We are staunchly British, says Cayman Islands premier as Charles visits
The premier of the Cayman Islands has declared that Caymanians remain “staunchly British” as he joined the Prince of Wales on a tour of the Caribbean outcrops.
As Charles began his first full day in the British Overseas Territory, Premier Alden McLaughlin described the trip as “reaffirming” ties between the UK and the Cayman Islands.
The heir to the throne flew to Cayman Brac to open a much needed open-air public pool on a picturesque island.
The Prince of Wales cuts a ribbon to open the new swimming pool in Cayman Brac, which will be used by the local schools for training and competitions, and by members of the public. #RoyalVisitCaymanpic.twitter.com/EqcFXmFqJL
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) March 28, 2019
He was joined by Mr McLaughlin, who said: “We are staunchly British.
“I don’t think a lot of people in the UK realise how long we’ve actually been British. We’ve been a British possession since the Treaty of Madrid (signed in 1670).
The Prince of Wales has a meeting at Government House with the Premier and Governor of the Cayman Islands. #RoyalVisitCaymanpic.twitter.com/qrjHbMCUuz
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) March 28, 2019
“And the Cayman Islands were first settled by the British around the 1700s, so we’ve gone more than 300 years of being British.
“Notwithstanding the fact that many former British colonies including Jamaica, of which we were a dependency for a long time, have moved on to independence, the Cayman Islands have remained staunchly British.
“And there really are no serious moves or movement to change that status, we have a very high degree of self-government and we’re quite happy with our status.”
The Cayman Islands is well known for being a tax haven for the wealthy, famous and big business and has been criticised for providing a financial bolthole for those who want to pay less tax.
