Acting Governor Franz Manderson has announced three appointments to the Cayman Islands Constitutional Commission, effective immediately.
The individuals are John Lemuel Hurlston, who will serve as chairman, and members Alex Henderson and Annalisa Shibli, stated a press release issued 4 July.
Hurlston brings decades of public service and leadership experience to the role, having served in the civil service for 26 years, including stints as chief secretary and deputy governor.
Henderson served as a Grand Court judge from 2003 through 2015, and was also a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia from 1995 to 2003. He has delivered the second highest number of judgments in the history of the Grand Court and remains active in legal development as an editor of the Cayman Islands Law Reports and as a member of the Law Reform Commission.
Shibli is a dual-qualified litigation lawyer with expertise in commercial litigation, cross-border insolvency. and restructuring. Raised in the Cayman Islands and born in Trinidad and Tobago, she has practised law in both the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong. Her international perspective and commercial acumen will bring valuable diversity and insight to the commission’s work, the press release noted.
The Constitutional Commission is a three-person independent body established under section 118 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order, 2009. It plays a vital role in advising the government on constitutional matters, publishing materials to foster informed public discussion and promoting understanding and awareness of the Constitution and its values.
Its core functions include advising the government on questions concerning constitutional status and development in the Cayman Islands; publishing reports, discussion papers and informational documents on constitutional issues; promoting understanding and awareness of the Constitution; and exercising any additional functions as prescribed by law.
Commission members, all of whom volunteer their time, are appointed by the governor in consultation with the premier and leader of the opposition.
“This announcement is being made in celebration of Constitution Day 7 July,” the press release stated. “The appointments of these distinguished individuals underscore the ongoing commitment to upholding and strengthening the Constitution, the rule of law, and good governance in the Cayman Islands.”
Manderson said: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of these three highly accomplished individuals to the Constitutional Commission. “Their extensive experience, diverse perspectives, and unwavering commitment to public service will be invaluable to the Commission’s important work in strengthening understanding of our Constitution and supporting good governance in the Cayman Islands.”
For more information about the Constitutional Commission, visit its website.
