The Third Sitting of the 2026-2027 Session of Parliament began with Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Honourable Isaac Rankine, recognising the family of the late Reba Dilbert, a costume designer and cultural icon.
Minister Rankine announced that a special collection of Ms Dilbert's creative works and accolades is anticipated to be exhibited during the final quarter of the year at the Cayman Collection Centre in West Bay. The Minister further announced the establishment of the Reba Dilbert grant in her memory, anticipated for launch in the first quarter of 2027, to support young Caymanian creatives.
In response to an urgent question regarding the Government’s plan to provide financial assistance to bus wardens during the summer months when schools are not in session, the Minister for Education and Training, Honourable Rolston Anglin, outlined the ministry’s plan to once again offer a stipend to the affected wardens during this period. The Minister assured the members that the ministry is actively exploring more permanent, long-term solutions, including advancing legislative reform, improving operational standards, implementing technology to enhance accountability and identifying sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the sector. Concluding his response, Minister Anglin said, “We remain committed to ensuring every child has access to safe, reliable and high-quality transportation service and that students’ safety remains at the centre of every decision we make regarding school transportation.”
Premier Honourable André Ebanks, in addressing the question about the Cayman Forward Forum hosted by the Government, stated that the goal of the event was to hold a candid, fact-based discussion between stakeholders in the environment and development sectors. He explained that the forum incurred costs of CI$68,814.60 for the facilitator, ForgeFront Policy and Consultancy and CI$14,953.83 for the venue. The Premier further advised that a report outlining the key decisions made at the forum will be presented to Parliament in September, following an internal review by the Office of the Premier and Caucus.
Nine additional questions were directed to members of the Government. Speaking on the proposed acquisition of CIBC Caribbean Bank Limited by the Bank of NT Butterfield and Son Limited, Premier Ebanks confirmed that it is a commercial transaction between two regulated financial entities, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals including consideration by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. The Premier further stated that the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce has engaged with the banks to understand implications for Cayman Islands employees, noting that Butterfield intends to maintain both organisations’ operations footprints. The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2027, and the government will seek to understand the banks’ approach regarding Caymanian employees, including communication with staff and continued opportunities.
Minister of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Honourable Jay Ebanks provided an update on the Godfrey Nixon and Seafarers Way Road Project, stating that many property and compensation matters have been resolved with substantial portions of the roadway completed. The Minister indicated that final negotiations are ongoing with remaining property owners, with completion dependent on Finance Committee appropriations for final settlements.
Minister Ebanks also provided detailed information about housing governance proposals, explaining that the National Housing Development Trust will transition into a new housing authority rather than operating alongside it. He outlined that this represents a rebranding and expansion with enhanced governance, efficiency and resources to address the housing.
In the first of three statements by the Government, Minister Anglin, announced the appointment of Ms Nanalie Solomon-Cover as President and Chief Executive Officer of the University College of the Cayman Islands. He stated that she is the first female Caymanian appointed to the position and highlighted the importance of qualified Caymanian leadership in national institutions.
Speaking on key achievements across his portfolio over the past 12 months, Minister Jay Ebanks’ outlined CI$25 million in land acquisitions focusing on public spaces and beachfront access, establishment of a residential property price index with International Monetary Fund support and significant agricultural initiatives including egg production facilities and the National Egg Strategy Programme supporting 17 Caymanian farmers. Minister Ebanks also announced plans to resume construction on the East-West Arterial Road in September 2026, following completion of environmental impact assessments.
The Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks concluded with a statement on workplace health and safety across the Cayman Islands Government. She emphasised the human cost of workplace incidents and the need to move from reactive to preventive safety culture. Key initiatives include implementation of health, safety and environment management systems aligned with ISO 45001 standards, improved incident tracking and analysis and enhanced protection for high-risk activities including welding, chemical handling and construction work.
During the sitting, Minister for Home Affairs and District Administration Honourable Nickolas DaCosta paid tribute to late Customs and Border Control Officer Charley Philip Ebanks. He stated that Mr Ebanks embodied the very best of Caymanian values: service, humility, resilience and an unwavering dedication to his community and country. Several parliamentarians joined in paying tribute to Mr Ebanks.
Six of the eight Private Members’ Motions brought before the House were passed. In accepting the motion to protect and prioritise Caymanian participation in the real estate sector, Premier Ebanks said Caymanians have evolved in sophistication and qualifications, requiring framework adjustments to reflect current realities. Endorsing the motion to establish National Day of Wellness as a public holiday, Minister Ebanks-Wilks emphasised the ministry’s focus on preventative care and saw the wellness day as an opportunity to foster relationships between private and public practitioners. Minister Anglin also supported incorporating the wellness day into the school calendar, suggesting alignment with the standard October mid-term break to minimise disruption across all community sectors.
The House was adjourned sine die.