Lemons and apples

| 27/09/2013

The recent headlines in regards to the airport authorities HR boss work permit denial has struck a nerve with a lot of people. I must say that I have been completely shocked by the pure hatred and insults that were printed when it comes to the Cayman immigration laws and Caymanians in the workforce. I am an Expat and consider myself a guest in this country.

The laws and regulations of the Cayman Islands are not hidden. Yes, they are subject to change, which may be frustrating, but this is the case for the laws of any country. Therefore, one would assume that everyone who comes to Cayman (whether to work or to set up a business) would know what the immigration laws dictate and any potential risk and/or lack of guarantees involved. Having worked in two other places before coming to Cayman (Europe and USA), I find it baffling that people working or operating  their business in Cayman feel that they have the right to demand and dictate what the laws should be. I wish they would try to have the same attitude in Europe and in the USA.

When I worked in the USA (where, by the way, the company I worked for had to hire an immigration lawyer to get through the maze of the immigration laws), I always knew that my time in the USA may be limited, not by my own choice, but because of the immigration laws which were obviously subject to change. The renewal of my work permit was never guaranteed. It was a risk I was willing to take. Nobody forced me take up a job in the USA and I never claimed that the USA has become a better place because of me living there and contributing to their economy, nor did I carry the attitude that no American could be potentially better suited for the position I held. I did move to the USA for my own selfish reason and not because I wanted to make the USA a better place.

Honestly, I can’t believe the blatant lies of expats in Cayman when they claim that they came to Cayman to help build it back, help build it up, and Cayman would be nothing without them. Every single expat I have met in Cayman who moved here has come to Cayman because of better job opportunities, shorter working hours, shorter commutes, an easy place to raise a family … the list goes on and on. NOBODY I have encountered throughout my years in Cayman has relocated to the Islands despite having had a better job and a better life from wherever they came. Anyone who claims otherwise is a moron.

The immigration laws of the Cayman Island read that where there is a qualified Caymanian available for a position, no work permit should be granted. It doesn’t read that the best qualified person recruited from all over the world should get the job.

It may not be what businesses like, but that law is pretty much the rule in every country. I have seen many companies here on Island filing a “key employee exemption” for one of their employees, which basically means that the company could no longer operate if that person was to leave the company. Funny enough, every single one of those “key employees” I knew has left the company they were so “key” to and moved on to another employer on Island. Guess what happened to those companies they worked for as a “key employee”? Absolutely nothing! Those companies are still functioning just fine!

There are many references to Caymanians being unprofessional, lazy and incompetent, yet, in my time on the Island I have worked with many expats who fit the same profile. However, we tend to be blinded by a flashy resume they often produce or when they talk a good talk! The colonial superior (or inferior) attitude is well alive and rampant. I alone had two bosses put in front of me (expats) who were hailed to be the answer to all prayers, but ironically, it was realized quickly that their resumes didn’t match their actual knowledge when put to the test and within a few month, each of them moved on. No further announcement was made to clarify what has happened to them.

I have observed expat staff showing up late for work and using extended lunch hours but no fuss was made because, guess what, their boss is an expat and just too willing to turn a blind eye when it suits. I could give countless examples, but really, what is the point of going tit for tat?

The hypocritical attitude displayed by so many expats and work permit holders is mind boggling. Where they are here in Cayman and are demanding jobs and laws that suits their businesses, they are the same ones who are getting themselves in quite a rage when back in their home country if a Pakistani gets a position over a Brit, or an Indian is hired as a CPA ahead of an American.

At the end of the day, one fact remains, as an expat (or work permit holder) you are a guest in the country (other than your homeland) where you chose to reside and work and should conduct yourself accordingly. Insulting an entire nation on a regular basis by way of childish generalizations and putting down demand after demand is hardly the right way to integrate into a society.

The way things are going here, it is the expats that expect the Caymanians to integrate themselves into the expat community and to be grateful that they (the expats and work permit holders) graced this Island with their presence. No matter what, it seems that Caymanians are never sufficiently qualified and there is always something more they should strive to. There is always an answer and always an excuse for why an expat was hired ahead of a Caymanian and after all of that, the Caymanian should sit down, be quiet and turn the other cheek! What utter Bullshit!

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Will all the Expats please leave.  Then Caymanians will not have any complaints about jobs.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I am glad I am not a suck-up like Ex-Pat.  Turn up, take my pay, save as much as I can.  Easy.  Unemployment and social problems are not my business.

  3. Anonymous says:

    The truth is the Caymanians that everyone puts down aren't the ones that frequent this website so points like this are pretty much moot.

  4. AnonymousCaymanian says:

    Thank you and well said.  For those expats that say they rebuilt Cayman after Ivan… Lets get real now.  No on forced you to come here.  You were not the only ones that lost everything.  It was still our children that couldn't go to school or find food.  You had a choice…. You didn't have to come here.  Caymanians had no choice!!  you did and usually for your own selfish reasons so get off your high horse and by the way… the door swings both ways.  You can always go back home, or to somewhere else.  Caymanians always rebuilt.  You weren't here when the previous hurricane devastated these Islands.  Yes, with help, the recovery was quicker but don't forget it still would have occurred without you.  Cayman must and will always be for Caymanians and those that choose to fit into our culture.  If you are not one of those then you don't belong here.  You couldn't possibly get away with what you do here if you were back home so don't hope you can come to another man's country and make demands that overlook and over shadow the natives.  History tells us that the practice will heed some different results than you expect.  We are a peaceful people that try to embrace all to our shores but if you are not a help you are a hindrance and need to re-evaluate your true motives for being here. 

    • noname says:

      As one expat to another expat, well said! I applaud your honesty! I have been shocked and sometimes depressed by the plethora of rubbish I have had to endure (sometimes not quietly)from feeble minded, prejudiced individuals. I think it is a universal truth that no one group of people has a monopoly on vice , virtue or intellect. Yet to hear many expats, once they are in their comfort zone, it seems that little of positive value exists here – except that which is found in the expat population! What worries me, is that the younger generation of Caymanians are not as patient as their parents, and will not always suffer fools with patience. 

  5. Anonymous says:

    I came to Cayman for easy money.  Cayman needed me because it did not have enough locals with my skill set.  I owe Cayman nothing.  I have no interest in the future of Cayman.  I have no interest in training anyone.  Status is nice because it means you can leave while getting other people to make money for you with the money you made. 

    • Anonymously says:

      Easy come easy go! Don't let the door knob hit you where the good lord split you, good bye, adios, caio, auf wiedersehen, au revior, bonjour, paalam, good riddance.

      • Anonymous says:

        I am not sure what reaction you thought this response was meant to provoke, but I just shrug my shoulders and say "fine".  As long as you know I am a financial mercenary and don't expect me to care about anything other than my pay check I am happy and we all know where we stand.  It is when people seem to think I owe something more than that the problems arise.  It is not that big a problem, because the money is in my account.

      • Ralph says:

        By the way, "bonjour" means hello, mon petit poulet d'amour…

  6. Anonymous says:

    "I must say that I have been completely shocked by the pure hatred and insults that were printed when it comes to the Cayman immigration laws and Caymanians in the workforce"

    Anyone with a heart was shocked, but it was published because it was against Caymanians and some Media houses seem to hate Caymanians.

  7. Judean People's front says:

    Nobody got anywhere without putting in a day's work for a fair pay, so next time you want to say something about caymanians, remember it.

    Nice one centurion.

  8. Whodatis says:

    Great post. You and I have very similar observations of the situation.

    (When have you ever heard ofa nationaility be so thoroughly abused, disrespected, despised and mocked? Not ever. What we are witnessing is not mere "anti-Caymanian-ness". Human nature is not that precise and selective.)

    The bottom line is the CNS readership is full of racists – let's finally call a spade a spade.

    Many are just happy they can hide it under the word "Caymanian".

    • Anonymous says:

      I'm Caymanian and the things other Caymanians say about Jamaican's in particular is far worse than what the ex-pats say about us. With that being said it's kinda justified – we dish it but can't take it.

      • Whodatis says:

        Slap yourself.

      • Anonymously says:

        Ejuit (idiot) you na Caymanian if you don't know that a Jamaican is an expat too, Shelbon would know that.

        • Anonymous says:

          You're the idiot! When I said what the expats say about us – Jamaican's were included. I just referenced that nationality as they seem to recieve the most hate by Caymanians. To clarify, the things we Caymanian's say about Jamaican's in particular are far worse than what any ex-pat Jamaican, American, British, Canadian, Indian, Irish, Cuban, Honduran etc… have said about us. Point is – why do we hate on the Jamaican's so much yet get so offended when they and the other nationalities I listed talk badly about Caymanians.

          • Anonymous says:

            This is the same flake whose signature is that he doesn't know how to use apostrophes.

          • Anonymously says:

            Caymanians don't hate Jamaicans because if truth be told there is not a single Caymanian family in Cayman today that you cannot find a Jamaican.  Caymanians like decent and law abiding Jamaicans we just don't like the criminals that call themselves Yardies, neither do law abiding Jamaicans.

             

          • Anonymous says:

            You're the idiot.

    • Anonymous says:

      Said the islands biggest bigot and guru of the self entitled.

      Its people like you that provoke division with your warped sense of persecution and anti English rhetoric.

      • Whodatis says:

        " … dem going cloop, cloop, cloop ( cloop, cloop, cloop) … clap, clap, clap (clap, clap, clap) … yeah – eh"

        • Anonymous says:

          This is one of Whodatis's more erudite posts.  It certainly contains less crap than his usual efforts.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Thank you The ExPat. If  more like you were around there woud be no issues between our Caymanian workers and the guest workers we allow to be here.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Firstly, I am only a tourist. I visit Cayman every year for 6-8 weeks. I do so because I love Cayman and ALL it's people. I read the news from Cayman daily. I would have loved to call Cayman 'home'. I am saddened to read some of the comments. I am saddened at the vitriol being expressed on occasions. There are obviously problems on Cayman, just as everywhere else in the world. Problems can never be solved through anger, fighting or name calling. I don't know too much about the employment situation in Cayman, but I would just like to say – work TOGETHER. Together you will be strong. All views and opinions are pertinent and important, and should be considered respectfully. Here in the UK there is a lack of respect, don't let that happen in Cayman. A message to 'weapons grade bollocks' with the comment if cannot stand two things,  intolerance and the English. To me that smacks of intolerance.

    so, if you will let me I will continue to come back to Paradise on Earth. Don't spoil it. We don't want to lose paradise again.

    God bless to you all.

    Mike

     

  11. Anonymous says:

    While everyone is hailing the ex-pat for so lovingly describing his stay here in the Cayman Islands, consider this, one of the ways in which you behave as a guest in someone's home, especially when you are long term, is seeing just how your presence may benefit the homeowner. I would be interested to know just how long this expat has been a guest in Cayman.  How many Caymanians has this expat trained to take over his/her job? How many times has he invited a Caymanian into his home to share his culture? Does the expat volunteer at any of the service organisations here on Island, and if so, just how much of a contribution does the expat make to these organisations.  Is it just to show up and be counted or is the expat actively involved. 

    There are many expats here who are here for the pay cheque and nothing more.  They do nothing to help this country and they go out of their ways to ensure that they do not in anyway shape or form integrate into society.  They don't assist with the training of Caymanians and frankly speaking most of them when they come into the office during the days they ensure that they do not associate with the local populace that may be in their office. 

    They are not overly concerned about what happens to the Cayman Islands.  They could care less about the unemployment situation amongst the local population as long as their work permit is renewed.  The irony is that these are the ones who come across as non-threatening and are the ones who end up gaining permanent residence and ultimate Caymanian Status. They then get the right to compete with locals and then you see their true colours. 

    The expat is correct. Most, if not all expatriates who come to the Cayman Islands come here because of the working conditions and for me personally, I came back of the economic benefits.  We all need each other on this little Rock.  If the Cayman Islands go down both locals and expats suffer.  The only difference is that the expat has somewhere to go to when things get tight, the local has to stay here and battle. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Caymanians are entitled to British passports therefore they are able to work in the UK and have access to the EU so that is nonsense that they "have nowhere to go".  If something drastic had to happen to the Cayman Islands and Caymanians had to rebuild their lives elsewhere, would living in cold wet England really be such a hardship?  Its certainly better than places like Afganistan or Syria or third world countries in Africa.  Would it not be beneficial for the younger workforce to work overseas for a few years to gain international experience so that they are more employable when they return home and can get the jobs that they want in Cayman?  I have had the pleasure of working with several Caymanians who have had the overseas experience, in the UK, USA and Europe so should ambitious young Caymanians not be encouraged to take advantage of this priviledge?   

      • Anonymous says:

        you imply that all caymanian families have access to these kind of funds…majority who go away are on scholarship and have their family cover the rest. It's more likely for (us) to stay on in those countries to work if we have family members already living there so that lviing costs are reasonable on a just-out-of-college salaries.  Many of (my) counterparts aren't afforded the same luxury, need to return to help those they left behind or are tied down to scholarships to work locally.

        • Anonymous says:

          So the Phillipino and Jamaican expats are rich are they, they come from wealthy family's do they?

          You idiot, that is why they save their meagre earnings from their home countries to leave their families behind and work abroad.

          Caymanian's manage to find enough money to run a boat, truck, build a house, have a cell phone, obviously have a computer and drink in local bars. But they can't find enough to raise their children to aspire to more and make a few sacrifices to ensure that they can.

          Just because you are poor it doesn't mean that you cannot aspire, it just mean's you have to work harder.

          To sit there and whinge that you can't do it, or only if someone gives the scholarship etc.. is frankly laughable when you consider how far and at what cost these expat workers have come.

          You should be embarrassed at the comparison, shame on you.

          • Anonymous says:

            Stop posting until you learn the proper use of apostrophes.

          • Anonymously says:

            Posted 15:09 don't get it twisted many a Caymanian families made the ultimate sacrifice (died at sea) to get a better country for their generations a privilege you the Jamaicans, Filipinos and other expats take for granted and want to tell us that we should not be or feel entitled to. This is one that is not ashamed of my entitled right to be here and not some where else.

            Let me tell you something Caymanians went to sea and took the opportunity to build these islands so that their sons and grandsons and future generations would not have to do the same rather they could stay at home in their country and enjoy the finer things in life at home;  what their forefathers worked and died for this is called inheritance (or birthright) don't take offense if your forefathers did not do for you and you now want to come here and fight us for. Our entitlement and suggest that I give up my rights for your privilege (no way in hell).

            I don 't know which Caymanian is embarrassed by expecting a scholarship from the private sector or government but I am  (is) not one of them, this is one that will be asking for housing, living, books, food, clothes, travel, entertainment and transport.  This is the least the few Caymanians that are around should be entitled to, yes I said the dirty word to the ears of expats "entitled". The joke is not on Caymanians rather it is on you for your ignorance.  Don't complain that you and expats have to come here from so far at such great personal expense that was your choice for a better life, my forefathers made that sacrifice years ago for me by braving the mighty seas and traveling the world as seamen in the bowels of hot tankers and ships unlike what you came so far to enjoy the world class 1st world island with the most beautiful beaches in the world, making the most money that you will ever make and living the best life that you will ever live. I've said enough already and will leave you up to a fellow entitled Caymanian, just wished Messrs.  O.L. Panton, J.M. Bodden and Ms A. Consuelo Ebanks were around to enlighten you in a colourful way but maybe you will be lucky to meet the offspring of Mr. Panton (aka ssy galore) and she will make up for all the deceased, I will hope and pray that you will be fortunate enough to meet her and tell this to her in person.  

             

          • Anonymously says:

            All that I will say to you foolie newbie, go learn about Caymanian history.  I don't know of one Csymanian that went to the Philipines to seek employment and yes a few Caymanians went to Jamaica to work and this was usually for another Caymanian business owner.  Caymanians have travelled the world over and if you can find then residing in more than 15 countries in the world I will eat my shoes.  Yet for an island so small we have almost 200 different nationalities living and working here, I find this phenomenal don't you? 

            .  

      • Anonymous says:

        Please stop this crap.Only persons whio were BOTC citizemns in 2003 were entitled to British Passports. Caymanians have no entitlement to them.

        • Anonymous says:

          Obviously you are not a Caymanian.

          You might have a peice of paper. But so does the queen.

    • Anonymous says:

      I am not the same ex pat who posted this article but I share the same sentiments and I can honestly confirm that I have trained a lovely Caymanian girl to take over my role, who previosly had no work experience in my line of work.  I mingle with everybody at work, Caymanians and expat alike, although I confess I get on better with my Caymanian colleagues.  Out of work.  I've been here 7 years and am about to leave, but I have been fully integated into the community in BT for just over 6 years.  I visit solely Caymanians, go out fishing with Caymanians (and give them all the fish I catch to sell), I have helped Caymanians living in my community and indeed, they have helped me too.  I am welcomed into the homes of many within my community, and they are welcomed at my home – many of whom are well-known within our district and freely refer to me as "family".  I have volunteered my services in assisting younsters within our community with their reading and spelling, have assisted young Caymanians in getting jobs and interviews, I'm a member of an organisation set up mainly to assist young Caymanians into further vocational education with a view to ultimately finding them jobs that would traditionally be taken by expats, with the assistance of recruiters who share the same vision.  Cayman and its people welcomed me to its shores and made me feel like family.  My landlady is Caymanian, I try to buy local whenever possible and the majority of my money is spent here in Cayman and not sent home.  I appreciate what you say and agree there aren't many of us.  Unfortunately, even though I can look after myself financiallyeven after I retire, I will not be applying for residency as I do not own property here. 

      • Anonymous says:

        So do the vast majority of us, but we are fed up with being told we don't when many Caymanian's just sit on their ass's and wait for the expat to fix it or pay for it.

        • Anonymous says:

          You need to learn the proper use of apostrophes.

        • Anonymous says:

          I'm sorry but I disagree that most expats do this.  I only wish that more would.  And I do not share your bitter sentiments about Caymanians either.

    • Anonymous says:

      That's what I was thinking. Unfortunately Caymanians don't seem to see through this kind of sycophant who panders to what Caymanians want to hear. I attend  meetings where the same expat manager regularly works themselves into tears pontificating on how the rest of us aren't grateful enough etc. But trying to get promotions or training for Caymanian staff is a different story altogether. 

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

  12. Anonymous says:

    Quick, give this poster status. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Biggest load of rubbish i have read in a while, patronising, assuming to speak for "bigoted" expats. There is not one expat I know who would talk like that. Should we repsect each other, sure we should, the hatred on here sometimes from both sides is dreadful, but where do all those comments take us? Nowhere. The real issue still comes to voacational training. If we could solve these issues and a limited few of the bigoted expats and locals views, we would have gone a long way.

      • Anonymous says:

        CNS is littered with posts from expats like that. 

        • Anonymous says:

          The hilarious factor in all of this is that some actually believe that:

          1. This self rightous idiot speaks for anyone.

          2. He is an expat.

          Come on Cayman, don't you see the divisiveness of his letter and the intention to provoke further them and us scenario's. Don't be so niave, this is written by someone whose agenda is their own and not by someone who really believes the garbage he writes.

          Haven't you learnt anything from your politicians. Just because they say it, it doesn't follow that they truly believe it?

          It's no wonder you're in the crap you're in.

          • Anonymous says:

            LOL. Yes, the continued tearing down of Caymanians by other expat posters will foster unity. smh. 

            • Anonymous says:

              No, but self indulgent and self rightous shit like that won't help either.

              • Anonymous says:

                You are being hypocritical is my point. You don't condemn expat posters who tear down Caymanians but you are here to condemn someone who dares speak out on behalf of Caymanians as divisive.   

      • Anonymous says:

        This is clearly your first time on CNS where you actually read anything, as otherwise you would have read all those comments which refer to ALL Caymanians as being lazy and unprofessional.

  13. Anonymous says:

    While on the subject of the airport authorities HR boss work permit denial, isn't it sad that our immigration board seems to have the courage of their convictions in one lonely circumstance with an impotent party but when dealing with wealthy Caymanian private business owners immigration law enforcement is a foreign concept? Time to stop blaming Cayman's current predicament on outside influences.

  14. Future hope says:

    The fact that I have read this viewpoint 3 times now and still doubt that this is really written by an 'expat' scares me. It means that I too have gotten so sucked into this constant 'us' vs. 'them' tug of war that I have forsaken the fact that there are rational, honest, and caring individuals out there who aren't thumbing their noses at my people.

    Shame on all of us for abandoning dialogue and embracing rhetoric.

  15. Anonymous says:

    My god, you are a saint amongst men.

    So your experience is correct and everyone else that makes a comment is a selfish, colonialist ass. Well, that is one of the most arrogant pieces of self opinionated bull shit that has been written for some time and is typical of the tree hugging liberals who now make up a self imposed metropolitan elite in the UK and US.

    Whilst I agree that employment should be open and fair to the local population, it is commercial suicide to think that a government office clerk is better qualified to decide on an appointment than the employer. If it were the case that so many Caymanian's were of the educational standard, experience and skill base that top accountants, lawyers and bankers could employ them, then they would employ them. If you were an employer, would you be happy with an imposed appointment or would you want to find the best person suited for that position? Don't forget, you are employing someone to be a productive asset to your company, not a politically correct token to appease a vocal few.

    The point being that there is a reason why those people you mentioned came to Cayman, because those companies simply do not have the choice from within such a small population. You cannot compare London, New York or Frankfurt to Grand Cayman, to do so is to demonstrate a complete misunderstanding of the local demographic and comparative pool from which you draw your case.

    30,000 local residents probably equates to a third or maybe a half of which are of employment age. If you exclude those who are late in their working lives, those who are too young to have experience, those who are uneducated, those with a criminal record and those who just don't want to work, (the unemployable, and every population has them) you might get a pool of 10 to 20% that meet a basic employability criteria. That's a total of between a 1000 and 3000 people, and we haven't even started on the basics of educational qualification, relevant experience and suitability for the role.

    It is interesting that your description of those who have moved to Cayman have done so for the commute or to bring up children etc.. That sounds suspiciously like a typical middle class professional who relocates for a hugetax free salary and fringe benefits. Probably has a wife that cannot work and spends most of her day at the spa, gym or at lunch with the other clothes horses. They almost certainly have a nanny to bring up their kids and live in a sterile expat enclave such as Governors Harbour or South Sound. 

    The trouble is that the vast majority of expat workers live in sub standard rented accommodation and are paid pitiful wages for very long or inconvenient hours. They often cannot afford to bring their loved ones with them and make huge personal sacrifices to find employment. And for your information, many of them did rebuild this country from the ruins of Ivan. They did work in the hot sun to get a broken country back to civilisation and literally built Cayman out of destruction. Many also lost everything they own, including their homes, so don't sit in your a/c, climate controlled office and pontificate to those who put the sweat into actually doing something, instead of sitting around waiting for someone else to do it for them. Who on earth do you think rebuilt Cayman, the tooth fairy. Do you not realise that most construction crews are Jamaican not Caymanian? You seriously need to get out more.

    May I respectfully suggest that before you stand up and preach about how the expat is the bad guy and the Caymanian is the down trodden victim, consider this.

    How many Caymanian's do you see working in bars, restaurants, shops, construction sites or as home helpers, nannies or cleaners? Not many, I hear you say, have you ever wondered why not and why so many professional/blue collar workers came here from Europe, Canada and the US in the first place. Is it a huge conspiracy or could it be that Cayman's population cannot support the international and national business community without them. Are they really equipped to be a member of the global economy where staff move around the world within their existing company or their chosen profession. Is it because some Caymanian's believe that the service industry is below their high opinion of themselves. Could it be that you are ignorant of life outside of GT and SMB, cosseted in a smart office amongst other self rightous members of the chattering classes. Have you ever entered a locals bar in GT, West Bay, NS or EE and been subjected to racial discrimination or worse? 

    Thought not, not likely to happen in a gated condo complex or swanky bar or restaurant on SMB or South Sound. You probably don't have to put up with snide and sarcastic comments from co-workers who can't do their own job, but think they can do your's because they are 'Caymanian' and can do and say what they like in their own country.

    Expats are much maligned, villified and discriminated against by many in the local population, (certainly not by all). Some do not see the irony of their caustic version of nationalism and the fact that most of them are recent descendants of immigrants themselves.

    One thing is absolutely assured, without expat skills, experience and labour within all stratas of the economy this country will cease to function in its current form. Businesses will fold or simply relocate to better business environments and unemployment will go through the roof. That is a scenario that is neither good for expats or Caymanian's.

    Now you may take a more high brow view of your experiences, but please do us lesser mortals the courtesy of allowing us ours.

    • Anonymous says:

      Read the article again! I think you completely missed the point! After that is suggest anger management classes!

      • Anonymous says:

        I am quite capable of understanding self rightous bull shit when I read it. The 'Expat' speaks for no one that I know, he/she is completely out of touch with the reality of living on Cayman, but swanning around in an office pretending to be oh so important will do that to you.

        For the tiny minority of Caymanian's that he comes into contact with in his cosy corporate environment, many hundreds more expats have to run the gauntlett of self entitled idiots whose only qualification is their nationality.

        The vast majority of expats live honest and productive lives, and they rarely put their heads above the parapit. But this policy of expat bashing has to stop before Cayman suffers terminal decline. 

        • Anonymous says:

           

          The Expats that are being "bashed" are the ones that constantly refer to the entire Caymanian population as lazy, unprofessional, sub-standard etc. Can anyone move to the UK and constantly post on news media sites how stupid and lazy all Brits are and then be surprised if they are not welcome with open arms? Unfortunately, it only takes a few to behave like this to ruin it for a lot of others, that's just how it goes in life!

          If someone choses to go somewhere else, why bother to stay if you think everything and everyone from this nation it just so stupid and dum? It is like saying every day  that Cayman would be a good place if there just wouldn't be any Caymanians there?

          Also, I don't know what this article has to do with a the author's position in his/her work…. you completely lost me there.

          Clearly, you seem to have a lot of anger. If you are not one of those expats that believes your presence here is a gift to the Cayman Islands, then good for you, but perhaps the article then just doesn't apply to you. It is the same that is expected of Caymanians – to know when we are supposed to be insulted by being called lazy, stupid, and dum and to know when it not applies.

        • Anonymous says:

          Well now you know exactly how Caymanians feel when they are being judged upon by people who have moved to these Island years ago, have never made any effort to integrate themselves into Cayman society and culture, do not consider any Caymanian as a friend or interact with any socially but has come to the conclusion that ALL Caymanians are stupid, lazy and the works!

        • Anonymous says:

          To:Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/10/2013 – 15:32.                                   You say"this policy of expat bashing has to stop before Cayman suffers terminal decline" ,yet you make no criticism of "Caymanian bashing".Does this mean that you support Caymanian bashing?

          • Anonymous says:

            They mean if we want them around we have to put up with their bashing Caymanians.

    • Anonymous says:

      So for example the Jamaicans who came here as you pointed out to work construction? Did they come perhaps to Cayman because they couldn't even get a job in their own country? There was no reference in this article that expats or work permit holders are not needed just that they should remember they are a guest and should act accordingly!

      • Anonymous says:

        Where they work and how they behave are two seperate issues. You cannot deny that Jamaican's make up a significant proportion of the construction, maintainence and domestic workforce.

        How they behave is a matter for the law, but recent events prove that Jamaican's feature very low down on the current crime wave. Not having a job in your own country is not illegal, that is why so many people around the world look further afield to support their families. Perhaps Cayman could learn a valuable moral lesson from people who are willing to make such a sacrifice.

        If they are on work permits and they break the law then kick them out, if not, leave them alone. Few expats are guilty of any crime or act of aggression, behaving appropriately keeps them in work as not to would result in the loss of their work permit.

        Most expats are anxious from the increasing volume of nationalist bullshit. They are sick of being treated like second class citizens in a country that relies on them for basic commerce and growth in the economy. Yet they have no security of tenure and no voice.

        Is it any wonder that some are getting frustrated and giving back?

        • Anonymous says:

          Nobody said anything about there being any issue with any expat and/or workpermit holder who is rightfully and legally employed. The issue is that work permit holders did not come here because they wanted to help Cayman in any way shape or form. They came to help themselves for whatever the reasons were. The point is that work permit holders should not be upset when their permit is denied or when they are rolled over cause they knew from the onset that there was a big chance that they were just temporarily residing in this Island.

           

        • Anonymous says:

          They are not citizens

        • Anonymous says:

          "…recent events prove that Jamaican's feature very low down on the current crime wave".

          Really? What is the proof of that? The truth is we have no way of knowing.  

          Expats, by definition, are not citizens, second class or otherwise.

          You receive security of tenure when you qualify for PR.

           

        • Anonymous says:

          Perhaps people should stay in their own homeland then if they are frustrated that there is a chance they can only stay temporarily in another country………..

      • Anonymous says:

        That makes you Host?  Just what kind of a host do you think you are?  All indications are you are the kind that takes advatage of your guest then kick them out when you are done with them.

        • Anonymous says:

          its really a simple simple work permit policy. hard to imagine you dont understand it! 

          Cayman has been a great host of nations buddy. our infastructure hasbeen  developed by local and foreigners alike, to a host of tastes, technology, culture etc. our immigration borders are practically opened to skilled workers. what we lack in ground work is as a result of issues that stain each and every government including yours to date. throw you out? how can somone be thrown out if they are here on a term agreement.

           

           

           

        • Anonymous says:

          Takes advantage of your guests? How exactly? We are the kind of host who graciously allows others to visit but will not tolerate them trying to bully and take advantage of the host and take over his house. At that point the welcome mat is pulled.

    • Anonymous says:

      Well said.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Thank you sir/nadam; well said.

  17. Get Real says:

    Expat, try employing a few supposedly 'qualfied' Caymanians in positions of responsibility and see how long it is before they screw up. When you've done that you'll have a totally different outlook on this issue. Your points may be well made but they are clearly not backed up by practical experience.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes they are? As a manager I have recruited a number of Caymanians? There were some apples and there were some lemons! Nothing different from what I have  experienced working in other countries. There are good employees and bad employees in every nation. Perhaps you are not making  any effort to treat your employees properly and provide the necessary training? Business owners in Cayman have gotten too used to manage employees via a work permit rather than through proper HR processes.

  18. 4Cayman says:

    Expat at least you got it right and it is people with your frame of thoughts and goodwill that me as a caymanian welcome and hope you will integrate and be a part of cayman by accepting our culture and our way of life. 

    Too many times I have heard of caymanians who are being put down in the work place and are not given the opportunity to train or go overseas to gain the necessary experiences to fulfill the job. Too many times the expat hire their friends and push them on for promotions, higher salaries and big bonuses when the caymanian employee gets the crumbs and sometimes nothing at all.

    A local organization last year claimed proverty and could not pay caymanians, yet their executives got great, large, excellent bonuses and guess what the executives all expats! So you tell me where the resentment comes from? 

    Many expats believe they are superior than the natives. So they band together, get the best jobs, the best houses and pretty much gets the best of everything. Have you ever heard of a poor caymanian getting a mortgage rate at prime?

    With the exception of a few caymanians who went on to doing great things, caymanians  are now a second class citizen in their own country and it is so sad. When the crime escalates, politicians continue to dig into the public coffers and the country gone to hell just like Jamaica, guess what will happen, the expat will pick up and move onto the next country or go back home with a big cheque in their bank accounts. Where will the caymanians go then? 

    Take a look around us, cayman is falling apart. The government is bankrupt, the financial industry failing, tourists going to cheaper destinations, gun crimes on the rise, white collar crimes  drugs, molestations of children, pastors conducting themselves in unbecoming manner, rapes, missing people and the list goes on.

    i know there are other countries that have similar issues but cayman is just too small to have these number of crimes that transpire with the majority of them going unsolved. 

    I have reached the point where I am scared to live here and is looking at my options of where to relocate before the pressure cooker blows. Somewhere I can raise my family with good morales and people who have the same values, where I can protect myself and family, somewhere where pricing of goods are fair, where people who are elected to boards are held accountable and employment recruitment is fair, politicians strip of their roles if they are found guilty and are not able to be reflected, chief officers to stop giving projects to their friends and so on.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Thank you, well said and every word is true! Every country I have visited in my adult life has a certain percentage of its working age population that is unproductive, some of that is of their own making and some of it is not. Many employers in Cayman use that unemployable segment of the population to categorize all job seeking Caymanians! Sadly, those people elected as well as those populating the Govt. agencies charged with the responsability to represent Caymanian Citizens interest in the job market, seem to be the very once too lazy or conflicted to enforce existing Immigration and Labor laws!

  20. Anonymous says:

    It's a good job your letter contains a large amount of facts and statistics to back up what may otherwise be considered childish generalisations!

    • Anonymous says:

      You mean like so many of the expat diatribes against Caymanians on here? 

  21. Anonymous says:

    All expats should read your comment!

  22. Anonymous says:

    Truly one of the best peice of Viewpoint i have read in awhile…i agree with you 100%.

  23. Anonymous says:

    It would be very nice if all Ex-pats took your attitude once arriving to our shores. If I had the authority, honestly speaking, I would strongly consider giving you "Caymanian Status/Naturalisation" once you have spent  8 – 10 years living amongst us. You are the kind of Ex-pat that we are seeking to intergrate and work with in our community, whom I would fully embrace and call, "My Caymanian Brother or Sister".

    I sure wish I had personal access to the Immigration data base that I could send this article out to the 20,000+ work permits holders in the Cayman Islands. A well written and refreshing article to read this weekend.    

    • Judean People's front says:

      I applaud this poster, it has been a while since I read a post that stunned me by it's sheer awesomeness.

      Ittook me back to my first year here in a time when we all use to gather in George town and drink fish tea whilst waiting for the mail steamer. Back in the day, we were all our brother's keepers and cousins to everyone. Values were handed down from our fathers fathers, and even from our fathers, fathers, fathers. Even though I am an expat, I soon became a son of the soil and lost all sense of urgency. Time was for someone else back then and it still is now. There are no deadlines to keep or meet for me anymore, or at least once my status application has been received.

      I encourage all other visitors to these shores to do the Same. Get to know your neighbour, crack open a beer or two on the way to work and consider yourself truly blessed.

  24. Weapons Grade Bollocks says:

    There are two things I can't stand. Intolerance of other cultures. And the English!

    • Anonymous says:

      Doh!! Lemon.

    • Anonymous says:

      Another jealous genius who doesn't know the meaning of 'intolerance'.

      There's one thing I can't stand, poor English grammar. Example:  'And the English!…..'  What is the rest of the sentence, you did mean to start a new sentence, didn't you? 

      If you're going to try and be clever or funny, at least get the script right.

      Weapons grade idiot.

  25. Anonymously says:

    Thank you author of Lemon and Apples, just for your honest viewpoint you deserve Cabinet Status, the most honest and impartial comment ever.

  26. Anonymous says:

    Wow! As a Caymanian I amso grateful to you for expressing your views and feelings. YOu are the type of expat we want and love ans the type that should be awarded permanent residency when the time comes.

    Caymanians have become so complacent. It is only know that we see a small few standing up for our right. Even the Premier has let us down so we are happy to have the support from the expats that are willing to work within our laws and understand our culture and willing to accept it.

     

    Thank you so Much!!!!

  27. Anonymous says:

    I suspect you are not really an ex-pat, are you?

    • Anonymous says:

      Because all expats are bigots? 

    • Anonymous says:

      I received status in 2003. I was one who deserved it. I agree with everything written in this commentary. I believe there are many expats who respect the intent of the immigrarion laws. Anyone who criticizes this article does not have an understanding of the law or its intent. Only Caymanians have a right to live and work in this country. The rest of the people who live and work here are guests with no expectation of staying here for any period of time longer than their current work permit. People who brought their businesses here did so to make money. There is no point in having businesses here if local people do not somehow benefit. I'm just glad that laws are in place that attempt to prevent exploitation of Caymanian people.

      • Anonymous says:

        'I received status in 2003. I was one who deserved it'.

        So you deserved it did you, so what did you do that was so remarkable, why do you think you are so special?

        Thousands of expats have invested into this country with property and hard work,why are they not deserving?

         

      • Anonymous says:

        Oh god, you'll have us all in tears.

        But you don't mind exploiting those who wipe your superior arse for you on a daily basis. Get real, Cayman's economy was built on the exploitation of cheap, foriegn labour, and it still is. But that doesn't stop you going to bars, restaurants, gas stations or almost every other industry that survives because of cheap labour.

        No, you'd rather play the deserving status expat card and live in a delusional world where all other hard working and equally deserving expat's are against Caymanian's.

        That's called an 'I'm alright Jack' attitude, it is contemptuous, arrogant and unhelpful to expat's and Caymanian's alike..

  28. Anonymous says:

    Absolutely correct . It has been to long that we have been suffering because we had a person who wouldn't listen. He became a dictator and cared more for the BS that these people said on a different day. 

    If we had Jim Bodden alive and here today this crap would never had happen . He didn't forget who voted for him and he was constantly trying to help caymanians. When you complained to him about a manager who was taking advantage of your grats. He would call first and let thm know he had a complaint. If more people came to him and complained he would show up and humiliate them in front of people. Tell them in front of people when he come back here with anymore complainstheir work permit was cancelled.

    Today no one cares the boss is always right. Even if you have five people saying the same thing. I hope Alden will remember we need a representative that makes sure that all caymanians get a steady job. Not a part time job so that the company doesn't pay medical ins.

    We are in a recession and still these companies are still raising their rates . Can you tell me why groceries stores are 300-400% percent higher then they are in the USA? Why or when will the elect. rates will go down? People couldn't pay their bills no jobs and the water company and the elect. company are adding interest to the bill? For what? The people are in a recession with no jobs!! It doesn't make economical sense. Good will and charity will go a long way when the market changes remember that. Remember cable and wireless who also claimed that the prices they charging was the best they could do? Karma is a B&^%$h.

    • Anonymous says:

      Sound s like you agree that Mr Jim, frequently a charming man, was also a known as a bully when it served his purpose (not just against expats) Wasn't there an infamous case of him allegedly dumping a load of horse manure on an expat manager's driveway, because that man had been trying to get Mr Jim to pay a long overdue utility bill?  Presumably you'd applaud that. 

  29. Anonymous says:

    Kudos to you for a well-written piece.  Since we do require some work permit holders due to the  mere fact there are not enough Caymanians to fill all the jobs here period I wish there were more like you and less of those you write about but sadly that is not the case.  Trust me, you are one who is welcome here!   

  30. Anonymous says:

    If your an expat I'm an apple.

  31. Anonymous says:

    Wow. The other side of the coin!  I must congratulate you for speaking to the subject in such an honest manner. It has often appeared to me the controversy which contributes to the ongoing Expat vs.Caymanian discussion originates from those who stand to gain from it. And in prolonging it.  Be it politicians wishing to gain favor with voters, those who need a convenient excuse to stir things up or people with some other axe to grind. As you say, the realities of employment on Cayman are not much different than anywhere else. And it… has very similar rules. Where it falls down is not in the actual laws and regulations but in how they are manipulated by certain individuals. Again…not much different than anywhere else except, that on Cayman, it may have always been easier to "reach an official". This is not the fault of the existing laws, Expats, or Caymanians but it does help to keep them at each other's throats. Good on you for helping point that out.

  32. Anonymous says:

     To whom ever you are if i was near you i would KISS your foot bottom

  33. The Ex-Expat says:

    There's no terms limits, then there's a 7 year limit, then there's exemptions to the 7 year limit, then there's a 9 year limit (or something mysteriously resembling that), then it's get the xxxx out in 45 days… This government is a cluster-xxxx from top to bottom and your little speech doesn't change that.  Sure Cayman can make its own laws and foreigners have to live with that, but these people don't know what they are doing day to day, let alone could they provide a stable predictable platform for business to operate and people to plan lives around.  That's what's bullshit my ass-kissing little friend.

    • Anonymous says:

      You're an ass. First, you complained there was no certainty and then we gave you the certainty of rollover, then you complained of the certainty even though there were exemptions, then you ignored the 7 years and so had to be granted an an extension of 2 years which also ignored so had to be granted an extension of 45 days plus the opportunity to apply for PR which you were told not to expect in the first place. But still you do nothing but moan and complain when in fact the laws are being monkeyed around to suit your interests. You are the kind of despicable expat this country needs less of.      

      • The Ex-Expat says:

        If you note my handle you'd see that I'm an ex expat, not an expat.  Having seen the 7 year rollover destroying Cayman, witnessed the rise in us v them mentality, and seen the crime wave that crushingly rolled over Cayman like Hurricane Ivan's waves, I packed up and left years ago.  Cayman was nice at first but I was quite happy to return to the stability of my homeland where I'm earning 3 times the income and enjoy absolute predictability to life.  I lament the loss of the Cayman of old, and its frienly people, and I post on CNS to hopefully agitate Caymanians into getting it together and try to build something the world wants.  Don't hate, it's not good for your soul, but if you must then take solace in the fact that I'm gone, gone, gone.

        • Anonymous says:

          Why oh why, would you have every left such a paradise where you earn 3 times the income?

          • The Ex Ex-Pat says:

            Because there's more to life than money.  I go where I want and leave when I feel like it.  Freedom is great.

      • The Ex-Expat says:

        PS – I didn't complain once about the certainty of the rollover.  I packed up and went home, smiling politely at everyone along the way, thanking them for the experience.

  34. Anonymous says:

    This viewpoint spoke to me on so many levels!  A lot of expats I know say Caymanians shouldn't complain about not getting the job even though its OUR country, but when the Indians, Pakistanis etc. take up the jobs in England they complain just as much.

     

    Although there are lazy Caymanians in the workforce, do not generalise us. A few hundred lazy Caymanians does not mean the other thousands of us are because I doubt half the expats on here talking sh*t about Caymanians has even bothered to meet over the HALF the workforce.  

  35. Anonymous says:

    Thank you

  36. Anonymous says:

    I've been visiting for years. I am not an "expat" because I don't work or live in Cayman. Just own a beach house and come to visit. Based on my observations, Cayman's employment problems are 100% its own fault.

    • Anonymous says:

      In other words, you have no idea what you're talking about but just thought you would stick your oar in in any event.

      • Anonymous says:

        No, actually I've had a lot of people work for me, both Caymanian and "other."  I've also listened to what they say.  You're unemployment problem is 100% homegrown.

        • Anonymous says:

          Obviously that is far too limited a perspective to make general pronouncements like "you're unemployment problem is 100% homegrown". It suggests prejudice. Clearly, you could never be an impartial tribunal on any issue involvement Caymanian employment since you've made up your mind before hearing the case.  

  37. Anonymous says:

    I suspect that my comment will get several thumbs down for he reasons highlighted in this article, but it is a refreshing and I dare say, honest point of view!  Well done for having the courage to share what is an increasingly unpopular viewpoint.

  38. Anonymous says:

    Thank you! From the bottom of my heart.

  39. Anonymous says:

    WOWWWW!!!!!!!  TRU TRU!!!!   Well said!!!!!  Amazing insights!!!!!!  The TRUTH is coming out finally!!!!  THANK YOU!!!!!

  40. trippin says:

    It seems to me that you have tried to shoot down others arguemnts, biases etc with your own biases, which unfortunately renders all of your comments useless. May I suggest that proponents on both sides of the arguement try and stick with facts rather than making up fiction.

  41. Anonymous says:

    Agree with you 100%

  42. Anonymous says:

    You are the kind of expat that deserve PR, your humility goes a long way. As a Caymanian, I truly appreaciate this and it's good to know not all wp holder's view us as pathetic, lazy and stupid.

  43. Anonymous says:

    Ex-pat, I will marry you so you can stay in Cayman work permit free. You already appreciate my ppl so I'm sure you will love me unconditionally.

  44. Anonymous says:

    Pls tell me who you are ex-pat so I can wash your feet.

  45. Anonymous says:

    I don't know who you are, but I'd like to shake your hand!  Thank you!!

  46. And another Ting says:

    THe EXpat whoever you are, stay blessed and under cover, for your fella immigrants if they know who yu are will tear you apart.  The tiem is coming when all the nay sayers will have to go home, put on a plane and sent home.  Educate our people and stop the pontificate niggerish boyurgeois chatter.  Lets find the way to take it back and carry it forward.  A bright future lies ahead with decent expats not the gunamigranny ones that laugh up and talk about ius at their tea and saltine paties.

  47. Anonymous says:

    you are no expat, i dare you to reveal your identity…..you have nothing to fear with such a loving tribute to the cayman immigration policy…..

    • Anonymous says:

      And you know this how – because all expats are bigots?

    • Anonymously says:

      14:31 why don't you reveal your identity? I would like to recommend you as national zero excuse the typo hero .

    • Anonymous says:

      What he has to fear is the tribal mentality of some expats who will seek to discredit him for speaking the truth. Just ask Paget-Brown.  

  48. Anonymous says:

    Finally!! Some good perspective from a sensible ex-pat. If only many others would share your outlook Caymanians/Ex-pats might have a better relationship instead of us feeling like you all come here to try and take over our islands and bash us at the same time.

  49. anonymous says:

    Thank you very much. I completely agree.

  50. Anonymous says:

    I could not agree more and find it refreshing to hear such strong support from an expatriate – someone who is grateful for the opportunities afforded them here and by that I do not mean that every expatriate needs to be so ridiculously grateful in the ‘we are not worthy’ way BUT it’s high time those amongst the expatriate community who feel entitled, remember that they are a guest and that they chose to come here and there are lots of reasons they might have chosen to do so, ‘The Expat’ lists just a few – I would suggest that the reasons one might choose to come here are almost always because there is a benefit to the expatriate and not necessarily to the Island.

    That said, I know many expatriates who have come here and have been of benefit to the Island – but there are equally many expatriates who come and when they leave they are not necessarily missed and the Island is no worse off without them.

    As ‘The Expat’ states, there are expatriates here moaning because a Caymanian has been given preferential treatment and yet they will equally moan about the foreigners taking over the workforce in their home countries.  You cannot have it both ways.

    As a Caymanian, I strongly believe that being Caymanian MUST always be an advantage – it’s absurd to think that shouldn’t be the case – that said, being Caymanian is NOT a qualification – however in the example being given here – in the case of offering a job to an expatriate when there was a suitably qualified Caymanian who apparently also scored higher on the assessment than her expatriate counterpart (although apparently wasn’t as eloquent in the face to face portion of the interview), I am thrilled to see that the work permit board stepped in to right this wrong.  What I find interesting is that this whole situation could have been avoided had our own people (in this case those at the CIAA) subscribed to the laws that are in place – we do not need new laws, we need everyone to abide by the ones we have.

    There are qualified Caymanians out of work and until all qualified Caymanians are gainfully employed we need to be more aware than ever of ensuring we are looking for opportunities to provide work to each and every one of them.  I am not advocating that the unqualified should be given preference over the qualified but that we compare like with like and find ways to get the educated and qualified back to work not least so that they can continue to gain valuable experience but so that they can support their families – after all, the majority don’t have other countries to go to where the Government will provide welfare if need be.

  51. M for Anonymous says:

    Preach

  52. Anonymous says:

    Well said!!!

  53. Anonymous says:

    Finally! Finally, the truth is spoken by an expat. Every single sentence you wrote was true. Thank you kindly sir/madam. The attitudes that you speak of are so much in evidence here in the posts on CNS that it gives Caymanians the impression that most expats secretly think that way but will only vent it under cover of anonymity. This is a major driver of the resentment by some Caymanians of expats.