Summary of Parliamentary Proceedings: 12 December 2025
The Third Meeting of the 2025-2026 Session of Parliament continued Friday, 12 December at 11:00 am.
The Speaker of the House, Honourable Ezzard Miller, highlighted the Starlight Programme at John Gray High School, recognising 23 music teachers for their dedication and hard work on the production. The Minister for Education and Training, Honourable Rolston Anglin, joined in congratulating Parliament and commending the teachers for their contributions. The Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, Honourable Isaac Rankin also affirmed that the Ministry would continue to support the Starlight Programme.
Joining the commendations, Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Joseph Hew, emphasised that education is not a partisan issue and confirmed the programme has the Opposition’s full support. The Member of Parliament for Bodden Town East, Dwayne Seymour, also noted his previous support for the programme during his tenure as Minister for Education and expressed his appreciation to the teachers.
The Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Honourable Jay Ebanks delivered three statements to report exceptional circumstances requiring supplementary expenditure. The statements covered Cabinet’s approval of funds for the National Community Enhancement programme, the creation of a new operational expenditure for the avian influenza pilot culling programme and the relocation of funds to repair and remediate the Stacy Watler Agriculture Pavilion.
Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks announced that Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Health Services Authority Foundation, noting that work will begin to develop a proposal for the foundation’s operations. Minister Ebanks-Wilks said appointment of a committee will begin shortly.
Continuing the debate on the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025, Premier Honourable André Ebanks quoted constituents, noting there is overwhelming support for the proposals. He commended the Bill and said it should be passed to bring about a more harmonious society.
Premier Ebanks further acknowledged and congratulated staff in the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration for their hard work. He also thanked Caucus and Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration Honourable Michael Myles for doing extra focus groups.
In commenting, Minister Myles stated that the vision is grounded in data, achieved through consultation and driven by unwavering commitment to the people of the country. He said harsh realities exist such as unsustainable population growth, a citizenship pathway that has been exploited and systems creaking to a breaking point.
The Minister further stated that the Government wants to resolve the inaction that happened in the past and move the country forward. He explained that success means fair opportunities and businesses and culture thriving.
The Bill was subsequently passed. The Submarine Cable (Telecommunications Resilience) Bill, 2025 was also passed.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Kenneth Bryan rose to move a motion to have the Minister supply the definitions of prescribed particulars listed in the Bill before the close of business on Monday, 15 December. Following a break, Premier Ebanks stated that given the timeline for implementation there is still time to draft and consult together on regulations before the Bill is formally an Act. With that reassurance, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition withdrew his motion.
During the Sitting, Minister for Finance and Economic Development and Education and Training, Honourable Rolston Anglin tabled the Stamp Duty (rates of duty) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 report. The Minister did not share remarks.
Minister Anglin also introduced two additional Bills: The Information and Communications Technology (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025 and the Land Holding Companies Share Transfer Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He explained that the Land Holding Companies Share Transfer Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to amend the Land Holding Companies Share Transfer Tax Act 2022 Revision to:
1. Change how rates are payable, and
2. Increase the rates of tax payable in the case of a transfer of any equity capital of a land corporation where the taxable value of the transfer is $2 million dollars or more.
Minister Anglin outlined that any revenue generated will be earmarked for Caymanian housing.
Sharing his views on the Bill, Deputy Opposition Leader Bryan said from a housing perspective, he does not feel the Bill will affect the average home buyer. He added however that his concern is for the developers as they will have to trickle down the cost they face to purchasers.
Responding to the Deputy Opposition Leader, Minister Anglin refuted trickle-down economics, emphasising that none of the revenue generating measures are on the backs of the people. He said the Government is required to provide more and to expand programmes and initiatives to help the people. He mentioned the need for new schools and the East West Arterial, among others. Both Bills were passed.
The Sitting concluded with members extending Christmas greetings to their constituents. This was led by the Speaker of the House, who emphasised the reason for the season. Members also thanked the uniformed services, health services, civil servants and Parliament staff, among others.
To watch Friday’s proceedings, visit:
Seventh Sitting of the Third Meeting of the 2025-26 Session of Parliament | 12 December 2025 Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJSG-CELYfk
Seventh Sitting of the Third Meeting of the 2025-26 Session of Parliament | 12 December 2025 Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTRBkMyiQTU
For further information visit: gov.ky/governmentinparliament.
How to follow: Watch live broadcasts of sittings on CIG YouTube and CIGTV (Logic - Channel 23, C3 - Channel 3, Flow - Channel 106).
