Tourism passes 1.1 million arrivals as Kiddiewinks row tests Premier
Visitor numbers rose 6.4% in the first nine months of 2026 while MPs weighed the premier's position over a CI$6.5m preschool purchase.
Cayman's tourism recovery and a political row over a government property deal dominated the day. The Cayman Compass reports that more than 1.19 million visitors arrived in the first nine months of 2026, up 6.4% year on year, with both air and cruise arrivals growing in September. The Cayman Independent puts September stay-over arrivals up 18.4% on the same month in 2025, an eleventh consecutive month of growth.
Politically, the purchase of the former Kiddiewinks preschool remains live. The Cayman Compass reports that elected members are actively discussing removing the premier, while Cayman Marl Road notes that Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles has publicly backed Premier Andr\u00e9 Ebanks. The Cayman Independent reports a minister saying there is "no evidence" of misconduct in the CI$6.5m purchase, with valuation and procurement compliance under scrutiny. Separately, the Public Accounts Committee will hold hearings on the auditor general's affordable housing report.
On regulation and administration, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority has issued new guidance on financial stress for banks, building societies and credit unions, according to the Cayman Compass. The Department of Commerce and Investment has acknowledged delays to trade and business licence renewals, citing higher application volumes and enhanced compliance checks. An insurance broker has urged caution over the proposed health system overhaul, arguing the real drivers of spending may sit outside the insurance system.
For travellers and employers, immigration overstayers have been given a one-month amnesty to leave before enforcement begins on 1 December, and passengers on Cayman-to-US flights now face a new health form requirement confirming they have not recently visited the Ebola-affected DRC.