Minutes Deputy Governor and Chief Officers’ Meeting 15th July 2013

Attendees: Acting Deputy Governor – Mr. Eric Bush; Dr. Dax Basdeo; Mr. Samuel Rose; Mr. Wesley Howell; Mrs. Sonia McLaughlin; Mrs. Mary Rodrigues; Ms. Dorine Whittaker; Mr. Alan Jones; Mrs. Jennifer Ahearn; Mr. Ian Fenton; Mr. Jonathan Jackson

Apologies: Mr. Kenneth Jefferson; Ms. Cheryl Richards; Mrs. Gloria McField-Nixon; Mr. Kevin McCormac; Ms. Jacqueline Wilson; Mr. Stran Bodden

1.   Welcome

The Acting Deputy Governor welcomed everyone and prayer was offered.

2.   Formal Approval of Minutes

The July 8 meeting minutes were approved by all attendees for circulation.

3.   Matters Arising from the Minutes

Final Report of the Committee to Review Reports – the committee is in the process of separating recommendations which require changes to be made to the PMFL. The committee is also working towards including recommendations from the Turnbull Report in their final report.

4.   Phase V – Cutting Red Tape

A Cabinet Paper on reducing the administrative burden on business and citizens (“cutting red tape”) has been submitted for review by Cabinet on 16 July. This Paper requests that Government commence a review of (i) business processes carried out and (ii) information provided by government departments with a view to eliminate administrative burdens that act as a disincentive to new businesses startups or that is harmful to existing businesses. The end result of the review is a greater focus on technology, administrative simplification and a business friendly climate that exceeds customer expectations.  CO’s Bush and Basdeo have been asked to sit on this committee.

5.   Planning for CONCACAF Event

The CONCACAF U15 football tournament will take place in Grand Cayman from 11 to 25 August 2013. The Acting Deputy Governor encouraged the relevant Chief Officers to ensure that there was sufficient liaison between their Ministries and the organizers of the event, to ensure that all of the necessary arrangements are made.

• CO Ahearn provided an update on ongoing work with facilities preparation and thanked the team at the Public Works Department for their tremendous efforts, as well as noting the cooperation received from the Planning Department.

6.   Public Authorities Bill

A Cabinet Paper recommending a review of the Public Authorities Bill will be brought to Cabinet for consideration tomorrow, 16 July 2013.

7.   Update on Budget Process 2013/14

The 2013/14 Budget was discussed. Chief Officers were advised that it is to be tabled in September. Chief Officers look forward to being involved in the policy discussions relating to the upcoming Budget.

8.   Any Other Business

• . Chief Officers were asked to ensure that CFO’s are keeping general ledgers up to date. The previous month’s work must be completed by the fifth working day of each month.
• Registration is now open for the 4th annual Cayman Islands National Healthcare Conference which will be held at The Ritz Carlton on October 17 – 19, 2013. Visit www.healthcareconference.ky for more information.
• Communique in regards to the Joint Ministerial Council Meeting to be forwarded to CO Ahearn
• The Office of the Deputy Governor will be hosting a Civil Service Farewell for His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Taylor on 24 July, 2013. The farewell will be held at the Government Admin Building.  All civil servants are invited to attend.

Meeting adjourned at 3:30pm