The National Security Council (NSC) functions as an advisor to the Governor on matters relating to internal security, with the exception of operational and staffing matters, and the Governor is obliged to act in accordance with the advice of the Council, unless he or she considers that giving effect to the advice would adversely affect Her Majesty’s interest (whether in respect of the United Kingdom or the Cayman Islands); and where the Governor has acted otherwise than in accordance with the advice of the Council, he or she shall report to the Council at its next meeting.
In line with the recent agreement to publish details of Cabinet decisions to enhance transparency and accountability, HE the Governor, the Premier and members of the National Security Council have agreed to publish a summary of the monthly National Security Council meeting.
While previously the Governor had sole executive responsibility over the police and national security in the Cayman Islands, the new Constitution has proffered a mechanism to facilitate local contributions to national security matters, known as the National Security Council (NSC). A group of elected ministers, senior civil servants and civil society members are now vested with responsibility for making policy recommendations to the Governor concerning internal security in the islands.
This is because both the United Kingdom Government and the Cayman Government believe that effectively dealing with matters of internal security are best achieved through greater local participation. Members of the NSC receive regular briefings from the Police Commissioner and meet at the request of the Governor or Premier.
The Governor chairs the Council, however; the new Constitution requires the Governor to act in accordance with the advice of the Council unless he feels such actions will adversely affect Her Majesty’s interest. In such cases he must then report to the Council at its next meeting.
Chairman:
His Excellency Mr. Martyn Martyn Keith Roper, OBE, Governor of the Cayman Islands