Portfolio Of Legal Affairs

Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission

Introduction

The Law Reform Commission of the Cayman Islands is a statutory body which was established on 1st May 2005 pursuant to the Law Reform Commission Law, 2005.

The Commission comprises the following five Commissioners:-

  • Langston Sibblies, Attorney-at-Law, Chairman
  • Ian Paget-Brown, Attorney-at-Law
  • Andrew Jones, QC
  • Cheryll Richards (Solicitor General)
  • Eileen Nervik, Attorney-at-Law

Ms. Cheryl Neblett,
Director, Law Reform Commission

The Commission currently shares office accomodation with the Legislative Drafting Department and is located on the third floor of the Anderson Square building in George Town. There are 3 members of staff of the Commission - Cheryl Ann Neblett, Director of the Law Reform Commission; Fikile Dlamini, Legislative Counsel and Christine Cooke, para legal officer.

Functions of the Law Reform Commission

In accordance with the Law, the functions of the Commissioner are to study and keep under constant review the statutes and other laws comprising the law of the Cayman Islands with a view to its systemic 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 modernization of the law;
  • the development of new areas in the law with the aim of making them more responsive to the changing needs of the 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 Commission, in the performance of its functions, may:
  • review and consider any proposals for the reform of the law which may be referred to it by any person or authority;
  • prepare and submit 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, modernization and reform;
  • initiate and carry out or direct the initiation and carrying out of, studies and research necessary for the improvement and modernization of the law;
  • undertake, pursuant to any such recommendation approved by the Attorney-General, the formation and preparation of drafts in the form of Bills or other instructions for consideration by the Governor in Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly;
  • provide, 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
  • with the approval of the Attorney-General, appoint or empanel committees, whether from among members of the Commission or from other 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 Reform Commission meeting with the Hon. Attorney General