Rollovergap to shrink
(CNS): Following the premier’s announcement that the government will be bringing changes in February to the Legislative Assembly concerning the Immigration Law, Sherri Bodden, chair of the Immigration Review team, has explained that the goal is to reduce the break in stay for expatriate workers to the minimum amount possible that will still be considered a genuine legal break. Six months is likely to be the shortest time-break that foreign workers can take in order to return to start from scratch and not be automatically entitled to citizenship after ten years.
Taking part in the panel debate, one of the highlights of this year’s Cayman Business Outlook conference, on Thursday, 21 January, Bodden explained that the goal was to try and make it easier for people to stay longer and retain their jobs and for employers to keep their best people without everyone getting access to Caymanian status. However, Bodden did say that there was also a need to create more Caymanians.
She said there had been a misunderstanding about rollover and some irresponsible politicians had led people to believe rollover was about throwing foreigners off the island in order to give jobs to Caymanians. “This is not so,” she said. “Rollover was introduced to ensure that we met the United Kingdom’s laws and conventions on nationality.”
She explained that by the time a third party resident is in a county for ten years, the European Convention on Nationality states they should get citizenship. Bodden noted that today there are 25,000 people on work permits and asked if, in a population of 52 thousand or so, could Cayman offer residency to all of them. She pointed out that only 9% of those are senior professional workers and more 35% are completely unskilled. “If we granted them all citizenship we will be obligated to pay their health pensions, schooling, and housing, everything that Caymanians are entitled to receive.”
Bodden explained that it had been determined that such an obligation would cripple the Cayman Islands and force government to create huge social welfare systems, and by implication a direct tax system to finance those obligations. However, she explained, to avoid that the country introduced a genuine break in stay in the period of residence, which was broadly agreed, both here and in the UK, would be the lesser of two evils.
The original rollover gap of two years was reduced to one by the previous administration and Bodden said there was reason to believe, based on more recent legal advice, that it could be reduced further. If so, this could allow work permit holders to return after six months and start afresh without the obligation of having to grant residency, and by implication Caymanian status, as the gap still constituted a genuine break in stay.
Speaking to CNS, Bodden also explained that the number of years before rollover could also be increased almost to the ten if the process of permanent residency application could be made more efficient and allow more people the chance and time to apply. Then, if they are turned down before their ten year period is up, they could choose to take the six month break and still return to start again.
This shorter gap could prove helpful to those both at the top and bottom of the work permit spectrum. Six months is short enough to pay a favoured employee a retainer to maintain their employment, especially for helpers, domestic staff and other workers that are often a key and trusted part of local families that people do not want to lose.
Answering the question about offering the right to work without residency rights, Bodden explained it would create two classes of citizens, something which would be unlikely to find acceptance with the UK government. She also suggested that having a class of permanent residents that could never have the right to vote, own a business or access any of the benefits offered to other Caymanians would be a fundamental human rights problem.
Until the rollover is revamped and fine tuned to make it meet the demands of Cayman’s economy more effectively, Bodden confirmed that a list of positions, for the financial sector at least, has now been compiled. She said these roles would automatically be granted key status provided the employers complied with the law. The list would be allowed access to extended work permits of at least three years and those holding the positions would be entitled to apply for permanent residency once they pass eight years stay.
She emphasised, however, the posts only applied to the financial services industry and directly related support fields. The list includes all financial senior management posts, such as MDs, VPs and CEOs, partners, investment bankers, IT directors, insurance and reinsurance managers, as well as a number of less familiar positions, such as traders and brokers, jobs that government is hoping will be created here if the goal of attracting more elements of the financial services industry to the island is achieved.
Mandating certain key roles, Bodden explained, should address what may have been miscommunication problems between policy directives from government and then interpretation byboards. Once the key roles are mandated in law, the boards can simply pass the permits, creating a far more efficient system that the financial sector can trust.
Category: Headline News
The level of vitriol in some of these posts is stunning. This is not the Cayman I know and love. I have been here almost 30 years and have never seen such hate and disrespect.
In my opinion, Mrs. Cowan and Mr. Bush are trying to fix something that has been broken for a very long time. I may not be a supporter of Mr. Bush, but I’m thankful that someone is trying to do something. Enough with the complaining. Try to come up with some solutions instead of just blaming each other. And remember, the rollover policy was not put into place to help Caymanians get the jobs that were being vacated. Its intention was to prevent people from being able to get citizenship. All it has really done is create a revolving door of new expats. We have tossed out all the good people who stayed to help us rebuild after Ivan – people we knew and trusted and cared about AND who cared about Cayman. We have replaced them with people we do not know and who do not have any incentive to care about Cayman’s future.
As a "Caymanian by Choice", I love this country and wish to support her. However, I am hearing more and more people (expat and Caymanian alike) talking about leaving. The high level of crime, the politics before country, the ever-increasing fees, and the threat of direct taxation are forcing many people to reconsider whether they want to stay here. And please don’t say "don’t let the door hit you on the way out" – that, too, is counterproductive.
It’s very easy to sit at your computer and criticize everyone and everything. The real work is in coming up with viable solutions. Let’s put our energy into that instead of tearing each other down.
Sorry Wed, 01/27/2010 – 14:19 but I cannot agree with you, Cowan or Bush that changing the roll over policy is the answer to Cayman’s problems. All of us know that what is driving away investment is the inflated fees and the negative cultural changes, crime etc – some of which you mentioned. These islands have changed dramatically over the past 15 years and not for the good.
So it would seem from all the pro Caymanian anti expat post that they want to work and control the financial sector and they belivethat because they are Caymanain they have the ability and the right.. And if they can’t work and control the financial sector then they want to send the ones that can packing. And of course the smarter financial companies are packing it up to move to where they can actually do their work and have a future themselves. And this leaves Cayman with its only home grown commodity. Out of work AND unable to fend for themselves Caymanians AND a Goverment that will spend two years of home grown money in one. Caymanians only hope is for the few Caymanians smart enough to understand where the money comes from to make sure that Caymans financial sector continues to thrive in such a manner that it can continue to feed those who cannot feed themselves. Personally I would love to see Cayman get what it wants and try to make it all work. Caymanians have proven time and time again that there is nothing that an expat( anyone not from Cayman) can build that a Caymanian can totally screw up.
After all that garble you did (unintentionally) make a true statement at the end: "there is nothing that an expat (anyone not from Cayman) can build that a Caymanian can totally screw up".
Are you an example of the high calibre expats that we have? LOL!
This is the earth. And this is our Leader. You can tell the difference quite easily. One is a lump of inert matter hurtling blindly through the void. The other… is the earth.
"She also suggested that having a class of permanent residents that could never have the right to vote, own a business or access any of the benefits offered to other Caymanians would be a fundamental human rights problem."
People with permanent residency with a right to work are not allowed to vote and not allowed to own a business (directly or indirectly). Is this true?
True re voting. In many parts of the world, e.g. the U.S.A, non-citizens are not allowed to vote.
Many non-citizens do own businesses. They simply have to show that there were no Caymanians interested in being their 60% partner (which is relatively easy to accomplish by means of ads in the newspaper to which no sensible person would respond) and obtain a special licence, or arrange the ownership structure in such way that they gain the economic benefit rather than the Caymanian 60% shareholder.
Go read the law luv. Surely you are not expecting us to give you free legal advice?!
There are people in here doing jobs they are qualified for that my daughter would like to do but does not want to work the long hours that the people doing the jobs do. Can we get rid of these people so she can get their job?
Is this post serious? The daughter wants to take the job of someone who works long hours but doesn’t want to work the long hours herself? okay then
It is intended by an expat to (falsely) convey that this is how Caymanians think.
EXACTLY16:30! you got it!
Where is the quid pro quo for all of the special treatment proposed, or more to the point who will get the lions’ share of the quid pro quo? Come on now, these people may be self-centred, but they are not fools, they are not giving it away for free.
It is interesting to see how the UDP immigration policy is unfolding. First,we were told by the LOGB (now Premier) and leader of the UDP that he had taken his licks and learned his lessons from the 2003 status grants and he was not proposing to make such further mass status grants. However, we needed to "grow the population" and this would be done by means of permanent residency grants. Now we hear from the Deputy Leader of the UDP, the person put in charge of devising an immigration policy, that "having a class of permanent residents that could never have the right to vote, own a business or access any of the benefits offered to other Caymanians would be a fundamental human rights problem" and that there is a need to "create more Caymanians". This policy seems to be reverting by degrees to the former UDP policy that appalled so many Caymanians. Perhaps this is to complete what was started in 2003 to create new voters who would be loyal to the UDP which may therefore ignore the views of native Caymanians.
However, what is new is that it seems that these new Caymanians are to be drawn from the elite in the financial industry and therefore will not include the vast majority of Jamaicans, Filipinos and Hondurans who do not work in the financial industry but are employed in the construction industry, as skilled tradesmen and domestic helpers. On the other hand they will include the British, Canadian, Australians who mostly populate the financial industry. They will I find this very strange for a govt. that was purportedly very concerned about discrimination against certain nationalities.
It is worthwhile to note that Ms. Bodden-Cowan was a prominent member of the Immigration Review Team that created the Immigration Law, 2003 which introduced the rollover provisions. If she is correct that the only reason for the rollover was to break the continuity of the ordinary residence of the worker then it is difficult understand why she was then in favour of creating a break of two years – 4 times as long as it needed to be. Alternatively, if at that time she considered that 2 years was necessary to achieve this, but on this review is now of the view that a mere 6 months is required, can she cite any post-2003 case authorities which changed her view? In my view a mere six months gap runs a serious risk of at some later date being held by the courts not to have broken the period of continuous ordinary residence notwithstanding any deeming provisions in the law. The same point applies to the 10 year period supposedly required for claim for permanent rights. If I am correct then the govt. is currently in the process of creating a monumental blunder that will make the 2003 status grants pale by comparison.
This is full of nonsense. I hope you are not a practising attorney because if you are I pity your clients.
"therefore will not include the vast majority of Jamaicans, Filipinos and Hondurans who do not work in the financial industry but are employed in the construction industry, as skilled tradesmen and domestic helpers. On the other hand they will include the British, Canadian, Australians who mostly populate the financial industry. I find this very strange for a govt. that was purportedly very concerned about discrimination against certain nationalities."
Gibberish. The PPM supported a "no more Jamaicans" policy. That is discrimination. Discrimination on the basis of economic contribution or wealth is acceptable in the context of immigration.
"In my view a mere six months gap runs a serious risk of at some later date being held by the courts not to have broken the period of continuous ordinary residence notwithstanding any deeming provisions in the law"
What Court? This is an issue to agree with the UK government, and is not an issue for a Court. The Cayman Islands, like the UK, does not operate a monist doctrine when it comes to ordinary treaty obligations.
The post was not "full of nonsense" but expressed an insightful and intelligent understanding of the issue.
The PPM applied the Immigration Law as written. There was no distinction between nationalities as regards rollover. All were treated in precisely the same way. Originally, the UDP passed Immigration Regulations for a points system in respect of the award of permanent residency which would have caused a huge number of points to be deducted if you were from Jamaica such that Jamaicans would have stood no chance to be awarded permanent residency. In practise the PPM did not apply these discriminatory provisions. The suggestion that there was a ‘no more Jamaicans’ policy is pure UDP propaganda.
You clearly do not fully understand that the concept of discrimination includes indirect discrimination. If the application of a policy disproportionately affects certainly nationalities then it can be said to be discriminatory. The question is then is whether it is reasonably proportionate to achieve a legitimate objective which is a matter for interpretation by the courts.
The fact that you do not understand that, whatever agreements there may be with the UK, the break of continuous residence is a legal issue and may be adjudicated by the courtson a human rights basis is staggering. The individuals affected may bring a case to the court. If you are a practising attorney (which I find it difficult to conceive) then you are clearly not a competent one.
Where did you get your law degree? The Numptieville Community College?
The applicable international obligations in question do not fall within the scope of rights obligations which are domestically justiciable in the UK let alone Cayman. You are blithely pontificating from a basis of complete misunderstanding. Tell us how the conventions in relation to residence and citizenship rights fall within the scope of a justiciable issue before the Cayman courts. Go on. Do Numptieville alums proud.
You simply do not know or understand your subject. The purpose of a Bill of Rights in our Constitution is to make human rights justiciable in domestic courts. Our new Constitution contains a Bill of Rights which will come into force in a couple of years. Our laws must be compatible with the Bill of Rights as interpreted by the courts. Individuals who consider that their rights under the Bill of Rights have been violated will be able to bring their case to the Grand Court. After we have exhausted our remedies in the domestic courts, we also possess the right to apply to the European Court on the basis of the ECHR which was extended to us. The European court could find that our domestic laws are incompatible with Convention rights.
Contrary to your assertion, such rights are also domestically justiciable in the UK under the Human Rights Act 1998 which brought the ECHR rights home to Britain.
Why insist on making a fool of yourself by posting when you clearly do not have the slightest grasp of the issue?
To Anon 07:38, it is you that is talking gibberish! Please check with immigration to see which nationality received the most PR’s under the PPM! (you will find that that nationality is Jamaica). The PPM did not "give away" any PR’s for political favours, & the ones they did give away was for the right reasons! It was also under the UDP during 2001 &’05 that the policy to look to other nationalities other than Jamaica other than Jamaica! I think the "no more Jamaicans" was supported by the UDP, yet the UDP ran an election promising Jamaicans so much & the Jamaicans fell for it. Unfortunately for them they are regretting it now because all the promises were just comfort to fools!
You say "The PPM did not "give away" any PR’s for political favours, & the ones they did give away was for the right reasons!" Just go and ask social service department how many of them they are supporting and then tell me the "right reasons". While you are at it also explain what you mean by "the PPM did not "give away" any and then in the same sentence say "the ones they did give way ". Geez even you are confused about what they did! Personally I put PPM and UDP in the same barrel – they both had their own agendas on this topic, just different means.
canadians & pinoys? Obviously that is a joke! HAHAHAHA!! oh me belly!
or what about if it was a Norwegian island?
I have SERIOUS concerns as to whether the courts would consider a 6 month break to be enough to be considered a legal break.
I despise the way that Sherrie has tried to make us think that this is something that was necessary for us to maintain a relationship with the domestic helper that we have grown fond of and trust our children to, while it is actually a painfully obvious arrangement with those who have actually been our financial masters in this country all along – the same people that caused the world eceonomic collapse in the first place with their unethical creation and sale of make believe financial products based on nothingness and backed by zero dollars, and who has already gained more from this country than anyone else could ever hope for, while contributing as little as possible to the true socio-econimic needs of the country.
I also cannot believe that there are so many who do not even realize the fundamental flaw in what is being done here. A key employee is a person, not a position. Almost all positions within any organization are key in one way or another, because they do jobs that no other position does, and that is the same regardless of which employee is in those positions. However, while some positions are definitely more important to the organization than others the fact of the matter is that to say that the need is to have the position is actually redundant. It goes withoutsaying that the position is needed, what does not go without saying is whether that particular person holding the posisiton is needed. Yes we need CEO’s and IT Managers, but do we need for them to be foreignors? Do we need a particular person to be cemented into those positions? When looking to answer that question the dynamic changes. A true key employee is a person that your company cannot do without, not a position that you cannot do without, because you can always find someone to fill the position. No organization can do without its clerical staff – they are key to getting the grunt work done.
If the Government were serious about advancing Caymanians it would ensure that key employee status was granted to individuals, for as short a period of time and that the company (and that person in particular) train a suitably qualified Caymanian to succeed them. Then any companies failing to do so, would be inelligible for future claims to key employee status.
The bottom line is that Government is not willing to do what is necessary for Caymanians and for the long term benefit of Cayman, they are, as usual appeasing the financial services industry by giving it whatever it wants and demanding nothing in return.
This is despicable and sad to say the least. And unfortunately all of those good people that we (me too because I voted for them) thought would be the balance to McKeeva Bush and would allow reason and right-action to reign seem to all be along for the ride. It is almost too late for us Caymanians, our fate is almost sealed, my only hope is that we can hold on until the next election, when we can finally put an end to this party and the egomaniac at the helm.
I voted UDP despite the status grant fiasco – which was woefully wrong in the way it was done, gave status to people that did not desrve it and ignored many that did and created so many logistical and social problems for Government and the country that it is SAD that not a single politician will adequately speak to it!! – because I thought that given the new blood in the party we would be able to counter-act the sellouts in the party. I was wrong. All we have gotten is a government that spends its time doing its best to give the lion’s share of this country to everyone else, whle expecting us to be satisfied with a pittance.
I don’t think it would be an issue for Courts, rather it is only the UK government that would need to be persuaded as we do not operate a monist system when in comes to almost all international convention obligations.
Get real Caymanians expats contribute more to Cayman than you do besides your constant complaining and whinning. Mckeeva is numreo uno in our Play book and Sherri is a sweetheart she knows where the monies are at. Pay your bills and shut up ya bunch of crabs.
All the more damning to them if you think they are wonderful.
actually – this would be the perfect island if we get rid of everybody but canadians and pinoys.
i bet crime would go way down and productivity in every sector would go way up.
makes you mad to stop and think how true that would be…
STOP! Sterotyping are you kidding me? Canadians and Pinoys are no different from any other cultures. No one is ever perfect for if you’re perfect something is wrong with you. They themselves are the same ones talking down to Caymanians and trying to take all our good jobs now. If you ask me maybe we should get rid of everyone of you and try bring back the old Cayman the way it use to be "PEACEFUL & LOVING" until you all came here and destroy it. That’s reasons why crime rate is so high now here.
Yes that’s right – when the Caymanian crack head breaks into a the home of a law abiding Canadian family remember that it is the Canadians that are the cause of this.
Oh yea, and remember to mention when the Canadian crack head picks up the Caymanian after the robbery they planned and they escapetogether.
Stop for a minute and think what would Cayman be like without the Caymanians. Wow! Even Caymanians could live here in peace and prosperity. Talk about truth hurts.
It would be a lot more like where you came from.
I voted for the UDP now I have rollover to PPM…Mckeeva you and Sherri are the biggest sellouts in Cayman. Shame on you all.
Vote neither
I have only lived here for 14 years, have raised a family here and run a successful business here so my views on voting are worth nothing.
What?
Everybody called Caymanian knows what this move by McKeeva and Sherie is all about. XXXX McKeeva is setting these Islands up for Independence and he couldn’t care a hoot about his own people, because they cannot help him financially and there probably won’t be any more need for elections, as he will be our Prime Minister, indefinately. McKeeva has a total disregard for helping his people to advance in the financial workplace and to be honest the current mentality by the young born Caymanians are ‘why do I need an education, they don’t care about us’. They don’t want us in the workplaces anyhow, so why bother. Ask them? We the parents are educating our children as far as Masters, MBA’s,Bachelors, ACCA, CFA’s, but they are being told to get some experience, they need to speak another language, they need this and they need that and to then be told, sorry we cannot hire you because you are too lazy. Our children are being rejected by society and so then they just lose all interest. It is very disheartening for our young born Caymanian with education, knowing that they don’t stand a chance, because an expat Caymanian will hold their position for umpteen years, blocking their upward progression. We often wonder why we are treated this way, but the financial industry are being lead by the example of our dear promising and favourable leader, McKeeva Bush. If you keep up what you are doing to these Islands McKeeva Bush, I hope you live to regret your actions. May God Bless the Caymanian people and May God Bless these beautiful Cayman Islands.
Everyone understands that before you can become a Surgeon, one has to attend Medical School, and then serve as a Resident in a hospital in order to gain hands on training from seasoned professionals. Similarly, attaining one’s private pilots license does not ordane one to captain a 777 commercial jet. The concept is called a career path, not a career slot. It’s the same for financial professionals or any other professional career, you need prove yourself through experience in order to earn a promotion. There are many MBAs in the world that are jobless or making someone’s coffee. You need to prove your excellence in order to get ahead.
Cayman Island’s Immigration Board Chairman Ms. Cowan’s letter is not only poetic, but quite a recital I must say. The contents come as no surprise as this is exactly what I have been telling the people of the Cayman Islands all along. I proved to be right once again.The UDP must be watched, very closely. While the subtle design of this new rollover policy appear to blind the eyes of our people to the reality and the true meaning of the great impact such a policy would make on our society. As expected, there has been no mention of any provisions therein to accommodate opportunity for the people of the Cayman Islands. The already struggling, destitute and jobless Caymanians, appear to have no labor representation and are left to fend for themselves continuing to compete with the work Permit holders, and the government work permit mills that is a persistant thorn in the side of our people. Ms. Cowan’s announcement in the above article is a bold and pronounced stand by the powers that be in preventing the advancement of our people. It is a known fact that our own Educated Caymanians regardless of how many degrees( or high level degrees that they hold) superior to other work permit holders’ are still refused jobs with the same lame excuse that "theCaymanian needs experience !!." and the door slammed in their face at every turn. If they are hired at all they are asked to train a SUPPOSED TO BE MORE QUALIFIED work permit holder FOR THE POSITION !! What a twisted SCAM.
My advice to you qualified Caymanians is STOP TRAINING THEM. IT MAKES NO SENSE,
Ms. Cowan and Mr. Mckeeva Bush as a matter of public concern please answer the following question for your people before you grant anymore work permits
How does one gain experience and advance except they are given the opportunity to perform, and prove themselves.? The job must be granted to the applicant and they must be allowed to work in the place of business of their choice. Are you saying that you are now developing for the elite and that you have no time to make policies to better the labor conditions our people? We can not wait four years for you to fix this problem at a level that is satisfactory to the needs of our people and this recent proposal of your new policy is not good enough.
It remains to be seen whether the Immigration Board, The Premiere and the labor Office will all pull together on behalf of the people of the Cayman Islands in standing up to the heads of these financial institutions with regulations that demand that they hire our Caymanians in those positions allowing them to advance, just like the Work Permit Holders. . ..
As for Mr. Anonymous’s comments; The language used in the above comments are most offensive, self seeking, insufferable, and snobish.The general conclusion of concerned Caymanians non -political and independants alike is that Mr. McKeeva Bush and Ms. Cherie Bodden-Cowan are totally insensitive to the needs of the Caymanian people and less concerned about our educated Caymanians rights and privilege to be allowed the EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO CLIMB UP THE CORPORATE LADDER IN THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY. This can only take place as anywhere else in the world by "GIVING THE APPLICANT THE OPPORTUNITY !!! " One should be very suspicious and concerned when the local elite education Caymanians are deprived of opportunity in the financial industry in their own country, There is something suspiciously wrong with this picture. Those of you big brains out there you understand what I am talking about and what I am hinting after.
If our immigration Chairman together with the Premiere and the Labor
Director, do not get the message then I am sure that there are other ways of getting the message of the people accross to bring about the kind of change necessary to make life brighter and better for Caynmanians.Not more of the same that appears to be geared towards making life better and more accommodating for those in the Financial Industry or any other industry, We understand the need to develop and protect our financial industry, But get this straignt "Our people are inferior to no one. We are all equal". If the Premiere and Ms. Cowan are in disagreement with my opinion of equality for Caymanians and everyone else, then its time to let the people know, who you really are..
Keeping government honest
unaltered and unfiltered
Florence Goring-Nozza
Looks like another nutty letter will be appearing in the Compass shortly.
This is based on nonsense.
"The already struggling, destitute and jobless Caymanians" We have 5% unemployment as we approach bottom end in unemployment terms of a major recession. 5% and all of those could get a job if they wanted one given how the work permit system works.
"our educated Caymanians rights and privilege to be allowed the EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO CLIMB UP THE CORPORATE LADDER IN THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY. This can only take place as anywhere else in the world by "GIVING THE APPLICANT THE OPPORTUNITY"" The financial services industry already HAS to give young Caymanians the opportunity because of restrictions on giving permits to junior end workers. For example the attorneys can’t hire anyone from abroad with less than three years’ experience.
The chances are there. But a population of 30,000 is only going to produce a handful of top end lawyers, accountants etc in any year. That is a result of the bell curve not discrimination.
This is no nutty letter. You are the nut. This lady has Hit the Nail right On the Head, again !
Mckeeva Bush is taking the people of the Cayman Islands for a ride and its obvious that he and his immigration Chairman does not have an ear for the advancement of their own people. Every move he makes is on behalf of X-pats. Not his own people, this is dangerous.
It looks like they are setting up a "THIRD WORLD " structure where we have the Elite Rich and Famous and the Poor.
No middle class !. That’s3rd world to the core!
Now that we all get the picture; What are the men of the Cayman Islands going to do about this are they going to act like sissies in their little dresses, roll over and play dead or are they going tolead the way and stand up to Big Mac with their two Ba**s and let him know this is not going to fly. Our tax dollars are paying Big Mac and Cherie Cowan, and they can not be allowed to dictate policies that will ruin our society and make extinct the voice of our people.
Caymanians need to be aware that this recent move by the UDP is a dangerous and very effective seed planted with (overwhelming potential on behealf of X-pats), and it will most definitely STAMP OUT THE VOICES OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS AND GIVE A VOICE TO THE X-PATS!This can not happen.
We need a change in the L.A. It needs to be re-arranged and a new leader appointed. This is too much grief too early in the game. What else do they have under their hat for us?
I agree with you fully Tue, 01/26/2010 – 09:17. It is time for Caymanians to take a stand!
To obtain an ACCA, CA of CFA you have to have experience to get the qualifiaction in the first place.
Very well said Anon 08:32, I agree with everything you said. 100% TRUE!
How many unemployed Caymanians are there with MBA’s?
Up until very recently I was aware of at least one.
So that would leave the figure at zero then. None. Nada. Zip.
Utter gibberish. There is overwhelming evidence that Caymanians are NOT discriminated against in the workplace – it is a pernicious lie. In fact precisely the opposite is true. The entire legal, social and political framework is aimed towards giving Caymanians an unfair advantage in the job market. No company would employ an expat, with all the expense and red tape required, if a suitably qualified Caymanian is available. The bald fact of the matter is that there are not enough suitably qualified Caymanians available. Yet we still hear this incessant whining from the more feeble minded Caymanians. This "poor me" mentality is nauseating and pathetic, and Caymanians would do well to lose the chip on their collective shoulder and get on with building their professional careers. Oh, and stop exploiting expat workers too – Cayman’s treatment of a large section of the expat population is an absolute disgrace, for which Cayman as a whole should be thoroughly ashamed.
There is no such overwhelming evidence. There is however clear and convinving evidence to the contrary. If you are not a Caymanian you cannot speak to the issue. You also do not represent every employer and therefore cannot make these categorical statements. Let me get this right: no Caymanians are discriminated against, but Caymanians as a rule mistreat foreign workers? Your prejudice is what I find nauseating.
" If you are not a Caymanian you cannot speak to the issue."
Thus speaks the bigoted, xenophobic Caymanian. If you are a foreigner you are expected to shut up, because you have no rights, not even the right to speak. If you do speak up, some scheming idiot will write a grubby little letter to immigration.
"no Caymanians are discriminated against, but Caymanians as a rule mistreat foreign workers"
Exactly right. It is even written into the law, to the extent that many Caymanians are so bigoted and ignorant that they cannot see the disgrace that it is. Expats experience abuse at the hands of Caymanians on a daily basis. The entire immigration system is not compliant with international, civilized standards of human rights. Expats have no political rights and are discriminated against as a matter of course. It is absolutely shameful and Cayman as a nation should realise the crimes it is committing every single day. Yesterday was Heroes Day. It was nothing of the sort. Cayman has nothing heroic to celebrate, unless exploitation, bigotry and outright racism are something to be proud of.
And yet person after person comments on this website about how badly treated Caymanians are, and repeat the filthy lie that it is all the expat’s fault. Well shame on you, shame, shame shame.
That expats must shut up is not the point I was making. I do not believe that. The point is that since you are not within the class of the purported victims of discrimination (Caymanians) you have not entered into their experience and therefore are not competent to speak to the issue. You are not in a position to say that no Caymanians experience discrimination. Any statements denying that such discrimination exists are by definition prejudiced. You can only speak to matters of which you are aware. It is like a white American announcing that African Americans have not experienced/do not experience discrimination.
These sorts of abusive tantrums do not help the cause of expats. Grievous words stir up anger. You present a very one-sided and jaundiced view of Cayman in which Caymanians are evil, ignorant tyrants, while expats are the poor oppressed. You go out of your way to insult Caymanians. Ask yourself, are my words likely to bring peace or stir up strife? Are they likely to wound or to help heal wounds?
If I were a guest in a foreign country and hated and despised my hosts and their country as much as you do Caymanians and Cayman I would leave without delay.
And still it comes. The discrimination against expats and in favour of Caymanians is written in black and white in numerous laws & regulations in Cayman. MLA’s regularly make statements that are xenophobic and racist against expats. Expats are discriminated against in terms of taxation (for example stamp duty). It is legal for Caymanians openly to charge foreigners more for land etc ("$x for Caymanians, $y for foreigners).
The assertion that Caymanians are somehow discriminated against in employment is nothing more than a scurrilous, out and out lie. It does Caymanians no credit to keep repeating this lie. Employment law is overwhelmingly weighted in favour of Caymanians to the extent that it is a flagrant and grotesque breach of internationally accepted standards of human rights. Caymanians would do well to take note of how successful people gain employment in other countries in the world – they get on their bike and look for work and they keep looking until they find it. They do not whine and moan about some illusory discrimination and indulge in rank bigotry. Yes it is hard getting a job anywhere, in New York, in London, in Singapore, in Cayman, even if you are qualified and experienced. Intelligent people (Caymanians included) realise this and have enough self respect to refrain from childish whining and get on with finding a job.
The usual veiled threat ("get off my island") is noted, and does you no credit.
I see that you have disregarded the points that I made with your petulant attitude. As for "childish whining" your posts are replete with it. You are "engaging in rank bigotry".
Whatever the laws say or intend the fact of the matter is that they are often circumvented by employers to employ persons of their own race or nationality as against Caymanians notwithstanding that the possess no greater qualifications or experience. There is absolutely no question about it, I have seen it first hand.
Obviously if it means anything to be a citizen it must be that you have certain rights and privileges above a non-citizen. That is the same the world over. There need be no apology for that.
I did not give any threat, veiled or otherwise. I was endeavouring to get you think calmly and clearly, but to no avail. You obviously have a persecution complex. It may well be that the discrimination you suffer is purely "illusory".
Yup, its called positive discrimination and its very rampant here in Cayman.
oh boo hoo…"great exchange rates and we get to take it all back with us!" It’s a mutual mistreatment that’s happening btw…all this generalizing and bickering on both sides are making me sick…Oh btw genius many young Caymanians are in colleges and universities trying to make better lives for themselves so to say that Caymanians are collectively NOT making an effort is a real load if you catch my meaning…how quickly ppl forget that there are reasonable people on both sides who want to make this country a better place…we gotta all see passed our ignorance and wining.
I doubt very much that the court would consider being absent from the Islands for 6 months as a break in residency. As the law now stands, a person can be resident in more than one country at the same time.
The UDP was voted out of office because of the status grants but the voters forgot and voted them back in. Now here we go again. Did we really expect any difference? I can only pray that the same people who are advising the Goverment on reducing the roll over period are not the same people that thought that the "status grants" were a good idea.
Cayman voters- we have chance to stop any law change that we do not like. Just let your MLA know- vote for the Law change and lose my vote.
Immigration has got it entirely wrong again, but I would not expect this self appointed bunch of experts that are not in tune with the needs of Cayman to come up with anything else. The finance sector is only one important sector. It does require expertise that cannot be filled by the existing qualified population.
What immigration does not appear to have taken into consideration is the tradesmen that really supply essential goods and services. Not all Caymanians are academics and it is not to be expected as it wouldn’t be in any other country.
More focus should be placed on getting Caymanians in the essential skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics, machinists etc. These trades are as vital as any other industry and indeed support them. While my own evidence is largely empirical, I would bet my life that statistics would confirm the need.
The caymanian academics have put themselves above all else, and are pushing their own people out of essential services, by the lack of encouragement. I do not believe for one minute that Caymanians do not want these jobs, but little is provided to help them achieve it.
The government disgusts me with the appointments of persons like Mrs Bodden-Cowans who are obviously self serving and not in tune with the economy as much as they appear to think they are!
When I was a kid I was always reminded by my elders that if you learn to work with your hands you will never be unemployed and I have never forgotten it and to date it has served me well.
While I agree with the general message you are obviously attempting to give I must point out to you that Immigration has nothing to do with either training or placing Caymanians into skilled trades. Such responsibility falls with the Education Department and the Department of Employment relations. In fact the resurrection of the long ago dismantled trade school has long been called for by many people but the politicians did not seem to recognise the importance to this society. I was very happy to hear the present Education Minister, Mr. Rolston Anglin speak of this and of his plans for a trades school. The rest of your post however is spot on!
Wrong – read section 44. It was called the Caymanian Protection Law from its inception. It really has much less to do with Immigration than you might think. Only its name has changed.
Funnily enough, UK Immigration Laws do the same thing, with their work permit forms requiring the employer to confirm that no local EU national is being or will be deprived of a position as a result of the grant of the permit.
This will NOT keep businesses here. Try controlling govt. spending so you don’t have to spend so much money to operate a business. That would keep Cayman competitive and afloat.
It is telling that most of the "over my dead body" posts are barely intelligible, and redolent with prejudice. Cayman has a stark choice either takes these suggested, albeit unpopular, steps to protect its offshore business or risk the entire future of Cayman’s economy – and if Caymanians think there is an unemployment and crime problem now then heaven forbid what might happen if these plans are not put into place.
Spoken like a true foreigner, the time you spend making disparaging remarks about posters here and uttering this old threat of if we don’t take these steps this is what going to happen toCayman. You should instead try to figure out how to make Caymanians more concern and involved with their Financial industry, but that would mean putting away some of the very prejudices you speak of, because i can assure you Caymanians do not have the monopoly on that subject.
The person who posted Sun, 01/24/2010 – 12:47 has conveniently overlooked the prejudice expressed against Caymanians in many postings here. The demeaning messages full of prejudice and hate against my people by the foreign element has angered me and caused me to fully understand this growing, sad divide in our society.
Beyond that, however, what needs to be understood by foreigners who want more, more, more and the government that seems dedicated to satisfying their wants, is that immigration policies have had little effect on the loss of business in these islands. There are many other factors, not least of which is the high cost of doing business here that has contributed to this but, incidentally, that cost has just been increased by the very government that claims it is seeking solutions to entice businesses to remain and new ones to come! Yet, the focus has been deflected to the emotional and personal immigration policies, instead of the real boggey man in the closet, HIGH COST.
As an educated and successful Caymanian I am baffled at the ignorance that permeates in high places and is so feeding the destruction of these precious islands.
To Anon 12:47: firstly, what you are saying is that anyone who speaks out against Bush, Cowan & the udp are stupid, or as you put it "barely intelligible, and redolent with prejudice"? I suppose you will say that your comments are not redolent with prejudice? How prejudice can one get?
Secondly, are you trying to tell us Caymanians who are in fear of being over-run & outnumbered in our country that we must accept what Bush, Cowan & the udp are planning to do? We must not question their motives when they talk about "creating new Caymanians"? Are you suggesting that we sit idly by & watch them give away our country? It is not theirs to give away!
I suspect that most of these plans by Bush, Cowan &the udp as far as immigration is concerned is more about greed than what is best for Cayman. Of course, I may be wrong, but everything points to the fact that more harm will be caused than good (for Caymanians) all in the name of greed. What makes me feel this way most is the track record of Bush, Cowan & the udp! They say "once bitten twice shy" & everything done by Bush & the udp since the May 2009 elections, especially the recent immigration talks, is proof enough to all of Cayman that nothing has changed as far as Bush & the udp are concerned, & THAT IS VERY FRIGHTENING!
i strongly feel that we are & have been bringing in too much poor class expat workers (especially from Jamaica) that class of worker does not contribute to Cayman as a matter of fact they send somewhere to the tune of KYD50 million to KYD70 million per year this money should be re generated back into the Cayman economy, that was one of the underlying factors which created the financial problems surrounding Cayman & its recent woes.
Certain expat types should be only for 6 months maximum that will help to keep crime down & allow Cayman to regain some of its charm & safety
this will then encourage more investors to return to Cayman & enable them to work & life without fear of being targetted because of their wealth etc.
Get rid of the majority of low income workers by only giving 6 month permits
Change them out regularly & Cayman will see a big difference in the crime
I’m a Caymanian and I think you are right and I also think that you are wrong. I feel that Jamaicans has help get Cayman to where we are now, and they are very hard-workers. Jamaicans that come into this Country helps build the economy for Cayman. Immigation do generate alot of money from Jamaicans so dont even go there!
I agree with you that all expats, but not certain types, should be only given time for 6 months to help keep down some of the crime here. You are sounding a little bias when you only define one culture. They are good and bad Jamaicans just like they are good and bad in everyone of us. Why let one apple spoil the whole pot? Caymanians we need to stop talking down badly about Jamaicans and know that they are our Sisters and Brothers and should all be treated as one.
As a Caymanian I love Jamaican people and I feel the hate towards Jamaicans has gone too far with us now. Life is too short to be hating, what we all need to do is to pray more, and love thy neighbor as thyself. Bob Marley said "one love, one heart lets get together and feel alright."
I am a Jamaican. In 30 years in Cayman I have been robbed by a Jamaican, I have been assaulted by a Jamaican with status, and a family members’ home was burgled by a Caymanian.
Never have I, or anyone I know been a victim of a crime perpetrated here by a ‘Pino or a Canadian.- just sayin.
Good point. It certainly isn’t the Philippinos breaking into people’s homes and assaulting the occupants.
While you are right that Jamaicans have helped build Cayman, so is the case for any nationality that is participating in the work force.
The point worth mentioning about Jamaicans in Cayman is one of "simple proportions". My point is – Cayman needs to change this large proportion of Jamaicans (largely unskilled) by making a serious push to force employers to hire unskilled workers from other countries. It is important for Cayman not to be "held hostage" by any ideals -that something "exceptional" is owed to Jamaicans. More Important, is for the workforce to become more balanced with other nationalities so that there is no "culture dominance" as we are now seeing from the large "out of proportion" Jamaican unskilled workforce.
I am supportive of Cayman planning as a "melting pot", rather than some "delusion" that we can be the Cayman of 30-40 years ago.
However, it is more important to implement plans to keep balance proportions of expatriate inflows from countries, rather than to abandon the common sense thinking that Cayman does not need expatriates at all.
Social harmony in this country can achieve a higher level of success, if immigration policies in practice are assisting, rather than hindering. I am by no means suggesting the forgoing is a panacea to the problems, but I am confident that they are in the “helping” category.
If the largest “out of proportion” unskilled work force in Cayman was “Russian”. Then you could omit all reference to the word “Jamaicans” and replace with the word “Russian” in this post
I am Caymanian, and have been here a little over four decades, and I feel privilege to live amongst so many different nationalities and cultures. I am not a “God” person but nevertheless a “Good” Person. No “bible touting”, nor “bible bashing”. I am happy that we are, and hope that we remain a British Territory, at least for the foreseeable future.
-A simple view
"I am Caymanian, and have been here a little over four decades" Sounds like another one of these paper "Caymanians" who should be quiet and grateful and leave opinions to the true borns.
"A little over four decades"- well that is because I was born in 1968 ;).
I can assure you (since this seems to be the area of importance to you) that your ancestors, and yourself can stake no further claim to the definition "Caymanian" than I can.
Don’t think I will reply to you any further on this irrelevant subject….You are more than welcome to have the "last word".
They send their money home as you don’t allow them to bring their families here.
You would rather their families starve in their own countries than send the money home.
Very Christian of you
AMEN!!!!!
Clearly, it would be the worker’s choice to make his family starve. He has a choice to come here towork on the terms permitted or not to come. He has choice to send money back and pay a relatively small fee to the government, or save it here and not pay that fee. That small fee will not make the difference between anyone starving and not starving.
What a ploy that would be to obtain pay increases – unless you pay me $1,000 more my family in X country will starve!
Where did you people get the foolish notion that this little island is big enough to accommodate every Tom, Dick and Harry that wants to relocate here.
The place is too small ! The natives need their breathing space.
Mckeeva dont you have your own country people in mind of where we are going to run to when we cant live in our own country anymore? from the time i know of you ive never heard you change a law to protect anything here for your locals its always in the benefit of the foreingers,why are you like that come on now man,stop looking votes because thats where your power is in the expats not the locals.
UDP is a BIG sell out to us locals supporting foreingers with cayman papers to get votes at election time.whattime it is PPM TIME.cant belive MCKEEVA is doing this again,no sign on tighting the belt on people coming in here hes looseing it a little bit more,but i knew he would do it when i heard that udp won the election i felt like i were dieing because i know from that moment on that he would give away my birth right to every cat and dog.
I dont expect them to do anything else but give away our island they are from west bay, the craziest place on this island, the caymanians that did vote for udp did you guys know what you did when you elected them in to office? you put them in power to give away the only place we had to live.lets go PPM lets go KURT TIBBETTS we need you back there for us locals you are the only one we have to protect caymanians.2013 a clean sweep out for UDP.
Kurt? PPM? Are you mad? Never, never again!!! You think the sink hole in South Sound was big, watch would happen if we allow that set in again!!
You Idiot, what you think caused the sink hole we have right now – THE UDP, Star!
"Kurt? PPM? Are you mad?" Excuse me madam, but what do you have now? The UDP for GOD’s sake, what could be worse?
Thank GOD, at least Kurt, the PPM, or anyone involved with the PPM did not sell out their country, line their pockets, set up family & friends with jobs & contracts paying them twice the value, etc etc. Thank GOD Kurt & the PPM were open, HONEST & transparent. Oh & did I mention HONEST?
What do you have now? The UDP for GOD’s sake! It doesn’t get any worse than that, & that is one undeniable fact!
Kurt Tibbetts is damned well not the answer. We need new and intelligent leaders in this country who are able to see beyond the smoke screen and have the best interest of the Caymanian people at heart. It does not appear that either Kurt or McKeeva can fit the bill in that reard.
what i have to say is at the end of the day what ever situation they leave our island in we locals are the ones that will have to live with it for the rest of our lives,this government is not even thinking that the reason they are here is because their own country is over populated and down the drain and they are going to do the same here, if their country didnt have a problem they wouldnt have left it to come here.all of the foreingers are hooked on to cayman like leaches just drainging out what we have here.
just to let you know, i am canadian, and no canada is not overpopulated. it is actually extremly under populated. you would never here someone in canada rag on somebody for being from somewhere else. i cant believe you caymanians think you are native…..more like naive. we are all immigrants from somewhere so lets get along and live as one. a lot of caymanians go to school over seas and use medical in jamaica, but they probably dont tell you to go home when your using their services!!!
Caymanians are required to pay for any treatment they receive overseas, as they should be. That includes in Canada.
if canada is not over populated then why didnt you stay there and throw in a few suggestions there.
Because we came here as it was easier to progress in the financial services industry in a country where many locals were poorly educated, unmotivated and unpleasant to clients. We get more for doing less here.
It might be better for your cause if you don’t speak or write in. Just saying.
I have been to Canada and I lived there for a short while so I can say without doubt that some of the nastiest personalities I have ever encountered were there. I did not feel welcome and hence the reason I did notstay. So, please don’t get on here singing "oh Canada". Canada is like every other country, made up of good and bad.
Seeing that Canadians are about the nicest people on earth, if you were treated nastily there it can only be because you are a complete a$$hole.
What a jackass.
We could say the same thing here changing "Canadians" to "Caymanians". It all depends on perspective.
I bet you get that a lot. Sorry, but no one belives you but you.
lets not forget this is the same reason the udp were voted out for in 2005 lets go PPM we need you back there to save the little that is left of our island, caymanians you should have known that this is what udp would do to us and our children. they are crazy people and thats what the foreingers like,someone to give away the only place that we natives had to live.
PPM? Are you mad?
There is no question that the presentimmigration policy is wholly inequitable, and likely a violation of human rights legislation. Yet I understand why such a policy was put in place. If we give rights to all the persons who have have long stnding ties, then we will flood the Island with low income individuals who are a burden on our social services. Yet a bit of common sense could have been used.
I, personally, am the parent of a Caymanian child, and have legally resided in Cayman in excess of 15 years. My child is legitimate – not that that makes a difference, in my, nor God’s eyes.
I was against the mass status give-a-way of 2004, as it seemed to have no basis in merit, only in connections. I had the opportunity to gain status at that time, but felt the process used for the mass grant was wrong. I believed I would, in the near future, be granted status on the merit of my activities here in Cayman. I was wrong. I have paid in spades for that decision – to the tune of more than 150k. (No good dead goes unpunished).
I do not have status, nor do I have the right to work freely. What I have is "Permanent Residency". "Permanent Residency" is another way of saying I can never change professions, nor better myself for the benefit of my Caymanian child. It says that I must continue to be subject to the outlandish fee increases at the whims of changing governments. It means that I may not own my own business, and instead must have a "Caymanian" partner, who can steal a business out from under me at their whims, and that I must pay exhorbitant fees, at the expense of my Caymanian child.
Our Immigration law most severly effects those Caymanians least able to object – our children. Sadly, most "Caymanian" fathers do little (if anything) to assist their offspring once the relationship with the mother has soured. (My child’s father – thank God- is the exception). I have heard horror stories from loving mothers of the absolute hell their ex’s have put them through. They are hog-tied in large part because if they loose their status they loose their jobs, thereby loosing their ability to support their children. It is so sad when the future of our children is at stake, that our government ( and in actuality our community) is so short sighted that they would rather embrace hate for ex-pats then nuture their own.
Bottom line – I think that provisions should be in place for parents of Caymanian chjildren to have the right to live, work and support their offspring without these undue constrants. I also believe that the fathers of these CAYMANIAN children should be held at least minimum standards. Yes, there are some women who come here and get pregnant to better there dire economic situation, but that is not the case for many of us. And even IF THEY DO SO, the children still exist, and are no less Caymanian due to the poor behavior of their parents.
Sounds great – you cannot deport me, I impregnated a Caymanian girl last night. See where that gets us!
If you have been her for 15 years (as you claim) then you can apply now for status. Don’t believe me? Call immigration or any lawyer.
No, a Caymanian partner cannot (legally) steal a company from under you. An unscrupulous one could make your life hard. Choose better – or choose more than one.
Everything else, I agree.
I am willing to offer myself for practice sessions in respect of this immigration strategy.
Cayman has wisely tried to protect itself from "anchor babies" and I think they are right in doing so. In many countries babies are used by unscrupulous parents to manipulate immigration laws and gain access that they otherwise would not have.
"However, Bodden did say that there was also a need to create more Caymanians."
One must wonder if Mr. Bush and his party remember that this same idea of creating more Caymanians is what ejected the UDP from office in 2005?
Some people never learn.
As for Mrs. Bodden-Cowan it would be extremely interesting if she would elaborate asto why we need to "Create more Caymanians".
Quality citizens is the answer, not quantity Caymanians created for political expediency. What we need to do is educate/train the existing Caymanians and give them every opportunity to become skilled and productive members of society.
Right now our infrastructure is stretched to the breaking point with the current Caymanians (case in point some of our primary schools have over 500 students, making them chronically overcrowded by any standard.)
For too long we have pursued an ad hoc policy of creating Caymanians.
I suggest that Caymanian Creation not exceed GDP less the natural population growth rate.
I do not think that Sherri Bodden-Cowans should have any position or post that has anything to do with immigration. She & her father own a company that handles immigration issues (CNS, this is public knowledge, you can check it out yourself). This is an obvious conflict of interest. It would also be very helpful for Caymanians so as to fully understand what is happening if we could look into which company will benefit most financially from "creating new Caymanians" as Sherri Bodden-Cowans is suggesting (again CNS, this is public knowledge).
This is so wrong. Can’t the premier, Bodden-Cowans & the UDP see the obvious conflict of interest? Aren’t they embarrassed?
Actually, only the lawyers really understand what is going on – she is an excellent choice.
You are right Sat, 01/23/2010 – 21:10. You also needed to question why [peope who] own agencies that depend largely on immigration work to do business, are also on the Immigration Review Team along (IRT) along with Sherrie Bodden-Cowan. Check that out for confilict of interest.
When Government ruins the economy our rights and freedoms takes the rap. What if our so call leaders had a little integrity.
All i can hear from these expats is wanting cayman papers i think they need to try and fix their own country and make it a better place to live and stop invading other peoples country,want to see how many true caymanians they are wait until they hear hurricane coming here,they dont love this island everyone of them talks bad about it and about the caymanians they only want the money and anything else they can get.
You make a good point. The British should do something about the people that invaded their territory, the Cayman Islands. The last time I checked, these islands were not independent.
No they were originally owned by Spain.
Are you saying Spain should retake the island? Perhaps then Hondurans have more claim to these islands than the people who came from Jamaica, Scotland, England etc.?
What about I and I?
>"Bodden explained it would create two classes of citizens,"
Very commendable not wanting to create a caste system, but isn’t that what is happening here?
>"Bodden confirmed that a list of positions, for the financial sector at least, has now been compiled. She said these roles would automatically be granted key status"
>"The list would be allowed access to extended work permits of at least three years and those holding the positions would be entitled to apply for permanent residency once they pass eight years stay.
She emphasised, however, the posts only applied to the financial services industry and directly related support fields. The list includes all financial senior management posts, such as MDs, VPs and CEOs, partners, investment bankers, IT directors, insurance and reinsurance managers, as well as a number of less familiar positions, such as traders and brokers,"
I don’t see my name there. Recently, we have been reading much about the fickleness of offshore investment companies. They set up office, plug in the computers and faxes, and set to work. Just as easily, in the blink of an eye they can unplug the equipment. Moving someplace that has given them a "better offer". I can see the reasoning behind offering up goodies to attract and retain the finance industry, but you can’t at the same time say your intention is to prevent classes in society because you havejust done that. Does an IT Director feel more of a connection to the island than say someone who has raised someone’s children here? I venture to guess Cayman is seen as a career move. How about a VP? Are they more interested in the bottom line or the future of the island? These are some questions. And I’m just trying to point out that this does accomodate a caste system, not disagreeing with the reforms needed.
This is discrimination, & bordering on racism. And I hope that the persons of that nationality that followed the UDP up & down the island during the election campaign realise that very few of their own people work in our financial sector, & Sherri Bodden-Cowan has emphasised that "the posts only applied to the financial services industry and directly related support fields." What a blow, & what an insult! That’s what they get for believing the UDP’s lies about the PPM during the campaign.
That is what they get for trusting a dishonest politician. "What is good for the goose is good for the gander" & I think it is wrong to discriminate against persons simply because of the type of work they do, or even worse, their nationality, & we know which nationality this most discriminates against, & they were the ones that loved the UDP so much during election time. I suppose the honeymoon is over, & their usefulness is no longer needed! THAT WHAT UNNA GET!
But you still haveto LEAVE for 6 months! How is this better? If one has a house there, they have to leave the island for 6 months. It is not a small feat. Still discouraging, in my opinion. Immigration will have to do better than that to encourage people to live and contribute in Cayman.
The point is no skilled professional in the financial services industry will have to leave for 6 months or any time at all.
I wonder if Sherri or someone could tell us how the immigration staff will cope with all of the demands being put on them without new hirings?
I visited the new offices where work permits are done for an appointment recently and I was very shocked to see the few members of staff that they have to deal with the volume of work they have! Everyone was working diligently but I notice that many of them looked exhausted but they were pleasant.
The top manager I met with was as professional as any private sector executive. She was well spoken, well presented and very knowledgeable. I left there with a new and refreshing view of the immigration department and I could not help but feel guilty for being one of the folks who has called the talk showscriticising Immigration. It must be so discouraging for them to know how hard they are working but only hear the criticism and bashing everywhere. I asked that very nice lady how she and her staff cope with all of the bashing and I was amazed when she flashed a lovely smile and simply said, "When you are a public servant criticism is expected and for the most part we don’t let it affect us". I think all of us need to stop and think before we dash out the criticism because they are only doing their job using the law that they have.
When you are receiving money you dont think ahead and I think this is the problem in this case!
It is nice to read something positive and complementary on here for a change. You are right that too many people bash the staff in government offices without having any idea of the difficult situations they are working in to "serve" us the public.
At least that lady you spoke with and the other workers you saw there have the good sense to put all of the bashing in perspective. But you are right that before the government themselves starts bashing immigration or other government departments they need to make sure that as leaders they have given the departments all that they need to do the job and that means enough employees too.
Spin control? Sherri love you need to make surethat your Premier has ALL the facts before he engages his mouth. I take keen interested in this short sentence from the story above, "However, Bodden did say that there was also a need to create more Caymanians". Many Caymanians felt this was the intention of the UDP government from the get go although it was so vehemently denied during the election process. Now we see it all unravelling!
Can we guess whose company will be getting all the work to create new Caymanians. Again we have some Caymanians who are selling their birthright just for a little piece of the pie – it truly makes me sick to think that these people are supposed to be Caymanians and just for a dollar they can sink so low – My God!
I posted a comment very similar to this (Anon 15:23) but CNS did not publish it, I don’t know why, so I’m writing in support of your comment. Let me repeat what you & I said: I wonder whose company will be getting all the work to create new Caymanians? It is important to know this, & like the writer I am disgusted with so called Caymanians who sell their birthright just for a little piece of the pie. Which company will be getting all the work & PAY to create new Caymanians? Check it out Cayman!
Sweetie, you mean which companies? There are three such with representatives on the IRT. Go look up the announcement about the IRT membership luv.
so caymanians need a plan of action for their children cause in a few years time there will be no "cayman" for the future generations. What a mess!!!!!!
I concur. It’s as if the Government is so fixated on creating "new" Caymanians that they have completely disregarded existing Caymanians and set us aside as if we are valueless. Additionally they are setting us up for failure, if not failure then they are certainly creating permanent glass ceilings. Young Caymanian workers will find it near impossible to attain a senior managerial position because of the Government’s latest overnight epiphany.
The double speak by these so called leaders is amazing. On the one hand they are claiming that they are trying to attract and retain businesses to provide employment for Caymanians but on the other hand they are giving all of the foreigners in top management positions key employee status! How the heck will that policy help Caymanians? This whole mess is going to cause an uprising in this country if we are not careful.
This is what we get hardworking Caymanians get, when status in the thousands are handed out. We get what we don’t deserve. Don’t expect cassava when you plant Yam my friends.
I hope Ms. Bodden and Mr. Can’t speak for myself, after all it was THEM that got us into this mess in the first case, now all of sudden they new answers.
I say do a system overhaul which addresses and support the areas of government that need it most.
Example – Enforcement in immigration, it’s a laughing joke the amount of violations that happen in this litte place, and nothing is done, because for one, immigration does not have near the capacity, to effectively address the important issues, imagine the little ones? Many cracks in the system, fix them first, "reduce break in stay", now is this fixing the real cracks?
Check it out all those services that Caymanian are entitled are way overwhelmed, you believe that happen by the choice of the Caymanian people, I think not. A couple of knuckleheads!
Would it be possible to know the amount of persons that have benefited from this "wholesale give away"? Let the people know that? Let them know how much our system is overworked due to "political expediency". Let them know how these status should have been phased out over 15 to 20 years, but because election year was around the corner, UDP smelled blood. Let us know.
I trust this time around when you all leave office, you will leave for good, not is the best interest of Cayman.
thats true alot of violations is going on in this island i remember years ago when enforcement would be down eastern ave rounding them up and other parts of the island checking but now after the status hand out they dont even care. i guess they know that the over stayers and immigration law breakers got pr or status. alot of people getting work permits for them as a favor and have nothing for them to do all day they coming to peoples houses asking for work ask them about they work permit they say its ok with boss. alot of the jamaicans that got status from mckeeva brought in people on work permits and they dont even know way they are,this island is gone to the dogs.
why don’t leave jamaicans out of your bickering. you people are so callous and small minded, i thought you were long past the notion that jamaicans were the grounds for all your problems. the fact of your situation is that your population is on the decline and your birth rate is below par. some one has got to fix the prob. i suggest that you people fix your problems, get an education, get skill training and become productive citizens to your country. you are more a burden to the society that the expats. they are the ones that keep the country running…
The reason why you are not seeing the enforcements officers from immigration is because they don’t have any to come out and catch people. I hear it is only about 4 or 5 because they are paying them so low that the guys are leaving and going to other jobs. See how government operates?! McKeeva is jumping around flapping his mouth criticizing his own government department about "fool fool" policy and that he only hear no, no from immigration but he is not saying that the staff are overworked, underpaid, underappreciated and expected to perform miracles. Personally I think that most of them are doing a hell of a job with what they have to work with.
stop hating jamaicans. You people hire them . They do all the jobs that Caymanians don’t want to do. They do gardening, they do your domestic chores and cook your food and baby sit your children ,and take care of your elderliesThere is a need for them. They did not come here as refugees, you brought them here. Why don’t you start doing the dirty works, then there will be no need for them. And all who are angry about jamaicans saving their money out of the miesly pay they get, re-assess your spending habits and you will have money. Cut down on the sizes of your SUVs, reduce the number of trips to Miami reduce your trips to the restaurants. cook at home. In the logical conclusion do the menial jobs and you won’t need foreigners here. Don’t blame the foreigners, blame the people who bring them here. Let your children stay in schools and pass their exams so they can get the top jobs in the trust companies, insurance companies, Banks and othr high end employments. Tere seems to be a special hate for jamaicans in this country but God created all men equal. Are you going to heaven? There will be Jamaicans there, bite that. OK now you can go ahead pour out your anger beat me up. I don’t care.
Shame on you Sheri and the UDP Government. Why are you not looking out for the interest of the college educated Caymanians who are now currently being marginalised in the financial services industry. If you allow positions such as VPs to be automatically granted key status, then how will the Caymanians progress to these positions that are now only given to expatriate workers. In many instances, these expatriates do not have any knowledge of the financial services industry but are yet given these positions over qualified and capable Caymanians. What about all the young Caymanians now graduating from college? Where will they find work? Government? Why are these same financial services companies not being mandated to hire these bright young Caymanians at entry level positions? Why do they always tell them they have to have experience as well when no company is willing to give them the opportunity to get the experience? Bottom line, they do not want Caymanians in their organisations, yet we are giving them everything they want. What are we as Caymanians getting? What have we negotiated for the benefit of the Caymanians?
I think the ignorance in your post, in a way, actually answers your questions. "In many instances, these expatriates do not have any knowledge of the financial services industry but are yet given these positions over qualified and capable Caymanians."
This is utter rubbish. Expatriates that come to Cayman to work in financial services have almost always got great experience in the industry. They would not be employed if they didn’t, nor would they receive work permits. The truth is that these professionals have been well trained in their own countries, they have relevant skills and experience in the field and an awareness of international business.
The "Qualified and capable" Caymanians that you refer to are very few and far between. Those that are truly skilled, experienced and motivated all get very good jobs in Cayman. Unfortunately the majority of young Caymanians are poorly educated (thats not an insult, it’s a fact) and do not have the skills to carry out these senior jobs. A high school leavers certificate is, to be fair, a very measly level of education and anywhere else in the world would be sufficient to get a job washing cars, but here the Caymanians think it is good enough to get them a job as a managing partner, Fund manager or similar.
All of the senior professional roles require the holder to have advanced professional qualifications. This may be a chartered accounts qualification, or chartered insurance instiitute or whatever. This is not a GNVQ in business (level 2) that somebody has studied in the UCCI. These professionals are the cream of the crop, and the crop is millions of times bigger than Cayman’s crop.
Like most Caymanians, you think that because we are in Cayman, the only qualification you need to do any of these jobs is a Caymanian passport. Whilst this will get you into some mid level jobs to appease immigration, that is only so they are then allowed to hire an expat to do the job properly and cover your behind.
At my business, we give many entry level positions to caymanians. The minority of them work hard, show initiative, don’t mind putting in the hours and as a result do very well in their careers. Unfortunately the majority of them are lazy, don’t turn up on time, they refuse to work hard or answer to an expat boss. They pull a couple of sickies a week and spend nearly all day eating or surfing the internet.
If you want to make the most of your career and be able to compete with expats, you need to put more effort in at school, go to college and be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up. Every expat here has had to do that at some point. They started at the bottom, getting paid squat, but gaining experience, developing skills and getting professionally qualified in their own time. Then they work up the ladder. It’s no different for Caymanians, you can’t just stroll in at the top.
These big companies already subsidize your lazy lifesyle, your 4×4 and blackberry. Every time you drink yourself into a stupor it is with money directly or indirectly given to you by one of these companies. So instead of getting drunkand going home to beat your wife, why don’t you go home and practice your reading and writing?
Not true. I actually went to school overseas with a VP at a major finacial services entity. She came here with her husband, was offered the job based more on her accent than anything else, and performs very well – as would have any educated Caymanian given the chance.
Get a grip, you really do need to get a grip and stop generalizing and referring to all Caymanians as lazy slackers and to all expatriates as ambitious, qualified and experienced. you are right that there are some Caymanians who are as you describe but this country would not be where it is today without the very ambitious and hardworking Caymanians who put it there, providing opportunity for people like you to come and be part of what we created. Yes, many good foreign people came along, invested and helped us to build this country but the foundation was set by us for them to build on.
In so far as foreign workers are concerned there are many good ones but many who have come here on work permits are also lazy, with bad attitudes, fake qualifications and resumes. When employers discover that they dont know ditty and have to get rid fo them they turn to Caymanians who have been doing the jobs for years. Many of them also lie on their resume and get their experience here they dont come with it. So, stop the generalising and know that there are good and bad in every country and that not all expats here on work permits are model workers either.
Probably one of the best comments EVER.
Direct and straight to the point
I think you should get your facts right before making statements. I know from first hand experience that most of the expats hired in the industry have learned most of what they know about the industry from the job they were given over the qualified and capable Caymanians. The calibre of expats that are currently being hired by these firms has decreased considerably over what it was initially. Most of these firms in order to save money are only recruiting from places such as Canada, Phillipines, South Africa. Traditionally most financial services firms in Cayman would hire top lawyers and accountants from the UK and New York and other big cities with leading financial services industries. These persons were well versed in the area of finance and contributed significantly to the growth of the financial services industry. But no one can tell me that most of the expats that are now working in the industry are any smarter, knowledgeable, more educated than their Caymanian counterparts.I have personally experienced how Caymanians are treated in these financial services firms and it boils down to nothing more than discrimination. There are many Caymanians in the industry with MBAs from top Universities overseas, many years of working experience, yet you ask these same financial services companies, how many are now VPs in their organisations. As a matter of fact, I am asking them to publish the statistics of the amount of VPs, SVPs, Directors, CEOs that are Caymanian vs expats. Let them publish those to really show what is going on. I have had it with you expats always trying to put all Caymanians in one category and trying to make it seem like you are doing us a favour by being here. You speak to us in a condescending manner and you always say we are uneducated, when many of us have been educated at the same Universities in your countries, as you have. We Caymanians have had enough. I am promising everyone reading this, that we educated, qualified, capable, willing and abe Caymanians are going to take this country back. Our leadership has failed us and sold out to the almighty dollar, but we the citizens have to make our voices heard and stand up and be counted. If we do not act now, what legacy are we leaving behind for our children?
College educated Caymanians can look out for themselves. That is WHY they are educated. Sherri Bodden is a great example and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of others.
Typically, success belongs to entrepreneurs, whether educated or not. Entrepreneurs tend to be creative, problems solvers, intelligent (street smart or formally educated) and usually don’t look for hand outs. The laws of Cayman state every local company must be 60% Caymanian owned and directed. This gives tremendous protection to Caymanians and a great advantage towards becoming successful. Many, many Caymanians have rightfully, and intelligently, taken advantage of this.
The trouble with what you are saying is that it is contrary to biblical rules which state “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread”—that is, he will have to work for his bread, or living.
Our seamen of past are our best example of this passage. It is also why these are the ancestors we are most proud of.
We may have our own (protection) laws here (and self anointed "policemen"), but if they are inconsistent with nature’s (God’s) laws, there will be tension / division / hatred.
Nope. Sherri is part of the last generation of Caymanians to truly succeed on a home grown basis. Think about it. David Ritch, Michael Alberga, Sherri, Jude, Naul, Dan, Wayne, Andrew, James. As they retire, who is replacing them?
As for 60% Caymanian ownership, you jest. Fronting is a national pastime with a number of lawyers, mainly from overseas, facilitating unlawful arrangements.
Get yer head out of the sand and look around!
I believe David Ritch was born in Jamaica. Ditto for Michael Alberga, who’s father is considered one of Jamaica’s finest men. Its good to know there actually is integration with the passing of time.
I’m certain such outstanding people have ensured their children are highly educated and thus their children will be replacing them. In addition, I can think of many extremely bright Caymanians who are doing fine jobs and would succeed wherever they lived – just look at the winners of the young caymanian leadership awards.
As for the fronting. Surely, the person doing the fronting is the "sell out" and not the person being fronted. This would be incredibly unpatriotic and the majority of posts would suggest such a thing could never happen. Would Caymanians really do this to themselves?
Do you think any of the people you listed as fine examples of Caymanians would ever front?
You have little faith in the good people of these islands, of which there are many.
Kurt Tibbetts was born in Jamaica too. Country of birth is not that relevant. There are simply almost no young Caymanians succeeding at the highest levels, unlike only a generation ago.
Fronting takes two to tango, and the expat is just as guilty.
I have no problem with the meny good people, just the minority bad people who screw it up for everyone else.
that is so true shame on her and mckeeva destroying and giving away their own island and birth rights, what she needs to do is put in harder laws not reduce them,but i dont expect that because they are a foreing government the jamaicans and phillipinos and spaniards voted udp so they could give away more cayman status when they got in office.what about our real cayman children the real natives of this island they dont even have place in their own country.alot expats got papers and they dont even spend a dollar here they send it back home.ive spoken to alot of expats they got pr and they dont own anything here i would like to know how they got it. we have been sold out.
You need to ask how many were refused on their P.R. applications then they contacted some board members and then the decision was changed. i dont know what this board is doing but i know tht the other one did that.
The government should check and see if the other board was really doing that. If so they should also check the law and see if itis legal for that to be done! I do not think that it was legal and they should not get away with it. We have to wonder then how many were approved first and then refused afterwards too. Someone needs to investigate that!
You are so right and I join you in saying shame on them! We should not be surprised at what is unravelling now though because any one with any good sense should have known that this would happen.
Caymanians memories are sometimes short but 2003 and the thousands of status grants is not long ago, 6 years, and no one should have expected the UDP’s mentality to change. I am glad that I had enough sense to steer clear of either of the two parties and didn’t cast my vote for either one. The people I voted for didn’t win but my vote was not wasted and I know that I am not responsible for bringing this mess about.
You ask "how will the Caymanians progress to these positions that are now only given to expatriate workers?" That answer is easy: earn the job. Just about employer in Cayman would rather hire a capble Caymanian than an expat, especially with the work permit fees the way they are. What just about any employer doesn’t want to do is hire someone who is not up to the job required just because they’re Caymanian. Of course, when a capable Caymanian comes along who can actually fill the role, they’re in such high demand then can, and do, usually end up leaving for another firm for more money in short order Then the company that got rid of the expat VP to make room for the Caymanian is left with a big hole to fill, either with another expat or a Caymanian not up to the job. The only way Cayman is going to remain competitive on the global market is to abolish protectionism and encourage education, competency, work ethic and the idea that it’s hard work that moves you up the ladder, not nationality.
Expat boss to Caymanian: No, you cannot get a posting to our overseas office. There is no need and it is a waste of your time. Do not worry, you are progressing well in your career and are gaining all the skills and experience we need you to have right here.
5 years go by
Expat boss to Immigration: The Caymanian is good but he lacks international experience. We need to bring in someone from one of our overseasoffices.
Bingo, and noone is ever held to account. That is the root of the mistrust which pervades.
this is so true
Sherri is a highly intelligent lady and is absolutely right in relation to how to proceed in this complex area. We should all be grateful that she devotes so much of her time to public service.
TEN YEARS? How many people are currently on island who have been living here more than ten, twelve, fifteens years that Immigration is making it as difficult as possible for to get through the system? Some have few ties anywhere else, can’t legally be kicked out, yet are being deemed visitors by Immigration. Is Immigration complying with the European Convention on Nationality? Do they have to? Do the Board Members fully understand the laws? Do they apply the points system justly? Do they give one family member residency and not others? Is this just?
We have heard all kinds of stories about the practices of the board before this one but from what I understand the new chairman, Waide DaCosta, who is a fine young Caymanian lawyer, and his new board members are doing a very good job and are being fair in their assessments of the applications.
No disrespect to Mr. Dacosta as he comes from a very good Jamaican family, but what are the statistics?
Mr DaCosta comes from a good Caymanian family …. you are confused. go ask an FOI question and get the stats.
Yea, but what is going on behind Waides DaCosta and the Boards back is the problem. The Chairman and his Board are being "slide-tackled" by McKeeva, Ms. Bodden and the UDP (actually they dont usually know what McKeeva is doing) and dont even know what is happening.
"She also suggested that having a class of permanent residence that could never have the right to vote, own a business or access any of the benefits offered to other Caymanians would be a fundamental human rights problem."
First we have a broad class of citizens already who can never stand for election – that is already a challengeable human rights breach (and don’t bother quoting the American Constitution because it is not governed by the same norms).
Second the denial of the right to vote for British citizens resident in Cayman is almost certainly a breach of the ECHR obligations.
Third, oh I could go on all day because the number of laws in Cayman that are not ECHR compliant are endless, from stamp duty, to fishing licenses, to work permits equivalence fees for permanent residents, to . . . .
But then we have a human rights commissioner who openly writes that homosexuality harms children!
We do not want status holders running in our elections, ok? I say no, NEVER!! I have no issues with status holders because they have become Caymanian (most of them done the right way), but I say NO to any status holder being able to sit in my Legislative Assembley & make laws for us & dictate to us how our country is run. It is bad enough now with so much outside influence meddling in our country’s affairs just because they have the millions required by some, or one. That may be the goal of the supporters of the present government, but we will fight any proposal to allow status holders to sit in our parliament! NEVER!
The right to stand in elections will be decided in London or Strasbourg not George Town. And if you want to destroy your economy and the country by going independent over that well the words "nose", "cut", "spite" and "face" spring to mind.
I understand what you are saying and agree. But I think most people who come here just don’t want to see what happened in their home countries happen here, crime, corruption, hatred, ignorance. And sometimes it hurts to see you making the same mistakes that we did. Often we do what we do out of love, not arrogance. I should add I’m talking about those of us who came from third world countries, those who came from the first world may have their own opinion.
Wah wah wah … suck it up and move on.
I’m sure the idea is to simply encourage action that benefits you personally … "Well yeah!" is your response. "Thats just the problem" is mine … countries have laws for a reason … deal with it.