Health bills withdrawn for consultation amendments

Two health-related bills were pulled from the parliamentary schedule to be amended after feedback from the public and opposition MPs.

Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainability Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said discussion of the Public Health Bill 2026 and the Environmental Health Bill 2026 would be postponed.

She explained the bills would be changed to take into account extensive public consultation and constructive discussions with Opposition People’s Progressive Movement MPs.

Meaningful consultation

Ebanks-Wilks said, “Public consultation must be meaningful. When members of the public, stakeholders and members of Parliament raise issues that can strengthen legislation, we have a responsibility to consider them carefully.”

She added, “I determined that amendments should be made … before they proceed. Both bills will return to Parliament at the next session in November.”

The Public Health Bill was designed to establish a modern framework for disease prevention, strengthen public health and improve Cayman’s ability to prepare for and respond to major public health threats.

Environmental health consolidation

The environmental health legislation was drawn up to bring all aspects of the sector into a single framework, covering areas such as food safety and hygiene, sanitation, waste management, water and air quality, noise and vibration, pest control and swimming pool standards under one umbrella.

The legislation also covers the potential impact on health of trades and industry.

The decision to withdraw the two bills, announced earlier this month, came after community town hall meetings in every district of Grand Cayman on a string of proposed health legislation, as well as in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman before extensive public consultations.

Strong public feedback

More than 200 written submissions were received on four health-related bills, with the Tobacco (Amendment) Bill 2026 attracting the most public interest.

The tobacco bill, passed last week, was created to limit access to tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products by children and young people. It also bans vaping in public places.

Tamara Ebanks, the chief officer for Ebanks-Wilks ministry, said the immediate focus was the implementation of the tobacco bill and another piece of legislation to allow health service councils to set up subcommittees to carry out some of their functions to speed up processes.

She added, “Our immediate focus is on implementing the Tobacco and Health Practice amendments, including the necessary regulations, guidance and engagement with affected stakeholders.

“At the same time, our teams will finalise the additional amendments to the Public Health and Environmental Health Bills so they can return to Parliament next month.”