The Ministry of Investment, Innovation, and Social Development is pleased to announce Cabinet approval and publication of the Financial Assistance Regulations, 2023 and the Financial Assistance (Appeals) Regulations, 2023. Today’s announcement paves the way for the launch of the Department of Financial Assistance later next month. This pivotal step coincides with the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Financial Assistance Act, 2022 in Parliament on 10 October 2022, which aims to redefine Government’s approach to financial assistance.

Over the past year the Ministry has been working diligently to develop innovative strategies and solutions to modernise the framework for assistance, explained Chief Officer of the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development, Tamara Ebanks; “We have held focus groups with other government Departments, non-profit organisations, mental health practitioners, landlords and clients of the Department since the passing of the Act. In addition, the Minister ensured there was consultation with Members of the Opposition and ultimately extensive input from Members of Caucus.

Consultation with all of these groups has directly improved many aspects of the Regulations.”  

Minister for Investment, Innovation, and Social Development, the Hon. André Ebanks explained how important this milestone is for the community; “Today, with the approval of these Regulations we are on the cusp of transforming the way we deliver financial assistance in the Cayman Islands. As we look forward to the launch of the Department of Financial Assistance, we embrace a future where members of our community can more efficiently access the support they need through modern processes and systems.”

Minister Ebanks also noted that with the publication of these Regulations, all of the recommendations from The Office of the Auditor General Report on Government Programmes Supporting Those in Need (May 2015) which are the responsibility of the Ministry, should now be addressed.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend one of the Town Hall meetings taking place across the islands to learn about the changes being implemented.

The Town Hall schedule is as follows:

• West Bay:  6:30 – 8:00pm, Monday, 16 October at John Gray Memorial Church Hall

• George Town: 6:30 – 8:00pm, Tuesday, 17 October at Constitution Hall (George Town, Town Hall)

• Bodden Town: 6:30 – 8:00pm, Tuesday, 24 October at Bodden Town Primary School

• East End: 6:30 – 8:00pm, Wednesday, 25 October at East Event Civic Centre 

• Cayman Brac: 6:30 – 8:00pm, Monday, October 30 at the Aston Rutty Centre 

• North Side: 6:30 – 8:00pm, Wednesday, 1 November at the North Side Civic Centre 

For those who prefer a virtual experience, a Virtual Town Hall will be hosted at 12:00pm on Thursday, 26 October.