Front Row (left to right): Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister; Shirline S. Henriques; Tahirah Henriques; Sharron Francis; George Powell; Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier; Wilbur Welcome, Director of Agriculture; Hon. Jay Ebanks, Minister for PLAHI
Back Row (left to right): Mathew Francis; Darren Kirchman; Bernie Bush; Jennett Anson Powell

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – 20th August 2025 – The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (PLAHI) is proud to announce the launch of the High Rock Agro Park Land Use License Program with the naming of the first seven Caymanian awardees. Notably, three of the recipients are female farmers – underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and strengthening Cayman’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage.

This milestone marks the beginning of land allocation within the more than 100-acre property in East End, advancing both the Cayman Islands Agriculture Land Use License Policy (CI-ALLP) and the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy (CIFNSP). Together, these policies support the Government’s vision of making Cayman more self-sufficient, resilient, and secure in the face of global food challenges.

The Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, MP, Minister for PLAHI, welcomed the announcement and highlighted the importance of this step for Cayman’s future:
“Today marks a pivotal moment in securing our Islands’ food future. The selection of these first seven awardees – particularly the inclusion of Caymanian women in agriculture – reflects a new era of farming in our Islands. These awardees embody the innovation, sustainability, and resilience that will drive the continued growth of Cayman’s agricultural sector.”

Joining Minister Ebanks at the Agro Park launch were the Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism & Trade, Hon. Gary Rutty, and the Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, Hon. Isaac Rankine, making this milestone a demonstration of whole-of-government collaboration to strengthen Cayman’s food and nutrition security.

Following the announcement, the Ministers toured the site alongside the awardees, visiting the newly prepared plots and engaging directly with farmers on their plans for future production and growth.

The awardees will receive long-term access to fully serviced agricultural plots within the High Rock Agro Park. The site is being outfitted with essential infrastructure, including irrigation, cleared and subdivided land, and accessible farm roads. These investments will enable Caymanian farmers to scale up production and contribute to stronger local food systems.

As the first initiative of its kind in the Cayman Islands, the High Rock Agro Park is a cornerstone of the Government’s commitment to food and nutrition security. By modernizing land use, supporting local farmers, and reducing reliance on imports, the initiative is helping ensure that future generations of Caymanians will have access to affordable, fresh, locally grown food.

The remaining plots will be awarded in phases, with transparent processes and continuous monitoring to ensure fairness, accountability, and sustainability.

For more information on the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy, please visit: www.gov.ky/pahi/national-food-policy<https://www.gov.ky/pahi/national-food-policy>

For more information on the Cayman Islands Agricultural Land-use License Policy, please visit:
Publication Details | Cayman Islands Government<https://www.gov.ky/publication-detail/cayman-islands-agricultural-land-use-license-policy-2022-2026>

About the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, (PLAHI)
Guided by the Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, MP, the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (PLAHI) is dedicated to improving the quality of life and economic wellbeing of the Cayman Islands. Through careful planning, sustainable agriculture, modern housing solutions, and investment in national infrastructure, the Ministry works to build a stronger, more resilient Cayman for today and for future generations.