Persons applying for trade and business licences are now able to have their police clearance certificates processed by the Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI).

When seeking a licence, a business owner previously needed two business days to request and receive a certificate from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) to accompany their application. However, as of 1 August, the DCI can save them the time and legwork.

‘Instead of going to the RCIPS, a person can complete DCI’s RCIPS Police Clearance application form; provide a certified copy of their passport’s photo page; and submit this paperwork to DCI, along with the RCIPS processing fee of CI$25’, said DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh.

‘DCI will then request the certificate, and credit the fee, to the RCIPS. Once we have the certificate, we’ll add it to the person’s trade and business licence (TBL) application’.

All TBL applications, whether for new licences or renewals, must be submitted at the Business Licensing Counter, located on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.

‘Incorporating the police clearance request with DCI’s other functions will improve the business licensing process and reduce the possibility of delays with processing licensing requests’ Mr Rajkumarsingh said.

Minister of Commerce Wayne Panton said he is happy to see this new procedure in effect, where business owners will be able to save significant valuable time and effort on their applications.

‘This Government continues to find ways to greatly enhance our business licensing platform, and this is just the latest example of the great work being done by Mr Rajkumarsingh and his team at the DCI’, he said.

Mr Rajkumarsingh said the police certificate will be accessible only by DCI, which will keep a copy on file with the application. Persons needing the certificate for other purposes must approach the RCIPS themselves.

He also noted that within 30 days (although on average, 14 to 21 days) of a submitted application, DCI will notify the applicant via email as to its status.

Alternatively, if an applicant does not have an email address, he or she can visit the business counter within that same timeframe for an update on the application. If the application has been approved, the licence will be given at that time.

For more information, visit www.dci.gov.ky; email [email protected]; or call 945-0943 / 948-2400.

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