RULING NCFC AND OPPOSITION PPM SPAR OVER FURTHER CONFLICT OF INTEREST ISSUES

The ruling National Coalition For Caymanians(NCFC) administration continues to fend off questions regarding possible conflicts of interest among some of its ministers. These matters have been raised mainly by the main opposition People’s Progressive Movement(PPM/Progressives).

In the most recent development, the Minister for Caymanian Employment, Michael Myles, has given a lengthy response to the opposition party’s postulations about whether there was a breach of the Ministerial Code involving his company, Inspire Cayman Training Ltd.

Min. Myles has pushed back at any such suggestion, pointing to the arms-length approach he has taken in relation to his company since assuming office.

The NCFC government recently referred to the Governor - via the Attorney General - conflict of interest concerns involving the Premier Andre Ebanks over the government’s acquisition of the Kiddiewinks school building.

A statement issued by Her Excellency Governor Janes Owen, following an investigation carried out by the Attorney General’s chambers, cleared the Premier of any wrongdoing.

INSPIRE CAYMAN LTD

In a new probe into ministerial probity, the PPM/Progressives has raised a series of questions about Min. Myles’ Inspire Cayman Training Ltd.

In a letter dated November 5th addressed to Premier Ebanks, it said: “The Official Opposition writes to express concern regarding recent public disclosures involving the Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration, Hon. Michael Myles, MP, his declared ownership of Inspire Cayman Training Ltd., and the company’s financial and contractual relationships with Government.

While we acknowledge that the Minister publicly declared his business interests, serious questions remain concerning the management of any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of

interest since his appointment to Cabinet on 1 May 2025.”

The PPM/Progressives then raised the following questions:

1. On what date were the Minister’s business interests formally disclosed to the Premier and the Governor, respectively, and what specific safeguards were established following that disclosure to identify, manage and prevent any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest?

2. When were these specific safeguards approved, by whom, and have they been reviewed since his appointment?

3. Have any government contracts involving Inspire Cayman Training Ltd. been newly awarded, renewed, amended or extended since May 2025, and what payments have been made during this period?

4. What measures have been implemented to ensure that the Minister has not participated, directly or indirectly, in decisions, discussions or matters that could benefit his company,

including decisions relating to procurement, contract administration, funding or programme delivery?

5. Given the relationship between the company’s business activities and the Minister’s portfolio responsibilities, has the Premier considered whether the potential or perceived conflict is substantial and enduring within the meaning of section 10.2 of the Code, and

whether any permanent adjustment to the Minister’s portfolio responsibilities is necessary?

The letter signed by PPM/Progressives and Opposition Leader Joey Hew and directed to the Premier also states: “We further draw your attention to section 2.7 of the Ministerial Code, which sets out the procedure for addressing allegations of breaches involving Ministers other than the Premier. We recognise that declaration of interest does not establish misconduct. However, public confidence depends not only on disclosure, but also on demonstrable safeguards, impartial decision-making, and adherence to the standards of good governance.”

While up to the time there was no direct response from Premier Ebanks, Min. Myles has issued a lengthy statement distancing himself from any perception of wrongdoing and insisting that he followed to the letter all procedures for declarations of interest.

MIN. MYLES PUSHES BACK

In a public statement also dated November 5th, Mr Myles, who is the Minister for Caymanian Employment, rejected any suggestions of impropriety on his part regarding his company and any dealings it might now have with the government.

“Recent reporting has raised questions about my ownership of Inspire Cayman Training and its contracts with Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC). While it was acknowledged that I have complied with requirements to disclose interests and have taken steps to mitigate any perceived or actual conflict of interest, there are some points I would like to clarify,” he wrote.

According to Min. Myles, the company’s contracts with the government division WORC (Work, Opportunities and Residence Cayman) to provide job readiness, technical, and vocational training for Caymanians were entered into before he was elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration.

“As a political candidate, in March 2025 I disclosed my ownership of Inspire, its contracts with WORC and my other interests in fulfilment of the Standards in Public Life Act. I also published the notice in the Cayman Islands Gazette as required under the Constitution. All of this is public record,” he confirmed.

The Minister for Caymanian Employment also pointed out that since becoming Minister, no government business involving Inspire has come before him for consideration or decision. “If such a matter does arise, I will declare my interest and recuse myself,” he said.

Mr Myles also addressed other concerns raised pertaining to Inspire Cayman and the five-pronged coalition NCFC government of which he is a part as a member of the Cayman Islands National Party(CINP).

“Recent reporting also refers to Business Staffing Plan (BSP) provisions on training and developing Caymanians. In 2023, at the request of local financial services firms wanting to support vocational training, Inspire and Cayman Finance asked the BSP Board whether that support could count under the BSP framework. The Board confirmed it could, and local firms were informed. This gave employers more ways to meet their training and development obligations, and they are free to choose whichever vocational provider suits them.”

According to Min. Myles, “It’s important for me to tell the public about these actions, discussions and outcomes because they speak to my integrity, transparency, and trust.”