By Alric Lindsay
Ongoing hearings in the Summary Court today, March 12, 2026, have highlighted significant procedural and jurisdictional issues in prosecutions brought by Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions against “Esso Standard Oil Company” (ESSO) and SOL Petroleum Cayman Ltd. for alleged failures to make a report under
the Dangerous Substances Act.
In the matter originally listed against “ESSO,” a lawyer for ExxonMobil Corporation appeared as a matter of courtesy to clarify that the summons had been issued to a non-existent entity. Counsel explained that ExxonMobil is neither incorporated nor domiciled in the Cayman Islands and has never been. The historic “Esso Standard Oil Company” has not existed since 1959, and no ESSO-related entity has operated locally for at least 15 years. The company does not submit to Cayman jurisdiction and has been instructed to reject service of the summons.
A separate but related summons was served on Sol Petroleum Cayman Ltd. for failing to report under the Dangerous Substances Act.
A lawyer representing Sol inidcated to the Chief Magistrate that internal reviews are continuing, including by the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. No trial date was fixed, however, counsel indicated a potential resolution outside the court for Sol Petroleum.
The matters were adjourned to April 2, 2026.
