AGP Executive Report

New Spa Opening: Meraki Wellness has opened on Grand Cayman, a 16,000-square-foot, light-and-airy retreat with a Himalayan salt water pool plus sauna, snow room and hammam-style experiences. Health Insurance Watch: The Ministry is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase from 1 July 2026 that could affect over 12,000 residents enrolled under CG Britcay. Infectious Disease Update: Health officials say pertussis (whooping cough) is still spreading locally, with new cases identified across ages and settings—especially a risk for infants not fully protected. Public Health Guidance for Travel: Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MHES and the Public Health Department urge travellers to check routine vaccinations (notably measles) and take sensible precautions. Community Fitness & Wellness: The inaugural RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K drew hundreds for fitness and fundraising for NCVO, with top finishers recorded across male, female and youth categories. Environment & Health: DEH says George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June), with regular garbage and recycling continuing as normal. Local Research & Careers: A Caymanian scientist has returned to the Ministry after earning a PhD in cell biology focused on obesity—work aimed at informing local health policy and clinical pathways.

Spiral Whitefly Response: The Department of Agriculture is tackling aggressive spiral whitefly infestations across Grand Cayman, urging residents to inspect leaf undersides, quarantine new plants, use yellow sticky traps, avoid nitrogen-heavy over-fertilising, and consider approved treatments like insecticidal soaps, neem oil, pyrethrin sprays, or systemic options where appropriate. SHIC Premium Review: Health officials are reviewing a proposed 25% increase to Standard Health Insurance Contract premiums, affecting over 12,000 residents, with the change set for 1 July 2026. Whooping Cough Update: Pertussis (whooping cough) cases are still being detected locally, especially among infants not fully protected, as authorities call for vaccination, early symptom recognition, and prompt medical advice. King Charles’ Birthday Waste Changes: George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on 15 June, with no derelict vehicle or scrap metal dumping that day; regular collection and operations resume 16 June. Community Fitness Fundraiser: RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K brought hundreds together for NCVO support, with top finishers Joshua Morgan and Amy Lunnon. Mosquito Control Efforts: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit continues operations after the first large emergence, noting weather delays for aerial treatments while ground and aerial larviciding reduce numbers. World Cup Health Guidance: The Ministry of Health and Public Health Department advise travellers to keep routine vaccinations up to date, with extra focus on measles protection, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Public Health Watch: Health officials say pertussis (whooping cough) is still spreading locally, with new cases identified across ages and settings—especially among infants not fully protected—urging prompt care and vaccination updates. Health Insurance Costs: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase affecting over 12,000 residents, with the change set for 1 July 2026, as officials weigh cost-of-living pressure against rising healthcare costs. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit continues efforts after the first large emergence, but weather has disrupted planned aerial treatments while teams work to reduce numbers. Air Quality & Dust: Cayman’s Dust Alert has been lifted after readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with guidance still advising vulnerable people to limit outdoor exertion and manage symptoms. Agriculture Alert: The Department of Agriculture is responding to spiral whitefly infestations and urges residents to inspect leaves, quarantine new plants, use sticky traps, and follow approved treatment options. Community Fitness: RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K raised funds for NCVO, bringing hundreds together for a family-friendly run and wellness day. Waste & Holiday Notice: George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday, with regular collection and recycling continuing as normal. Wellness Education: Health City Cayman Islands launched a new online CME series for Caribbean doctors, focusing on dementia and atrial fibrillation.

Health Insurance Watch: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% SHIC premium increase that would take effect 1 July 2026 and affect more than 12,000 residents enrolled under CG BritCay, with officials citing cost-of-living pressure and the need for affordable coverage. Infectious Disease Update: Health officials say whooping cough (pertussis) is still spreading locally, urging vaccination, early symptom recognition, and prompt medical advice—especially to protect infants and other high-risk groups. Travel Health Guidance: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing millions, MHES and the Public Health Department are reminding travellers to check routine vaccinations (including measles) and take sensible precautions before and during travel. Air Quality & Respiratory Care: Cayman’s Dust Alert has been lifted after Saharan dust conditions improved, but people—especially those with asthma or respiratory issues—are still advised to take care and seek help if symptoms persist. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit continues intensive work after the first large emergence, noting weather has limited some aerial treatments but control efforts are ongoing. Local Wellness & Movement: Fitness Connection’s upcoming Lunch & Learn highlights “Body Debt™,” linking prolonged sitting and movement imbalance to fatigue and reduced workplace performance. Agriculture & Home Health: The Department of Agriculture is responding to spiral whitefly reports across Grand Cayman, advising residents on monitoring, quarantine, and approved treatment options. Community Fitness: RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K raised funds for NCVO and brought families together for an active morning. Public Works Reminder: George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday holiday, with regular collections and recycling continuing as normal.

Spiral Whitefly Alert: The Department of Agriculture is responding to aggressive spiral whitefly infestations across Grand Cayman, urging residents to inspect leaves, quarantine new plants, use yellow sticky traps, avoid nitrogen-heavy fertiliser, and consider approved treatments like insecticidal soaps, neem oil, pyrethrin sprays, or systemic options where appropriate. SHIC Premium Review: Government is reviewing a proposed 25% Standard Health Insurance Contract premium increase affecting 12,000+ residents, with the change set for 1 July 2026, citing claims experience and rising use of advanced local services. Pertussis Update: Health officials say whooping cough is still spreading locally, with new cases reported across ages and settings, and they’re urging vaccination, early symptom recognition, and prompt medical advice—especially to protect infants. World Cup Health Guidance: Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MHES and the Public Health Department are advising travellers to check routine vaccinations (including measles) and take sensible precautions during travel. Mosquito Control Efforts: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit continues intensive mosquito reduction, but notes weather has disrupted some aerial treatments while teams remain on standby. Community Wellness & Fitness: RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K brought hundreds together for NCVO, promoting active living and community support. Health Education for Doctors: Health City Cayman Islands launched a new online CME series for Caribbean doctors, focusing on dementia and atrial fibrillation. Local Science Spotlight: A Caymanian scientist’s PhD focused on obesity research, and she has returned to support health ministry work on clinical pathways and public health policy.

SHIC Premium Review: Cayman’s Ministry of Health and MHES/DHRS are reviewing a proposed ~25% SHIC premium increase from 1 July 2026, affecting over 12,000 residents enrolled under CG Britcay, with officials citing cost pressures and advanced services while acknowledging cost-of-living concerns. Pertussis Update: Health officials say whooping cough is still spreading locally, with new cases across ages and settings—especially among infants not fully protected—prompting renewed calls for vaccination, early symptom recognition, and prompt medical advice. World Cup Health Guidance: Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MHES and the Public Health Department urge travellers to check routine vaccinations (with measles protection highlighted) and take sensible precautions to reduce infectious disease spread. Ebola Precautions (Regional): Enhanced screening is in place for travellers arriving in Trinidad and Tobago after visits/transits to Ebola-affected areas in Central/East Africa, with no Caribbean cases reported to date. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit continues intensive operations after the first large emergence, but notes weather has limited some aerial treatments while teams remain on standby. Landfill Notice: George Town Landfill will close early at 1:00pm on King Charles III’s Birthday (15 June); regular garbage and recycling continue, with operations resuming 16 June. Wellness & Community: Health City Cayman Islands launched a new online CME series for Caribbean doctors on dementia and atrial fibrillation, while a local 5K fundraiser (RUBiS Fuel to Finish) backed NCVO and promoted active living.

Public Health Update: Cayman’s Ministry of Health and Public Health Department say pertussis (whooping cough) cases are still being identified locally, with officials urging people—especially infants and other high-risk groups—to keep vaccinations up to date and follow guidance. Infectious Disease Preparedness: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states to safely transport infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening regional lab and response capacity. Air Quality & Respiratory Care: The Dust Alert has been lifted after Saharan dust cleared to Good–Moderate air quality; residents are still advised to take it easy, with extra caution for asthma and respiratory conditions. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit continues operations after the first large emergence, but weather has limited some aerial treatments while teams stand by for better flying conditions. World Cup Health Guidance: Health officials are advising travellers to check routine vaccinations (notably measles) and take sensible precautions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Community & Environment: DEH says George Town Landfill will close early (1:00 pm) on King Charles III’s Birthday, while regular garbage and recycling continue; bulk waste collection has also wrapped up across the islands. Wellness in the Workplace: A local training session focused on building a culture of wellbeing and wellness drew strong participation from educators and professionals.

Ebola Preparedness: Cayman’s Health Ministry says the public health risk remains low, but enhanced screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport starts next Thursday as CARPHA and partners activate travel-related monitoring amid the DRC/Uganda outbreak. Workplace Wellness: A free Lunch & Learn on 18 June will tackle “Body Debt™,” linking long sitting and movement imbalance to fatigue and brain fog, with Cayman’s Fitness Connection CEO Laura Ribbins sharing local STEPS 2023 context. Air Quality & Dust: The Dust Alert has been lifted after Saharan dust eased; officials still advise vulnerable people to limit prolonged outdoor exertion and keep meds handy, with indoor air steps like closing windows and recirculating AC. Mosquito Control: MRCU continues intensive mosquito operations after the first big emergence, but weather has delayed some aerial treatments while teams stand by for better flying conditions. World Cup Health Guidance: Health officials urge travellers to check routine vaccinations—especially measles—before and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning major events can spread infections. Health Insurance Costs: CG BritCay proposes a 25% SHIC premium increase effective 1 July; regulators can stop it if deemed excessive or unfair, and the government says it will resist the change. Community & Safety: RCIPS and DEH ran a West Bay clean-up targeting loitering and disorderly behaviour, and HSA treated non-life-threatening injuries after a DUI-linked crash. Wellbeing Training: A full turnout for “Creating a Culture of Wellbeing and Wellness” brought practical guidance to educators and professionals on building sustainable workplace wellbeing.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is responding to the season’s first big mosquito emergence on Grand Cayman, using aerial larviciding and ground efforts, but says wind, turbulence and rain have delayed planned aircraft treatments (with one aircraft temporarily out of service). World Cup Health Guidance: Cayman’s Ministry of Health and Public Health Department are urging travellers heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup (US, Mexico, Canada) to get routine vaccinations up to date—especially measles—before and during travel. Ebola Screening Plans: Enhanced Ebola screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport starts next Thursday, even as officials say the current risk to Cayman remains low. Health Insurance Cost Pressure: CG BritCay is proposing a ~25% hike to Standard Health Insurance Contract premiums from 1 July, with the Health Insurance Commission able to block it if deemed excessive or unfair. Air Quality & Dust: Officials lifted the Saharan dust alert after readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with extra school monitoring completed. Community Wellness: A full turnout joined wellbeing and wellness training across the Cayman Islands, focused on building people-centred workplace cultures. Safety on the Roads: Police report DUI arrests after a two-car crash and an e-bike rider incident, with victims taken to HSA for non-life-threatening injuries. Cancer Therapy Milestone: VERAXA Biotech has completed its merger and is set to begin Nasdaq trading, aiming to advance next-generation cancer therapies.

Health Insurance Watch: Cayman’s CG BritCay is proposing a 25% hike to its basic Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC) premiums, effective 1 July, after 13 years without changes—claims experience and higher use of advanced services are cited, while regulators and the Health Minister say the government will resist if it’s excessive. Public Health & Safety: RCIPS and health partners wrapped up Ebola-related passenger surveillance after the BA253 scare, with monitoring ending and no virus cases reported, while enhanced screening for selected incoming flights is set to begin next Thursday as officials keep risk assessments low. Air Quality Update: Saharan dust levels across Grand Cayman stayed in the Good to Moderate range, the Dust Alert was lifted, and schools were assessed island-wide with no readings in unhealthy categories. Community Wellness: A full turnout joined workplace wellbeing and wellness training, focused on practical ways to build people-centred cultures in schools and organisations. Marine Conservation: World Ocean Day coverage highlighted the need for stronger marine protected areas, with Cayman’s marine parks and coral resilience work spotlighted. Local Health Crime Alert: A man was charged with impersonating a medical doctor and drug offences after alleged controlled-drug purchases under a false medical identity. Active Living Fundraiser: Hundreds took part in the RUBiS Fuel to Finish 5K, supporting NCVO and encouraging healthy community participation.

Health Insurance Costs: CG BritCay is proposing a 25% hike to Cayman’s Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC) premiums, effective 1 July, after 13 years without changes—regulators can block it if deemed excessive or unfair, and the government says it will resist given the impact on about 12,200 enrollees. Public Health & Travel: Enhanced Ebola screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport is set to begin next Thursday, even as Cayman officials maintain the risk remains low; meanwhile, monitoring tied to the BA253 Ebola scare has ended with no concerns found. Workplace Wellness: A strong turnout for “Creating a Culture of Wellbeing and Wellness” training shows growing momentum to embed wellbeing in schools and organisations across the islands. Air Quality Watch: Health and environment agencies say Saharan dust readings across Grand Cayman stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with the Dust Alert lifted as concentrations decline. Marine Conservation: World Ocean Month coverage highlights Cayman’s marine parks and coral resilience efforts, while Montserrat joins the UK Blue Belt Programme to expand marine protection. Safety & Enforcement: RCIPS and DEH ran a West Bay clean-up targeting loitering and disorder, and police charged a man for impersonating a medical doctor and drug offences.

Advanced Air Mobility Update: EHang reported Q1 2026 results, with eVTOL deliveries down to four EH216 units and a wider operating loss, highlighting ongoing financial pressure as the company scales. Marine Conservation: World Ocean Day coverage spotlights marine parks and reef protection; Cayman’s MPAs have helped, but coral bleaching and disease remain threats, while Montserrat’s new UK Blue Belt Programme membership aims to expand marine protected areas and fisheries management. Ebola Preparedness: Cayman health officials say Ebola risk remains low, but enhanced screening for selected incoming flights starts next Thursday; monitoring of BA253 passengers has ended with no concerns found. Saharan Dust Health Alerts: Cayman’s dust alert was lifted as air quality stayed in the Good to Moderate range, with officials urging extra care for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Local Wellness & Community: A strong turnout for “Creating a Culture of Wellbeing and Wellness” training shows growing focus on workplace wellbeing across Cayman. Health Insurance Cost Pressure: CG BritCay proposes SHIC premium increases of about 25% from 1 July, with the HIC able to block changes deemed excessive. Public Health Operations: DEH confirmed completion of the 2026 bulk waste collection schedule, and RCIPS/DEH supported West Bay clean-ups to improve local safety and cleanliness.

Marine & Ocean Health: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone with support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, and updated marine laws. Public Health & Air Quality: Health officials say the current Saharan dust event is staying in the Good to Moderate range across Grand Cayman, with the Dust Alert lifted as concentrations decline; residents are still urged to protect anyone with asthma or respiratory conditions. Ebola Preparedness: Enhanced Ebola screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport is set to begin next Thursday, as regional monitoring continues while Cayman’s risk remains assessed as low. Health Insurance Costs: CG BritCay is proposing a ~25% increase to SHIC premiums from 1 July, with the HIC able to block it and the government signalling resistance. Community Safety: RCIPS and DEH teams ran a West Bay clean-up targeting loitering and disorder, while police also investigated a West Bay pedestrian collision and asked the public for camera footage. Workplace Wellbeing: A Cayman wellbeing and wellness training session drew senior educators and professionals with practical steps to build people-centred wellbeing cultures. Healthcare Leadership: HSA appointed David van Duynhoven as senior chief financial officer to improve operational efficiency and reporting.

Bulk Waste Wrap-Up: DEH says the 2026 bulk waste collection schedule is complete across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, with residential bulk pickup finished and standard waste rules back in place; residents are reminded to transport extra waste to landfills and report illegal dumping, which can bring penalties. Community Safety Clean-Up: RCIPS and DEH backed a West Bay clean-up targeting abandoned items linked to loitering and disorder, with police saying the work will continue to improve quality of life. Workplace Wellbeing Training: A strong turnout joined “Creating a Culture of Wellbeing and Wellness,” where HR and wellness expert Kim Wallace-Watler shared practical steps for building sustainable wellbeing programmes in organisations. Ebola Preparedness Moves: Cayman health officials confirm enhanced Ebola screening for selected incoming flights will begin next Thursday, while risk to the islands remains assessed as low; separate updates note surveillance of BA253 passengers has ended with no concerns found. Saharan Dust Update: Health and environment officials report air quality stayed in the Good to Moderate range during the dust event and the Dust Alert has been lifted as conditions improve. Health Insurance Cost Pressure: CG BritCay/Coralisle Medical proposes SHIC premium increases of about 25% from 1 July, with the HIC able to stop the change and the government signalling resistance. Landfill Fire Contained: DEH reports a small surface fire at the George Town Landfill was quickly extinguished during routine monitoring, with operations continuing normally.

Ebola Preparedness: Cayman health officials say the risk of Ebola reaching the islands is still low, but enhanced screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts starts next Thursday, with regional partners stepping up monitoring as WHO warns the outbreak may be bigger than reported. Saharan Dust Watch: Grand Cayman’s dust alert has been lifted after readings stayed in the Good to Moderate range; officials still urge extra care for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, as more dust could arrive. Health Insurance Costs: CG BritCay is proposing about a 25% increase to SHIC basic plan premiums effective 1 July, with the Health Insurance Commission able to block it if deemed excessive or unfair. Public Health & Travel Screening: Surveillance tied to the BA253 Ebola scare has ended after passengers tested negative, while screening and monitoring for other incoming travellers continues. Local Safety & Health: Police investigated a West Bay pedestrian collision and asked for doorbell footage; separately, they’re seeking help after a fight where someone may have been injured. Workplace Wellness: CG Zest Wellness expands its corporate wellness programme to Barbados, building on years of screenings and wellness education across Cayman and the region. Community Health Leadership: HSA appointed David van Duynhoven as senior chief financial officer to support operational efficiency and reporting improvements.

Saharan Dust Update: Cayman health and environment officials say the current Saharan dust event is holding in the Good to Moderate range, with no readings in unhealthy categories, and the Dust Alert has been lifted as showers help dust levels fall—still, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions are urged to take extra precautions. Ebola Preparedness: Even with Cayman’s risk still assessed as low, enhanced Ebola screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport begins next Thursday, while local surveillance tied to a prior BA253 Ebola scare has ended with no virus detected. Health Insurance Costs: CG BritCay (Coralisle) is proposing to raise SHIC basic plan premiums by about 25% from 1 July, with the Health Insurance Commission able to block increases it deems excessive or unfair. Workplace Wellness: CG Zest Wellness, Coralisle’s wellness arm, has expanded its corporate wellness programme to Barbados, offering screenings, fitness events, and wellness education via its app. Local Health Leadership: The HSA has appointed David van Duynhoven as senior chief financial officer to support operational efficiency and reporting improvements.