GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – 22 October 2025 — The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (PLAHI) is pleased to announce that Cabinet has appointed the Development Plan Appeals Tribunal to review feedback on the Draft Planning Statement, marking the next stage of the PlanCayman National Development Plan process.

The process to establish the Tribunal began at the start of the new Government term, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening good governance, accountability, and a transparent, balanced, and participatory approach to national planning. During the 60-day consultation, PlanCayman received approximately 2,500 submissions from individuals, community organisations, and industry representatives across the Cayman Islands—demonstrating broad engagement and strong public interest in the Islands’ long-term development vision.

Development Plan Tribunal Membership:

• Ms. Sherri Bodden-Cowan (Chairperson)

• Ms. Cindy O’Hara (Deputy Chairperson)

• Mr. Andrew Gibb – Member

• Mr. Arden Parsons – Member

• Mr. Gurwin Tomlinson – Member

• Ministry charged with responsibility for Planning – Secretary

The Tribunal will convene bi-weekly hearings on Thursdays, beginning 23 October 2025, to consider the representations submitted during the consultation process.

In accordance with the Tribunal’s procedures, attendance will be limited to those who made submissions during the consultation period and have confirmed their willingness to participate. This approach ensures the process remains focused, fair, and fully representative of those who provided input.

Once the hearings are complete, the Tribunal will prepare a Report of Enquiry for submission to Cabinet, ensuring that community perspectives are carefully reviewed before the Draft Planning Statement advances to Parliament.

Minister Ebanks: “An important step towards a shared vision”

The Honourable Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, welcomed Cabinet’s appointment of the Tribunal and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparent and inclusive decision-making:

“The appointment of this Tribunal marks an important step in ensuring that our planning framework reflects a shared vision for the future of these Islands. The strong response from the public demonstrates a collective desire to shape a sustainable, well-balanced development strategy. Through this process, each submission will be considered with fairness and diligence, ensuring that the outcomes of PlanCayman truly reflect the voices of our people.”

Advancing PlanCayman

PlanCayman, the National Development Plan (NDP), provides the long-term framework for land use, infrastructure, and sustainable growth across the Cayman Islands. It is being advanced in phases to ensure clarity, accountability, and alignment with national priorities:

• Phase 1: National Planning Framework and Delivery Plan — Completed

• Phase 2: Draft Planning Statement — Under Review

• Phase 3: Area Plans Development and Parliamentary Approval — Next Stage

Following the Tribunal’s review and submission of its findings, further opportunities for public engagement will be made available as PlanCayman continues to evolve. This phased approach keeps policy development grounded in both technical evidence and the considered perspectives of the Caymanian community.

Commitment to Transparency

The Government and the Ministry remain committed to fairness, accountability, and openness throughout the PlanCayman process. Cabinet’s appointment of the Tribunal, supported by the Ministry’s administration of proceedings, underscores the Cayman Islands Government’s dedication to ensuring that the views of residents, stakeholders, and industry representatives inform the decisions guiding the Islands’ sustainable future.