The Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament was held from Monday, 9 to Monday, 16 December 2024. There were five Sittings over the period.

During the Meeting, Parliamentarians deliberated and passed Bills from the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce, Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development and the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport and Development. They included the Older Persons (Amendment) Bill, the Companies (Amendment and Validation) Bill and the Traffic (Amendment) Bill. Various motions were also addressed.

Several papers and annual reports were tabled including the unaudited report for core government for the nine-month period ending 30 September by Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. The Premier outlined that core government ended with 3.3 billion in total assets, 1 billion in total liabilities and did not borrow during the period.

Other reports included the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce’s Annual Report 2023, tabled by Premier O’Connor-Connolly and the Public Service Pensions Board Annual Report 2023 presented by Deputy Governor Honourable Franz Manderson.

There were various statements by ministers and members of the Cabinet. Premier, O’Connor-Connolly announced that an additional $500 would be disbursed to public service pensioners in December. More than 2,500 pensioners will receive the payment. Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Ports Honourable Kenneth Bryan said the recent purchase of an additional Twin Otter aircraft will increase airlift between all three Islands. He also noted an increase in stayover visitation of approximately 350,000 passengers, despite an active hurricane season between January to October 2024, two percent more than in 2023. 

Another significant announcement came from Minister Seymour who stated that Cabinet has approved an additional $150,000 to be reallocated for the execution and promotion of cultural events. Deputy Governor Franz Manderson also made a statement about the findings of the Attorney General’s report on the financial reporting of the Cayman Islands Government for the year ending December 2023. He stated that 44 of 46 public service entities submitted their financial statements to the Attorney General by the deadline. 

Several questions were directed at ministers, including questions regarding the timeline for the launch of the national identity programme, reasons for the notice of termination for the ReGen project was extended and how it would be managed. There were also questions on the erosion of Seven Mile Beach and government’s intended course of action.

Of note was the Government motion moved by Premier O’Connor-Connolly on Beneficial Ownership Transparency (Legitimate Interest Access) Regulations, 2024. The regulations allow public access to beneficial ownership information to a member of the public that is engaged in journalism, academic research, acting on behalf of civic society or an organisation seeking information in the context of a business relationship or transaction. The motion was passed with 9 votes in favour, 1 against and 8 absentees. 

The Second Meeting the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament concluded with Members of Parliament wishing the Cayman Islands community a blessed and safe holiday season. Speaker of the House of Parliament Honourable Sir Alden McLaughlin closed with the statement recognising the accomplishments of the Meeting. 

The House was subsequently adjourned until Friday, 31 January at 10:00 am. 

To catch up on the Session, the public Can visit CIG YouTube channel or read the daily summaries.

Summaries for each sitting can be found on GOV.KY: 

First Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament l 9 December 2024

Second Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament l 11 December 2024

Third Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament l 12 December 2024

Fourth Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament l 13 December 2024

Fifth Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session of Parliament l 16 December 2024

For further information visit: www.gov.ky/governmentinparliament.