The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce will host its flagship Economic Forum on 23 Jan. at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, bringing together senior government leaders, industry experts and the business community for what will be the most comprehensive public update to date on Government policy direction, economic strategy and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Cayman’s future.

The full-day forum is sponsored by Health City Cayman Islands, Dart, CUC and the Office of the Premier, whose support underscores the importance of informed, evidence-based dialogue between the public and private sectors.

Framed around the Chamber’s three advocacy pillars, sustaining economic success, building a future-ready workforce and enhancing quality of life, the forum will provide attendees with in-depth briefings from ministers on their portfolios, practical insights from private-sector leaders and a global perspective on emerging risks and opportunities.

The forum will open with welcome remarks from Cristina Spratt, Chamber president-elect and forum chair, followed by addresses from Governor Jane
Owen and Omari Corbin, president of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce.

A central feature of the programme is the direct participation of multiple cabinet ministers, offering attendees a rare, consolidated update on government priorities and execution across key areas.

Artificial Intelligence strategy and application

A defining theme of the 2026 Economic Forum is artificial intelligence – how it is already affecting Cayman, and how it will reshape decision-making, productivity and accountability in both government and business.

Gary Allen, CEO of New Frontier Data, will deliver a TED-style presentation on
‘Data, AI and Innovation’, setting the stage for how data-driven technologies are changing industries worldwide.

Consultants Andres Mendez and Luis Ramirez of Tidal Edge Consulting will lead an interactive artificial intelligence workshop, focusing on accountability,
governance and leadership in a data-driven world – practical considerations for organisations adopting AI tools.

Cost of living

The forum will also tackle some of the most pressing issues facing Cayman residents and businesses, including the cost of living,

A panel discussion on ‘Solutions to Cayman’s Cost of Living Crisis’, moderated by economist Simon Cawdery, will feature Richard Hew, president and CEO of CUC, and Shomari Scott, chief business officer of Health City Cayman Islands,
offering practical, sector-specific insights.

Andrew McBean, immediate past chairman of the Cayman Islands National
Housing Development Trust, will present on ‘Sustainable Housing Options’,
addressing affordability and long-term planning.

Keynote address

The day will culminate with a keynote address by Vikram Mansharamani, internationallyrecognised author of ‘Think for Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Boombustology’.

His presentation will provide a global macro-economic perspective, examining geopolitical, financial, and technological forces shaping small, open economies like the Cayman Islands and identifying opportunities
arising from global volatility.

An essential forum for business

According to the Chamber, the 2026 Economic Forum is designed to move beyond theory, offering actionable insights, policy clarity, and real-time engagement between decision-makers and the business community.

“This forum brings together, in one place and on one day, the most complete picture of where Cayman stands today and where it is heading,” said Chamber CEO Wil Pineau. “From Artificial Intelligence and infrastructure to tourism, employment, and cost of living, this is an essential briefing for anyone with a stake in Cayman’s future.”

The forum concludes with a cocktail reception, providing further opportunity for dialogue and networking among speakers, sponsors, and attendees.