AGP Executive Report

Climate & Health Watch: NOAA issued an “Extremely Severe” extreme heat advisory for the Dominican Republic for 1–7 July, with the Caribbean Heat Hazard Outlook flagging above-80th-percentile temperatures across the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic—heat risk is highest on Hispaniola’s south side, with some chances of rain breaks. Biodiversity & Habitat: The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park officially launched its Native Plant Collection at the Kirkland Nixon Visitor Centre, backed by a Darwin Plus Local Grant to grow at least 250 plants across 10+ native species and help residents build more wildlife-supporting, climate-resilient gardens. Local Environment Management: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit reported mosquito numbers are trending down after a June peak (9,309 on 18 June to 4,723 on 22 June), but warned more emergences are expected after recent rainfall and aerial adult control depends on safe post-sunset conditions. Community Resilience: Rotary Club of Grand Cayman’s Hurricane Melissa recovery project in Jamaica is nearing completion, restoring roofs for the Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club and the Ratimir “Papa” Pavlovic Music Hall as another hurricane season begins. Energy Policy: CUC responded to OfReg’s position on customer self-consumption, saying it supports rooftop solar but wants safe, reliable and fair systems as more customers add solar-battery setups and avoid utility programmes.

Renewables & Regulation: CUC says it “fell short” of fully embracing OfReg’s position on customer self-consumption, while insisting it supports rooftop solar and wants safe, reliable, fair rules as more customers add solar-battery systems. Biodiversity & Native Plants: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park launched a new Native Plant Collection, backed by a Darwin Plus Local Grant, aiming to grow native species and boost habitat support for local wildlife. Extreme Heat Watch: NOAA flagged extremely severe heat risk for the Dominican Republic, with above-80th-percentile temperatures also expected across the wider Caribbean including Cayman, raising public-health concerns. Mosquito Control Update: MRCU reports mosquito numbers trending down after recent peaks, but warns more emergences are likely following rainfall, with aerial adult control dependent on safe conditions. Weather Brief: Cayman’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers and possible thunder, plus slight-to-moderate seas and heat index near 104°F. Coral Research Link: Palau International Coral Reef Center welcomed marine researcher Emily Gambino, bringing reef monitoring experience from the Cayman Islands. Community Response: Cayman Islands Red Cross launched an appeal for earthquake relief in northern Venezuela, asking people not to send items.

Extreme Heat Alert: NOAA has issued an “Extremely Severe” heat advisory for the Dominican Republic for 1–7 July, with the wider Caribbean (including Cayman) flagged for temperatures staying above the 80th percentile—raising public health concerns even as rain systems may bring brief relief. Mosquito Control Update: Cayman’s Mosquito Research and Control Unit says trap totals have dropped from 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), though numbers may rebound after recent rainfall; staff also completed safety and spill-response training to keep operations effective. Local Preparedness: RCIPS and education partners launched Active Intruder Training and Development Week (29 June–3 July), including specialised school-response training with Texas State University’s ALERRT Center. Coral Reef Science: Marine researcher Emily Gambino—who previously studied Cayman reef fish assemblages—has joined the Palau International Coral Reef Center to strengthen marine protected area monitoring. Policy/Community: Cayman Red Cross launched an appeal for earthquake relief in northern Venezuela, asking people to donate money rather than send items.

Extreme Heat Watch: NOAA flagged the Dominican Republic for “Extremely Severe” heat risk for 1–7 July, with above-80th-percentile temperatures also expected across the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Jamaica—raising public health concerns. Local Weather: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers and possible thunder, plus a heat index near 104°F, with spotty showers continuing into Friday. Saharan Dust Alert: Health authorities issued guidance for a dust event (26–28 June), warning of reduced air quality and respiratory impacts—especially for children, older adults, and people with asthma. Mosquito Control Update: MRCU says mosquito numbers on Grand Cayman are trending down from a June peak (9,309 on 18 June to 4,723 on 22 June), but warns rainfall can trigger new emergences within about 10 days. Marine Research Link: Palau’s coral reef centre welcomed Emily Gambino, whose reef ecology work included the Cayman Islands—supporting marine protected area monitoring and conservation science. Preparedness & Safety: RCIPS and education partners launched Active Intruder Training Week (29 June–3 July), while an AED was delivered to Parliament via a health partnership.

Extreme Heat Alert: NOAA issued an “Extremely Severe” heat advisory for the Dominican Republic for 1–7 July, warning that temperatures are expected to stay above the 80th percentile across the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with hot conditions posing a public health risk. Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are trending down after the June peak (9,309 on 18 June to 4,723 on 22 June), but warns rainfall can trigger new emergences within about 10 days, so residents should stay vigilant. Saharan Dust Guidance: Health officials issued a Dust Alert for 26–28 June, advising people—especially children, older adults, and those with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor time and protect airways as dust can worsen breathing. Local Preparedness: RCIPS launched Active Intruder Training and Development Week (29 June–3 July) with specialised ALERRT support to strengthen school emergency response planning. Marine Conservation Note: Palau International Coral Reef Center welcomed marine researcher Emily Gambino, bringing coral reef monitoring experience that includes work in the Cayman Islands.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are trending down, with daily trap totals falling from 9,309 on 18 June to 4,723 by 22 June, though more emergences are expected after recent rainfall. Public Health: Health officials issued a Saharan dust alert for 26–28 June, advising residents—especially children, older adults, and people with asthma—to limit outdoor time and protect airways. Marine Protection: The Department of Environment removed an unpermitted amateur coral nursery at Smith Cove after scientists found staghorn coral fragments attached with ropes that could damage living reef and hinder growth; fragments were moved to the official nursery for monitoring. Disaster Response: The Cayman Islands Red Cross launched an appeal for earthquake relief in northern Venezuela, asking for money donations but discouraging sending items. School Safety Preparedness: RCIPS and education partners launched Active Intruder Training Week (29 June–3 July) with ALERRT support to strengthen school incident response. Local Environment Policy Debate: The Chamber of Commerce is weighing how a July 1 duty-free allowance increase may affect businesses as residents face higher living costs.

Coral & Reef Protection: Cayman’s Department of Environment says an illegal, unpermitted amateur coral nursery at Smith Cove—built with ropes attached to living and dead corals—could damage reefs; more than 70 staghorn fragments were removed and moved to the DoE’s official nursery for monitoring. Public Health (Air Quality): The Cayman Islands National Weather Service issued a Saharan dust alert for Friday 26 June through Sunday 28 June, with health guidance to limit outdoor time and protect vulnerable residents from respiratory irritation. Mosquito Control: MRCU reports mosquito numbers on Grand Cayman are trending down from the June peak (9,309 on 18 June to 4,723 on 22 June), but warns rainfall could trigger another rise within about 10 days; staff also completed safety-focused training and spill-response practice. Emergency Preparedness: An AED has been delivered to the House of Parliament via a partnership led by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, YMCA, Lifeline and a donor, with CPR/AED training planned for staff. Marine Research (Regional): Palau’s coral reef centre welcomed marine researcher Emily Gambino, whose coral reef work includes experience from the Cayman Islands.

Public Health & Environment: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service issued a Saharan dust Dust Alert for Friday 26 June through Sunday 28 June, with health officials urging residents to limit outdoor time and keep doors/windows closed, especially children, older adults, and people with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions. Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are trending down after a June peak, but warns vigilance is still needed because recent rainfall could trigger another emergence within about 10 days. Reef Protection: The Department of Environment found an unpermitted “amateur” coral nursery at Smith Cove using ropes attached to living and dead corals; the structure was removed and fragments relocated to the DoE’s official nursery at Northwest Point. Local Governance & Health Preparedness: Government delivered an AED to the House of Parliament via a partnership with the YMCA, Lifeline, and an anonymous donor, with CPR/AED training planned for staff. Tourism & Airlift: Air Canada continues expanding Caribbean routes and opened a new premium lounge at Québec City airport, highlighting growing Canadian demand for Cayman and the region. Policy Watch: Parliament proceedings included updates on health facilities and civil service reporting, alongside ongoing work on housing and other community priorities.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are still high but trending down, with trap totals falling from a June peak of 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), while warning that recent rainfall could trigger another surge in about 10 days; MRCU is continuing aerial and ground operations but notes weather can cancel adult spraying. Public Health—Saharan Dust: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service issued a Dust Alert for 26–28 June, with health officials urging residents to limit outdoor time and protect vulnerable groups from respiratory irritation. Reef Protection: The Department of Environment found an unpermitted “amateur” staghorn coral nursery at Smith Cove, removed it to prevent damage to living reef, and relocated fragments to its official nursery for monitoring. Energy Policy: OfReg clarified that residents with behind-the-meter solar systems that don’t export to the grid can lawfully install and operate them for their own use, without needing an export-and-credit programme. Local Governance & Health Preparedness: Parliament received an AED through a partnership led by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, YMCA, Lifeline and an anonymous donor, with training planned for staff.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are still high but trending down, with trap totals falling from a June peak of 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), while warning that recent rainfall could trigger another rise within about 10 days. Public Health—Saharan Dust Alert: Health officials issued guidance for a Saharan dust plume expected this weekend (26–28 June), urging residents—especially children, older adults, and people with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor time, keep windows closed, and seek care if symptoms worsen. Reef Protection—Illegal Coral Nursery: The Department of Environment found an unpermitted amateur staghorn coral nursery at Smith Cove, removed it to prevent further damage, and relocated fragments to the DoE’s Northwest Point nursery as part of official restoration. Energy & Environment Policy: OfReg clarified that Cayman electricity consumers using behind-the-meter solar self-consumption systems for their own use can lawfully install and operate them without needing an export-and-credit programme when no power is fed into the grid. Local Governance—Affordable Housing (Cayman Brac): The Sister Islands Affordable Housing Development Corporation is building new affordable homes at ‘The Highlands’ in Spot Bay Bluff, with the first phase under construction and applications temporarily paused while updated needs-based policies are rolled out. Parliamentary Health Preparedness: An AED has been delivered to the House of Parliament through a partnership led by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, with CPR/AED training planned for staff.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are still high but trending down, with trap totals falling from a June peak of 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), while warning that recent rain could trigger another emergence within about 10 days. Public Health Advisory: The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability issued a Saharan dust alert for 26–28 June, urging residents—especially children, older adults, and people with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor time and watch for breathing symptoms. Reef Protection: The Department of Environment found an unpermitted amateur coral nursery at Smith Cove, removed it, and relocated 70+ staghorn coral fragments to its Northwest Point nursery, warning that ropes attached to reefs can damage living corals and that the activity may carry major penalties. Energy Policy Clarity: OfReg clarified that Cayman electricity consumers with behind-the-meter solar systems for their own use can lawfully install and operate them without needing an export-and-credit programme when no power is fed into the grid. Parliament Preparedness: An AED has been delivered to the House of Parliament through a partnership effort, with CPR/AED training planned for staff and interested MPs.

Air Quality & Health: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service has issued a Saharan dust Dust Alert for Friday 26 June through Sunday 28 June, with health officials urging residents to limit time outdoors and keep doors/windows closed, especially children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are still high but trending down after a June peak, while warning that recent rainfall could trigger another emergence within about 10 days. Reef Protection: The Department of Environment found an illegal, unpermitted amateur staghorn coral nursery at Smith Cove; the structure has been removed and coral fragments relocated to the official Northwest Point nursery for monitoring. Public Safety Preparedness: An AED has been delivered to the House of Parliament through a partnership led by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, with YMCA, Lifeline, and an anonymous donor, plus planned CPR/AED training for staff. Local Governance: Parliament’s agenda included updates on affordable housing progress in Cayman Brac, and the Government’s broader session priorities outlined by the Governor. Storm Watch: Forecasters say no tropical cyclone development is expected over the next week, with the next named storm listed as Bertha.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are finally trending down after a June peak, with trap totals dropping from 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), but warns another rise is likely after recent rainfall and urges residents to stay vigilant. Public Health Advisory: Health officials have issued guidance for a Saharan dust plume expected this weekend (26–28 June), noting it can worsen respiratory symptoms—especially for children, older adults, and people with asthma—and advising people to limit time outdoors and keep doors and windows closed. Reef Protection: The Department of Environment found an unpermitted “amateur” staghorn coral nursery at Smith Cove, removed it to prevent damage to living corals, and relocated fragments to its official nursery for monitoring as part of coral restoration. Energy & Consumer Rights: OfReg clarified that Cayman residents with behind-the-meter solar systems that don’t export to the grid can lawfully install and operate them for their own use, without needing a separate export-and-credit programme. Local Capacity Building: MRCU staff completed safety and professional development training, including pesticide safety and spill response, to support safe and effective mosquito control operations.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are finally trending down after a June peak, with trap totals falling from 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), but warns vigilance is still needed as recent rainfall could trigger another emergence within about 10 days. Public Health—Saharan Dust Alert: Health officials issued a Dust Alert for 26–28 June, warning Saharan dust can worsen respiratory symptoms, especially for children, older adults, and people with asthma or chronic conditions, with guidance to limit outdoor time and keep doors/windows closed. Reef Protection—Illegal Coral Nursery: The Department of Environment found an unpermitted amateur staghorn coral nursery at Smith Cove, removed it to prevent damage to living reef, and relocated fragments to the official Northwest Point nursery for monitoring. Energy Policy—Solar Self-Consumption Clarified: OfReg clarified that consumers with behind-the-meter solar PV and battery storage for their own use can lawfully install and operate systems without needing an export-and-credit programme when no power is fed into the grid. Emergency Preparedness—AED Delivered to Parliament: A new AED has been delivered to the House of Parliament via a partnership with the Ministry of Health, YMCA, Lifeline, and an anonymous donor, with CPR/AED training planned for staff. Affordable Housing—Cayman Brac Builds On: The Sister Islands Affordable Housing Development Corporation is advancing construction of new affordable homes at “The Highlands” in Spot Bay Bluff, with four three-bedroom homes underway and a shift to a needs-based application system.

Saharan Dust Alert: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service has issued a Dust Alert for Friday 26 June through Sunday 28 June, with health officials urging residents to limit time outdoors and keep doors and windows closed as the plume can worsen respiratory symptoms, especially for children, older adults, and people with asthma. Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says Grand Cayman’s mosquito numbers are trending down from the June peak (9,309 on 18 June to 4,723 by 22 June), but warns vigilance is still needed because rain can trigger another emergence within about 10 days. Reef Protection: The Department of Environment found an unpermitted amateur staghorn coral nursery at Smith Cove, removed it to protect living reef areas, and relocated fragments to its official nursery at Northwest Point for monitoring. Local Health Preparedness: An AED has been delivered to the House of Parliament through a partnership led by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, YMCA, Lifeline, and a donor, with CPR/AED training planned for parliamentary staff. Renewable Energy Clarity: OfReg clarified that behind-the-meter solar self-consumption systems for residents’ own use are lawful without a separate export-and-credit programme when no power is fed into the grid.

Public Health Advisory: The Cayman Islands National Weather Service has issued a Saharan dust alert for Friday 26 June through Sunday 28 June, with MHES and the Public Health Department urging residents—especially children, older adults, and people with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions—to limit time outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and seek care if symptoms worsen. Vector Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says mosquito numbers across Grand Cayman are still high but trending down, with trap totals falling from a June peak of 9,309 (18 June) to 4,723 (22 June), while warning that recent rainfall could trigger another emergence within about 10 days. Reef Protection: The Department of Environment says an illegal, unpermitted amateur coral nursery was found at Smith Cove, with staghorn coral fragments removed and relocated to the DoE’s Northwest Point nursery to reduce harm to living reef. Local Water Security: OfReg has granted Consolidated Water a new 25-year exclusive retail water license for Grand Cayman operations, with service areas including Seven Mile Beach and West Bay, starting 1 August 2026. Energy Policy Clarity: URCO has clarified that non-export “behind-the-meter” solar PV and battery self-consumption systems can be installed and operated for customers’ own use without needing an export-and-credit programme.