Organised crime, illicit finance and the smuggling of drugs, guns and people are among the biggest security threats facing the Caribbean, UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty said Monday on his first official visit to the Cayman Islands.
The minister, speaking at a press conference alongside Premier André Ebanks and Governor Jane Owen, emphasised the importance of the partnership between the UK, Cayman and its regional allies in meeting this threat.
He sidestepped questions about US military operations against suspected drug boats in Venezuelan waters but stressed Britain shares wider concerns around narcotics and human trafficking across the region.
Drawing parallels with the UK’s own “small boats” crisis, Doughty pointed to irregular migration out of Haiti as a major challenge for territories such as Turks and Caicos, while Cayman also faces ongoing issues with makeshift boats carrying migrants from Cuba.
“We need to make sure that all the territories are able to be resilient and ready for any challenges that might come their way,” he said. “I think Cayman actually has a unique role to play, not just protecting Cayman Islands and its people directly, but actually across the region.”
He referenced the UK’s funding of a project to expand Cayman’s marine domain awareness – a key tool in countering smuggling – and stressed the importance of working with regional partners on joint threats across the Caribbean.
“That cooperation on the security front is going to be key … understanding how technologies work, how they can be adapted … and how we can better pool some of our capabilities across the Caribbean to respond to the violence that we’ve seen in some places … how we deal with guns moving around, how we deal with serious and organised crime linked [with] situations off-island.”
Doughty also warned of money-laundering risks, particularly involving cryptocurrency, and underscored the importance of Cayman maintaining its reputation as a strongly regulated financial centre.
Beneficial ownership
While reiterating the UK’s “clear stance” in favour of public beneficial ownership registers, he said he was “very pleased” with Cayman’s progress to date and its new legitimate interest register.
“We believe that transparency and accountability in the financial services industry is an important thing. It’s the foundation of a strong industry, and it also helps you guard against risks and threats and challenges,” he said. “We’ve got an evolving debate globally. We’ve got to be alert to that. But I’m very pleased with the constructive conversations, and I hope in due course we can say even more positive things.”
Environment
On the environment, Doughty confirmed the UK will extend funding for the Blue Belt programme through 2030 and commit an additional £1 million for Darwin Initiative projects. He praised Cayman’s stewardship of its marine environment, “from iguanas to mangroves,” while Ebanks welcomed the support as the result of sustained lobbying in London.
“When we met in June, you raised whether or not those programmes would receive additional funding and you have come through,” Ebanks told the minister. “I know it takes a team, but you’re the one who had to follow up on our behalf, and additional funding for Darwin Plus is welcome.”
Alongside the policy discussions, all three leaders struck a positive note on their relationship. Ebanks said the visit was a symbol of a “mature dialogue” with the UK built on “true, meaningful collaboration.”
Owen described her role as one of constant partnership with Cayman’s elected government and institutions. Doughty called Cayman “a treasured and important part of the British family,” adding that his short stay had given him a first-hand appreciation of the islands.
His itinerary included meetings with parliamentarians, financial services representatives, and civil society groups, as well as a security briefing with uniformed services. Earlier in the day he inspected the Cayman Regiment, praising its readiness for hurricanes and other disasters. From Cayman, he will travel on to Miami for talks with US officials and then to Bermuda.
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