Statement
from the Hon. Ezzard Miller

May
2, 2019

In
recent communication with the public via the press, I had indicated
that I would apprise the public at the point at which I felt it was
in the best interest of the people of the Cayman Islands to lay down
the mantle as Leader of the Opposition.

Effectively
performing this role demands dedication on the part of a committed
team.  It has become increasingly clear that the level of
cohesion, industry and commitment necessary for any opposition to
serve in the best interest of all the people of these Islands is not
possible given the current slate of independent members who made up
the group.

Therefore,
in accordance with section 68 subsection 4 (d) of the Cayman Islands
Constitution Order 2019, I have written to HE the Governor Mr. Martyn
Roper formally resigning from the post of Leader of the Opposition,
effective May 31, 2019.

I
have chosen to remain in office until May 31 to give the Governor and
the other members of the Legislative Assembly enough time to comply
with the constitutional mandate to appoint a new Leader of the
Opposition.

My
resignation complies with section 68 subsection 2 (b) of the Cayman
Islands Constitution Order 2019, which states that the person
appointed to the post should “be acceptable as Leader of the
Opposition to a majority of the members of the Assembly in opposition
to the Government….”

Resigning
from the post is an opportunity to refresh and renew my energy, and
to focus more fully on the future of the Cayman Islands and on the
needs and goals of the Caymanian people and my constituents, and of
the population as a whole.

I
now have an opportunity to place my energies where they will be much
more able to blossom and bear fruit to the greater advantage of
Cayman, Caymanians, and all those who call these islands home.

Nevertheless,
as I indicated in my letter to the Governor, “As the elected
representative for North Side I will remain firmly committed to the
concepts of participatory democracy and robust, constructive
opposition as integral to the democratic functioning of government.
I intend to continue to honour these ideals and to work towards their
strengthening.

At
the time of my appointment, I pledged in the Legislature to work
similarly with the Government, headed by the Premier, “to deliver
good government, such that all Caymanians can be justly proud, while
receiving the services they need and participating to their fullest
potential in the Cayman economy.”

As
a legislator, on behalf of my North Side constituents, I will
continue to hold to that position by supporting the government when
it puts forward proposals that are of benefit to the people. I will
equally, however, also continue to offer constructive criticisms and
alternate solutions in response to proposals that are detrimental to
the wellbeing of Caymanians and the country as a whole.

Reflecting
on my service as the Leader of the Opposition: Following the 2017
General Elections when I agreed to take on the role, I had committed,
to quote my remarks made at the time in the Legislature, “to
leadership by example, with a consultative and consensus-based
decision-making process”.

I
am therefore proud, despite the challenges, of the accomplishments of
the Official Opposition under my leadership locally and
internationally.

So, as I concluded in my letter to the Governor, I leave the post with a sense of pride. I have sought to do all in my power “to represent Cayman and Caymanians with all the necessary energy, dedication and integrity.”

Related:

Hon. Ezzard Miller's Letter re Rsignation as Leader of the Opposition to Cayman Islands Governor H.E. Martyn Roper

Therefore,
in accordance with section 68, subsection 4 (d), of the Cayman
Islands Constitution Order 2019, I hereby resign effective May 31,
2019.

I
have chosen to remain in office until May 31 to give you as Governor
and the other Members of the Legislative Assembly enough time to
comply with the constitutional mandate to appoint a new Leader of the
Opposition.

I
was honoured to have represented the people of the Cayman Islands in
the role of Leader of the Opposition. My goal has always been to
raise awareness on issues of national importance, with a view to
promoting higher levels of political consciousness and enhancing the
wellbeing of Caymanians and all who call these islands home.

I
remain firmly committed to the concepts of participatory democracy
and robust, constructive opposition as integral to the democratic
functioning of government. I intend to continue to honour these
ideals and to work towards the strengthening of our democratic form
of government.

I
leave this post with a sense of pride that I have done everything in
my power to effectively represent Cayman and Caymanians with all the
necessary energy, dedication and integrity.

Respectfully
yours,

Ezzard
Miller

Member
of the Legislative Assembly

North
Side Electoral District