The taskforce charged with advising the government on digital transformation has extended its work to add further engagement and research, its chair has confirmed.
“The taskforce is in the final stage of completing its report and has not yet formally submitted it to government,” Cristina Spratt of the National Digital Transformation Strategy Taskforce said.
Premier André Ebanks told parliament in March that the taskforce was expected to submit its recommendations by the end of May.
He explained that the government was aiming to bring forward a draft artificial intelligence (AI) legislative framework by the second quarter of 2027.
Ebanks said the findings would help to determine whether Cayman introduces a standalone AI law or amends existing legislation.
Why the work was extended
Spratt, who is also president of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, told Cayman Independent that the longer schedule allowed for more consultation and checking.
“The original timeline was extended because we added further engagement, research and validation activities to strengthen the work,” she said.
“While this required additional time, our recommendations needed to reflect Cayman’s circumstances, institutional capacity and long-term needs rather than replicate the approach of a larger jurisdiction.”
Without pre-empting the formal submission, Spratt outlined four broad themes.
These include a clearer national ownership of digital projects, with measurable outcomes, and treating digital government, data governance, digital identity, AI and cybersecurity as one connected system.
The third and fourth are training tied to real jobs, with essential services open to those who cannot use a digital channel, and phased delivery.
“Cayman should not attempt to launch every possible programme at once,” she stressed.
“Priorities should be based on capacity, risk, cost and demonstrated public value, with appropriate safeguards and clear measures of success.”
AI rules and the 2027 timeline
“I believe the timeline is realistic, provided we are clear about what is expected by the second quarter of 2027,” Spratt said of the premier’s target.
The greater risk is law that ages quickly, she said, adding: “Highly prescriptive legislation will always risk falling behind technology that is developing so rapidly.”
She argued for a framework built on enduring principles, accountability and levels of risk, rather than rules for individual tools, with new legislation only where the evidence shows a genuine gap.
Spratt said businesses should not wait for legislation. “Cayman does not need to wait until 2027 to govern AI responsibly,” she stated.
“Existing obligations on data protection, cybersecurity, confidentiality, professional responsibility, and sector-specific regulation already apply when organisations use AI.”
Spratt noted that government has introduced a Civil Service AI Policy and that regulators can issue guidance and standards as risks emerge.
She urged firms already using AI to put governance in place now. “Businesses should know which tools they use, what information they enter, and who is accountable for the results,” she said.
The chair said companies should set clear policies, keep meaningful human review where AI affects clients, employees or regulatory obligations, and start with controlled pilots.
Spratt described the taskforce’s role as independent and evidence informed. “Decisions on adoption, funding and implementation will properly remain with government,” she said.
