The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) formally commenced an Own-Motion Investigation (OMI) into practices and procedures surrounding the safeguarding of children in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
The Ombudsman’s decision to open a formal investigation under the Complaints (Maladministration) Act was prompted by the receipt of a public complaint alleging professional misconduct of a police officer in a child sexual abuse investigation. That initial complaint was not upheld. However, the review of several police case files in connection with the initial complaint led to concerns, including what appeared to be multiple missed opportunities to safeguard child victims in various Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) investigations.
During our initial assessment of these issues, the OMB was informed by senior RCIPS personnel of a 2024 comprehensive review of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). This internal report highlighted positive steps to correct some of the existing issues, however it was not immediately clear to what extent those changes have been implemented.
OMB’s investigation will, therefore, serve two purposes: 1. Review the actions taken by the RCIPS, MASH and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in relation to the cases that were brought to our attention, and; 2. Review and update the actions taken to date on the recommendations contained in the 2024 MASH report.
“There are few issues of greater importance than the protection of children. Members of the public should be able to have every confidence that child safeguarding in Cayman is handled with the highest levels of professionalism, accountability and care by government entities,” said the Ombudsman, Ms. Sharon Roulstone. “I cannot think of a better use of my office’s time and resources than ensuring that the policies and practices governing child safeguarding meet the highest possible standards. The public interest in this is beyond question.”
This investigation is conducted under section 11(1) of the Complaints (Maladministration) Act which states as follows:
11. (1) The Ombudsman shall not make an investigation without first receiving a written complaint unless he is of the opinion […] that there are reasons of special importance which makes investigation by the Ombudsman desirable in the public interest. (emphasis added)
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kurt Walton, has been informed of the investigation, along with senior management at the DCFS. Prior to the commencement of the investigation, preliminary discussions were held between OMB investigators and RCIPS officers. The input from those officers will be included in the issues identified for investigation.
At the conclusion of the investigation, its findings will be shared with the RCIPS and DCFS, as well as HE the Governor. Findings may require that preliminary recommendations be made to RCIPS and/or DCFS prior to completion of the report, at the Ombudsman’s discretion. Upon completion of the full investigation, in accordance with the Complaints (Maladministration) Act, a final report of the investigation and its findings will be laid in Parliament.
Anyone wishing to contact the Ombudsman’s office with further information or concerns regarding child safeguarding may phone us 946-6283 or contact us via email at info@ombudsman.ky. Your information will be kept confidential and names and personal identifying details will be omitted from final reports of the investigation.