Deputy opposition leader Kenneth Bryan has warned that abuse of travel privileges or serious crimes could jeopardise the Cayman Islands’ special access to the United States.
Speaking on Radio Cayman on 4 February, he said he shared listeners’ concerns about the international impact and reputational damage from Cayman passport holders’ travel in the US.
Bryan noted on the ‘For The Record’ programme that Cayman enjoys a “very unique situation” under a US waiver arrangement granted decades ago when it was just a “small island” shipping hub and seafarers frequently travelled to America.
He cautioned that “it’s easy, particularly with this administration, for them to pull that allowance if we’re not careful”.
The deputy opposition leader urged passport holders to remember they are representing the jurisdiction whenever they travel.
“For those persons who are privileged to carry the Cayman Islands passport, please bear in mind that you are representing all of us,” he said.
Bryan suggested government may have to review how quickly some residents can obtain a Cayman passport if problems persist.
He said people who receive permanent residence can apply for a Cayman passport 12 months later and “some may say [that is] too easy to get because it comes with significance”.
The status confers broader rights such as voting, duty concessions and access to social benefits.
The opposition MP stressed that concerns are not limited to new Caymanians or recent permanent residents.
He said a quick online search showed there had “already been repatriation back home, back here, from a named Caymanian” who had been “exposed to significant crimes” in the US.
Bryan adding that US authorities would “look at the country, not just the individual” when assessing immigration compliance.
He told listeners the issue must be “monitored” because any change in how Washington views Cayman passport holders could affect the islands’ wider relationship with the key economic partner.
