Sunday trade limits to stay

| 13/10/2014

(CNS): There will be no full scale shopping in Cayman on Sundays anytime soon as the premier has revealed that the government will not be making any major changes to the Sunday trading law. Following the recent public consultation, Alden McLaughlin said that the Progressive government he leads has listened to the concerns of the business community and churches about lifting the limits on Sunday business. He said that while the law will not be amended to create another regular trading day the law will be changed to legalise the current limited trading that takes place on Sundays at corner stores and gas stations.

Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce Legislative Lunch last week McLaughlin said the government had taken into account the business organisation’s survey on Sunday Trading Survey, which showed that more than 64% of the 113 respondents supported allowing all businesses the option of opening on Sunday but a decision had been made not to turn Sunday into a general trading day, but to regularise trading so retailers currently operating in violation of the law will be made legal.

“We will make modifications to the schedule of exemptions to the Sunday Trading Law to permit corner stores and the c-stores at gas stations to open lawfully on Sunday and sell their usual merchandise,” he told the chamber. “We heard the misgivings from the business community, church leaders and private residents who did not want a wholesale opening of Sunday sales, but we also realized that we must ensure that those who have been providing essential goods and services on Sundays are able to continue to do so legally,” the premier added.

Although the church had led a strong opposition to Sunday trading there were concerns from the wider community too about the potential exploitation of workers is stores were allowed to make Sunday a normal trading day.

During the consultation period which included public meetings and an on-line survey the government had heard broader concerns than religious ones which including the issue of a cultural preference for one quiet family day in the week.

The financial services minister who is also responsible for general commerce had said that Sunday trading could expand consumer choice, could help grow the domestic product and potentially drive employment. But had made it clear that government was not advocating for or against trading on Sunday trading but was seeking the views of the people. He did state however government’s goal was to find a way to regularize, rather than penalize existing Sunday traders who were in practice breaking the law but also serving an important community need.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Get over it.  CIG is not going to change it because it would take work and abilities which they know they do not have.  They are (as usual) going to blame it on some one else.  The church this time.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Lots of other places observe Sunday trading laws.  It is really not that weird or ancient.  Reality is that people who oppose it are just in fact just down right ungodly and just want to have something with Christain values to oppose.  I know that there are churches that exploit but that is not the majority I hope.  Most 'real' Caymanians grew up with a fear and knowlege of God and do not have a real problem with this law.  And for those who acquired being Caymanian in any other way than by blood then maybe you could go back to where you came from and do whatever it is you do on Sundays and leave this country to doing what it always has.

    • Anonymous says:

      15:02, the issue is about us having a choice, which we do not have, whether it be to open your shop or go to the shop.

      It becomes religious when the only reasoning given to us is because the Church says so and when they themselves are in fact, a business.

      Hopefully that helps explain the issue to you.

  3. RP says:

    But if we can't shop on Sunday can we at least be allowed to play music and dance?

  4. Anonymous says:

    If it is not broken, then do not fix it.

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh its broken alright.

    • Anonymous says:

      15:46, the most pathetic argument of all time which far too many Caymanians love. The Model T Ford was not "broke". It was massively successful. But forward thinking people realised that times change. So we are not driving around in these old antique cars. But in Cayman, thanks to the church and people like you, we are still living 40 or 50 years ago.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Please stop complaining or they will close everything down on Saturday too.  Pissing off a fool just makes him do more foolish things.

  6. Just Commentin' says:

    With so many whiners here b*tching about this issue after the fact, I wonder how many of you rubber squeaking toys are among the 113 who took the opportunity to participate in their democaratic right to voice their opinion and make their desires be known in the poll?  If you did not then you are a moron to moan and whinge about it now.  You had your chance. I voiced my opinion and I was among the 113 who did respond and I am glad my voice was heard and heeded. 

    The fact that only 113 out of a population of tens of thousands is a pathetic commentary about this land and its people.  As is the low voter turnout come election day. We deserve to be dictated to because we have become just plain lazy when it comes to being pro-active rather than reactive regarding our government and how this territory is governed.

    If you did respond I would proffer that you were too few to make a difference. You proved yourselves to be irrelevant to the issue by not responding. If you did not value your opinion enough to participate in the poll then your opinion is even more worthless to us now.

    So, if you were too lazy and/or too complacent to respond before the decision was made, shut the cuff up and get over it!

  7. Anonymous says:

    Well, as a "christian of convenience" society – you know, the ones who only go to church to socialise and gossip, I must say, the christian values of yesteryear have long been replaced with the "make more money" values of today.  The Pastors are really only looking for a good excuse to try their best to have their churches filled to capacity but long gone are those days because most of us see right through their ulterior motives, the get rich, live large and in charge mentality of Pastors of today.  I refuse to drop a penny in the offering plate, I dont need a middle man to pass my money to, I can get into my vehicle and drive to a few spots on Island on any given day and find someone desperatey in need whom I can assist financially, at least the feeling I get from that does not compare to the feeling of being "robbed" by churches.  TIME TO START REGULATING AND REQUESTING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FROM ALL CHURCHES ANNUALLY.

  8. Anonymous says:

    The Un-Progressive Government!

  9. Anonymous says:

    If Sunday trading was to pass – it still wouldnt be like another day of the week. Most shops would stay shut – maybe choosing to open the few weeks before christmas. Supermarkets would open part of the day only, Souvenir shops would only open if there is a cruise ship in on a Sunday – or town was particularily busy with an event.

    Its about having the option to open, not having someoneelse mak the decision you.

  10. Anonymous says:

    I would like Sunday trading but to call Cayman backward because it chooses not to instigate it is offensive in the extreme.  I don't care for religious arguments, the one that personally resonates with me, is the one of being forced to wind down for one day.  Yes its inconvenient, yes I get the argument about freedom of choice etc, but despite all this I love sundays in Cayman.  

  11. Anon says:

    I don't understand why some people feel that not legalizing Sunday trading is regressive.  You need to travel and you will find that many cities/counties have Sunday trading ordinances and there are large retailers, restaurant chains etc., that chose not to open on Sunday. 

    • Anonymous says:

      08:01, it is obvious that you do not understand, especially when you finish your comment with the words "that choose not to open".

      Thats the point, WE HAVE NO CHOICE!

  12. Anonyanmous says:

    Cayman is in the mess that it's today because of leaders that were lovers of money, power and greed.  Thank you Hon. Alden McLaughlin for taking a stance contrary to those lovers of money, power and greed.  Thank you for upholding the last of a Caymanian tradition and way of life. In the past 45 I have witnessed the erosion of the Caymanian way of life, changing forever our mores, values, culture and everything that made us proud to be Caymanians.

    • Anonymous says:

      It was once legal to sell a child to the circus in alabama, and it was once illegal to play cards on a Sunday in your one home in Georgia.  Just because it was once law or tradition doesnt mean the times don t call for change.  

      • Anonyanmous says:

        YA sure right it was legal once in the South of the USA to lynch men for looking at a woman, the now hush hush 'N' word could be used to the fullest and maybe still is acceptable in certain parts of the South.  That my friend is why we are talking about Cayman and not the USA, we have changed lots of things but there are those that we hold sacred and until death.  Eating turtle meat and NO Sunday Trading are two that we cherish and will hold on to.  Now dats Caymanian fa ya.

  13. 4Cayman says:

    You got this one right Mr. Premier!

  14. WHAT !!!!!! says:

    I feel we should even close more buisness down especially them that trade on Sunday ilegally…Have you ever been too other countries for a public holiday that they respect when they close they close you out of luck..They dont give a flying fart how much money you have on you to spend.The LAW is the LAW ….All these years tourist deal with it they dont starve they dont die they just go with the flow..Maybe ALL Airlines need too hand out a friendly reminder Stop too the Shop on your way too the hotel..Or hotels and guest houses need place a reminder in your rooms Shops Close On Sundays..That is Cayman Problem today everyone come here want us too change our way of life..Can we go to your country and do the same??? Better yet can you go back to your country and ask them to change the laws for you???Well No Caymanian in there right mind would even try it..We the real Caymanians know better…Old saying When you go to Rome you do as the Romans do…So when you come too Cayman do as the Real Caymainans do..If not you are welcome too the 2nd half of your ticket BYE BYE!!!!!

    • RVT-D says:

       05:28. Funny that you mentioned when in Rome do as the Romans. You have now idea the depth of that statement. Do a little research and you will find that it was the Roman power that that passed the first Sunday law (Venerable day of the sun) as it was the pagan day of sun worship that entered the church in the early centuries. When that didn't accomplish their goals as required they up'd their game and passed anti-Sabbath laws on the pangs of death if you dared to resist. Behind the scenes, churches do have influence on govt policies and that influence in only getting stronger.You haven't seen anything yet. "When in Rome.." SMH.

      • Anonymous says:

        WELL SAID 9:01!!!!!!

        This is the truth.

        READ IT, RETAIN IT, PASS IT ON!

    • anonymous says:

      I took your advice and researched ancient Rome. Great idea, I turned my house into a comfortable atrium and then invited a few people around for a bisexual orgy tended on by eunuchs.

      Thanks for the suggestion.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Was their campaign slogan "Why do the right thing when doing nothing is so much easier"?

  16. Anonymous says:

    Close the churches on Sunday as well.

     

    They are just another form of business that is competing for market share.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Many of the people commenting here don't know, but the large retailers do not want Sunday trading! It won't grow their profits, but it will increase their expenses, operating costs and payroll, which will mean higher consumer prices. Sunday shopping only improves convenience, but the thousands of workers in the retail industry want a day off too.

    Sorry folks, but you will just have to get your groceries and hardware on a Saturday or Monday. Good move PPM. 

    • Anonymous says:

      So my freezers, and A/C running on a Sunday, with nobody buying, and I can't turn them off or else the produce and etc. will spoil… you have no idea what you are talking about.

      • Anonymous says:

        Those are your fixed costs. Your variable cost is whether you have to pay staff to work on their day off. Though I think I see by your grasp of bussiness economics why you may have a bussiness economic problem.

      • Just Commentin' says:

        So, then, you should be open 24 hours? 

      • Anonymous says:

         02:47.You seem to have forgotten what you will save by not having to pay overtime for existing staff ,or salaries for additional staff to accomodate Sunday trading. In addition to salaries you would also have to pay for pensions and insurance for new staff members.On top of this there is the distinct possibility that there will be no new business ,but rather a spreading out of existing business over seven days instead of six.Meaning that you could end up spending more money just to keep the same amount of customers. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Only if there is a net reduction in profits when the fact that they have to maintain their stock for one day a week in which no one can buy it is taken into account.

  18. Anonymous says:

    The irony is in the name "Progressive".  But I suppose it plays better than  "Regressive", however true that may be.

  19. Anonymous says:

    I think every one here is being a bit selfish. Did you even think to ask what Dart wants?!

  20. Anonymous says:

    Let us not forget the people have spoken on OMOV!  How is that coming?

  21. Al R. Izzadevul says:

    So the government can be corrupt 6 days a week and repent on Sunday? Sound like a plan to me. Where do I vote. Oh, sorry, I had my vote 2 years ago.

  22. Anonymous says:

    This is a decision that should really up to the business owner and not the Government or churches, in fact religion should have no place in Government or in law making. I look forward to the day when we have a true separate of church and state.

  23. Anonymous says:

    I'm not in agreement with this but will there be greater enforcement of the laws IF we are keeping them?

  24. Anonymous says:

    Like you were really going to do anything else.  Once again much time effort and money spent on…………………………………nothing.  And everyone but the Caymanian voters know it.  So your good.

  25. Anonymous says:

    "One quiet family day inthe week". If Alden and his crew really believe that nonsense-the happy family on Sunday going to church and then playing games and doing bible reading together or just hanging out together- then they are totally out of touch with what goes on in the modern world, even in Cayman. But of course they do not believe that excrement. They just have to keep pandering to the Church voters…..you know the ones I mean, the church goers with seriously non Christian approaches to life.

  26. Just Commentin' says:

    Those who are familiar with my views on organised religion can attest that I am far from being a "churchite".  Most churchites consider me a reprobate worthy of censure at best, and a heretic worthy of burning at the stake at worst. Anywayyy…That being said, I loudly applaud the decision to continue the general status quo regarding Sunday trading.  I have seen few rational arguments in favour of Sunday trading, and many – if not most – of the rational ones can be easily refuted. 

    I really need and enjoy a day of shifting gears, even if that winding down is more or less imposed upon me.  I am a pretty driven business owner and am essentially a workaholic. I need a day to unwind. So do those around me in the work environment.  They really need a break from the "Business Me". I need a day where no one rightfully expects me to be any where near my business and a day where business callers do not expect me to pick up on my business cell number. I like that if I "need" something on Sunday I don't feel compelled to get in my car and drive out to get it.  I like that when I do drive out on Sunday, the moron drivers are far fewer in number than on even a Saturday, which is a most welcome and appreciated change.  I like the idea of a day where families have the chance to stay closer to home and have the opportunity to spend time together if only because there is nowhere else to go. It is still a good thing. 

    If I can find the time to shop five or six days a week then anybody can.  I really like money and I love making it. A lot. I like shopping and spending it too. But opt to open businesses on Sunday? No way.  Not moi. I don't like money, or shopping, quite that much. I'd rather forego the profits and spend time being with my family or friends. Or just be chillin at home with some alcholic concoction or other in hand and a scantily-clad female (or two) in the midst. My reporbate ways aside, my family and friends and I have made some awesome memories on Sunday.

    Thank you Alden and company for allowing us to retain at least one nice, quaint, and beneficial aspect of our culture and tradition.

    • The Pastafarian says:

      Dear Just,

      Don't get your drawers in a bind.  No one says you have to open your business on Sundays.  Chill out and quit acting stupid.

      The Pastafarian

      • Anonymous says:

        Pastafarian, I agree with you. No-one is arguing the pros and cons we are saying GIVE US A CHOICE!Don't dictate to us what days of the week to open or close.

        It is choice of the employer. Do you undrerstand this Jus' Commentin'?

  27. Anonymous says:

    I like quiet Sundays.  Seems like a good move to me, reminds me of my childhood in the UK before that country gave way to all the politically correct nonsense making it a home I once knew but would never want to return to

    • Whodatis says:

      Exactly.

      Finally an honest and insightful perspective from the other side.

      Welcome friend, let us share together in this wonderful, quaint little corner known as the Cayman Islands.

      😉

    • Anonymous says:

      I also remember the days before Sunday trading in the UK. It turned the quiet Sundays in the city I used to live in into a 9:30am to 4:30pm rush hour with traffic starting to back up about 10am and staying that way all day. It also killed off many small businesses because they couldn't cover the extra costs of seven-day opening.

      Since then I moved my home back in the UK to a rural area. In many of the local towns only the major supermarkets open on Sunday and they are never busy because everyone shops on Friday – the traditional market day. We even have shops here that still observe half-day closing on Wednesday afternoons. It has nothing to do with religion (I'm an atheist), this is simply the way people live and in my opinion it's a better way.

      One thing that does bother me about the proponents of Sunday trading is that they are citing commercial benefts without any real figures to back them up. On a small island with a limited marketplace I reckon Sunday trading could be a financial disaster rather than the economic goldmine it's being presented as. People can only spend their money once so opening the shops for an extra day isn't going to increase spending it's merely going to spread it out a bit.            

         

    • Whodatis says:

      Just wanted to endorse your comment one more time poster.

      A lot is being said in your post when we really take the time to think about it. However, when I, or a fellow Caymanian speak to these points, we are criticized as ancient, fundamental or "3rd world".

      (* that country gave way to all the politically correct nonsense making it a home I once knew but would never want to return to)

      • Anonymous says:

        "whodatis", we done gone! You can't see dat?

        Cayman is not the same, now give it up!

        It is a choice people should have, Religion cannot dictate how a Country is run. And we have many denominations here in Cayman now, is it not unfair to cater to only ONE of them?

         

  28. Anonymous says:

    God bless you Mr. McLaughlin! May you let God's guidance direct your path and may it be seen always including when making decisions for the Cayman Islands. It's ok to be unique! It's time we put our country back on track. A good leader is one that will be proud to stand on The Word of God and not be ashamed to say so. Speak up, don't be shy!

    You have made the right choice and thanks to our people who spoke up regarding this important decision. We have a voice!

    We appreciate that we have tourists travelling from all over the world to our beautiful islands and we welcome them! We can also appreciate that they need to purchase certain items upon their arrival and should it be on a late flight Saturday night or on Sunday then I would recommend that the hotel/condo of which they have chosen to reside at while visiting, advise them of the fact that supermarkets close at 11pm on Saturdays and are not open on Sundays and therefore offer a service of purchasing the items they require and be reimbursed by credit card on file/cash upon their arrival. This worked years ago and I'm sure this service still exist in our hospitality industry. 

    There's always a way to do the right thing!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      PPM and "the right thing", should not go in the same sentence.

       

  29. Anonymous says:

    Wrong move Alden not everyone is a Sunday worshiper! I’m a Sunday worshiper & ppm supporter!

  30. RVT-D says:

    Not sure what the fuss is all about. A couple of weeks ago I posted a comment here stating that this would NOT change; or in the VERY UNLIKELY event that it does, it would not be for long. I got several thumbs down for my reason but anyone that is interested can verify for themselves why this will NEVER happen.

    We can fight amongst ourselves all we want about this issue, but the facts:

    – church is highly influential in state matters and it is only going to increase (especially in regards to sunday observance)

    – check out the movement raging in Europe that no one really hears anything about or that we are all pretending to be blind to.The movement is the "European Sunday Alliance."

    – European Sunday Alliance has the backing, and more than like instigated at the command, of the largest and most powerful religious organization on the planet.

    – This religious giant's mandate is for worldwide sunday observance.

    – In order to make this not seem religious in nature and get non-religious people onboard they are pushing the idea of a rest day and day to connect with your family, and if anyone goes against the movement they will be seen as anti-family and not caring about spending time with kids and family. This a brilliant move. Devious, but brilliant move to get trade unions and everyone else on board that could care less about sunday or any other day  as a required religous observance.

    – The daughter organizations of this religious giant are fully onboard and are also very influential.

    – Clearly this movement will eventually cause the forced observance of the "venerable day of the sun", whether it is for worship or rest only, it matters not.

    Please save yourselves a lot of headaches/heartaches/frustration in putting each other down, regardless of your religious/atheistic/political/traditional/cultural persuation and see what this is really about by doing even a little research on this topic. Maybe you will even see the bigger picture.

    I say again…. as European Community goes, so goes the UK. As the UK goes, so the Cayman Islands must go. Whether we like it or not, sunday law is here to stay.

    • The Deacon says:

      Christians must remember that over 65% of the world's people are NOT Christian.  The ways of Christianity should be taught, not forced by law.

      • Anonymous says:

        We are not talking about the world, we're talking about Cayman so your statistic is irrelevant. 

  31. Anonymous says:

    This is very sad!! Go far away PPM, stay long and don’t purchase your tickets with the people’s money. I'm a very distraught Caymanian. If I could I would build a mini northward prison for all of you.

  32. Anonymous says:

    Thank you PPM! Sunday as a day of rest is an important part of our heritage, regardless of your religious beliefs. If we try to become all things to all people we will lose our unique identity.  

  33. Anonymous says:

    A backward thinking decision driven by right wing religionists and political expediency!

    Why is it so important for some to dictate what others can do on a given day? Never mind how much it inconveniences so many residents and visitors.

    Alden….this is a poor decision!

  34. Anonymous says:

    113 respondents? There are 55,000 people here….and hundreds of thousands of visitors inconvenienced by this backward, religious driven law.

    Dissapointed in you with this Mr. Premier!

    Why not a proper survey by all residents and visitors!

    And Yes! I am a Caymanian voter….of many generations.

    Guess i'll have to take my Govt. credit card and go to Florida or Bahamas to shop….and just as well do a little gambling there too, as that's also illegal here.

     

    • Anonymous says:

       13:07.We were all given the opportunity to voice our opinion;too bad if you did not takeadvantage and voice yours.

  35. Knot S Smart says:

    Good decision!  Thank you PPM…

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you PPM…… no ruinin my sunday funtime…..brunch folloed by a nice rum n punch or a terquilla by the bar til sunset !!!

  36. Anonymous says:

    PPMitis – a condition the main symptom of which is having no spine whatsoever.

  37. Anonymous says:

    Last week Mac gets off despite major ethical and moral issues, and now this…it will be back to the caves soon…move forward progress and live, stand still and die..

    • Anonymous says:

      You sound surprised that a court of law is restricted to criminal matters and not moral or ethical ones.

  38. peter milburn says:

    Sorry but I totally disagree with the latest decision to NOT allow trading on a Sunday by not leaving it up to the individual shop owners to make up their own minds!!!!!!!!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      yep, they are dictating how we make our money… I want to open on Sunday, so it can help pay for my hefty CUC bills! 

  39. Dred says:

    Seems not only UDP loves Churches….We just need to make sure we have a good memory for all the misgivings come election time.

    I am not sure why the CIG does not reissue voter cards or create CI ID# system where they could set up an online survey tied to your ID Card # or some other means that does not involve a mass referendum on the matter to get a clear understanding of how many people want certain things.

    • Anonymous says:

      That's called direct democracy and history shows that citizens tire of it quickly.

  40. Anonymous says:

    CNS, were you aware there was a public consultation period on this important issue?  113 respondents sounds like a private congregation consultation rather than a resident and visitor discussion, as it should have been.

    CNS Note: As indicated in the last two paragraphs of the story we were obviously aware, however, government has not released its survey results so we are unable to say what they are.

    • Anonymous says:

      Interesting that the government does not want to reveal what the results of the public survey were.  Classic corruption maneuver.  This government doesn't represent the needs of its people.  Plain and simple.

  41. Anonymous says:

    So a church call sell cup cakes and food on a Sunday and open 7 days a week but me as a small business can’t… The churches shouldn’t be involved in in politics…
    If you want to open, you should be allowed too, end of story. Let’s be honest how many more places would be open? A handful.

  42. Anonymous says:

    CITA and DOT need to critically analyse the typical guest experience of each type of arriving passenger and let those realities start to guide policy-making.  We have thousands of family visitors that rent condos at tens of thousands of dollars a week arriving on Sunday flights when nothing is open.  It would be cordial for grocery stores to be open, even for limited Sunday hours, so our guests (these well-heeled folks) can stock their pantries and fridges with genuine edible food – ie get some vegetables, fish, some diapers or whateever else they may need.  Our current travel experience forces these people out on the roads at night to go find a gas station and pay 4 bucks for some sketchy eggs, an old dusty box of Kraft Dinner and a bag of Doritos.  Then these people need to revise or cancel their Monday plans to schedule a second grocery store mission when they could otherwise be visiting one of our attractions, going diving, or putting big dineros into the economy.  Regressive 1950's decision making wastes vacationer's time, diverts attractions dollars, and shows we don't care about traveller experience like our competitors do.  We should strive to make vacationing in Cayman easy, welcoming, and safe, like it should be.    

    • Just Commentin' says:

      Oh, come on…let's get real here, Bobo! I know of no "well-heeled folks" arriving on Sunday who would settle for a dinner consisting of "some sketchy eggs, an old dusty box of Kraft Dinner and a bag of Doritos". I know these people and in my experience the well-heeled visitors eat out as much or more than they eat in even if a kitchen is available in their room. Has it occurred to you that their eating out, rather than staying in and cooking, puts even bigger "dineros into the economy".   Anyway, I have serious misgivings that those who would settle for Kraft Dinnerand Doritos are the type to make any serious contribution to our tourism economy.

      Now let's analyse which option takes more time out of their tourist attraction visiting schedule:  The "buy groceries and cook" option has them shopping for groceries, then driving back to their room and preparing food and eating in, and then washing dishes and cleaning up after. The "no-shopping" option sees them popping into a restaurant and grabbing a meal. So which option is more time-consuming?   Which option puts more dollars into the economy? Which option has the potential to spread around the dollars more? 

      And another thing…!  Isn't going grocery shopping also an option which also "forces these people out on the roads at night"?

      I think you need to reevaluate your arguments and offer something that makes some sense. So far all I see is drivel.

      • Anonymous says:

        Pragmatic families with infant children and access to fully-equipped luxury kitchens willeat at home and often as a group when they can.  It's easier.  The kids need to go to bed, or might already be asleep after a long day of travel.  This is not an unusual scenario, this is normal.

    • Anonymous says:

      10:44 – It would be cordial for CITA members to inform their guests that there is limited shopping in the Cayman Islands on Sundays.  Tourists would appreciate knowing that and the majority of them will respect and appreciate our laws.  Futhermore, they will be able to get what they need from the corner stores or the many gas stations between Sunday and early Monday mornings when all supermarkets open.  By the way, we need to think about our own people's way of life and not just tourists all the time.    

       

       

  43. Whodatis says:

    The right decision was made.

    Sunday trading is not genuinely high on the priority list of Cayman residents – however, the same cannot be said about challenging every cultural norm that could be remotely important to Caymanians.

    (Go on … hit the button. You know it's true though.)

    • Anonymous says:

      Indeed Whodatis, for once I am astounded to agree with you. However the stuff that ought to be on the list at the culturally high end, you know corruption, moral, ethical issues, unemployment, drinking, numbers, stealing ain't even on the list!

      • Whodatis says:

        I do believe you are describing human nature there, bub. I say that because I cannot think of another country where those issues do not exist.

        However, I am certain you have your special little reasons for categorizing them as unique to Cayman.

         

    • Anonymous says:

      We understand.  Third world wants to stay third world.  That explains your edumacation problem.  OOOpps! sorry,  its not a problem its cultural.  My bad.

      • Whodatis says:

        Say what you say, but interestingly, many "1st world" citizens are rejecting their birthright and behaving like desperate, immoral assholes for the opportunity to work and live here … for the rest of their days.

        Therefore, I do suspect there is a flaw in your analysis there bub.

        • Just Commentin' says:

          Wow! Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you and thaaaaannnnkkkkk you!

          Well said Whodatis!!!  

           

        • Anonymous says:

          I see many of your country men behaveing like that (Your current honorable for life ex-premier for one)  but I have yet to see a working expat act like this.  Where are you hanging out?  I know what honorable means here in Cayman , what does bub mean?

  44. Anonymous says:

    Absolutely horrible news!!!  Vote him out!  

    With backward thinking like this, Cayman will remain a 3rd world country with:

    -ancient, counter-productive laws based on religion 

    -a breeding ground for Chikungunya, Dengue (and soon Ebola) due to an ineffective healthcare system which also ignores a growing mental health problem

    -uncompetetive business strategies

    -out of control gang violence which is only getting worse

    -poorly educated children

    -a corrupt government where leaders have so much bravado to think theycan literally gamble with the people's money!

    UNBELIEVABLE!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      And every one of your points was true BEFORE the last election, as well

    • Anonymous says:

      sad part is, in a lot of so-called third-world countries, you CAN go grocery shopping on a Sunday! 

      what you don't realise, Cayman is already third-world. hahahahaha!

    • Anonymous says:

      Totally agree with you, well said. Slight error onyour part, unfortunately. You wrote "Cayman" when you should have written "the U.S."

      My poor, confused poster. You have much to learn. Get real!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Well, that is escalated fast. 

  45. Anonymous says:

    Congrats Mr. Premier. Too much has already been taken away from us and I'm glad to see you stand strong on this issue.

    • Anonymous says:

      Well now we know what his opinion is on Sunday trading, perhaps he can let us know his opinion on using a government credit card for personal use?

    • Anonymous says:

      yeah by CUC, obviously, you are not a business owner.

  46. Anonymous says:

    Hip Hip Hooray!  Common sense has prevailed!  Well done Alden.

    • Anonymous says:

      There is no common sense to this decision at all and you know it.  It destroys job creation and the entire economy. When you see unemployed people roaming on the streets, smoking their ganja, committingcrimes… remember this day.  Remember it well.

      • Just Commentin' says:

        Job creation?  Really? Ok,so we create more jobs and the ethnic groups we see as line employees in the stores will have the opportunity for increased employment. Hint: It probably ain't gunna be Caymanians who fill most of these positons. Great!

        • Anonymous says:

          It bloody well should be some of these lazy Caymanians, that's the whole reason we have this mess today. They don't want to work-just complain about people taking their jobs.Lazy SOBs

  47. Anonymous says:

    Oh good, I can continue sitting at the bar getting wasted without fear of my wife sending me grocery shopping.

  48. Anonymous says:

    Thats right. Don't do what a majority of people want. Do what only a few think is best for the rest of us. Thats the anti-colonial way. … Uhm, wait, what?

  49. Anonymous says:

    GOOD JOB ALDEN!

  50. Anonymous says:

    Pathetic. We lack the spine to enforce our laws, so we make illegality legal. I do not really care about Sunday Trading. I am disgusted that we contnually prove our laws are just for show.

  51. Anonymous says:

    Would the Government release the numbers from their own survey? I have no use for nor interest in the CoC. And a survey of 113 respondants? I could go to one of several beaches on Sunday and get 64% of 120 signing against. So what's that prove?

  52. Anonymous says:

    Rich Caymanians need to STOP dictating to everyone else here. They do not want Sunday trading for their own selfish reasons.

    People should have a choice to go to the grocery store as they have a choice to go to church and resaurants to eat out etc….

    Seriously, how many Caymanians go to church saturday AND sunday then go to a NICE restaurant to eat after church.?

    Is this not the biggest form of hipocrisy today?

    You can go to your fancy restaurants on sunday, but i cannot shop for me groceries???

    ALDEN: Hear me, your time is coming to an end. Your colonialistic mentallity will NOT serve this Country much longer.

    • Anonymous says:

      So I must work all day on Sunday for you to be able to come there for 15 mins, buy your groceries, go home and relax with your family??? What about us the people that will have to work? When will we get to relax with our family???!!!

      • Charles Brown says:

        Who said you must work on Sunday?

        • Anonymous says:

          My boss. (He proudly displays his CoC membership card on the door to the bussiness.)

          • Anonymous says:

            There are plenty of jobs available where you don't have to work on a Sunday. Find another job! If you can only find work as a cashier in Fosters or Kirks that is NOT my problem, that is YOURS for not getting an education!

             

      • Anonymous says:

        09:46, the stupidity of your comment reflects just that, stupidity. You would not be expected to work 7 days a week, you would just have a different day off each week that might not be Sunday you donkey.

        • Anonymous says:

          You are the stupid one! So tell me when the rest of my family is off on Sunday I will be working and when I'm off during the week they will be at work how can I have time with them and more importantly with my children! Oh I forget that's not important because you have to go shopping because you can't plan you life well enough to have what you need in your house on Sunday!!!

      • anonymous says:

        If you are that stupid then never, I guess.

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh I saw a whole bunch of flowery dresses buying a massive amount of Chicken Chicken yesterday. Complete hypocrisy. If they can eat, I should be able to cook. Imagine if we told them there was one day a week they could not go to church!

      • Just Commentin' says:

        Huh? Who the hell is stopping you from cooking on Sunday? Sunday cookouts for a whole bunch of people came to be a big tradition of ours. Nobody has ever prevented me from cooking on Sunday.  Didn't know there was a law against it. What planet are you living on? 

  53. Anonymous says:

    Still baffles me how the church has a say in ANY form of business regulation and legislation….

    • Anonymous says:

      When you depend on the church for votes it makes sense.

    • Anonymous says:

      So Christians should not have freedom of speech? What are you trying to say? 

      • The Parliamentarian says:

        All persons should have freedom of speech, but christians should not try to run everyone's lives by forcing their religion on others.  If I want to go to church, I will.  If I want to go shopping instead, that is MY choice, not yours.

        • Anonymous says:

          Actually, as a member of a democratic society it is my choice. Look up tyrany of the masses. (No, I didn't go to church yesterday, no I dont' think you should be allowed to go shopping yesterday, no I dont' think I should have been made to work yesterday.) So NO to Sunday Trading.

          • Anonymous says:

            You appear to be of two minds on the issue. You mean it's your choice to shop at a store on a Sunday even though the store is closed? Okay.

        • Anonymous says:

          They simply expressed their view which prevailed. That's democracy.

        • Anonymous says:

          Actually, what you are allowed to do is determined by the will of a majority of the people, manifested through the decisions made in parliament. It's an inconvenience, I know, but how a democracy works. Get used to it or go take up residence on another island. By yourself.

        • Just Commentin' says:

          Please change your screen name to something like "Clueless", for your grasp of politics and the workings of our parliamentary system is that of a child.

          Religious groups are composed of people. People here have a right to lawfully assemble and they have a right to voice their opinion either individually, or as a collective. Christians have as much right as anyone right to influence the politics of this Territory either individually or as a collective (or as a congregation).  Like it or not, in actual practice, the lobby group who is loudest and most influential gets the ears of the politicians and can impose their will when laws are considered in Parliament. This is not an issue of "church and state" as some morons would like to frame it. Regardless of whether or not every single proponent of restrictions on Sunday trading are members of the Christian faith, they have every right to lawfully influence the framing of our laws to conform to their opinion of how they want to be governed. That influence is absolutely not in contention with the idea of  "separation of church and state", nor does that right whenlawfully expressed conflict with the Constitution. Yea, that right is protected in the Constitution.   As long as the laws themselves do not conflict with the Constitution, all is good. Not that I agree with the idea of the inclusion or the wording, but that very Constitution, in the "preamble",  identifies the Cayman Islands as a land based on traditional Christian principles and it implies the goal of preserving that heritage. 

          It is irrational to lump together all who opposed the relaxation of Sunday trading laws and label them as being churchites. I quite rarely go to church on Sunday or any other day, and some Sundays will find me enjoying activities that would make David and Solomon blush, but I do fully agree with the decision not to relax the Sunday trading laws. Chilling out on Sunday is the way I roll. If the laws are perceived as being church-biased, I can live with that. Thanks, Church, for preserving for me my Day of Chill. The church people can pass the plate around on Sunday and I can pass around the Coronas; it is all good.

          I agree when you say: "If I want to go to church, I will. If I want to go shopping instead, that is MY choice, not yours"; however, I will also proffer that if Christians are of the opinion that they do not want to see a relaxation on Sunday trading, it is an equally valid choice and opinion. You can decline from going to church, no one will force you too, but you will not be shopping for a flat screen TV on Sunday. Christians have every right to be – as individuals and a body – an influence upon the legislative process. Your side simply did not have the lobbying power to get your way and now you are all whining like babies about it. But hey, Parliamentarian, that is the way our parliamentary democracy works. Ya know? Time to move on; we have bigger fish to fry in these critical times in our history.

    • Anonymous says:

      2 words.  Third world.

      • Anonymous says:

        a. You should use "two" instead of the number.

        b. "Third world" (sic) is spelt "Third World". Consult Websters before any further posts.

        c. The U.K. has Sunday trading laws. (have a long think about this.)

    • Anonymous says:

      Yet say nothing on immorality of some MLA's actions, or the treatment of the Cubans

      • Anonymous says:

        Not to mention the condoning of gambling, the use of a government credit card for personal events, receiving money from the Nation Building fund for it to then disappear…..the list goes on and on.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, I imagine you are baffled. Do you know ANYTHING about the Caymanian people and their history? Read Neville Williams's "A History of the Cayman Islands" (1970) to help you acquire the necessary knowledge and understanding. Do hope you read it!

    • Just Commentin' says:

      Read my comment at 16:22 and learn sump'um about how tings bees roun' yah, Bobo.

  54. Anonymous says:

    the ppm = the do nothing government….. shame on you too C4C…..