Laws
Lower stamp duty comes into effect for Caymanians
(CNS): Local people looking to buy their first or even second home can now look forward to enjoying a lower stamp duty rate than non-Caymanians and overseas owners. The regulations that paved the way for the cut were gazetted on 2 February and are now in effect. The change stems from a private member’s motion […]
Changes made as beneficial ownership regime reworked
(CNS): Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly presented changes to beneficial ownership legislation to parliament when it met for the last time before the elections. While the Beneficial Ownership Transparency (Amendment) Act, 2024 was passed less than a year ago, the government continues to rework the law to help shape this delicate new regime that allows increasing access […]
Saunders: Roper alleged MPs involved in organised crime
(CNS): During a Cabinet meeting in December 2022, Martyn Roper, the Cayman Islands governor at the time, accused members of the government of being involved in serious organised crime, Chris Saunders told parliament last week. Saunders tabled two emails written in January 2023, one from Roper to members of Cabinet and the other his response, […]
Bill to curb sexual harassment passes after 20 years
(CNS): Two decades after legislation to curb sexual harassment in the community was first proposed, a bill was passed in parliament last week just days before the final meeting wrapped up ahead of the 2025 General Election. The new law, championed by Wayne Panton when he was premier, obligates employers to draw up policies and […]
UPM accepts motion to regulate real estate agents
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government accepted a private member’s motion last week to regulate and limit the number of non-Caymanians who can be licensed as real estate agents. The motion was brought by Bernie Bush and supported by Chris Saunders. Putting his case for the motion to his colleagues, Bush said there were some significant […]
Poinciana could be adapted to house criminally insane
(CNS): The government is considering how it can adapt the recently opened Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre to house the criminally insane. The centre was not designed to detain individuals who are a danger to society because of their illness. But with nowhere else to house people found not guilty of violent crimes by reason of insanity […]
PPM back UPM’s controversial referendum bill
(CNS): Opposition Leader Joey Hew offered his backing to the controversial Referendum Bill on Monday, making it almost certain that on Election Day, voters will be asked whether or not they support the concept of a cruise pier without any details of what type of berthing facilities the next government should develop, how much it […]
Over 500 people responded to NCA consultation
(CNS): The Ministry of Sustainability received 511 letters from members of the public containing feedback on proposals to amend the National Conservation Act, according to officials. Almost all of them opposed the UPM’s attempt to gut the law. The controversial legislation was withdrawn by the government on Friday, a move that has been welcomed by […]
Regulations cut duty for locals buying in 7MB area
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government has changed the Stamp Duty Regulations, paving the way to reduce the amount of stamp duty Caymanians will pay if they buy property in and around Seven Mile Beach. A private member’s motion by Opposition Leader Joey Hew that passed through parliament last year made duty concession available to local […]
UPM backs down on attempt to gut conservation law
(CNS): After the parliament met amid significant controversy on Friday, Sustainability Minister Dwayne Seymour withdrew the contentious National Conservation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, citing, though not explaining, the cooperation that the UPM had enjoyed from the official opposition. After delivering a short speech in which he suggested (incorrectly, given the wide opposition to the legislation) […]
Activists urge PPM not to allow UPM’s contested bills
(CNS): As Cayman waits to find out if parliament will meet on Friday, local activist group Sustainable Cayman is urging the PPM to stick to their previously stated position and not allow the two controversial bills that the minority government wants to push through the House to pass or even to be debated. At a […]
