Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum 2026 to Deliver Most Comprehensive Policy, Economic and AI Outlook for the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce will host its flagship Economic Forum on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, bringing together senior Government leaders, industry experts, and the business community for what will be the most comprehensive public update to date on Government policy direction, economic strategy, and the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on Cayman’s future. The full-day forum is sponsored by Health City Cayman Islands, Dart, CUC, and the Office of the Premier, whose support underscores the importance of informed, evidence-based dialogue between the public and private sectors. Framed around the Chamber’s three advocacy pillars—Sustaining Economic Success, Building a Future-Ready Workforce, and Enhancing Quality of Life—the forum will provide attendees with in-depth briefings from Ministers on their portfolios, practical insights from private-sector leaders, and a global perspective on emerging risks and opportunities. 

Senior Leadership and Ministerial Briefings 

The forum will open with welcome remarks from Cristina Spratt, Chamber President Elect and Forum Chair, followed by addresses from Her Excellency the Governor Jane Owen and Omari Corbin, President of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce. A central feature of the programme is the direct participation of multiple Cabinet Ministers, offering attendees a rare, consolidated update on Government priorities and execution across key areas: • Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister for Social Development and Innovation and Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, will outline Cayman’s Digital Future, including how technology and innovation policy—particularly Artificial Intelligence—are shaping public service delivery and economic competitiveness.
• Hon. Michael Myles, Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration, will participate in a moderated Chamber Chat examining how Cayman can reimagine human capital development to ensure Caymanians are equipped for a rapidly changing, AI-enabled labour market. 

• Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development, will provide a forward-looking update on tourism, trade routes, and job creation, addressing how global conditions and technology trends will influence Cayman’s economic resilience. 

• Hon. Jay Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, will present the Infrastructure and Planning Roadmap for 2026, detailing major projects and policy priorities critical to supporting growth while protecting quality of life. Collectively, these presentations will give the business community a clear, consolidated understanding of Government activity, priorities, and performance across ministries.
Artificial Intelligence: From Strategy to Application 

A defining theme of the 2026 Economic Forum is Artificial Intelligence—how it is already affecting Cayman, and how it will reshape decision-making, productivity, and accountability in both Government and business. • Gary Allen, CEO of New Frontier Data, will deliver a TED-style presentation on Data, AI and Innovation, setting the stage for how data-driven technologies are changing industries worldwide. • Consultants Andres Mendez and Luis Ramirez of Tidal Edge Consulting will lead an interactive Artificial Intelligence workshop, focusing on accountability, governance, and leadership in a data-driven world—practical considerations for organisations adopting AI tools.
Economic Resilience, Cost of Living and Quality of Life 

The forum will also tackle some of the most pressing issues facing Cayman residents and businesses: • A panel discussion on Solutions to Cayman’s Cost of Living Crisis, moderated by economist Simon Cawdery, will feature Richard Hew, President and CEO of CUC, and Shomari Scott, Chief Business Officer of Health City Cayman Islands, offering practical, sector-specific insights. • Faramarz Romer, CFO of Greenlight Re, will discuss Reinsurance and Sustained Growth, highlighting Cayman’s role in global risk markets. • Andrew McBean, Immediate Past Chairman of the Cayman Islands National Housing Development Trust, will present on Sustainable Housing Options, addressing affordability and long-term planning.
Global Perspective and Keynote Address 

The day will culminate with a keynote address by Vikram Mansharamani, internationally recognised author of Think for Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence and Boombustology. His presentation will provide a global macro-economic perspective, examining geopolitical, financial, and technological forces shaping small, open economies like the Cayman Islands, and identifying opportunities arising from global volatility. 

A Critical Forum for Business and Policy Alignment 

According to the Chamber, the 2026 Economic Forum is designed to move beyond theory, offering actionable insights, policy clarity, and real-time engagement between decision-makers and the business community. “This forum brings together, in one place and on one day, the most complete picture of where Cayman stands today and where it is heading,” said Chamber CEO Wil Pineau. “From Artificial Intelligence and infrastructure to tourism, employment, and cost of living, this is an essential briefing for anyone with a stake in Cayman’s future.” The forum concludes with a cocktail reception, providing further opportunity for dialogue and networking among speakers, sponsors, and attendees.