(CMR) V. Arden McLean, Elected Member for East End, was sworn in today as the new Leader of the Opposition by His Excellency the Governor. McLean took the oath of office in the Governor's Office witnessed by family members and MLAs Alva Suckoo and Chris Saunders.
Mr McLean's appointment comes after the resignation of Mr. D. Ezzard Miller, who resigned after 23 months at the helm. The Opposition claims that he served 5 months more than he had originally agreed to do; a point of contention that was the likely cause for his former Deputy Leader, Alva Suckoo resigning last month.
They shared that their confidence is high in McLean's leadership ability because he brings decades of experience to the role, pays attention to detail as well as has a willingness to listen, resilience and self-discipline.
Mr McLean said:
“I am humbled that my fellow Independent Members have honoured the succession plan we agreed some 23 months ago. I look forward to working with them all to ensure that Cayman's success story, is shared by everyone. I know this won't be an easy task, as regrettably, we have individuals in the system that are hell bent on preserving Cayman Islands prosperity for a select few. However, as I have learned from my time at sea, ” a smooth sea, never made a skilled sailor” so I am battle ready.”
Alva Suckoo who has be reappointed as Deputy Leader said:
“We thank Ezzard for his contributions including his five extra months at the helm. I am now however encouraged that we have a person, in Mr Mclean, who has served this country well and who spent many years at sea and truly understands the rising tide that will be required to lift all ships. Arden has proven that he has the fortitude required to stand up for Caymanians. He also has the legislative and leadership experience required to move us forward, and we look forward to working with him and supporting him in his new role.
Whist we have individual mandates, collectively, we are united in our fight to ensure that all Caymanians share in the success of our country, reducing the cost of living, improving the standards in our schools, better pension for our retirees, return of free healthcare for children, ensuring prosperity for all our people, and importantly, upholding the democratic principles of our Constitution. Together we stand ready to give the Cayman Islands the leadership we need to take our country forwards in the face of all the challenges we face and will face”
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