The Cayman Islands Confirmed as CWEIC Caribbean Hub

The Cayman Islands has been confirmed as the official Caribbean Hub for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), as Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, led Cayman’s contribution to a high-level “Investment for Resilience” roundtable in London, joined by Hon. Rolston Anglin, Minister for Finance and Economic Development and Minister for Education and Training.

Held as part of the CWEIC Global Advisory Council (GAC) meeting, the roundtable brought together senior representatives from governments, development partners and the private sector to explore how Commonwealth countries – particularly Small Island Developing States – can unlock infrastructure finance and deliver bankable, climate-resilient projects.

During the discussion, Minister Jay Ebanks highlighted the Cayman Islands’ experience in tackling barriers to infrastructure investment, including high borrowing costs and climate risk, and outlined the Government’s reform agenda – from modernised planning, port and airports legislation and adoption of ICC 2021 Building Codes, to integrated planning for housing, roads, utilities and drainage along key corridors such as the East–West Arterial. Minister Anglin, participating in his capacity as Minister for Finance and Economic Development, underscored the importance of a stable, transparent fiscal and regulatory environment, clear project pipelines and strong partnerships with development and private finance to crowd in long-term investment to the region.

The Ministers also set out how the CWEIC Caribbean Hub in the Cayman Islands will provide a practical mechanism to support project preparation, convene regional partners and connect Caribbean opportunities with investors looking for resilient, well-structured proposals.

During the GAC programme, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formally establishing the CWEIC Caribbean Hub in Grand Cayman was signed by Hon. André Ebanks, Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, and Lord Marland of Odstock, Chair of CWEIC.

CWEIC is the Commonwealth’s accredited business network, promoting trade and investment between member countries and strengthening links between governments, the private sector and investors. The Global Advisory Council, meeting in London on 25 November, brings together senior political, business and institutional leaders to shape CWEIC’s strategic direction and programme of work.

Under the MoU, the Cayman Islands will:

• Host a dedicated CWEIC Caribbean Hub to convene governments, investors and private sector stakeholders from across the region;
• Support the development and preparation of bankable, resilient infrastructure and investment projects; and
• Strengthen Caribbean participation in CWEIC’s programmes, including the Commonwealth Business Forum in Antigua and Barbuda (2026) and the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) in London.

Speaking following the roundtable and MoU signing, Minister Jay Ebanks said:

“Today’s engagements are an important step for the Cayman Islands and for the wider Caribbean. Being confirmed as the Caribbean Hub for CWEIC is not simply a title – it is a responsibility. It reflects confidence in our ability to deliver, and it gives our region a stronger voice in shaping investment and resilience across the Commonwealth.

We intend to use this Hub to bring partners together, to support better-prepared, better-planned projects, and to connect Caribbean opportunities with investors who are looking for resilient, well-structured proposals. Ultimately, this is about creating real benefits on the ground – through improved infrastructure, stronger economies and better opportunities for our people.”

The Premier’s participation in the Global Advisory Council, together with Ministers Ebanks and Anglin’s involvement in the roundtable and related engagements, reflects the Cayman Islands Government’s broader commitment to advancing resilient infrastructure and sustainable development at home and across the Caribbean, and to positioning the Cayman Islands as a trusted partner, convener and facilitator within the Commonwealth.

About the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI)

The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI) leads on national planning policy, public infrastructure and transport, land management, housing delivery and the development of a resilient, modern agricultural sector in the Cayman Islands. The Ministry is committed to empowering Caymanians “for today, tomorrow, and future generations” by delivering infrastructure and services that support a safe, prosperous and sustainable society.

About the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC)

The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) is the Commonwealth’s accredited business network. CWEIC promotes trade and investment across the 56-member Commonwealth by connecting governments and the private sector, supporting strategic partnerships and convening high-level business forums, including the Commonwealth Business Forum and the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS).