Saunders files bill to let OfReg review all fuel supply contracts
An opposition amendment bill targeting fuel deals led a day dominated by regulatory, judicial and labour-market developments.
Energy regulation was the day's most consequential business story. Independent opposition MP Chris Saunders (Bodden Town West) has filed an amendment bill in parliament that would give OfReg the power to review all fuel supply contracts, decide whether they remain in the public interest and, where necessary, issue notice, Cayman News Service reports. Separately, the Caribbean Utilities Company cut its carbon dioxide emissions in 2025 despite lower solar output and a failed natural gas tender, according to the Cayman Compass.
On the legal and governance side, Governor Jane Owen announced the appointment of Mark Phillips KC as a judge of the Grand Court, sitting in the Financial Services Division from 2 November 2026, following a Judicial and Legal Services Commission recruitment process, Cayman Marl Road reports. Ombudsman Sharon Roulstone has ruled that although the JLSC itself is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act, records concerning the appointment of the chief justice should still be processed if held by a public authority, per Cayman News Service. In court, counsel for both sides summed up on Friday in the manslaughter trial of surgeon Dr Paul Taiganides, the Compass reports.
Labour and public administration also featured. Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles is continuing to press employers on work permit and local hiring rules, singling out the finance sector and tourism, particularly watersports operators, Cayman News Service reports. The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has completed its deputy chief officer team with four Caymanians, according to Cayman Marl Road, which also reports a new maritime governance framework announced by the Premier, and the publication of the Mobile Phone (Safe School) Policy for government schools.
Regionally, the Compass reports Royal Caribbean has agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, valuing the resort business at roughly US$6 billion.