- DECEMBER 2025 -

PARTY CONFERENCE SEASON

Across the conferences, Dr Tasha attended panel discussions and events focused on the environment, ocean conservation, international development, and financial services. These sessions offered the opportunity to underscore the Cayman Islands' global leadership in protecting its biodiversity, promoting peace and security through the freezing of over $9bn of Russian-linked assets, and the work the Cayman Islands has taken to build and maintain a globally compliant financial services regime. The interest shown in the Overseas Territories - and the Cayman Islands in particular - was truly encouraging, reinforcing how important our voice and partnership is to the UK political landscape. 

Dr Tasha with Minister Mary Creagh MP, OTs Environment Minister, at Labour Party Conference

CAYMAN ISLANDS REPRESENTED AT THE YOUTH PARLIAMENT

The Cayman Islands was proudly represented at the recent UK Youth Parliament by Annabella Hayden, who took her seat in the House of Commons alongside hundreds of young leaders from across the UK, British Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies. 

Annabella delivered an energetic and thoughtful speech addressing this year’s theme of ‘Education and Learning’, urging those in the Chamber to “consider the importance of reframing what it means to be educated."  

Speaking about the day, the Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia said, "Hearing a young Caymanian’s voice in such a historic setting was a reminder that meaningful change starts when young people are given the chance to share their experiences and ideas."

JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

The Premier of the Cayman Islands, the Hon. André Ebanks MP, and his delegation travelled to London for a full programme of high-level discussions, focusing on shared priorities such as economic resilience, climate change, health, education, security and the evolving UK - OT partnership. 

The week was highly productive with roundtable discussions and bilateral meetings leading to meaningful progress in several areas. The Premier and his delegation valued their time in London, with the JMC providing a constructive setting in which to engage with counterparts.  

CAYMAN ISLANDS APPG RECEPTION IN PARLIAMENT!

One of the highlights of the JMC week was the Cayman Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Reception held in Parliament on Tuesday 25^th November. The room was filled with supporters and friends from across both Houses of Parliament, senior representatives, civil servants and UK partners who continue to champion the Cayman Islands’ interests.

In her speech, Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the Cayman Islands APPG, highlighted the great work the Cayman Islands has been doing to protect and grow its biodiversity, and Cayman Islands Premier the Hon. André Ebanks MP thanked friends of the Cayman Islands, old and new, for all their support.

Speaking about the event, Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK, Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, said:

“I am truly touched by the overwhelmingly positive response we received at last night’s reception. It was wonderful to see so many MPs and Peers – old friends and new – who had given their time to attend. I know their parliamentary duties are incredibly demanding on their time, and it means so much to us that they chose to come and support the Cayman Islands…It was an honour to introduce our Premier and his delegation to so many attendees. The warmth of the welcome and the depth of support shown for the Cayman Islands is truly humbling.”

Cayman Day - a celebration of Cayman’s heritage, identity, and community spirit - was held on Saturday 29^th November at 8 Northumberland Avenue. The annual event, first started in 2021, served as a reminder of what unites Caymanians - our history, our resilience, and the warmth of our Caymanian spirit that reaches far beyond our shores.

This year’s theme was ‘Under the Red Sky’, celebrating the seafaring spirit that shaped the Cayman Islands. It paid tribute to the generations of shipbuilders, seamen, turtlers, and navigators whose courage and craftsmanship defined the islands’ identity and legacy - while also honouring the women who, in their absence, raised families, managed businesses, and sustained the local economy at home.

The event opened to the lively sounds of the steel pan and across the main screen, archival images of Caymanian seafarers, turtlers, and women at home unfolded. The evocative images set the backdrop for a spoken-word tribute to our Islands’ stories, complemented by two DJ sets and a vibrant live performance from the Caymanian band HEAT. Guests were also able to enjoy a photobooth, caricaturists and endless games – with entertainment for all age ranges on offer.

Cayman Day continues to be a significant highlight in our calendar, drawing the Caymanian community in the UK together.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support this year. I look forward to reconnecting in 2026, when we have an exciting lineup of engagements and events planned. 

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year,

 Tasha.

Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia

Cayman Islands Government Representative to the UK