Tag: André Ebanks
Gambling bill sent to select committee, ID bills pass
(CNS): As Premier Wayne Panton wrapped up the debate on the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2022 on Monday, he told MPs that it would go to a select committee of the House, where changes to address some of the concerns raised could be made. During the same sitting, both bills paving the way for a national […]
NAU clients to get $150 Christmas bonus
(CNS): Anyone receiving the government’s permanent financial assistance through the Needs Assessment Unit will get an extra $150 on top of their monthly payment in December for additional support during the holiday period. André Ebanks, the minister responsible for social development, said, “Our government recognises that there are many vulnerable persons in our community who […]
ID register will be optional in face of backlash
(CNS): The minister responsible for innovation, André Ebanks, has said that following feedback and concerns in the community about the new legislation supporting the long-awaited national identification programme, changes are now being made to the bills due to go before parliament next week. The most significant is a decision to make the population register optional. […]
Minister exchanges views with EU tax committee
(CNS): Financial Services Minister André Ebanks sat down face to face with members of the European Parliament last week to address the allegations that Cayman is a secretive tax haven. Answering questions from the EU Parliament’s Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) in an exchange of views session, Ebanks explained how this jurisdiction works and the […]
Local bars to get green light for ‘quiet’ Sunday music
(CNS): Cabinet has approved a change to the Music and Dancing Act to level the commercial playing field for local bars and trip boats, giving them the same opportunities as restaurants and hotels on Sundays by allowing background music. The bill, which is now open for public consultation, will equalise the situation for owners of […]
Minister urged DG to deal with ‘troubling’ report
(CNS): CNS has received several records in response to a freedom of information request relating to commitments made shortly before the 2021 General Election by the former premier’s ministry to open overseas offices and attend the Dubai World Expo. One record shows how the new PACT minister, André Ebanks, was “troubled” by a report by […]
Cayman still on FATF grey list over AML issues
(CNS): The Cayman Islands remains on the Financial Action Task Force grey list while Nicaragua and Pakistan were removed following this week’s meeting in Paris to review the political commitment made by countries to meet the requirements needed to combat global financial crime. In a statement issued Friday, the FATF said that Cayman, which has […]
Gov’t races through legislation at short meeting
(CNS): A mandatory anti-bullying policy for schools, stricter drinking and driving laws and a historic overhaul of the poor law were just some of the pieces of legislation the PACT Government raced through before adjourning the latest parliamentary meeting in the absence of the opposition. The controversial sitting, which began Friday, wrapped up on Monday […]
Ebanks latest minister to come down with COVID-19
(CNS) André Ebanks, the Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, as well as Investment, Innovation and Social Development, has tested positive for COVID-19. Ebanks (WBS) tested positive in a lateral flow test (LFT) he took Thursday morning and was said to be awaiting the results of a confirmatory PCR test when officials released the information. […]
Minister aims to create welfare-to-work regime
(CNS): Social Development Minister André Ebanks says the fundamental reforms he is planning to steer through Parliament next month will create a new regime in which many people currently receiving financial help from the government will transition into permanent employment and self-sufficiency. At the same time, it will offer more support for those not able […]
New bill to overhaul future of welfare support
(CNS): Less than sixteen months after taking office, the minister responsible for social welfare has presented a new bill to overhaul the public assistance regime and create a new system to help the most vulnerable in the community. The Financial Assistance Bill, which repeals the existing Poor Persons (Relief) Law, is now open for public […]
