News

Mounting concerns continue to grow over the spread of COVID-19 (or “coronavirus”) in the Cayman Islands. Additional preventative measures have been instituted by the Cayman Islands Government since our Press Statement issued on 16 March 2020 in a series of recent press conferences. A mandatory curfew, restriction on gatherings, and increased social distancing are amongst some of the safeguards put in place thus far. It is expected that additional measures will be put in place over the coming days and weeks. Whilst persons in the Cayman Islands enjoy a number of essential rights and freedoms as engrained in Part I of the Cayman Islands Constitution, the implementation of these measures impact a number of human rights such as Personal Liberty (s.5), Private and Family Life (s.9), Conscience and Religion (s.10), Assembly and Association (s.12), Movement (s.13), and Education (s.20). The decision by the Government to impact these human rights is not taken lightly but such rights can lawfully be restricted in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons. The Government has a duty to protect the right to life (s.2) of every individual in the Cayman Islands. The HRC stands behind the Government as they seek to put in place safeguards to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community. Further information on the Bill of Rights, Freedoms & Responsibilities, or the Human Rights Commission can be found at Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009 or on www.humanrightscommission.ky. You can contact the Commission via email at info@humanrightscommission.ky or via phone 244-3685.