The Minister for Social Development and Innovation, Hon. Isaac Rankine, JP, MP, and Chief Officer Nellie Pouchie, Cert. Hon., met with members of the Financial Assistance Appeals Tribunal to discuss the Tribunal’s work, the public’s right to seek an independent review of eligible financial assistance decisions, and continued public awareness of the appeals process.
The discussion focused on the Tribunal's independent role, the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness, and practical measures to support the effective operation of the appeals framework. These included ensuring that the Tribunal receives complete and well-organised case records, relevant documents and evidence in sufficient time to consider each appeal fully and make sound, defensible decisions.
For members of the public, the message is straightforward: a Department of Financial Assistance (DFA) decision is not necessarily the end of the process. Applicants and recipients may request reconsideration and, if they remain dissatisfied with the reconsideration decision, may appeal to the Financial Assistance Appeals Tribunal through the required process and within the applicable timeframe.
“People seeking financial assistance are often navigating difficult circumstances, so it is important that they know their rights, understand the process and are aware of the options available to them,” Minister Rankine said. “The Tribunal provides an essential independent safeguard, and this engagement reflects our shared commitment to fairness, accessibility and a process that serves the people of the Cayman Islands, while fully respecting the Tribunal’s independence.”
Tribunal Chairperson Deidre Garcia-Daniel said: “The Tribunal’s role is to consider appeals independently and impartially, applying the applicable law and principles of fairness to the information before us. We also want people to be aware of their right to appeal, to know where they can find information about the appeal process, and to have confidence that every appeal will be considered fairly and on its individual merits.”
Established under section 19 of the Financial Assistance Act, 2022, the Tribunal hears and determines appeals against decisions of the Department of Financial Assistance. Following a hearing, it may confirm, change or set aside the DFA’s decision. Tribunal members are appointed by Cabinet, and the Tribunal carries out its decision-making independently and neutrally.
What the public should know
Reconsideration comes first. A person dissatisfied with a DFA decision must first request reconsideration from the DFA within 21 working days after notice of the decision is issued.
An appeal may follow. If the person remains dissatisfied after reconsideration, or DFA refuses to reconsider, an appeal may be submitted to the Tribunal within 28 working days of the reconsideration decision being communicated.
The Tribunal is independent. It considers the appeal separately from DFA and may confirm, change or set aside DFA’s decision.
Representation and support are possible. An appellant may act on their own behalf or use a third-party representative and may identify support or accommodation needed for a hearing.
Deadlines and procedures matter. Appellants should review the Tribunal’s forms, Policies and Procedures, and submit the required information promptly.
Financial Assistance Appeals Tribunal
Chairperson: Deidre Garcia-Daniel
Deputy Chairperson: Angela Martins
Member (Finance): Brittany MacVicar
Member: Prathna Bodden
Member: Tayvis Walters
Secretary (non-voting): Danielle Hemming