The Cayman Islands Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) 2023-2026 is a 90+ page government document that outlines the key policy priorities for the next three years. The SPS is developed in consultation with the public and private sectors, and it is intended to guide the government's decision-making and resource allocation. It is for all intents and purposes, a political manifesto. Below is an edited summary of the economic, environmental and social policy elements of the SPS but click here for a summary of the the financial review and outlook sections.
Editor's Note: The SPS 2023-2026 was replaced in April of 2024 with a new document entitled "Government Priorities 2024-2026", after the Rt Hon. Wayne Panton resigned as Premier and was replaced by the Rt Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly in November of 2023. The Government Priorities document was ostensibly an abridged version of the SPS with objectives broad and ambiguous enough for the reorganised, fragile new administration and caucus to support. You can download the Government Priorities document here.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Policies Overview:
The Five Point Strategic Policy Framework
Whilst the mainstay of the SPS policy document is to present economic and financial reporting and forecasting in a transparent manner, the current PACT Government also lays out its intentions to tackle the nation's pressing economic, social, and environmental concerns while preparing its citizens for a prosperous and sustainable future.
The framework that links the policies and aims of the document is five pillars of broad strokes with twenty more specific strategies.
1. Improve Quality of Life for Caymanians
The policies, initiatives and priorities must be for the benefit of the Caymanian people and the improvement of their quality of life both as individuals and collectively.
2. Enhance Competitiveness while Meeting International Standards
Continuously improve the economic, social, environmental and governance frameworks in order to ensure the Cayman Islands remain a viable and attractive place to conduct and operate business and maintains a legally compliant edge against international competitors.
3. Future Proof to Increase Resiliency
To future proof Caymanian society is to anticipate risks, assess opportunities and take steps to ensure health and prosperity.
4. Modernise Government to Improve Public Sector Performance
The elected Government is responsible for formulation of policies and for setting the priorities which the Government will focus on addressing. The implementation and delivery of those policies and priorities remains the responsibility of the public sector which includes the core Civil Service as well as Statutory Authorities and Government Owned Companies.
5. Protect and Promote Caymanian Culture, Heritage and Identity
Commitment to ensuring that the culture, heritage and identity of the Caymanian people is preserved and passed on to future generations.
Within that framework of what are best described as guiding principles, there are also more specific goals, each of which adhere in some way to those five broader principles. Some initiatives may already be underway whilst others are at the conceptual stage.
Building a modern infrastructure to ensure a successful future for the Islands
Expansion of the East-West Arterial Road is proposed, alongside legislative amendments to restrict certain types of vehicles. This initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency of transportation and foster smoother movement within the islands.
Improving essential services in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, such as road construction and maintenance.
Furthermore, procuring appropriate fire service appliances for aviation and domestic sections across all three islands underpins safety and emergency preparedness.
Establish a safe and credible aviation industry in the Cayman Islands and cater to the residents' and tourists' need for reliable air transport. Simultaneously, aligning with the National Energy Policy and renewable energy targets thereby contributing to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Crucial social projects put forward include the creation of a Sunrise Facility for disabled adults and the allocation of land for the Cayman Islands Central Park.
Additionally, enhancing entry ports, improving the infrastructure in the Eastern Districts, implementing the Food and Nutrition Security Policy, and advancing solid waste management, all underline the government's dedication to public welfare and sustainable practices.
The plan also addresses technology upgrades to support emergency communication, acquiring a suitable patrol and response vessel to ensure maritime safety, and promoting the development of the Little Cayman aerodrome to expand commercial operations.
Create and encourage further diversity in the Cayman Islands economy
The proposed initiatives are purposefully crafted to enhance diversity within the Cayman Islands' business landscape. In particular, the "Grow Your Business" programme would act as a focal point for nurturing local enterprises, while the provision of comprehensive business development and counseling services further contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the market.
Cultivate Civic and National Pride
Steps would be taken to preserve cultural heritage. This includes measures to enforce existing laws pertaining to property maintenance and zoning, as well as the revision of regulations hindering heritage preservation. Litter reduction campaigns and public education efforts are to foster clean environments. A design guide incorporating Caymanian architectural elements for government buildings is in development to instil cultural identity and aesthetic appeal. The emphasis on landscaping training and employment programmes aims to empower Caymanians.
Additionally, digitisation of historical documents and advocacy for cultural artifact preservation are supposedly key to ensuring access to the islands' rich heritage for future generations.
Finally, recognising the historic contributions of the Seafarers Association is a part of this comprehensive effort.
Enhance the entrepreneurial environment for micro/small businesses in the Cayman Islands
Endorsing and supporting various initiatives aimed at promoting the growth of micro and small businesses. These initiatives include the "Think Small First" Programme, which is to focus on small enterprises, and the establishment of a seed-funding framework. By actively engaging in these efforts, the Government aims to not only nurture the current economic landscape but also retain and create opportunities for business development, thus fostering future economic growth and job creation in the region.
Ensuring an equitable, sustainable and successful healthcare system
Undertake a comprehensive review and update of various healthcare-related policies and regulations including the National Strategic Health Policy. This review extends to the Health Practice Act and Regulations, where efforts are being made to address controversial issues and establish consistent standards of registration, ensuring better oversight of registered healthcare businesses.
Additionally, expansion plans of CINICO (Cayman Islands National Insurance Company) and a partnership between all major healthcare providers to seek accreditation from appropriate external quality assurance bodies. To also ensure accessibility, and the maintaining high standards of quality across the Cayman Islands.
Legislative changes to Pharmacy Act Regulations to expand the range of healthcare professionals authorised to offer medicines and direct medical services, such as clinical and dispensing medicine by pharmacists.
Update the Public Health Act and Environmental Health Act. This includes providing a distinct identity to the Public Health Act and establishing a secure framework for waste regulation.
Improve the financial services wing as an industry, product and economic driver for the Islands
Actively seek a sustainable asset management solution closely aligned with the financial services sector, with the primary objective of generating consistent revenues to support the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) in its role as the aviation regulator, that is ultimately responsible for safety and economic oversight. Simultaneously, the CAACI operating the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry (CIAR) in accordance with the highest standards of compliance and service quality.
Improve tourism as an industry, product and economic driver
Implement a strategic vision aimed at elevating appeal to visitors by promotion and growth of sports and event tourism, the expansion into emerging and secondary tourism markets, and targeted marketing efforts towards high-net worth tourists. Extol the unique charms of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, broadening Cayman Airways' flight routes, and enriching the tourism landscape with a heightened emphasis on eco-tourism.
The reimagining of cruise tourism and diligent safety regulatory oversight of aerodromes to align with international standards. Also, relocating or expanding the cargo port before it reaches full capacity in the next 7-10 years.
Establish a dedicated fund, nurturing growth and innovation in the tourism sector and thereby make an unwavering commitment to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the Islands' built and natural tourism assets, extending to safeguarding communities and providing vital support where needed.
Improving education to promote lifelong learning and greater economic mobility
The school curriculum and extracurricular activities in the Cayman Islands will emphasisze Caymanian Culture and Heritage, extending to library programmes.
Construction projects include expanding Prospect Primary School, building a new Edna Moyle Primary School and building the fourth academy at the Clifton Hunter High School, but ensuring that the open-plan nature of the first three academies is not followed. There are also plans to build a public high school in West Bay reducing the pressure on the John Gray High School.
National efforts directed towards national tourism education, school infrastructure, and early education programmes. Free tertiary education for Caymanians at UCCI and ICCI, and after a recent audit, UCCI to align with international education standards.
The development of Caymanian professionals in the Cayman Islands Coast Guard, both commissioned and non-commissioned officers, is a top priority with a focus on international maritime career opportunities.
Increase the positive sentiments of the Cayman Islands as a Global Business Jurisdiction
This includes enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors, developing National ID cards to international aviation standards, elevating government IT networks, and implementing a Global Reputation Strategy. These initiatives collectively aim to bolster security, modernize infrastructure, and enhance the islands' global standing.
Increasing social justice in the work force
Proposed reforms include the introduction of a user-friendly Online Job Portal to streamline the work permit system, an enhancement of maternity and family leave provisions to support the well-being of families, updates to immigration laws, including revising the PR points system and criteria for PR and Caymanian status, and the implementation of an Employer Accreditation System. Additionally, there are plans to gradually raise the minimum wage and pension contributions, introduce gender optimisation policies in law enforcement, and modernisze staff handbooks and gender equality legislation while reviewing the National Policy on Gender Equity and Equality.
Maintain market/commercial leading edge in financial, maritime and aviation services
New initiatives put forward in the policy document are sustainable finance, with a focus on an ESG framework (Environmental, Social and Governance), the examination of powers of attorney, a comprehensive review of the perpetuity period for trusts, the implementation of measures for Exempted Limited Partnerships, and a Ministerial Roundtable for vital updates. Also, the hosting Financial Services Conferences and making strategic plans to establish an office in Asia.
Modernise business processes and enhance Information Technology platforms and infrastructure
Streamlining business processes across government to make it easier and faster for businesses and individuals to get the services they need.
Simplifying the licensing framework for local businesses and creating an online portal to facilitate financial assistance applications. Enhancing online business licensing services within DCI.
Investment in improving IT infrastructure to make it more efficient, reliable, and secure. Upgrading the RCIPS Records Management System and digital fingerprint database. Improvement of online content management systems and customer friendly interfaces.
Developing policies, procedures, and customer service standards for each MDAL office, enhancing RCIPS communication and social media presence.
Conducting business process reengineering exercises to align activities with community concerns and international obligations, whilst strengthening relationships with uniformed branches of Government, such as the Cayman Island Regiment and the Coast Guard.
Positioning the Public Service as an “employer of choice” to attract and retain world-class talent
Creating a robust wellness programme for staff and supporting flexible working arrangements to improve work-life balance and resource efficiency. Ensuring technical training and professional development for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) staff.
Introduction of outcome-based budgeting, a talent management framework, and records and information management, aiming to improve efficiency and accountability. Streamline CIMA's operational structure, enhance its human resource capacity, provide technical training for policy practitioners, and promote broader development across the public service.
Protecting the wellbeing of Cayman’s youth, so they can achieve their full potential
Promote a culture of discipline among young individuals by utiliszing military principles, skills, values, and ceremonial protocols as motivating factors. This includes executing the Cayman Islands Child Safeguarding Board (CICSB) strategy and plan, conducting research and data collection on gang culture to enable a focused response.
Encourage the physical and mental well-being of our youth, provide avenues for youth to express their concerns, including those with disabilities, offering grant opportunities for young individuals, ensuring that youth organizations maintain robust programming and safety policies, fostering collaboration across ministries and agencies for youth-related matters, and developing a comprehensive National Youth Policy and implementation plan.
Provide affordable housing and create new opportunities to access capital for home ownership
Launch an Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) in all districts is to address the pressing need for accessible housing options for Caymanians on lower incomes, who are not able to get onto the property ladder due to increasing property prices and interest rates.
Providing solutions to improve the well-being of the Caymanian people so they can achieve their full potential
Creating a new Adoption Act and standardising the care of residential homes by developing a policy and procedure manual. In the realm of child safeguarding, review and enhancie the framework to better respond to trauma.
Eradicating cervical cancer through the widespread use of effective HPV vaccines, offering comprehensive multidisciplinary care for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and acting on the findings of the STEPS 2023 survey. The commissioning of a long-term mental health residential facility.
Expanding clinical services to meet the growing demand for mental health support, both in Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman, with reduced wait times for appointments.
Quality, timely healthcare in alignment with human rights standards for the incarcerated.
Developing a framework, policies, and procedures to safeguard children from sexual exploitation and abuse, in accordance with the Lanzarote Convention.
Collaborative efforts with related non-governmental organizations to promote public awareness regarding aging, disabilities, and cultural preservation within the community
Strengthening good governance for more effective government
Maintain recent favourable assessments in key aspects of international tax cooperation and financial regulation. Such as access to financial information, economic substance implementation, compliance with global tax standards, and revisions to reporting rules. Continually evaluate risk assessment of non-profit organizations, liquidator frameworks, and beneficial ownership access. Enhance audit profession oversight, continue to review the Government’s remit, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, remaining an active IFIAR (International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators) member. The overarching goal is to establish proactive, sustainable financial services regulation, supporting new financial products while promoting regulatory harmonisation.
Enhance efficiency and engagement within its departments and agencies such as teamwork strategies at the Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing (DVDL) and data-driven decisions at the National Roads Authority (NRA). The broader goal is to make the civil service world-class by focusing on accountability, customer experience, leadership, and governance.
Legislative agendas include agriculture sector improvements and enhancing communications and data management.
In the internal audit and national archives, initiatives aim to modernise methodologies, streamline records management, and improve data management. Improve communication and outreach strategies and undertake the upgrading of technological infrastructure, particularly at the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MFSC). The goal is to create customer-centric departments that consistently deliver high satisfaction.
Additionally, public communications plans, modernised budgeting, governance policies, and risk management are part of the broader plan to enhance the effectiveness of government operations.
Strengthening, preserving and enhancing public safety and security in the community
The introduction of initiatives such as providing medical and emergency alert devices for older residents and equipping the police with body-worn cameras.
Improved legislation regarding the handling of materials and controlling of public disease risk factors while minimising environmental impact.
Efforts to improve service delivery involve modernising existing laws, conducting process reengineering in the police force, and establishing a multi-agency training unit. Additionally, the government is enhancing relationships across the criminal justice system.
Renewed focus on safety at sea, by supporting emergency operations and address illicit maritime activity with a new patrol vessel.
Further goals include improving rehabilitation services and addressing issues like smuggling, trafficking, and anti-social behaviour through legislation and community engagement.
Supporting climate change resiliency and sustainable development
Expanding recycling efforts across the islands and procure a new, efficient, and sustainable headquarters for the Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
Solar panels on Government buildings in both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, promoting renewable energy sources, for example the new Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) building.
Introducing electric mosquito fogging machines to reduce carbon emissions in the Mosquito control programme.
Develop a national Climate Change Policy and National Energy Policy. Focus on responsible management and sustainable utiliszation of the natural environment and resources of the Cayman Islands. Continuation of the Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Programme.
Modernisation of the vehicle fleet through the procurement of hybrid, low carbon emission vehicles, particularly in the purchase of fit-for-purpose police patrol vehicles.
Utilising Sports to enhance the lives of Caymanian people
Mandating that all sporting organisations seeking government funding must have active and established youth programs in place. Develop a comprehensive National Sports Policy and an associated implementation plan.
Promote inclusivity in sports, encouraging both Caymanian and non-Caymanian participation. To foster a culture of fitness, public education campaigns and launch them within communities. Promoting gender equality in sports is a key objective.
Ensuring the safety and functionality of public sports facilities is paramount, and this includes proper lighting and security measures. Establish public-private partnerships aimed at increasing the number of sporting facilities available to the community.
Individual Ministry Objectives
The Cayman Islands government has outlined key initiatives for various ministries and departments in its Strategic Policy Statement for 2024-2026:
Cabinet Office: Enhancing coordination of priority projects, strengthening gender equality legislation, and improving government communications.
Ministry of Finance and Economic Development: Promoting sustainable economic growth, modernizing financial management, and expanding services.
Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency: Implementing environmental protection programs, transitioning to a green economy, and managing waste effectively.
Office of the Police Commissioner: Developing and improving operational capability of law enforcement, including national security, cybercrimes, and maritime security.
Ministry of Education: Equipping students for a digital environment, strengthening early education, and offering free tertiary education.
Ministry of District Administration and Lands: Supporting government operations in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, and enhancing services related to land registration and facilities management.
Ministry of Border Control and Labor: Enhancing employment and workforce development and improving border control legislation compliance.
Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Heritage: Developing programs to identify and promote talent, empower youth, and preserve culture and heritage.
Ministry of Tourism and Ports: Focusing on the recovery of the tourism industry, improving air and sea ports, and attracting screen production business.
Ministry of Health and Wellness: Ensuring a sustainable healthcare system and reducing health inequalities.
Ministry of Home Affairs: Strengthening public safety and resiliency through offender management, emergency response, and youth development.
Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, and Transport: Increasing affordable housing units, improving public transportation, and addressing infrastructure and agricultural sector needs.
Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce: Enhancing financial services, regulatory standards, and efficiency in service delivery.
Ministry of Investment, Innovation, and Social Development: Supporting vulnerable individuals, advancing digital capabilities, and facilitating investment opportunities.
Judicial Administration: Improving the justice system by adopting international frameworks, enhancing court infrastructure, and achieving full independence of the courts.
