Tourism logs tenth straight growth month as Parliament faces 12 bills

Cayman's tourism recovery extended again in August, with the Cayman Independent reporting a tenth consecutive month of growth and more than 27,000 visitors staying at least one night. The figure lands as legislators prepare a heavy sitting: the Independent reports 12 bills on the parliamentary agenda, covering vapes, health and fuel, alongside motions, reports and questions.

On the regulatory side, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority has spelled out new anti-money laundering audit requirements, with the Independent noting that firms will not face a single common deadline for their next AML audit. In funds work, the Independent reports that Maples and Calder advised on a Cayman structure for a Japan fund launch, a vehicle intended to widen local investor access to private markets. The Cayman Legal Education Institute will host a Criminal Law Conference 2026 covering witness care, court procedures and questioning techniques.

Public finances and utilities also drew attention. Public Accounts Committee chair Roy McTaggart told the Independent he is hopeful on progress of unaddressed recommendations, saying a "very significant number" have already been looked into. The Cayman Compass reports that the Caribbean Utilities Company's latest report showed disconnections rose in 2025 compared with 2024, despite lower bills.

In policy and community news, the Compass reports the Ministry of Education and Training has published a Mobile Phone (Safe School) Policy for government schools, announced in a release on 25 September. Meals on Wheels is eyeing a Christmas opening for its new George Town headquarters after a fundraising drive met its building target, while Diamond Pet Foods and Animal House have pledged to supply the Humane Society with pet food throughout 2027, a partnership launched at the charity's Furball Gala, per the Independent. Cayman soldiers also trained with British forces on emergency aid and disaster relief.