AGP Executive Report

Focus Sports Governance: Cabinet has approved a new, evidence-led Focus Sports Framework to tighten how public funding is allocated in Cayman, with fair criteria, child safeguarding, athlete development, performance potential, national impact and value for money; the eight current Focus Sports (Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Netball, Aquatics, Squash, Volleyball) will be grandfathered, but must meet compliance and safeguarding conditions and be re-evaluated for retention by 31 Oct 2027, while Government caps the number of Focus Sports at 10 at any time. Premier’s Office & Integrity: Government warned the public about disinformation using Premier André Ebanks’ AI likeness, and named Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff to the Premier effective 1 Oct 2026. Public Accounts Pressure: Deputy Governor Gloria McField‑Nixon told the Public Accounts Committee the civil service has “fallen short” on responsiveness to Auditor General recommendations and outlined a new risk-based approach to clear the long backlog. Security & Training: Ten CBC officers completed specialised operational training in Cayman Brac focused on AML/CFT and targeted financial sanctions. Tourism Spotlight: Deputy Premier Gary Rutty opened the 23rd International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony, reaffirming Cayman as the Hall of Fame’s home. Justice Note: Luciano Jackson-Martinez was sentenced to 10 years after admitting illegal gun possession and drug offences, with the court rejecting his argument that self-defence circumstances should avoid a mandatory minimum. Finance Appointments: PROVEN Bank appointed Sonja M. Salmon as President and CEO for Cayman and St. Lucia, and the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation.

Premier Appointments: Premier André Ebanks has named Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff, effective 1 October 2026, tasked with steering policy advice and running the day-to-day Office of the Premier. Regional Diplomacy: Ebanks is in Bermuda for the Caribbean Overseas Territories Caucus ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, joining other OT leaders to align positions on health, climate, and financial services. Financial Services Oversight: PROVEN Bank appointed Sonja M. Salmon as President and CEO for Cayman and St. Lucia, while the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation for Cayman-specific training. Governance & Law: Government confirmed Attorney General Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with a transition process led by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Public Debate: The Auditor General’s housing findings are drawing fresh pressure from the PPM/Progressives as Caymanians’ affordability concerns remain unresolved. Transport Policy: Revised driving licence fees take effect 1 September 2026, including lower non-Caymanian rates and discounts for longer-term Caymanian licences. Crypto & Business: Charter Foundation says it can cut token-launch legal setup costs from about $70,500 to $35,000, while CIIT and BTCT signed a mining hosting agreement.

Banking Leadership: PROVEN Bank has appointed Sonja M. Salmon as President and CEO, effective 1 September, overseeing operations across the Cayman Islands and St. Lucia. Premier’s Office: Karie Bergstrom has been named chief of staff to Premier André Ebanks, starting 1 October, tasked with strategic policy support and running the Office of the Premier. UKOT Diplomacy: Premier Ebanks is in Bermuda for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, joining leaders from across the region to align positions on health, climate and financial services. Public Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee is set to hold hearings on outstanding Auditor General and PAC recommendations, after criticism that government responses have lagged badly. Housing Pressure: The Auditor General’s housing findings are already feeding political heat, with the opposition PPM/Progressives calling for stronger accountability and action. Cannabis Debate: Campaigners are pushing back on a “narrow decriminalisation” approach, arguing Cayman needs legal cultivation to avoid more black-market imports. Legal Governance: Attorney General Samuel Bulgin has confirmed he will retire in August 2027, with a new appointment process to follow. Business & Skills: Cayman’s financial services training body, the Financial Services Institute, has gained CPD accreditation, while CUC marks 60 years with Investors in People Platinum recognition.

Attorney General transition: Government confirmed Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission set to run a “rigorous and transparent” process for a successor. Public accountability pressure: The Standing Public Accounts Committee will hold hearings on the Auditor General’s April report, including claims that government responded to only 9% of OAG reports and that 249 OAG/PAC recommendations remain outstanding, some for more than five years. Housing debate heats up: Opposition PPM/Progressives weighed in on the Auditor General’s housing findings, arguing government must be held accountable for delivery and value for money across multiple administrations. Fees update: Revised driving licence and related fees take effect 1 September, cutting non-Caymanian full licence differentials and adding discounts for longer-term Caymanian licences. Regional diplomacy: Premier André Ebanks will join the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus in Bermuda, with discussions covering UK–OT relations, financial services resilience, climate preparedness and citizen wellbeing. Financial services training: Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation, allowing eligible courses to issue accredited CPD certificates. People & community: CUC marked 60 years of powering Grand Cayman and achieved Investors in People Platinum accreditation; MHES backed Cayman’s first parkrun at Camana Bay. Local governance spotlight: RCIPS says it records sexual/indecency convictions and cautions but that a true sex offender register needs legislation, responding to calls for an official register.

Attorney General Transition: Government confirmed Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission set to run a transparent process for a successor. Public Accountability: The Standing Public Accounts Committee will hold hearings on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 September on the Auditor General’s report, including 249 outstanding OAG and PAC recommendations and major gaps in government responses. Housing Scrutiny: The Auditor General’s housing findings are already driving political heat, with PPM weighing in as the debate turns to delivery, value for money, and accountability. Driving Licence Fees: Revised DVDL fees take effect 1 September 2026, including lower non-Caymanian full licence fees and longer-term discounts for Caymanians. Education & Utilities: UCCI begins the 2026–2027 year with renewed faculty and staff development, while CUC marks 60 years in Grand Cayman and earns Investors in People Platinum accreditation. Community & Health: MHES sponsored Cayman’s first parkrun at Festival Green, and MRCU shared mosquito-control experience at an international symposium in Oman. Governance & Integrity: WORC is investigating a pay-to-play social media influencer controversy involving Cayman businesses.

Attorney General Transition: Government confirmed Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission set to run a “rigorous and transparent” process for a successor ahead of a mid-2027 handover. Public Finance Oversight: The Standing Public Accounts Committee will hold public hearings on 8–9 September to review the Auditor General’s report on outstanding OAG and PAC recommendations, including 141 items left unresolved for over five years. Housing Accountability: The Auditor General says gaps and weaknesses remain in the government’s 10-year housing strategy, including unclear reporting to Parliament and a need to fast-track key legislation like the Residential Tenancies Act. Sex Offender Register Debate: RCIPS says it keeps records for sexual and indecency offences but that a true sex offender register needs legislation; opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden’s private member’s motion is pushing the issue. Health & Community: The Ministry of Health backed Cayman’s first parkrun at Festival Green, launching a free weekly 5K community event. Crypto & Governance Risk: Attorney General Samuel Bulgin also warned about decentralized finance exchanges, while separate reporting shows ED is seeking Cayman data via a letter rogatory in a TMC aviation money-laundering probe. Tourism Watch: Cayman logged record stay-over growth—333,747 overnight guests Jan–July, up 11%—even as cruise passenger numbers fell in July.

Overseas Finance Watch: Foreign investors now hold a record $39.19T in US long-term securities, up about $16T since 2022, with the Cayman Islands among the biggest holders—highlighting Cayman’s ongoing role in global capital flows. Banking & Markets: Reuters reports Chinese commercial banks have been buying US Treasuries after lifting dollar deposit rates, a strategy shift aimed at yield and currency pressure. Cayman Legal/Compliance: India’s Enforcement Directorate is seeking Cayman data via a letter rogatory tied to a money-laundering probe involving a Cayman-linked entity financing an Agusta helicopter. Public Safety & Law: RCIPS says it keeps records on sexual/indecency offenders but that a formal sex offender register needs legislation; an opposition MP’s private member’s motion would create one. Housing Accountability: The Auditor General flags gaps in the government’s housing strategy and housing policy, including weak performance measurement and missing reporting mechanisms to Parliament. Governance Change: Attorney General Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with a recruitment process led by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Health Leadership: Mervyn Conolly retires after 45 years in government, including senior health regulatory roles.

Sex Offender Register Push: RCIPS says it keeps records on people convicted or cautioned for sexual and indecency offences, but insists it is not a “sex offender register” because legislation is needed—after opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden filed a private member’s motion to create one. Housing Oversight: The Auditor General flags gaps in the government’s 10-year housing strategy, warning of weaknesses in performance measurement and risk management, and says parliament needs clearer reporting as key laws could still be years away. Attorney General Transition: Governor Jane Owen announced Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission set to run an open recruitment process for his successor. Public Service Milestone: Mervyn Conolly retires after more than 45 years, including leadership roles in health services and health insurance regulation. Tourism Growth: Cayman logged record stay-over momentum—333,747 overnight guests Jan–July (+11%)—as hotel occupancy and rates rose while cruise numbers fell in July. Finance Ministry Dispute: Finance officials deny spending more than half of the mid-year surplus, arguing approvals set limits rather than payouts, despite admitting the extra CI$134.3m is allocated. Remittance Partnership: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s payout network. Crime Update: RCIPS says a Jamaican man wanted in Cayman for attempted murder was rescued at sea, is in custody in Kingston, and awaits extradition.

Sex Offender Register Push: RCIPS says it records and retains data on sexual and indecency offenders, but insists it is not a true sex offender register because legislation is required—after opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden filed a private member’s motion to create one. Housing Oversight: The Auditor General flags gaps in the government’s 10-year housing strategy, including weak performance tracking and risk management, and warns key legislation (like the Residential Tenancies Act) may be too slow to fix affordability. AG Transition: Attorney General Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission set to run an open recruitment process for a successor. Health Leadership Change: Mervyn Conolly retires after 45 years in government, with Annikki Hill named to take over his health regulatory and insurance roles. Tourism Update: Cayman logged record stay-over growth—333,747 overnight guests Jan–July (+11%)—as cruise numbers fell but remain ahead year-to-date. Public Finance Semantics: The finance ministry denies it has spent more than half of the mid-year surplus, arguing approvals set limits rather than payouts, despite Finance Committee authorising extra spending. Remittance Partnership: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica via JN Money’s local payout network. Maritime Arrest: A Jamaican man wanted in Cayman for attempted murder was arrested in Jamaica after being rescued at sea and handed to police. Insurance Scholarship Auction: IMAC opens its silent auction for its educational scholarship fund, bidding closing 12 September. Royal Tour: King Charles and Queen Camilla announce a fall Caribbean tour including the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana. Motoring Education Win: Cayman Motoring Federation receives the FIA José Abed Award for STEM Racing Cayman Islands.

Electoral Reform: Governor Jane Owen has appointed a new Electoral Boundary Commission to redraw Cayman’s unequal constituencies after the 2024 report was rejected, with public consultation central to the process. Public Safety & Justice: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has filed a private member’s motion pushing for an official sex offender register, arguing for better protection while noting human-rights concerns around public lists. Housing Affordability: The Auditor General says government affordable housing programmes (2019–2024) haven’t delivered value for money, with rents and mortgage costs far outpacing what most Caymanians can afford. Tourism Watch: Stay-over tourism keeps climbing—Cayman welcomed a record 333,747 overnight guests Jan–July (+11%), even as cruise passenger numbers fell in July. Finance & Governance: Finance ministry officials deny spending more than half of the mid-year surplus, despite Finance Committee approving an additional CI$134.3m in June. Local Crime Update: A Jamaican man wanted in Cayman for attempted murder was arrested in Jamaica after being rescued at sea and is awaiting extradition. Industry & Community: IMAC opened its silent auction to fund scholarships for young Caymanians entering the insurance sector.

Local Governance & Accountability: The Auditor General says Cayman’s affordable housing programmes aren’t delivering value and that rents and mortgage costs have outpaced what most Caymanians can afford. Public Finance: The finance ministry denies it has already spent more than half of the CI$252.3m mid-year surplus, arguing Finance Committee approval sets limits rather than confirming payouts. Elections & Democracy: Governor Jane Owen has appointed a new Electoral Boundary Commission to redraw unequal constituencies, with public consultation built into the process. Justice & Public Safety: RCIPS says a Jamaican man wanted for attempted murder was arrested in Jamaica after being rescued at sea and is awaiting extradition. Health & Civil Service: Mervyn Conolly retires after more than 45 years, including major roles in expanding and regulating Cayman’s health insurance system. Digital Finance Regulation: Attorney General warns against unregulated offshore DeFi crypto exchanges, stressing consumers may have little or no recourse. Remittances & Trade Links: JN Money and WapiPay expand ways to send money to Jamaica using JN Money’s payout infrastructure. Business & Industry: IMAC opens its gala silent auction to fund scholarships for young Caymanians entering the insurance sector. Tourism: Cayman reports record stay-over growth—333,747 overnight guests Jan–July—with July stayover arrivals up 11% year-on-year. Tech & Capital Markets: Eightpoint Technologies joins Enterprise Cayman and DMZ as a partner for the Launch Labs incubator.

Electoral Boundaries: Governor Jane Owen has appointed the 2026 Electoral Boundary Commission to redraw Cayman’s 19 constituencies, chaired by Mark Ramkerrysingh with Richard Christian and Norward Derek Jones, with public consultation built into the process. Affordable Housing Watch: The Auditor General says housing remains unaffordable for most Caymanians and that government programmes are not delivering value for money, with rents and mortgage costs far outpacing what residents can afford. Tourism Numbers: Cayman logged record stay-over growth for nine straight months, with 333,747 overnight guests Jan–July (+11%), while cruise arrivals fell in July. Public Finance Scrutiny: The finance ministry disputes claims it has already spent more than half of the CI$252.3m mid-year surplus, arguing approvals set limits rather than spending. Crime Update: RCIPS says wanted man Michael Gollab was arrested in Jamaica after being rescued at sea; he’s in custody pending extradition. Business & Tech: Eightpoint Technologies joins Enterprise Cayman and DMZ as a programme partner for the Launch Labs Incubator, while NT1 Pty Ltd signed a merger deal with Plutonian Acquisition Corp II involving a Cayman exempted company. Travel Convenience: Cayman Airways partners with Protect Group to roll out “Refund Protect” across routes and markets.

Royal Tour Watch: King Charles and Queen Camilla will return to the Caribbean this fall on a nine-day tour, with stops in the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda tied to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Local Governance & Accountability: The Auditor General says Cayman’s affordable housing programmes aren’t delivering value for money, with rents and mortgage costs far outpacing what most Caymanians can afford. Public Safety: RCIPS says a wanted man, Michael Gollab, was arrested in Jamaica after being rescued at sea and is now awaiting extradition to the Cayman Islands over an attempted murder case. Tourism & Travel: Cayman Airways is rolling out “Refund Protect” across routes and markets, letting passengers buy enhanced refund terms at checkout. Electoral Process: Governor Jane Owen has appointed members of the 2026 Electoral Boundary Commission to review constituency boundaries, with public consultation central to the work. Regional Parliament Links: Nevis officials are taking part in a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica on strengthening parliaments in the digital age.

Housing Watch: The Auditor General says Caymanians are being priced out of both renting and buying, with rents and mortgage costs far above what average incomes can cover, and criticises government affordable housing programmes for not delivering value for money. Electoral Process: Governor Jane Owen has appointed the 2026 Electoral Boundary Commission, chaired by Mark Ramkerrysingh, to review the 19 constituencies with public consultation and a nine-month timeline. Public Health Reform: The Ministry of Health has published three health reform Bills for 28-day public consultation, including changes to the Public Health Bill, Environmental Health Bill, and Health Practice (Amendment No. 2). Crime & Justice: RCIPS, with regional partners, is investigating the attempted murder case tied to wanted man Michael Gollab, arrested in Jamaica after a distressed-vessel incident. Transport & Consumer Choice: Cayman Airways is rolling out “Refund Protect” with Protect Group across all routes and markets. Governance & Oversight: Government welcomed the Auditor General’s housing findings, pointing to its new Public and Affordable Housing Policy and 10-year plan. Regional Cooperation: Minister Nickolas DaCosta will lead Cayman’s delegation to a Caribbean probation, parole and rehabilitation conference.

Electoral Boundaries: Governor Jane Owen has appointed the 2026 Electoral Boundary Commission, chaired by Mark Ramkerrysingh, to review the 19 constituency boundaries and recommend changes after public consultation, with a report due within nine months. Affordable Housing Oversight: The Office of the Auditor General released a report on government’s affordable housing approach (2019–2024), pointing to a widening affordability gap as rents and prices rose, and noting reforms are now underway through a new policy and 10-year plan. Health Reform Bills: The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has published three health reform Bills for public consultation—Health Practice (Amendment No.2), Public Health, and Environmental Health—alongside a 28-day consultation period. Public Safety & Scams: RCIPS warns of a new wave of Google Meet call scams impersonating law enforcement and a continued Post Office parcel SMS scam, urging residents to ignore links and verify directly with institutions. Local Government Services: DEH has relaunched recycling in Cayman Brac with new depot drop-offs for PET/HDPE plastics and metal cans/aluminium. Caymanian Employment: MCEI’s Hello2Hired event connected 91 jobseekers with 24 employers, aiming to strengthen direct hiring links.

Electoral Boundaries: Governor Jane Owen has appointed the 2026 Electoral Boundary Commission, chaired by Mark Ramkerrysingh, to review Cayman’s 19 constituency boundaries with public consultation at the centre and a nine-month deadline for final recommendations. Affordable Housing Audit: The Office of the Auditor General says Government’s affordable housing approach (2019–2024) hasn’t delivered enough value for money, pointing to a widening affordability gap as rents and prices rise faster than incomes. Health Reform Bills: The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has published three health reform Bills for 28-day public consultation, including changes to health practice, public health, and environmental health. Driving Licence Fees: Revised driving licence fees take effect 1 September 2026, cutting non-Caymanian full licence differentials and adding longer-term discounts for Caymanians. Public Safety Alerts: RCIPS warns of new Google Meet and Post Office parcel SMS phishing scams targeting personal and financial details. Community Support: Department of Counselling Services launches September’s R.E.A.L. Recovery Month campaign, urging residents to seek support through small steps. Local Governance & Oversight: Government welcomed the Auditor General’s housing report, saying its 10-year housing plan and policy rollout are already underway.