Cayman Islands Ends CHOGM 2026 with Call for Commonwealth Partnerships

The Cayman Islands Government delegation has concluded its participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 and Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) in Antigua and Barbuda, following a programme of ministerial and private-sector engagements focused on investment, economic resilience and opportunities for business growth across the Caribbean.

Led by the Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, MP, JP, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, the delegation contributed to discussions on infrastructure development, access to finance, international business connectivity and emerging technologies, while engaging with Commonwealth government representatives, investors and business leaders.

The delegation included Cabinet Secretary Mr Samuel Rose, Cert. Hon., JP; Chief Officer Mr Eric Bush, Cert. Hon., JP; and representatives of the Cayman Islands’ financial services, investment and business sectors.

During his Special Intervention, “From Commonwealth Partnership to Lasting Prosperity”, Minister Ebanks called for a more practical approach to Commonwealth cooperation, emphasising the importance of preparing credible investment projects, strengthening economic resilience and improving access to finance for businesses.

Drawing on the development challenges facing small island economies, the Minister highlighted the importance of reliable infrastructure, energy security and stronger enterprise as foundations for sustainable growth.

He also challenged Commonwealth partners to measure the success of international cooperation by the benefits delivered to communities.
“Our young people will not measure our success by the number of meetings held or declarations made. They will measure it by the businesses that grow, the jobs created, the infrastructure strengthened and the opportunities available to them at home.”

The Cayman Islands’ participation extended beyond ministerial discussions, with senior Government and private-sector representatives contributing to sessions examining the conditions needed to attract investment and strengthen economic competitiveness.

Chief Officer Bush, who also serves as Director, Caribbean Region, for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), participated in the “Building Connected, Investment-Ready Economies” roundtable alongside Anthony (Tony) Cowell of CYNREN and Chris Duggan of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

The discussion examined barriers to cross-border trade and investment, financial connectivity and the importance of preparing commercially viable projects capable of attracting appropriate investment and technical expertise.

The Forum also provided a platform for Cayman Islands business leaders to contribute perspectives on enterprise finance and innovation.

Andrew Bliss of Bliss Capital participated in “Closing the SME Finance Gap”, addressing challenges affecting smaller businesses seeking access to capital. Brendan Blumer, CEO of Block.one, joined “The Future of Money” fireside discussion, exploring developments in blockchain, artificial intelligence and the regulatory considerations associated with emerging financial technologies.

Another significant engagement was the launch of the Commonwealth Family Office Network (CFON) by CYNREN and RBC, in collaboration with CWEIC and the Cayman Islands Government. The initiative seeks to strengthen relationships between family offices, businesses and prospective investment opportunities across Commonwealth markets.

The Cayman Islands Government and CYNREN also co-hosted a family office breakfast, providing an opportunity for discussions on the role of trusted partnerships, local expertise and due diligence in supporting responsible long-term investment.

With the Forum concluded, attention will turn to maintaining the relationships established and considering where further engagement could support Caribbean development priorities.

For Chief Officer Bush, who leads the Caribbean Hub’s regional engagement, the emphasis is on ensuring that discussions are followed by practical consideration of opportunities for cooperation.
“The value of our participation lies in what we do with the relationships established. Through the CWEIC Caribbean Hub, our role is to work alongside regional governments and businesses, understand their priorities and connect them with relevant expertise and prospective partners. This requires careful assessment, sustained, continued engagement and a clear focus on opportunities that can deliver lasting value for Caribbean economies.”

The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (PLAHI) leads the Cayman Islands Government’s partnership with CWEIC and the CWEIC Caribbean Hub, providing a platform for engagement between Caribbean stakeholders and Commonwealth business and investment networks.

Following the Forum, the Ministry will maintain contact with relevant stakeholders and review potential areas for collaboration, with an emphasis on connecting credible regional development priorities with appropriate technical expertise, business partnerships and prospective investment.

The delegation’s participation reinforced the Cayman Islands’ commitment to constructive Commonwealth engagement and to partnerships capable of supporting resilient economies, stronger businesses and long-term regional development.