Third Meeting of 2025–2026 Parliamentary Session Delivers Legislative Progress with Commitment to Transparency

The Third Meeting of the 2025–2026 Session of Parliament commenced on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, and has since featured robust engagement on the national budget, key legislative measures, and a range of issues affecting the people of the Cayman Islands. At the Second Sitting, Parliament laid the foundation for budget deliberations with the tabling of several key financial documents, including the Plans and Estimates, Budget Statements, and related ownership and purchase agreements for the 2026 and 2027 financial years. During this Sitting, the Premier delivered his statement acknowledging the regional impact of Hurricane Melissa and outlined the Cayman Islands Government’s commitment to humanitarian assistance. The Premier also presented the Budget Statement, under the National Coalition for Caymanians Government, highlighting their fiscal approach and national development priorities. The Minister for Finance and Economic Development addressed the Appropriation (Financial Years 2026 and 2027) Bill, 2025. This budget is aimed at setting out projected revenues, planned capital investments, and measures aimed at supporting economic stability, public services, and community wellbeing. Subsequent sittings were largely devoted to debate on the Appropriation (Financial Years 2026 and 2027) Bill, 2025, with Members from both the Government and Official Opposition contributing to discussions on the cost of living, education, infrastructure development, environmental protection, tourism, and social services. In addition to budgetary matters, Parliament considered and advanced several key pieces of legislation, including the Submarine Cable (Telecommunications Resilience) Bill, 2025, which seeks to strengthen the legal framework for international telecommunications infrastructure and enhance national resilience. The Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025, also received extensive consideration, with Members debating workforce participation, demographic balance, and long-term immigration policy. At the Fifth Sitting, the Acting Deputy Governor was sworn in as an ex-officio Member of Parliament. During the Sitting, the Premier announced a one-time CI$500 honorarium for civil servants, seafarers, pensioners, and eligible long-term assistance recipients, providing additional support ahead of the holiday season. The Sixth Sitting saw the tabling of thirteen annual reports and papers from government ministries and departments, reinforcing Parliament’s oversight role. Debate on the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025 continued, with Members addressing social integration, economic planning, and legislative safeguards. The Seventh Sitting, Parliament concluded key legislative business. The Submarine Cable (Telecommunications Resilience) Bill, 2025 and the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025 both passed. Additionally, the Minister for Finance and Economic Development Tabled the Stamp Duty (Rates of Duty) (No. 2) MEDIA RELEASE House of Parliament 33 Fort Street, PO Box 890 George Town, Grand Cayman Cayman Islands, KY1-1103 Regulations, 2025 and addressed both the Land Holding Companies Share Transfer Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Information and Communications Technology (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025, which both passed. The Third Meeting of the 2025–2026 Session has demonstrated Parliament’s ongoing commitment to addressing key national priorities, advancing important legislation, and ensuring public engagement in the democratic process. Proceedings were broadcast live via CIGTV, Radio Cayman, and the Government’s official YouTube page, allowing residents to follow parliamentary business in real-time. Recordings and supporting materials remain available through official Government channels, ensuring continued access and transparency as Parliament progresses with its legislative work.