AGP Executive Report

Local Governance: Cayman’s Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill would let Cabinet impose a licence moratorium in the public interest, aiming to open up opportunities for Caymanians in sectors like property development. Health & Regulation: CG BritCay (SHIC) is seeking about a 25% premium increase from 1 July, with the HIC and Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks signalling resistance if it’s deemed excessive or unfair. Public Safety: Saharan dust alerts have been lifted as air quality stayed in the Good-to-Moderate range, with monitoring in schools showing no unhealthy readings. Justice & Regional Legal Ties: Tributes continue after retired Cayman Islands Court of Appeal judge Justice Ian Forte (Jamaica) died at 89, with regional leaders highlighting his fairness and integrity. Business & Infrastructure: Water Authority-Cayman confirms a 3% base water rate hike from 1 July, while Cayman Airways launches a new nonstop route to Austin, Texas. Politics & Community Debate: Opposition MPs say they won’t join a closed-door “Cayman Forward” sustainable development forum over secrecy and process concerns.

Justice & Courts: Tributes continue after the death of Jamaica’s retired Court of Appeal president Justice Ian Forte, with regional leaders including Cayman-linked judicial figures praising his fairness and decades of service. Health Policy: Coralisle Medical (CG BritCay) is seeking about a 25% SHIC premium increase from 1 July, and the Health Ministry says the government will resist if the rise is deemed excessive or unfair. Local Business Licensing: The government published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, giving Cabinet power to impose a moratorium on licences for non-Cayman-owned trading companies in the public interest. Immigration & Work Rules: A “rollover” immigration approach is being debated regionally, with warnings it could disrupt businesses that rely on long-term training and workforce stability. Environment & Public Health: Officials say Saharan dust air quality across Grand Cayman stayed in the Good to Moderate range, and the dust alert has been lifted as conditions improve. Parliament & Governance: Cayman hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, focusing on good governance, AI in legislatures, and democratic accountability. Transport & Tourism: Cayman Airways launched a new nonstop route to Austin, Texas, as tourism officials highlight strong demand from the US market.

Health Insurance: CG BritCay (Coralisle) is seeking about a 25% rise in SHIC premiums from 1 July, with the Health Insurance Commission able to block it and Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks signaling the government will resist. Local Economy & Regulation: A new Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill would let Cabinet impose a moratorium on non-Cayman-owned licence grants in the public interest, aimed at opening space for local entrepreneurs. Water Costs: Water Authority-Cayman confirms a 3% base price increase effective 1 July, with July bills reflecting higher residential, Brac, sewerage and septage rates. Public Health: Officials say Saharan dust air quality stayed in the Good to Moderate range and the alert has been lifted; monitoring continues for sensitive groups. Ebola Response: Surveillance of BA253 passengers in the Ebola scare has ended with no cases, while screening of incoming travellers continues. Environment & Services: A small surface fire at the George Town Landfill was quickly contained during routine monitoring; operations continue normally. Immigration Policy: A “rollover” style immigration approach is flagged as potentially disruptive for businesses that invest in training workers. Parliament & Governance: Opposition MPs say they won’t join a closed-door “Cayman Forward” sustainable development forum over secrecy and process concerns. Politics & Youth Online Safety: PPM MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden’s push for social media safeguards for children gains momentum as the UK moves toward tougher under-16 restrictions. Business/Corporate: Expro’s redomiciliation to Cayman gets a fresh positive proxy advisory recommendation. Sports & Community: Cayman’s senior men win promotion to Nations League B; Rotary Sunset honours early-career teachers; local cricket and other community awards continue to build momentum.

Cayman Airways Expansion: The national carrier launched its first nonstop link between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas, with Tourism Minister Gary Rutty citing strong demand and Austin’s growing share of US visitors. Water Rates: Water Authority-Cayman confirmed a 3% base-rate increase effective 1 July, lifting residential charges in Grand Cayman by 13¢ per m³ for the first 12 m³ and 17¢ per m³ above that. Justice System Strain: A criminal defence attorney warns the local defence bar is struggling to keep up with indictments, legal aid demand and long trials, echoing concerns raised at the Grand Court opening. Ebola Watch: Cayman’s precautionary monitoring of BA253 passengers tied to an Ebola scare has ended with no virus detected, while screening continues for travellers from affected areas. Opposition vs “Cayman Forward” Secrecy: PPM opposition MPs say they won’t join a closed-door sustainable development forum, citing secrecy and fears of internal conflict. Energy Policy Pressure: CUC’s dispute over “undisclosed” rooftop solar systems is framed as a grid-safety issue, but critics say it’s slowing Cayman’s renewable targets. Legal Appointments: The Judiciary is opening applications for King’s Counsel status rather than relying only on nominations. Local Governance & Services: HSA appointed David van Duynhoven as senior CFO, and the Ministry of Education named Elroy Bryan-Watler as deputy chief officer for policy and planning.

Water & Utilities: CUC says water base rates rise 3% from 1 July, lifting residential Grand Cayman charges (first 12m³ up from $4.34 to $4.47 per m³; above 12m³ up from $5.57 to $5.74), plus sewerage and septage disposal increases. Justice & Legal System: A criminal defence attorney warns the local defence bar is in crisis, citing the Chief Justice’s concerns about too few practitioners for the case load and the strain of long, complex trials and heavy legal aid demand. Public Health & Travel: Cayman officials say Ebola-related surveillance of BA253 passengers has ended with no virus detected, while screening and monitoring for incoming travellers continues and ESTA issues are expected to be restored. Opposition vs Government Process: PPM opposition MPs say they will boycott a closed-door “Cayman Forward” sustainable development forum, citing secrecy and fears of internal conflict derailing outcomes. Local Governance & Infrastructure: DEH reports a small surface fire at the George Town Landfill was quickly contained during routine monitoring; operations continue as normal. Immigration Policy: WORC delays a change to work-permit job ad rules, extending a grace period until 30 June as employers prepare for the new 21-day advertising requirement. Parliament & Democracy: Cayman hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, focusing on governance reform, opposition accountability, and constitutional continuity. Business & Careers: Cayman First appoints Natasha Pettier as CEO; AMRL names Stephen Leontsinis to lead corporate disputes, insolvency and restructuring. Tourism & Regional Links: Caribbean Week in New York brings Cayman tourism leaders into regional talks, alongside Premier Ebanks’ partnership push in Trinidad and New York.

Ebola Preparedness Push: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is pressing Government to spell out its plan for Ebola protection after other Caribbean states moved to screening and travel restrictions, while Cayman says it has enhanced screening following a flight with DRC travellers. Energy & Grid Tensions: CUC says disputes with “undisclosed” rooftop solar are about grid stability and staff safety, but the fight is now seen as a major hurdle to Cayman’s renewable targets as domestic solar rollout faces new barriers. Public Safety at the Landfill: A small blaze at the George Town Landfill was contained during routine DEH monitoring, with operations continuing normally and officials pointing to improved procedures. Justice & Legal Process: Grand Court heard Kendra Martina Bodden has been assessed by mental health specialists and declared fit to plead in the Lincoln Silburn murder case, with legal aid for KC representation and a tentative August trial date. Governance & Appointments: MoET has officially appointed Elroy Bryan-Watler as Deputy Chief Officer for policy and planning, and HSA named David van Duynhoven as its new senior CFO. Law & Work Permits: WORC says the new 21-day work permit advertising requirement has been delayed to 30 June, extending a grace period for employers. Policing Updates: RCIPS rolled out new marked 2026 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles for patrol and frontline use, and reported a high-visibility policing operation at the Out of This World Music Fest. Tourism Momentum: Cayman logged its best April on record for stayover arrivals, and a family-travel trends report ranks Cayman as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for families. Local Business/Industry: Cayman First appointed Natasha Pettier as CEO, and IMAC/CIRCA/CIIA launched the Cayman NextGen Insurance Forum to build a youth talent pipeline. Tech & Innovation: agnt8x opened public access to its AI agent recruitment and workforce management platform.

Public Health & Travel Controls: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is urging the Cayman Islands Government to spell out an Ebola preparedness plan as more countries introduce traveller screening and quarantine measures, following the WHO’s declaration of the DRC outbreak as a public health emergency. Immigration & Detention Planning: The Government has set aside CI$5.6m to build a dedicated migrant detention and processing site in Fairbanks for multi-agency operations, using a phased, modular approach for unpredictable migration flows. Local Governance & Boards: The NCFC administration says it’s tackling governance gaps across boards and commissions, including pay issues tied to the HSA board scandal, while the Deputy Governor notes transitional arrangements for existing members. Policing & Public Safety: RCIPS reports a successful high-visibility operation at the Out of This World Music Fest and is rolling out new marked 2026 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles for frontline patrols. Education Leadership: The Ministry of Education has officially appointed Elroy Bryan-Watler as Deputy Chief Officer for policy and planning after nearly two years in an acting role. Cost of Living: The Fuel Relief Programme starts 1 June, making gasoline and diesel imports duty-free for three months to cushion expected global price pressure. Insurance & Jobs Pipeline: Cayman First names Natasha Pettier as CEO, while IMAC/CIRCA/CIIA’s Cayman NextGen Insurance Forum drew 130+ students to explore insurance and reinsurance careers.

Insurance Leadership: Cayman First has appointed Natasha Pettier as CEO, effective 8 May 2026, tasking her with driving operational performance, digital tools like First Online, and customer experience. Health Services Authority: HSA named David van Duynhoven as its new senior chief financial officer, aiming to strengthen reporting and efficiency. Immigration & Public Safety: Government is setting up a dedicated migrant detention and processing site in Fairbanks, with a phased, modular approach for unpredictable migration flows. Justice Update: Kendra Martina Bodden was declared fit to plead in the Lincoln Silburn murder case, with a tentative August trial date. Education Administration: MoET has officially appointed Elroy Bryan-Watler as deputy chief officer for policy and planning. Cost of Living: Fuel Relief Programme duty waivers for gasoline and diesel begin 1 June through 30 September. Tourism & Economy: April stayover arrivals hit a record 47,884, and the islands are being flagged as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing family destination. Work Permits: WORC delayed a rule change on work permit vacancy advertising until end of June. Youth Pipeline: Cayman NextGen Insurance Forum drew 130 students to explore insurance and reinsurance careers.

MoET Leadership: Elroy Bryan-Watler has been officially appointed Deputy Chief Officer for Education Policy and Planning, ending nearly two years in an acting role and putting him in charge of long-term education strategy, including curriculum direction and support for students with special needs. Immigration Rules: WORC says the switch to 21-day work-permit vacancy advertising has been delayed to 30 June 2026, extending the grace period while employers prepare for full compliance. Fuel Relief for Cost of Living: From 1 June to 30 September, Cayman will make all gasoline and diesel imports duty-free under the Fuel Relief Programme, with duty credits to wholesalers to help lower pump prices. Public Bodies Pay: The NCFC government says it’s addressing board remuneration issues after past HSA board pay controversy, but the Deputy Governor says some boards are still transitioning under the new guidance. Youth & Insurance Careers: The inaugural Cayman NextGen Insurance Forum drew 130+ students and early-career Caymanians, with the Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration backing expanded pathways into insurance and reinsurance. Tourism Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing Cayman and regional tourism leaders together to boost connectivity and market share.

Fuel Relief Programme: Cayman will make all gasoline and diesel imports duty-free for three months (1 June–30 Sept 2026) to cushion expected global price rises, with duty credits to wholesalers based on duty-paid stock held as of 31 May. Cost of Living Policy Push: Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan says household income thresholds in the Financial Assistance Regulations are outdated and wants them raised and tied to the Consumer Price Index. Government & Culture: Cayman Art Week returns to George Town with free hop-on hop-off bus tours, public art and galleries, supported through the George Town Revitalisation Initiative. Healthcare Leadership: The Health Services Authority appoints David van Duynhoven as Senior Chief Financial Officer to strengthen financial operations and reporting. Local Justice: Joseph Anthony Thomas pleads not guilty in Grand Court to sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl; trial set for August. Regional/International Finance: Butterfield agrees to acquire CIBC Caribbean Bank in a $1.8bn deal, with Carey Olsen advising on the transaction. Business/Insurance: Conner Strong & Buckelew appoints Derek Martisus as partner, alternative risk and national captive leader. Tourism Diplomacy: Cayman joins Caribbean Week in New York, bringing ministers and commissioners together to push “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.”

Cost-of-Living Fuel Relief: The Cayman Islands Government’s fuel duty waiver starts Monday, 1 June 2026, removing import duty on gasoline and diesel through 30 September 2026 to soften pump-price pressure. Public Health Leadership: The Health Services Authority appoints David van Duynhoven as Senior Chief Financial Officer, aiming to strengthen financial operations and reporting. Cayman Art Week Returns: Cayman Art Week (CAW26) brings free George Town bus tours, public art and cultural showcases as part of the George Town Revitalisation Initiative. Caribbean Tourism Diplomacy: Cayman joins Caribbean Week in New York, with tourism ministers and commissioners meeting to push “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” alongside a major marketing conference keynote. Banking Deal Watch: Carey Olsen advises Butterfield on its $1.8bn acquisition of CIBC Caribbean Bank, a major cross-jurisdiction expansion for regional banking and wealth management. Insurance Sector Move: Conner Strong & Buckelew appoints Derek Martisus as partner, alternative risk and national captive leader. Crypto Promotions (Local Angle): Toobit launches “Win the World” World Cup trading tournament and a 36% APR NEAR earn campaign, both running in June.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Cayman tourism kept momentum with a record 47,884 stay-over visitors in April, up 12% year-on-year, plus cruise arrivals rising to 145,707; officials point to stronger US demand and expanding Canada airlift. Cayman Airways Expansion: CAL launched its new nonstop Grand Cayman–Austin route, with celebrations in both cities and Tourism Minister Gary Rutty calling it a boost for airlift and the wider economy. Parliament & Social Policy: Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan is pushing to raise Financial Assistance household income thresholds by $1,000 and add regular CPI-linked reviews, arguing many families are just above outdated limits. Health Services: The HSA named David van Duynhoven as Senior Chief Financial Officer, citing a push to strengthen financial operations and reporting. Rehabilitation Services Gap: Government admitted serious gaps in residential drug rehab for women, with services at Caribbean Haven having been suspended last year due to staffing and safety issues. Regional Governance: Montserrat’s parliamentary leadership is attending the Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference in Cayman, focusing on governance resilience and constitutional development. International Finance & Crime Links: Italy seized €200m+ in mafia-linked assets tied to Matteo Messina Denaro, with reporting noting Cayman appears in the wider network of entities.

Tax Haven Scrutiny: A New York Times review says major US firms avoided at least $40 billion in income taxes since 2025 by routing earnings through low- or no-tax jurisdictions including Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, often via subsidiaries with no real staff or customers. Local Health Governance: The Cayman Islands Government admitted serious gaps in residential addiction rehab for women, after the women’s programme at Caribbean Haven was suspended last October over staffing and safety issues, with plans to reinstate services once safeguards and funding are in place. Public Assistance Pressure: Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan is pushing to raise Financial Assistance household income thresholds by $1,000 and add regular CPI-linked reviews, arguing many families are being cut off despite rising cost of living. Healthcare Leadership: The Health Services Authority appointed David van Duynhoven as Senior Chief Financial Officer, citing experience from across public and private sectors including prior senior finance leadership in government. Tourism & Airlift: Cayman tourism posted a record April with 47,884 stay-over visitors, and Cayman Airways launched its nonstop Grand Cayman–Austin route, with ministers pointing to Texas demand as a key growth driver. Parliamentary/Constitutional Links: Montserrat’s Speaker and Clerk are attending the Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference in Cayman this week, focusing on governance resilience and constitutional development. Regional Banking Deal: Butterfield agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a $1.794 billion transaction, a major Caribbean banking consolidation with implications for cross-border services.

Cayman Tourism Surge: The Cayman Islands logged its strongest April ever, with 47,884 stayover visitors (+12% year-on-year) and 173,596 total visitors including cruise (+37%), as officials point to stronger North American airlift and rising hotel performance. New Route Boost: Cayman Airways launched its nonstop Grand Cayman–Austin, Texas service, with Tourism Minister Gary Rutty calling it a major airlift and economic win for a fast-growing US market. Healthcare Leadership: The Health Services Authority named David van Duynhoven as Senior Chief Financial Officer, citing experience across government and private-sector finance to strengthen systems and reporting. Cost-of-Living Relief Push: Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan wants the government to raise household income thresholds for financial assistance and link future reviews to the Consumer Price Index. Public Health Gap Acknowledged: Government admitted residential rehab for women is still missing, with efforts underway to reinstate female services at Caribbean Haven. Local Governance & Law: A man pleaded not guilty in Grand Court to sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl, with trial set for August. Regional Finance Deal: Butterfield agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a US$1.8bn transaction, with Cayman-linked legal and banking implications across the Caribbean.

Court Case: Joseph Anthony Thomas pleaded not guilty in Grand Court to sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl, denying rape and other acts in a church; he also denied “sexting” charges and is set for trial in August. Healthcare Leadership: The Health Services Authority named David van Duynhoven as Senior Chief Financial Officer, aiming to strengthen reporting and operational efficiency as it modernises. Cost of Living Politics: Opposition Deputy Kenneth Bryan says Financial Assistance income thresholds are outdated and wants them lifted by $1,000 across household sizes, plus regular CPI-linked reviews and changes to residency waiting rules. Public Services Gap: Government admitted residential rehab for women is still missing after services were suspended last October due to staffing and safety issues, with work underway to reinstate female residential treatment at Caribbean Haven. Local Governance & Work Rights: PPM MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden filed a private member’s motion to restrict real estate agent/broker work to Caymanians and certain status holders, arguing the sector is a finite national resource. Tourism & Transport: Cayman posted a record April with 47,884 stayover visitors (+12%); Cayman Airways launched its Austin nonstop route, with officials calling it a key US gateway. Hurricane Prep: Passport and Corporate Services urged residents to check travel document validity and make copies ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season. Regional Finance: Butterfield agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a $1.8bn deal, a move expected to expand cross-border banking and wealth services across the Caribbean. International Crime Link: Italy seized over €200m tied to mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, including assets linked to the Cayman Islands.

Healthcare Leadership: The Health Services Authority appointed David van Duynhoven as Senior Chief Financial Officer, aiming to strengthen financial operations, reporting, and system improvements for long-term healthcare delivery. Cost of Living & Welfare: Opposition Deputy Leader Kenneth Bryan says household income thresholds in Cayman’s Financial Assistance Regulations are outdated and wants them raised and automatically reviewed against the Consumer Price Index. Public Pensions Reform: A pensions executive argues the move toward a contributory public sector pension scheme is needed, but insists supporting legislation is essential to avoid long-term scheme instability. Banking & Regional Finance: Butterfield agreed to acquire CIBC’s 91.7% stake in CIBC Caribbean Bank in a $1.8bn deal, with Cayman and other Caribbean markets expected to benefit from expanded cross-border and wealth services. Tourism & Airlift: Cayman recorded a record April for stayover visitors (47,884), and Cayman Airways launched its nonstop Austin route, with officials calling it a key new US gateway. Parliamentary Governance: Montserrat’s Speaker and Clerk are attending the Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference in Cayman, focusing on resilience, AI use, and constitutional development. Immigration & Status: A legal commentary questions whether the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board should take a more compassionate approach when reviewing “right to be Caymanian” cases after a Caymanian spouse dies. Crime & Offshore Links: Italian authorities seized over €200m in mafia-linked assets, including holdings tied to the Cayman Islands, as part of an international anti-mafia operation. Addiction Treatment Gap: Government admitted serious gaps in residential drug rehab for women, citing staffing and safety issues, and says it is working to reinstate services at Caribbean Haven. Real Estate Work Restrictions: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden filed a motion to restrict foreign nationals from working in Cayman’s real estate profession and push more training for Caymanians.