(CMR) HE the Governor, Martyn Roper, has issued a statement on the passage of the Customs and Border Control (Amendment) Bill and the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment) Bill sharing that he supports the mandating of vaccines in the current circumstances.
He openly supports the government's decision and goes as far as indicating the bills are not in contravention of the Constitution or Bill of Rights but states that he understands this is an emotive issue for many.
CMR is aware that at least one “Expat Association of the Cayman Islands” group has reached out to the governor in an effort to get him to intervene on their behalf. They sent an email earlier this morning claiming that the passage of the bills were in breach of the Constitution, ECHR and the UK Equality Act 2010.
They noted that they were asking for his opinion on the “divisive and discriminatory” legislation as well as the fact that it “provides little to no additional protection to the population.”
He acknowledges receiving correspondence from “a number of people about it” but maintains that the government is doing everything it can to protect the people of the Cayman Islands during this public health emergency.
The statement noted that the government is trying to manage any pressures on the health services and that “pushing vaccination rates even higher is an important tool in our armoury.”
“As the Honourable Attorney-General said, the Bills passed by Parliament this week are in line with our Constitution and Bill of Rights. They are reasonable, rational and proportionate.”
He noted that being here under the work permit regime is a privilege that comes with conditions. If a person refuses to get vaccinated “there is no legitimate expectation for renewal.”
He also recognizes that this is no different than other conditions placed on work permit holders. However, he also recognizes that people have a legal right to take their grievances to the courts to seek whatever legal recourse may be available via that venue. He noted that “If there is a legal challenge, the Government will have to justify the legislation and the judiciary will determine its compatibility with our Constitution and Bill of Rights.”
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