Cayman Islands Hosts International Code Council Board; First Branded Cayman Islands Building Code Presented

The Cayman Islands today welcomed the International Code Council (ICC) Board of Directors for its December 2025 Board Meeting. The Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier, joined the Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, the Hon. Jay Ebanks, at the ICC Board Dinner where the Ministry received the first branded Cayman Islands Building Code.

The official presentation marks a major milestone in the Cayman Islands’ long-standing relationship with the ICC, which began in 1994 through the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), the ICC’s legacy organisation. This branded Code represents the first Cayman-specific edition produced in collaboration with the ICC and tailored to meet modern, international standards while addressing local conditions.

The ICC delegation was led by ICC President Mike Boso and Chief Executive Officer John Belcik, and included Corey M. Roblee, Vice President for Government Relations. Members of the ICC Board of Directors were also in attendance, reflecting the significance of the occasion and the ICC’s commitment to supporting the Cayman Islands in strengthening its regulatory and building safety framework.

During the formal presentation at Grand Old House in George Town, Minister Ebanks expressed appreciation for the ICC’s longstanding partnership and highlighted the importance of modern building codes in guiding sustainable and safe development in the Cayman Islands.

“This first branded Cayman Islands Building Code represents a significant step forward for our islands,” Minister Ebanks said. “It reflects years of collaboration, technical work, and a shared commitment to building a safe and strong Cayman Islands. We are grateful to the ICC for its continued guidance as we prepare our islands for the future.”

Chief Officer Eric Bush, who delivered opening remarks at both engagements, emphasised the operational and regulatory value of the Building Code to the public service.

“For our agencies, the Code provides the clarity and structure needed to support sound decision-making,” Chief Officer Bush said. “Our long relationship with the ICC has helped strengthen our internal systems and ensured that our regulatory approach remains aligned with recognised global models.”

The visit also recognised the contribution of Corey M. Roblee, whose sustained engagement over many years has supported the Cayman Islands in advancing code training, technical awareness, and capacity-building. His involvement has been instrumental in keeping Cayman engaged and informed, and in strengthening alignment between the ICC’s global standards and the islands’ evolving regulatory needs.

In addition, the Ministry acknowledged the service of Mr McCleary Frederick, former Chief Building Control Officer and now Executive Director of Energy at OfReg, who devoted many years to strengthening building safety and technical standards in the Cayman Islands.

The Ministry also recognised the ongoing work of the current Planning and Building Control leadership team — Director of Planning Haroon Pandohie, Deputy Director Kerry-Ann Picard, and Plans Examination Supervisor Shondel Bodden — whose continued efforts have been central to advancing the Code and preparing for its implementation.

The Ministry expressed appreciation to the ICC Board for hosting its meeting in the Cayman Islands and for the collaborative relationship that continues to support the islands’ long-term development goals. The engagement provided an opportunity for Cayman Islands officials to discuss next steps for implementation of the Code, additional training opportunities, capacity development, and the practical phased integration of the Building Code across government agencies and industry stakeholders.

The Ministry looks forward to continued cooperation with the ICC as Cayman advances the next phase of building code integration and regulatory development.