The Honourable Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, addressed a broad range of portfolio matters during the Fifth Meeting of the 2025–2026 Session of Parliament, reflecting continued work across housing, aviation governance, public transport, planning and national development.
Following the tabling of the Cayman Islands’ first Public and Affordable Housing Policy and 10-Year Strategic Plan on Wednesday, 29 April, the Ministry continued to move key legislative, regulatory and accountability matters through Parliament. These included:
• Public and Affordable Housing Policy and 10-Year Strategic Plan;
• Airports Authority (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2026;
• Airports Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026;
• Public Transport (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2026; and
• Development and Planning (Amendment) Regulations, 2026.
The two Airports Authority Bills support stronger governance for the Cayman Islands Airports Authority and the continued administration of one of the country’s most important national gateways. The Airports Authority (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2026 confirms the statutory basis for collecting air navigation service fees from aircraft operators and validates past collections and related penalties. The Airports Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026 further supports the Authority’s legislative foundation.
The Public Transport (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2026 improves administrative certainty within the public transport system. It formalises key processes relating to permit issuance, duplicate permits, official reference letters and the validation of certain past administrative actions, supporting clearer procedures for operators, drivers and the Public Transport Board.
The Development and Planning (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, introduces targeted updates to the planning framework, including provisions related to development standards and subdivision road requirements. The Regulations support clearer decision-making, public safety, infrastructure capacity and orderly development.
“This meeting reflected the breadth of work moving through the Ministry’s portfolio,” said Minister Ebanks. “We tabled a historic housing framework, progressed aviation and public transport legislation, approved planning regulations, and addressed important questions on planning, drainage, infrastructure and development. Each of these steps supports stronger systems, clearer rules and more disciplined delivery for the benefit of Caymanians and our communities.”
Minister Ebanks also responded to Parliamentary Questions relating to flood-risk and drainage capacity assessments, planning approvals in Red Bay, multi-unit residential approvals, and residential planning application timelines.
The Ministry said the matters addressed during the Fifth Meeting demonstrate its continued focus on responsible governance, infrastructure coordination, transparent decision-making and the delivery of national development priorities.
The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure will continue to provide public updates as approved policies, legislation and implementation work progress.