Premier Ebanks Answers Media Questions on Kiddiewinks Purchase
The Hon. André M. Ebanks MP, Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, held a media briefing yesterday to answer questions from local media on the Government's recent acquisition of the Kiddiewinks preschool in West Bay, following his statement on the Attorney General finding no breach in the Ministerial Code of Conduct or the Standards of Public Life by the Premier.
The briefing covered the questions around a potential conflict of interest, the valuation process, the Attorney General's review, and the Premier's role in the matter.
No conflict of interest
The Premier reiterated that there was no conflict of interest in the transaction and therefore no requirement for him to recuse himself. He explained that under the existing framework, a conflict or perceived conflict arises where there is a substantial close connection between a public office holder and a connected person. The Attorney General's review confirmed his assessment that the vendor, whose link to the Premier was nominating him as a candidate in the 2025 General Election, did not have a close enough connection to constitute a conflict.
Value for money
The Premier noted that three independent valuations were obtained, and that valuations are professional opinions. The decision to proceed was taken by the relevant ministry teams, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Lands, who assessed value for money against the strategic purpose of the purchase: relieving pressure on the country's most populous primary school.
The building provided a turnkey solution that could be in use within weeks, avoiding a delay of 12 to 18 months had the Government built new classrooms. He said this was what allowed the ministry teams to conclude that the purchase was value for money for the country, because it delivers for our children.
Attorney General's review and Cabinet papers.
Asked whether the Attorney General's review would be made public, the Premier explained that the review is legal advice to Her Excellency the Governor, and its release is a matter for her to decide. He indicated his support for a summarised version to be made public, as it would help the public understand how the matter was determined and the framework that applies.
On Cabinet papers, the Premier noted that under the Constitution these remain confidential. However, he said that in the interests of candour and public discourse he supports a suitable version of the relevant information being made available.
The Premier's role in the process
Premier Ebanks explained that any member of the public has the right to bring a proposal to Government, and that it is routine for the Office of the Premier to receive follow-up enquiries from people who have not yet had a response from a ministry. It happens every week across all portfolios, and his role is to make sure those enquiries are routed to the appropriate ministry so that the proper evaluation and determination can take place there.
In this case, the vendor had contacted the ministry and, having not received a substantive response, followed up with the Premier's office. The Premier referred the matter to the ministry team to review.
Caucus and Government unity
Responding to questions about reported discussions on his leadership, the Premier confirmed that during the Caucus sessions held yesterday and last Friday, no question of leadership was raised in either meeting in his presence. He said that, as in any workplace, there will be a range of views and differences of opinion, and what matters is how those are reconciled and the results that are delivered.
Parliamentary Code of Conduct
The Premier highlighted the Parliamentary Code of Conduct as a key priority, thanking the Speaker the Hon. Ezzard Miller for his work to advance a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament. He said the draft is now close to being finalised, subject to further consultation, and he expects it to be delivered in 2027.
The Premier stressed that good governance is, and continues to be, incredibly important. He noted that the Standards in Public Life Commission is about to launch a Good Governance campaign, and he restated the Government's commitment to supporting it.
Closing remarks
The Premier concluded that this exercise was valuable in bolstering good governance guardrails and provided an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the Cayman Islands' democracy and its commitment to transparency.
