News

Cayman Islands Parliament convened on Monday, 16 December for the Fifth Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session. The Sitting began with a congratulatory message to Caymanian swimmers Jordan Crooks, Jillian Crooks and Kyra Rabess from Minister for Youth, Sports, Heritage and Home Affairs Hon. Isaac Rankine. The East End Member of Parliament (MP) commended the swimmers on their successful performances at the World Aquatics Competition in Budapest, Hungary over the weekend. Minister Rankine noted that “Jordan demolished the 50-metre Freestyle Short Course world record, not only once but twice. This was in less than 24 hours.” Jillian Crooks and Kyra Rabess both set new National and Cayman Islands Swimming Association records.

The Sitting proceeded with Government Business and the Second Reading of the Bills presented before the House last week. Deputy Premier and Minister for Social Development Hon. Kenneth Bryan, moved the second reading of the Children (Amendment) Bill 2024 noting that new bill makes amendments to 64 clauses of the Children Act (2021 Revision). The amendments include the establishment the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Younger Persons, parental rights and adoption of children by persons in marriages and civil partnerships, foster care, child maintenance, the powers of the Court when restricting the liberty of a child, amendments to short titles and detentions, and the repealing of various aspects of the previous legislation.

In addition to the amendments, the Deputy Premier addressed concerns shared by the Opposition regarding the lack of transitional housing and that it would be addressed by way of a policy following further research. All Members of Parliament agreed that the passing of the Bill was a true example of everyone's efforts coming together for the greater good of the country.

Deputy Premier Bryan then rose for the Second Reading of the Maintenance (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which focuses on streamlining child maintenance provisions by consolidating child maintenance and financial orders under the Children (Amendment) Bill, 2024 for clarity and efficiency. It also removes dated references and provisions while ensuring protections for children and young people.

Finally, Deputy Premier Bryan presented the Adoption Bill, 2024 which strengthens adoption laws to uphold rights and ensure safeguards for all involved in the process.

Deputy Bryan explained that the current adoption process has lacked efficiency and that with the establishment of the Adoption Board, the roles of the department and a clearer application would streamline the adoption process in the Cayman Islands. Additionally, the ability to participate in the Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention will make it easier for persons to start their families. MP for West Bay South Andre Ebanks supported the Bill and its amendments.

During Committee on Bills, the representative for West Bay South made the request for The Shemaiah Grant Order to be included in the Children (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The order covers all scenarios where a child loses a parent or parents due to a criminal act such as drunk driving. Deputy Bryan agreed and accepted the request, moving for The Shemaiah Grant Order to be included in the Children (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The House reconvened for the Third Reading of the Bills which were all completed and passed unanimously. The passed Bills were Misuse of Drugs (Amendment), Bill, 2024; Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Public Transport Bill, 2024; Older Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Children (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Maintenance (Amendment) Bill, 2024; and the Adoption Bill, 2024.

Premier Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Conolly, Minister for Finance, Education, District Administration & Lands, Financial Services & Commerce and Health moved Government Motion No 5 - Beneficial Ownership Transparency (Legitimate Interest Access) Regulations, 2024. The regulations were approved by Cabinet on 29 November 2024 under Section 22-6, pending Parliamentary approval. These regulations allow public access to beneficial ownership information to a member of the public that is engaged in journalism, academic research, acting on behalf of civic society or an organisation seeking information in the context of a business relationship or transaction. Access is permitted only when the purpose aligns with combating money laundering, related crimes, or terrorism financing.

The regulations stem from a 2019 commitment to the UK to adopt a public register of beneficial ownership information when it becomes an international standard. This commitment was revised in December 2023 following the European Court of Justice’s 2022 ruling, which deemed unrestricted public access to beneficial ownership information disproportionate to privacy rights.

Developed after extensive consultation, including an October 2024 review, the regulations aim to balance transparency with privacy while addressing international expectations. They were drafted with constitutional experts, notably Sir Jeffrey Jowell KC.MP for Bodden Town West Chris Saunders opposed the regulations over privacy concerns. The Premier emphasised the need to align with evolving global standards, particularly ahead of upcoming assessments such as the Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation, to maintain the Cayman Islands' international financial reputation.

The UK accepted the regulations, agreeing not to impose an Order in Council. The Premier noted that this step ensures the Cayman Islands remains proactive and influential in shaping global discussions on beneficial ownership transparency. The motion passed with 9 votes in favour, 1 against, and 8 absentees.

In closing, all Members of Parliament wished the Cayman Islands community a blessed and safe holiday season. Deputy Premier, Representative for West Bay South, and Deputy Governor urged the public to be safe on the roads noting 11 deaths due to road fatalities. The Speaker closed in giving the final statement recognising the accomplishments of the Meeting.

The House was called to adjournment until Friday, 31 January 2025 at 10:00 am.