Topic: Cabinet
Cabinet ministers get more funding for chauffeurs
Government voted new funds for Cabinet ministers to have drivers available late at night, citing safety concerns for hard-working politicians.
Cabinet approves plan for new underwater mermaid statue
Cabinet has approved an application to sink a 9-foot-tall statue of a mermaid in the water off downtown George Town.
New twist in saga of road through blue iguana territory
Lawyer and landowner James Bergstrom is asking Cabinet to reverse a decision from the National Conservation Council to designate his land as critical habitat for the endangered blue iguana.
New Sister Islands planning board appointed
Cabinet has appointed a new Development Control Board for the Sister Islands, replacing all seven of its members.
Government announces assignment of Cabinet responsibilities
The Office of the Premier announced the assignment of responsibilities to ministers in the newly formed National Coalition For Caymanians administration on Friday afternoon.
Cabinet approves $11.1M in extra spending in two meetings
Minutes just released by the Cabinet Office reveal that an extra $11.1 million in spending was approved by Cabinet in two separate meetings over the last few months before the general election.
Cabinet approves $7.7 million in extra funding for the police
More than $7.7 million in extra funding for the police was approved by the current government in the last meeting of Cabinet before the general election on 30 April.
Lengthy Cabinet delays on conservation plans flagged
Key conservation plans to protect Cayman's flora and fauna have remained on hold as they await final Cabinet approval to move forward.
The issue explained: What’s going on with Cayman’s government?
After another tumultuous week in Cayman politics, the Compass breaks down what the twists and turns mean for the islands and why a spring 2025 general election now seems inevitable.
General election set for 30 April
A general election has been set for 30 April after Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly announced a Cabinet reshuffle that will allow her diminished administration to function for the next six months.
Parental leave to be increased under planned Labour Act changes
Cabinet has approved drafting instructions to make long-awaited changes to Cayman's Labour Act to enhance private-sector employee benefits – from increasing parental leave to improving vacation and overtime pay entitlements.
Demerit point system proposed for bad drivers
Cayman is moving to introduce a demerit system to penalise bad drivers based on the number of points accumulated for traffic offences.
Cabinet rejects recommendation to redraw electoral map
Government has rejected the Electoral Boundary Commission's recommended changes to the local constituency boundary lines and will now be seeking a new commission to review the make-up of Cayman's parliamentary seats.
Cabinet divided over proposed conservation law changes
Former Premier Wayne Panton has railed against potential changes to the National Conservation Act, as government maintained total silence on amendments being proposed.
Cabinet greenlights Rackam’s coastal works application
Cabinet has approved a coastal works permit for Rackam's to repair the waterfront restaurant's damaged seawall, much to the relief of the general manager.
Cabinet members earned $305K on average in 2022, report reveals
The 11 members of Cayman’s Cabinet received an average of $304,502 each in 2022, according to a public interest report from the Office of the Auditor General.
Minimum wage report delivered to government
The report recommending Cayman’s new minimum wage has been delivered to government for review and further action.
Bill for Prince Edward’s 48-hour trip to Cayman $72,000
The royal visit in February of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, cost Cayman $72,031.92, with the police shouldering the highest amount at $57,306.50.
Who gets what in the Cabinet reshuffle?
Following Chris Saunders' exit from the PACT government, Premier Wayne Panton reshuffled Cabinet. Here are the current portfolio assignments.
Planning board members get pay increase
Cabinet has approved a pay rise for Central Planning Authority members, with the CPA chair receiving a 700% increase in his stipend for board duties.
Cabinet Met in Little Cayman for the First Time
For the first time ever in Cayman Islands’ history, the PACT Government made Little Cayman the venue for a Cabinet meeting this week.
Duty waiver approved for lateral flow tests
Cabinet has approved import duty waivers for all brands of COVID-19 lateral flow tests.
Gov’t enacts new Ministerial Code of Conduct
Premier Wayne Panton, on the eve of the first 100 days of the PACT administration, has announced the enactment of the updated Cayman Islands' Ministerial Code of Conduct.
Government begins releasing Cabinet decisions
The PACT government has given an undertaking to release a summary of the decisions it makes in Cabinet on an ongoing basis.
Panton announces new Cabinet
Premier Wayne Panton has announced the members of his Cabinet under the PACT government.
Cabinet planning exemptions used to fast-track park projects
Since 2017, 12 properties in Grand Cayman, including the site of the now-abandoned Smith Barcadere redevelopment project, have been granted Cabinet exemptions from planning permission. The exemptions have allowed government to streamline projects championed by legislators, such as community parks, without subjecting them to the standard approval process.
Cruise port referendum: Campaigners deliver petition to Cabinet
The Cruise Port Referendum Cayman group delivered its port petition to the government on Wednesday.
McLean calls for port negotiations to halt
Opposition leader Arden McLean has joined calls for the cruise port project to be put on hold until a petition calling for a referendum on the development has been verified.
Salt Creek strata backs off bias charge
Contrary to previous reports, it appears there is no evidence that Environment Minister Dwayne Seymour had a conflict of interest in a Cabinet decision approving a dock project in Salt Creek.
Cabinet approves completion of Bodden Town church
Cabinet has given approval for government to complete the Church of God Bodden Town, the large concrete structure on Shamrock Road that is intended to serve as a multipurpose hall and hurricane shelter.
EDITORIAL – Law passed, problem solved … Not even close
As written and approved, but never enforced, the law requires elected politicians, senior government workers and government-appointed board members to disclose publicly their personal interests as a means of identifying potential conflicts.
Auditor calls for more diversity on Central Planning Authority
Auditors have raised concerns that the membership of the Central Planning Authority is made up largely of developers.
Advice to ministers can remain secret after FOI law change
Policy advice to Cabinet ministers will no longer be considered for release to members of the public under changes to the Freedom of Information Law passed Friday.
Government injects more capital into CINICO
Cabinet approved an equity investment of $4.53 million into Cayman Islands National Insurance Company to raise the public sector health insurer’s capital base above the minimum level prescribed by the regulator.
Premier: Ato Stephens deportation approved
The Cayman Islands Cabinet has approved a deportation order for local track coach Ato Modibo Stephens for March 16, “or as soon thereafter as can be arranged” by immigration authorities, according to an announcement made Wednesday by Premier Alden McLaughlin’s office.
Ministry signs agreement with UCCI
The dust-up between the Ministry of Education and the University College of the Cayman Islands is not over, but on Wednesday, UCCI’s board of governors was presented with a signed copy of an ownership and purchase agreement it had been asking for.
2017 editorials: The Compass’s voice on significant issues
Today we feature highlights from some of what we consider to be the most compelling and important editorials that appeared in the Cayman Compass in 2017, dealing with some of the most pressing matters facing our country.
Request to imprison local blogger ‘stayed’
Attempts to have local blogger Sandra Hill (formerly Sandra Catron) imprisoned over an online post a former Cabinet minister said was in contempt of court have been “stayed” for the time being.
Thousands receive ‘right to be Caymanian’ since 2009
More than 3,700 people have received grants of Caymanian status via either the naturalization (citizenship) process or through marriage to a Caymanian since January 2009, according to records presented to the Legislative Assembly by Premier Alden McLaughlin last week.
Legislative Assembly grants Caymanian status to 3 residents
Three longtime residents received Caymanian status on Thursday after the Legislative Assembly ratified the Cabinet grants.
Government to limit paid suspension time for civil servants
A proposal to limit the time a Cayman Islands government employee can remain on paid leave during a criminal investigation will go to Cabinet members later this year, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said Friday.
Audit reveals ‘immediate threat’ to Cabinet member
An ‘immediate threat’ to an unidentified Cayman Islands Cabinet member required the expenditure of more than $50,000 for security services, according to a July report made public recently by the government’s Internal Audit Service.
Brac cliffs nominated for protection
The cliff faces of Cayman Brac have been nominated to be protected areas under the National Conservation Law.
Cabinet minister
Cabinet minister — Today's editorial cartoon
EDITORIAL – Running the country: Cayman’s new ‘management team’
Being in the news business, we understand a thing or two about assignments. And, as is the case with the governmental responsibilities given to Cayman Islands ministers, we know daunting ones when we see them.
NEW: Ministry assignments announced
The new ministerial assignments have been announced.
EDITORIAL – Permanent residence: The Progressives’ explosive legacy
When the Progressives passed their Immigration Law in fall 2013, they handed the Cayman Islands a ticking time bomb of uncertainty and legal liability.
Gov’t: $3M to fight Ebola not spent
Remember the Ebola virus scare of 2014?The Cayman Islands government apparently had some $3 million in available funds for the anticipated operating costs to fight the spread of the virus, if it arrived on these shores.
Law firm: Changes to residency system ‘largely cosmetic’
The Cayman Islands law firm at the center of two high-profile court challenges to the local Immigration Law said Thursday that Cabinet-approved changes to...
New immigration regulations seek to clarify residence applications
All pending applicants for permanent residence in Cayman – of which there are now more than 900 – will receive the maximum 15 points awarded for their current job, regardless of what job they hold.
Maritime Authority announces new board members
Cabinet has confirmed the appointments of four new members of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands. The members are Deputy Chairperson Sherice Arman, Director Clement Reid, Director Robb Maass and Director Gene DaCosta.
EDITORIAL – A modest attempt to tame Cayman’s public authorities
The good news about the Public Authorities Bill is that it aims to make Cayman Islands statutory authorities and government-owned companies operate more like central government.
Gov’t to pay 17% toward pensions
Cayman Cabinet members have approved a $16 million additional annual payment toward the “funding deficiency” in the main civil service employees’ retirement plan, to be made in monthly installments for the forseeable future.
EDITORIAL – Filling stations: Should gasoline and alcohol mix?
Philosophically, we aren’t in favor of having more or fewer retailers. We do support free enterprise and capitalism. “Should gas stations be selling liquor?” As far as the free market is concerned, here’s an equally valid question: “Should liquor stores be installing gas pumps?”
Government considers taking over running of children’s homes
A strategic assessment for the Children and Youth Services Foundation says that the organization that runs children’s homes in Cayman could be integrated into government. The assessment, released Friday, looks at several strategies to save money and provide better support for and oversight of the organization.
EDITORIAL – The health of healthcare in the Cayman Islands
If the Cayman Islands healthcare system were a patient, its medical case file would be a meter thick, containing a myriad of specialists’ assessments in regard to various disorders, illnesses and syndromes, payments to care providers, insurance rates, and government-mandated health insurance payroll deductions from all employers and employees.
Government approves Smith Cove purchase; Pageant Beach eyed
The Cayman Islands Cabinet has approved the purchase of property adjacent to Smith Cove public beach for US$5.4 million (CI$4.4 million), Planning Minister Kurt Tibbetts said Wednesday. The price is about US$1.2 million more than a private developer bought the same parcel of land for in 2015.
Cabinet allowed immigration scammer to remain in Cayman
Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who was convicted Tuesday of taking money from victims he conned in an immigration status scam, had been given special permission to remain and work in the Cayman Islands by Cabinet in early 2012.
Duty slashed on firearms imports for gun club members
Custom duties on gun imports have been cut by about 80 percent for members of the Cayman Islands Sport Shooting Association.
Cabinet approves sending landfill plan out for bids
Cabinet on Tuesday approved a new plan for the George Town landfill, including a waste-to-energy plant to incinerate waste. The new waste management strategy calls for capping the landfill, creating a new recycling facility on the site and reducing the amount of waste going into the landfill by 95 percent.
New rules for nonprofits approved, despite concerns
Cayman Islands lawmakers approved legislation Wednesday that will register and regulate nonprofit organizations, in a bid to prevent such groups potentially being used as cover for illegal activities such as money laundering or terrorist financing. Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton said there were no instances reported locally in which charities were used to such an end.
Cabinet approves Caymanian status for 2 business leaders
Two longtime Cayman Islands residents have been approved for Cabinet grants of Caymanian status, Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed Wednesday. The residents are Monique Hamaty-Simmonds of the Tortuga group of companies and Fraser Wellon, well-known developer and owner of the WaterColours property on Seven Mile Beach.
Lawmakers: Mass of bills to change ‘lives of generations’
Cayman Islands lawmakers are set to review and approve an unprecedented number of bills in the Legislative Assembly meeting that begins Tuesday, some of which involve complex, long-standing issues that have been before parliament for more than a decade.
Attempt to regulate nonprofits a ‘disaster,’ MLA says
Legislation that would require any charitable organization taking in more than $250,000 per year to register with the government will be a “disaster,” local residents were told during a public meeting in East End district Monday night.
Governor rates policies, premier in FCO memos
Recent internal communications between the Cayman Islands governor and the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office were made public last week, involving Governor Helen Kilpatrick’s summations of current government policies.
Funding approved for 50 new public school positions
Cabinet has approved additional funding for 50 new posts across the public school system, Education Minister Tara Rivers announced Wednesday.
Report: Confusion over government travel policy
The Cayman Islands government has significantly reduced the amount of mismanaged expenditures incurred during official travel since 2012, an internal audit has revealed.
Key pension plan issues left to Cabinet
A number of critical issues regarding how private sector retirement plans will be managed, including when individuals who are now 60 to 65 years old can receive full retirement benefits and how much they can take out of their pension savings accounts each year have been left up to Cabinet to decide.
Public pensions urge government support for funding plan
Cayman’s Public Service Pensions Board said Tuesday that it is “looking forward” to government’s continued cooperation to ensure long-term stability in the three public sector retirement plans it manages.
Cabinet ministers to approve their own ‘code of conduct’
An updated “code of conduct” for Cayman Islands government ministers – first considered three years ago – is expected to go to Cabinet members shortly for approval, which means the ministers themselves will approve rules for their own conduct.
Two-year-old pension report awaits Cabinet review
Representatives of the Finance Ministry have declined to release a Jan. 1, 2014 financial evaluation of the Public Service Pensions system twice in the last six months, citing a pending review of the documentation by Cabinet ministers to occur at a date in the future.
Auditors’ concerns remain about NRA deal
The Cayman Islands government may still be acting “without proper authority” during the renegotiation process for a major land development agreement, officials with the Auditor General’s Office said last week.
