Planning bill would give Cabinet power to amend rules, waive fees
Government's housing reform push heads to legislation as a Grand Court ruling unlocks stalled phased strata developments.
Two legal and regulatory developments dominated Monday. Government has tabled amendments to the Development and Planning Act that it says will support its affordable housing reform plans, with the Cayman Compass reporting the bill seeks to allow Cabinet to amend planning regulations and waive fees. Cayman Independent frames the same measure as leaving Cabinet with greater powers over how regulations and fee waivers are handled.
Separately, a ruling by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale has, according to the Compass, resolved a long-standing "stranded strata" problem, making it easier to sell the incomplete portions of phased strata developments — a point of interest for developers and lenders holding unfinished phases.
On financial services, Cayman Independent reports the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority collected CI$189.41 million in fees for government in 2025, with the regulator's own income rising but higher costs reducing net earnings. Nominations have opened for the National Recognition Awards 2027, which will recognise up to 130 financial services contributors; the Compass reports the same call for industry "heroes" ahead of next year's National Heroes Day. In transactional news, Cayman Independent reports Maples Group advised on a US$730 million private credit transaction moving 130 investments into a new continuation vehicle.
On the labour and skills front, more than 90 Caymanians attended the second Hello2Hired recruitment event, which connected jobseekers with 24 employers, while a separate internship programme introduced students to agriculture careers beyond the farm, including veterinary services, plant science and food security.
Elsewhere, a local internet security expert warned residents that "Caymankindness" does not translate online and to trust nothing encountered in cyberspace. In hospitality, the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort has joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme.