AGP Executive Report

Governor’s Honours: The Governor announced five Caymanians named in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours, including a CBE for Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and awards for charity, education, policing and sustainability. Public Service Loss: A lying-in-state ceremony is set for former Chief Secretary James Ryan at the House of Parliament on 18 June, with public viewing from 10:00am to 12:30pm and live broadcast details shared by Parliament. Youth & Work: The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage says 20 young Caymanians will get summer placements across youth, sports, culture, heritage, communications, policy and events, starting 1 June for most interns. Health Policy Watch: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting over 12,000 residents tied to CG Britcay, with a 1 July 2026 start date. Corrections Partnership: Cayman Islands Prison Service signed a five-year MOU with Canada’s Correctional Service to expand training, knowledge exchange and capacity building. Environment & Services: DEH confirmed George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King’s Birthday, with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal dumping that day; regular collections continue. Workforce Planning: The National Workforce Development Committee is asking employers to complete a survey to shape a new workforce strategy focused on hiring, training and retaining Caymanian talent.

Youth & Workforce: The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage will place 20 young Caymanians in its 2026 Summer Internship Programme across youth, sports, culture, heritage, communications, policy and events, with most starts on 1 June and placements designed to build real workplace skills. Government & Public Service: A Lying-in-State Ceremony for former Chief Secretary James Ryan is set for Thursday, 18 June 2026, with public viewing in the House of Parliament from 10:00am to 12:30pm and live broadcast options listed by Parliament. Health Policy: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting more than 12,000 residents, with the insurer citing claims experience and rising use of advanced services. Corrections Partnership: The Cayman Islands Prison Service has signed a five-year MOU with Canada’s Correctional Service to expand training, knowledge exchange and capacity building. Local Governance & Accountability: The main opposition Progressives declined a government invitation to join a policy summit, arguing reforms should be developed by Government and brought to Parliament through proper constitutional channels. Environment & Services: DEH says the George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday holiday, with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal dumping that day.

Health Policy Watch: Government is reviewing a proposed Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC) premium increase that could hit more than 12,000 residents from 1 July 2026, with the insurer citing claims experience and rising use of advanced services. Public Safety & Corrections: The Cayman Islands Prison Service has signed a five-year MOU with Canada’s Correctional Service, focused on training, intelligence sharing, and emergency response readiness, as plans for a new Northward facility remain unclear. Local Government & Cost of Living: The proposed SHIC hike is expected to raise premiums by about 25% across categories, adding pressure for workers, families and employers already facing cost-of-living strain. Environment & Services: DEH says the George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday holiday (15 June), with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs that day. Workforce Development: The National Workforce Development Committee is asking employers to complete a survey to shape a new National Workforce Development Strategy aimed at hiring, developing and retaining Caymanian talent. Parliament & Governance: Deputy Speaker Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden and Parliamentary Secretary Julie Hunter attended a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association small branches workshop in the Maldives on strengthening oversight and independent parliaments. Cayman in the News (Global): A Cayman Islands holding company structure is again in the spotlight as Park Ha Biological Technology and SL Science Holding (a Cayman holding company) advance US market listings and fundraising.

Health Policy: The Ministry of Health is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium hike from 1 July 2026 that would hit more than 12,000 residents covered under CG BritCay’s Standard Health Insurance Contract, with Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks saying government understands the cost-of-living pressure. Local Government & Services: The Department of Environmental Health says the George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June), with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs that day; regular garbage and recycling continue and operations resume 16 June. Workforce & Caymanian Talent: The National Workforce Development Committee is surveying employers to shape a National Workforce Development Strategy, focusing on hiring, training, retention, and barriers to recruiting Caymanians. Parliament & Governance: Deputy Speaker Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden and Parliamentary Secretary Julie Hunter attended a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association small branches workshop in the Maldives on strengthening oversight and public engagement in small jurisdictions. Opposition Watch: The Progressives say they declined a government invitation to a policy summit, arguing reforms must come through proper constitutional channels and be debated in Parliament. Public Finance Oversight: The Auditor General is inviting public input on a new 2027–2031 Strategic Plan, asking what matters most for accountability and how public money is spent.

Parliament Watch: The Cayman Islands will officially open its 2026-2027 Session with the State Opening of Parliament on 19 June 2026, featuring the Governor’s Throne Speech and live-streamed proceedings. Opposition Pushback: The PPM/Progressives says it declined a government invitation to a policy summit, arguing reforms must come through proper constitutional and parliamentary channels. Public Finance Oversight: The Office of the Auditor General is inviting public input on its 2027-2031 Strategic Plan, focusing on accountability, governance, and how public money is used. Workforce Planning: The National Workforce Development Committee is surveying employers to shape a National Workforce Development Strategy aimed at hiring, training, and retaining Caymanian talent. Health Measures: Health authorities have activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising against travel to affected countries and adding enhanced screening for arrivals. Local Governance & Planning: A judicial review has ordered the Planning Appeals Tribunal to reconsider a refusal tied to an appeal over the Aqua Bay redevelopment. Road Safety: Police report DUI arrests after two separate crashes in George Town involving a Kia Sportage and an e-bike rider. Tourism Recognition: Tourism Director Rosa Harris has been inducted into the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Female Leadership Hall of Fame. Regional Environment: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, joining Cayman and other Caribbean UK Overseas Territories.

Opposition Pushback: The Progressives (PPM) say they’ve declined the ruling NCFC government’s invitation to a policy summit over the CPA–NCC dispute, arguing reform must be brought through proper constitutional channels and debated in Parliament. Parliament & Governance: Cayman hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, with delegates focusing on good governance, AI in legislatures, constitutional reform, and strengthening opposition and accountability. Public Oversight: The Office of the Auditor General is drafting its 2027–2031 Strategic Plan and is asking the public to weigh in on accountability, public money use, performance, and service delivery. Health & Safety: The Health Ministry has activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising against travel to affected countries and expanding screening for travellers arriving in Trinidad and Tobago. Cost of Living Watch: CG BritCay’s proposed 25% hike to SHIC premiums is set for July 1, drawing concern from government over the impact on more than 12,000 policyholders. Immigration Compliance: Lawyers warn the new immigration job-hopping rules and tight exemption deadlines may create legal problems for employers and workers, especially during transitions. Ebola Screening Update: Health officials report surveillance of BA253 passengers ended with no concerns raised. Local Accountability: A judicial review has sent back a planning appeal timeline issue for the Aqua Bay redevelopment, after the tribunal chairman was found to have erred in refusing more time. Public Notice: State Opening of the 2026–2027 Parliament is set for 19 June, with the Governor expected to deliver the Throne Speech.

Planning & Courts: Objectors to the $60m Aqua Bay redevelopment at Seven Mile Beach won a judicial review after a judge said the Planning Appeals Tribunal chairman failed to give adequate reasons for refusing more time to appeal, with the tribunal ordered to reconsider. Immigration Law: Cayman lawyers warn the new immigration transition rules could spark court fights for employers and workers, especially around a fast three-day deadline to seek exemptions from the job-hopping requirement. Public Finance Oversight: The Office of the Auditor General is asking the public for input on its 2027–2031 Strategic Plan, focusing on accountability, use of public money, performance and service delivery. Government Calendar: The 2026–2027 Session of Parliament will open with the State Opening on 19 June 2026, with the Governor’s Throne Speech outlining the legislative agenda. Health Costs: CG BritCay’s proposed 25% hike to SHIC premiums from 1 July is drawing regulatory review after concern over impact on more than 12,000 policyholders. Road Safety: Police report DUI arrests after two crashes in George Town, including a driver trapped after a collision on South Church Street and an e-bike rider arrested following a separate incident. Regional Diplomacy: Premier André Ebanks is in Washington and Chicago to push Cayman’s financial services interests with US Treasury, Congress and industry stakeholders.

Parliament Calendar: The Cayman Islands Parliament will open the 2026-2027 session on Friday, 19 June 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with Governor Jane Owen delivering the Throne Speech and the public invited to watch live on CIGTV. Public Accountability: The Office of the Auditor General is asking the public to shape its 2027-2031 Strategic Plan, with a survey open until 26 June. Health Insurance Pressure: CG BritCay is proposing a 25% hike to the Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC), affecting more than 12,000 policyholders, with the change planned for 1 July—prompting regulator review amid cost-of-living concerns. Premier’s US Push: Premier André Ebanks is in Washington and Chicago to deepen US-Cayman financial services engagement, including meetings on tax policy, regulation, and cross-border investment. Road Safety: RCIPS reports a DUI arrest after a two-car crash in George Town and another DUI arrest after an e-bike collision on South Sound Road. Honours & Community: Two Caymanians will receive Certificates and Badges of Honour at the King’s Birthday Parade on 15 June.

Health Policy: Cayman’s Ministry of Health says CG BritCay is proposing a 25% hike to the Standard Health Insurance Contract, affecting more than 12,000 people, with the change set for July 1—prompting fresh cost-of-living concerns from the Government. Government & Finance: Premier André Ebanks continues international outreach, heading to Washington and Chicago to press US Treasury, lawmakers and industry on tax policy, financial regulation and cross-border investment. Honours & Community: Two Caymanians are set to receive Certificates and Badges of Honour at the King’s Birthday Parade and Ceremony on 15 June outside Government House. Marine Protection: World Ocean Day coverage highlights Cayman’s marine parks and coral work, while Montserrat joins the UK Blue Belt Programme alongside Cayman and other territories. Regional Politics: The BVI and VI urge the UN decolonisation committee to use good offices and visiting missions to advance self-government for remaining territories. Breaking News: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba was felt across Florida, with evacuations reported as a precaution. International Scandal: US media reports new claims tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files alleging Trump funded “underage” sex parties at a golf course, with an allegation that recordings were mailed to an attorney in the Cayman Islands.

Cayman Foreign Policy & Finance: Premier André Ebanks and Financial Services Minister André Ebanks are in the US, starting in Washington DC and then moving to Chicago, to press key issues for Cayman’s financial services sector including international tax policy, financial regulation, cross-border investment and the US–Cayman economic relationship. Marine Protection: On World Ocean Day, Cayman’s Department of Environment highlighted how marine parks and coral propagation work are helping, even as reefs face ongoing bleaching and disease pressures. Local Cost of Living: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden is pushing to raise the duty-free traveller allowance for residents returning to Cayman from $500 to $800, arguing inflation has left families squeezed. Business Licensing Reform: Government has published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which would let Cabinet suspend LCCL licences for foreign-owned businesses in sectors deemed in the public interest, with real estate flagged as a focus. UN Decolonisation Push: The Virgin Islands and BVI both urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for remaining territories.

Local Governance: Government has published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which would let Cabinet pause the issuance of licences for foreign-owned businesses in sectors deemed in the public interest—aimed at boosting opportunities for Caymanian entrepreneurs, with particular focus on real estate and property development. Cost of Living & Travel: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden is pushing to raise the duty-free traveller allowance for residents returning from overseas from $500 to $800, arguing it hasn’t changed in at least eight years and no longer matches inflation. Health Policy: Coralisle Medical (CG BritCay) is seeking about a 25% increase to SHIC basic plan premiums from 1 July, but the Health Insurance Commission can block it and the government says it will resist. Regional Diplomacy: BVI’s Special Envoy Benito Wheatley urged the UN decolonization committee to use its mandate more actively, including via visiting missions, to advance remaining territories’ paths to self-government. Appointments & Business: Consolidated Water named water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla as Senior VP, Strategy and Growth; Green Circle Decarbonize Technology appointed Louis Ho Ming Leung as CFO. Public Safety: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba was felt across Florida, prompting evacuations and temporary ride closures, with no tsunami threat reported.

Local Business Policy: The Cayman Islands Government has published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which would let Cabinet pause the issuance of Local Companies Control Licences (LCCLs) for foreign-owned businesses in sectors deemed in the public interest—aimed at boosting opportunities for Caymanian entrepreneurs, with real estate and property development flagged as a key focus. Health Insurance Costs: CG BritCay (Coralisle Medical) is proposing to raise SHIC basic plan premiums by about 25% effective 1 July, with the Health Insurance Commission able to block the increase if it’s excessive or unfair; the ministry says it will resist. Fund Domicile Momentum: CV5 Capital says Cayman’s fund ecosystem is still attracting new managers, citing CIMA figures of nearly 31,000 regulated funds in Q1 2026. Judicial News: Tributes continue following the death of retired Court of Appeal President Justice Ian Forte, who also served on the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal. Environment Watch: Officials say Saharan dust readings across Grand Cayman have stayed in the Good to Moderate range, and the alert has been lifted as concentrations decline. Youth & Community: Rotary Sunset honours early-career Caymanian teachers at its Early Career Teacher Awards Evening.

Local Governance: The Cayman Islands Government has published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, setting up a new regime where Cabinet can suspend the granting of licences to foreign-owned businesses in the public interest, including a moratorium on Local Companies Control Licences (LCCLs) by sector. The bill is set for debate later this month, with officials pointing especially to real estate and property development, where many LCCLs are concentrated. Health Policy: Coralisle Medical’s CG BritCay is proposing to raise SHIC premiums by about 25% from 1 July, but the Health Insurance Commission can block it if deemed excessive or unfair, and the Ministry says it will resist the change. Business & Finance: CV5 Capital says it is backing more hedge fund and digital asset managers launching in Cayman as the jurisdiction nears 31,000 regulated funds, citing momentum from Cayman’s tokenised funds framework. Tourism & Transport: Cayman Airways launched a new nonstop route between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas, with Tourism Minister Gary Rutty calling Texas a key market. Public Safety: Government says Saharan dust readings across Grand Cayman have stayed in the Good to Moderate range and the alert has been lifted as concentrations decline.

Local Governance & Business Licensing: The Cayman Islands Government published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, giving Cabinet power to impose a moratorium on licences for non-Cayman-owned trading companies when it’s in the public interest, aiming to open more space for local entrepreneurs—especially in property and development. Health Policy: CG BritCay (Coralisle Medical) is seeking about a 25% increase to SHIC basic premiums from 1 July, with the Health Insurance Commission able to block it if deemed excessive or unfair, and the Ministry signalling resistance. Public Works & Utilities: Water Authority-Cayman confirmed a 3% base price rise effective 1 July, with higher residential and sewerage rates. Justice & Legal System: Tributes continue after retired Court of Appeal President Justice Ian Forte’s death at 89, including praise for his service across the Caribbean, with Cayman noted among his jurisdictions. Immigration & Labour: A BVI commentator warned that a Cayman-style “rollover” immigration approach could disrupt businesses that train workers for years. Public Safety: Cayman officials lifted the Saharan dust alert as air quality stayed in the good-to-moderate range, with monitoring at schools and public advisories. Politics & Youth Online Safety: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden’s push for social media safeguards for under-16s gained momentum after London Mayor Sadiq Khan backed similar restrictions.

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.