New Madam SpeakerFor LA
Speaker ofthe House
Ms. Julianna O'Connor-Connolly
Following nomination by her Brac colleague,Mr Lyndon Martin, and seconding of the motion by the Hon. Dr FrankMcField, First Elected Member for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman,Ms Julianna O'Connor-Connolly, was elected unopposed Speaker ofthe Legislative Assembly Wednesday, 14 November.
In ascending to this high position in theLegislative Assembly she succeeds the longest serving member ofthe House, Capt Mabry Kirkconnell, who recently set the scenefor election of another Speaker by announcing his retirement.
Earlier in the proceedings, Ms. O'Connor-Connollythanked the outgoing Speaker for his guidance and support. Shereflected on their plane rides from the Brac and the many conversationsthey had regarding a variety of issues.
The Hon, McKeeva Bush, new Leader of GovernmentBusiness, presided over this election process because Capt. MabryKirkconnell, long-standing Speaker of the House of Assembly forsome 21 years, presided over the first part of the session andleft the Chamber for the final time in his official capacity.
He is now officially retired as Speaker.
He was praised and congratulated by mostMLAs present for his long years of distinguished service to theHouse, to his constituency and to his country. All described himas impartial, understanding, tolerant and forgiving. They expressedadmiration and respect for the dignity and humility with whichhe performed duties and said they were inspired by his stanceto put country before self.