AGP Executive Report

Public Service Leadership: Acting Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon named Lauren Knight as Chief Officer of the Portfolio of the Civil Service, filling the post she is vacating as she prepares to become deputy governor. Judiciary Appointments: Duane Murray was sworn in as a Magistrate of the Summary Court after an open recruitment process and JLSC shortlisting. Welfare Under Review: Government is reassessing welfare provision as the welfare bill grows, with Finance Committee reporting hundreds of reassessments and changes to support levels for households. Cost-of-Living Relief: Home Affairs clarified new duty-free allowances for returning residents, including a temporary CI$1,000 limit during peak travel and a higher standard allowance going forward. Cannabis Reform Consultation: The Law Reform Commission published a discussion paper on cannabis reform options under a harm minimisation framework, seeking public comments by 1 September. Local Governance & Economy: Tourism data shows air arrivals up 16.5% in May, while cruise visitor numbers fell, shaping the summer travel outlook. Sports & Community: SVG’s men’s senior basketball team is in final preparations for FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers in Guyana. Environment & Heritage: Botanic Park launched a new Native Plant Collection to support sustainable gardens and biodiversity.

Duty-Free Relief: Cabinet-approved changes raise returning residents’ duty-free allowance to CI$1,000 during peak summer travel (1 July–31 August) and lift the standard personal allowance from CI$500 to CI$800 from 1 September, with another CI$1,000 window for Christmas (23 Nov–7 Jan). Energy Regulation Row: CUC says it’s engaging constructively after OfReg clarified the legal position on customer self-consumption systems, but CUC still argues rooftop solar-battery setups must be safe, reliable, and fair as more customers bypass utility programmes. Cannabis Reform Process: The Law Reform Commission has published a 69-page discussion paper on cannabis reform options for a harm minimisation framework, seeking public comments by 1 September and weighing decriminalisation versus regulated supply. Local Governance & Appointments: Acting Governor Franz Manderson swore in Duane Murray as a Summary Court magistrate, while Lauren Knight was appointed Chief Officer of the Portfolio of the Civil Service. Work Permits & Media: The Cayman Independent received WORC approval to publish work permit job ads in its upcoming Friday print edition, meeting the 21-day local newspaper requirement. Tourism Update: May air arrivals rose 16.5% year-on-year to just over 40,000, while cruise visitors fell 30.5% due to fewer calls. Public Finance: NCFC supplementary budget adds CI$134.3m, including major allocations for education (Cayman Brac high school) and planning/lands/housing/infrastructure projects. Sports & Culture: Radio Cayman’s Elgin Avenue building was renamed the Loxley Banks Broadcasting Centre for the station’s 50 years of service.

Judiciary Appointments: Acting Governor Franz Manderson has appointed Duane Murray as a Magistrate of the Summary Court, with the swearing-in completed on 30 June. Civil Service Leadership: Acting Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon named Lauren Knight as Chief Officer of the Portfolio of the Civil Service, succeeding her in the role. Cost-of-Living Relief: Cabinet approved higher duty-free allowances for returning residents under the Customs Tariff Act—CI$1,000 duty-free during peak travel periods and a permanent rise from CI$500 to CI$800 starting 1 September. Public Finance Oversight: The Auditor General released a report on public servants’ remuneration from 2020–2024, showing staff costs of about CI$3.1 billion over five years and a 37% increase. Legal Reform: A new offence under the Legal Services Act now penalises anyone practising Cayman Islands law without a local legal practice certificate, with a grace period ending 30 June. Business & Policy Debate: The Chamber of Commerce is weighing what the duty-free increase could mean for local businesses, as MPs push for more Caymanian participation in real estate. Public Safety: RCIPS and education partners launched an Active Intruder Training Week across schools, supported by ALERRT at Texas State University. Health Watch: MRCU reported mosquito numbers are trending down after recent peaks, though more emergences are expected following rainfall.

NCFC Budget Boost: The National Coalition for Caymanians has pushed through CI$134.3M in supplementary spending, with big allocations for education (including Cayman Brac’s high school) and major works under Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, plus roads, land for housing, and Little Cayman airport upgrades. Public Service Costs: A new Auditor General report shows the government spent about $3.1B on public service remuneration from 2020–2024, with staff costs rising 37% over the period and public sector headcount reaching 8,302 by end-2025. Legal Services Act Crackdown: Practising Cayman Islands law without a local practice certificate is now a criminal offence, with a six-month grace period ending 30 June. Duty-Free Debate: Parliament’s move to raise the returning residents’ duty-free allowance from CI$500 to CI$800 (with a temporary CI$1,000 bump) is drawing attention from the Chamber of Commerce over possible business impacts. Youth & Safety: Youth Minister Isaac Rankine advanced amendments to the Status of Children Act, while RCIPS and education partners launched Active Intruder Training Week across schools. Community & Culture: Radio Cayman’s Elgin Avenue building was renamed the Loxley Banks Broadcasting Centre for the station’s 50 years, and Cayman Finance wrapped its Year 9 financial services workshops.

Public Finance Watch: Auditor General Patrick Smith’s report on public servants’ pay (2020–2024) says the Government spent about CI$3.1 billion on staff costs over five years, with remuneration rising 37% as headcount grew and cost-of-living awards kicked in. Cost of Living & Trade Policy: Parliament’s move to raise the duty-free allowance for returning residents from CI$500 to CI$800 (with a temporary CI$1,000 boost in July, August and December) is now sparking debate in the business community, with the Chamber of Commerce warning of knock-on effects for retailers and suppliers. Legal & Governance: The Legal Services Act, 2020, is now fully biting overseas lawyers: practising Cayman law without a local practice certificate is a criminal offence carrying fines up to CI$100,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Parliament & Local Economy: Opposition and government MPs are pushing for more Caymanian access to the real-estate market, with motions aimed at rebalancing who benefits from property sales and transfers. Public Safety: RCIPS and Education partners launched Active Intruder Training Week (29 June–3 July), including ALERRT-led school response training. Media & Culture: Radio Cayman’s Elgin Avenue building was renamed the Loxley Banks Broadcasting Centre to mark 50 years of service. International Legal Fallout: Nearly 1,700 UK investors have sued Binance and founder Changpeng Zhao in London, alleging mis-sold leveraged crypto derivatives without FCA authorisation.

Public Safety: RCIPS and the Ministry of Education launched Active Intruder Training and Development Week (29 June–3 July), with ALERRT Center (Texas State University) delivering specialised school-response training, starting with a lockdown exercise at Clifton Hunter High School. Media & Culture: Radio Cayman’s 50th anniversary was marked by renaming its Elgin Avenue building the Loxley Banks Broadcasting Centre, honouring former director of broadcasting Loxley Banks. Youth & Family Law: Youth Minister Isaac Rankine steered amendments to the Status of Children Act, including letting children 16+ consent to DNA testing in parentage cases and shifting some family matters to Summary Court. Government Workforce: New HR reporting shows public service headcount hit 8,302 by end-2025, up 287, with growth concentrated in education, health, fire and rescue, regulation and transport. Cost of Living Support: RSA pension withdrawal limits rise 5.2% from 1 July 2026, lifting the maximum annual amount to CI$16,200. Appointments: Marlon Bodden was named Director of Customs and Border Control Service effective 1 July. Local Business/Finance: INLIF approved a 1-for-200 share combination effective for Nasdaq trading on 6 July; separate coverage also flags a major UK lawsuit targeting Binance entities, including Cayman-registered Binance Holdings.

Appointments & Governance: Marlon Bodden has been named the next Director of the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service, effective 1 July, after a competitive recruitment process, with his portfolio spanning training, sister islands operations, investigations, AML and professional standards. Housing Policy: Minister Jay Ebanks told parliament the government will bring new residential tenancy legislation in September, pushing back on opposition pressure and arguing the bill needs a full revamp to match the housing policy now being finalised. Parliament Watch: The latest parliamentary proceedings include debate over housing timing and broader government priorities, alongside updates such as duty allowance changes and programmes aimed at supporting Caymanians. Social Policy: Pensioners will see a 5.2% increase in the maximum annual RSA withdrawal amount from 1 July 2026, lifting payments for eligible retirees. Tourism & Economy: Cayman reported 40,015 stayover visitors in May 2026, up 16.5% year-on-year, while cruise passenger numbers fell. Community & Public Health: MRCU staff completed safety and professional development training for mosquito control, reinforcing spill response and pesticide safety. International Finance Links: Premier André Ebanks’ US trip highlighted efforts to formalise economic and financial services cooperation, including meetings with US Treasury officials. Sports Spotlight: Cayman’s Jaxon Cover made history as the first Cayman Islands player drafted into the NHL, selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round.

Customs Leadership Change: Marlon Bodden has been appointed Director of the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service, effective 1 July, after a competitive recruitment process—Home Affairs says he brings decades of border security, training, investigations and AML experience. Housing & Tenancy Law: In Parliament, Housing Minister Jay Ebanks said new residential tenancy legislation is due in September, pushing back on opposition pressure to pass it before year-end and arguing the bill needs a “complete revamp.” Cost of Living Support: The Department of Labour and Pensions says RSA withdrawal limits rise 5.2% from 1 July 2026, lifting the maximum annual withdrawal to $16,200 and increasing pensioners’ monthly payments. Tourism Numbers: May stayover arrivals hit 40,015, up 16.5% year-on-year, with growth led by the US and Canada. Financial Services & Tech: Premier André Ebanks wraps US engagements aimed at strengthening Cayman’s financial services ties, including a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Crypto/Regulatory Signals: Bullish says Gibraltar’s regulator has approved tokenized securities, while Cayman-linked IRACE Digital expands institutional banking infrastructure with a Tenet partnership. Public Health/Community: Cayman marks World Drug Day with a prevention-focused message, and the Mosquito Research and Control Unit reports ongoing safety training and operational updates.

Customs Leadership: Marlon Bodden has been appointed Director of Cayman’s Customs and Border Control Service, effective 1 July 2026, bringing decades of border security and management experience. Housing & Parliament: Housing Minister Jay Ebanks says new residential tenancy legislation will land in September, pushing back on opposition criticism and arguing the government is already finalising a major revamp. Cost of Living Moves: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw Lumsden’s private member’s motion to raise the duty-free allowance for returning residents was accepted, with increases planned for July/August and again in December. Affordable Homes (Cayman Brac): The Sister Islands Affordable Housing Development Corporation is building new homes at The Highlands, with a needs-based system replacing first-come, first-served and a temporary pause on new applications to clear backlogs. Public Health Preparedness: An AED has been delivered to the House of Parliament via a partnership with the YMCA, Lifeline and a donor, with CPR/AED training planned for staff. Tourism Numbers: May stayover arrivals hit 40,015, up 16.5% year-on-year, while cruise passenger totals fell. Maritime Commemoration: Cayman marked the Day of the Seafarer with a focus on carrying world trade and the risks faced at sea, alongside honours for seafaring community service. Finance & Regulation (Global): Bullish says Gibraltar’s regulator has approved tokenised securities, while Singapore’s MAS added Hyperliquid to its Investor Alert List for operating without local authorisation.

Caribbean Finance Watch: Scotiabank is buying the rest of its Jamaica stake, offering a J$61.50 per share bid (about a 13% premium) to take Scotia Group Jamaica private and delist it from the Jamaica Stock Exchange—raising the bigger question of who controls Caribbean banking and how the region stays plugged into global finance. Local Cost of Living: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden’s motion to raise the personal duty-free allowance for returning residents is being accepted, with the allowance set to rise to $1,000 in July-August and again in December. Housing & Relief: NCFC says it’s expanding electricity assistance to cover nearly 95% of households and advancing affordable housing in Cayman Brac, while also pausing new applications to clear backlogs under a needs-based approach. Public Health & Safety: MRCU reports mosquito numbers are trending down after a June peak, but warns more rain could trigger another surge; Parliament also received an AED for emergency response. Governance & Oversight: The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority’s June thematic review flags governance as the biggest weakness area for reinsurers, pushing stronger board oversight and stress testing. World Drug Day: The National Drug Council calls for prevention-focused, data-informed action as synthetic substances and online access drive new youth drug trends.

Local Governance & Cost of Living: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw Lumsden’s motion to raise the personal duty-free allowance for returning residents was accepted, with the allowance set to increase to CI$1,000 in July and August and again in December. Parliament Watch: The Third Sitting of the 2026-2027 session opened with ministerial updates including a plan to provide summer stipends for bus wardens while longer-term solutions are explored. Housing & Sister Islands: The SIAHDC is pushing ahead with new affordable homes in Cayman Brac, while pausing new applications to clear backlogs and move to a needs-based priority system. Public Health & Safety: MRCU reports mosquito numbers are trending down after a June peak, but warns vigilance as rain could trigger another rise; separately, an AED has been delivered to Parliament via a community partnership. Tourism & Economy: May stayover arrivals hit 40,015, up 16.5% year-on-year, with growth led by the US and Canada. World Drug Day: The National Drug Council marks 26 June by urging prevention-focused, data-informed action amid rising synthetic substances and online access. Maritime Recognition: Cayman marks the Day of the Seafarer with national awareness activities and honours for seafaring community leadership. International Shipping Risk: Reports say an Indian-flagged bulk carrier transited the Strait of Hormuz via the Iran route after recent attacks, as threat levels remain elevated. Finance & Regulation: Singapore’s MAS added Hyperliquid to its Investor Alert List for operating without local licensing, while Cayman-linked IPO activity continues with multiple SPAC closings and listings.

Mosquito Control Update: MRCU says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are still high but trending down, with trap collections falling from a June peak of 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), while warning another rise could follow recent rainfall. Cost of Living in Parliament: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw Lumsden’s motion to raise the personal duty-free allowance for returning residents was accepted, with increases planned to $1,000 in July-August and again in December. Affordable Housing (Cayman Brac): SIAHDC is advancing new affordable homes at “The Highlands,” starting with four three-bedroom houses, and pausing new applications temporarily while it moves to a needs-based, urgency-focused system. Government Health Preparedness: An AED has been delivered to Parliament via a partnership with the Ministry of Health, YMCA, Lifeline and a donor, with CPR/AED training planned for staff and MPs. Seafarer Day: Cayman marked the Day of the Seafarer under “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks,” led by an inter-agency group involving maritime and port authorities. Tourism Numbers: May stayover arrivals hit 40,015, up 16.5% year-on-year, led by growth from the US and Canada.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are finally trending down, dropping from a June peak of 9,309 collections (June 18) to 4,723 (June 22), but warns another rise could follow recent rain. Public Health Advisory: Health officials also issued a Saharan dust alert for June 26–28, urging residents—especially children, older adults, and people with asthma—to limit outdoor exposure and watch for breathing issues. Cost of Living in Parliament: The NCFC government accepted a private member’s motion to raise the personal duty-free allowance for returning residents, with increases to $1,000 in July/August and again in December. Affordable Housing (Sister Islands): Cayman Brac’s affordable housing push is moving ahead at “The Highlands,” with the first phase under construction and a shift to a needs-based application system after a temporary pause to clear backlogs. Parliament & Services: The government also moved to equip Parliament with an AED through a partnership, and marked the Day of the Seafarer with inter-agency events highlighting the sector’s role in trade and risk. Governance Watch (Finance): A Cayman Islands Monetary Authority thematic review flags governance as the biggest weakness area for reinsurers, stressing stronger board oversight and stress testing. Tourism Numbers: May stayover arrivals rose to 40,015 (+16.5% year-on-year), while cruise passenger totals fell.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) says mosquito numbers are finally trending down in Grand Cayman, dropping from a June peak of 9,309 collections (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), but warns another rise could follow recent rainfall and urges residents to stay vigilant. Public Health & Safety: MRCU staff completed annual safety training, including pesticide safety and spill response drills, while the Health Ministry secured an AED for the House of Parliament through a partnership with Lifeline, YMCA and an anonymous donor. Cost of Living & Pensions: The Department of Labour & Pensions raised the maximum annual RSA withdrawal from CI$15,400 to CI$16,200 (effective 1 July), and NCFC announced expanded electricity assistance for households across the islands. Affordable Housing (Cayman Brac): SIAHDC is building new affordable homes at The Highlands, with a needs-based approach replacing first-come-first-served as applications are temporarily paused to clear backlogs. Tourism Numbers: May stayover arrivals rose to 40,015 (+16.5% year-on-year), with growth led by the US and Canada. Parliament & Governance: Parliamentary proceedings covered the start of the 2026-2027 session, including a push for a National Day of Wellness in October. Public Order: A West Bay man remains in custody after violently resisting police in George Town, injuring an officer.

Governor’s Agenda: Governor Jane Owen set out the government’s priorities for the new parliamentary session, pointing to a strong economy, record tourism growth, and immigration policy developments. Parliament Watch: Opposition Leader Joey Hew pressed MPs on whether success is reaching ordinary Caymanians, arguing cost of living pressures demand outcomes, not announcements. Public Procurement: The Central Procurement Office ran a seminar for small and medium businesses on how to compete for government contracts under the Procurement Act and Regulations, stressing fairness, transparency, and value for money. Civil Service Farewell: MPs praised outgoing Deputy Governor Franz Manderson for decades of service as he prepares to leave the civil service. Retirement Relief: The Department of Labour & Pensions raised the maximum annual RSA withdrawal by 5.2% from 1 July, from $15,400 to $16,200, to better match retiree cost pressures. Wellness Holiday Move: A motion to create a National Day of Wellness on the second Monday in October is gaining momentum as MPs amend the public holiday plan. Public Safety: Health officials issued a Saharan dust advisory for 26–28 June, urging residents—especially vulnerable groups—to limit outdoor exposure. Mosquito Update: MRCU says mosquito numbers are trending down from June peaks, but warns more emergence may follow rain.

Public Safety: A 35-year-old West Bay man remains in custody after violently resisting RCIPS officers in George Town on 24 June, injuring an officer during the arrest. Public Health: MRCU says mosquito numbers are trending down since the 18 June peak, but warns another surge could follow recent rainfall within about 10 days. Cost of Living & Pensions: DLP will raise the maximum annual RSA withdrawal by 5.2% from 1 July 2026, lifting the cap from $15,400 to $16,200 to better reflect higher retiree essentials. Government & Elections: Governor Jane Owen confirmed a new Electoral Boundary Commission will be appointed to address growing inequity in Cayman’s electoral map, with a report targeted for spring 2027. Justice: A man was sentenced to five years after pleading guilty to sexually abusing his step-granddaughter over several years. Maritime & Community: Cayman marks Day of the Seafarer with an inter-agency push highlighting seafarers’ role in trade and the risks they face. Local Economy & Regulation: OfReg granted Consolidated Water a new 25-year exclusive retail water license for Grand Cayman operations starting 1 August 2026. Immigration: The Sister Islands Immigration Board reminded employers and applicants of work permit requirements for hiring on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Sports Spotlight: World record holder Jordan Crooks is returning to competitive swimming with eyes on the 2028 Olympics.