Government Tables 2026-2027 Budget in Parliament

The National Coalition For Caymanians Government outlined its 2026-2027 Budget when Minister for Finance and Economic Development Honourable Rolston Anglin delivered the Budget Address before presenting The Appropriation (Financial Years 2026 and 2027) Bill, 2025, to Parliament today (Thursday, 6 November). 

Minister Anglin who presented the Budget under the theme, “A Responsible Path to a Stronger Tomorrow: A Pragmatic Approach to Addressing the Public’s Needs,” stated, “this Budget reflects a careful balance between fiscal prudence and the duty of care we owe to our citizens. It is about ensuring that our schools are equipped, our elderly are supported, our environment is protected, the safety and security of our borders and communities is strengthened and our economy remains strong in changing global times. Caymanians have always built strong foundations through sensible choices and shared sacrifices, and this Budget continues that proud tradition, a steadfast, pragmatic path toward a stronger, more secure Cayman Islands for all.”  

Immediately prior to Minister Anglin’s address, the Premier the Hon. André M. Ebanks said in Parliament, “This Government was given the mandate to restore the Caymanian Community. And that is exactly what we will do, with resolve and innovation, to unify our people once again. This budget, Mister Speaker, is our pledge to the people. 

“We believe, with courage and clarity, that the 19 men and women in this House, our private sector, our public service, and our people can steer our country into a brighter, more stable, and more fulfilling future.” 

Minister Anglin’s summary of the main highlights of the 2026-2027 Budget included the Government’s key fiscal policies and headline figures in the Budget Address. He noted that the Budget is in full compliance with the Principles of Responsible Financial Management as prescribed by the Public Management and Finance Act and those specified in the UK Framework for Fiscal Responsibility.

Key features of the 2026-2027 Budget were noted as follows: 

• Core Government is forecast to earn Operating Revenues of $1.26 billion in 2026 and $1.32 billion in 2027.
• Core Government’s Operating Expenses (inclusive of Financing Expenses) are forecast to be $1.25 billion and $1.29 billion in 2027;
• Core Government Operating Surpluses are forecast to be approximately of $11.1 million in 2026 and $37.7 million in 2027;
• Closing Cash Balances are expected to be 428.6 million at 31 December 2026 and 470.7 million at 31 December 2027;
• Core Government Capital Expenditure and Investments into Ministries, Portfolios and Offices are forecast to total $111.3 million in 2026 and $97.9 million in 2027; and
• Capital Expenditure and Investments into Statutory Authorities and Government Companies totalling $28.2 million in 2026 and $27.4 million in 2027.

Minister Anglin noted that the 2026 and 2027 revenue forecasts include new revenue measures “that are projected to yield additional revenues of $72.5 million in 2026 and $99.9 million in 2027”. 

These new revenue measures are related to:

• Financial Service Fees primarily, Legal and Accountant Practitioner Fees, Fund Annual Return Filing Fees, Exempted Limited Partnership and Class A bank licence fees;
• Domestic Fees, mainly from a higher rate of Stamp Duty on Real Estate transfers of KYD$2million or more; and a number of immigration fees; and
• Various Trader licence fees, mainly from Special Economic Zone Trade Certificate Fees and Local Companies Control Licence Fees.

 To meet all of the Government’s planned capital investments over the Budget period, the 2026-2027 Budget includes borrowings of up to $236 million over the two-year period. However, the Finance Minister noted, “I would like to emphasise that the proposed borrowings of $236 million will only be used to fund the Government’s Capital programme over the 2026 and 2027 financial years and, will not be used to fund Operating Expenditures as the latter is adequately funded by Operating Revenues. The Government’s Debt-to-GDP Ratio averages 8.5% over the 2026-2027 Budget Period, which is an enviable metric that few countries in the world can match.”

The Government intends to make Capital Investments into Ministries, Portfolios and Offices of approximately $111.3 million in 2026 and a further $97.9 million in 2027. The major investments in this area include: 

• $21.4 million in 2026 and $19.4 million in 2027 for the completion of the new High School on Cayman Brac and the expansion of educational facilities at the Sir John A Cumber Primary School and the Joanna Clarke Primary School; 
• $14.1 million in 2026 and $13.4 million in 2027 for the expansion, maintenance and improvement of the road network;
• $15.0 million in 2026 and $15.8 million in 2027 for various infrastructure and development projects;
• $1.6 million per year in 2026 and 2027 for land acquisition for agricultural purposes and conservation of Cayman’s natural environment.

During his address, the Minister highlighted that as the Government continues to advance the modernisation of public financial management, they are considering a series of amendments to the Public Management and Finance Act and the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility to support a modern, outcome-based approach to budgeting, strengthen accountability, and enhance fiscal efficiency.

In closing his Budget Address, Minister Anglin stated, “this Budget charts a responsible path forward — one built on sound fiscal management, practical investment, and an unwavering commitment to the people of these Islands. It is a pragmatic approach that confronts today’s challenges with confidence, grounded in the strength and resilience of our people.”

He further said, “This pragmatic approach puts the Cayman Islands firmly on the path toward a stronger tomorrow:  a future where Government remains financially resilient, our communities are supported and our children inherit a country built on stability, integrity and hope. With this Budget, we reaffirm our collective belief that careful stewardship today is the surest investment in the Cayman Islands of tomorrow.” 

Premier Ebanks said in his address, “We know these truths: A well-educated workforce drives productivity; a healthy population strengthens economic stability; and modern infrastructure fuels growth. These investments, guided by disciplined budgeting, innovation and transparency, create a cycle where opportunity expands, revenues grow – and importantly, dependence diminishes.”

The tabling of the National Coalition For Caymanians administration’s first public spending plan will be followed next week by the Budget Debate and Finance Committee deliberation. Once passed the next legislative steps are for Governor Jane Owen to Assent to the Bill before it is published in the Cayman Islands Gazette as an Act.

The Budget Address delivered by Minister for Finance and Economic Development Honourable Rolston Anglin may be accessed online here: Minister Anglin's (2026-2027) Budget Address - as at 6 November 2025.pdf

The Premier the Hon. André M Ebanks’ address is here: 2026-2027 Parliamentary Budget Address.pdf

The 2026 to 2027 Budget documents can be found online at: https://www.gov.ky/finance/publications

The live coverage of the Parliament proceedings may be viewed online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P4qYfXlp_E