AGP Executive Report

UCCI & Student Life: UCCI kicked off the 2026–2027 academic year with orientation across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, focusing on connection, belonging, and support services for new and returning students. Inclusion & Community: Logic wrapped up its “Connect for Inclusion Cayman” campaign, raising KYD$10,000 for Inclusion Cayman and boosting public conversations on disability inclusion. Tourism & Marine Culture: Jack’s Diving Locker owners Jeff and Teri Leicher were inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, cementing Cayman’s role as a global diving hub. Sports Pathways: CIFA opened tryouts for the Cayman Islands Girls U14 National Team (Sept 19, 26, Oct 3), while the Volleyball Association announced a 2v2 beach tournament at Seven Mile Beach (Oct 11 or 18) supporting youth equipment. Health & Careers: HSA nurses completed LEARN Clinical Ladder Levels 2 and 3, building skills for safer patient care and leadership. Governance & Sport Funding: Government approved an evidence-led Focus Sports Framework, setting clear criteria, safeguarding rules, and reviews up to Oct 31, 2027. Finance & Training: PROVEN appointed Sonja M. Salmon as CEO, and the Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation for Cayman-focused professional courses. Leadership Appointments: Dr Karie Bergstrom was named Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks, effective Oct 1. Education Scholarships: IMAC announced its 2026 scholarship recipients, continuing support for Caymanian students since 1994. Outcomes in Budgeting: Cayman’s government says outcome-based budgeting is progressing but won’t be fully reflected until at least 2030. Crypto & Business Events: CIRCA opened early-bird registration for ReConnect 2027, and BTCC launched a “Trade To Win” TOKEN2049 competition with a $1M prize pool.

Housing & Cost of Living: A new study on St Andrews’ property market says nearly a fifth of homes were bought by people from outside Scotland, including buyers linked to the Cayman Islands—fueling fresh fears of an affordable homes squeeze. Education & Scholarships: The Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC) named its 2026 scholarship recipients, backing more Caymanian students after raising over US$5 million since 1994. Community & Youth Sport: CIFA opened Girls U14 National Team tryouts for players born 2013–2015, with sessions at the CIFA Centre for Excellence starting Sept. 19. Health & Careers: HSA nurses completed Levels 2 and 3 of the LEARN Clinical Ladder Programme, aimed at boosting patient safety and leadership pathways. Sports Governance: Government approved a new Focus Sports Framework to guide public funding with clear criteria, safeguarding, and annual reviews. Rehabilitation & Justice: Minister Nickolas DaCosta highlighted Cayman’s push for offender rehabilitation and regional crime-reduction cooperation after attending a Caribbean probation and parole conference. Tourism & Marine Culture: The 23rd International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction celebrated Cayman’s marine heritage and new honourees. Finance & Training: PROVEN Bank appointed Sonja M. Salmon as CEO for Cayman and St. Lucia, while the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation. Premier’s Office: Dr Karie Bergstrom was named Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks, starting 1 October. Local Debate: Two campaigners urged lawmakers to move beyond narrow ganja decriminalisation, arguing it could worsen black-market imports without legal cultivation.

Rehabilitation & Public Safety: Minister Nickolas DaCosta says Cayman is strengthening offender rehabilitation and regional crime-fighting links after leading a delegation to the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole conference in Turks and Caicos. Youth Football: CIFA is inviting girls born 2013–2015 to try out for the Cayman Islands Girls U14 National Team across three Saturdays (Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3) at the CIFA Centre for Excellence. Nursing Career Growth: HSA nurses are progressing through the LEARN Clinical Ladder Programme, a hands-on nine-month pathway aimed at safer patient care and leadership development. Sport Governance: Government has approved an evidence-led Focus Sports Framework with clear criteria, safeguarding, and annual reviews, capping the number of Focus Sports at 10. Beach Volleyball Returns: The Cayman Islands Volleyball Association’s Senior One Day Beach Volleyball competition is set for Seven Mile Beach on Oct 11 or Oct 18, with proceeds supporting youth equipment and uniforms. Scuba Culture: The 23rd International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony celebrates Cayman’s diving legacy and new inductees. Hospitality Talent: MPLAHI crowned Cayman’s 2026 Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist champions, who will represent the islands at the YYY World Finals in March 2027. Housing Debate: The Auditor General’s report is adding pressure to Cayman’s public housing conversation, with PPM weighing in. Finance & Training: PROVEN Bank appoints Sonja M. Salmon as CEO for Cayman and St. Lucia, and the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earns CPD accreditation. Community & Learning: UCCI is investing in faculty and staff development to boost the student experience for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Sports Governance: The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage has won Cabinet approval for a new Focus Sports Framework, setting clear, transparent rules for funding, athlete development, child safeguarding, and annual reviews (with the current eight sports grandfathered through a managed transition). Premier’s Office: Dr Karie Bergstrom has been named Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks, starting 1 October, tasked with steering policy support and day-to-day OTP operations. Business & Education: PROVEN Bank appointed Sonja M. Salmon as President and CEO for Cayman and St. Lucia, while the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earned CPD accreditation for its Cayman-specific training. Youth & Culture: MPLAHI crowned Bradley McLaughlin (Young Chef), Gaby Christian (Young Waiter) and Julius Parsons (Young Mixologist) to represent Cayman at the YYY World Finals in March 2027. Community Watch: The RCIPS says it keeps records on sexual and indecency offenders, but a formal sex offender register needs legislation.

Premier Appointments: Dr Karie Bergstrom is set to become Chief of Staff to Premier André Ebanks from 1 October, leading the Office of the Premier and coordinating policy implementation. Banking Leadership: PROVEN Bank names Sonja M. Salmon as President and CEO for the group’s Cayman and St. Lucia operations, starting 1 September. Financial Services Training: The Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earns CPD Accreditation, allowing eligible courses to issue accredited CPD certificates. Public Housing Pressure: The Auditor General’s housing report is driving fresh debate, with PPM weighing in on delivery, value for money, and accountability. Cannabis Consultation: Campaigners argue Cayman should move beyond narrow decriminalisation and allow legal cultivation, warning it could fuel illegal imports and black-market activity. Youth & Culture: MPLAHI celebrates Cayman’s 2026 Young Hospitality Champions (Chef, Waiter, Mixologist) heading to world finals in March 2027. Community & Safety: RCIPS says it keeps records for sexual and indecency offences but legislation is needed for an official sex offender register. Business & People: CUC marks 60 years in Grand Cayman and achieves Investors in People Platinum accreditation.

Cannabis Debate: A psychiatrist and local attorney are pushing for full ganja legalisation, warning Cayman could worsen its drug problem if it only decriminalises small amounts while keeping cultivation illegal. Housing Pressure: The Auditor General’s housing report is adding fuel to the public housing debate, with PPM weighing in after criticism of delivery, value for money and accountability. Sex Offender Register: RCIPS says it keeps records on sexual and indecency offenders but that a true sex offender register needs legislation; opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has filed a private member’s motion to start the conversation. Finance & Services: PROVEN Bank appoints Sonja M. Salmon as President and CEO; the Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute earns CPD accreditation for Cayman-specific training. Youth & Culture: MPLAHI celebrates Cayman’s 2026 Young Hospitality Champions (chef, waiter and mixologist) ahead of the March 2027 world finals. Community & Workplaces: CUC marks 60 years powering Grand Cayman and achieves Investors in People Platinum accreditation. Transport & Costs: Government confirms revised DVDL driving licence fees from 1 September, including lower rates for non-Caymanians and discounts for longer-term Caymanian licences. Sports Spotlight: Cayman’s own youth boxer Bellile is set for a key warm-up bout as he targets the Youth Olympic Games.

Banking Leadership: PROVEN Bank has appointed Grand Cayman-based Sonja M. Salmon as President and CEO, taking over from September 1 with more than 20 years’ experience across risk, governance and Caribbean operations. Professional Training: The Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute (FSI) has earned CPD accreditation, meaning eligible courses can now issue accredited CPD certificates for topics like AML, corporate governance and the local regulatory framework. Hospitality Careers: MPLAHI crowned Bradley McLaughlin (Young Chef), Gaby Christian (Young Waiter) and Julius Parsons (Young Mixologist) as Cayman’s 2026 champions, with the trio set to represent the islands at the YYY World Finals in March 2027. Housing Watch: The Auditor General’s housing report is feeding fresh political pressure, with PPM/Progressives calling for stronger accountability after findings on delivery, value for money and performance gaps. Driving Fees Update: Government confirmed revised DVDL fees take effect September 1, including lower non-Caymanian full licence fees and discounts for Caymanians buying longer-term licences. Education & People Development: UCCI is investing in faculty and staff development for the 2026–2027 year, while CUC marks 60 years in Grand Cayman with Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation. Community & Safety Debate: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has filed a motion pushing for an official sex offender register, as RCIPS says it keeps records but legislation is needed for a true register.

Court & Public Safety: The Cayman Islands Court of Appeal quashed a man’s challenge to his 16-year illegal gun sentence, pointing to his WhatsApp bragging about a fatal 2021 shooting outside the Globe Bar in George Town. Workplace & Powering the Island: As CUC marks 60 years of service, the company says it has achieved Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation for its people practices and workplace culture. Sex Offender Register Debate: RCIPS says it keeps records on sexual and indecency offenders but that a true sex offender register needs legislation; opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has filed a private member’s motion to establish one. Local Governance: Governor Jane Owen has appointed a new Electoral Boundary Commission to tackle unequal constituencies, with public consultation built into the process. Community & Faith: Cayman City Church was officially launched in Grand Cayman with a service at Harquail Theatre and a visit from Apostle Dr. Michael Agyeman-Amoako. Health & Wellbeing: The Department of Counselling Services launches “R.E.A.L.” Recovery Month campaign for September, encouraging small steps toward support and resilience. Education & Scholarships: IMAC opens its annual gala silent auction to fund its educational scholarship programme for young Caymanians. Sports & Youth: Youth boxer Makieve “The Sniper” Bellile (Trinidad and Tobago) is set for a key bout as he builds toward the Youth Olympic Games. Culture & Lifestyle: A Cayman Chamber Lunch & Learn invites people to “Find Your Hex Score” to measure and improve wellbeing across six life dimensions.

People & Power: CUC marks 60 years in Grand Cayman with top-tier Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation, spotlighting its long-running focus on staff development and workplace culture. Community & Learning: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp turns 10, giving 10–13-year-olds hands-on robotics, renewable energy, 3D printing and more. Youth Sport: Trinidad and Tobago’s 17-year-old boxer Makieve “The Sniper” Bellile gets a key tune-up bout ahead of the Youth Olympic Games, with Cayman’s own Deniche Hill also making headlines for his move to FC Halifax Town. Local Church Life: Cayman City Church officially launches in Grand Cayman, welcoming a visit from Apostle Dr. Michael Agyeman-Amoako and setting out plans for youth and community ministry. Public Safety & Law: RCIPS says it keeps records on sexual and indecency offenders but that a true sex offender register needs legislation; opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden pushes a private member’s motion. Governance: Governor Jane Owen appoints a new Electoral Boundary Commission to tackle unequal constituencies, with public consultation central. Cost of Living/Fees: Cayman revises driver’s licence fees for non-Caymanians, easing the planned hike after backlash. Scholarships & Giving: IMAC opens its gala silent auction to fund education scholarships, while the Breast Cancer Foundation announces Dr. Corrine Ellsworth Beaumont as guest speaker for its 2026 annual gala.

Sex offender register push: RCIPS says it keeps records on sexual and indecency offenders but there’s no legal requirement for an official sex offender register—legislation is needed—after opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden filed a private member’s motion to establish one. Driver’s licence fees revised: The government reduced the planned foreign-resident driving licence fee hike, cutting the increase to about three times (not eight), while offering Caymanian discounts for longer-term licences. Electoral boundaries reset: Governor Jane Owen appointed a new Electoral Boundary Commission to address unequal constituencies, with public consultation central to its work. Wellbeing campaign: The Department of Counselling Services launches R.E.A.L. (Restoring Every Area of Life) for September, encouraging hope and connection during recovery. Youth & learning: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marks 10 years, while IMAC’s gala silent auction supports its long-running educational scholarship fund. Community & faith: Cayman City Church officially launched in Grand Cayman, and Rotary Sunset recognised local non-profits with community cheques. Sports spotlight: 17-year-old T&T youth boxer Bellile gets a key tune-up bout ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.

Youth & Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s 17-year-old youth boxer Makieve “The Sniper” Bellile gets a key tune-up on Sept. 18, facing Josiah “The Jigsaw” McEachnie in “The One” in Carapichaima, as he builds momentum for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Local Governance & Safety: RCIPS says it records sexual and indecency offences but can’t call it a sex offender register without legislation; opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has filed a private member’s motion to push an official register debate in parliament. Education & Community: IMAC has opened its annual gala silent auction to fund the IMAC Educational Scholarship Fund, backing young Caymanians since 1994. Culture & Faith: Cayman City Church officially launched in Grand Cayman at Harquail Theatre, with visiting leadership from The Church of Pentecost. STEM & Youth Development: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marks 10 years with hands-on robotics, renewable energy, 3D printing and more for ages 10–13. Wellbeing: The Department of Counselling Services launches “R.E.A.L.” Recovery Month campaign for September, focusing on hope and small steps toward support.

Youth Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s 17-year-old youth boxer Makieve “The Sniper” Bellile gets a key tune-up fight on Sept. 18 in Carapichaima, ahead of the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Senegal—after a standout run that included a win over Cayman’s Josiah “The Jigsaw” McEachnie. Community & Faith: Cayman City Church officially launched in Grand Cayman with a special service at Harquail Theatre, welcoming Apostle Dr. Michael Agyeman-Amoako and focusing on evangelism, youth development, and community engagement. Local Business & Education: The Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC) opened its annual gala silent auction to fund scholarships for young Caymanians—bidding runs until Sept. 12. Cayman Governance: A new Electoral Boundary Commission has been appointed to tackle unequal constituencies, with public consultation built into the process. Public Safety & Wellbeing: The Department of Counselling Services kicks off September’s R.E.A.L. Recovery Month campaign, encouraging hope and small steps toward support. Road Safety: RCIPS is urging drivers to avoid distracted driving as schools reopen, warning that even a moment on a phone can be deadly.

Commentary & Culture: A new Cayman commentary revives the old expression “Fenneh Grease,” using it as a call for accountability and justice, arguing society should stop excusing wrongdoing and hold powerful figures to account. Education & Scholarships: IMAC has opened its annual gala silent auction to fund the IMAC Educational Scholarship Fund, supporting young Caymanians since 1994. Community & Faith: Cayman City Church officially launched in Grand Cayman with a weekend service at Harquail Theatre, welcoming visiting leadership from The Church of Pentecost. Youth & Learning: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marks 10 years, with hands-on projects from robotics to renewable energy. Wellbeing & Support: The Department of Counselling Services kicks off September’s R.E.A.L. Recovery Month campaign, encouraging hope and small steps toward recovery. Road Safety: RCIPS urges drivers to stay alert as schools reopen, warning that distracted driving around school zones and buses can be deadly. Local Governance: A new Electoral Boundary Commission has been appointed to tackle unequal constituencies, with public consultation central to its work. Public Policy: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden files a motion pushing for an official sex offender register, sparking debate over protection versus rights. Local Employment: Cayman’s Hello2Hired recruitment drive brought 91 Caymanian jobseekers together with 24 employers.

Local Church Launch: Cayman City Church officially opened in Grand Cayman with a community service at Harquail Theatre, welcoming Apostle Dr. Michael Agyeman-Amoako and focusing on evangelism, youth and family ministry. Road Safety: RCIPS is urging drivers to avoid distractions as schools reopen, warning that mobile phone use and school-zone traffic put children at risk. Electoral Reform: Governor Jane Owen has appointed a new Electoral Boundary Commission to tackle unequal constituencies, with public consultation central to the work. Sex Offender Register Debate: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden filed a private member’s motion pushing for an official sex offender register, aiming to spark a policy conversation while weighing human-rights concerns. Driver’s Licence Fees: Government revised the non-Caymanian driver’s licence fee hike, cutting the increase and adding discounts for Caymanians on longer-term licences. STEM & Youth: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marked its 10th anniversary with hands-on robotics, renewable energy and science demos for ages 10–13. Community Wellbeing: The Department of Counselling Services launches Recovery Month in September with its R.E.A.L. campaign, encouraging hope and small steps toward recovery. Motorsport Education: Cayman Motoring Federation won the FIA José Abed Award for STEM Racing Cayman Islands, recognising education and youth opportunity through motorsport. Employment Support: The Hello2Hired recruitment drive welcomed 91 Caymanian jobseekers and 24 employers, aiming to connect people directly with hiring teams.

Local Church Launch: Cayman City Church officially opened in Grand Cayman with a community service at Harquail Theatre, featuring Apostle Dr. Michael Agyeman-Amoako and a focus on evangelism, youth, families, and community engagement. Road Safety: RCIPS urges drivers to stay alert as schools reopen, warning against distracted driving and mobile phone use around school zones and buses. Democracy in Motion: Governor Jane Owen has appointed the 2026 Electoral Boundary Commission to review Cayman’s 19 constituencies, with public consultation central to the process. Sex Offender Register Debate: Opposition MP Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden filed a private member’s motion pushing for an official sex offender register, aiming to spark a safer, rights-aware conversation. Driver’s Licence Fees: Revised DVDL fee structure takes effect 1 September, reducing the non-Caymanian hike and adding discounts for Caymanians on longer-term licences. STEM & Youth: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marks 10 years of hands-on learning for ages 10–13, from robotics to renewable energy experiments. Community Support & Wellbeing: The Department of Counselling Services launches R.E.A.L. Recovery Month campaign for September, encouraging hope and connection during recovery. Motorsport Education: Cayman Motoring Federation wins the FIA José Abed Award for STEM Racing Cayman Islands, linking motorsport with engineering and opportunity. Scholarships: EY Bahamas names two 2026 scholarship recipients, supporting accounting-focused university plans. Business & Networking: Cayman Islands Chamber hosts a Lunch & Learn on wellbeing “Hex Score,” plus a late-September Panama real estate investment networking event. Sports: Deniche Hill joins FC Halifax Town, bringing an attacking full-back style to the National League side. International Royal News: King Charles and Queen Camilla announce a Caribbean royal tour this fall, including stops in The Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda.

Cayman Community & Culture: Cayman City Church officially launched in Grand Cayman with a weekend service at Harquail Theatre, featuring visiting Apostle Dr. Michael Agyeman-Amoako and a focus on evangelism, discipleship, youth and family ministry. Youth & Learning: UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp marked its 10th anniversary, giving 10–13-year-olds hands-on robotics, renewable energy, 3D printing and physics—plus standout moments like liquid nitrogen demos. Wellbeing & Support: The Department of Counselling Services kicks off Recovery Month in September with R.E.A.L. (Restoring Every Area of Life), encouraging small steps and community connection during recovery. Road Safety: RCIPS urges drivers to stay alert as schools reopen, warning that distracted driving—especially mobile phones—around school zones and buses can be deadly. Local Governance: The Governor has appointed members of the 2026 Electoral Boundary Commission, starting public consultation to review Cayman’s 19 electoral constituency boundaries. Motorsport & STEM: Cayman Motoring Federation won the FIA José Abed Award for STEM Racing Cayman Islands, highlighting education through engineering and teamwork. Employment & Career Pathways: The Hello2Hired recruitment event connected 91 Caymanian jobseekers with 24 employers, aiming to turn turnout into real hiring. Business & Lifestyle: Cayman’s revised driving licence fee structure takes effect 1 September, including discounts for Caymanians buying longer-term licences.