GOVERNOR OWEN OUTLINES GOVERNMENT’S AGENDA

The continuing agenda of the governing National Coalition for Caymanians(NCFC) has been set out by Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen marking the opening of the new session of the Parliament of the Cayman Islands.

From economic policies to administrative processes and community involvement across all segments of society, the statement painted a picture of confidence that Cayman is on the right path.

As the British government’s representative in Cayman, Governor Owen noted the high regard in which the jurisdiction is held by the UK, “not just as a financial centre but increasingly as a strong Caribbean island whose influence continues to be felt beyond our borders.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE THRONE SPEECH

THE ECONOMY

“I am pleased to see that Cayman’s economic position remains strong. Moody’s has reaffirmed Cayman’s credit rating at Aa3, placing us in the distinguished company of the UK, France and Hong Kong - a signal of confidence we should not take for granted… We are all too aware of the pressures that weigh upon our residents in terms of the cost of living, housing and traffic. The Government has recognised the need for short and longer-term solutions to these challenges.”

Visitor arrivals

“Our tourism sector has seen record growth, with visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 reaching the highest quarterly total in our Island’s history. New airline routes and increased capacity continue to bolster this success.”

IMMIGRATION POLICY

“The Government’s landmark Caymanian Protection Act represents a significant step in promoting opportunities for all Caymanians and managing the pace of population growth. In tandem, the National Workforce Plan, developed in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, will create more efficient processes and checks in our work permit system, aligning immigration policy with the needs of the economy, as we all benefit from living in a country where there are vastly more jobs than people.

INFRASTRUCTURE

“The introduction of Cayman’s first housing policy is an important commitment addressing one of the most pressing concerns facing families on our islands… The Government’s infrastructure plans focus also quite rightly on improving the transport network and easing congestion… Evolving plans for public transport solutions will be a game changer in this area.”

EDUCATION

“The Government has also recognised the importance of education and skills development in ensuring that all our young people finishing school, vocational training or university have a clear path to employment.”

HEALTH

“The Government is expanding mental health services for young people. I urge the Minister to continue her “whole of society” approach to mental health… Meanwhile, the Government continues its focus on further streamlining and improving primary and tertiary healthcare, and ensuring that insurance options are sufficient to cover the needs of all our residents.”

THE ENVIRONMENT

“The designation of six new areas for environmental protection, the advancement of an anti-litter law and the single-use plastics ban are welcome steps. I am also glad that the Government has announced its plan to maintain Little Cayman’s airport at its current site and to carry out the upgrades which will be necessary to meet international safety standards.”

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

I also wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the partnership that we enjoy between the executive and the private sector and our many charities. I have the privilege of being patron of several organisations, and I know that the money they raise and the work that they do has real impact, for example, in cancer support, Meals on Wheels, protection of vulnerable people in our society, education, inclusion, and support for animals and the environment.”

FIGHTING CRIME

“I note that the RCIPS detection rate for violent crimes stands at over 50% – this is the kind of ratio that most jurisdictions aspire to, or should I say dream of. Most strikingly, over the past 18 months, 28 dangerous offenders were all convicted and sentenced to a combined total of 400 years in prison – a clear demonstration of our mantra that violent crime will not be tolerated in Cayman.”

THE CIVIL SERVICE

“None of this work of government would be possible without the dedication of our civil servants, who are responsible for implementing the decisions made by the Government and by this Parliament.”

Outgoing and incoming Deputy Governor

“Our Deputy Governor has led the civil service with distinction, professionalism and integrity; his commitment to making lives better for the Caymanian people has defined his long and remarkable career… I am equally delighted to extend my congratulations to Mrs Gloria McField-Nixon, who will become our new Deputy Governor on the 8th July.

RELATIONS WITH THE UK

“I always find a high level of appreciation and interest in Cayman, not just as a financial centre but increasingly as a strong Caribbean island whose influence continues to be felt beyond our borders. I believe there is also a recognition that the way in which Cayman manages its relationship with the United Kingdom as an Overseas Territory, through partnership and through respect, is a beacon for others to follow, bringing significant benefits to both sides.”

The Governor’s Throne Speech also addressed other policies in the Government’s legislative agenda, including the UK-government-driven “legitimate interest access” regime on beneficial ownership of companies, a Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians, and election law reforms.