Hardy's position as governor was for life.
Hardy smiled and replied, "From now on, I'll be under your jurisdiction."
This was merely a polite remark, as, with the Cayman Islands' status as an autonomous territory, they held a high degree of self-governance, and the British government generally wouldn't interfere.
The U.S. Ambassador to the UK also came forward to congratulate him, smiling as he asked, "Mr. Hardy, I never expected you to become a British baron and gain an autonomous territory. How do you plan to develop the Cayman Islands?"
"I intend to turn them into a tourist destination, and I'm also planning to move the casino business there. In the future, we Americans will have another place to vacation—but don't tell anyone about that," Hardy said in a lowered voice.
The ambassador nodded with a smile.
"Understood, I'll go ahead and wish you success in advance," he said, raising his glass.
"Thank you."