DCI Strengthens Its Compliance and Enforcement Capabilities Published October 21st, 2013, 11:30 am
The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) has hired a trade and enforcement officer to strengthen its ability to monitor and regulate the businesses that it licences.
Joining the department is Ian Charlery, a former officer and detective constable with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. His primary role is to conduct investigations into possible offences under the Trade and Business Licence; Local Companies (Control); and Special Economic Zone laws.
Mr Charlery also will prepare case files and represent DCI in court; and assist the liquor licence inspector, Mr Gavin Dixon, with routine checks at licenced premises to ensure compliance with the Liquor Licensing; Music and Dancing (Control); and Tobacco laws.
Mr Charlery was appointed on 2 September.
‘We’re happy to have him on board, as he bolsters our ability to assess adherence to business restrictions, and follow up on complaints regarding illegal trading activity’, said DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh.
As DCI is mandated to licence and regulate commercial activity within specified industries, its Compliance and Enforcement Unit (the unit) is vital to ensuring that all business owners adhere to Cayman’s rules and regulations governing commerce, and that appropriate recourse under the law is sought for businesses that are non-complaint.
For the month of September, 54 liquor licensing inspections were conducted in Grand Cayman, and 12 in Cayman Brac. Respectively, that represents approximately 15% and 70% of the total number of licensees on each island. The unit also is currently investigating 15 trade and business cases that primarily stem from complaints regarding illegal trading activity.