The Fifth Sitting of the Third Meeting of the 2025–2026 Session of Parliament commenced on Wednesday, 10 December at 2:00 pm., during which Acting Deputy Governor Honourable Eric Bush was sworn in as a temporary ex-officio member of Parliament.

Premier Honourable André Ebanks announced a one-time honorarium of CI$500 for civil servants, seafarers, pensioners, and long-term financial assistance recipients, noting that “civil servants and public servants provide the people of this country, as well as persons and institutions overseas who do business here with incredible service that is becoming stronger and stronger as increasingly, they love the principles of world-class service.” The Premier further stated it was a privilege for the Government to help boost Christmas spirit amid ongoing economic challenges.

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Kenneth Bryan, expressed condolences to the family of the late Mr Hank McField, with similar tributes shared by the Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Honourable Nickolas DaCosta and the Elected Member for Bodden Town East, Dwayne Seymour.

When rising to move the second reading of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Bill, 2025, the Attorney General, Honourable Samuel Bulgin, withdrew the Bill to allow Members of Parliament additional time for review.

The Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Honourable Jay Ebanks, presented the Submarine Cable (Telecommunications Resilience) Bill, 2025, explaining that it would establish the legal framework for the Cayman Islands Government to partner with a commercial entity to construct and operate a new submarine cable system. He described the Bill as foundational to strengthening the country’s telecommunications resilience and national preparedness. The Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Joseph Hew, confirmed the Opposition’s support and welcomed further information as commercial partnerships are explored.

During his presentation of the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025, the Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration, Honourable Michael Myles, described the Bill as both morally right and economically sound. He cited that between 2015 and 2025, over 9,000 grants of permanent residence and more than 7,000 grants of Caymanian status were issued. He outlined the Bill’s objectives, including increasing accountability, deterring job hopping, streamlining processes, improving inter-governmental information sharing, and ensuring Caymanians receive fair priority in employment. Key amendments across the 37 clauses include extended qualifying periods for naturalisation, targeted job exemptions, and stronger deterrents against marriages of convenience and reproductive coercion.

Opposition Leader Hew raised concerns about the Bill’s legal robustness, particularly provisions affecting Certificates of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means. While reaffirming the Opposition’s support for immigration reform, he stated that they had not been given sufficient time to properly review the proposed amendments.

In his contribution to the debate, Minister for Tourism and Trade Development Honourable Gary Rutty supported the amendments noting, “I am deeply committed to ensuring that Cayman remains a place where Caymanians can build their lives, pursue meaningful careers, raise families and fully participate in the prosperity of their own country.”

Deputy Premier Rutty further stated the impetus for reform is clear. “The reforms are about levelling the playing field for Caymanians and restoring their sense of ownership, pride and dignity in their own labour market,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary Julie Hunter also expressed support for the Bill, emphasising key elements of the Bill: fairness and justice, economic necessity and social integration and security. She explained that these pillars form a comprehensive approach that strengthens Cayman’s foundation while protecting opportunities for Caymanians.

Addressing the House, Acting Deputy Governor, Honourable Eric Bush said term limits for non-Caymanians within the civil service will be introduced via amendments to the Public Service Management Act and the Immigration Transition Act. He added that the term limits will be introduced responsibly, balancing the Government’s mandate with the civil service’s ability to deliver essential public services.

The House will return on Thursday, 11 December at 10:00 am.

To watch Wednesday’s proceedings, visit:

Fifth Sitting of the Third Meeting of the 2025-26 Session of Parliament | 10 December 2025 

For further information visit: www.gov.ky/governmentinparliament.  

How to follow: Watch live broadcasts of sittings on CIG YouTube and CIGTV (Logic – Channel 23, C3 – Channel 3, Flow – Channel 106).