Attorney General's Address at Grand Court Opening 2026
Address by the Hon. Samuel Bulgin, KC, Attorney General during the Grand Court Opening on 14 January 2026
My Lady Chief Justice, Honourable President of the Court of Appeal and other Justices of Appeal, Honourable Judges of the Grand Court, Honourable Chief Magistrate and other Honourable Magistrates, Madam Solicitor General, Director of Public Prosecutions, President of the Cayman Islands Legal Practitioners Association, Commissioner of Police, Madam Ombudsman, President of the Justices of the Peace Association, Chairman of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, Special Guests, distinguished colleagues from the public and private Bars, Ladies and Gentlemen, both present and joining us online — a pleasant day to you all, and warm greetings for the New Year.
At your invitation, My Lady Chief Justice, I rise to move the motion for the opening of the Grand Court for the year 2026, and in doing so, I seek your indulgence to reflect on the past year and to share a few observations on the path that lies ahead.
Before doing so, My Lady, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the various members of Government and public administration who have joined us today. I extend special thanks to Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen, now attending her third opening of the Grand Court, for her continued advocacy for the rule of law and good governance. I also recognise the Honourable Premier, the Honourable Deputy Premier, the Honourable Speaker, the Honourable Deputy Governor, other Honourable Members of Cabinet, the Honourable Deputy Leader of the Opposition and all Honourable Members of Parliament. Their consistent participation at this ceremonial opening stands as a visible re-affirmation of their ongoing commitment to the fair and effective administration of justice and by extension, the rule of law.
My Lady, it is also customary on this occasion to pay tribute to members of our legal fraternity who sadly passed away in the preceding year. In 2025, we record with great sadness the passing of Mr. Casey S. Gill, a distinguished Caymanian legal practitioner whose career spanned almost six decades. Mr. Gill was among the early pioneers of the Caymanian Bar, practicing first alongside the Honourable Truman Bodden before founding his own firm, C.S. Gill & Co. His deep commitment to justice, education, and community service — through Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Trust — leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
We also extend our regrets at the passing of Sir Peter Creswell, former Judge of the Grand Court, Financial Services Division (FSD) for approximately 5 years. Prior to that, he served in the Queen’s Bench Division and the Commercial Court of England. He was a strong advocate for mediation. I would also extend condolences on the passing of Mrs. Colleen Williams, HR Manager to the Portfolio of Legal Affairs and Office of the DPP, though not a member of the legal profession.
My Lady, 2025 was a year of continued progress and further reinforcement of our justice and regulatory mechanisms. The work to strengthen our national frameworks against financial crime continued apace. Following the conclusion of the Financial Action Task Force’s enhanced monitoring of the jurisdiction, Cayman has continued to build upon its reputation for cooperation and compliance. One important institutional development has been the establishment of the Office for Strategic Action on Illicit Finance (OSAIF) within the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce. This new office, into which the Anti-Money Laundering Unit has now transitioned, will provide enhanced strategic leadership and coordination as the jurisdiction prepares for the next FATF evaluation in 2027. I wish to congratulate the Honourable Premier and Minister of Financial Services for his vision with this initiative.
Complementing these efforts, the Financial Reporting Authority (FRA) continues to play a central role in safeguarding the integrity of the financial system. The FRA’s work in receiving, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence remains critical to the jurisdiction’s defences against illicit finance. We extend our appreciation to the Director of the FRA and his team for their commitment and professionalism in supporting Cayman’s national security and financial integrity objectives.
In parallel, My Lady, perhaps the highlight of any report card at this opening has to be that the jurisdiction has been fully transitioned from the Legal Practitioners Act to the Legal Services Act as it relates to the regulation of our legal profession, as at the 1st of January 2026.
The Legal Practitioners Act which was enacted in 1969, when the practice of law in Cayman was largely criminal and general civil litigation, probate and estates, and property conveyancing, and there were about 26 Attorneys on the Roll, one Stipendiary Magistrate and one Judge - with the Stipendiary Magistrate often doubling as the judge - has served us well but is clearly no longer fit for purpose in an era where we now have over 1200 attorneys on the Roll, approximately 10 Grand Court Judges and six Magistrates sitting weekly; Financial Services, Family, Criminal and Commercial divisions of the Grand Court; and Cayman law being practiced globally, among other changes. Thanks are extended to you My Lady for your leadership as Chair of the Legal Services Council that has spearheaded the final transition, also the hard work of the Cayman Islands Legal Practitioners Association (CILPA) and other attorneys, original Legal Services Council members Stephen Watler, Orren Merren, John Meghoo, and Jeana Ebanks, Mrs. Karen Stephen-Dalton of the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce. Special thanks also to Mr. Erik Bodden of Counsel, Mr. David Collins, and other stakeholders.
The full implementation represents years of efforts and advocacy by many stakeholders, different governments, Chief Justices, members of the Law Associations and others. We are grateful to all. We will now turn our attention to promulgating a new Code of Conduct for the profession.
My Lady, concomitant with this development are the changes to the regulation of the legal profession’s anti-money laundering obligations. The Legal Services Supervisory Authority (LSSA) has now formally assumed responsibility for AML supervision of firms and sole practitioners engaged in relevant financial business. This transition from the Cayman Attorneys Regulatory Authority (CARA) marks a further strengthening of the Cayman Islands’ AML regime, bringing it into closer alignment with global standards. All attorneys are now required to register with the LSSA, which adopts a risk-based approach to supervision and compliance.
I am also pleased to highlight the appointment of Ms. Shaná Donovan as the newly recruited Head of the LSSA, and whose leadership will help ensure that the Authority fulfils its important regulatory and supervisory mandate.
I wish to acknowledge the hard work and cooperation of all involved, including CILPA, whose President, Mr. Richard Barton, has recently been re-elected - not surprisingly. I congratulate him and his new executive team, including his Vice President, Ms. Sophia Scott.
I wish to commend the Association for its continued investment in the education and training of the next generation of Caymanian practitioners. Their efforts speak to a profession that is committed to modernization while remaining grounded in integrity, transparency, and excellence.
Turning to appointments My Lady, we also extend heartfelt congratulations to Sir Anthony Smellie, KCMG, KC, our own former Chief Justice and now Justice of Appeal for the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, on his appointment by His Majesty the King to the Privy Council in February 2025. This latest honour is richly deserved and recognizes his decades of exemplary judicial service and significant contributions to Caribbean jurisprudence. This appointment puts Sir Anthony at the zenith of his judicial career and is one that we celebrate with immense pride and joy.
I am pleased to also note several other distinguished new members of our Judiciary and public service. In February 2025, Justice Emma Peters was sworn in as a Judge of the Grand Court and now serves in the Criminal Division. Justice Peters brings extensive judicial experience from the United Kingdom, including service as a Circuit Judge and Legal Chairman of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal for Scotland. We warmly welcome her to the Cayman Bench and wish her every success in this new chapter of her distinguished career. We note her willingness to temper justice with not only mercy but a bit of high voltage where necessary.
Congratulations are also extended to Justice Williams on his significant election as Chair/President of the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association, an achievement that brings immense pride and joy to our jurisdiction.
The Insolvency Rules Committee, as usual, has been very busy in 2025 with work on amended rules supporting restructuring officer regime; as well as schemes of arrangement. The Grand Court Rules Committee has been equally productive in 2025. Its work included proposed revisions to Order 53 on matters such as the courts' ability to conduct leave applications on an inter partes basis on the papers; and the introduction of Practice Directions on remote hearings, the delivery of reserved judgments, and the use of AI in legal proceedings.
Turning to education, My Lady, I wish to again commend the Truman Bodden Law School Director and Staff for another successful academic year. The School continues to produce high-caliber graduates, several of whom were admitted to practice during 2025. We note, however, that Director Mitchell Davies who has been with the Law School for over three decades, will be retiring later this year. His tenure and stewardship of the TBLS have been stellar. He has been a visionary leader whose impact will endure long after his departure.
My Lady, as always, the work of our Legislative Drafting Department has been tireless, producing and refining essential legislation across a broad spectrum of subjects. I extend heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Cheryl Neblett and her drafting team for their continued diligence, dedication and professionalism.
Some of the significant legislation dealt with last year included the Caymanian Protection Act, the enhanced Beneficial Ownership Act and regulations, the new Minimum Wage Order and the Land Holding Companies (Share Transfer Tax) (Amendment) Act.
This year will see legislative reforms to modernize the Notaries Public framework and introduce a demerit points system for traffic violations, among others.
The Law Reform Commission remains deeply engaged with major projects. Over 2025, their work included final reports on adverse possession, the Settled Land Act, foreclosures (with proposed amendments to the Registered Land Act) and the establishment of an administrative appeals tribunal. The Tribunal Bill which seeks to establish a centralized tribunal to determine appeals against decisions of a range of administrative bodies, will be debated in Parliament in February.
My Lady, I should add that 2025 marked the Commission’s 20th anniversary, a significant milestone marked by a vast body of extensive research and reports into legal subjects including arbitration, charities, enforcement of foreign judgments and interim orders, anti-bullying, directors’ duties, strata titles and consumer protection. The Commission has played a pioneering role in the advancement of laws in the Islands, ensuring that they are responsive to the ever-changing needs of the community. Our thanks go to the Chairman, Mr. Hector Robinson KC, the Commissioners, Director Mr. José Griffith, and the Commission’s staff for their steadfast work.
The Law Revision Department, under the capable direction of Dr. Camille Stoll-Davey and Ms. Karen Wade, continues its meticulous work to keep our legislation current and accessible.
My Lady, I extend my appreciation to the entire team in the Portfolio of Legal Affairs, including my Finance and HR units. A team ably led by our Solicitor General and Chief Officer, Ms. Reshma Sharma KC, and supported by her Deputies, Dr. Jevon Alcock and Mrs. Marilyn Brandt. Their commitment, professionalism, and resilience in delivering quality legal services on my behalf across the Government and to me, remain exemplary.
My thanks to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Simon Davis, and his dedicated team, for their continued diligence in the pursuit of justice. I would also like to thank former Deputy DPP Ms. Candia James for her services over the years and extend my congratulations to Ms. Nicole Petit on her appointment as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.
As always, My Lady, we express gratitude to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, ably led by our Commissioner Walton, for their continued vigilance and dedication to maintaining public safety and law and order. They have been superb.
I would also extend my gratitude to Her Excellency the Governor, Honourable Deputy Governor, the Honourable Premier, Honourable Leader of the Opposition, and all members of the National Security Council for their continuing vigilance, insight and dedication.
Before closing, My Lady, allow me to express appreciation to all members of the Judiciary for your extraordinary work over the past year. Judgments were once again all well-reasoned, delivered efficiently and to the highest standards. Our Court of Appeal, the Grand Court and Summary Courts remain as active as ever, and our Rules Committees continue to ensure procedural efficiency and responsiveness.
My Lady, further I crave your indulgence to note with mixed feelings that my devoted colleague Mr. Franz Manderson of Counsel and extraordinary Deputy Governor will be retiring later this year. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will last forever. He has been the quintessential, dedicated, visionary, and impactful public servant who led with integrity and purpose. He has been a supportive colleague and friend for more than 2 decades, and a person for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration. This will be his last attendance as Deputy Governor at this occasion but there will be an opportunity at a later stage to say more.
My Lady, in closing, I wish you, all the Judges and Magistrates, court staff, members of the legal profession, law enforcement officers, and those present or following online, a healthy, prosperous, and productive New Year. May we continue to work together, unified in purpose and steadfast in our commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the betterment of these Islands.
If it may please you, My Lady, I now move that the Grand Court be declared open for the Year 2026.
Samuel Bulgin KC
Attorney General
January 2026
