AGP Executive Report

Planning Appeals: Objectors to Aqua Bay’s $60m Seven Mile Beach redevelopment can continue their fight after a judicial review found the Planning Appeals Tribunal chairman failed to give adequate reasons, sending the matter back for reconsideration. Public Finance Oversight: The Office of the Auditor General is drafting its 2027–2031 Strategic Plan and is asking the public to weigh in via an online survey on accountability, governance and how public money is spent. Workforce Development: Employers are being invited to take part in the Caymanian Employment Survey to shape a National Workforce Development Strategy, with responses collected anonymously. Health & Travel: The Ministry of Health and Public Health Department are urging residents travelling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to check routine vaccinations (especially measles) and take sensible precautions. Mosquito Control: MRCU says mosquito numbers are still higher than ideal after early rainy-season emergence, but aerial and ground treatments have reduced the size and duration; weather has delayed some aircraft operations. Local Community & Sports: Cayman Cycling’s May Classics wrapped with record-breaking rides and strong youth turnout, while the RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K raised funds for NCVO. Business & Banking: Cayman Finance expands with three Caymanian hires, and CIBC Caribbean rolls out Google Wallet support for cards across the Cayman Islands and other regional markets.

Real Estate: Prisma Grand Cayman is rolling out “Soho Lofts,” two-bedroom terrace residences in Crystal Harbor, pitching “affordable luxury” with views across the North Sound and Seven Mile Beach. Local Government: The Cayman Islands Parliament will open its 2026-2027 session on Friday, 19 June, with the Governor’s Throne Speech and live public viewing via CIGTV/Radio Cayman. Flooding & Safety: A Grand Cayman flood advisory is in effect, with outdoor activities suspended at the CIFA field and schools urging parents to plan safe pick-ups and send kids prepared for wet weather. Public Finance: The Auditor General is inviting public input to shape a new 2027-2031 Strategic Plan, focusing on accountability, public spending, performance, and service delivery. Transport: Cayman Airways adds Friday Panama flights for summer (26 June–28 August). Digital Payments: CIBC Caribbean expands Google Wallet support to the Cayman Islands (along with Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago). Health: Health officials issue 2026 FIFA World Cup travel guidance, including checking routine vaccinations and measles protection. Community: RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K raises funds for NCVO, while the National Trust says its Heritage Bakehouse cassava heavy cake programme is oversubscribed and adding dates.

Parliament Watch: The Cayman Islands will officially open its 2026-2027 session on Friday, 19 June, with the State Opening of Parliament at 2:00 p.m. and the Governor’s Throne Speech outlining the Government’s legislative priorities. Flood Disruption: A flooding advisory is in effect for Grand Cayman, with CIFA field outdoor activities suspended and schools urging parents to plan safe pick-ups and pack wet-weather gear. Public Accountability: The Auditor General is asking the public for input to shape a new 2027-2031 Strategic Plan, with a survey open until 26 June. Health Costs: CG Britcay is proposing a 25% hike to its Standard Health Insurance Contract premiums, affecting more than 12,000 policyholders, with the change planned for 1 July. Local Business & Tech: Flow opened a new flagship store at Camana Bay, highlighting fibre and 5G upgrades, while Cayman Airways adds Friday Panama flights this summer. Community & Culture: The National Trust says its Heritage Bakehouse cassava heavy cake programme is oversubscribed and will add more dates; meanwhile, the RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K raised funds for NCVO. Sports & Safety: CIFA field suspension follows the advisory, and RCIPS reported DUI arrests after two crashes involving a driver and an e-bike rider.

Earthquake Watch: A 6.1-magnitude quake off western Cuba was felt across south Florida, with precautionary evacuations reported in Miami, and no injuries or major damage so far. Financial Services: Premier André Ebanks is in Washington and Chicago this week to push Cayman’s financial services priorities with US Treasury, lawmakers and industry groups. Local Governance & Community: The King’s Birthday Parade and Honours Ceremony is set for 15 June, with two Caymanians receiving Certificates and Badges of Honour. Public Safety: RCIPS charged a Bodden Town man after a taser during an arrest, alleging an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and controlled drugs. Education & Youth: The Cayman Islands National Robotics Team is preparing to represent Cayman in South Korea at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge. Environment: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to recognise Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship. Health & Careers: MHES marked a staff member’s PhD achievement and return to Cayman to support national health priorities. Business & Tech: WuXi AppTec shares fell after the US added it to a “Chinese military companies” list; Cayman-linked WuXi Biologics also moved lower. Sports: Cayman’s football and regional competition coverage continues, including Cayman Islands teams in CFU Club Shield context.

Earthquake Update: A 6.1-magnitude quake struck just off Cuba’s coast on Monday, shaking buildings in Havana and triggering reports of tremors across Florida, with no tsunami threat and no immediate injuries or damage reported. Premier’s US Trip: Cayman’s Premier André Ebanks is in Washington DC and then Chicago to meet US Treasury officials, lawmakers and industry groups, focusing on international tax policy, financial regulation and the Cayman–US economic relationship. Marine Protection: World Ocean Day spotlighted the push for strong marine protected areas; Cayman’s reefs have benefited from decades of MPAs, but threats remain, while local labs work on coral propagation. Local Public Safety: RCIPS and DEH carried out a West Bay clean-up targeting loitering and disorderly behaviour, and a Bodden Town man was tasered during an arrest and later charged over firearm, ammunition and drug offences. Community & Cost of Living: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden renewed calls to raise the returning residents’ duty-free allowance from $500 to $800 ahead of the 2026/27 session. Youth Program: The Youth Empowerment Symposium (YES) heads to Cayman Brac on 12 June with a financial literacy theme.

Tourism & Economy: Cayman is riding a strong 2026 travel wave, with March stayover arrivals hitting a record 60,000 and total visitation topping 220,000 (up 12.6% year-on-year), helped by easier U.S. and Canada air access. Local Government & Business: The Government has published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, giving Cabinet power to pause licences for foreign-owned businesses in sectors deemed in the public interest, with real estate flagged as a key focus. Public Safety: RCIPS is cracking down on illegal use of noisy Jake Brakes, warning penalties can reach $2,500 or six months. Environment & Community: DEH says the 2026 bulk waste collection schedule has wrapped up successfully across all districts, and RCIPS/DEH ran a West Bay clean-up to tackle abandoned items and anti-social behaviour. Youth & Health: Youth Empowerment Symposium lands in Cayman Brac on 12 June for financial literacy; a wellbeing training session drew strong educator and professional turnout. Corporate Moves: Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited appointed Louis Ho Ming Leung as CFO; Consolidated Water named Sachin Chawla SVP Strategy and Growth. Crime Update: Wanted man David Cranston has been located and arrested, and is remanded in custody.

Local Business Policy: The Cayman Islands Government has published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which would let Cabinet suspend issuing licences to foreign-owned businesses in sectors deemed in the public interest—aimed at boosting opportunities for Caymanian entrepreneurs, with real estate and property development flagged. Road Safety Crackdown: RCIPS is stepping up enforcement against misuse of “Jake Brakes” (unmuffled engine compression brakes), warning drivers the practice is illegal except in emergencies, with penalties up to $2,500 or six months. Search & Rescue Update: After a coordinated search off Seven Mile Beach, authorities recovered a body believed to be a missing jet ski rider; identification is pending. Ebola Preparedness: Enhanced Ebola screening will begin next Thursday for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport, even as officials say the current risk remains low. Tourism Recognition: Barbados and BVI tourism leaders were among major honourees at the CTO Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York. Sports (Regional): Gibraltar beat Cayman Islands 4-1 in a friendly, adding to an earlier 4-0 win over the BVI.

Foreign-ownership curbs: Government moves to restrict licences for foreign-owned businesses, with a bill paving the way for a freeze on foreign ownership of local business. Health screening: Enhanced Ebola screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport starts next Thursday, though officials say the public health risk remains low. Insurance rates: CG BritCay (Coralisle Medical) proposes about a 25% increase to SHIC premiums effective 1 July; the Health Insurance Commission can block it if deemed excessive or unfair. Funds and fintech: CV5 Capital says it’s supporting 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. Reinsurance deal: 26North Reinsurance Holding Company agrees to acquire Independent Insurance Group, entering the U.S. insurance market via its structured settlement annuities carrier. Crime and finance links: Italy seizes €200m+ in assets tied to Matteo Messina Denaro’s mafia network, with searches including in Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands. Sports: Cayman’s men secure historic promotion to Concacaf Nations League B after a 1-1 draw with St. Kitts and Nevis; Gibraltar beat Cayman 4-1 in a friendly. Community: Rotary Sunset honours early career teachers at an awards evening, spotlighting young Caymanian educators.

Cayman Football: The Cayman Islands men’s senior national team has made history, earning its first-ever promotion to Concacaf Nations League B after a 1-1 draw with St. Kitts and Nevis, with Zachary Scott’s late volley sealing the result. Regional Sports: CONCACAF confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with League B set for 16 teams in four groups and matches in September-October and November 2026, using centralised venues. Health & Travel: Enhanced Ebola screening will begin at Owen Roberts International Airport for selected incoming flights next Thursday, though officials say the public health risk to the Cayman Islands remains low. Local Health Insurance: CG BritCay is proposing about a 25% SHIC premium increase effective 1 July, with the HIC able to stop it if deemed excessive or unfair. Business & Finance: IUX24 launched an AI-powered investment intelligence platform aimed at giving retail investors institutional-grade analysis without a $25,000 paywall. Community & Culture: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance and strong sales, while the Cayman National Cultural Foundation unveiled a new public art initiative at Mind’s Eye Centre. Environment: The Saharan dust alert has been lifted as air quality readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range.

Ebola Preparedness: Cayman health officials say the risk of Ebola reaching the islands remains low, but enhanced screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport starts next Thursday, with travellers urged to cooperate with monitoring at ports of entry. Saharan Dust Update: Air quality across Grand Cayman stayed in the Good to Moderate range during the dust event, and the alert has been lifted as concentrations decline, though sensitive residents are still advised to take care. Local Health Insurance: CG BritCay is proposing about a 25% increase to SHIC basic plan premiums effective 1 July; the HIC can block it if deemed excessive or unfair, and the government says it will resist. Local Governance: The government has published the Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, allowing Cabinet to impose a moratorium on licences for non-Cayman-owned local trading companies in the public interest. Sports & Community: Cayman’s senior men’s team secured its first-ever promotion to Concacaf Nations League B, while Rotary Sunset honoured early-career Caymanian teachers at its awards evening. Arts & Culture: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance and strong sales, and the Cayman National Cultural Foundation launched a new public art initiative at Mind’s Eye Centre turning everyday signage into an evolving exhibition platform.

Ebola Preparedness: Cayman health officials say the risk remains low, but enhanced screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International begins next Thursday, with travellers urged to cooperate with monitoring. Health Insurance Shockwave: CG BritCay (Coralisle Medical) is seeking about a 25% SHIC premium increase from 1 July; the HIC can block it, and Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks says the government will resist. Local Governance & Business Licences: A new Local Companies (Control) (Amendment) Bill would let Cabinet impose moratoriums on licences for non-Cayman-owned businesses in the public interest, aiming to open opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Saharan Dust Update: The dust alert has been lifted as air quality stays in the Good to Moderate range, with no readings in unhealthy categories. Sports & Community: Cayman’s men’s team earned its first-ever promotion to Concacaf Nations League B; Rotary Sunset honoured early-career teachers; and Cayman Art Week wrapped with record attendance and strong sales. Public Safety: Police identified persons involved in a West Bay Road altercation and are still urging anyone with information to come forward.

Child Safety & Social Media: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden’s push for tighter social media safeguards for under-16s keeps momentum, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan backing restrictions and urging tougher enforcement of the UK Online Safety Act. Land, Power & Immigration Debate: A new look at Cayman’s development questions who benefits from land and how “dispossession” shapes identity and politics. Immigration Update: May 2026 outbound immigration and global mobility changes include Cayman tightening hiring, mobility and compliance rules. Arts & Culture: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance and strong sales, while the Cayman National Cultural Foundation launched a public art initiative at Mind’s Eye Centre turning everyday signage into an evolving gallery. Public Health: Health officials say Saharan dust air quality across Grand Cayman stayed in the Good-to-Moderate US AQI range, with no readings in Unhealthy or higher categories. Water Bills: Water Authority-Cayman confirmed a 3% base price increase effective 1 July. Police Appeals: RCIPS identified people involved in a West Bay Road altercation and is also investigating a separate serious pedestrian collision in West Bay, asking for doorbell footage. Tourism & Travel: Cayman Airways scored World Travel Awards nominations and launched a new nonstop route to Austin, Texas. Sports: Cayman’s loggerhead turtle tracking tagged its first loggerhead turtle of the season, “Amber,” as part of a conservation project.

Tourism & Air Links: Cayman Airways launched its first nonstop route between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas, with Tourism Minister Gary Rutty citing strong Texas demand and Austin’s growing share of visitors. Water & Bills: The Water Authority-Cayman confirmed a 3% base price increase effective 1 July, with residential Grand Cayman water rates rising from $4.34 to $4.47 per m³ for the first 12 m³. Public Safety: Police opened investigations after a West Bay pedestrian collision and are also seeking help after a separate disturbance on West Bay Road where someone may have been injured. Justice System Strain: A criminal defence attorney warns Cayman’s defence bar is in crisis, pointing to high legal aid demand and long trial demands. Environment & Wildlife: The Department of Environment tagged its first loggerhead turtle of the 2026 season, “Amber,” with satellite and acoustic tracking to follow her movements between nesting events. Local Governance: The opposition PPM says it will skip a government closed-door “Cayman Forward” sustainable development forum over secrecy and limits on discussion. Business & Appointments: AMRL Cayman appointed Stephen Leontsinis to lead its Corporate Disputes, Insolvency & Restructuring practice.

Parliament & Governance: The Cayman Islands hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, with delegates discussing AI in legislatures, governance reform, and constitutional reform. Public Safety: RCIPS says a George Town man was arrested after a Seven Mile Public Beach operation turned violent, with an officer struck by a vehicle during an escape attempt. Health Watch: Cayman’s Ministry of Health says surveillance of BA253 passengers tied to Ebola contact tracing has concluded after negative tests were confirmed. Environment: A small surface fire at the George Town Landfill was contained and extinguished quickly during routine monitoring; operations continue normally. Sports & Youth: The Department of Sports ran child safeguarding training ahead of summer camps, and the Cayman National U-16 Cricket Tournament crowned John Gray (girls) and Clifton Hunter (boys). Business & Tech: AMRL Cayman appointed Stephen Leontsinis to lead corporate disputes, insolvency and restructuring, while agnt8x opened its AI agent recruitment and workforce platform to public access. Culture: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance and strong sales.

Police & Public Safety: RCIPS arrested a 32-year-old after a manhunt in George Town following a suspected drugs-related incident at Seven Mile Public Beach; during escape, the suspect knocked down an officer and a PLC officer was also injured, with both later released from hospital. Energy & Environment: DEH says a small blaze at the George Town Landfill was detected during routine monitoring and extinguished before fire crews arrived; landfill operations continued as normal. Health Advisory: Cayman officials issued a Saharan dust alert effective through Thursday, warning of reduced air quality and respiratory irritation, especially for people with asthma. Governance & Health Planning: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales urged Government to spell out its Ebola preparedness plan after other Caribbean countries introduced screening and travel restrictions. Legal Profession: The Judiciary is opening up applications for local attorneys seeking King’s Counsel status, aiming to make appointments more transparent as the bar grows. Community & Events: CCMI invited the public to mark World Ocean Month in June, and Rotary Sunset launched a road safety awareness campaign. Aviation/Travel: BermudAir announced new winter connectivity including a direct service to Grand Cayman (via Turks & Caicos) and non-stop flights to Turks & Caicos, with routes going on sale Friday.

Public Health: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is calling for a clear Ebola preparedness plan as more countries introduce traveller screening and quarantine measures, noting the Cayman Islands has already stepped up screening after a flight linked to the DRC. Weather & Health: The Ministry of Health has issued a Saharan dust advisory, warning residents to protect lungs and especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions as the dust alert runs through Thursday. Local Governance & Migration: Government has set aside CI$5.6m to create a dedicated migrant detention and processing site in George Town for multi-agency operations, using a phased, modular approach for unpredictable flows. Policing: RCIPS rolled out new marked Police Interceptor vehicles and is seeking wanted man David Cranston for breach of bail and tampering with an electronic monitor; police also reported a weekend high-visibility operation at the Out of This World Music Fest and continue robbery and person-of-interest searches. Tourism & Travel: Cayman tourism hit record stayover numbers in April, and BermudAir announced new winter connectivity including direct service to Grand Cayman (via Turks & Caicos) plus expanded routes across the region. Business & Community: Cayman First appointed Natasha Pettier as CEO, while CCMI invited the public to celebrate World Ocean Month and Rotary Sunset launched a road safety awareness campaign.