The future of healthcare legislation in the Cayman Islands is being shaped through collaboration between Government and the healthcare professionals who deliver care to the community.
That was the message from a recent Healthcare Stakeholder Consultation hosted by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, where healthcare practitioners and other sector stakeholders came together learn about the four proposed Bills and provide direct feedback on the reforms.
Held at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort, the consultation focused on the proposed Public Health Bill, 2026; Environmental Health Bill, 2026; Tobacco (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and Health Practice (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The engagement was designed to go beyond presenting the proposed legislation. Healthcare professionals were invited to ask questions, identify areas for consideration and share their practical experience of working within the health system. Participants submitted questions and suggestions in real time through a QR code before taking part in an open discussion with Ministry representatives.
For one participating healthcare professional, the opportunity to contribute directly to public policy was particularly significant. “Back home I never had the opportunity to participate in something like this, where frontline healthcare professionals are invited to contribute directly to the development of public policy,” the participant said.
The experience highlighted the value of creating opportunities for those working directly with patients and communities to have a voice in the systems that govern healthcare.
The Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, said the Government has a responsibility to listen as it develops legislation that will affect the health and wellbeing of the country.
"Good legislation is not developed in isolation. It is strengthened by the experience, expertise and practical knowledge of the people who will work with it every day,” Minister Ebanks-Wilks said.
“Many of you have dedicated your careers to caring for our community. You understand the realities of delivering healthcare, protecting public health, regulating professional standards and responding to the changing needs of our population. Your perspective is invaluable.”
Minister Ebanks-Wilks said the reforms represent an opportunity to bring the legislative framework in line with the Cayman Islands’ current needs.
“Our population has grown, healthcare has advanced, new public health challenges have emerged and our expectations of the systems that protect our communities have evolved. Our legislative framework must evolve as well,” she said.
The Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, Ms. Tamara Ebanks, said the expertise of healthcare stakeholders is an essential part of developing legislation that can work effectively in practice.
"While each Bill focuses on a different aspect of health and wellbeing, they share a common purpose: to modernise legislation so that it reflects the realities of a growing and evolving country,” Ms. Ebanks said. “Healthcare professionals and stakeholders bring valuable expertise and practical experience that can help us ensure these Bills are effective, workable and responsive to the needs of our community.”
The consultation is part of the Ministry’s broader engagement on the proposed legislative package. The Ministry is continuing to invite feedback as the Bills progress through the consultation process. Public consultation is currently open on the Tobacco (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Health Practice (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Public Health Bill, 2026 and Environmental Health Bill, 2026 are intended to be published for public review on 28 August. The new publication date will allow for further consideration of stakeholder feedback and the inclusion of relevant suggestions where appropriate, helping to strengthen the Bills. Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposed legislation and submit their feedback through publicconsultation.gov.ky and mohfeedback@gov.ky
The Ministry is also inviting members of the public to attend two upcoming health-focused town halls, providing further opportunities to learn about the proposed reforms and contribute to the consultation process:
Wednesday, 26 August at 6:30 p.m. – John Gray Memorial Church Hall, West Bay
Thursday, 27 August at 6:30 p.m. – George Town Constitution Hall
Minister Ebanks-Wilks said the purpose of the engagement is to build stronger legislation through an open exchange of knowledge and experience.
“Today’s discussion is not simply about legislation; it is about partnership,” she said. “If there are ways these proposals can be improved, we want to hear them. That is the purpose of consultation, and it is how we develop stronger policy and better outcomes for our country.”
The Ministry encourages healthcare professionals, members of the public and other stakeholders to participate in the consultation process and help shape legislation that will form part of the Cayman Islands’ health framework for years to come.