Governor’s Updates #11

• Relaxation of measures - Please to see the positive reaction to the latest announcement on the relaxing of measures. Barbers and hairdressers reopening is definitely the most popular! We should be proud of our islands, we’ve effectively created a safe bubble and we are one of the safer places in the world right now. Not far away, Miami has been described as the next epicentre of Covid in the US with a large number of cases. The UK Security Assistance Team believe that the government and public health response has been evidence based, credible and exceptionally well led. We can take pride in that. A huge thanks to everyone across the islands for their cooperation and helping to get us to this point.

• Honararium for front line workers - I positively welcome the Premier’s announcement of the honorarium for front line workers. It is absolutely right that we recognise the hard work of front line workers on our islands. Thanks again to the Police Commissioner and his officers plus the CBC officers and Special Constables who have helped. We really owe them a particular debt of gratitude.

• Working on travel to Nepal - We continue to work very hard to find on a solution for those wishing to travel to Nepal and we are making progress. As things develop, we will share details.

• BA Flights to the UK - We are planning to run BA flights to the UK on 31 July and 28 August. These flights will be primarily to take students to the UK who will be attending school and university. Again no need to contact my office but do register on the travel helpline if you have not done so already. We will give more details shortly.

• Flight to Cancun, Mexico - There is a flight on 24 June at 7 am to Cancun, Mexico which will be taking back Peruvian and Mexican nationals. This flight is being organised by a private individual. There are still seats available. Anyone interested in a seat can contact Samantha A. Zamora Contreras on samanthashley_zc@hotmail.com or 345 321 8971

• US Customs and Border Control Protection aircraft - We have agreed to a request from US Customs and Border Control Protection to station an aircraft here next week. It will be conducting surveillance, counter narcotics and security work in the region, working with our RCIPS Air Operations Unit. We will be fully managing the Covid risk. The crew will go from the airport to their hotel and will be tested before their arrival. A strong signal of our cooperation with the US on security as one of our key partners.

• WHO report - Globally WHO report pandemic still accelerating. 183,000 new cases on 21 June – highest in single day so far. 9m cases worldwide. And sadly almost 500,000 deaths. WHO say no evidence that less potent strains of virus are emerging. Nothing has emerged to suggest a decline in communicability or impact of the infection. I say this to underline that we must not let our guard down. We need to adopt good habits of social distancing, basic hygiene and good respiratory behaviour (when coughing and sneezing) and wearing masks in public places. That is best way to protect yourself, family and community, including our elderly and vulnerable.

• The Security Assistance Team - The Security Assistance Team (SAT) will be leaving us at the end of this week. They’ve been here for two months and I’m very grateful for all the assistance they have provided. Their coordination during the RFA Argus visit including the hurricane exercises and the helicopter support provided to the RCIPS was vital. The air crew assisted in the detection of a drugs shipment and just last week responded to two kayakers in difficulty of the Grand Cayman coast. The team included logistical experts who have supported the HSA laboratory and have provided assistance with the BA Airbridge flights. It also, most importantly, the team have supported the recruitment, training plans and legislation needed to develop the Cayman Islands Regiment. Bringing the team in, with the agreement of the Premier, at a challenging time in the immediate aftermath of the lockdown was a sensible, planned measure and a signal of UK commitment. I am grateful to the team for all the support they have provided.

• Applications for British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC), Naturalisation/Registration, British Registration and the expungement of criminal records - Deputy Governor has asked me to highlight, in a strong demonstration of the civil service’s customer focus, that starting today applications for British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC), Naturalisation/Registration, British Registration and the expungement of criminal records can be submitted to the Deputy Governor’s Office via email and the relevant fees (US or CI cash, debit, credit cards or local cheques) can be paid at Post Offices. Applicants need to download the relevant application form from www.odg.gov.ky visit a Post Office, pay the relevant fee then email the form and a copy of the receipt to the relevant point of contact as follows:

a. BOTC Naturalisation/Registration: botc@gov.ky

b. British Registration/Naturalisaion: tenisha.thompson@gov.ky (scans must be in colour for British Registration)

c. Expungement of criminal records: expungement@gov.ky.

Hard copies and cheques will still be accepted. These should be delivered to the curb-side drop boxes at the Government Administration Building. Further information is available at www.gov.ky

• Thank you for your excellent cooperation - We are in a very good position on our Islands thanks to all the measures we have taken and your excellent cooperation. As we work out how to open border safely, trade-offs will be necessary. There is no zero risk solution. So we need to remain disciplined under a ‘new normal’ until a vaccine is developed.