Cayman Islands Government - Affordable Car Rental

The Cayman Islands' highest official is the Governor, who is the appointed representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He presides over the Executive Council, the ruling body of the country. The Governor's term of office is four years.

The existing constitution of the Cayman Islands, introduced on August 22, 1972, provides for the government of the Cayman Islands as a British Overseas Territory. It establishes a governing body called the Executive Council, which consists of three official and five elected members, the latter being selected from the 15 elected representatives of the Legislative Assembly.

The three Official Members of Executive Council are civil servants appointed by the Governor to the positions of Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Attorney General, and they have seats in the Legislative Assembly.

In February 1994 a constitutional amendment introduced a new ministerial form of government. Our five elected Members of Executive Council are now called Ministers, with portfolio responsibilities assigned by the Governor. In addition, a District Commissioner represents the Governor in the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

All official Government offices and Ministries are located in the Government Administration Building ("the Glass House") on Elgin Avenue in George Town.

Elections are held every four years.

Getting Married in Cayman Islands

Visitors to the Cayman Islands can get married on the day they arrive. This includes passengers arriving on cruise ships, who may be legally married during their day in port in Grand Cayman.

A special licence will be granted by the Governor for non-resident couples. The application for this license can be obtained from:

Chief Secretary's Office,
4th Floor, Government Administration Building
George Town, Grand Cayman
Phone: (345) 244-2403

The fee for this license is CI$150 plus a CI$10 stamp duty (CI$160 or US$200 total). It is possible to obtain the special licence on the day of the marriage, however, visitors are advised to make arrangements in advance to expedite paperwork and all required details.

Couples must arrange for a Cayman Islands Marriage Officer before applying for the licence. A list of officers is available from the Chief Secretary's office and can be sent in advance of arrival.

Other requirements include proper documentation of proof:

• Citizenship and age (passport or birth certificate)
• Marital status (proof of legal divorce decree or death certificate if spouse has died, if applicable)
• Immigration card showing legal entry into the Cayman Islands (you will receive this card as you clear immigration at the airport), or
  Documentation proving visitor is a passenger on a cruise ship.

Note: The minimum legal age for getting married without parental consent is 18.

A brochure, 'Getting Married in the Cayman Islands', containing complete guidelines and information is available from:

Government Information Services
Cricket Square, Grand Cayman.
British West Indies
Phone: (345) 949-8092
Fax: (345) 949-5936.