Laws
Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill still under review by MPs
(CNS): The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, which has gone through multiple rounds of public consultation and stakeholder review since Cabinet approved drafting instructions for the legislation in 2022, is still under review. The minister responsible for gender affairs, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, has revealed that the bill was reconsidered by Caucus just a few months ago and members […]
Parliament votes to take on banks over fees and fairness
(CNS): Financial Services Minister André Ebanks has said the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority will be reviewing the fees retail banks are charging local customers and already has plans to amend the Registered Land Act to make it harder for them to foreclose on homeowners. Accepting a private member’s motion brought by the opposition leader last […]
New gun law steered through after many changes
(CNS): Parliament has passed new firearms legislation that government hopes will address the problem of gun crime across the Cayman Islands. The amendments, which include harsher penalties for illegal possession and changes relating to technology such as 3-D printed weapons, have been in the works for some time. While the legislation has been under consultation […]
Postponed parliament meeting reset for Monday
(CNS): The Cayman Islands political representatives are now set to meet in parliament on Monday, 22 July, as Speaker Alden McLaughlin has notified MPs of the new date. The government is currently scheduled to bring five bills, not including the proposed amendments to the National Conservation Act, which is still being drafted, according to a […]
Premier offers mixed message on changes to NCA
(CNS): Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly stated at a press briefing on Friday that the UPM Government is not going to remove the scientists from the National Conservation Council and will not weaken the National Conservation Act in any way. However, she also said that changes will be made to the legislation, and an amendment bill is […]
National Trust issues warning about gutting NCA
(CNS): The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is the latest organisation to issue a warning about the government’s plans to gut the National Conservation Act to essentially make development of all kinds even easier than it already is. In a statement issued on behalf of the Trust board and staff in response to the […]
New rules planned to curb sham marriages
(CNS): In a move the Cayman Islands Government has described as “upholding the sanctity” of marriage and civil partnerships, Cabinet has approved the drafting of new immigration regulations. Officials said the Immigration (Arrangements of Convenience) Regulations 2024, which aim to prevent sham marriages, show that government is committed to ensuring marriages or civil partnerships are […]
New eco-activists launch petition to save NCA
(CNS): Following news reported on CNS this week that the UPM government is in the process of trying to gut the National Conservation Act, local environmentalists have expressed deep concerns. Efforts are underway to rally public support to stop any attempts to undermine this critical legislation, including the launch of a petition. Sustainable Cayman and […]
‘Absurd’ attack on NCA a ‘corrupt initiative’ says Panton
(CNS): Former premier Wayne Panton MP (NEW) has accused the developer lobby of a “corrupt initiative” to influence the UPM into amending the National Conservation Act to allow them free rein. In a scathing attack on his former colleagues, Panton has said the same agenda that drove him from Cabinet is driving the “absurd attack” […]
New bill rolled out to help trust and estates sector
(CNS): Financial Services Minister André Ebanks will present the Perpetuities (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in parliament next month. The bill aims to enhance the trusts and estate planning sector by removing the mandatory 150-year perpetuity period for existing and future trusts. The change aligns with industry trends and ensures the Cayman Islands’ competitiveness in financial services, […]
Activists urge CIG to enforce anticipated plastic ban
(CNS): Local activists are urging the Cayman Islands Government to enforce the law when it implements the proposed ban on some single-use plastics. Plastic Free Cayman told CNS that they were delighted to see progress on an issue they have been campaigning for since 2017. As seen with past environmental initiatives such as the litter […]
