Caribbean National Weekly

Cayman Islands politician Craig “Festa” Frederick sued for over CI$132K ahead of election

By Joanne Clark··1 min read
Cayman Islands politician Craig “Festa” Frederick sued for over CI$132K ahead of election
Key Points(5)
  • Craig “Festa” Frederick, the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) candidate for George Town South in the Cayman Islands, is facing a lawsuit just days before voters head to the polls.
  • Associated Industries Ltd., trading as AI Rentals, filed a claim in the Grand Court on April 17, 2025, seeking more than CI$132,000 from Frederick for long-outstanding rental debts tied to his carnival business.
  • AI Rentals says Frederick repeatedly ignored demands for payment, even after acknowledging the debt in writing back in July 2022.
  • The company is also seeking to recover legal fees, court costs, and administrative expenses under the terms of their agreements.
  • Craig “Festa” Frederick has not yet filed a formal defense.

Craig “Festa” Frederick, the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) candidate for George Town South in the Cayman Islands, is facing a lawsuit just days before voters head to the polls.

Associated Industries Ltd., trading as AI Rentals, filed a claim in the Grand Court on April 17, 2025, seeking more than CI$132,000 from Frederick for long-outstanding rental debts tied to his carnival business. According to court documents (Cause G2025–0114), the debt stems from equipment rentals between 2018 and 2020 for events such as “AfterMas,” “Swanky Sound Truck,” and “Swanky Launch 2020.”

The principal amount owed is CI$58,724.75, but with a 24% annual interest rate applied to overdue balances—as outlined in the signed rental contracts—the total ballooned to CI$132,718.25 by April 16, 2025. AI Rentals says Frederick repeatedly ignored demands for payment, even after acknowledging the debt in writing back in July 2022.

The company is also seeking to recover legal fees, court costs, and administrative expenses under the terms of their agreements.

Craig “Festa” Frederick has not yet filed a formal defense. In a brief comment to local media, he said, “It would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage. I will instruct attorneys to represent my interests before the Courts.”

The Progressive Party has not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit.

The case's timing—less than two weeks before the Cayman Islands General Elections on April 30—has drawn added public attention to Frederick’s campaign.

 

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