CIGO-UK

BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES STUDY VISIT TO THE UK 🇬🇧🇰🇾 The Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, spent time with the Cayman delegation during their study visit, attending a number of key sessions. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. The engagement proved both timely and highly valuable, and delegates greatly appreciated the opportunity to engage in technical discussions on investment, infrastructure, and broader economic development priorities. The visit also served as an important platform to strengthen collaboration and explore areas of mutual interest between the Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom. Cayman Delegation: Tristan Hydes, Deputy Chief Officer – Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure and Transportation Natasha Powell, Acting Deputy Chief Officer (Environment) – Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability David Fawcitt, Senior Policy Advisor (Lands) – Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure and Transportation Katherine Smith, Senior Policy Advisor (Lands) – Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure and Transportation Special thanks to the @FCDOGovUK for organising this amazing learning opportunity. #CaymanIslands #UKPartnership #EconomicDevelopment #Infrastructure #UKOTs #Collaboration

Opening the UK FCDO Sanctions Forum, Her Excellency the Governor Mrs. Jane Owen and Premier the Honourable André Ebanks, MP, highlighted the importance of strong, coordinated sanctions regimes in safeguarding the global financial system. “By coming together as the UK global family to ensure that we consistently, effectively, uphold strong sanctions regimes, we are safeguarding the integrity and stability of the international financial system. Equally important, our working together guards the safety and prosperity of our respective home countries,” said the Premier. The Forum reinforced the Cayman Islands’ role as a committed and trusted partner in the global sanctions architecture, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates. #CaymanIslands #FCDOSanctionsForum #Sanctions #OverseasTerritories #GlobalPartner

The Cayman Islands became the first British Overseas Territory to co-host the UK FCDO Sanctions Forum, welcoming a record 131 delegates from the UK, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. Held from 3rd-5th March, the Forum brought together senior officials to discuss sanctions implementation and enforcement, intelligence sharing, trade measures, and emerging risks, including cryptocurrency and proliferation financing. The discussions also looked ahead to priorities for the UK’s upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) presidency, with valuable contributions from international partners, including the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. #CaymanIslands #Sanctions #OverseasTerritories #FCDOSanctionsForum

The Cayman Islands Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, celebrates Cayman’s rising stars in hospitality 🌟🍽️🍸 Promoting hospitality as a career of choice, a true profession, and a meaningful vocation is at the heart of the WorldYYY competition — a global platform showcasing the very best young talent across culinary, service, and mixology disciplines. The Cayman Islands competition plays an important role in this mission, helping to nurture the next generation of Chefs, Waiters and Mixologists, and equipping them with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to thrive in a dynamic global industry. 👏 We are proud to share that the team earned their place as Team Cayman through the Cayman regional competition, before going on to represent the Cayman Islands at the World Finals in London last week, showcasing their talent on the global stage. The team was comprised of Kristofer Mason (Chef), Daniel Ancel (Waiter) and Kody Wright (Mixologist). 🏆 A special congratulations to Kody, who was awarded Team Player of the Year (Mixology) — a fantastic achievement and a testament to both his talent and teamwork. It was a fantastic night for the Cayman Islands and an inspiring reminder of the talent shaping the future of our hospitality industry. #CaymanIslands #Hospitality #YoungTalent #WorldYYY #FutureOfHospitality

The Cayman Islands Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, attended the 15th annual International Women’s Day Luncheon hosted by the Christian Embassy in London 🌸 Dr Tasha was glad to be joined by the fellow Overseas Territories representatives who were also in attendance: the Turks and Caicos Islands 🇹🇨, Falkland Islands 🇫🇰, St Helena 🇸🇭 and Gibraltar 🇬🇮. The event brought together distinguished leaders for a meaningful time of reflection and discussion on the progress of women. A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Baroness Stroud, whose remarks challenged everyone to think critically and hopefully about the future. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLeadership #OverseasTerritories #CaymanIslands

Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, met with Sarah Champion MP - Chair of the Cayman Islands APPG - alongside Minister DaCosta. The discussion built on Sarah's recent visit to the Cayman Islands and provided an opportunity to reflect on shared priorities and the continued strengthening of the relationship between Cayman and the UK Parliament. The Cayman Islands remains committed to supporting this important parliamentary partnership. #CaymanIslands #APPG #UKParliament #HouseofCommons

Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, accompanied Minister DaCosta in a constructive meeting with Lord Davies of Gower, Shadow Minister (Home Office) and former Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector. The discussion enabled a useful exchange of perspectives and contributed to strengthening connections with UK counterparts. The Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK looks forward to maintaining this positive engagement. #CaymanIslands #HouseOfLords #OverseasTerritories #UKParliament

The Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, was pleased to join Minister DaCosta in meeting with Alicia Kearns MP, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Home Office) and Opposition Whip. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to engage with members of the UK Parliament and to reinforce the strong and ongoing relationship between the Cayman Islands and the UK. Maintaining regular and meaningful engagement with UK parliamentarians is a key part of the Cayman Islands Government Office’s work in London. #CaymanIslands #UKParliament #OverseasTerritories

Yesterday, Dr Tasha joined Minister DaCosta in meeting with Shadow Foreign Secretary, Dame Priti Patel MP. The discussion covered a range of shared priorities, including the UK’s engagement with the Overseas Territories and the Cayman Islands’ role on the international stage. It was a thoughtful exchange, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong and constructive relationships. We are thankful for Dame Priti’s continued interest in the Cayman Islands and look forward to continuing conversations. 🇰🇾 🤝 🇬🇧 #CaymanIslands #UKParliament #OverseasTerritories #Diplomacy

Dr Tasha also joined Minister DaCosta in discussions with Lord Sharpe, former Home Office Minister - who visited the Cayman Islands in 2024 - and now Shadow Minister for Business and Trade. It was also especially meaningful that Lord Sharpe took the time to speak with Caymanian students in the UK, reinforcing the connection between Parliament and Cayman’s emerging leaders. Lord Sharpe has long taken a keen interest in the Cayman Islands, and his continued involvement as a member of the Cayman Islands APPG is greatly valued. It was a positive and engaging conversation, reflecting that ongoing relationship. We remain grateful for his continued support. #CaymanIslands #UKParliament #CaymanIslandsAPPG #OverseasTerritories

The Cayman Islands Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, accompanied the Hon. Nickolas T. A. DaCosta, JP, MP, Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, as he met with Caymanian students who are currently studying in the UK. Dr Tasha enjoyed hearing directly from the students about their experiences, aspirations, and the paths they are carving out for themselves. Maintaining strong connections with our students overseas is vital, and opportunities like this allow us to listen, engage, and ensure Caymanians feel supported as they pursue their goals. Thank you to all who joined - it was an inspiring session! #CaymanIslands #Students #FutureLeaders #OverseasTerritories

Last week, Cayman Islands Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, was joined by the Hon. Nickolas T.A. DaCosta, JP, MP - Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, and Roy Tatum MP who have been attending the 74th Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments, joining parliamentarians and officials from across the Commonwealth to exchange insights on strengthening democratic institutions. The seminar provides a valuable forum to share experiences on effective parliamentary practice, good governance, and collaboration between legislatures. Their participation reflects the Cayman Islands’ continued commitment to strong democratic governance and constructive engagement with partners across the Commonwealth. Through dialogue and shared learning, the Cayman Islands delegation contributed perspectives from the Overseas Territories while exploring ways to further enhance parliamentary effectiveness and cooperation. #WestSem #OverseasTerritories #UKParliament #Commonwealth

The Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, recently represented the Cayman Islands Government at a @britishredcross meeting with the Directors of the Overseas Branches in the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and the Turks & Caicos Islands. During the meeting, Dr Ebanks Garcia presented on the perspective of an Overseas Territory Government working in partnership with the Red Cross, highlighting the important role the Cayman Islands Red Cross plays in disaster management, community health, first aid training and supporting vulnerable populations. Part of the British Red Cross network of nine overseas branches across the British Overseas Territories, the Cayman Islands Red Cross is a key strategic partner to the Cayman Islands Government, performing recognised public functions in support of government authorities. This partnership was strengthened following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, when government and the Red Cross worked side by side in response to the most devastating natural disaster in Cayman’s recorded history. Today, the organisation continues to play a vital role in national preparedness, including holding a seat at the table in the National Emergency Operations Centre during emergencies. #OverseasTerritories #RedCross #HumanitarianAid #CaymanIslands 📸 Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia with Cayman Islands Red Cross Director - Mrs. Jondo Obi, BEM, Cert. Hon. 📸 Red Cross Directors from the Caribbean Overseas Territories and the London based Representatives for the Caribbean Overseas Territories.

This morning, the Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, attended the Commonwealth Day Flag-Raising Ceremony in Portcullis House, House of Commons. Dr Tasha was joined by the Hon. Nickolas T.A. DaCosta, JP, MP - the Cayman Islands Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, and Roy Tatum MP. The ceremony brought together parliamentarians and representatives from across the Commonwealth to mark the enduring partnership between its 56 independent and equal member countries, representing 2.7 billion people worldwide. This year’s theme, “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth”, underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing equitable, transformative and high-impact opportunities across the Commonwealth family. #CommonwealthDay #CaymanIslands #CaymanProud #UKParliament #OverseasTerritories 📸 Roy Tatum MP, Minister DaCosta, Dr Tasha 📸 Minister DaCosta and His Excellency Alexander Williams, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the UK 🎥 Footage from the flag-raising ceremony

Unexplored deep-water worlds in the Caribbean revealed for the first time - BBC: “The Cayman Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos are home to 146 species that only live in those territories, and this research expedition should add even more to the list.” 🌊 bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…