AGP Executive Report

Conservation vs development: After a “Cayman Forward” meeting between the National Conservation Council and the Central Planning Authority, Premier André Ebanks says the government won’t weaken the National Conservation Act—any updates would clarify and modernize it. Marine protection: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies stepping up marine conservation and stewardship. Health & environment: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is ramping up operations after the first big emergence, but rain and wind are slowing aerial adult control; meanwhile, health officials continue monitoring pertussis and issued World Cup travel guidance. Waste & utilities: DEH says the George Town Landfill will close early on King’s Birthday (1:00pm) with normal collection/recycling otherwise, and a landfill feature explains what’s being diverted from disposal. Air quality: Cayman’s Dust Alert was lifted after Saharan dust readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range. Biodiversity: The Department of Agriculture is responding to spiral whitefly infestations with resident guidance on monitoring and treatment. Recognition: Sustainable Cayman’s Melanie Carmichael received a King’s Birthday Honours sustainability and conservation award.

Waste & Landfill Operations: The Department of Environmental Health says the George Town Landfill will close at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (Mon, 15 June), with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs that day; regular garbage collection and recycling run as normal, and the 24-hour small waste drop-off stays open. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is ramping up after the season’s first big emergence, driven by tidal flooding in coastal wetlands and recent rain; aerial and ground efforts are underway, but weather and one aircraft out of service have slowed some operations. Health & Environment: MHES and the Public Health Department are urging travellers heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to check routine vaccinations (especially measles) and follow guidance to reduce cross-border spread. Air Quality: Cayman’s Dust Alert has been lifted after readings improved to Good–Moderate; officials still advise vulnerable people to take care outdoors. Marine Conservation: CCMI launches the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies leading marine stewardship. Local Costs & Policy: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting 12,000+ residents, with a July 1 start date. Agriculture Pest Watch: The Department of Agriculture is advising residents on how to spot and manage spiral whitefly infestations.

Health & Environment: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service lifted its Saharan dust alert after air quality stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with guidance to keep vulnerable people cautious and seek care if symptoms persist. Flooding Advisory: A separate flooding advisory warned of heavy showers and possible thunder, urging slower driving, extra travel time, and monitoring via caymanprepared.ky. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit reported ongoing Grand Cayman operations after the season’s first big emergence, with aerial treatments delayed by wind and rain and one aircraft temporarily out of service. Waste & Landfill: DEH announced the George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday, with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs that day, while regular garbage and recycling continue. Agriculture Pest Alert: The Department of Agriculture shared practical steps for residents facing spiral whitefly, including inspection, quarantine, sticky traps, and approved treatment options. Insurance Cost Watch: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting over 12,000 residents, with a July 1 start date. Marine Conservation: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship.

Health & Environment: The Cayman Islands lifted its Saharan dust alert after air quality stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with guidance for people with asthma or respiratory issues to limit outdoor exertion and keep medications handy. Public Health: Health officials also continue to monitor pertussis, urging residents to keep vaccinations up to date and protect infants and other high-risk groups. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is ramping up operations after the season’s first large emergence, but rain, wind and a temporary aircraft maintenance issue have slowed some planned adult-control flights. Marine Conservation: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship. Waste & Services: DEH says the George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June), with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs that day; regular collection and recycling continue. Local Governance & Cost Pressures: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting 12,000+ residents, with a July 1 start date.

Public Health & Environment: The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability and Public Health Department are monitoring ongoing pertussis activity, urging residents to keep vaccinations up to date and protect infants and other high-risk groups. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is ramping up operations after the season’s first large emergence, but says rain, wind and one aircraft temporarily out of service have limited some aerial adult-control work. Air Quality: Officials lifted the Saharan dust alert after readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range, advising vulnerable people to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Waste & Landfill: DEH says the George Town Landfill will close at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June), with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs that day; regular collection and recycling continue. Marine Conservation: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to recognize Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship. Health Insurance: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting 12,000+ residents, with a July 1 start date. Agriculture: The Department of Agriculture is urging residents to manage spiral whitefly infestations with monitoring, quarantine, and approved treatment options.

King’s Birthday Honours: The Governor announced five Cayman recipients, including a CBE for Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and a sustainability honour for Melanie Carmichael, recognising services across civil service, charity, education, policing and conservation. Health Insurance Watch: Government is reviewing a proposed ~25% SHIC premium increase from 1 July 2026 that could affect 12,000+ residents enrolled under CG BritCay, citing claims and rising healthcare costs. Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is responding to the season’s first big emergence, but rain and wind are limiting aerial operations; one aircraft was temporarily out of service during maintenance. Waste & Landfill Notice: George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June), with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs that day; regular collection and recycling continue. Marine Conservation Awards: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship. Air Quality: Officials lifted the Dust Alert after Saharan dust cleared to “Good to Moderate” AQI levels, with guidance for vulnerable residents. Agriculture Alert: The Department of Agriculture is urging residents to manage spiral whitefly infestations with monitoring, quarantine, and approved treatment options.

Whitefly Alert: The Department of Agriculture is responding to spiral whitefly infestations across Grand Cayman, urging residents to inspect leaves, quarantine new plants, use yellow sticky traps, and consider treatments like insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or approved systemic options. SHIC Premium Review: Health officials are reviewing a proposed ~25% Standard Health Insurance Contract premium increase affecting 12,000+ residents, with a July 1, 2026 start date under consideration. Landfill Rules for King Charles’ Birthday: George Town Landfill will close at 1:00pm on 15 June; no derelict vehicles or scrap metal drop-offs that day, though regular garbage and recycling continue and a 24-hour small waste drop-off remains available. Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says numbers are higher than comfortable after early-season emergence, but aerial larviciding and ground control have helped; rain and wind are limiting some planned adult control. Marine Conservation Push: CCMI launches the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship. Saharan Dust Health Guidance: Cayman’s Dust Alert was lifted after air quality improved to Good–Moderate, with advice for vulnerable groups to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Hurricane Season Outlook: CSU predicts a quieter Atlantic season, with El Niño expected to reduce storm formation. World Cup Health Guidance: MHES and Public Health urge travellers to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, especially measles protection, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Electricity Costs Snapshot: A global comparison ranks Cayman among the higher residential electricity price markets, highlighting how policy and fuel costs drive differences.

Health Insurance Watch: MHES and DHRS are reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium hike from 1 July 2026 that would affect about 12,000 residents enrolled under CG Britcay’s Standard Health Insurance Contract, citing claims experience and rising healthcare costs—while the Minister warned of major cost-of-living pressure. Waste & Public Works: DEH says the George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June) with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal drop-offs, though regular garbage collection and recycling continue and a 24-hour small waste drop-off remains open. Mosquito Control: MRCU is ramping up operations after the first large emergence, but rain, wind and a temporary aircraft maintenance issue have slowed planned adult control—teams are still using larviciding and ground efforts to reduce impacts. Marine Stewardship: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship, timed with World Ocean Month and the UN Ocean Decade. Air Quality Update: Cayman’s Dust Alert was lifted after Saharan dust readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with guidance still urging caution for cough/wheezing and extra care for respiratory conditions. Flooding Advisory: A flooding advisory remains in play after heavy rain, with officials urging slower driving and extra travel time as low-lying areas could flood quickly. Marine Conservation Link: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone—adding another Caribbean UK Overseas Territory to the initiative.

Health & Cost of Living: The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability is reviewing a proposed 25% increase to SHIC premiums, affecting more than 12,000 residents, with the change set for 1 July 2026. Waste & Public Works: DEH says the George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June), with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal dumping allowed, while regular garbage collection and recycling continue. Mosquito Control: MRCU is ramping up mosquito control after the first large emergence, but rain, wind and one aircraft being out of service have slowed some aerial work. Marine Conservation: CCMI launches the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to spotlight Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship during World Ocean Month. Air Quality: Cayman’s Dust Alert has been lifted after Saharan dust conditions improved; officials still advise vulnerable people to take precautions. Flooding Watch: A flooding advisory remains in play after heavy rain, with residents urged to drive carefully and allow extra travel time. Community Preparedness: CIIPA volunteers helped pack hurricane preparedness kits for seniors ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Earthquake Reminder: A 6.1 quake near Cuba was felt across parts of Florida, underscoring the region’s ongoing seismic risk.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is battling a seasonal surge on Grand Cayman linked to tidal flooding in coastal wetlands and recent rains, using aerial larviciding and ground operations while weather (wind, turbulence and rain) has delayed some planned aircraft treatments. Public Health—Pertussis: Health officials say pertussis (whooping cough) activity is continuing locally, with new cases across ages and settings, and are urging residents to keep vaccinations up to date and protect infants and other high-risk groups. Air Quality—Saharan Dust: Cayman’s Dust Alert has been lifted after air quality readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with guidance still advising vulnerable people to take precautions during lingering conditions. Flooding Advisory: A flooding advisory is in effect as heavy rain saturates areas and more downpours are expected, with officials urging slower driving, extra travel time, and wet-weather preparedness for school pickups. Marine Conservation—Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone, adding to the growing network that includes Cayman. World Ocean Day—MPAs: World Ocean Day focused on strengthening marine protected areas, highlighting that Cayman’s reefs are still under pressure from warming, disease and pollution despite long-running protections.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s first big mosquito emergence is easing thanks to aerial larviciding and ground work, but weather has disrupted planned aircraft treatments this week. Flood Preparedness: A flooding advisory is in effect after heavy rain, with schools urging parents to plan safe pick-ups and keep kids ready for wet conditions. Marine Protection: World Ocean Day coverage highlights why Cayman needs strong marine parks as reefs face warming, disease and pollution, while local labs work to grow more resilient corals. Hurricane Readiness for Seniors: CIIPA volunteers helped pack hurricane supplies kits for seniors ahead of the Atlantic season. Health Guidance for Big Events: Cayman’s health ministry and public health department are urging travellers to check routine vaccinations, especially measles protection, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Local Environment Cleanup: DEH says this year’s bulk waste collection schedule has wrapped up, with residents reminded to use landfills and report illegal dumping. Regional Climate Context: CSU predicts a quieter Atlantic storm season, citing a higher chance of El Niño. Earthquake Watch: A 6.1 quake near Cuba shook parts of Florida and prompted renewed attention to regional hazards.

Flood Advisory: Cayman’s National Weather Service has issued a flooding advisory for Grand Cayman after heavy rain, with areas already saturated and more downpours expected; MoET and DES are urging parents to plan safe bus pick-ups and pack wet-weather gear, while residents should monitor updates at caymanprepared.ky. Marine Protection: World Ocean Day coverage highlights why marine parks matter now more than ever, noting Cayman’s reefs have benefited from decades of Marine Protected Areas but still face coral bleaching and disease; the Department of Environment is also working on coral propagation to help replenish reefs. Marine Stewardship Awards: The Central Caribbean Marine Institute announced the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to recognize Cayman companies leading marine conservation and environmental stewardship. Hurricane Readiness for Seniors: CIIPA volunteers helped pack and deliver hurricane preparedness kits to seniors ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, partnering with Meals on Wheels. Waste Management: DEH says the 2026 bulk waste collection schedule is complete across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, with residents reminded to use landfills for any extra waste and report illegal dumping. Earthquake Context: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba shook parts of Florida and was widely felt across the region, a reminder of broader natural hazards affecting the wider Caribbean.

Flood Preparedness: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service issued a flooding advisory for Grand Cayman, with MoET and DES urging parents to arrange safe school pick-ups and send children prepared for wet conditions, while officials monitor conditions and will update via social media and caymanprepared.ky. Marine Conservation: On World Ocean Day, the Department of Environment highlighted how Cayman’s marine parks have helped, but reefs still face warming, disease, and bleaching; meanwhile CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to recognize local corporate leadership in marine stewardship. Hurricane Readiness: CIIPA volunteers packed and delivered hurricane preparedness kits to seniors through Meals on Wheels ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Waste Management: DEH says the 2026 bulk waste collection schedule is complete, with standard waste management back in place and residents reminded to report illegal dumping. Community Clean-Up: RCIPS and DEH carried out a West Bay clean-up in response to community concerns about loitering and discarded items. Regional Ocean Protection: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone—alongside Cayman and other Caribbean UK territories. Earthquake Watch: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba was felt across Florida, underscoring regional hazard awareness for the wider Cayman area.

Earthquake Watch: A 6.1-magnitude quake off western Cuba shook buildings and rattled people across Florida, with no injuries or major damage reported and no tsunami threat—another reminder that the region’s hazards extend beyond hurricanes. Marine Protection: On World Ocean Day, Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and strengthen marine protected areas and fisheries management—alongside Cayman and other Caribbean UK territories. Local Reef Health: The Department of Environment says Cayman’s marine parks have helped, but coral reefs still face warming, disease and bleaching; the lab is working on more resilient coral propagation. Air Quality & Dust: Health and environmental officials lifted the Saharan dust alert after readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range across Grand Cayman, with monitoring at schools and advisories for sensitive residents. Community Cleanliness: DEH confirmed completion of the 2026 bulk waste collection schedule, while RCIPS and DEH ran a West Bay clean-up targeting abandoned items and anti-social concerns. Hurricane Prep for Seniors: CIIPA volunteers packed and delivered 36 hurricane preparedness kits to seniors with Meals on Wheels ahead of the 2026 Atlantic season. Marine Conservation Awards: CCMI launched the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards to recognize Cayman companies leading marine conservation and stewardship.

Earthquake & Regional Impacts: A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck offshore western Cuba, shaking buildings in Havana and triggering reports of mild tremors across Florida as far north as Orlando; no injuries or damage were reported and there was no tsunami threat. Marine Conservation: On World Ocean Day (8 June), Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone with support for marine protected areas, fisheries management and marine planning—alongside Cayman and other Caribbean UK territories. Local Environment & Cleanliness: RCIPS and DEH staff carried out a West Bay clean-up targeting abandoned items linked to community concerns, while DEH confirmed the completion of the annual bulk waste collection schedule across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Saharan Dust Update: Cayman officials say Saharan dust air quality readings have stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with the dust alert lifted as concentrations decline, though sensitive residents were advised to take precautions. Wildlife Tracking: The DoE tagged its first 2026 loggerhead turtle, “Amber,” with satellite and acoustic tools to track movements between nesting events. Marine Protected Areas Focus: A World Ocean Day message highlighted how Cayman’s long-running marine protected areas have helped, but reefs still face warming, disease and pollution pressures, with local coral propagation efforts underway.

Water & Infrastructure: Consolidated Water appoints water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla as Senior VP for strategy and growth, aiming to expand business development and M&A as it builds on recent contract wins and desalination-linked momentum. Waste & Clean Communities: DEH says the 2026 bulk waste collection schedule is complete across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, with residents urged to use landfills for extra waste and report illegal dumping. Public Safety in West Bay: RCIPS and DEH ran a clean-up in Mary Mollie Hydes Road, targeting abandoned items tied to loitering and disorderly behaviour. Saharan Dust Update: Health and environment officials confirm air quality stayed in the Good-to-Moderate range during the dust event, with the dust alert lifted as concentrations decline; residents with asthma are still advised to take precautions. Marine Life Research: The Department of Environment tags its first 2026 loggerhead turtle, “Amber,” with satellite and acoustic tracking to map movements between nesting events. Energy Policy Tension: CUC disputes “undisclosed” rooftop solar systems, but the wider fight is now seen as a barrier to Cayman hitting renewable targets and energy-policy goals. World Ocean Month: CCMI invites the community to celebrate World Ocean Month with events starting around World Ocean Day on 8 June, focused on ocean conservation and education. Local Environment Response: DEH reports a small surface fire at the George Town Landfill was quickly contained during routine monitoring, with landfill operations continuing normally.