(CMR) Katherine Ebanks-Wilks was sworn in as Speaker of the House of Parliament this morning following a vote of 10-6 in her favor. Sir Alden McLaughlin, the other person put forward for the office, received six votes. There was one blank ballot.
“Today, I am filled with gratitude to have been appointed to the office of Speaker, which is a role that holds an enormous responsibility and authority. I thank God because I am here today only because of him. I am humbled that members have bestowed their trust and confidence in me,” Ms. Wilks said.
The West Bay Central MP promises to still advocate for her constituents despite her role as Speaker.
“I give this House and my country my solemn undertaking that I will discharge my duties diligently, firmly and fairly,” she added.
Ebanks-Wilks was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2021 and served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Parliament, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Financial Services & Commerce and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education.
As she undertakes duties as Speaker, she has resigned as Parliamentary Secretary.
She has over 13 years of experience in the legal profession, first working as a Financial Services Paralegal in the private sector and, more recently, as Research Paralegal in the Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission.
Meantime, Dwayne “John John” Seymour was selected as DeputySpeaker with a vote of 10 to six.
The vote for Speaker and Deputy Speaker comes following the resignation of former Speaker McKeeva Bush last month.
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