2008 Legislative Progress praised by Cayman’s Attorney General
Attorney General Samuel Bulgin, commented on legislative achievements in 2009 at the opening of the Grand Court for the 2009 session. He said that the government enacted many laws in order to tackle corruption and money laundering.
Bulgin was pleased to report that the Legislative Drafting Department had a very active year. With the cooperation and involvement of the legal profession representatives, associations and the general public, many important legislative issues were progressed. He expressed his gratitude for the assistance of those who participated in the consultation process.
Bulgin particularly emphasized the passing of the Anti Corruption Law as it gives effect in Cayman to the UN Convention against Corruption and the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. According to this law, an Anti Corruption Commission will be established and new offences such as frauds on government, “influence peddling” and secret commissions will be created.
Also, in 2008 the revised Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Law was adopted to replace the 2007 version. The new version of this legislation consolidates and harmonizes different money laundering and confiscation regimes.
Other legislative proposals that have been drafted by the government to be implemented in 2009 will include (1) the criminalisation of discrimination in connection with employment and the provision of goods; and (2) introducing legislation in respect of miscellaneous financial matters, with a view to securing the position of the Cayman Islands as a top offshore investment jurisdiction.