Tag: Franz Manderson
CIG debt under control but liabilities still pose problem
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government’s debt currently stands at $429.9 million, with $48.1 million due within one year, according to the CIG’s latest unaudited accounts published earlier this month. This figure is well within the requirements of the Public Finance and Management Act, with a net debt ratio of just 17.5%, while the law allows […]
CIG still dodging CI$2.2B CS retirees healthcare liability
(CNS): At a Public Accounts Committee meeting on Thursday, senior officials once again dodged questions on how and when the Cayman Islands Government proposes to place its liability for the future healthcare needs of retired civil servants squarely on its books. This financial liability is currently only included in supporting notes that form part of […]
Prisoners face housing challenges post-release
(CNS): The lack of appropriate residential facilities for prisoners being released on licence is causing concern for the Conditional Release Board (formerly the Parole Board), which has called for the government to focus on improving rehabilitation services rather than tougher sentences. The board said those being released need support to help them stay out of […]
Civil servant seeks $750k for minister’s crude joke
(CNS): Bernie Bush, the minister for youth, sports and culture, has issued a written apology to a well-known female public servant over a dirty joke he made to her, which she has said left her shocked and upset. Despite the written apology, the woman is seeking CI$750,000 in financial compensation from the government over the […]
Acting chief lands top post at MIISD
(CNS): Fourteen months after she began acting as chief officer for the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development, Tamara Ebanks has been appointed to the actual role. Officials said she secured the post following a “rigorous open recruitment process”, including a panel interview.
Civil servants could get 13% raise over 3 years
(CNS): Chris Saunders (BTW), now an independent MP who sits on the opposition benches, managed to steer through his private member’s motion calling for a significant increase in government workers’ wages last week, something he had sought to support in the budget preparations before he lost his job as finance minister. The government agreed to […]
Veteran senior local cop climbs up the ranks
(CNS): Brad Ebanks has been promoted to chief superintendent with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service by the Police Service Commission. Ebanks has been with the RCIPS for 36 years and has worked his way up the ranks. Along the way, he gained a full appreciation and understanding of the complexities and challenges of the […]
Changes coming to make asylum claims more difficult
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government has steered legislation through parliament, without opposition, to make asylum claims more difficult for irregular migrants and speed up the process. As Border Control Minister Chris Saunders brought an amendment bill to parliament Monday, he said the number of Cubans now arriving was creating a crisis, and changes to the […]
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 […]
Local gambling connected to foreign crime syndicates
(CNS): Premier Wayne Panton, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Attorney General Sam Bulgin have all stressed that law enforcement agencies in the Cayman Islands are increasingly concerned that illegal gambling here is directly connected to international and organised crime syndicates and is generating as much as $50 million each year in illicit earnings.