British parliamentarians formally opened The Caymanian Journal’s new headquarters on Wednesday, with Andrew Rosindell MP cutting the ribbon during the publication’s inaugural TCJ Forum.

Rosindell was joined at the opening in Grand Cayman by Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE, international media lawyer Paul Tweed and Yvette Williams MBE.

The ceremony marked the formal opening of the publication’s headquarters and newsroom while The Caymanian Journal hosted its first TCJ Forum, a two-day event examining journalism, accountability and the principles behind its “Fearless. Fair. Independent.” pledge.

“It’s a real privilege for all of us to be here for the official opening of the offices of The Caymanian Journal,” Rosindell said before cutting the ribbon.

Speaking on behalf of the four guests, he said they came from “different perspectives, different backgrounds in the United Kingdom”, but were pleased to be in Cayman for the occasion and to take part in the Forum.

Rosindell also endorsed the publication’s stated principles.

“Your slogan, ‘Fearless, Fair, Independent’ - well, I think we can all agree with those objectives,” he said. “And so that’s why we’re all here to support you and thank you for what you’re going to do to spread the word, to provide information and to ensure that we have the utmost free speech here in the Cayman Islands.”

He then cut the ribbon to formally open the headquarters, with Baroness Gohir, Tweed and Williams alongside him.

A reminder of Westminster

The ceremony also included a presentation from Baroness Gohir, who presented Joseph, Editor-in-Chief of The Caymanian Journal, with an Elizabeth Tower clock from Parliament on behalf of the TCJ team for display in the newsroom. The clock is an accurate scale replica modelled on the clock face at the Palace of Westminster.

The clock features the distinctive hands, Roman numerals and face associated with the London landmark and is finished in Prussian blue, the historic colour restored to the Great Clock during the five-year conservation of Elizabeth Tower completed in 2022.

The colour also provided a fitting visual connection to The Caymanian Journal, whose identity and branding prominently feature blue.

Baroness Gohir wished the publication well and said she hoped the clock would “serve as a reminder of the UK and Westminster and the Cayman Islands’ enduring ties to the UK”.

TCJ Forum

The headquarters opening took place during the inaugural TCJ Forum, which brought together speakers from the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom to examine the responsibilities and pressures associated with journalism, public scrutiny and speaking out.

Across two days, participants tested The Caymanian Journal’s stated principles of “Fearless. Fair. Independent.” against practical questions including the consequences of challenging institutions, the importance of evidence and fairness, the protection of those who speak publicly and the financial and personal pressures that can test editorial independence.

The relationship between the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom also featured in the discussions, alongside wider questions about accountability and the role of journalism in scrutinising institutions and those who exercise power.

Rosindell and Baroness Gohir brought perspectives from the House of Commons and House of Lords respectively, while Tweed and Williams contributed perspectives from media law and civil society.

Hayat said the presence of the British parliamentarians at TCJ’s headquarters reflected a broader ambition for the publication and its coverage.

“It is a privilege to host Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE and Andrew Rosindell MP here at our headquarters, alongside Paul Tweed and Yvette Williams MBE,” he said. “Welcoming representatives of both Houses of Parliament reflects our commitment to ensuring that Cayman receives comprehensive news coverage - not only of the decisions made on Elgin Avenue, but of the agenda in Westminster and Whitehall, where decisions taken every day can have significant implications for Cayman and the wider Overseas Territories. Because in Cayman, local really does become global.”

Hayat said TCJ intended to build on that approach from its new headquarters.

“As the only IPSO-regulated news publication in the Caribbean, we recognise the responsibility that comes with that distinction. We are firmly committed to building TCJ into a news organisation with a strong national voice, regional relevance and an international outlook - connecting our readers with the people, decisions and events shaping Cayman, the Caribbean and the wider world.”

The opening formally established TCJ’s headquarters at 38 Godfrey Nixon Way, operating from the Stingray Media premises as an affiliate founded by DMS.