Cabinet Office

FAQs

What is the Cabinet?

The Cabinet is composed of two official members and seven elected Ministers, one of whom is designated Premier. The official members are the Deputy Governor and Attorney General. They are appointed by the Governor in accordance with Her Majesty’s instructions, and although they have seats in the Legislative Assembly, under the 2009 Constitution they do not vote. The seven Ministers are voted into office by the 18 elected members of the Legislative Assembly. One of the ministers, the leader of the majority political party, is appointed Premier by the Governor. After consulting the Premier, the Governor allocates a portfolio of responsibilities to each Cabinet member. Under the principle of collective responsibility, all ministers are obliged to support any measures approved by Cabinet.

How do Cabinet members and their roles fit within the Government?

The Government organisational chart details the responsibilities of all Cabinet members.

Are there any rules and procedures governing the operations of the Cabinet?

The Cabinet Operating Guidelines contain all the procedures relevant to the operation of Cabinet. It is expected this document will soon be declassified and made available.

How do I find out the key policy directions that shape the actions of the government and the development of the public service?

Each year, the present governor outlines in full the direction that government policy will take in the Throne Speech at the state opening of the Legislative Assembly (read the 2009 Throne Speech). At the same meeting, the Premier expands on Cabinet’s commitment to these developments in the Response to the Throne Speech (read the 2009 response). Halfway through the budget year the Premier delivers the Strategic Policy Statement (SPS), which outlines how far Government has advanced towards the same goals and objectives (read the address on the 2010/11 SPS and the 2010/11 SPS).

Where can a Government entity obtain advise on policy development and implementation good practice?

The Policy Coordination Unit of the Cabinet Office – contact Robert Lewis at extension (345) 244-3602.

What is a tax exemption certificate and how do I apply for one for my company?

A special section of the Cabinet Secretariat deals exclusively with the tax exemption certificates that Cabinet approves to protect exempted companies in the event that the Cayman Islands government introduces taxation.

What is Protocol?

Protocol has been defined as "The set of rules prescribing good manners in official life and in ceremonies involving governments and nations and their representatives. It is the recognised system of international courtesy". Protocol: The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official and Social Usage by Pauline Innis, Mary Jane McCaffree & Richard M. Sand, Esquire.

What is the Order of Precedence?

It is the ceremonial order of rank or preference used by individuals and organisations. The Order of Precedence for a country lists the rank of senior government officials. View the Cayman Islands Order of Precedence.

What is the proper way to display the Cayman Islands flag?

The Cayman flag should be placed in the position of honour which is on the right (on the left from a spectator’s point of view). All other country flags should be placed alphabetically to the left of the Cayman flag. The exception is the UK flag, which, if used, would take the place of honour with the Cayman flag immediately on its left.

Where can I purchase a Cayman Islands flag?

Flags of various sizes can be purchased from the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Do I need permission to use the Cayman Islands Flag or Coat of Arms?

Yes. Under our current legislation, permission must be granted by the Governor-in-Cabinet Unauthorised use is an offence and liable to a fine of up to $5000. See the Coat Of Arms, Flag and National Song Law (2005 Revision). The Cayman Islands Coat of Arms, Flag or National Song Law.

During official events, what is the procedure for platform announcements of officials in attendance?

The Chairman or Master of Ceremonies should recognise individuals at the beginning of the ceremony. All subsequent speakers should not repeat the names and can shorten their salutations such as: "Your Excellency, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen."

What are post-nominal letters?

Post-nominal letters, or post-nominal initials, or post-nominal titles, are letters placed after the name of an individual to indicate that the person holds a position, office or honour. Example: Honourable John A. Doe, MBE, JP.

What is the correct order to place letters after the name?

Debrett’s Correct Form outlines the order in which post-nominal letters should be placed.

Is it correct to say the letters after the name in a platform introduction?

No, one should not state the letters in a verbal address (i.e. MBE, JP, CPA)

Who should be invited to official events? Can invitations be sent electronically?

When inviting officials to take part in an event it’s important to remember to invite those who have been associated with the event in some way. Email invitations are perfectly acceptable.

What is the correct time frame to provide an RSVP?

Within three (3) days of receipt of the invitation.

Where can I obtain official gifts?

Official gifts should represent Caymanian culture and people. Other considerations include cost, occasion and appropriateness of the item. Every attempt should be made to purchase official gifts from the Museum, National Trust, Post Office, and other Government entities.

How was the European Grant administered?

The Manager of the Temporary Housing Initiative (Office closed on 30th June 2013 and responsibility transferred to the Ministry of Housing) headed the National Hurricane Recovery Committee, which supervised the recommendations for assistance. Applications were putforward by district committees, working on a points based system that considered age, family, disability, accommodation status, income and other criteria. The committee submitted recommendations to the National Recovery Fund Board of Directors, which is undertaking the process of providing permanent homes and improving hurricane-readiness of other residences.

Can civil servants make a Freedom of Information request?

Yes, the law applies to all persons, regardless of occupation, age, location or other status.

Is there a limit on the amount of information a person can ask for?

No, there is no limit on the amount of information a person can ask for. However, if a request is so voluminous that it would divert the resources of a public authority and prevent it from carrying out its mandate, the request may be refused.

Will it be more difficult to get documents from the Government after FOI?

No, public authorities will continue to provide information as before. An FOI request is only required if the record is not available in the public domain or through other procedures.

Is there a charge for making an FOI request?

There is no fee for making a request. Fees may be charged to access disclosed records, but these fees cannot exceed the actual cost of reproduction, formatting and transmission.

Last Updated 2014-02-20