Cayman's Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) 2026-2028

Below is an edited summary of the economic, environmental and social policy elements of the SPS but click here for a summary of the financial review and outlook sections.

The Cayman Islands government administration building on Elgin Avenue

Broad Outcomes

Whilst the mainstay of the SPS policy document is to present economic and financial reporting and forecasting in a transparent manner, the new NCFC Government broke down its focus areas while preparing Cayman Islands citizens for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Education, Immigration, and Workforce Development
Strong education and immigration systems that support a highly skilled and adaptable Caymanian population.

Housing, Infrastructure and Environment
Sustainable physical development that prioritises affordable housing, ensures resilient infrastructure and protects nature.

Economy
A diversified, resilient economy that supports prosperity and innovation.

Health and Social Development
Healthy and empowered people with improved quality of life for all ages.

Caymanian Identity, Culture, and Heritage
A cohesive society that protects and institutionalises Caymanian identity and culture.

Public Services
Efficient, effective, accountable and people-centred public services.

Good Governance and Public Safety
A secure, well-governed country demonstrated by transparent governance and robust public safety systems.

Education, Immigration, and Workforce Development

Aim
Every Caymanian today and subsequent generations are empowered to learn, grow and thrive through the benefit of a world-class education system.

An immigration system that is modern and fair, which enhances and protects employment opportunities amongst the Caymanian population whilst supplementing it with the talent needed to support the economy.

Goals

• Ensure equitable access to quality education at all stages.
• Deliver a modern, future-focused education system.
• Create effective pathways from education or unemployment to jobs.
• Maintain a fair, modern immigration system that protects Caymanians.
• Implement a national workforce and human capital strategy.
• Support inclusive pathways to employment for persons with disabilities.
• Reform labour and pensions for long-term sustainability and fairness.
• Strengthen public services to effectively deliver these priorities.
• Encourage Caymanians into careers in healthcare, tech, and emerging sectors.

Projects/Initiatives
Launch a graduate programme to help returning Caymanian scholars transition into employment.

Strengthen regulation to support Caymanian employment and ensure compliance with immigration, labour and pension laws.

Job matching database for Caymanians.

Private pensions review and optimisation.

Develop education policies to work in unison across primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Review ECAP subsidies for eligible families.

Establish multi-disciplinary school support teams for vulnerable students.

Expand the Lighthouse School.

Develop a framework to ensure scholarship grants align with the availability of employment in the labour market.

Review of post-compulsory educational resources to align them with nationally needed skills.

Infrastructure, Housing & Environment

Aim
Delivering sustainable development, that addresses the community's needs and provides security and stability for Caymanians, including infrastructure that can withstand tomorrow's challenges whilst protecting the natural environment.

This includes fostering civic pride by maintaining public spaces to reflect the beauty and dignity of the islands, modernise the road system to reduce congestion and improve safety, develop efficient public transport systems, and enhance air and sea cargo ports to support a growing economy.

Goals

• Implement a national housing policy to improve housing security across all islands.
• Increase the supply of affordable housing.
• Adopt an updated National Development Plan with modern planning laws.
  
• Deliver modern, future-ready infrastructure, including transport, utilities and telecommunications.
• Advance renewable and transitional energy to lower costs.
• Implement a coastal management strategy to address erosion.
• Deliver a sustainable, cost-effective waste management plan.
• Protect key species through monitoring.
• Implement a national stormwater management strategy.
• Advance priority actions under the Climate Change Policy.
• Expand protected areas and national parks.
• Maintain accessible, well-maintained public buildings, infrastructure, and green spaces.
  
  

Projects/Initiatives

Build affordable housing.

Launch a government-backed mortgage programme to help first-time and low-income Caymanians access home financing.

Expand home energy-efficiency retrofit.

Advance road infrastructure.

Develop Sister Islands infrastructure.

Update national development plan.

Public sector building audits.

National beach resilience plan.

Hawksbill Turtle conservation plan.

Implement a waste management plan.

The Economy

Aim
Diversify into hitherto untapped areas of economic growth such as technology, healthcare, reinsurance, and education while strengthening local businesses and entrepreneurship. Maintain robust regulation to protect investors, uphold market integrity, and sustain Cayman’s global reputation and long-term prosperity.

Goals

• Strengthen globally competitive financial, maritime and aviation sectors with robust regulation.
• Build a resilient, inclusive and diversified economy by supporting local business and entrepreneurship.
• Position Cayman as a hub for technology and healthcare.
• Expand reinsurance and achieve NAIC equivalency.
• Implement a national tourism strategy to grow and diversify markets.
  
• Optimise the national carrier to support connectivity, trade and the Sister Islands.
• Strengthen existing trade routes and develop new partnerships.
• Expand attractions for residents and visitors.
• Support long-term growth through data-driven economic planning.
  
• Develop a climate-resilient agriculture sector to improve food security.

Projects/Initiatives

Maintain international financial reputation with FATF.

Reform commerce legislation.

Obtain a National Association of Insurance Commissioners qualified jurisdiction status.

Establish a made-in-Cayman certification.

Enhance communications by an upgrade to submarine communication cabling.

Update national tourism plan.

Launch beautification enhancement committee.

Expand trade development.

Advance digital technologies to improve efficiency in public sector.

Health and Social Development

Aim
Implement a National Health Strategy that strengthens regulation and sets clear quality standards to ensure affordable, accessible healthcare for Caymanians and improve chronic disease management through initiatives like HEARTS, and develop integrated care systems for the elderly that combine healthcare, in-home support, and social engagement.

For Cayman's youth, to expand clinical career pathways and promote community wellbeing through sports, enrichment programmes, and wellness initiatives.

Goals

• Provide affordable health services for vulnerable Caymanians.
• Enhance and create Public Health Programmes that improve health outcomes.
• National framework to measure and monitor the standards and quality of care for all.
• Promote physical health and social development by providing the necessary infrastructure, equipment and coaching for organised youth sports programmes
  
• Facilitate enrichment, social development and life skills programmes for children and young adults.
• Develop and maintain community wellness initiatives to reduce the incidence of preventable chronic illnesses.
• Develop a comprehensive elder care system that combines high-quality healthcare, in-home care services, and social engagement programmes for older persons.
  
• Develop and implement a comprehensive National Health Strategy and Plan to improve physical and mental health outcomes across communities.
  
• Develop and implement a legislative framework to protect and support the well-being and inclusion of all vulnerable adults.

Projects/Initiatives

Packaged support services to lift barrier to employment such as childcare and transportation needs.

Launch HEARTS cardiovascular health initiative.

Implement National Health Strategy.

Safeguard the vulnerable.

Develop a national mental health policy.

Launch community wellness initiatives.

Implement youth empowerment plan.

Bolster social development legislation.

Implementing the policies and programmes to advance equity in the Cayman Islands.

Create comprehensive programmes and policies that enable older persons to actively participate in society.

Caymanian Identity, Culture and Heritage

Aim
Celebrate, preserve and share the Caymanian cultural identity by introducing and strengthening existing legislative frameworks, teaching Caymanian history in schools, digitally archiving to ensure Cayman's story outlives its participants, and ensure that the overall strategy for the population encourages growth but not at the cost of its foundational roots.

Goals

• Promote and preserve Cayman Islands culture and heritage.
• Preserve and protect Caymanian culture and heritage through legislation.
• Implement a national population strategy.
  
• Expand resources for preserving, showcasing heritage and culture.
• Deliver a cultural education programme across all school levels.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive digital archive.

Projects/Initiatives

Foster Caymanian heritage appreciation.

Safeguard and maintain public community spaces and heritage sites.

Hold public events and educate the public through community events.

Establish memorial centres.

Enhance the arts.

Culturally enrich visitor experiences.

Produce culture and heritage textbooks.

Culturally unify schools.

Create heritage-school partnerships.

Public Services

Aim
Support and facilitate a high-performing public service built on the values of passion, integrity and professionalism, and the foundations of respect, integrity, collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking, building on purposeful collaborations between elected officials and public servants.

Goals

• Facilitate a high-performing public service.
  
• Digitally integrated government entities delivering customer-centric services.
• Provide continuous training, support and performance based incentives.
• Sustainability practices and policies across the civil service.
• Adopt a responsible, ethical and innovative approach to artificial intelligence.
• Ensure efficiently managed infrastructure.
• Enhance the management and rehabilitation of offenders.

Projects/Initiatives

Establish Civil Service performance incentive framework.

Modernise disciplinary provisions for accountability.

Enhance vehicle registration and compliance services.

Operational improvements in Planning Department.

Improve and facilitate digital GOV services.

Risk management.

Transform Civil Service training.

Establish Civil Service career pathways.

Multi-tier whole-government performance review framework.

Enhance policy delivery.

Good Governance and Public Safety

Aim
The NCFC envisions a nation grounded in transparent governance, integrity, public safety, and accountable institutions, where effective leadership builds trust and opportunity for all Caymanians. It emphasises responsible resource management, strong rule of law, and competent public service as the foundation of good governance. Through initiatives like modernised budgeting, improved emergency preparedness, road safety, and digital protection, it aims to create a secure, prosperous, and well-governed society.

Goals

• Maintain sound fiscal and debt management.
  
• Strengthen national security through effective law enforcement, public safety and border control.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness measures.
• Prioritise community and road safety.
• Enhancement and protection of digital infrastructure and databases from foreign actors.
• Modernise legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks governing public services.
• Strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust through regular monitoring of public-sector performance.
• Facilitate an effective and efficient Parliament that operates with transparency, integrity, and effectiveness.
• Reform the legal framework for campaign financing to improve transparency of political funding.

Projects/Initiatives

Update budgeting and reporting framework.

Update public service legislation to ensure effective outcomes.

Implement new border management systems.

Adopt a parliamentary code of conduct.

Transition to new prison facility.

Evaluate for electoral reform.

Reform campaign finance rules.

Launch domain awareness radar for air and sea.

Develop government performance framework.

Entity Mandates

Caymanian Employment and Immigration

Responsible for the regulation of immigration services, and oversees national pension and labour matters that support the long term growth of the Cayman Islands.

Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office delivers impartial policy advice to the Governor, Premier, and Cabinet, coordinates national policies across ministries, and provides administrative support to key leadership bodies. It also oversees agencies that keep the public informed and safe, and manages the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK, supporting and representing Caymanians abroad.

District Administration and Home Affairs

The Ministry for District Administration and Home Affairs enhances national security, public safety, and community resilience through improved emergency response, intelligence systems, and offender management. It also supports the Sister Islands through better services, infrastructure, heritage preservation, youth development, and inclusive programmes. At a strategic level, it promotes accountability through risk management, performance monitoring, and digital transformation, ensuring effective policy advice and programme delivery aligned with government priorities.

Education and Training

The Ministry for Education and Training oversees the Cayman Islands’ education system, setting policy and standards across all levels, including technical and adult learning. It modernises curriculum and assessment to align skills with economic needs and strengthens accountability. The Ministry also supports student well-being through partnerships and oversees public libraries and adult training to promote lifelong learning and development.

Finance and Economic Development

The Ministry for Finance and Economic Development plays the central role of managing the Government’s financial affairs and advancing its goals of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

Financial Services and Commerce

The Ministry for Financial Services and Commerce protects and strengthens the Cayman Islands’ position as a competitive, well-regulated financial centre while supporting domestic economic growth. It advances international compliance across financial, maritime, and aviation sectors, promotes local business development, protects intellectual property, and combats illicit finance.

Health, Environment and Sustainability

The Ministry for Health, Environment and Sustainability leads government efforts to improve public health, protect the environment, and advance long-term sustainability. Bringing together healthcare, environmental management and climate resilience under one portfolio, the Ministry works to ensure safe, healthy communities now and for future generations. It oversees critical services such as mental health care, mosquito control, environmental health, and health regulation, while guiding national policy on issues such as marine conservation, waste management and food security.

Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure

The Ministry for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure oversees national infrastructure development through modern policies, legislation, and programmes. It focuses on smart growth, effective land management, connected infrastructure, and resilient systems to enhance quality of life in the Cayman Islands.

Portfolio of the Civil Service

The Portfolio of the Civil Service supports the Governor and Deputy Governor by overseeing HR policy and compliance, public sector management and reform, and the promotion of good governance across the Civil Service.

Portfolio of Legal Affairs

The Portfolio of Legal Affairs provides legal advice, litigation services, legislative drafting, and law reform support to Government entities and public bodies. It also delivers legal education and financial intelligence, while promoting consistent contract management and public engagement in the legislative process. The Portfolio ensures continuous legal review and reform, strengthening transparency, accessibility, and the development of law in the Cayman Islands.

Social Development and Innovation

The Ministry of Social Development and Innovation strengthens the social fabric through inclusive, people-focused services while advancing digital transformation across government. It aims to improve quality of life by expanding access to support and modernising service delivery with secure, innovative technologies that enhance efficiency, accountability, and resilience.

Tourism and Trade Development

The Ministry for Tourism and Trade Development is for the purpose of driving sustainable economic growth in the sectors by focusing on high-value markets, enhancing visitor experience, promoting Caymanian identity, and supporting local career opportunities. Through strategic trade expansion, sector linkages, and a National Tourism Plan, it aims to diversify and build a more resilient economy.

Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage supports youth development, cultural preservation, and active, healthy lifestyles through policy, programmes, and services. It provides governance and administrative support while overseeing key cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, National Museum, and National Cultural Foundation.