(CMR) Ben Tonner KC has been appointed Chairman of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), Her Excellency the Governor Jane Owen has announced.
Tonner has served as a Member of the HRC for over four (4) years spanning 2015 to 2018 and more recently from 1 September 2022 to 19 November 2023. His tenure as Chairman commenced on 20 November 2023.
Established under Section 116 of the Cayman Islands Constitution 2009, the Human Rights Commission is an independent body whose primary responsibility is to promote understanding and observance of human rights in the Cayman Islands.
The Commission is comprised of a Chairman and four Members: presently Deborah Barker Roye, Nick Quin, Cathy Gomez, and Jennifer Hunter. Tonner succeeds Deborah Barker Roye, who served as interim chairman from 17 September 2022 to 28 October 2023.
Her Excellency states: “I offer my sincere congratulations to Mr. Tonner as he assumes the important role of Chairman of the Human Rights Commission. The Commission plays a pivotal role in supporting democracy on our islands by promoting, protecting, and preserving human rights. I commend Chairman Tonner and all Members for their commitment and dedication to the work of the Commission.”
Tonner, of McGrath Tonner, has practiced litigation in the Cayman Islands for over 18 years and has extensive knowledge of the criminal, civil, and financial services divisions.
Between 2005 and 2012, Tonner’s practice was focused primarily on the criminal division, where he defended individual and corporate clients charged with serious criminal offenses, including fraud, money laundering, and offenses contrary to the Anti-Corruption Act.
Recently, his practice has shifted emphasis toward the civil and financial services divisions where he acts as counsel in various commercial disputes concerning insolvency and restructuring, asset-tracing, regulatory enforcement, and judicial review proceedings.
Tonner regularly appears as leading counsel in the Grand Court and Cayman Islands Court of Appeal. He has also acted as Cayman counsel concerning appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Tonner is also a fellow of INSOL International and the author of the Cayman Islands module for INSOL's Foundation Certificate in International Insolvency Law.
Tonner remains committed to accepting instructions in publicly funded (legally aided) work, which he believes is an important means by which he can contribute to the local community and the Cayman Islands justice system.
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