Caymanian Times

15/01/2026

he National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) is issuing a final reminder to the public that enforcement of existing laws governing e-bikes, scooters and similar personal transport devices will begin on 16 January 2026, following an extended period of public notification and education.

The public was first formally notified of these requirements in July 2025, with a further four-week national education campaign running from 19 December 2025 to 15 January 2026. Riders and owners have therefore had ample time to understand the law and to bring their devices into compliance before enforcement begins.

These requirements are not new. They arise under the Traffic Act (2023 Revision) and related regulations, which govern the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on Cayman’s roads. Relevant provisions include the age requirement in Regulation 6(1) of the Traffic Regulations (2021 Revision), and the licensing framework in Schedule 2 of the Traffic (Categorization and Grouping) Regulations, 2012, which set out the Group 0 and Group 2 license categories. Together with sections 6, 16, 67 and 68 of the Traffic Act, they confirm that these devices are treated as motor vehicles and must meet the same basic legal standards as any other vehicle on the road.

For the purposes of enforcement, micro-mobility devices covered by these requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Electric e-bikes (throttle-controlled)

• Pedal-assisted e-bikes

• Electric scooters and seated e-scooters

• Motor scooters

• Mopeds

• Motorized bicycles

• Segway’s and similar self-balancing devices

• Motorized wave boards and similar personal transport devices

The National Road Safety Committee NRSC is issuing a final reminder to the public that enforcement of existing laws governing ebikes scooters and similar person

15/01/2026

On 31 December 2025, Cabinet approved the extension through 31 December 2030 of a slate of duty abatements including a reduced flat-rate import duty on building materials to Grand Cayman, and a significant concessions package for the Sister Islands predominantly intended to spur economic activity in Cayman Brac.

The extended concessions include a flat 15% import duty rate on building materials imported to Grand Cayman, while other measures focus specifically on the Sister Islands.

These include a continued 100% import duty waiver on building materials imported to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman; and a 100% import duty waiver on gasoline imported to Cayman Brac extended to Little Cayman as well.

The concessions granted to Cayman Brac include a 100% stamp duty waiver on undeveloped land purchases under the value of $2 million; a reduced rate of 3% stamp duty on developed properties under the value of $2 million; and a 100% import duty waiver on household appliances imported to Cayman Brac. The household appliances are listed to include refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, pumps, washers, dryers, ranges, cook tops, and ovens only.

On 31 December 2025 Cabinet approved the extension through 31 December 2030 of a slate of duty abatements including a reduced flatrate import duty on building m

15/01/2026

The then-emerging pre-COVID business model of the digital nomad has now become so embedded in the business world that it’s hardly noticed…unless you really look for it.

What was once even marketed as a potential niche tourism market has become mainstream thanks to technology, especially reliable telecommunications systems including the undersea global fibre-optics cable network.

Cayman has positioned itself well in this respect given the international nature of the economy.

Signs of this trend and opportunity started emerging before the COVID-19 pandemic sent shock waves around the world and put our lives in a tailspin.

What had been the preserve of a select few rapidly became the norm as society adjusted to the realities of the suffocating grip of the pandemic.

The previous working-from-home privileges for some - and necessity for others were replaced overnight by a mass shift in the work paradigm.

Whereas previously there had been concerns about productivity being negatively impacted if staff ‘stayed at home in their pyjamas’, that was quickly disproved.

The thenemerging preCOVID business model of the digital nomad has now become so embedded in the business world that its hardly noticedunless you really look for

12/01/2026

Cayman and other UK Caribbean Overseas Territories face a final warning: pass the full UK-drafted Public Access to Beneficial Ownership legislation by this summer, or face consequences.

This message was clear at a recent meeting of the UK parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. The session focused on financial transparency just before the Joint Ministerial Council plenary and in advance of a major illicit finance conference planned for July.

In largely truculent language, Members of Parliament(MPs) expressed frustration at what they regard as the slow pace of the OTs in pushing through legislation to implement the full PARBO law as drafted by the UK.

The legislation, which is at varying stages of implementation among the OTs, is a key driver in UK efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and illicit financing. It’s also a key pillar in pushing for greater transparency in the financial sectors, especially in those OTs that rely heavily on the sector as their economic base.

Caymanian Times brings our readers a snapshot of remarks made during the sitting:

By Staff WriterCayman and other UK Caribbean Overseas Territories face a final warning pass the full UKdrafted Public Access to Beneficial Ownership legislation

12/01/2026

Grand Cayman’s newest luxury boutique hotel, ONE | GT, has welcomed Executive Chef René Cahane and Director of Food & Beverage Norman Martinez. Together, they will shape the culinary vision of ONE | GT Grand Cayman ahead of its Spring 2026 debut. Set within the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the pair brings decades of global expertise to define ONE | GT’s food and beverage program, which will showcase three distinctive dining venues — Perle, a refined French-Mediterranean restaurant; Byū, a rooftop restaurant & bar serving Asian cuisine with island soul; and Café Bellini, an Italian bakery and café.

“Culinary experiences are the soul of a memorable getaway, and at ONE | GT, our Food & Beverage program strives to craft moments that transcend the table, for guests to remember, recreate, and share long after they’ve departed,” says Chef René. “Whether curating an intimate meal or orchestrating a signature event, our team’s dedication will be reflected in the loyalty of our guests and the satisfaction that comes from delivering excellence, with heart.”

Chef René brings over 30 years of global experience across the Caribbean, United Kingdom, United States, and France. A classically trained chef whose early career began at London’s iconic Stafford and Cadogan Hotels, he went on to lead brigades at renowned properties including The Adria Boutique Hotel, Durrants Hotel, and most recently Sandals Grande St. Lucian. His career highlights also include serving as a finalist in the prestigious Roux Scholarship competition and coaching the St. Lucia National Culinary Team. Skilled in classical French, modern European, creative Caribbean, and traditional British cuisines, Chef René is passionate about blending fresh local produce with authentic global ingredients to create inspired dishes that reflect a balance of time-honored technique and inventive flair.

Executive Head Chef and Director of Food & Beverage join the founding team bringing ONE GTs culinary vision to life with the debut of three signature restaurant

12/01/2026

If you were born in the Cayman Islands in the 1940s, as I was, and raised by a mother who walked everywhere and knew everyone, you had no choice but to cross paths with the incomparable Captain Paul Hurstone — the sea-faring icon of the Cayman Islands, a true master of our cultural and heritage history. His passing leaves an indelible mark on all who knew him and on our collective memory of the sea .

To know Captain Paul was to know the sea itself. In those days, every man in my family — whether from George Town, West Bay, or East End — had sailed with him or at least known of him. I never went to sea myself, but through my mother and her many encounters with him, I came to know his spirit well. He would often stop by our home, sometimes with Mr Baxter, Mr Val, or Mr Leon Bush, under the pretence of bringing seafood for my mother. But we all knew that when they arrived, it was not just food they were bringing — it was a journey of tales from land and sea alike that my eager ears could not wait to hear and should not hear .

If you were born in the Cayman Islands in the 1940s as I was and raised by a mother who walked everywhere and knew everyone you had no choice but to cross paths

08/01/2026

UK Overseas Territories could face increased pressure from the British government in 2026 to fully implement the Public Access to Beneficial Ownership (PARBO) legislation.

The issue has been a sore point for the UK and several OTs over the past several years with some territories having reservations about how it impacts aspects of privacy within their financial services industry.

Now, the UK’s Dame Margaret Hodge, appointed in an advisory role as the ruling British Labour Party government’s ‘anti-corruption champion’, has warned that if the OTs do not have the full legislation in place by the middle of this year, they could face tougher action from the administering power, the UK.

By Staff WriterUK Overseas Territories could face increased pressure from the British government in 2026 to fully implement the Public Access to Beneficial Owne

08/01/2026

On Saturday, 3 January, 2026 at approximately 4:05PM, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard Operations and Rescue Coordination Centre (ORCC) received a report of a person who had failed to resurface, having entered the water in the vicinity of "Big Channel" near to Barkers Key.

The CICG Duty team immediately responded, and upon arrival commenced in-water search efforts to locate the missing person.

On Saturday 3 January 2026 at approximately 405PM the Cayman Islands Coast Guard Operations and Rescue Coordination Centre ORCC received a report of a person wh

07/01/2026

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06/01/2026

n Parliament on Friday, 12 December 2025, Minister for Finance and Economic Development Hon. Rolston Anglin steered through legislation and regulations which will increase stamp duty on the transfer of properties worth $2 million dollars or more, and also increase the taxes charged on share transfers valued at $2 million or higher in land holding companies.

Both are pursuant to the 2026-2027 Budget passed in Finance Committee on 21 November, 2025 and are necessary in order that the Cayman Islands Government may collect the increased stamp duty rates necessary to raise revenue as projected from 1 January, 2026.

In Parliament on Friday 12 December 2025 Minister for Finance and Economic Development Hon Rolston Anglin steered through legislation and regulations which will

06/01/2026

The National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) has launched a national public education campaign to ensure riders of e-bikes, scooters and similar personal transport devices clearly understand the existing legal requirements that apply when using public roads.

The campaign, which runs from 19 December to 15 January, is being delivered under the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) and is coordinated by the NRSC in partnership with the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI), the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL).

The initiative focuses on clarity, safety and compliance, ahead of enforcement of existing laws commencing on 16 January.

The National Road Safety Committee NRSC has launched a national public education campaign to ensure riders of ebikes scooters and similar personal transport dev

06/01/2026

Cayman’s National Dance, the Quadrille, has been seen infrequently in recent years, but a collaboration between the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands National Museum is breathing new life into this important tradition, with Quadrille classes set for the new year.

The classes, conceived under the National Gallery’s community programming for its Fourth Cayman Islands Biennial, Archipelago, have been set up as a way to highlight and celebrate Cayman’s cultural heritage and engage the public at its various Biennial host venues across the districts. The first Quadrille lessons took place in December at the National Trust Mission House in Bodden Town. The next will take place at the National Museum courtyard in George Town on 10th January. All lessons are led by the talented, Brian Watler Jr., the National Museum’s Marketing/Events and Design Coordinator

“We are thrilled by the warm response to our recent Quadrille dance class led by the talented Brian Watler Jr., a vibrant initiative produced by the National Gallery as part of our 4th Cayman Islands Biennial programme, and delivered in collaboration with the National Museum and the National Trust Mission House, two of our esteemed 4th Cayman Islands Biennial host venues,” the National Gallery said.

By Lindsey TurnbullCaymans National Dance the Quadrille has been seen infrequently in recent years but a collaboration between the National Gallery of the Cayma