AGP Executive Report

Public Finances: Auditor General Patrick Smith reported six qualified opinions on public bodies, up from one last year, and warned that financial management is not improving. Only 37 of 48 audits were completed by September. Ocean Outreach: The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is hosting community events this week, including a free marine communications workshop today, to build ocean awareness and support conservation. Crime: Attempted-murder suspect Michael Gollab has been extradited from Jamaica and remains in police custody as investigations continue. Tourism: Cayman welcomed 27,445 overnight visitors in August, up 9.2% year on year, extending its growth streak to 10 months; arrivals were up 11% for January to August. Youth Enterprise: Year 13 student Damoya Fearon won CI$2,500 at the Small Business Expo for SargaPower, her plan to turn sargassum into biogas and fertiliser. Business: Cayman Enterprise City was named the Americas’ leading knowledge zone for 2026, as its special economic zone reached 500 businesses.

Public Finances: The Auditor General reports $172.5 million in corrections and six qualified audit opinions, all involving government companies or authorities; he says financial management is not improving. Young Entrepreneurs: Cayman Prep student Damoya Fearon won the Small Business Expo youth pitch with a plan to turn sargassum into biogas and fertiliser. Tourism: Stayover arrivals rose 9.2% in August to 27,445, extending growth to 10 straight months; January-to-August visits were up 11%. Healthcare: Government is exploring making CINICO the sole health insurer for residents, with a working group to assess feasibility and consultation ahead. Environment: CCMI is taking marine science into the community this week with school visits, a public lecture and outreach events. Airport Capacity: Publicly funded expansion at Owen Roberts International Airport would add commercial stands, private-jet parking and a taxiway, with construction expected to start in 2027. Youth Football: Cayman’s U-15 team lost 5-0 to Iraq and 7-0 to Trinidad and Tobago at the FIFA festival in Azerbaijan.

Youth Football: Cayman’s Under-15s lost 7-0 to Trinidad and Tobago at the FIFA festival in Baku, following a 5-0 defeat to Iraq. Airport Expansion: Owen Roberts International Airport has invited bids for a publicly funded project adding commercial aircraft stands, private-jet parking and a taxiway; construction is expected to start in 2027. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the islands’ first Deputy National Epidemiologist, supporting disease surveillance and health-data analysis. Flooding and Beaches: Forecasters warn high tides, saturated ground and lost wetlands are contributing to local flooding. The Department of Environment also links recent Seven Mile Beach fish bites to feeding and floating mats attracting baitfish. Insurance Growth: CIMA issued eight international insurance licences in the third quarter, bringing 2026’s total to 28. Conservation: The Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos signed a declaration to protect the Sargasso Sea.

Youth Football: The Cayman Islands’ U-15 team opened the FIFA tournament with a 5-0 loss to Iraq, who later beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-1. Airport Expansion: Owen Roberts International Airport is seeking bids for a publicly funded apron and taxiway project, adding three commercial stands and two private-jet parking pads. Construction is expected to start in 2027. Flooding and Wetlands: High tides and showers are worsening localised flooding, while forecasters and conservation advocates point to the loss of wetlands and other natural drainage areas. Marine Safety: The Department of Environment says fish feeding and floating mats may attract baitfish and barracuda linked to recent bites near Seven Mile Beach; feeding marine wildlife outside designated zones is illegal. Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the first Deputy National Epidemiologist to strengthen disease monitoring and reporting. Insurance: CIMA issued eight international insurance licences in the third quarter; Cayman now has 720 Class B, C and D insurers with about US$62 billion in premiums written. Shipping: A cargo ship flying the Cayman Islands flag sank near Romania after a suspected drone strike; one Ukrainian crew member was killed and others were hospitalized.

Airport Expansion: Owen Roberts International Airport is seeking bids for a publicly funded apron and taxiway upgrade, adding three commercial aircraft stands and overflow parking for private jets. Construction is expected to start in 2027. Youth Football: The Cayman Islands’ under-15 team lost 5-0 to Iraq at the FIFA tournament in Azerbaijan; the side is also due to face Trinidad and Tobago. Public Safety: High tides, saturated ground and lost wetlands are worsening localised flooding. The Department of Environment also suspects fish feeding and floating mats may be attracting baitfish and barracuda near Seven Mile Beach, where swimmers have been bitten. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the islands’ first Deputy National Epidemiologist, supporting disease monitoring and building local expertise. Financial Services: CIMA issued eight international insurance licences in the third quarter, bringing 2026’s total to 28; Cayman’s 720 international insurers hold about US$203 billion in assets. Maritime Incident: The Cayman-flagged cargo ship Khoryv sank off Romania after a reported drone strike. One crew member died and four were hospitalised.

Airport Expansion: The Airports Authority has invited bids for publicly funded upgrades at Owen Roberts, adding three commercial aircraft stands, two private-jet pads and a taxiway. Work is expected to run from the second quarter of 2027 to March 2028. Youth Football: Iraq beat Cayman’s under-15 team 5-0 in the opening match of the FIFA U-15 World Cup festival in Baku. Education: Phased improvements at Joanna Clarke Primary include an expanded assembly hall and staff room, more parking and grounds upgrades; the school will remain open. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the islands’ first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role supporting disease surveillance and building local expertise. Environment: High tides, saturated ground and shrinking wetlands are contributing to localised flooding. The Department of Environment also warns that fish feeding and floating mats may attract baitfish and predators linked to bites off Seven Mile Beach. Insurance Sector: CIMA issued eight international insurance licences in the third quarter, bringing 2026’s total to 28.

Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the islands’ first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role supporting disease surveillance and building local expertise. Schools: Expansion works are under way at Joanna Clarke Primary School, adding assembly-hall and staff-room space, parking and grounds improvements; the school will remain open. Flooding: The Weather Service says high tides, showers and saturated ground are worsening localised flooding, while the loss of wetlands leaves less room for water to drain. Airport: A publicly funded expansion of Owen Roberts International Airport’s aprons and taxiway is out to tender, with the Airports Authority citing congestion during busy periods, including private-jet arrivals. Insurance: CIMA issued eight international insurer licences in the third quarter, bringing 2026’s total to 28; the sector now includes 720 Class B, C and D insurers. Marine Safety: The Department of Environment says fish feeding and floating mats may be attracting baitfish and barracuda near Seven Mile Beach, and reminds the public not to feed marine wildlife. Cybersecurity: The Cayman Islands Government says its main websites do not use the software affected by recent PHP vulnerabilities, while other systems are being assessed. Cayman Flag: A cargo ship sailing under the Cayman Islands flag sank off Romania after a suspected drone strike; one crew member was killed and four others were hospitalized.

Maritime: A cargo ship sailing under the Cayman Islands flag sank near Romania after a suspected Russian drone strike. One Ukrainian crew member was killed and four others were hospitalized; 14 people were aboard. Schools: Phased expansion works have begun at Joanna Clarke Primary, adding space to the assembly hall and staff room, parking and upgraded grounds. Airport: The Airports Authority is seeking bids for a multimillion-dollar expansion of Owen Roberts International Airport’s aprons and taxiway, funded by public money, to ease congestion from rising aircraft traffic. Flooding: The National Weather Service says high tides, showers and the loss of wetlands are worsening localized flooding in low-lying areas; conditions are expected to improve as showers ease. Marine Safety: The Department of Environment says fish feeding and floating mats may attract baitfish and barracuda linked to recent bites near Seven Mile Beach, and reminds the public that feeding marine wildlife is illegal outside designated zones. Insurance: CIMA issued eight international insurer licences in the third quarter, bringing 2026’s total to 28; Cayman now has 720 Class B, C and D insurers. Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the Ministry of Health’s first Deputy National Epidemiologist.

Public Health: Caymanian professional Halle Miller has been appointed the Ministry of Health’s first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role intended to build local expertise and leadership. Prison Safety: A prison officer is suing the government, alleging inadequate fire protection and ventilation at HMP Northward left him with smoke-inhalation injuries and PTSD. Energy Costs: Premier André Ebanks is backing CUC’s consideration of liquefied natural gas as a transition from costly imported diesel, while the country weighs how to speed up the shift to renewables. Insurance Growth: Cayman issued eight international insurer licences in the third quarter, bringing the 2026 total to 28; the sector now has 720 Class B, C and D insurers. Conservation: Three Cayman sites have been recognised as Important Shark and Ray Areas, while Cayman, the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos signed a declaration to protect the Sargasso Sea. Governance: MPs are seeking constitutional change to reserve the attorney general post for Caymanians. Public Safety: Police are seeking help to locate a man wanted in connection with serious violent crimes; a Bodden Town man has also been charged with drug and ammunition offences.

Public Health: Caymanian Halle Miller has been appointed the Ministry of Health’s first Deputy National Epidemiologist, a new role aimed at building local expertise. Police: A Bodden Town man has been charged with possessing ammunition and ganja after a search; police are also seeking Conroy Nairne, wanted in connection with serious violent crimes. Prison Safety: A Northward officer is suing the government, alleging inadequate fire precautions left him with smoke inhalation injuries and PTSD. Financial Services: Cayman issued eight international insurer licences in the third quarter, bringing the 2026 total to 28, with 11 applications under review. Energy: Premier André Ebanks says government is backing a review of LNG as a possible transition from costly diesel, which still generates most of the islands’ electricity. Health Reform: The Ministry has commissioned an independent review of the Department of Health Regulatory Services as part of wider sector reforms. Digital Safety: A relaunched, year-long Cyber Safe campaign urges residents to verify messages before clicking links, sharing personal details or making payments. Sport: Cayman’s boys’ U-15 team opens its historic FIFA World Cup campaign against Iraq on October 24 in Azerbaijan. Environment: The Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos have signed a declaration to protect the Sargasso Sea.

Online Safety: Government has relaunched its Cyber Safe campaign, urging residents to verify unexpected messages before clicking links, sharing personal details or paying. Police: Two West Bay men have been charged after officers used a drone to track suspects fleeing a North Side burglary; stolen property was recovered. Health Reform: An independent review will assess the Department of Health Regulatory Services, following a separate review of the Health Services Authority. Work Permits: Figures show 87.7% of applications were approved over the past year, contradicting the immigration minister’s earlier claim that more permits were refused than granted. Mosquito Control: One MRCU aircraft is back in service, though mosquito activity remains high in some communities and the unit’s second plane is still grounded. Marine Protection: Cayman has joined the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in signing a declaration to strengthen protection for the Sargasso Sea; three local marine areas have also been recognised as important shark and ray habitats. Youth Sport: Cayman’s boys’ under-15 team opens its historic FIFA World Cup campaign against Iraq on October 24.

Health Reform: The government has commissioned EY to assess the health regulator’s governance, structure and operations, following a review of care at HSA. Youth and Family Support: Cayman’s first district youth council has been established in West Bay, while Eightpoint will cover grocery costs for the Crisis Centre’s shelter for a year. Football: The Cayman U-15 team opens its historic World Cup campaign against Iraq on October 24 in Azerbaijan. Work Permits: Figures show 87.7% of 44,540 applications were approved over the past year, contradicting earlier claims by the immigration minister. Foreclosures: MPs have backed a review of the process, with calls to ensure repossessed homes are marketed widely and sold for fair value. Environment: Cayman has joined a declaration seeking stronger international protection for the Sargasso Sea; three local marine areas have also been recognised as important shark and ray habitats. Mosquito Control: MRCU’s aircraft is back in service, though biting remains high in some communities. Insurance: Cayman issued 28 new international insurer licences this year; the sector now has 720 companies, $62 billion in premiums and $203 billion in assets.

Work Permits: WORC figures show 87.7% of 44,540 applications were approved over the past year, contradicting Immigration Minister Michael Myles’s earlier claim that more permits were refused than granted. Ocean Protection: Cayman joined the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in signing the Hamilton II Declaration, which seeks stronger international protection for the Sargasso Sea. Mosquito Control: MRCU’s aircraft has returned to service after inspection, restoring aerial treatments as mosquito activity remains high in some communities. Public Safety: Police are seeking witnesses after a man was stabbed several times at a Bodden Town bar; he remains in hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Scam Alert: CINICO warns residents not to click links in fraudulent text messages offering refunds. Marine Conservation: Three Cayman nearshore areas have been recognised as Important Shark and Ray Areas, a designation that can inform future conservation planning. Financial Services: Cayman-incorporated firms account for 58% of Hong Kong’s listed companies, while the islands’ international insurance sector added eight licences in the third quarter. Pirates Week: The festival runs October 30 to November 21 across all three islands under the theme “Spirits, Gold & Glory.”

Public Safety: RCIPS is seeking witnesses after a man was stabbed several times at a Bodden Town bar on Friday. He remains in hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Scam Alert: CINICO warns residents not to click links in fraudulent texts claiming to offer refunds; the insurer says it does not send payment links by SMS. Mosquito Control: MRCU’s aircraft has returned to service after inspection, restoring aerial treatments, though mosquito levels remain unacceptably high in some communities. Marine Conservation: Three Cayman coastal areas have been recognised internationally as Important Shark and Ray Areas, a scientific designation that can guide conservation planning but does not create legal protections. Pirates Week: The 49th festival will run across all three islands from October 30 to November 21 under the theme “Spirits, Gold & Glory.” Health Reform: Government has commissioned EY to assess the health regulator’s governance, structure and operations, following a similar review of the HSA. Cost of Living: First-half import costs fell 1% year-on-year, but petroleum import costs rose 22.8% as fuel prices climbed despite lower volumes. Public Finances: MPs have backed work on a sovereign wealth fund, but its governance and strict limits on withdrawals are still to be determined.

Insurance and Investment: Cayman-based Cover Re secured another $65 million, bringing Resilience Foundation funding to $165 million. Separately, the international insurance sector reached 720 licensed insurers, with $203 billion in assets. Healthcare: The Ministry commissioned an independent review of the health regulator as part of wider reform. Integra Healthcare also launched consultant-led eye care in Grand Cayman, including urgent assessments and surgery. Cost of Living: Imports fell 1% in the first half of 2026, but higher fuel prices pushed petroleum import costs up 22.8%; food imports also declined. Constitutional Reform: MPs Kenneth Bryan and Julie Hunter are proposing that the attorney general must be Caymanian, ahead of Samuel Bulgin’s retirement next year. Youth Football: Cayman’s boys’ under-15 team is preparing for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, opening against Iraq on October 24. Local Development: Dart is building a Camana Bay STEM centre with a robotics lab and learning spaces for students across the islands.

Healthcare Reform: The Ministry has commissioned EY to assess the governance, operations and resources of the Cayman Islands’ health regulator, following a similar review of the HSA. Insurance Growth: CIMA issued eight international insurer licences in the third quarter, bringing 2026’s total to 28; the sector now has 720 insurers with about US$203 billion in assets. Education: Dart is building a dedicated STEM centre at Camana Bay, with robotics facilities and programmes intended for students across the islands. Business: The free Small Business Expo takes place Wednesday at Hotel Indigo, featuring more than 30 local businesses and a youth pitch competition. Youth Sports: Cayman’s under-15 team will compete in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, opening against Iraq on Oct. 24. National Recognition: Cayman Airways has won Caribbean’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards and earned its first nomination for World’s Leading Airline. Constitutional Affairs: Lawmakers Kenneth Bryan and Julie Hunter are seeking to require the attorney general to be Caymanian, ahead of Samuel Bulgin’s retirement next year. Jobs: Advertised vacancies rose 22.5% in the first nine months of 2026, led by construction, hospitality and administrative services.