AGP Executive Report

Health Policy: The government wants CINICO to become the sole health insurer for Cayman residents, with Finance Minister Rolston Anglin forming a working group to assess feasibility. Premier André Ebanks says the plan would require broad consultation. Airport Spending: The Airports Authority has invited bids for a publicly funded expansion at Owen Roberts International Airport, adding commercial stands, private-jet parking and a taxiway; construction is expected to start in 2027. UK Representation: A UK Conservative report proposes a seat in the House of Lords for each Overseas Territory, including Cayman, to give territories a voice on decisions affecting them. Public Safety: A prison officer injured in a 2023 HMP Northward fire is suing the government, alleging inadequate respiratory protection and smoke ventilation. Planning and Flooding: The Weather Service says rising tides, saturated ground and loss of wetlands are contributing to localised flooding, renewing calls for stronger wetland protections and joined-up development planning. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role intended to build local expertise and strengthen disease surveillance. Cybersecurity: The government says GOV.KY and myegov.ky are not affected by recently disclosed PHP vulnerabilities, while other systems are being assessed.

Airport Spending: The Airports Authority has put a multi-million-dollar expansion at Owen Roberts International out to tender, funded by public money. Plans add three commercial aircraft stands, two private-jet parking pads and a taxiway, with construction expected to start in 2027. Government Accountability: A prison officer is suing the Cayman Islands Government, alleging inadequate fire safety at HMP Northward led to serious smoke injuries; the claims have not been proven in court. Health Leadership: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the Ministry of Health’s first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role intended to build local expertise and strengthen disease monitoring. UK Representation: A UK Conservative proposal would give each Overseas Territory, including Cayman, an appointed representative in the House of Lords. Work Permits: Figures are under scrutiny after a report said permit grants were far higher than the minister had claimed. Term Limits: A regional governance commentary notes Cayman’s constitutional limit of two consecutive terms for a Premier, an exception to the norm across much of the Caribbean.

Airport Expansion: The Airports Authority has invited bids for a publicly funded upgrade at Owen Roberts International Airport, including extra commercial stands, private-jet parking and a taxiway. Work is expected to begin in 2027. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the Ministry of Health’s first Deputy National Epidemiologist, helping build local expertise in disease monitoring and health policy. Prison Safety: A prison officer is suing the Government, alleging inadequate fire protections at HMP Northward led to serious smoke inhalation and later PTSD. Constitutional Reform: MPs are pushing to reserve the attorney general’s post for Caymanians. UK Representation: A Conservative Party proposal would give each Overseas Territory an appointed representative in the House of Lords, while leaving domestic decisions to local governments. Flood Risk: The Weather Service says high tides, saturated ground and lost wetlands are worsening localised flooding, renewing calls for stronger protections and joined-up development planning. Term Limits: A regional governance commentary notes Cayman’s constitution limits a premier to two consecutive terms, unlike most Caribbean Westminster systems.

Political Renewal: A regional debate on ageing leaders notes that Cayman’s Constitution limits a premier to two consecutive terms, unlike most Caribbean jurisdictions. Airport Spending: The Airports Authority is seeking bids for a publicly funded expansion at Owen Roberts, adding commercial stands, private-jet parking and a taxiway; construction is expected to start in 2027. Constitutional Change: MPs are pushing to reserve the attorney general’s post for Caymanians, a proposal that would require constitutional change. Public Services: The Health Ministry has appointed Caymanian Halle Miller as the first Deputy National Epidemiologist, while a prison officer is suing the government over injuries he says stemmed from inadequate fire-safety measures at HMP Northward.

Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role supporting disease monitoring and building local expertise. Overseas Territories: UK Conservatives propose giving each territory an appointed representative in the House of Lords, arguing it would provide a voice on UK decisions while preserving local democracy. Flooding and Planning: The Weather Service says high tides, saturated ground and shrinking wetlands are contributing to localised flooding. Conservation groups say stronger wetland protections and a national development plan are needed. Airport Spending: A public-funded expansion of Owen Roberts International Airport’s aprons and taxiway is out to tender, with the Airports Authority citing capacity pressures from tourism and private jet traffic. Prison Safety: A prison officer is suing the government, alleging inadequate fire protections at HMP Northward led to serious smoke inhalation and lasting trauma. Constitutional Reform: MPs are pushing for the attorney general post to be reserved for Caymanians.

UK Relations: Conservatives have proposed giving each Overseas Territory, including Cayman, an appointed representative in the House of Lords to speak on matters affecting the territories. The plan would leave domestic decisions with local governments. Flooding and Development: The Weather Service says high tides, saturated ground and shrinking wetlands are contributing to local flooding, renewing calls to protect remaining wetlands and bring forward the National Development Plan. Public Spending: The Airports Authority is seeking bids for a publicly funded expansion at Owen Roberts International Airport, including extra apron space for private jets and commercial aircraft. Government Services: The Cayman Islands Government says GOV.KY and myegov.ky do not use the software affected by recent PHP security flaws, while officials review other systems. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role intended to build local expertise and strengthen disease monitoring. Constitutional Reform: MPs are pushing to reserve the Attorney General’s post for Caymanians, while a prison officer is suing the government over alleged fire-safety failures that led to injuries at HMP Northward.

Cayman-Flagged Ship: A cargo vessel struck by a Russian drone sank off Romania on Oct. 23. One crew member was killed, several were missing and nine were rescued. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the Ministry of Health’s first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role intended to build local expertise. Prison Safety: A prison officer is suing the Cayman Islands Government, alleging inadequate fire protections at HMP Northward left him with serious injuries and lasting trauma. Energy Policy: Premier André Ebanks says government supports CUC’s move toward LNG as a transitional fuel, citing high diesel costs; OfReg has been asked to report on options and timing. Constitutional Reform: MPs are seeking a change to reserve the Attorney General post for Caymanians, putting the appointment’s eligibility rules on the political agenda.

Public Health: The Ministry of Health has appointed Caymanian Halle Miller as the first Deputy National Epidemiologist, creating a pathway for local staff to develop specialist expertise. Prison Safety: A prison officer is suing the government, alleging inadequate fire precautions at HMP Northward left him with smoke injuries and PTSD. Energy Policy: Premier André Ebanks says the government supports CUC exploring LNG as a transitional fuel to reduce reliance on costly imported diesel, while the islands still generate most electricity from diesel. Health Reform: An independent review will assess the Department of Health Regulatory Services’ governance, operations and regulatory role. Foreclosures: Parliament has backed a review of how foreclosed homes are marketed and sold, amid concerns owners may lose substantial equity. Constitutional Change: MPs are pressing to reserve the attorney general’s post for Caymanians; a separate report says work-permit grants were far higher than the minister claimed. Online Safety: The government has relaunched its Cyber Safe campaign, urging residents to verify messages before clicking links, sharing personal details or making payments.

Energy Policy: Premier André Ebanks says the government supports CUC’s move toward LNG as a transitional fuel, arguing diesel costs require urgent relief. He has asked OfReg for a report on options and a timeline to reduce dependence on diesel. Ministerial Accountability: Work permit figures contradict Immigration Minister Michael Myles’s earlier claim that refusals exceeded grants: 87.7% of 44,540 applications were approved, and 12.3% refused. Myles acknowledged his claim was wrong. Health Reform: The Ministry of Health commissioned EY to assess the governance, operations and regulatory role of the Department of Health Regulatory Services, following a critical review of the Health Services Authority. Constitutional Reform: MPs are seeking a change to reserve the attorney general’s post for Caymanians. Foreclosure Protections: Parliament backed a motion calling for a review of foreclosure practices and wider marketing of repossessed homes to help owners secure fair prices. Regional Conservation: The Cayman Islands joined the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in signing a declaration to advance protections for the Sargasso Sea. Cyber Safety: Government relaunched its 12-month Cyber Safe campaign, urging residents to verify suspicious messages before clicking, paying or sharing personal information.

Cyber Safety: The Cayman Islands Government has relaunched its 12-month Cyber Safe campaign, urging residents to verify messages claiming to come from government before clicking links, sharing personal details or making payments. Health Reform: The Ministry of Health has commissioned EY to assess the governance, operations and regulatory role of the Department of Health Regulatory Services, following a critical review of the Health Services Authority. Foreclosures: Parliament backed a motion to review how foreclosed homes are marketed and sold, amid concerns owners may lose substantial equity; Premier André Ebanks said work to improve the process is already underway. Work Permits: Figures show 87.7% of 44,540 applications were approved over the past year, contradicting earlier comments by Immigration Minister Michael Myles; he acknowledged in Parliament that his claim about refusals was wrong. Public Finances: MPs supported beginning work on a Sovereign Wealth Fund, with rules on its control, investments and withdrawals still to be developed. Constitutional Reform: MPs are also seeking to reserve the attorney general’s post for Caymanians. Marine Protection: The Cayman Islands joined the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in signing a declaration seeking stronger international protection for the Sargasso Sea.

Foreclosure Review: Parliament backed MP Dwayne Seymour’s call for a fairer process for people losing their homes. Premier André Ebanks said the government would review how foreclosed properties are marketed and sold, amid concerns owners are losing substantial equity. Work Permits: Figures presented in Parliament show 87.7% of 44,540 applications were approved over the past year, contradicting Immigration Minister Michael Myles’s earlier claim that more permits were refused than granted. Sargasso Sea: The Cayman Islands joined the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in signing a declaration seeking stronger international protection for the North Atlantic ecosystem, with legally binding measures to be pursued under a UN agreement. Public Finances: Parliament backed work on a proposed sovereign wealth fund. MP Julie Hunter said strict rules must govern who controls the fund and when its money can be used. Constitutional Reform: MPs are pushing to reserve the attorney general’s post for Caymanians. Health Oversight: The government has commissioned an independent assessment of the health regulator as part of wider healthcare reform. Safeguarding: MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden urged the government to establish a national sex offender register, saying it would help agencies identify risks and protect vulnerable people.

Ocean Protection: The Cayman Islands joined the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in signing the Hamilton II Declaration, which seeks international support for legally binding protection of the Sargasso Sea under the UN high-seas biodiversity agreement. Constitutional Reform: MPs Kenneth Bryan and Julie Hunter are seeking to require the attorney general to be Caymanian, ahead of Samuel Bulgin’s retirement next year; the proposed change would retain the Judicial and Legal Services Commission’s role in appointments. Public Finance: Parliament has backed work on a proposed sovereign wealth fund, but rules on its governance, investments and withdrawals have yet to be settled. Health Oversight: The Ministry of Health commissioned an independent EY review of the health regulator’s governance, structure and operations as part of wider healthcare reform. Safeguarding: George Town West MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden urged Parliament to establish a national sex offender register, saying it would help agencies assess risk and protect vulnerable people. Public Spending: The Turtle Centre’s annual report says turtle meat sales account for just 6% of recurring revenue and are made at a loss, with the programme relying on government support.

Sovereign Wealth Fund: Parliament has backed work to establish a fund, but key questions remain over who controls it and when money can be withdrawn. MP Julie Hunter says strict rules must protect it from political pressure. Health Oversight: The Health Ministry has commissioned EY to assess the governance, structure and operations of the Department of Health Regulatory Services, following a similar review of the Health Services Authority. Immigration Reform: Minister Michael Myles says changes to the Permanent Residency Points System are still being assessed and are unlikely to reach the statute books before the end of 2027. Child Protection: George Town West MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden shared her experience of attempted sexual assault as she proposed a national sex offender register to help agencies identify risks and protect vulnerable people. Attorney General: Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan and government backbencher Julie Hunter want the Constitution amended to require a Caymanian attorney general, ahead of Samuel Bulgin’s retirement next year. Public Spending: The Cayman Turtle Centre’s annual report says turtle meat brings in just 6% of recurring revenue and is sold at a loss, with public funding helping keep prices low as a conservation measure.

Health Regulation: The Ministry has commissioned EY to assess the health regulator’s governance, structure and operations, following a similar review of the Health Services Authority. Immigration Reform: Minister Michael Myles says changes to the Permanent Residency Points System are still being assessed, with no final framework agreed and legislation unlikely before the end of next year. Safeguarding: George Town West MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has put forward a motion for a national sex offender register, saying it would give authorities tools to identify risks and protect vulnerable people. Constitutional Change: MPs Kenneth Bryan and Julie Hunter are seeking to require the attorney general to be Caymanian, ahead of Samuel Bulgin’s retirement next year; they say professional standards and the appointment commission’s independence would remain intact. Lottery Review: The Law Reform Commission is examining regulatory, financial and safeguards issues for a proposed national lottery, with public consultation expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Constitutional Reform: Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan and government backbencher Julie Hunter are seeking to require the attorney general to be Caymanian. Their motion would amend the 2009 Constitution Order as current AG Samuel Bulgin prepares to retire next year; they say the Judicial and Legal Services Commission would retain its role in ensuring candidates meet professional standards. Public Finance: Government is seeking a CI$236 million loan facility for its approved capital programme. Planning: MPs are still set to vote on planning rules after a government U-turn. Regional Security: Five Cayman Islands Regiment personnel have deployed to Antigua and Barbuda to help prepare for next month’s Commonwealth summit.**

Constitutional Reform: MPs Kenneth Bryan and Julie Hunter are seeking to amend the Constitution so the attorney general’s post is reserved for Caymanians. The proposal comes ahead of Samuel Bulgin’s planned retirement next year; the Judicial and Legal Services Commission would still assess candidates’ qualifications. Public Finance: Government is seeking a CI$236 million loan facility for its approved capital programme. Planning: MPs will still vote on proposed planning rules after a government U-turn. Regional Oversight: Cayman hosted the 18th Council of Ministers meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.