André Ebanks will be the next premier of the Cayman Islands at the head of a grand coalition bringing together two new political parties and three independent MPs.
The deal was revealed by Compass sources close to the negotiations just after 7pm Thursday and confirmed by the governor and through a statement from the new coalition just before 9pm.
Ebanks said, “This is more than just a change in government – it’s the beginning of a new chapter in Caymanian democracy. Together, we will build the stronger, fairer Cayman that works for everyone.”
The deal, negotiated Thursday, will make The Caymanian Community Party leader Ebanks, 48, premier. Former Burger King owner Gary Rutty, the ranking member of the Cayman Islands National Party, will be his deputy.
The two parties each bring four seats to the table. A deal with independents Rolston Anglin, Jay Ebanks and Isaac Rankine takes them over the line.
The Compass understands former MP Ezzard Miller has been lined up as speaker.
A photograph of Ebanks at the centre of the group holding the official paperwork was being circulated on Thursday.
And a message from Anglin to his supporters, seen by the Compass, confirmed the deal.
“After much thought, prayers and overwhelming feedback from the public I came to the inescapable conclusion that this was the best government for our beloved Cayman Islands. Whilst I have friends in the PPM it was clear that the people of West Bay and West Bay North did not want them back in government,” the message reads.
Two official statements, one from the Governor’s Office and one from TCCP, followed later in the evening.
TCCP, in its statement, confirmed the group delivered their signed letter to the governor at approximately 8pm and the official swearing in will take place on Tuesday, 6 May.
The statement confirmed the membership of the coalition and that the group was working on an official “coalition agreement” that would bind them to a shared policy platform and outline key priorities and projects for the next four years.
Ebanks said, “As coalition partners we are united in our commitment to form a responsible government that will work quickly to address the cost-of-living crisis, stabilise the country’s finances, expand opportunities for Caymanians, and ensure sustainable development that benefits all our people.”
Gary Rutty, who will be deputy premier in the new partnership, said, “Yesterday, the people of the Cayman Islands voted decisively for hope. The results show a clear mandate for a new direction in our governance, with voters supporting candidates who pledged to put Caymanian interests first and tackle our pressing challenges head-on.”
The Compass is working to confirm the full Cabinet, but Anglin is understood to have accepted the major ministries of finance and education as part of the agreement.
Multiple sources on both sides of the talks told the Compass the coalition was being thrashed out throughout the day with the talks focusing on a workable joint platform as well as Cabinet roles.
Rutty, who is a first-time MP but a seasoned businessman, looks to be going straight in at the deep end, after leader Dan Scott failed to win his seat in Cayman Brac East. The Compass understands he will take the tourism and transport ministry, with Michael Myles likely to lead immigration, and Nickolas DaCosta border control and district administration. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks seems set to return to the sustainability brief.
The Compass understands Julie Hunter, Heather Bodden and Wayne Panton will be parliamentary secretaries.
The governor confirmed the new Parliament will be sworn in on 6 May.
“I look forward to working in collaboration with the new Government. As Governor I will strive, along with the Deputy Governor and the whole public service, to support them in delivering their priorities and policies over the coming term,” she said in an official statement.
