Premier meets officials in UK to discuss support for new gov’t

GEORGE TOWN (CMC):

During his first official visit to London as premier and financial services minister, André Ebanks met with UK Minister of State for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty in London this week as part of a series of meetings with British MPs and officials to discuss the UK’s support for the new government’s priorities.

Ebanks also met with representatives from City UK and Transparency International and hosted a drop-in morning coffee social at the Cayman Islands’ London Office.

“The objective of these meetings is to set an early, positive tone between our new administration and key London stakeholders, particularly ministers of the UK Government,” Ebanks said. “This type of engagement strengthens the bonds, or deepens the bonds, of collaboration, and demonstrates that Cayman continues to be a trusted regional leader and partner while protecting and promoting our key industries and interests.”

The meeting between Doughty and Ebanks covered national security, environment programme funding and financial services.

Doughty also welcomed the territory’s commitment to preserving the marine environment.

Recognising the importance of UK-funded programmes, including the Darwin Initiative, the British government and the Cayman Islands will continue their partnership in environmental protection, including their work together in the Blue Belt Programme.

The issue of beneficial ownership also came up as Doughty welcomed the steps the territory has taken to launch a register of information accessible to those with a legitimate interest, and the two men agreed to continue working on greater information sharing.

The UK minister also thanked Ebanks for Cayman’s support to other territories in times of need, most recently in Anguilla.

Doughty’s visit to the Cayman Islands was confirmed for September 2025, and he reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to the sovereignty, security and defence of the overseas territories.

During the visit, Ebanks also met with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsey Hoyle, and other officials.