Portfolio Of Legal Affairs

Freedom of Information

1. Introduction

As a public authority, the Portfolio of Legal Affairs is committed to openness, transparency and serving the public interest in compliance with the Freedom of Information Law, 2007. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Law was passed on 19th October 2007 and comes into effect in January 2009. It gives the public a right of access to all types of records held by public authorities, but also sets out some exemptions from that right.

Publication Schemes

Each public authority covered by the Freedom of Information Law has a legal duty to adopt and maintain a publication scheme in accordance with s. 5 of the FOI Law. The main purpose of a publication scheme is to make information readily available without the need for specific written requests. E-Publication Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish proactively, and develop a greater culture of openness.

The Law states that Information to be published by public authorities includes:-

Please check our document library and disclosure log to see if the information you would like is already available.

FOI Contact

Information Manager
Jenesha N. Bhoorasingh-Simpson (Information Manager)
Marilyn Brandt (Designate)

Please click the following link for information relating to Information Manager and Designate.

This website forms the Portfolio of Legal Affairs e-publication scheme, developed in compliance with Section 5 of the FOI Law.



1.1 Document Library

This section contains documents published by the Portfolio of Legal Affairs.

This includes:-

  • Reports published as a result of normal day-to-day activity
  • Reports commissioned by the Portfolio of Legal Affairs
  • Forms & leaflets published for use by the Public
  • Manuals, Procedures & Guidelines

The Portfolio of Legal Affairs publishes the following information:

Recruitment Forms for positions with the Cayman Islands Government

Government Application Form - Updated 30th January 2008
Government Application Form Guidance Notes - Updated 5th December 2007

Information for Perspective Students – Law School
General Application Form PPC – Law School
PPC Student Handbook 2008/9 – Law School
CILS Examination Code of Practice 2007/8 – Law School
Mature Entrance Exam Form – Law School
CILS Admission Policy – Law School

Attorney General’s Annual Review 2006/7
Hurricane Preparedness Plan

This website forms the Portfolio of Legal Affairs e-publication scheme, developed in compliance with Section 5 of the FOI Law.



1.2 Disclosure Log

This website forms the Portfolio of Legal Affairs e-publication scheme, developed in compliance with Section 5 of the FOI Law.

The disclosure log is updated regularly and provides details of FOI requests that we feel may have a wider public interest.

Please note that the disclosure log does not list everything that has been released under FOI. Some responses consist of large numbers of documents that are not held in electronic format. Where practical, the documents concerned have been scanned and made available online via our website.

In addition to a summary of the original request, the log indicates whether or not the information was released and what exemptions, if any, were applied.

Where the actual reply has been reproduced, the applicant’s name and other personal details were deleted.

(Please note that prior to January 2009, no requests have been received).

Request Number Request Details Outcome
     
     


1.3 Classes of Information

A Class of Information is a way of collecting together similar types of information. The Portfolio of Legal Affairs has grouped its Classes of Information into broad categories (or functions) which reflect the Portfolio of Legal Affairs’ outputs. If you are intending to make a request, the grouping of information found in the link should give you an indication of where the information may be found.

This website forms the Portfolio of Legal Affairs e-publication scheme, developed in compliance with Section 5 of the FOI Law.



1.4 Making a Request

We want to help you find the information you are interested in.

If you want to request information from the Portfolio of Legal Affairs, you should initially look at the document library and the disclosure log to see if the information you seek has already been published.

If you wish to make a request for information then you should contact the Information Manager or submit a request on-line at the FOI Unit website.

Requests must be in writing (letter, email or facsimile) and must include your name and an address (either postal or e-mail). Please be as specific as possible about the information you would like, as this will help us to respond promptly. Where possible, please include a contact telephone number so we can call to discuss your request if necessary.

We will respond to your request promptly. The Law requires public authorities to respond within 30 calendar days, allowing an extension of an additional 30 calendar days if needed. We will always acknowledge receipt of FOI requests made to the above address and we will let you know if we need to extend the deadline. For detailed advice on what sorts of information is exempt please see the FOI Unit website.

This website has been developed in preparation for implementation of the FOI Law, 2007 which comes into effect in January 2009; consequently, public authorities cannot guarantee that requests for information prior to that time will be handled in accordance with new FOI procedures, which are currently being developed.

Fees associated with a Request for Information
There is no application fee and no fee for going to a public authority and looking at a record requested by FOI. However, a requestor may be required to pay copying or change of format fees. Details concerning costs and payment are contained in the FOI Regulations which are available on the FOI Unit website.

This website forms the Portfolio of Legal Affairs e-publication scheme, developed in compliance with Section 5 of the FOI Law.



1.5 Appeals

Internal Review If you make a request under the Freedom of Information Law and are not satisfied with our response, you are entitled to an internal review. If you believe you are entitled to an internal review, please put your appeal in writing and either e-mail or post it to the Information Manager. Include your name, address, telephone number and the reference number at the top of our letter or e-mail to you. You have 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of a refusal to request an internal review. Please explain why you would like us to review our original response.

Under section 33 of the FOI Law, you may ask for an Internal Review of a response to your request if any of the following things happened:

  • a. If you were refused access;
  • b. If you were granted partial access to the record(s) specified in your application;
  • c. If your request was deferred;
  • d. If there was a refusal to amend or annotate an official document containing personal information; or
  • e. If a fee was charged for action taken or if you disagree with the amount of the fee charged;

where the decision was taken by a person other than the responsible Minister, Chief Officer or Principal Officer of the public authority.

Appeal to the Information Commissioner
If you are dissatisfied with the internal review of our decision, or an internal review was not available, you can seek an appeal from the Information Commissioner.



Name of Public Authority: Portfolio of Legal Affairs

The Portfolio of Legal Affairs is comprised of the following Departments/Chambers:

  • Attorney General’s Chambers
  • Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department
  • Legislative Drafting
  • Law Reform Commission
  • Law Revision Commission
  • Financial Reporting Authority
  • Law School

Functions of Public Authority:

Attorney General’s Chambers

Many of the responsibilities of the Office have been assumed by practice and convention, and have become part of the common law of the Cayman Islands. As well as constitutional authority and other customary responsibilities, specific statutes also give particular powers to the Attorney General. However, briefly stated, the Attorney General’s role and function entail the following:

  • Ex-officio member of the Legislative Assembly, where he is the spokesperson for all legal matters, and for the Chief Justice on behalf of the Judiciary;
  • Ex-officio head of the Legal Profession and advisor to all departments of government, including Legal Affairs, and advisor on the observance of Human Rights;
  • Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering Steering Group which is a statutory agency charged with responsibility of the oversight of government’s anti-money laundering policies;
  • Member of the Grand Court Rules Committee and the Legal Advisory Council;
  • Overall responsibility for law reform;
  • Member of Legal Advisory Council wherein he assists with implementing the Professional Practice Course, employment of Article Clerks and the compulsory legal system and skills course in the Law School curriculum; and
  • Central Authority under Criminal Justice International Cooperation Law for the Cayman Islands and assists the Chief Justice who is the Central Authority under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.

Chief Financial Officer
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer also falls under the Attorney General’s Chambers. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible to the chief officers for the financial and budgetary management of the Portfolio of Legal Affairs. The financial management initiative which was implemented in 1999 moved the cash based system to an accrual budgeting and reporting system.

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department
In 1990, the post of Solicitor General of the Cayman Islands was created specifically to support the Attorney General in the daily management of the Legal Department, and to take over certain statutory responsibilities associated with cases concerning minors and persons under disability, amongst others. The Solicitor General is also appointed to act as Attorney General in his absence from the Islands or during periods of disability or unavailability. The principal function of the Office of Solicitor General includes:

  • Day-to-day management of the Legal Department;
  • Chief Officer of the Portfolio of Legal Affairs;
  • Prosecution of more serious criminal cases as well as appearances on behalf of the Attorney General and other bodies in important civil cases;
  • Acting for the Attorney General during his absence, including attending Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly; and,
  • Guardian ad litem for persons under disability under Grand Court Rules.

The holder of the Office of Solicitor General is also the designated Chief Officer of the Legal Portfolio for the purposes of the Public Management and Finance Law (2003 Revision) and the performance of departments within the portfolio.

Legislative Drafting

The Legislative Drafting Department provides legislative drafting support to the Government by researching, analysing and drafting both primary and subordinate legislation to complement the implementation of Government policies.

The Department is responsible to the Attorney-General and through him to the Governor, for the provision of an efficient legislative drafting service, including related legislative advice for the Government.

Law Reform Commission

(a) the modification of any branch of the law as far as that is practicable;
(b) the elimination of anomalies in the law, the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary enactments and the simplification and modernisation of the law;
(c) the development of new areas in the law with the aim of making them more responsive to the changing needs of Cayman Islands society;
(d) the adoption of new or more effective methods for the administration of the law and the dispensation of justice; and
(e) the codification of the unwritten laws of the Cayman Islands.

Law Revision Commission

Updating annually the List of current Laws and Subsidiary legislation of the Cayman Islands titled “The Consolidated Index”.

Incorporating new Amendments of Laws and Subsidiary legislation into current Laws and Subsidiary legislation thereafter calling such consolidations Revisions.

Financial Reporting Authority

To receive, analyse and disseminate suspicious activities reports, which provide timely and high quality financial intelligence to local and overseas law enforcement agencies in keeping with the statutory requirements of the Proceeds of Crime Law. Financial intelligence is the end product of analysing one or several related reports that the FRA is mandated to receive from Financial Services Providers and other reporting entities.

Law School

The Law School provides tuition for both full and part-time programmes leading to the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree of the University of Liverpool and the qualification of Attorney-at-Law of the Cayman Islands, which follows successful completion of the postgraduate Professional Practice Course. In addition, the Law School offers its own part-time qualification, the Diploma in Legal Studies. It is also possible to enrol as a general student studying individual courses, with or without taking examinations at conclusion. Students may register with the University of Liverpool for individual courses with university course certification resulting from successful completion of all elements of assessment.

The aim of the Law School is to provide students with a standard of tertiary level legal education equivalent to that prevailing in the United Kingdom. In 2002, degree programmes taught through the Cayman Islands Law School were awarded Qualifying Law Degree status by the English Law Society and the English Bar Council. This means that students successful in the honours degree programmes are eligible to pursue further postgraduate professional legal studies in England and Wales, as well as any other common law jurisdiction recognizing English law degrees. Such students are also eligible to attend academic postgraduate law programmes across the common-law world.


Name & Title of Chief Officer/Principal Officer/HoD:

Head of the Portfolio and the Attorney General’s Chambers

Honourable Attorney General Samuel Bulgin, QC, JP, MLA

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. John Regan – Chief Financial Officer

Head of the Office of the Solicitor General and Chief Officer of the Portfolio

Ms. Cheryll M. Richards – Solicitor General & Chief Officer

Head of Legislative Drafting

Mrs. Myrtle Brandt – First Legislative Counsel

Head of Law Reform Commission

Ms. Cheryl Ann Neblett – Senior Legislative Counsel & Law Reform Administrator

Head of Law Revision Commission

Mr. Michael Bradley QC – Law Revision Commissioner

Head of Financial Reporting Authority

Mr. Lindsay Cacho – Director

Head of Law School

Mr. Mitchell Davies – Director of Legal Studies



Subject Matters handled:


Attorney General’s Chambers

  • Legal advice to the Government and Statutory Bodies.
  • Constitutional responsibility for the initiation and conduct of criminal proceedings brought by the Crown and be party to civil proceedings brought by and against the Government.
  • Proceedings pursuant to a number of Treaties, Conventions and Laws which have been brought into force in the Islands, for the obtaining of evidence and restraining orders in relation to all matters constituting criminal conduct.
  • Central Authority under the Child Abduction & Custody Order, The Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Law & Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Law.
  • Act as amicus curiae when requested to do so by the Grand Court and Court of Appeal.


Office of the Solicitor General including the Legal Department

The role of the Legal Department is multifaceted and comprises of three main areas:

  • Civil Law;
  • Criminal Law; and
  • International Law.

Civil Matters
The Deputy Solicitor General, Assistant Solicitor General as well as Senior Crown Counsel (Civil) and Crown Counsel (Civil), under the day-to-day management of the Solicitor General, provide the Governor, Official Members, Cabinet Ministers, government departments and other administrative entities and statutory authorities, with the following legal outputs:

  • General written memoranda of advice;
  • Oral advice in meetings or telephone conferences in urgent cases;
  • Drafting of contracts and legally important correspondence;
  • Preparation of pre-hearing or pre-trial litigation documents; and,
  • Advocacy before the Courts and Tribunals within the jurisdiction.

Civil Crown Counsel are also responsible for all aspects of the litigation process from the drafting of interlocutory application, affidavits and pleadings through to advocacy at the appeal level.

Criminal Matters
The criminal division of the Attorney General’s Chambers prosecutes all matters in the Summary Court and the Grand Court on behalf of the Attorney General. The division is also responsible for criminal appeals which are heard by the Court of Appeal of the Cayman Islands. The Chambers has also become more involved in prosecutions brought by other bodies such as the Department of Labour, Planning and Superintendent of Pensions. The police prosecute cases in the Traffic Court, although the Attorney General has ultimate responsibility for all prosecutions in the Islands and the department does take over these prosecutions if requested, or if the matter is of great public interest.

The criminal section also decides whether individuals should be prosecuted and rules on what charges should be laid for all investigative bodies, including the Department of Immigration. Crown Counsels further provide advice to law enforcement officers on law and procedure, as well as assist in training new recruits.

International Division
In 2004, the International Division was formally implemented with the advent of the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Law (2004 Revision) (CJICL). This new law enables mutual legal assistance to be provided at the investigative stage of a matter where the conduct would constitute an offence in the Cayman Islands. The Attorney General, as the Central Authority under the Law, may provide assistance to those countries that are party to the Vienna Convention as well as those countries that are listed in the Schedule to the Law. The nature of the assistance offered may include assistance in the form of restraint/confiscation and forfeiture applications as well as gathering of evidence and extradition. The Attorney General’s Chambers, under its international remit, also provides assistance in child abduction matters under the relevant Hague Convention.

Legislative Drafting

The Legislative Drafting Department has the following three main categories of work -

  • drafting primary legislation – Laws
  • drafting subordinate legislation – Regulations, Orders, Directions, Rules, etc.
  • advising on proposals for legislation and statutory interpretation.

Law Reform Commission

(a) reviewing and considering any proposals for the reform of the law which may be referred by any person or authority;
(b) preparing and submitting to the Attorney-General from time to time, a programme for the study and examination of any branch of the law with a view to making recommendations for its improvement, modernisation and reform;
(c) initiating and carrying out or directing the initiation and carrying out of, studies and research necessary for the improvement and modernisation of the law;
(d) undertaking, pursuant to any such recommendation approved by the Attorney-General, the formulation and preparation of drafts in the form of Bills or other instruments for consideration by the Governor and the Legislative Assembly;
(e) providing, at the instance of Government departments and other authorities concerned, advice, information and proposals for reform or amendment of any branch of the law; and
(f) with the approval of the Attorney-General, appointing or empanelling committees, whether from among members of the Commission or from among persons outside the Commission or both, to study and make recommendations to the Commission on any aspect of the law referred to it by the Commission.

Law Revision Commission

Ongoing Revisions of all Law and Subsidiary legislation.

Financial Reporting Authority

Suspicious Activities Reports

Law School

All aspects of Legal Education within the Cayman Islands (Diploma Course, Degree & Professional Practice Course); Ad Hoc Training Courses; Teach A’ Level and AS Level Law at St. Ignatius & Provide Consultancy Services to other Government entities.



Governing Legislation and Regulations:

Attorney General’s Chambers

The Office of the Attorney General is constituted by section 53 of the Cayman Islands (Constitution) Order (1992 as amended). By Order in Council, the Attorney General is appointed as an Official Member of the Governor-in-Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly.

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department

None

Legislative Drafting

None

Law Reform Commission

The Law Reform Commission Law (2007 Revision)

Law Revision Commission

Law Revision Law (1999 Revision)

Financial Reporting Authority

Proceeds of Crime Law
Money Laundering Regulations

Law School

The Legal Practitioners Law (2007 Revision)
The Legal Practitioners (Student) Regulations (2007)



Address:

Attorney General’s Chambers

Physical Address: 4th Floor, Government Administration Building Elgin Avenue George Town Grand Cayman

Mailing Address: 4th Floor, Government Administration Building Elgin Avenue George Town Grand Cayman

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department

Physical Address:
1st Floor, dms House
#20 Genesis Close
George Town
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 907
Grand Cayman – KY1-1103
Cayman Islands

Legislative Drafting

Physical Address:
Third Floor
Anderson Square
Shedden Road George Town
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Mailing Address:
c/o Government Administration Building
George Town
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Law Reform Commission

Physical Address:
Third floor
Anderson Square
Shedden Road
George Town
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Mailing Address:
Law Reform Commission
c/o Government Administration Building,
Elgin Avenue
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Law Revision Commission

Physical Address:
Third Floor,
Anderson Square
Shedden Road
George Town
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 907
Grand Cayman – KY1-1103
Cayman Islands

Financial Reporting Authority

Physical Address:
3rd Floor Elizabethan Square (Phase IV)
80E Shedden Road
George Town
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1054
Grand Cayman – KY1-1102
Cayman Islands

Law School

Physical Address:
CNB Building
Dr. Roy’s Drive
George Town
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1568
Grand Cayman – KY1-1110
Cayman Islands


Telephone & Facsimile:

Attorney General’s Chambers

Tel: 1-345-244-2405
Fax: 1-345-949-6079

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department

Tel: 1-345-949-7712
Fax: 1-345-949-7183

Legislative Drafting

Tel: 1-345-244-2368
Fax: 1-345-949-3364

Law Reform Commission

Tel: 1-345-244-2365
Fax: 1-345-946-5358

Law Revision Commission

Tel: 1-345-945-4731
Fax: 1-345-949-3075

Financial Reporting Authority

Tel: 1-345-945-6267
Fax: 1-345-945-6268

Law School

Tel: 1-345-945-0077
Fax: 1-345-946-1845


Email:

Attorney General’s Chambers

Tesia.Scott@gov.ky

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department

Audreyb.bennett@gov.ky

Legislative Drafting

Darrah.Jervis@gov.ky

Law Reform Commission

Cheryl.Neblett@gov.ky

Law Revision Commission

Patricia.Sutherland@gov.ky

Financial Reporting Authority

Sharon.dhamalie@gov.ky

Law School

Lisa.morales-levy@gov.ky


Website:

All Departments within the Portfolio of Legal Affairs are featured on the website – www.caymanjudicial-legalinfo.ky however there are Departments which have their own websites as well.

Financial Reporting Authority

www.fra.gov.ky

Law School

www.lawschool.gov.ky


Hours of Work:

All Departments within the Portfolio of Legal Affairs are open from 8.30am to 5.00pm – the Law School has extended Library Hours during exam periods.


List of Committees, Boards, Councils, Associations, Trusts, Foundations etc that the Public Authority holds membership:

Attorney General’s Chambers
National Hazard Management Committee;
Court Rules Committee;
Legal Advisory Council;
Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee Group; and
Hurricane Committee.

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department
Medical & Dental Council;
Pensions Board; Health Practise Board;
Child Abuse Prevention Board;
Water Authority; and
Health Services Authority.

Legislative Drafting
None

Law Reform Commission
None

Law Revision Commission
None

Financial Reporting Authority
Guidance Note Committee

Law School
Employment Appeals Tribunal


Information already published (Attach names and copies of all published information, rules, procedures, manuals etc and costs for access ):

These manuals relate to all Departments within the Portfolio of Legal Affairs:
1. Attorney General’s Annual Review;
2. Hurricane Preparedness Plan;
3. Policy & Procedures Manual.

The Law School however has several other publications which include:
1. Student Handbook;
2. Examinations Code of Practice.

Law Revision
Consolidated Index

The Financial Reporting Authority also has information published on the website www.fra.gov.ky


List of Employees (where currently required):

The Portfolio of Legal Affairs does not issue work permits but hire employees on a contractual basis.

Attorney General’s Chambers
Mr. Samuel W. Bulgin QC, JP, MLA – Attorney General
Ms. Reshma Sharma – Senior Crown Counsel (Treaties)
Ms. Virgina Gendron – Personal Assistant to the Attorney General
Ms. Tesia Scott – Executive Officer
Ms. Linda Mendez – Administrative Assistant
Mr. John Regan – Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Vicki Robinson – Financial Administrator

Office of the Solicitor General including the Legal Department
Ms. Cheryll M. Richards – Solicitor General
Ms. Vicki Ann Ellis – Deputy Solicitor General
Mr. Douglas Schofield – Assistant Solicitor General
Mr. Trevor M. Ward – Senior Crown Counsel (Criminal) – Grand Court
Ms. Tanya Lobban – Senior Crown Counsel (Criminal) – Summary Court
Mr. Adam Roberts – Senior Crown Counsel
Mr. Alister Cummings – Acting Senior Crown Counsel (International Co-Operation)
Mr. John Masters – Crown Counsel – Criminal
Ms. Nicola Moore – Crown Counsel - Criminal
Mrs. Nicole Tyson-Petit – Crown Counsel – Criminal
Mrs. Kirsty Ann Gunn – Crown Counsel - Criminal
Ms. Tricia Hutchinson – Crown Counsel - Criminal
Ms. Elizabeth Lees – Crown Counsel – Criminal
Mr. Wayde Bardswell – Crown Counsel - Civil
Ms. Anne-Marie Rambarran – Crown Counsel - Civil
Ms. Odia Reid – Crown Counsel – International Co-operation
Mrs. Jenesha N. Bhoorasingh – Simpson – Crown Counsel II
Ms. Bethea Christian – Crown Counsel II
Mrs. Marilyn Brandt – Crown Counsel II

Administrative Staff
Mrs. Angella Bent – Thomas – Human Resource Manager
Mrs. Yasmane Beauchene – Personal Assistant to the SG
Mrs. Beverly Speirs - Librarian
Ms. Evita Dixon – Summary Court Clerk
Mrs. D. Kim Chin – Summary Court Clerk
Mrs. Benicha Jackson-Tyndale – Grand Court Clerk
Ms. Audrey Bennett – Executive Officer / Senior Records Officer
Ms. May Protacio – Legal Secretary (Civil)
Mrs. E. Marie Eden - Receptionist/Clerical Officer
Ms. Michelle Taylor – Office Assistant 1
Mr. Charles Clifford – Student (Part-Time)

Legislative Drafting
Mrs. Myrtle Brandt – First Legislative Counsel
Mr. Stephen Miller – Senior Legislative Counsel
Mr. Bilika Simamba – Legislative Counsel
Ms. Michelle Daley – Legislative Counsel
Mr. Andrew Yale - Legislative Counsel (Financial Services)
Ms. Darrah Jervis – Administration Secretary

Law Reform Commission
Ms. Cheryl Ann Neblett – Director
Mr. Jose Griffith – Legislative Council
Mrs. Christine Cook – Paralegal Assistant
Ms. Kimberly Ebanks – Office Assistant 1

Law Revision Commission
Mr. Michael J. Bradley Q.C. – Law Revision Commissioner
Mrs. Patricia Sutherland – Administrative Secretary

Financial Reporting Authority
Mr. Lindsey Cacho - Director
Mr. Adam Roberts – Legal Advisor
Mr. Fred Heard – Senior Accountant
Mrs. Vivien Kaye – Senior Financial Analyst
Mr. Julian Hurlston – Financial Analyst
Mrs. Elena Jacob – Financial Analyst

Administrative Staff
Ms. Sharon Dhamalie - Administrative Manager

Law School
Mr. Mitchell C. Davies – Director of Legal Studies
Ms. Debra Morris - Assistant Director of Legal Studies
Mrs. Deborah Barker-Roye – Professional Practice Course Leader
Dr. Alan Sprince - Senior Lecturer
Dr. Simon Cooper - Senior Lecturer
Mr. Matthew Rollinson - Lecturer
Ms. Rhian Minty - Lecturer
Mr. Andrew Woodcock - Lecturer

Administrative Staff
Mrs. Beverly Speirs – Librarian
Mr. Victor Vilarin – Library Assistant
Mrs. Lisa Morales-Levy – Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Lovisa Vernon-Hamilton – Receptionist


Annual Report: (An option is to provide a link to the Annual Report):

Attorney General’s Annual Review

Law Reform
Annual report 2005/6
Annual report 2006/7
Annual report 2007/8


Budget Allocated to the Public Authority: (An option is to provide a link to the Budget)

The budgeted expenditures for 2008/9 for the Portfolio of Legal Affairs are $10,479,000.


Internal Complaints Procedure:

Members of the public who wish to make a complaint may do so:

  • in person at the office of the Chief Officer for the Portfolio of Legal Affairs (1st Floor, dms House, #20 Genesis Close, George Town, Grand Cayman.)
  • by telephone to the office where the problem arose.
  • in writing by way of letter

You should expect to receive a reply to your complaint within 7 working days from the date your complaint was received in writing.
The letter should be addressed to:

Mrs. Angella Bent-Thomas
Human Resources Officer
Government Legal Department
P.O. Box 907
Grand Cayman – KY1-1103
Cayman Islands

By e-mail: Angella.bent-thomas@gov.ky

Please ensure that you:

  • explain clearly the nature of your complaint;
  • what service, policy or aspect of the Portfolio you are complaining about.
  • describe any facts and events relating to it;
  • the date, time and location where an incident may have taken place and who may have been affected.
  • say why you think that a member of staff has made a mistake;
  • any expectations you may have had of the Portfolio’s services.
  • Your name, address and contact details so that we can respond to your complaint.
  • Anything else which you believe would be helpful to us when carrying out an investigation into your complaint.

Classes of Information held: ( attach list of classes of files held ):

Attorney General’s Chambers
The majority of the matters handled by the Honourable Attorney General are highly confidential opinions and advice to the Government of the Cayman Islands and the Statutory Authorities.

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department
Criminal Files;
Civil Files;
Advice;
Litigation;
Draft Contract & Leases;
International Co-Operation Files including Child Abduction Matters;
Staff Files; and
General Written Memoranda to all Government Departments and Authorities.

Legislative Drafting
Drafting Instructions relating to all legislation
Drafts of all legislation (Bills, Regulations, Orders, Notices, Rules, etc.)
Copies of Laws bearing the signature of H. E. The Governor
Legislation that has been published in the Official Gazette (Bills, Laws, Regulations, Orders, Notices, Rules, etc.)

Law Reform Commission
Administrative files;
Operational files- main file; research material files;
Law Reform Commission Reports- annual reports; and
Final reports

Law Revision Commission
Gazettes

Financial Reporting Authority
Suspicious Activity Report Form

Law School
Student Records; Staff Records; and Administrative Files


Frequently Asked Questions:

Attorney General’s Chambers

Question:
What is the procedure to be followed when applying to become a Notary Public?
Answer:
Section 3 of Notaries Public Law.

Question
How do practising attorneys/barristers get admitted to practice in the Cayman Islands?
Answer
Subject to the Legal Practitioners Law , a judge may admit to practice as an attorney-at-law in the Islands any person who –
(a) (i) is entitled to practice at the Bar of England and Wales or the Bar of Northern Ireland; and
     (ii) having received a certificate of call from either of those Bars, has either-
(A) served twelve months pupillage in England, Wales or Northern Ireland; or
(B) served the term of articles in the Islands required by the Third Schedule of the Legal Practitioners (Students) Regulations (2007 Revision);
     (iii) is a member of the Faculty of Advocates of Scotland or a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Judicature of England, Scotland or Northern Ireland;
     (iv) is an attorney-at-law of the Supreme Court of Jamaica;
     (v) is a Writer to the Signet of Scotland or a solicitor admitted to practise in Scotland; or
     (b) satisfies a judge that he is entitled to practice in any court of any of the Commonwealth and possesses a qualification comparable as to standard law, practice and procedure with those specified in paragraph (a); or
     (c) is qualified to practice as an attorney-at-law under regulations made under section 20.


(2) Whoever is qualified under subsection (1) may apply for admission to practice as an attorney-at-law and such application shall be made in writing addressed to a judge and be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court together with-
     (a) the certificate of the applicant’s call to the Bar or, as the case may be, of his admission to the Faculty of Advocates or of his admission as solicitor, Writer to the Signet or Law Agent aforesaid, or the corresponding certificate relating to any qualification referred to in paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection (1); and
     (b) an affidavit signed by him in the presence of the Clerk of Court, who shall subscribe his name as a witness thereto, verifying that the certificate is a true certificate and that the applicant is the person named therein and that he is qualified as prescribed by subsection (1) (hereinafter referred to as “the prescribed qualification”): Provided that a judge may exempt any such person from producing the said certificate and from verifying the same if he is otherwise satisfied that the applicant possesses the prescribed qualification

(3) A judge may, for due cause, refuse to admit any applicant to practice as an attorney-at-law notwithstanding that he may possess the prescribed qualification unless such person is being admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law under paragraph (c) of section 3(1).

Question
What are the requirements to become a recognised body or incorporated as a company?
Answer
The requirements are: 1) a certificate of incorporation of the Company issued under Regulations 9 and 10 of the Legal Practitioners (Incorporated Practice) Regulations 2006, 2) Memorandum and Articles of Association, 3) Register of Directors, 3) Register of Directors, 4) Register of Officers, 5) Register of Members and Register of Shareholders, 6)Copy of insurance Coverage, and 7) a Cheque made out in the amount of CI$2,000.00 payable to the Cayman Islands Government.

Office of the Solicitor General including Legal Department

Question
Do you advise the Public?
Answer
No. We provide services to our clients which are the Government and Authorities.

Legislative Drafting

Question
What is the process relating to a Bill after it has been passed by the Legislative Assembly?
Answer
1. The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly sends to the Legislative Drafting Department, a copy of the Bill that has been passed by the Legislative Assembly, together with any amendments to the Bill that have been made by the Legislative Assembly.
2. The Legislative Drafting Department makes any necessary changes and sends bound copies of the Bill to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, for signing.
3. The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly returns the signed Bill to the Legislative Drafting Department and the Bill is then forwarded to the Attorney-General for his Legal Report.
4. The Attorney-General sends his signed Legal Report and the Bill to H. E. The Governor, for Assent.
5. The Governor signs the Bill (making it a Law) and sends the Law to the Clerk of Cabinet, for sealing.
6. The Governor sends the sealed Law to the Legislative Drafting Department, for publication in the Official Gazette.

Question
From members of the public: “What Law governs ………………………..?”
Answer
The Legislative Drafting Department does not give legal advice to members of the public.

Law Reform Commission
None

Law Revision Commission
Question
Where can a copy of a law incorporated in a Revision be found?
Answer
Copy of law either provided by the Law Revision Commission or through the Archives.

Financial Reporting Authority
None

Law School
Question
How do I gain admission to the Cayman Islands Law School?
Answer
Entry requirements for the full and part-time degrees are laid down in the Legal Practitioners (Students) Regulations (2007 Revision). Generally, the academic entry requirement for students who are under 21 years of age on 1st May in the year they start their course is at least two General Certificate of Education Advanced Level passes in addition to three General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) passes of Grade C or higher standard. The GCSE subjects must include English Language and one of Mathematics or a Natural Science subject or Geography or Economics. Other prescribed combinations of passes may be acceptable (but proof of attainment of an acceptably high English Language standard is essential) as may other prescribed qualifications recognized as being of a comparable standard, such as an Associates Degree with a sufficiently high GPA. Students who are over 21 years of age on 1st June in the year of intended entry who do not possess formal qualifications may take the University of Liverpool Mature Students’ Entrance Examination. Further particulars of the Law School’s admission requirements, together with a copy of the Application Form, can be obtained from our Admissions Policy which can be downloaded from the CILS website: www.gov.ky/lawschool.

Question
What are the Immigration requirements?
Answer
Following receipt of an unconditional written offer from CILS, international applicants must apply for a student visa from the Cayman Islands Immigration Department. Details of this procedure will be supplied by CILS following the making of an unconditional offer. If English is not your first language, then you must demonstrate your English Language competence either on the basis of the qualification your are offering (i.e. English being a main component of it) or by successfully undertaking the Mature Students Entrance Examination. For further guidance please contact the Department of Immigration 1345-949-8344 or visit their website at www.immigration.gov.ky.

Question
Does the Law School provide Halls of Residence?
Answer
The Law School does not have Hall of Residence. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodations on Islands. Information relating to accommodations can be found in the classified sections of the local newspapers or arrangements can be made through a real estate company.

Question
How do practising attorneys/barristers get admitted to practice in the Cayman Islands?
Answer
Subject to the Legal Practitioners Law , a judge may admit to practice as an attorney-at-law in the Islands any person who –
(b) (i) is entitled to practice at the Bar of England and Wales or the Bar of Northern Ireland; and
     (ii) having received a certificate of call from either of those Bars, has either-
(A) served twelve months pupillage in England, Wales or Northern Ireland; or
(B) served the term of articles in the Islands required by the Third Schedule of the Legal Practitioners (Students) Regulations (2007 Revision);
     (iii) is a member of the Faculty of Advocates of Scotland or a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Judicature of England, Scotland or Northern Ireland;
     (iv) is an attorney-at-law of the Supreme Court of Jamaica;
     (v) is a Writer to the Signet of Scotland or a solicitor admitted to practise in Scotland; or
  (b) satisfies a judge that he is entitled to practice in any court of any of the Commonwealth and possesses a qualification comparable as to standard law, practice and procedure with those specified in paragraph (a); or
  (c) is qualified to practice as an attorney-at-law under regulations made under section 20.

(2) Whoever is qualified under subsection (1) may apply for admission to practice as an attorney-at-law and such application shall be made in writing addressed to a judge and be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court together with-
   (a) the certificate of the applicant’s call to the Bar or, as the case may be, of his admission to the Faculty of Advocates or of his admission as solicitor, Writer to the Signet or Law Agent aforesaid, or the corresponding certificate relating to any qualification referred to in paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection (1); and
   (b) an affidavit signed by him in the presence of the Clerk of Court, who shall subscribe his name as a witness thereto, verifying that the certificate is a true certificate and that the applicant is the person named therein and that he is qualified as prescribed by subsection (1) (hereinafter referred to as “the prescribed qualification”):
Provided that a judge may exempt any such person from producing the said certificate and from verifying the same if he is otherwise satisfied that the applicant possesses the prescribed qualification

(3) A judge may, for due cause, refuse to admit any applicant to practice as an attorney-at-law notwithstanding that he may possess the prescribed qualification unless such person is being admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law under paragraph (c) of section 3(1).

Forms in Use:
Law School
Admission Application Form;
Registration and Timetable; and
Mature Entrance Exam Form

Press Releases: (GIS provide this link automatically when they publish an article):
None

FOI contacts:

  • Public Authority Information Manager email:

    The Information Manager for the Portfolio is:

    Jenesha N. Bhoorasingh-Simpson
    P.O. Box 907
    Grand Cayman – KY1-1103
    Cayman Islands
    Tel: 1-345-949-7712
    Fax: 1-345-949-7183
    e-mail: Jenesha.bhoorasingh@gov.ky

    The designate to the Information Manager for the Portfolio is:

    Marilyn Brandt
    P.O. Box 907
    Grand Cayman – KY1-1103
    Cayman Islands
    Tel: 1-345-949-7712
    Fax: 1-345-949-7183
    e-mail: marilyn.brandt@gov.ky

  • Link to FOI Website:

    or www.caymanjudicial-legalinfo.ky

  • How to make an FOI request: (provide a link to the request process on the FOI website):

    Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Law outlines the process by which an application is to be made:

    (1) A person who wishes to obtain access to a record shall make an application to the public authority which holds that record.

    (2) An application under subsection (1)-
      (a) may be made in writing or transmitted by electronic means other than telephone;
      (b) shall provide such information concerning the record as is reasonably necessary to enable the public authority to identify it..

    (3) A public authority to which an application is made shall-
      (a) upon request, assist the applicant in identifying the records to which the application relates;
      (b) acknowledge receipt of every application made in the prescribed manner;
      (c) grant to the applicant access to the record specified in the application if it is not an exempt record.

    (4) A public authority shall respond to an application as soon as practicable but not later than-
      (a) thirty calendar days after the date of receipt of the application; or
      (b) in the case of an application transferred to it by another authority pursuant to section 8, thirty calendar days after the date of the receipt by that authority, so, however, that an authority may, for good cause, extend the period of thirty calendar days for a further period, not exceeding one period of thirty calendar days, in any case where there is reasonable cause for such extension.

    (5) The response of the public authority shall state its decision on the application, and where the authority or body decides to refuse or defer access or to extend the period of thirty calendar days, it shall state the reasons therefore, and the options available to an applicant.