GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – The Government has conducted a preliminary review of the recent immigration ruling of the Honourable Chief Justice Anthony Smellie, Q.C., J.P. and has noted in particular his observations on the legislative regime under which permanent residence applications are considered.

Recent amendments to the Immigration Law and Regulations have sought to improve upon various aspects of the legislation but it is acknowledged that further work is now necessary in that regard.

To ensure that no time is wasted in addressing the concerns raised by the Chief Justice, the Government has retained the law firm of Ritch & Conolly and its Senior Partner, Mr. David Ritch, OBE, J.P., a seasoned immigration law expert, to lead, along with the Attorney General’s Chambers, a forward looking exercise aimed at analysing the Immigration Law, Regulations and procedures to the extent that they may adversely impact the lawfulness or fairness of any decision in respect of outstanding applications and pending appeals for permanent residence. The review is to provide guidance and advice to the Government on appropriate steps to be taken to address these matters on an urgent basis.

For the avoidance of doubt, the current exercise will only seek to revisit the Points System in so far as it will directly address the issues identified by the Chief Justice and is not meant, or intended to be, a wholesale review of the legislation.

The Government is cognizant of the need to have all outstanding applications and appeals dealt with in a timely manner. Government has also directed that the review be completed as expeditiously as possible taking into account the complexity and scope of the issues to be covered.