Who has absolute and sole responsibility for matters of defence and public service in the Cayman Islands?

The Governor of the Cayman Islands holds absolute and sole responsibility for matters of defence and public service. This is rooted in the constitutional framework established between the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom. As the representative of the UK government, the Governor ensures that the security of the territory is maintained and oversees public service operations.

The Governor's role encompasses various responsibilities, particularly in areas that are deemed to be in the interests of the UK, such as external affairs, defence, and internal security. This arrangement reflects the constitutional structure whereby certain powers are retained by the Governor to protect the interests of the territory and ensure governance aligns with UK standards.

While the Premier, Minister of Finance, and Cabinet have significant roles in managing the local affairs of the Cayman Islands, especially regarding legislation and finance, they do not have the same level of authority over defence and public service matters, which remain under the purview of the Governor. This distinction is crucial in understanding the governance structure of the Cayman Islands and the division of responsibilities between local and appointed officials.