is the mold (or should it be mould)!! Sad and Disgusting!!
Even Tara looked decent on paper…MBA, LLB…then 8 years of sub par.
His experience and degrees are related to public service. MBA and LLB set you up for private practice but don’t prepare for politics/service.
How many years did she really work after degrees, except for ‘work experience’ in aw firm in London? People refused to acknowledge what she was really seeking….pwoer and money
Thanks for standing. Make us proud, Andre.
His years of experience in our world class civil service is the reason I will vote for him.
The private sector gave us Tara.
Congratulations Andre.
YOU represent the essence of a true Caymanian. You have served and volunteered for 20 years. You are educated, experienced, hard working, humble and smart. Yours is a quiet confidence, not the showy superficial kind.
So happy to hear that the reason you are doing this is to ‘serve’ not because it has always been “your dream’ like some wanna be Instragram celebrities where running for office is about seeing how many likes they get and a fashion show.
WHEN you get elected, please do what is right and finish the good work you started with Teresa to help our people. Transform NAU and DCFS, help NGOs share data and create a new social contract to fix the generational neglect.
Design a practical social safety net. SOUP is not a solution.
Hold your head high my brother. YOU are the next generation of leadership. You will inspire hundreds across our three islands to step forward and be part of the needed change. |
We will support you, Tiffany and your children. You will never walk alone.
–6:41
My understanding is that he has been picked by Alden to replace Tara.I hope that he will be truthful to us and not become another Tara, beholding to Alden and the PPM when we voted for an independent.
Your understanding is incorrect.
That’s complete nonsense
Andre, I will vote for you as long as you can assure me that you are not going to join up with the PPM like Tara did. We need someone looking out for West Bay not for what the PPM tells them to do..No CDP either please..
WBS and Cayman on a whole will benefit once you ARE elected, Andre!
Your integrity, experience and courage are what we need in these most difficult times.
I cannot wait to see the changes you will make for the betterment of our islands.