AGP Executive Report

Cayman Government & Public Services: The Cayman Islands Government is still waiting on Cabinet to move a Cabinet Paper needed to legalise a new “National Day of Wellness” public holiday after a unanimous parliamentary vote last June, leaving families without the extra day off despite Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks calling it a “great initiative.” Local Economy & Employment: Immigration and Caymanian Employment Minister Michael Myles says “shady” employers are still finding ways to dodge Caymanian hiring rules and are leaving local workers uncomfortable, even as the government tightens work-permit accountability; he’s pushing tougher enforcement through WORC and boards. Education & Inclusion: West Bay’s Sir John A. Cumber Primary is expanding with a $6.5m purchase of a former nursery school to add a fourth Reception class and two autism-specific classrooms, aiming to ease growing demand for places and special educational needs. Health & Community: The government is also funding capacity at Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital, which has welcomed three new physicians to strengthen emergency coverage. Waste & Environment: Recycling has returned to Cayman Brac, but residents still rely on sorting and driving to drop-off sites, with only PET/HDPE plastics plus metal and aluminium initially. Security & Digital Crime: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government have partnered to help RCIPS and the Official Receiver securely custody and, when needed, convert digital assets in active cyber-enabled financial crime cases. Royal & Regional Diplomacy: Buckingham Palace says King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the Caribbean starting Oct. 27, including stops in The Bahamas and Guyana before the Commonwealth summit in Antigua.

FIFA Ethics Fallout: The Telegraph reports a 2016 FIFA ethics probe into Gianni Infantino, alleging he accepted private jet seats linked to Vladimir Putin and Qatar, and used a Pope Francis invitation for a private trip for his mother—details that were previously unpublished. Tourism & Assets: Parques del Este Limited has been named as the beneficial owner behind Global Attractions Limited, the entity seeking control of Dolphin Cove, after earlier disclosures left ownership unclear. Local Waste Policy: Cayman Brac recycling has restarted, but residents still rely on sorting and drop-off points, with no comprehensive pick-up plan in sight. Workplace Accountability: Minister Michael Myles says “shady” employers are still dodging Caymanian hiring rules and leaving local workers uncomfortable, even as the government tightens permit controls. Education & Inclusion: Sir John A. Cumber Primary will expand with a new Reception class and autism-specific classrooms after CIG buys a nearby nursery site for $6.5m. Government Operations: The Port Authority and MPLAHI coordinated a specialised offshore ship-to-barge transfer to bring a MAN HX60 logistics vehicle for the Cayman Islands Regiment into Grand Cayman. Royal Visit: Buckingham Palace says King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the Caribbean starting Oct. 27, with stops in The Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua for the Commonwealth summit. Digital Crime Fight: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government announced a partnership to help RCIPS and the Official Receiver securely custody and convert digital assets tied to active investigations.

Cayman Waste & Recycling: Cayman Brac recycling has restarted, but it still depends on residents sorting and driving to drop-off points, with only PET/HDPE plastics plus cans/aluminium collected so far—no full pick-up plan in sight. Workplace Rights: Stingray Tours has been ordered to pay over CI$90,000 after a court ruled long-running “contractor” workers were actually employees entitled to vacation and sick pay. Local Politics & Media: Pilar Bush is leaving government and returning to the Dart Group as publisher at Compass Media, a major shift in the islands’ political-media landscape. Employment & Compliance: Minister Michael Myles says “shady” employers are still dodging Caymanian hiring rules and leaving locals uncomfortable at work, even as the government tightens permit accountability. Road Safety Procurement: The National Roads Authority’s digital speed-camera system is moving through procurement steps, but buying cameras remains slow, with automated enforcement still far off. Education & Inclusion: Sir John A. Cumber Primary is expanding with a new Reception class and autism-specific classrooms after the CIG buys a nearby nursery site for CI$6.5m. Royal Visit: King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit the Caribbean starting Oct. 27, with stops in The Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua for the Commonwealth summit. Digital Crime Partnership: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government are teaming up to strengthen investigations and recovery of digital assets in cyber-enabled financial crime cases.

Cayman Government & Schools: Personal phones and communication devices are now banned across all CIG schools, starting the new academic year, after complaints about classroom distractions, with parents still able to contact children through established channels. Local Governance & Health Policy: Cabinet is still “dragging its feet” on legalising a proposed October National Day of Wellness, even though a private member’s motion passed unanimously in parliament and officials say it only needs Cabinet steps to amend the Public Holidays Act schedule. Employment & Workplace Rights: Immigration and Caymanian Employment Minister Michael Myles says “shady” employers are still dodging Caymanian hiring rules and leaving locals without training or advancement, while promoting Hello2Hired recruitment events that connected 91 jobseekers with 24 employers. Education Expansion: Sir John A. Cumber Primary in West Bay will expand with a former nursery school site to add a fourth Reception class and two autism-specific classrooms, aiming to ease growing demand. Public Services & Infrastructure: The Port Authority coordinated a specialised offshore ship-to-barge transfer to bring a new MAN HX60 logistics vehicle into Grand Cayman for the Cayman Islands Regiment. Digital & Security Partnerships: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government announced a partnership to strengthen investigations into crypto-enabled financial crime, including secure custody and conversion support for active cases. Road Safety Procurement: A bid process for an Integrated Traffic Management and Enforcement System is now in the Public Procurement Committee stage, but speed camera rollout remains slow despite years of planning. Regional Business & Tech: A Jamaican entrepreneur’s AI “SnapTap” platform is expanding across the Caribbean and includes Cayman among its operating countries. Global Finance Context: A new ranking of foreign U.S. Treasury holders lists the Cayman Islands among the top custodial holders, reflecting where securities are held rather than ultimate ownership.

Local Environment: Cayman Brac recycling has restarted, but residents still must sort and drive to drop-off points, with only PET/HDPE plastics plus metal and aluminium accepted—no island-wide pick-up plan yet. Labour & Courts: Stingray Tours has been ordered to pay more than CI$90,000 after a court ruled long-serving workers were employees, not independent contractors, entitling them to vacation and sick leave under the Labour Act. Government Appointments: Pilar Bush is leaving her Premier’s Office role to become publisher at Compass Media, a move that keeps her close to the Dart Group’s political-media influence. Workforce Policy: Employment Minister Michael Myles says “shady” employers are still dodging Caymanian hiring rules and leaving locals uncomfortable at work, even as Hello2Hired connects jobseekers with employers. Education Rules: Phones and other communication devices are banned across CIG schools for the new academic year to curb classroom distractions. Public Finance/Infrastructure: Cabinet is still not progressing a proposed October National Day of Wellness, while procurement for digital speed cameras is moving slowly despite years of planning. National Security & Tech: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government have partnered to help police and the Official Receiver securely handle and convert digital assets in crypto-related financial crime cases.

Cayman Government & Policy: The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration says “shady” employers are still dodging Caymanian hiring rules and leaving locals without training or advancement, even as the government pushes Hello2Hired job matching. Education & Youth: Personal electronic devices are now banned across all CIG schools for the new academic year, after complaints about classroom distractions. Public Health & Infrastructure: CIG has spent $6.5m to expand Sir John A. Cumber Primary with extra Reception space and autism-specific classrooms, adding capacity in fast-growing West Bay. Road Safety: A digital speed camera procurement is moving through committee stages, but speed camera rollout remains slow despite years of planning. Community & Skills: Passport2Success graduated 15 young Caymanians, while UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marked 10 years of hands-on learning for ages 11–13. Port & Defence Logistics: The Port Authority coordinated a specialised offshore ship-to-barge transfer to deliver a MAN HX60 logistics vehicle for the Cayman Islands Regiment. Digital Crime Response: RYKI and the CIG announced a partnership to support RCIPS investigations and the Official Receiver with secure custody and conversion of digital assets tied to fraud and ransomware cases. Royal Visit: King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit the Caribbean starting Oct. 27, with stops in The Bahamas, Guyana, and the Commonwealth summit in Antigua. International Finance Watch: A report notes the Cayman Islands ranks among the top foreign holders of U.S. debt, reflecting custody data rather than ultimate ownership.

Caymanian Jobs Push: Immigration and Caymanian Employment Minister Michael Myles backed Hello2Hired after 91 Caymanian jobseekers met 24 employers at the Grand Cayman Marriott, with extra coaching on interviews and résumés. Workplace Accountability: Myles also warned “shady” employers are still dodging rules by designing roles for work permit holders and failing to offer training or advancement to locals. Wellness Holiday Stalled: A National Day of Wellness passed unanimously in parliament, but Cabinet is still not moving to amend the Public Holidays Act to make the October holiday official. Education Tech Crackdown: Phones and communication devices are banned across all CIG schools from the new academic year to curb classroom distractions. School Expansion: Sir John A. Cumber Primary will expand into the former Kiddiewinks preschool site in West Bay, adding a Reception class and two autism classrooms after a $6.5m property purchase. Road Safety Procurement: The speed camera system procurement is now in the Public Procurement Committee stage, but camera rollout remains slow. Digital Crime Partnership: RYKI and the CIG teamed up with RCIPS and the Official Receiver to support custody and conversion of digital assets in cyber-financial crime cases. Royal Visit: King Charles and Queen Camilla plan a Caribbean trip starting Oct. 27, including the Commonwealth summit in Antigua. STEM for Youth: UCCI’s 10th STEM Summer Camp drew 11–13-year-olds for robotics, drones, forensics and liquid nitrogen experiments.

Crypto & Politics: A new report claims President Donald Trump’s crypto push has left investors at least $4.7bn underwater, framing the gains as coming from supporters, investigations, and retirement money rather than “thin air.” Cayman Digital Crime Response: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government are partnering with RCIPS and the Bureau of Financial Investigation to provide secure custody and, when needed, conversion of digital assets tied to active cyber-enabled financial crime cases. Education Policy: Phones and other communication devices are banned across all Cayman Islands Government schools at the start of the new academic year, after complaints about classroom distraction. Road Safety Procurement: Cayman’s speed camera rollout is still stuck in slow procurement stages, even as police continue issuing thousands of manual speeding tickets each year. Legal & Governance: The Grand Court says unbuilt strata buildings can be treated as “destroyed,” offering a way out of a strata deadlock that can freeze land indefinitely. Local Economy/Insurance: AM Best says Cayman is gaining traction as a life reinsurance hub, though NAIC Qualified Jurisdiction Status remains a key regulatory hurdle. Port Labour: Dock workers protest unpaid wages and holiday pay; the Port Authority says operations are continuing while talks continue.

School Tech Crackdown: Cayman Islands Government schools have banned personal electronic devices and communication-capable devices starting the new academic year, citing classroom distraction complaints and promising established parent/school contact channels. Education Expansion: Sir John A. Cumber Primary School will expand into the former Kiddiewinks preschool site in West Bay, adding reception capacity and autism-specific classrooms to meet growing demand. Public Safety at the Beach: Authorities responded to a visitor injury near Governor’s Beach and are also dealing with a barracuda incident near Seven Mile Beach, with officials urging beachgoers to stay alert in the water. Road Safety Procurement: A bid process for a digital speed camera and enforcement system has moved into the Public Procurement Committee stage, but camera purchases are still “moving at a snail’s pace.” Digital Crime Partnership: RYKI and the Government of the Cayman Islands have partnered to help RCIPS and the Official Receiver securely custody and convert digital assets tied to active investigations. Health Law Reform: The Ministry of Health says healthcare stakeholders are shaping four proposed bills before they reach parliament. Strata Court Ruling: A landmark Grand Court decision says unbuilt strata buildings can be treated as “destroyed,” offering a way out of strata plan deadlocks. Labour Dispute at Port: Port Authority dock workers protested unpaid wages and holiday pay; the ministry says port operations continue and talks are underway.

Strata Court Ruling: The Grand Court has opened a new path through strata deadlock, ruling that unbuilt strata buildings can be treated as “destroyed” to remove them from a strata plan when unanimous consent can’t be obtained. Digital Crime Partnership: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government have teamed up to help law enforcement investigate cyber-enabled financial crime and recover digital assets, with RCIPS, the Bureau of Financial Investigation and the Official Receiver leading execution. Port Authority Pay Dispute: Dock workers protested again over unpaid wages and holiday pay, while the Ministry says port operations stayed fully functional and a meeting is underway to resolve longstanding claims. Health Law Reform: The Ministry of Health says healthcare professionals and stakeholders are shaping four proposed bills, with the legislation to be re-drafted before it reaches Parliament. Education Expansion: Sir John A. Cumber Primary School will expand into the former Kiddiewinks site in West Bay, adding reception capacity and autism-specific classrooms. Community & Culture: OURS Cayman met the Governor to discuss support for the LGBTQIA+ community; and the Lloyd Barker Foundation’s Ready, Set, Learn! giveaway reached about 750 students across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Public Safety: Authorities responded to a marine incident near Governor’s Beach and Seven Mile Beach after a barracuda bite, with cautions to beachgoers while the fish is located and removed.

LGBTQ Community Engagement: Newly formed OURS Cayman met the Governor to introduce its mission and discuss how to strengthen support for LGBTQIA+ people and allies across the Islands. Education & Youth: Friday, 28 August is the deadline for students (ages 8–17) to submit posters to the 2026 ISDHF competition on “Ocean Conservation,” with prizes including CI$300 and a Cayman Airways travel voucher. Courts & Housing: In a landmark Grand Court ruling, unbuilt strata buildings can be treated as “destroyed,” offering a practical way out of strata deadlocks where unanimous consent can’t be reached. Digital Crime Partnership: RYKI and the Cayman Islands Government announced a strategic partnership to help RCIPS, the Bureau of Financial Investigation and the Official Receiver investigate cyber-enabled financial crime and handle digital asset recovery. School Expansion: Sir John A. Cumber Primary will expand into the former Kiddiewinks site in West Bay, adding reception capacity and autism-specific classrooms. Public Health Lawmaking: The Ministry of Health says healthcare professionals are shaping four major bills before they go to Parliament, including Public Health and Environmental Health reforms. Port Authority Dispute: Dock workers protested again over unpaid wages and holiday pay; the Ministry says port operations remain fully functional while talks continue. Marine Safety Incident: Authorities responded to a barracuda bite near Governor’s Beach, with the injured visitor treated in hospital and a necropsy planned.

Marine Safety Response: Cayman authorities say a visitor was injured while swimming near Governor’s Beach on 24 August, prompting a multi-agency DoE marine unit and RCIPS air operations response to locate and remove fish from the area. Health Legislation in the Making: The Ministry of Health says healthcare professionals helped shape four proposed bills—Public Health, Environmental Health, Tobacco (Amendment), and Health Practice (Amendment)—with drafts to be revised before the next parliamentary sitting. Port Authority Pay Dispute: Dock workers protested unpaid wages and holiday pay; the Ministry says port operations stayed fully functional and talks are underway to resolve longstanding claims. Insurance Sector Push: Premier André Ebanks met U.S. regulators to advance Qualified Jurisdiction Status for Cayman’s insurance sector, with the process expected to take 16–18 months. Cayman Airways Customer Protection: Cayman Airways now offers “Refund Protect” at booking for eligible refunds when qualifying emergencies stop travel. Weather Service Leadership Change: John Tibbetts will retire as head of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, with Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery taking over on 1 September. Digital Economy & Governance: Mugen announced a Cayman-based virtual pitch competition for blockchain and AI projects on 3 September, and Toobit says expanded penetration testing found no critical or high issues.

Cayman Public Service: John Tibbetts will retire as Director General of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service at month-end, with Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery set to take over on 1 September. Financial Services & Regulation: Premier André Ebanks met US regulators in Columbus to advance the Cayman Islands’ Qualified Jurisdiction Status push for the insurance sector, with the process expected to take 16–18 months. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The government has closed an expression of interest for “modular bridge, flyover, and elevated transport” solutions; only two submissions were received and no contracts will be awarded as it’s being treated as market research. National Recognition: Cabinet has confirmed “Financial Services” as the theme for the 2027 National Heroes Day ceremony, with planning now underway for awards on 25 January. Community & Culture: Rotary Sunset honoured three community champions at its Friends of Rotary Welcome & Recognition Evening, spotlighting volunteers who support Rotary projects across the Islands. Sports: The first Caribbean Chess Cup opened in Aruba, while Cayman-linked athletes continue to feature across regional cycling events.

Cayman Financial Services Push: Premier André Ebanks met US regulators in Columbus to advance the Cayman Islands’ Qualified Jurisdiction Status (QJS) bid for insurance and reinsurance, with the process expected to take about 16–18 months. National Infrastructure Procurement: The government closed an expression of interest for “modular” bridge, flyover and elevated road solutions; only two submissions were received, and no contracts will be awarded as it was market research. National Recognition Planning: Cabinet confirmed “Financial Services” as the theme for 2027 National Heroes Day, with nominations now set to be planned for the 25 January ceremony. Strata Law Update: A Grand Court ruling says unbuilt strata buildings can be treated as “destroyed” to remove them from strata plans, clearing land trapped in statutory deadlock. Global Finance & Cayman Links: India reported 29 FDI proposals worth about $511.5m under eased rules allowing up to 10% non-controlling Chinese-linked stakes via the automatic route, with some proposals reported from entities based in the Cayman Islands. Corporate Legal Alerts: US class-action notices targeted Megan Holdings Limited (MGN), while a separate lawsuit alleges six Iowa nursing homes owe $2.1m in unpaid back rent, involving Fantasia Investment of the Cayman Islands.

Qualified Jurisdiction Push: Premier André Ebanks says Cayman is pressing ahead with its NAIC Qualified Jurisdiction Status bid after meetings with US regulators in Columbus, aiming to reinforce confidence and regulatory cooperation as the process is expected to take about 16–18 months. National Heroes Day Theme: Cabinet has set “Financial Services” as the theme for 2027 National Heroes Day, with the National Recognition Awards Committee now planning the 25 January ceremony to spotlight the sector’s long-running contribution to Cayman’s growth. Port Authority Update: The Port Authority says operations are fully functional after a meeting with board, management and staff to address a longstanding employee claim ruled statute-barred, with no expected service disruptions while the matter remains under active consideration. Roads Procurement Check: Cayman’s government closed an expression of interest for “modular bridge, flyover, and elevated” solutions; only two submissions were received and officials say it was market research, not a contract award. Global Finance Watch: India reports 29 FDI proposals worth about $511.5m under eased rules allowing up to 10% non-controlling Chinese-linked stakes via the automatic route, with entities including the Cayman Islands named among sources.

Port Authority Update: Cayman’s Port Authority operations stayed fully functional after a meeting between Minister Johany Ebanks, the board, and staff on a long-running employee claim deemed statute-barred by the court, with no expected service disruptions while talks continue. National Heroes Day Theme: Cabinet has set “Financial Services” as the theme for the 2027 National Heroes Day ceremony, with the National Recognition Awards Committee now planning the 25 January event to spotlight people and organisations behind the sector’s growth. Cayman Brac Sentencing: Devon Emmanuel Wright, convicted of abducting two-year-old Alissady Powell, will be sentenced in October, with additional guilty pleas for an unlicensed handgun and ammunition and other past offences now added to his case list. Regional Sports: Bermuda’s cyclists won two silver medals at the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships in Belize, including Cayman’s Ryan Thompson taking the junior men’s title. Global Policy Watch: India reported 29 FDI proposals worth about ₹4,895.65 crore under eased rules allowing up to 10% non-controlling Chinese-linked stakes via the automatic route, with investors including entities based in the Cayman Islands.