André Ebanks has been elected premier following a secret ballot in the Parliament of the Cayman Islands.
The leader of The Caymanian Community Party (TCCP) was chosen over Joey Hew, who now assumes the role of leader of the opposition.
Former tourism minister Kenneth Bryan was appointed deputy leader of the opposition. The deputy premier has not yet been announced.
Following the election of the new premier on 6 May, parliament was adjourned until 2pm on 7 May when proceedings will continue.
André Ebanks previously served as deputy premier and as the Cayman Islands representative to the United Kingdom and Europe.
He is a former legal professional and has worked in both public and private sectors.
He has held portfolios related to investment, financial services, and international relations.
As leader of the TCCP, Ebanks ran a campaign focused on housing, cost of living, healthcare, education, immigration reform, and anti-corruption.
His party fielded ten candidates in the 30 April general election.
“Cayman can lead not only in financial services, but also in social innovation, environmental responsibility, and inclusive economic growth,” Ebanks said during the campaign.
“The key is embracing change, while holding fast to our values.”
His leadership of the TCCP reflects those ideals. The party’s slate of candidates offered a balanced and diverse team, comprising five women and five men.
The lineup included former premier Wayne Panton, former speaker Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, and former ministers Sabrina Turner and Osbourne Bodden.
A platform focused on cost of living and reform
Under Ebanks’ leadership, the TCCP campaigned on a comprehensive, action-oriented platform targeting key issues.
These included rising living costs, housing shortages, education reform, healthcare access, and immigration policy.
The party also pledged strong governance, transparency, and anti-corruption reforms, alongside environmental responsibility and economic diversification.
The TCCP’s policies aimed to modernise Cayman’s approach to development without compromising its core values.
Ebanks now leads a governing coalition known as the National Coalition for Caymanians (NCFC), composed of the TCCP, the Cayman Islands National Party (CINP), and several independent MPs.
The coalition represents a broad cross-section of political views united around the common goal of improving the lives of Caymanians.
Additional announcements, including ministerial portfolios and the appointment of the deputy premier, are anticipated in the next sitting.
