Tag: Juliana O’Connor-Connolly
Growing debt to cost almost CI$44M in 2024/25
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government expects to spend around CI$44 million over the next two years financing public debt. At the end of 2023, the public debt stood at CI$453.1 million and is expected to fall to CI$430.2 million this year. However, the forecast for the end of the new budget cycle in 2025 is […]
JOCC says UPM has much work to do in 2024
(CNS): The United People’s Movement “cannot and will not slow our pace, as much yet remains to be done”, Premier Julianna O’Connor-Connolly said in her New Year’s message to the country. Promising affordable, high-quality healthcare, a world-class education system and ample job opportunities, and ensuring “a sustainable path to hope and prosperity”, the new premier […]
MPs use fund to pay for DoE’s general budget
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government is disputing allegations it raided the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which is paid for by fees collected from tourists and ringfenced for conservation, to fund part of the Department of Environment’s general operating budget over the next two years. Despite the denial, MPs did vote to use the fund in […]
Sir Alden challenges the reality of UPM budget
(CNS): The new speaker of the House, Sir Alden McLaughlin, challenged the reality of the government’s budget Wednesday when he took his seat in the chamber as a member of Finance Committee. He suggested the United People’s Movement had “fixed the numbers” to match what they had needed, but it was not a real budget.
Christmas bonus and pension rise cleared for payment
(CNS): Cabinet has approved a $250 Christmas bonus for those who receive long-term financial assistance through the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) and recipients of the Seafarers and Veterans Ex-Gratia Benefit. Officials have also confirmed that the increase from $950 to $1,250 for former public sector workers receiving the ex gratia pension, promised by Premier Juliana […]
UPM increasing range of fees in 2024/25 budget
(CNS): Premier and Finance Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said her government would increase some taxes or fees over the 2024-25 budget period, such as a rise in duty on electric cars, stamp duty in high-end locations, work permit applications and some General Registry fees. In the Budget Address delivered on Friday afternoon, she outlined an increase […]
Cabinet rubber-stamps OBC for Brac school
(CNS): Cabinet has approved the education ministry’s outline business case proposing a new high school on Cayman Brac, according to the most recent release of Cabinet meeting notes. The government’s inner circle apparently rubber-stamped the proposal at the 23 November meeting, the first since former premier Wayne Panton was kicked out of the job. The […]
Mac’s back in official role as PS to two ministers
(CNS): Just days before McKeeva Bush MP (WBW) was supposed to face trial, accused of indecently assaulting two female civil servants, he was given an official role in the new UPM Government. According to a press release from the CIG communications department, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has appointed Bush as parliamentary secretary to Border Control and […]
New government won’t meet the press in 2023
(CNS): Government officials confirmed Monday that the United People’s Movement and its new leader, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, will not be holding a press conference before the end of 2023. In an unprecedented move, the new administration, which formed after an internal Cabinet coup ousted Wayne Panton from the position of premier, will not face the […]
Parliament meeting set to deliver UPM budget
(CNS): The United People’s Movement government will bring the 2024/25 budget to parliament on 8 December. In a press release from the House, the Speaker, Sir Alden McLaughlin called for the second meeting and official state opening of the 2023-24 session of the parliament to begin next Friday at 10am. It will include the governor’s […]
Civil servants getting one-off payment of $1,500
(CNS): Core government workers will be getting an additional CI$1,500 in their December pay packets to help with the cost of living and to reward their contributions. Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said the cash payments were being funded by the efficiencies and savings made this year in public spending. The new leader told parliament that the […]
