Open letter to premier
I am a Caymanian and I have never faltered in my belief that our nation is full of kind, loving and hardworking people. For the first time, however, I lost sight of that belief after attending your meeting on Wednesday night. I found myself leaving that meeting, not with an understanding of why direct taxation is the best way forward for the Cayman Islands, as you had promised would be the case; rather, I found myself exiting the auditorium with my head in my hands apologizing to every expat I crossed for the way in which they were treated by my elected officials and your supporters.
During this meeting I watched in horror as an expat sitting next to me, who came only to listen and not speak, was threatened with physical violence by a supporter of this policy who was voicing her opinions over the PA system. My horror was exacerbated as those who oppose this policy were constantly interrupted and not given the same opportunityto have their voice heard.
The nail in the coffin for me was when you yourself responded to the questions of a Caymanian woman not with an answer but with the words, “Little girl, you’ve had your turn, now give the microphone to someone else.”
For you to accuse the members of a peaceful Facebook group of being ill tempered and incapable of having a calm and measured discussion, then sit by the wayside as your supporters exhibit that very same behaviour before your eyes is outright disrespectful, never mind hypocritical.
I would like to point out something which may have gone unnoticed at Wednesday’s meeting. Not once did an expat stand and say, “I will not pay this tax,” or ask why they should have to pay taxes to support our country. Rather they offered alternatives, voiced concerns about the way in which we are governed, and expressed genuine concern for the future of the Cayman Islands.
There was however one person who stood before you and dared to say that Caymanians should share, if not bear, the burden of our current financial woes. This person was not an expat as you may suspect; rather a young Caymanian. I stand beside my fellow countryman in that belief, although I disagree that direct taxation is the way forward. As was so rightfully stated, this is our mess and we should be the ones to clean it up.
That is truly the Caymanian spirit of which I have always been so proud.
Our forefathers built this country through hard work and dedication, and that is a quality which still exists in most Caymanians today. Never once have the Caymanian people looked to take the easy way out of a tough situation. This is something which you yourself have commended us for when referring to the way in which our country was rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Ivan.
Why then, I ask, does the current administration so adamantly put forth their hand and ask for other people to pay our debts?
Category: Viewpoint
Whilst I was happy to read your open letter, for which I am grateful, to the Great Dictator,unfortunately the recent development in the Cayman is just a peak of the iceberg. Division on us and them started to race into the community since Ivan. Before the Storm, everybody was happy and friendly, life was good. Salaries could cover for daily expenses, even some monies left for vacations, dining out. On occasions, BBQ with friends and neighbors. Yeah, life was good.
Then Ivan came. Since then everything is going steadily downhill. The two party system is to blame for, where one crook is replacing another; spending more then there are available monies and making up by borrowing more and more thinking they can always point finger towards opponent. Now with Liebe Fuhrer (German for bellowed leader) driving the last nail into the coffin, we started to divide even more the Island between us and them.
But it is not only (un)honorable Him that caused al this disturbance.
There are also other hidden factors, greed to start with. Do you need evidence, just go to gas station, or visit one of the supermarkets. Supermarkets are, in all fairness, very well stocked, better then in Bermuda, or St. Vincent. Look at the prices in our supermarkets, several times more than in the States – country of origin. I cannot believe that certain items could cost four, five, even six times more than in the States, when one pays all one [importer] needs to pay.
However, the other Caribbean islands’ politicians are corrupted just as the Cayman’s: corruption “sans frontiers”. It would appear that corruption is the common denominator for entire Caribbean.
Further, if you visit other Caribbean islands, local people are not ashamed to do gardening, attend tables at the restaurants, cleaning rooms in the hotels, etc. On the contrary, they are proud providers of a great quality service to welcome tourists. [Just look at Bermuda web site, these jobs are left exclusively for locals – no work permit will be approved for these jobs]
Just searching the internet and typing in “cayman islands income tax” revealed that new articles seems to appear hourly all over the world, the latest being from New Zealand [please try this link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/7422060/Income-tax-for-Cayman-Islands%5D. With taxes or without, the damage has been made, and I am not sure that this may be reversed. Not this time we should say to our Dictator, you’ve done damage as many Ivans together, and unfortunately there is no insurance against you, or any other politician like you for this matter.
The issue going on today has originated sometime in the past when we started to experience disproportion between value of the KYD and cost of living.
I belong to the group of people which some would call ex-pats. I consider myself hardworking, law abeyant citizen. I brought over my family as well. We did well at the beginning, bought a place with intention to settle here. The salary was good and not taxed. But my salary remained the same since I arrived. My boss is complaining that I am too expensive for the business as what he needs to pay is going up every year. And now, this little what I am receiving will be reduced even further for 10% to feed “big belly man”.
Damage is done which cannot be reversed. The damage is not so much to the country economics, there will always be ups and downs by its definition. Otherwise, all filthy reach lawyers and accountants would be jobless the next day. Damage is done to humans, ex-pats will be blamed either way for there is a tax, or for there is no tax, if country would continue its way dawn. It will be even more us and them. Under this circumstances I cannot imagine another Ivan conditions.
I think we payed enough in community enhancement and we started to think that there are some other communities that are needing enhancement. At least, I will have a voice in the community for enhancement that I will pay. I am not afraid of taxes, I paid them before, for what I paid, I received something in return – dignity for one. Almost free schools for my kids, reasonably priced university. And do not forget, protection from corrupted politicians. Some may call this certainty.
So, I miss that certainty. I thought I have it. Until recently.
i would just like to say to all those people that did not come and support the one man one vote that they made a big mistake by not doing so. That the premier that we have running our country is going to mess this country up not only for us but also for our children. We are running the people away from our islands because they are not being treated fairly. I am sorry if one day me or my children decide that we no longer want to live in the Cayman Islands and decided we wanted to go some where else to live and we was treated the same way.
Wake up Cayman people its time we put our foots down and stop all of this foolishnish that is happening in our country before its to late.
Maybe we should introduce a Male Enhancement Fee instead and tax men. I get emails suggesting it would help me all the time.
Is the premier unaware of the gender equality law that came in to effect in January. I would say that woman has a case of blatant sexual harassment against the premier with way too many witnesses.
Thank you for this post, Mr. Goff. I wholeheartedly agree with you.
The Premier of this country is an embarassment, and an ignorant disgrace.
As a young Caymanian living and studying abroad, I feel embarassed discussing politics and the administration of this country.
I only hope that expats living here do not feel that all Caymanians are in support of McKeeva Bush and his brilliant "community enhancement fee".
2013 elections cannot come soon enough.
Great post Casey. I am proud to know you!
Could we somehow line up Jeremy Paxman to interview McKeeva?
Well done, I just hope that there is enough left when the next generation of young Caymanians gets their chance.
If Big Mac is really planning to get this in place quickly there may not be much left for these bright young people.
Mckeeva Bush is starting to sound like a Robert Mugabe, and everyone knows what happened to Zimbabwe. He is power hungry and arrogant, and does not want to listen to reason.
This is not an Expat / Caymanian issue anymore, it’s the people vs incompetent government. Expat and Caymanians alike can now see the true colours of these so-called “leaders”.
Unfortunately using logic to try and talk to themdoesn’t work, since they seem to lack it completely.
It is good to hear that the' tone from the top' is not being accepted.
I was at the meeting too, hoping that our money was going to be spent on what was advertised: to inform the public about the expat tax. When it became all about blaming and insulting other people and making up numbers to show a potential surplus of around 70 million, I left. I am disgusted as a Caymanian that someone who represents us internationally behaves like a two year old having a tantrum. I am embarrassed that Mac treats anyone who does not side with him like dirt. Most decent Caymanians do not have the opinions that one or two loudmouths were on TV airing. I fear for the future of our islands more than ever.
well i was at the meeting, and i saw two white people got up and step out when the premier said the governor better stay on his beach where he can tan his two buns… lol… I admit I laugh, but seriously speaking, I didnt expect that from a premier. he has no fear or should I say care in the world by what he says in public. the governor may have been lying and may have been trying to pass the buck on him, but come on man… you are the premier! at least you can set the example. sorry but this leader has to be replaced, he is too brazen in his speech and will get us into alot of trouble. even some udp members i know express to me their concern of their leader. some think rolston is more patient and thinks before he speaks
I applaud you for a fine article. We need more people to speak up and take ownership of their beliefs as you have. Thank you, Casey, and I encourage others to follow in your footsteps.
Anyone unhappy with the tax should email the FCO and tell them:
1. The tax is discriminatory on the basis of national origin.
2. It is illegal by reason of Article 1/1 and Article 14 of the ECHR.
3. The FCO owes duties under the Human Rights Act not to take steps in the UK which breach human rights outside the UK.
4. Approving the budget will be approving a breach of human rights.
5. The FCO will be liable in damages in England for every dollar claimed under this tax and all consequential damages flowing from the tax.
Here is an email address to send the notification : bellinghamh@parliament.uk .
Wrong on all counts.
1. The issue has nothing to do with national origin. It is whether you are presently working on a work permit.
2. It is not illegal under the ECHR.
3. True but irrelevant.
4. Nonsense.
5. Nonsense.
Regarding the #5, the Chagos islanders said the same thing, tried to sue FCO, and lost every case. The FCO is link to the M16 spy network, and if it is their plan to drive tax evaders out of this island by imposing taxes, "who" just who can stop them?
King Ernesto will decimate their bullsit.
With your mentality to see destruction here, you should be the first one Ernesto decimates!
If UDP can't change the FCO what make you think all those on facebook and protesting against it will change them. Sorry for being so negative, but I know where this is heading us. Once Cayman is drained and economy plummets, someone is going to cry for full British rule and they are going to take over the banking and financial industry all in their hands, and when the FCO has finished draining all it can from this financial industry, it is then that they will be so quick to let us go into Independence. This is all a set up. I don't know what to believe anymore. Am I making this up?
Except the Chagos Islanders had no case at all, whereas this one is a slam dunk.
That's right. If Britain is doing it it must be OK
Totally wrong.
The UN guarantees everyone a homeland.
Read your history before making your statements, do your research, then reply with an apology.
The UK betrayed the Chagossians, committed the most inhumane illegal treatment against them.
The FCO was the leading UK department that committed these terrible acts and attempts to cover up.
Seriously? Work permit = national origin. The rest of your points go downhill from there.
lol. So on that basis requiring a work permit for non-Caymanians is discrimination on the basis of national origin.
Once you have Caymanian status or are a permanentresident, it does not matter what your national origin is so it couldn't possibly be discrimination on the basis of national origin. It is discrimination on the basis of your immigration status.
Never ever opened a law book in your life have you? Just getting by on making things up and CSI aren’t we?
Opened law books, passed exams, did exceptionally well.
Yes, you are.
Mr Goff, thank you for this: it gives a little hope that there are a growing crop young educated Caymanisns who will demand certain standards from elected representatives- lets hope we survive Mckeevas shocking incompetence.
Wider message: Caymanians pay attention to the poor quality of candidates. Stop electing people cause they are ‘nice’ or gave you a Iil sumtin-sumtin’ once in while and goes to your church. What happens when you vote these candidates they can’t handle the complex issues facing the country and we run a big risk that they will get it wrong. We need to elect better candidates!
Every election should be treated as a job interview:
You have to hire the person best suited for a job, pays very well but deals with very complex problems.
Assess the candidates on all areas, economic policy, their manifesto, ideas, their education and experience, look for weaknesses in presentation or qualifications. Do not vote straight because someone told you so. Make up your own mind: how can this person apply for this post – do they have qualification and/or relevant job experience?
Sure, he’s a nice young man and I know his mom well, but why should I hire you as a mla for $10,000 per month? What is he bringing to the table that makes him think he can run my country?
Thanks Mr…. I see you have applied for mla post. Tell us….
*Do you have experience managing a business properly ? No, you have a small airport security business. And you ran a political website which has been shut down. So, no experience negotiating complex government contracts for ports or any other matter?
* Have you educated yourself in a particular field which is useful for this position? No…right. just high school? You do realise you have applied for the Premier job the job with most responsibilities.
* Any criminal arrests, outstanding litigation? Arrested after a domestic dispute and accused of intimidating a witness? What? Arrested for DUI? What? Convicted for stealing funds from PTA? What-?! you’re under 3 police investigations for taking payments from a developer, a second investigation for financial irregularity, and a third for authorising release of an illegal shipment of explosives for a developer? So…what is the status of these investigations – more than 2 years ! Any idea when this may be resolved, I’m sure you must want this closed off as quickly as possible…
But in the meantime, I’m surprised you would apply for a post of this importance. I’m afraid we cannot consider you for this position. You don’t seem to match the requirements for this position; perhaps you could reapply once these criminal investigations are cleared.
We need to measure the candidates against the job description/ requirements….not subjective nonsense like where they went to Sunday School, who they are related to and whether they are willing to pay your light bill once in a while….
These questions was asked. The same young woman who was referred to as "darling" the last time the Premier went on a rampage wrote letters to each candidate, and sent the letter to the media basically asking them to please submit their resume along with information about why they were qualified to run the country. That's when Foolio started talking about his "studies" in engineering, law, economics, etc etc and Sandra Catron called him out on it so he backpaddled and talked about the issues with his child and how he had to sacrifice his education to provide for her. Missed the point entirely.
What a breath of fresh air. I am an ex-pat who worked my passage in my home country. I came here not for a free ride, but to pull my weight and do a job I a passionate about. I have added value to what my office are doing. I have met honest and hard working Caymanians who I am proud to call my firends, who I can laugh and have a joke with, and can work hard with. You sir are apparently one of those, this is a wonderful place to live and given me opporutnites for a quality of healthy life. I have made friends that will be friends for life from all over the world. This past week, I have seen your country (and part on me, I found myself cheering your athletes at the Olympics and being proud of their performances) being dragged onto the verge of commercial suicide by the Premier opening his mouth constantly to be reported on the world stage. The refeshing thing is that te voice of the majority of Caymanians is coming to the surface, and this is crucial for your future.
I cannot vote for you, but by god I would support you. Well done, and I admire your courage.
How to kill the middle class and divide a nation. A Caymanian Story
I am not a party member only a concerned citizen who loves this country very much. What was witnessed Wednesday evening was a gross example of political lip service to democracy. Tyrannical rambling and double talk. Politicians tongue lashing the populace and blaming everyone besides themselves. If the situation was not so serious it would be a scene from a terrible movie. We Caymanians are to blame for this situation, you, me, and others before us. Don’t rock the boat right? We used to laugh at Mac and sigh in embarrassment with him going around the world and making a fool of himself. Our leader is supposed to be a representation of the people of the nation and I refuse to believe that this is the best we have to offer. We were complacent when times were good, he could not do any damage. Now when we are faced with this problem we can no longer laugh at. We brought ourselves here and we need to bring ourselves out.
1. Taxes now start at $36,000 KYD a year – another political move by this administration to pit expat against expat. The low income earners can now be silenced as this does not affect them anymore. The overwhelming proportion of the expat population is in this zone. This tax is now specifically aimed at the expat middle class. This is the group with disposable income in the country that spends or saves for home, sends kids to school, visits restaurants, and the movies. The 10% they spend on these luxuries will now go to the Government and Caymanian companies will not receive this income and will need to make adjustments in staffing levels and expenses inside their companies. Why would you farther your tax base? No plan at all.
2. Immigration to collect “INCOME TAX” – I was unaware of any tax accountants working at the immigration department. Ask yourselves do both Caymanians and Expats trust the Immigration department to do the job they are task with now? Ah I will let you answer that. What if you are an hourly wage worker and not a salary employee? How do they collect that? What if you have your salary adjusted to $35,999 KYD, then have the rest given to you in stocks, bonuses, or options? If so how would immigration collect this information and apply their tax? Another example of an administration that is broken and has never had a plan since being in office.
3. I want to throw one idea into the ring. An extra-ordinary one time tax on property based off value. Charged at a rate of 0.03 – 0.05%. This tax only comes into effect for property valued over $250,000 KYD. You spare the first time buyers and pull some money out of the beach properties. To those who say this will depress the realty market, can it really get much worse? The 1 – 5 million dollar properties along the beach are mostly investments for very wealthy people. The “normal” appreciation of these properties far outweighs this one time fee. Please do not get me wrong I am totally against all taxes until someone can provide me
with full audited documents that the Auditor General says are reliable. I have yet to find this.
There is a lot to said and write about and I feel we will have a lot of battles before this finds resolution. Ask yourselves where has government spending been reduced? Are you better off then you were 3 years ago? This Monday everyone needs to come out and just be there. I am holding a meeting in my company on Monday and I am going to ask if anyone wants to join me at the protest. I do not care if they are Caymanian or expat. The is turning point in this country and I cannot stand by and not do something. I encourage and implore all owners, and managers to allow workers to join this protest without reprisal. Join them. I know the decent people of this island will not allow their children’s future to be destroyed. If you have a problem with immigration giving a job away this meeting is for you too. It is not the expats fault. The people we have voted in have failed over the years have failed the country and we cannot have a new deal unless we take a stand. While we still can.
Judges 16:20
And she said, The Philistines be upon you, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he knew not that the LORD was departed from him.
Awesome comment Grimes.
Casey,
I commend you for all that you have said here. Having not been able to attend the meeting last night as I feared for my job (civil servant) but listening to the audio of the meeting that was shared on the facebook page Caymanians and Expats united against taxation, I was utterly disgusted and embarrassed at the way expats and caymanians a like who are against the tax were spoken to.
It is a sad day when people cannot realize the damage of their actions and words. I want to say to all Expats, please, please, please do NOT be discouraged by those ignorant, nasty Caymanians preaching that you should leave. The young, educated Caymanians want nothing more than for you to STAY! We see your value to our islands and we believe that we can co-exist in this country as we have done for many, many years. Casey is absolutely right when he says that it is our mess and we need to clean it up!
What this people fail to realize is that this country was started on expatriats! The first person's in the Cayman Islands were from England! There are no 'true' Caymanians. We are all a melting pot of cultures and it is times like this that we need to band together and not be ripped a part by the hatred and discrimination that has been created by this government. I say hatred, because ultimately, when the Preimer of this country, cannot have enough respect for his fellow Caymanian at a public meeting (referencing the young lady he called a 'little girl') hatred is all that is behind it.
I believe it is time for the young generation to stand up. We have an opportunity in the next election. Although we may be young and inexperienced, we have the ultimate weapon on our side, we LOVE the Cayman Islands and we stand for everything that is good for our future generations.
I commend Casey's viewpoint…and your comments also.
However us Civil Servants (yes i'm a CS also) need to step up! We are allowed by the Constitution to "assemble". Meaning attending any meetings we want to. The Deputy Governor (past and current) have confirmed this.
Please stop allowing anyone to intimidate you from peaceful assembly! Each of us are entitled to our Human Rights…which includes peaceful assembly (attending any meeting).
People with a Bully attitude are depending on such intimidation. What will we tell our children when our islands are destroyed? To do nothing (by hiding) only allows bullies to do whatever they want…and everyone else be damned.
Please join us at the meeting this coming monday…yes many of us CS will be there!
Could you all please assemble andeither agree to 10% pay cut or which 10% of you are going to leave your jobs. Your union and your cost is destroying Cayman. Very selfish.
I'll take a .10% pay cut after you take your 10%.
Young educated Caymanians will become Mr. Bush's worst nightmare.
Very good article indeed Casey. I urge young Caymanians to rise against the infidel.
Why do you speak as if this is an event which will occur in the future? Have you not already seen this coming into fruition within the past week?
Because until such people actually run for office so that we have someone worth voting for, the situation is useless.
and they MUST step up to the plate, before its too late.
Would you mind running for office? I'm told it comes with great perks.
I would like to ask the Premier and the rest of the UDP elected members to clarify the following:
If the increased work permit fees and the now proposed tax to be collected from work permit holders is going to be a significant income for the Government, how will this discourage immigration not to rubber stamp even morework permits without proper checks and balances? Why would immigration NOT give a work permit to someone for a position where a qualified Caymanian is available if Government clearly stands to gain income by issuing work permits?
Hmm?
Your only getting it now? Really? Hmmm.
Brilliant post, Casey!
I don’t pretend to know much about politics but, like MOST Caymanians, I am of the unwavering opinion that this is absolutely ludicrous! We cannot stand by and watch our country crumble at the hands of people who are only interested in hearing themselves speak and lining their own pocket books. The “because I said so” attitude does not make the cut and it’s shamefully embarrassing that we have let this go on for this long. We need to speak up…shaky voice and all and demand to be heard. The Caymanians who have bravely come forward, those who are fighting for the GOOD OF ALL people on this island, yourself included Casey, are the true leaders of this country.
Thank you for your excellent Viewpoint Casey. I am proud of Caymanians such as yourself who refuse to be intimidated in speaking the truth. McKeeva Bush is an embarassment to this country and its people.
Wayne Panton
Wayne..I hope you step forward..your country needs you.
I watched this despicable display of the day to day 'bullying" of our Premeir on TV. Like you I am a true (born) Caymanian with generations of history to prove it. The first thing that came to my mind was how disgraceful the man who, whether he believes it or not was elected by the people was. It was very clear that he was not there to "present" a proposal backed with facts and listen objectively, but rather to chastize any and everyone who had an opinion against it.
The second thing that caught my attention was when the first person to the opening of the "questioning" did not have a question, but our honorable Premeir listened attentively. The second to speak was a man from his own WB district and because the question was directed to ask information about the proposal, Mr Bush turned away and chatted with the man that was to later try to save him by trying to find some form of decorum out of the mess.
I have never in my life been more embarrassed and appalled of how this man treats this country and indeed any and everyone around him! Absolutely discussing!! My third thought was, thank God CITN doesn't have online streaming.
My final thoughts before turning the channel was, THE MAN IS AS SHARP AS BOWLING BALL!!
Before we all merrily volunteer ways to raise more revenue – shouldn't we first insist on better systems of controls on how current and future revenues will be spent? We need to address the root of the problem before we bail out the spendaholic. If we don't ask for accountability now, then how dumb are we?
"As was so rightfully stated, this is our mess and we should be the ones to clean it up."
Absolutely correct.
The mess that this country is in was created by Caymanians who were elected by Caymanians. Both the UDP and PPM are equally responsible.
This is hope. The next generation of young Caymanians contains individuals who are bright, educated, trained, hard working, and (hopefully) ethical. I wait patiently for the day that they step up to the plate and take on the reins of government.
I just hope that Cayman can survive McKeeva.
PPM is the better party. UDP spent like crazy. If Alden McLaughlin was in his shoes we would not have been in this mess today.
I have to disgree. There are other factors and forces at work that brought us here. Don't dimplify it into a party thing.
My dear lady, you are preaching to the choir. I have had reports from many of my friends who attended the meeting and they were left disappointed. They felt that the Premier used the opportunity to "trace" (Jamaican word for cursing) anyone and everyone who disagreed with this policy.
As someone who has been here for many years and who once admired the Premier for the way in which he brought this country back from the brink after Hurricane Ivan, and as someone who has worked hand in hand with Caymanians, supported Caymanian businesses and has made this country my home, I am disappointed at the reports that have surfaced about the meeting on Wednesday night in West Bay.
I recall when the PPM was in power and disparaging comments were made by David Ritch and many other PPM supporters about the way in which the rollover policy was being implemented as well as comments attributed to members of the PPM, there was a gentleman who wrote a letter to the editor and he quoted Edmund Burke's most famous line, i.e. "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing". At that time many members of the business community, themselves expats did nothing to stop the culling that was a part of the PPM administration's policies. Now that the chickens have come home to roost in the form of taxation, let us now see whether good men will indeed now do something about it.
This country needs both expats and Caymanians in order to survive. One cannot co-exist without the other. Many of us came here for a better way of life, or indeed because the economic policies were and/are still beneficial to us. At some point, those good men of influence need to stand up and be recognised and be counted
I have no problem in paying a tax. However, it is disingenuous that I should help to build a community in which more and more I am made to feel as if I am an outsider.
Amazing how this post got to be about the PPM and Rollover but since you have gone there: Rollover was not merely a PPM policy. Term limits were contained in the Immigration Law, 2003 which was passed by the previous UDP government (with the support of the PPM). It came into force on 1 January, 2004. Interestingly they were reports of a certain high ranking member of the UDP telling financial services businesses that the Rollover was not for them, it was "for the Jamaicans". Such businesses, which were not staffed by Jamaicans, would receive mass exemptions for their employees. In the end the PPM applied the law to everyone regardless of nationality or occupation. Any "culling" from Rollover came about by the application of that law rather than any special policies of the PPM. If your purpose is to try to blame the payroll tax proposal on Rollover (which is preposterous) then you have brought it right back to Mr. Bush whom you so admire.
Casey is a dude… 🙂
to 13;24
Have you looked into your self deeply, and consider that it could be your own action, which now make you feel more of an outsider.
You mentioned you came here…. which mean you were not born here . you also mentioned the many good that makeeva did for all people living here.
Now you mentioned that it is disingenuous of you, to continue to help build this community. This same community that gave so many like you, who came here….many, many opportunities.
Opportunities that were not given to too many natives. You aluded that you do not have a problem paying tax….so what is your reservations on paying it ?
Yes im a Caymanian, and I totally agree with you, we need expats to invest and work here. Without them my business would suffer.
Sir, I salute you. Excellent, honest and objective letter. Its heart-warming to know that there are still people like you who are prepared to stand up for what is right. The way they treated the young Caymanian lady and ex pats last night was beyond disgusting. And these are the people and mentalities that are chosen to run the country? Frightening!
A fine letter, details perfectly the disgraceful way the premier conducts himself and what he has surrounding him that obviously 'egg' him on. The blind leading the blind. these are terrible days for cayman under the rule of an uneducated and despicable despot.
Thank you, Casey. Let's encourage all Caymanians who feel the same way to speak up. Everyone needs to know how few people support this proposal so that the gap between us can be closed. We need to finally take a stand for our country, stand next to the people who have dedicated their lives to this community and encourage insightful discussion.
I would love to see many of my colleagues step upto the plate and run for office. It may seem daunting and downright depressing but, as Mckeeva has proven, anyone can do it who has a love for this country and it is obvious that we are better equipped to handle this situation. I know it's hard to put your dreams aside for the timebeing but we need to prove to our islands and the rest of the world what potential we have here! I know that we will make it through this and come together as ONE people and that we will have the support of the community. We need to do things the right way and set examples for the younger generation. We grew up in a very different society years ago and I fear for the future of our youngsters who cannot be expected to fully grasp the situation at hand.
We can change this but we must act NOW!!
What about setting up a petition, signed only by Caymanians/registered voters? We have not been and must not get unruly or conduct ourselves in an offensive or disrespectful manner, no matter how hard may be. But we also must not be deterred! While petitions have not been successful in the pasts, with regard to environmental issues mainly, I think this one would have a lot to say about the representation of this country and place confidence in Caymanians who support the issue to not be intimidated by this bully!
You are dealing with a sick man who does not know how to partake in discussions and does not like to hear anyone's voice but his own.
I am a Caymanian senior citien. Your wonderful Viewpoint brought a tear to my eye and a prayer of thanks to my lips. I thank God and the many hard working right minded Caymanian parents that there are young Caymanians who can so clearly express what is right. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am also a Caymanian and the sentiments expressed here are very similar to the feelings I was left with after viewing last night's meeting on tv. I too am thankful that there are like-minded persons of this soil- I was frightened by the prospect that the ignorance expressed last night might abound in this society on a wider scale than we realize.
To the expats who genuinely care for this country, who have made your homes here, raised your children here and contributed to the growth of our economy and improvement of our way of life, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please know there are Caymanians here who value your contribution and by no means do we think this country has come this far by only our efforts.
..and thank you for your continued prayers..
Outstanding post. You area gentleman and a scholar.