Ombudsman Sharon Roulstone (CNS): Sharon Roulstone, the first ombudsman in the Cayman Islands who is a Caymanian, told MPs on Wednesday about the many challenges her office is dealing with as the workload is growing due in no small part to the increasing complaints about the government. Roustone was appearing before the first ever public meeting of the parliamentary select committee that oversees the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB). The Ombudsman Committee was asking Roulstone and her full team about the 2023 OMB Annual Report, which documented a 50% increase in enquiries over the previous years. Committee Chairman Bernie Bush said that the 2024 report, which is expected to be released to parliament after the elections, shows an even greater increase, as he noted the importance of the OMB’s work allowing people an avenue of redress when they have been wronged by the government. As she explained the multiple roles...

Police in action on Eastern Ave (Photo credit: RCIPS) (CNS): The police arrested two drivers over the weekend who were more than two times over the legal limit for alcohol after members of the public called 911 to report erratic and dangerous drivers on the roads in George Town. On Saturday afternoon, a call was made about a seemingly intoxicated driver travelling on Crewe Road. Police officers were sent to the area, and within a few minutes, with the help of the person who made the report, who provided more information on the description and direction of travel, they were able to locate and stop the vehicle on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. Officers spoke to the 46-year-old man from West Bay, who showed clear signs of being intoxicated, and arrested him on suspicion of DUI. A breath test was conducted with a result of .230%. Later that night, a report...

La Esperanza, Cayman Brac (CNS): A fight at La Esperanza bar on Watering Place Road, Cayman Brac, on Saturday evening left one man in hospital with machete wounds. Two men, aged 28 and 31, both residents of the Brac, were arrested on suspicion of assault GBH. They have both been granted bail with conditions pending further investigation. The victim was initially taken to Faith Hospital and later transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town, where he remains in stable condition. Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact the Cayman Brac Police Station at 948-0331. Anonymous tips can be provided to the RCIPS Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777, or the website. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Cayman Crime Stoppers website. Related Tags: bar-fight, La Esperanza Category: Policy, Politics

Josh Parsons (CNS): The Progressives party has lost one of the new candidates it was hoping to field on Election Day. With just eleven days to go before Nomination Day, when all candidates must declare their intention to run, Josh Parsons is stepping away from the political fray, leaving the party with just seven candidates. Parsons was slated to run in Savannah against Heather Bodden, the TCCP incumbent. Unless another candidate comes forward, she will now be running unopposed. ***** Read the full story and comment in the CNS Election Section. Catch up with all the latest news and views on the 2025 General Election. Related Tags: Josh Parsons, PPM Category: 2025 General Elections, Politics

National Tree Planting Programme National Tree Planting Programme National Tree Planting Programme National Tree Planting Programme (CNS): The sustainability ministry has planted 710 native and endemic trees on the grounds of government primary schools and public spaces across the islands since the National Tree Planting Programme started three years ago. But over the same period, hundreds more trees have been lost to development, including mature trees that have been cleared from pristine primary habitat. The programme, which started in 2022, was part of the Cayman Islands Government’s year-long celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Given the huge loss of natural resources, the effort to continue planting after the celebrations is welcome but does little to compensate for the devastating loss of trees due to development, largely for high-end luxury homes and condos. Last year, just 122 trees, mostly native saplings, were planted within public school grounds by children and staff...

(CNS): There are three political parties competing for power in the upcoming elections, and each party wants to see their leader as the next premier. But unless one of the parties ends up with a strong majority of ten, consisting of their own MPs and close associates, a coalition government at the end of the usual horsetrading is highly likely. Nevertheless, the premier will likely be one of the party leaders: André Ebanks (TCCP), Joey Hew (PPM) or Dan Scott (CINP). But never discount McKeeva Bush, the master of political manoeuvring. Visit the CNS Election Section to vote in the poll. Related Tags: CNS Election Section Category: 2025 General Elections, Elections, Opinion Poll, Politics

Honda motorbike recovered in West Bay recently (CNS): Since December 2024, there has been an increase in the number of reports about stolen vehicles, mostly cars, including some rentals, but also motorbikes, scooters and jet skis, the RCIPS said in a press release. Most of the thefts are in George Town and West Bay, but other areas are also affected. Police are urging owners to be vigilant and always secure their vehicles when not in use, particularly overnight.  Vehicle owners are advised to: Always ensure vehicle windows are secured and doors are locked when not in use. Never leave the keys in your vehicle or leave it running while unattended. Even a quick dash into a store is enough time for an opportunistic thief to strike. For items such as jet skis, scooters and motorbikes, ensure they are kept out of sight within a garage or shed or secured with a...

Roadworks in George Town (CNS): After years of dusty, disruptive roadworks, millions of dollars in public cash, numerous changes, delays, and the loss of several businesses, the George Town Revitalization Initiative is almost complete, according to a planning ministry release. As the end is in sight for the GTRI, which is effectively the partial repaving of three streets and the addition of some street furniture, saplings and other features, most roads in George Town’s business district are finally open. Edward and Main Streets reopened Monday, which the release said was a “milestone”, marking the near completion of the project. However, the costly and frustratingly long, drawn-out period, which has reportedly seen more than 55 changes to the original plans, has been too much for several small cafes and shops. Regardless of the ultimate goal of the GTRI to make the capital more pedestrian-friendly, a number of small businesses were unable...

(CNS): The RCIPS is investigating an aggravated burglary that took place at an address on Powery Road in West Bay at around 11pm on Saturday. During a busy weekend for police officers, they responded to a report that three masked men, one carrying a firearm, had entered the residence. They stole cash and valuables from the occupants and then fled the location. No shots were fired, and no one was physically hurt during the incident. The suspects are described as being short with dark complexions and dark clothing. The matter is currently under investigation by West Bay CID, anyone with any information is asked to contact 949-3999. Anonymous tips can be provided to the RCIPS Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777or the website. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Cayman Crime Stoppers website.

Artist’s rendition in 2022 of the proposed energy storage facility behind the Hydesville Substation in West Bay (CNS): Grand Cayman’s power provider has said that residents have seen a fall in their January bill this year by around 16% compared to the first month of 2024. CUC said the investment it has made in the transition to a renewable, resilient and affordable energy system is now showing up in bills. Residential customers with a 2024 average household consumption of 1,162 kilowatt-hours per month will see a drop or around CI$63.57 on last year for the same amount of electricity consumption. Last month the energy charge for average residential consumption decreased by CI$1.51 when compared to December 2024. This relates to the reduction in the energy charge as previously outlined in rate change announcements in 2024 and 2023. CUC said in a press release that it had successfully delivered three critical...