AGP Executive Report

Overseas Territories Diplomacy: Cayman will host the 2027 session of the Caribbean Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus, agreed at this year’s Bermuda meeting ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council in November. Pensions Pressure: Caymanian Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles says thousands of workers may be affected by delinquent employers not paying (or misreporting) pension deductions, with court action underway and a major pension system study planned. Local Leadership: Premier André Ebanks has appointed Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff from 1 October, tasking her with strategic policy support across government priorities. Regional Preparedness: The Cayman Islands will mark National Week of Readiness (16–23 September) to push hurricane preparedness ahead of peak season. Banking Costs: Local banks are moving to reflect a US rate rise, lifting loan interest rates from 6.75% to 7% from Friday. Travel & Connectivity: Cayman Airways launched a new vacations booking site, while Southwest Airlines is expanding nonstop Caribbean service including Grand Cayman. Sports Spotlight: Cayman’s U-15 boys are drawn into Group S of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan.

Premier’s Office: Premier André Ebanks has appointed Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff, effective 1 October 2026, tasking her with leading the Office of the Premier and advising on NCFC priorities. Pensions Pressure: Minister Michael Myles says more than 2,000 companies are in default on pension payments, warning of pension harm for hundreds of workers and pledging court action and a major review of the pension system. Regional Diplomacy: Cayman will host the 2027 Caribbean Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus session, with leaders aligning priorities ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council. Banking Costs: Local banks are moving to reflect a US rate hike, with loan rates set to rise from 6.75% to 7%, adding to cost-of-living strain. Human Rights Leadership: Governor Jane Owen appointed Nicholas Dixey as Chairman of the Human Rights Commission from 4 September 2026. Hurricane Readiness: The Cayman Islands will run a National Week of Readiness (16–23 September) focused on practical hurricane preparedness steps. Aviation & Travel: Cayman Airways launched a new vacation booking website, while Southwest announced nonstop service to Grand Cayman from Orlando and Baltimore. Sports & Community: Cayman’s FIFA U-15 World Cup group includes the Cayman Islands, and the National Week of Readiness campaign is backed by local supermarket “Blue Tag Specials.”

Crypto Legal Storm: Celsius Network’s bankruptcy estate has sued BitMEX in U.S. court, demanding the return of 6,360.17 BTC (about $495M) tied to March 2020 COVID-era liquidations, naming BitMEX-linked entities across Bermuda and the Cayman Islands among other jurisdictions. Local Governance: Cayman’s Human Rights Commission gets a new chair as independent lawyer Nicholas Dixey takes over the role, with Governor Jane Owen citing his long-running work on fair trial and bail-related rights. Workplace Compliance Crackdown: Cayman’s Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles says around 2,000 employers are in default on staff pensions and health insurance, and from now on they won’t get new or renewed permits or licences until they pay up. Environment & Fisheries: The Department of Environment is testing an electromagnetic shark deterrent (“Rpelx”) with local fisherfolk, aiming to reduce catch and tackle losses while protecting breeding sharks. Business & Finance: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Limited priced a $4.97M public offering, while Walkers Professional Services agreed to acquire Luxembourg firm Value Partners to expand its European footprint. Community & Heritage: Volunteers restored the historic Old Homestead’s white sand yard in West Bay, reviving a key part of Cayman’s domestic heritage.

Pension & Licensing Crackdown: Cayman’s Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles says about 2,000 employers are in default on staff pension and health insurance payments, and from now on they won’t get new or renewed permits or trade licences until they pay up. Shark Research in Action: The Department of Environment is testing an electromagnetic shark deterrent (“Rpelx”) with local fisherfolk, aiming to compare 100 fishing drops with the device against 100 without to reduce catch and tackle losses. Cayman Finance & Markets: Meey Global Corp, a Cayman holding company, has filed with the SEC for a proposed IPO on Nasdaq under ticker “MEEY.” Corporate Deals: Mourant advised NCB Financial Group on selling its Cayman subsidiaries to Bermuda-based Clarien Bank, with the Cayman operation set to be rebranded. Local Community Heritage: Volunteers helped restore the historic white sand yard at The Old Homestead in West Bay, built in 1912. Regional Health Preparedness: CARPHA ran a lab preparedness workshop in Barbados with participation from Cayman’s lab professionals. Energy & Investment: CIBC Caribbean highlighted about US$820m in sustainable finance initiatives, including renewable energy projects in Cayman.

Cayman Finance & local talent: Cayman Finance marked the 48 Caymanian students who completed its 2026 LEAD work-experience programme, with paid placements and mentorship feeding into long-term careers in finance. Scholarships & sustainability: Dart named its 2026 Dart Scholar recipients, while the Cayman Motoring Federation rolled out new sustainability steps with the National Trust and an Island Offsets partnership. Sports on the calendar: Cayman Cricket is set for the North America Cricket Cup (20–27 Sept) at Jimmy Powell Oval, and the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association confirmed the McGrath Tonner Duathlon on 18 Oct plus its Stroke & Stride series dates. Governance & environment: The UK’s Overseas Territories minister weighed in on beneficial ownership access (PARBO vs Legitimate Interest Access), and Cayman’s National Conservation Act amendment bill is still awaiting a clear government position ahead of Parliament. Business & legal: An insurance holding company based in Cayman filed for Chapter 15 in New York as part of a liquidation process.

Cayman Finance & youth development: Cayman Finance marked 48 Caymanian students completing its 2026 LEAD programme, pairing students with mentors and placing them in paid work experiences across the local financial sector. Local governance & environment: A conservation bill amendment is still waiting on a clear government position, with experts warning it could weaken the National Conservation Council’s protections ahead of Parliament sitting on 30 September. Public safety: RCIPS investigated a machete fight in George Town where police used pepper spray to disperse a crowd; witnesses are being asked to come forward. Sports & community: Cayman Cricket is gearing up for the North America Cricket Cup 2026 (20–27 September) and the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association’s McGrath Tonner Duathlon returns 18 October at the Yacht Club. Business & finance: Appleby secured a significant minority investment from New Mountain Capital to back growth and tech, while Intercont (Cayman) Limited announced a 25-for-1 reverse share split to regain Nasdaq compliance.

Overseas Territories diplomacy: Premier André Ebanks wrapped up Caribbean OT leader talks in Bermuda, with a focus on acting together on health, climate and financial services, and he’s now heading to London and Dublin to meet UK overseas-territories minister Uma Kumaran and EU stakeholders. Local governance: The government is still silent on whether it will back proposed amendments to the National Conservation Act that critics say could weaken the National Conservation Council’s protections ahead of Parliament sitting on 30 September. Public safety: RCIPS commissioned an independent review into the investigation of toddler Alissady Powell’s death on Cayman Brac, after a court outcome last month. Mosquito control: MRCU has started island-wide aerial larviciding across Grand Cayman, beginning in West Bay, with daytime low-altitude flights expected for about a week. Transport rules: Customs reminded residents that importing vehicles model year 2018 or older is prohibited, with 2019 models needing arrival by 31 December 2026. Community sports: Cayman Cricket hosts the North America Cricket Cup 2026 (20–27 Sept) at Jimmy Powell Oval, and the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association’s McGrath Tonner Duathlon returns 18 Oct at the Yacht Club. Business/finance: Intercont (Cayman) Limited announced a 25-for-1 reverse share split effective 17 Sept to regain Nasdaq compliance, and Appleby secured a minority investment from New Mountain Capital via a newly established Cayman holding company.

Corporate & Markets: Intercont (Cayman) Limited says its 25-for-1 reverse share split takes effect Sept. 17 to regain Nasdaq’s $1 minimum bid price, with shares trading on a split-adjusted basis under the same NCT symbol but a new CUSIP. Business & Finance: Appleby secured a significant minority investment from New Mountain Capital via a newly established Cayman Islands company to back expansion, technology and potential acquisitions. Public Safety: RCIPS reports a machete fight outside a George Town bar early Saturday; officers used pepper spray to de-escalate, injured people were assessed, and an investigation is underway. Government & Diplomacy: Premier André Ebanks is in London and Dublin for meetings with UK and EU stakeholders, including a Cayman Finance roundtable and the Maples Insight London Investment Funds Forum. Insurance/Regulation: AM Best says a proposed UK captive framework for single-parent captives could be competitive, though taxation remains a key factor versus established domiciles like Cayman. Health & Environment: MRCU has started island-wide aerial larviciding across Grand Cayman, and officials issued a Saharan dust alert warning residents to limit outdoor time and protect air quality. Justice: RCIPS commissioned an independent review into the investigation of toddler Alissady Powell’s death on Cayman Brac. Travel/Local Economy: Cayman Customs reminds residents that vehicle imports are restricted by model year, with 2019 models needing arrival by Dec. 31, 2026.

Crypto & Trust: Toobit says its September 2026 Proof of Reserves tops 100% for BTC (104%), ETH (102%), USDT (106%) and USDC (105%), with Merkle-tree verification and most assets in cold storage. Insurance & Captives: AM Best argues a proposed UK captive framework for single-parent captives could become competitive, while Marsh flags “explosive” captive growth tied to AI data-centre physical risks. Local Sports Governance: Cabinet approved a new framework for Cayman’s Focus Sports, aiming for fair criteria, safeguarding and value for money, with annual reviews and a cap of up to 10 Focus Sports. Cayman Infrastructure & Safety: MHES issued a Saharan dust alert for Friday through Monday, urging residents to limit outdoor time and keep doors/windows closed. Road Update: RCIPS reported a Shamrock Road crash involving a Honda Fit and a tractor; the Fit driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and remains in stable condition. Tourism: Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa is taking reservations from Nov. 28, adding a 382-room luxury option on Seven Mile Beach. Business/Finance Link: A report on aircraft leasing notes that about 80% of India’s commercial fleet financing and leasing runs through entities including the Cayman Islands.

New Luxury Hotel for Seven Mile Beach: Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa is taking reservations from Nov. 28, with 382 rooms, 900 feet of oceanfront and an $85 nightly resort fee—prices for opening-night stays are already listed around the high $1,700s before taxes. Cayman Courts & Telecom Fees: C3 Pure Fibre says it will seek leave to appeal to the Privy Council after the Court of Appeal ruled OfReg’s licence fees were lawful; C3 argues the law didn’t allow fee collection via individual licence agreements. Duty-Free Update: The permanent personal duty-free allowance is now CI$800 (from CI$500), with the temporary CI$1,000 allowance set to return from Nov. 23 to Jan. 7. Public Health Alert: The Ministry of Health and CINWS issued a Saharan dust alert for Friday through Monday, urging residents to limit outdoor time and keep doors/windows closed. Sports Governance: Cabinet approved a new framework for Cayman’s Focus Sports, with annual reviews and a cap of no more than 10 Focus Sports at any time. Road Safety: A crash on Shamrock Road in Red Bay involved a Honda Fit and a tractor; the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and is in stable condition.

Public Safety: The RCIPS is investigating a Shamrock Road crash in Red Bay around 5:20am involving a Honda Fit and a tractor; the Fit driver was taken to hospital in stable condition and later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Weather & Health: Cayman’s National Weather Service has issued a Saharan dust alert from Friday through Monday, with dust expected to peak Sunday; MHES urges residents to limit time outdoors, keep doors/windows closed, and use AC recirculation or purifiers. Local Governance: Cabinet approved a new framework for Cayman’s Focus Sports, setting clearer rules for funding, safeguarding, athlete development and annual review, with Focus Sport status capped at ten at any time. Telecoms Legal Fight: C3 Pure Fibre says it will seek leave to appeal to the Privy Council after the Court of Appeal ruled OfReg licence fees were lawful, as the dispute over historical fees and refunds continues. Duty-Free Update: The permanent CI$800 traveller duty-free allowance is now in effect (CI$1,000 summer allowance ended 31 August). Community & Inclusion: Logic raised KYD$10,000 for Inclusion Cayman through its “Connect for Inclusion” campaign. Sports: UCCI welcomed students for 2026–2027 orientation across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Cayman Governance & Courts: C3 Pure Fibre (Infinity Broadband) says it will seek leave to appeal to the Privy Council after the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal ruled OfReg’s historically charged ICT licence fees were lawful, in a dispute tied to more than CI$500,000 in fees and C3’s argument that “prescribed” meant fees should be set via Gazette regulations, not individual licence agreements. Sports Policy: Cabinet approved a new framework for Cayman’s Focus Sports, setting out fair criteria, governance, safeguarding, athlete development and annual reviews, with the number capped at no more than ten at any time. Travel & Cost of Living: The permanent CI$800 duty-free allowance for personal and household goods took effect 1 September, after the temporary CI$1,000 summer allowance ended 31 August. Weather & Climate: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service reports record-breaking August heat, including the hottest-ever August day on Grand Cayman, alongside very low rainfall tied to El Niño impacts. Community & Culture: Logic wrapped up its “Connect for Inclusion Cayman” campaign, raising KYD$10,000 for Inclusion Cayman to boost disability inclusion awareness.

Cayman Sports Governance: Cabinet has approved a new framework for Cayman’s Focus Sports, setting rules for fair funding, athlete development, child safeguarding, governance, and annual reviews, with the current eight Focus Sports grandfathered during a managed transition and a cap of no more than ten Focus Sports at once. Local Economy & Travel: The permanent CI$800 duty-free allowance for residents is now in effect (replacing the temporary CI$1,000 summer allowance that ended 31 August), with the CI$1,000 allowance set to return 23 November through 7 January 2027. Telecom Legal Fight: C3 Pure Fibre says it will seek leave to appeal to the Privy Council after the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal ruled licence fees collected by OfReg were lawful, as OfReg pursues more than CI$500,000. Weather Watch: Cayman recorded record-breaking heat in August, including the hottest-ever day on Grand Cayman at 95.4°F, with El Niño blamed for hot, dry conditions. Road Safety: A school-term morning crash on Shamrock Road in Red Bay sent a Honda Fit driver to hospital; police arrested the driver on suspicion of DUI and the case remains under investigation. Business & Finance: Eastern International Ltd. received a Nasdaq notice about a minimum bid price deficiency, with no immediate impact but a 180-day compliance period to regain $1.00.

Sports Governance: Cabinet has approved a new framework for Cayman’s Focus Sports, setting clearer rules for selecting, funding, safeguarding and reviewing the current eight Focus Sports, with annual reviews and a cap of no more than ten Cabinet-approved Focus Sports at once. Customs Update: The permanent CI$800 duty-free allowance for residents is now in effect (from 1 September), with the temporary CI$1,000 allowance set to resume 23 November through 7 January 2027. Telecoms Legal Fight: C3 Pure Fibre says it will seek leave to appeal to the Privy Council after the Court of Appeal ruled OfReg’s historically collected ICT licence fees were lawful; C3 argues the law required fees to be set via regulations and published in the Gazette. Weather: Cayman recorded record-breaking heat in August, including the hottest-ever August day on Grand Cayman at 95.4°F, with El Niño blamed for hot, dry conditions. Road Safety: A Fit driver was injured in a crash with a tractor on Shamrock Road in Red Bay; the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and the collision is under investigation. Community & Inclusion: Logic’s “Connect for Inclusion Cayman” campaign raised KYD$10,000 for Inclusion Cayman.

Crypto & Cayman Finance: Centrifuge’s CP172 proposal has passed, restructuring its foundation into a Cayman Islands exempted company and creating a voluntary 1:1 token-to-equity conversion path for CFG holders. Local Governance: Cayman’s move toward outcome-based budgeting is underway, but the government says it won’t show results from the annual CI$1B+ spend until at least 2030, with Public Accounts Committee members pressing on gaps in measuring impact. Public Safety & Justice: A manslaughter trial heard claims about alleged mistakes during ER treatment of gunshot victim Travis Ebanks, with a police witness’s account challenged in cross-examination. Reinsurance & Industry Events: CIRCA has opened early-bird registration for ReConnect 2027 in Grand Cayman (15–16 April), focusing on regulation, capital, risk and market issues. Sports & Cayman Spotlight: Bermuda’s cricket squad is set for the North American Cricket Cup in Cayman (19–27 Sept), with the tournament featuring Bahamas, Bermuda and Cayman. Community & Youth: The Department of Financial Assistance and DFA’s probation/rehabilitation work were discussed regionally, while IMAC announced its 2026 scholarship recipients.

Cruise Access: Southern Caribbean sailings are getting easier as major lines add 2026–27 itineraries, opening up bucket-list ports like Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao without repositioning cruises. Crypto-to-Equity in Cayman: Centrifuge’s CP172 passed, restructuring its foundation into Cayman exempted company Centrifuge, Inc., enabling a voluntary 1:1 token-to-tokenized equity conversion path. Markets & Listings: OceanLight Acquisition (Cayman exempted company) says unit holders can start separately trading ordinary shares, rights and warrants on/around Sept. 11. Banking Watch: KBRA placed Butterfield’s ratings on “watch downgrade” tied to its CIBC Caribbean deal, with Cayman’s reinsurance and banking footprint in focus. Reinsurance Calendar: CIRCA opened early-bird registration for ReConnect 2027 (Apr 15–16) at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Local Governance & Services: DFA told the Public Accounts Committee it measures outputs, not outcomes yet, as it works through outstanding Auditor General recommendations. Community & Sports: Cayman’s Focus Sports Framework got Cabinet approval, and Cayman Cricket is gearing up for the North America Cup (Sept. 20–27) with electronic scoring training. Duty-Free Update: Permanent CI$800 duty-free allowance for returning residents is now in effect from Sept. 1. Education Scholarships: IMAC announced its 2026 Educational Scholarship Fund recipients.