
Cayman Islands Government
Cayman Islands Government: A summary of information about Cayman Islands Government, from government research data as well as independent research and other sources.
Cayman Islands: Government
Country name
conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cayman Islands
Data code
CJ
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK
Government type
British crown colony
Capital
George Town
Administrative divisions
8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday
Constitution Day (first Monday in July)
Constitution
1959, revised 1972 and 1992
Legal system
British common law and local statutes
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Governor and President of the Executive Council Peter SMITH (since 5 May 1999) cabinet: Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor, four members elected by the Legislative Assembly) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor is appointed by the monarch
Legislative branch
unicameral Legislative Assembly (18 seats, three official members and 15 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms) elections: last held 20 November 1996 (next to be held NA November 2000) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - National Team coalition 9, independents 6
Judicial branch
Summary Court; Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal
Political parties and leaders
no formal political parties note: the National Team, an organization formed in 1992 to oppose some proposals in the constitutional draft, continues to exert legislative power
International organization participation
Caricom (observer), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Flag description
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS