Cayman’s political leaders rang in 2026 with messages of unity, optimism and caution.
Premier André Ebanks sounded a positive note, urging everyone to “lean in” to make 2026 the “best year yet for the Cayman Islands”.
Looking ahead to “new opportunities and achievements”, the National Coalition for Caymanians leader said the future of the islands was a matter of “choice, not chance”, encouraging people to choose “faith over doubt” and “innovation over stagnation”.
“We, of course, don’t know for certain what the next 365 days will bring for the 345,” he said. “But we do know that, with faith and purpose, we’ll celebrate triumphs and overcome challenges.”
Opposition leader Joey Hew struck a more political tone, raising concerns about government borrowing and immigration reform.
“As we welcome the New Year, we do so with cautious optimism,” he said.
“Caymanians are resilient and capable, but we must remain vigilant as important decisions are made that will shape our future.”
Governor Jane Owen echoed themes of resilience and gratitude, stressing the need to grow the economy, strengthen public services and celebrate Cayman’s culture, while also looking outward.
As the islands face global uncertainty, she said, Cayman must remain united in building its economy and community, while “reaching beyond our borders to find new friends and new opportunities” to strengthen the country’s place in the world.
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I heard rumours that a medium sized financial service company is planning to close its Cayman Islands offices, and other companies that were considering moving here have changed their minds. A direct result of the immigration law changes.
If true it will impact Caymanian jobs and government revenue.
The massive increase in fees for restaurant liquor licenses will result in some restaurant closures. Especially the lower price restaurants.
The double whammy of massive increases in driving license fees coupled with the clampdown, with little warning, on e-bikes and e-scooters, without any improvement in public transport is ill thought out.
Certainly there should be licensing for those very fast, heavy e-bikes. But not for the pedal bikes with electric assistance. (I don’t ride either on our streets). And give 2 months to comply, not 2 weeks.
Certainly crack down on marriages of convenience. Without penalizing the majority of marriages which are genuine.
All the changes and fee-increases look great for Caymanians at first-glance, but in reality, the knock on effects to business and commerce are going to impede or prevent growth, and diminish quality of life for all. They are badly (or hardly) thought out, and certainly not by subject-matter-experts who know what they are doing.
Expect to see business closures, redundancies, fewer job vacancies, and heavy increases to the cost of living throughout 2026.