Premier Ebanks backs taller buildings as land pressure grows

Development policy was the day's main business story. Cayman News Service reports that Premier André Ebanks has become the latest leader to join the call for taller buildings, arguing during a speech at an annual event that land is not infinite. CNS notes the position is a controversial one, though shared by several of his predecessors and by the islands' wealthy landowners and developers. No specific policy change or height limit was reported.

Two Cayman institutions picked up international recognition over the weekend. Cayman Airways was named the Caribbean's Leading Airline 2026 at a gala in Jamaica on Sunday, according to Cayman News Service, which describes the win as a historic debut in the category. CNS adds that the carrier has also been nominated for the first time in a world-level category. Separately, Cayman Marl Road reports that Cayman Enterprise City has been named Knowledge Zone of the Year 2026 for the Americas by fDi Intelligence, a specialist publication of the Financial Times, placing the special economic zone among those recognised globally.

In the courts, defence attorney Richard Barton is seeking the dismissal of theft-related charges against businesswoman Ethel Dell Bodden, arguing that shortcomings in the police investigation have undermined the prosecution's case. Cayman Marl Road reports Barton is expected to make a no-case-to-answer submission. The matter remains before the court and no ruling has been reported.

On crime, police are investigating a stabbing at Everglo Bar in Bodden Town shortly after 10.20pm on Friday 16 October, in which a man suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, Cayman Marl Road reports. Cayman News Service separately reports the arrest of a man seen near two liquor stores with what appeared to be a firearm on Sunday 11 October, noting that under the Firearms Act (2025 Revision) possession of an imitation weapon alone is not an offence absent intent.