Article I — Name and Purpose
1.1 Name
The organisation shall be known as the Cayman Islands Medical and Dental Society (CIMDS), established in 1971.
1.2 Purpose
The purposes of the Society are to:
- Promote and maintain the highest standards of medical and dental practice in the Cayman Islands.
- Foster professional development through continuing medical education (CME) and continuing dental education (CDE).
- Represent the collective interests of medical and dental practitioners before government bodies and regulatory authorities.
- Facilitate collaboration between healthcare professionals and contribute to public health policy.
- Provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and community engagement among members.
Article II — Membership
2.1 Eligibility
Membership shall be open to all medical doctors and dentists who are registered on the Cayman Islands Health Practice Commission's Principal List and hold a valid practising certificate.
2.2 Categories
- Active Member: A fully licensed practitioner who has paid annual dues and holds voting rights.
- Associate Member: A practitioner on a temporary or limited registration who may attend events but does not hold voting rights.
- Honorary Member: Granted by the Executive Committee in recognition of distinguished service to healthcare in the Cayman Islands.
- Retired Member: A former active member who has retired from practice. Retains access to events and communications.
2.3 Annual Dues
Membership dues are payable annually. The amount shall be determined by the Executive Committee and communicated to members before the start of each membership year. Failure to pay dues within 90 days of the due date may result in suspension of membership privileges.
2.4 Termination
Membership may be terminated by voluntary resignation, non-payment of dues, loss of professional licence, or by resolution of the Executive Committee for conduct deemed prejudicial to the Society.
Article III — Governance
3.1 Executive Committee
The affairs of the Society shall be managed by an Executive Committee comprising:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Immediate Past President
- Up to three additional Members-at-Large
3.2 Elections
Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of active members at the Annual General Meeting. The term of office shall be two years, with eligibility for re-election for one additional consecutive term.
3.3 Duties of Officers
The President shall preside over all meetings, represent the Society publicly, and execute its policies. The Vice-President shall assume the President's duties in their absence. The Secretary shall maintain records and correspondence. The Treasurer shall oversee the Society's finances, collect dues, and present financial reports.
Article IV — Meetings
4.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
An AGM shall be held once per calendar year at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee. Notice of not less than 21 days shall be given to all members.
4.2 Special Meetings
Special meetings may be convened by the President or upon written request of at least 25% of active members. At least 14 days' notice shall be provided.
4.3 Quorum
A quorum for the transaction of business at any general meeting shall consist of not less than one-third of active members in good standing.
4.4 Voting
Each active member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote. Decisions shall be by simple majority unless otherwise stated in these bylaws. Proxy voting is not permitted.
Article V — Code of Conduct
Members shall:
- Uphold the highest ethical standards in professional practice.
- Treat fellow members, patients, and the public with dignity and respect.
- Refrain from conduct that may bring the Society into disrepute.
- Comply with the laws and regulations of the Cayman Islands, including those of the Health Practice Commission.
- Support the objectives and activities of the Society.
Article VI — Finances
The financial year shall run from 1 January to 31 December. The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records and present audited accounts at each AGM. All expenditure above a threshold determined by the Executive Committee requires prior approval.
Article VII — Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of active members present at an AGM or Special Meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been circulated to all members at least 14 days before the meeting.
Article VIII — Dissolution
The Society may be dissolved by a resolution passed by at least three-quarters of active members at a Special Meeting called for that purpose. Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to a charitable organisation serving healthcare in the Cayman Islands, as determined by the final Executive Committee.
Contact
For questions about these bylaws, contact the CIMDS Secretary at info@cimds.org.ky.