Constitution Day in Cayman Islands
On July 4th, 1959, the first written constitution for the Cayman Islands took effect, and that’s why the first Monday in July every year is now celebrated as Cayman Islands Constitution Day. It’s a public holiday that commemorates the creation of this remarkable document.
Cayman Islands (Public holiday)However, the original constitution is no longer in effect, as three more written constitutions have been created since 1959. This holiday is a day off for the general population, so businesses and government offices are closed. The holiday is also observed with several official political speeches and other events that highlight the importance of the country’s constitution.
The History of the Constitution of the Cayman Islands
On July 4th, 1959, the first written constitution of the Cayman Islands was created. The constitution of this country has since been amended three more times. The current constitution was established by the Cayman Island Constitution Order 2009.
This order was created on June 10, 2009, and came into effect in November of 2009. It was then amended by the Constitutional Amendment Order 2016, which was created on July 13th, 2016.
The Constitution of this country is important because it enabled the Cayman Islands to stand apart from Jamaica and to remain a part of Great Britain while Jamaica was seeking its independence. It also restructured how the islands were governed internally.
Observing Cayman Islands Constitution Day
On this day, life is paused in the Cayman Islands to celebrate one of the most important documents in the country’s history: the constitution. On this day, the Governor, Premier, and Chairman of the Cayman Islands give speeches that highlight the importance of this document. There are also official ceremonies held on this day, and many businesses and government offices are closed for the day.
Cayman Islands (Public holiday)
