Business Services
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LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
As the country and its responsibilities have grown, so have the staff and the work of Government’s legal
agencies that work under the supervision of the Attorney General. The Legal Department, led by the Solicitor General, has criminal, civil and international divisions. Legal Drafting employs three draftsmen, and
the Law Reform Commission is recruiting.
Both the Fire Service and 911 Emergency Communication had their mettle tested by Hurricane
Ivan. The Fire Service made more than 700 rescues, and most of its rescue equipment was damaged and
had to be replaced. 911 had to operate at less than maximum capability into 2006, but maintained an effective and efficient service to the public and emergency responders.
who also provides advice to the Financial Reporting
Authority.
During the period under review, the Legal Department
processed some 40 requests for mutual legal assistance.
Solicitor General/Legal Department
The Legal Department, managed by the Solicitor General on
a day-to-day basis, is staffed by two teams of lawyers, one
prosecuting criminal cases and the other mainly appearing
in civil litigation and judicial review proceedings. Both
teams provide legal advice, all on behalf of the Attorney
General.
The department also assists the Central Authority (the
Chief Justice) under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty
with the United States, which permits the exchange of
information on criminal matters. Extradition and “letters
rogatory” are also dealt with on behalf of the Attorney
General, who is the Mutual Legal Assistance Authority
under the Criminal Justice (International) Corporation
Law and Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Law.
Headed by the Solicitor General, the Legal Department
is staffed by three Senior Crown Counsel; five Crown
Counsel – Criminal; three Crown Counsel – Civil;
secretaries and support staff. The department also provides
training opportunities for up to four Articled Clerks.
The International Division of the Attorney General’s
Chambers is designed to co-ordinate and expedite
international requests for legal assistance. It is headed
by a Senior Crown Counsel within the Legal Department
Legislative Drafting Department
The Legislative Drafting Department comprises three
draftsmen and an administrative secretary. This
department prepares primary legislation for enactment
by the Legislative Assembly, and secondary legislation
(regulations, rules, orders, etc.). Legislative Drafting also
interprets law for the government and its legal service.
Drafting is carried out on instructions from Portfolios and
Ministries, subject to decisions on policy by the Governor
in Cabinet, and overall supervision by the AttorneyGeneral.
Law Reform Commission
The Law Reform Commission was established on 1 May
2005 and in the period under review comprised one legal
draftsman and an administrative secretary. By the end of
Law Reform Commission...........................................................................................................38
Cayman Islands Fire Service......................................................................................................39
911 Emergency Communications..............................................................................................40
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Law and Public Safety
the year, recruitment of an additional legal draftsman and
a paralegal officer were underway.
In accordance with the Law Reform Commission
Law, 2005, the commission will study and keep under
constant review the statutes and other laws comprising the
law of the Cayman Islands, with a view to its systematic
development and reform, including, in particular:
• the modification of any branch of the law as far as
that is practicable;
• the elimination of anomalies in the law, the repeal of
obsolete and unnecessary enactments and the simplification
and modernisation of the law;
• the development of new areas in the law with the aim
of making them more responsive to the changing needs
of Cayman Islands society;
• the adoption of new or more effective methods for the
administration of the law and the dispensation of justice; and,
• the codification of the unwritten laws of the Cayman
Islands.
The drafting of legislation is carried out pursuant to
a legislative programme set by the Attorney-General and
by the Law Reform Commissioners.
Response and Recovery: Hurricane Ivan
The Fire Service fulfilled its responsibilities pre- and postIvan even though its buildings were damaged and much
of its equipment was either damaged or destroyed:
• More than 700 rescues were executed and the service
collaborated with the private sector in clearing roads of debris.
• The service suffered damage to most of its rescue
equipment, which had to be replaced. Among other
equipment that also suffered damage were 14 vehicles
and two trailer pumps.
• Among facilities, the West Bay Station received major
damage and the Central Station lost roof shingles, causing
flood damage. This destroyed furniture, radio equipment,
computers and carpeting. The Frank Sound Station received
minor damage.
• Among other technical facilities and equipment that
suffered major damage were the training facilities, which
were under repair in 2005, along with both boat docks.
Breathing apparatus was also destroyed by flooding and
was replaced.
FIRE SERVICE STATISTICS JANUARY 2004--JUNE 2005
AIRPORT
Cayman Islands Fire Service
The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS), headquartered
on Owen Roberts Drive in George Town, has 25 items
of fire-fighting and rescue equipment—vehicles, pumps
and boats.
With 135 fire officers and five support staff, the service
continued to give high priority to the development of its
human resources and, in 2004/05, considerable emphasis
was placed on training. Five senior officers successfully
completed fire rescue courses in the US and nine more
completed aircraft fire-fighting courses in the United
Kingdom. Yearly practical and theoretical training was also
carried out at the training facilities located at the airport.
Aircraft Accidents -
-
Aircraft Incidents
-
-
Full Emergencies
8
9
Local Stand bys
22
22
ALL AT AIRPORT
30
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DOMESTIC
CIFS Purpose and Aims:
The purpose of the CIFS is to protect life and property at
a highly professional level. This is achieved by:
• Responding to all calls for assistance rapidly and
proficiently, reducing the degree of danger and damage;
• Developing human skills through training; and
• Acquiring and maintaining state-of-the-art equipment
and technology.
Fire Alarm
12
208
Special Services
127
172
False Calls
135
113
Building Fires
48
108
Vehicle Fires
49
66
Brush Fires
201
245
Vehicle Accidents
84
152
Chemical Leaks
29
33
Utility
30
108
Boat Fires
4
1
Dump Fires
17
7
Elevator Rescue
25
41
Fire Related Fatalities
-
-
Extrication at M.V.A *
14
28
ALL DOMESTIC
775
1282
TOTAL INCIDENTS
805
1313
*M.V.A = Motor Vehicle Accidents
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Law and Public Safety
911 Emergency Communications
2004/05 Statistical Compendium
Between 2004 and June 2005, the Fire Service attended 1,313
fires and other incidents, an increase of 508 over 2003.
Discussions took place with ICTA which ensured
compliance by all telephone service providers to make
available to 911 relevant customer data to keep the 911
database up-to-date, making response to emergencies
much more efficient.
As the Islands faced the impending threat of Hurricane
Ivan, 911 chose to relocate early on, anticipating possible
damage. The 911 Centre was moved temporarily to the
Cable and Wireless building on Eastern Avenue, then to
a more permanent place at Citrus Grove.
Since the hurricane, 911 is operating at less than
its maximum capability, but manages to maintain an
effective and efficient service to the public and emergency
responders. Some of the systems that were in place are not
yet fully operational and it is anticipated that all systems
will be back up by March 2006.
Two overseas staff were recruited on short term from
their agencies to assist the 911 department following the
hurricane and they have since returned. Ivan affected
all areas of the organization as some staff members also
resigned immediately thereafter. Recruitment had to be
put on hold as there was insufficient space to train and
house new personnel.
All Calls Received by the Fire Service
1997 1998
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004/5
786 740
786
822
903
847
805
1,313
The value of property involved in fires during 2004/June
2005 was estimated at $5,836,600. However, actual damage
to property was estimated at only $526,230, resulting from
direct intervention by the service.
Of the 1,313 fires and incidents dealt with, 34 fires
warranted a full investigation and, of those, 47% were
determined as being accidental, while arson was suspected
in 32.3%.
The Fire Service also reviewed approximately 363 sets
of architectural drawings and more than 450 inspections
were carried out.
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