Rally going ahead as LA sits
(CNS): The member for North Side has confirmed that he will be taking part and speaking at the planned demonstration against the government’s proposed immigration bill Friday. Although there were some indications that the protest march, due to start at the government building at 10am on 11 October, was to be cancelled. the rally, Ezzard Miller said, was very much alive. While some original members of the organising committee have been mollified by government’s comments on the proposed immigration changes after they met directly with the premier, the independent member said many, many more people still considered the bill as “genocide for Caymanian employment”.
Miller said there were significant issues and major problems for local workers with the bill, which would reinforce the glass ceiling, and he hoped government would listen to those opposed to the proposed legislation before it was too late. He told CNS that the country should not be placed in the position of dealing with something as though it were a national crisis when it was a result of poor planning by disorganised employers.
“They have known about this for two years. We should not be forced to rush through such important legislation because of their bad management,” he added.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday afternoon, Miller said that the rising crime in Cayman could not be separated from the growing problems of unemployment and the marginalization of Caymanians.
“Young people have lost hope in the system as hard work and determination are no longer rewarded and they are turning to crime,” he said. Yet despite these problems the first thing that the new government want to do was to regularize the position of some 1500 expatriate workers and allow them all to apply for permanent residency, he went on to state.
The North Side member said he was still hoping that the government “would have a Saul on the road to Damascus moment” and withdraw the bill to give much more time for careful consideration of the process of reform.
He said there was still time to backtrack but he did not hold out much hope as he believed that the rush to make the changes had to be coming at the request of someone with significant influence. “I can’t believe government is doing this of its own violation, somebody is pressuring somebody,” Miller said.
The protest rally, which is set to start outside the Government building on Elgin Avenue at 10am will see those involved march down to the Legislative Assembly, where the crowds are expected to gather as lunch time approaches and where a few short speeches will be made about the opposition to the legislation before demonstrators will march back to the government building by 2pm. The demonstration will now take place against the backdrop of the budget debate, which will be continuing in the Legislative Assembly.
Prior to the protest, government is hosting a second town hall meeting this evening (Thursday 11 October 7-30pm) in George Town at the Elmslie Memorial Church, where officials will deliver a presentation and take questions regarding the proposed bill, which is expected to be debated in the LA during this budget session following the completion of Finance Committee later this month.
Category: Politics
While reflecting on all of this, you look @ the United States who cannot only agree on balancing their budget IT'S SHUT DOWN. I would not want to go back either. Can't blame this one on Caymanians though !
i hope rooster takes note of the sentiments of the comments here…..
the public is totally fed up of the nonsense that is 'super'tuesday'……
The Pied Piper of Nawside will rid this island of these troublesome expats. Follow the Piper, follow him.
The thing that Caymanians don't understand is that they no longer have any control over what happens in this country. There was a time when Caymanians dominated the small and medium business sectors of the economy; but this has changed drastically over the years with control shifting to mostly foreign born and raised individuals that don't actually have any love for, or loyalty to, this country.
These people are the same individuals that, despite having Caymanian status or PR, go out of their way not to employ Caymanians because they know that it is easier to exploit expat workers by forcing them to pay for their work permits and not contributing to their pension or health insurance (as is required by law).
The truth is that Caymanians have not only lost control of the economy but have also lost control of the ballot box. The PPM understands this and that is why their first priority is to please their new masters.
The PPM hopes that the actions that they take today will keep them in power for many years to come.
Some of you just have no respect for what somebody is trying to do and assist in this country. I hope some of the comments made are not Caymanians as this will be a crying shame. If so this may explain why there is such a strong division amongst the Caymanians themselves and hence why outsiders can just walk right through under your very noses and create an extra conflict. Please get back to where you had once National Pride and respect for your elders and those who are trying to sort this mess out. Sick and tired of the Uncle Tom mentality. No your not in the fields anymore where your Masters where controlling your body, mind, soul and spirit. 500+ years have gone by, lessons have to be learnt and lets start working together to solve the problem which first started with the lovely British Empire (the enslaving of young people in prisons for small crimes, the education for the selective few – Merchant families and who have not hardly made any contribution to the history of this country – they were too busy trying to create a Niche for themselves whilst the real workers – the seafaring men where out there sailing the 7 seas and putting this country on the map, judiciary system set in the dark ages hences why no progress can be made. Let the people of this country work their own problems out without outside interference.
The problem is that his message isn't what most people would define as the truth.
Let's be honest: There are plently of jobs in construction, hospitality, childcare and tourism that require no qualifications. But you won't get many applications from these supposedly desparate Caymanians for them. What they are really desperate for is a nice, well paid, desk job in an air conditioned office where they can spend all day on facebook and BBM. Problem is most offices already have at least a couple of those and they don't want any more.
The fact that only 200 Caymanians indicated they were interested in a job in tourism means the real unemployed figure must be around 200.
Wish he would do something constructive about all the robberies on Northside & deal with that major problen coz we all have our suspicions who is behind them!!! Also get the road fixed up there too!! He's very verbal about caymanian this & that but that road is dangerous up to Rum Point. Oh & by the way I am caymanian……….
To:Submitted by brit (not verified) on Fri, 11/10/2013 – 10:22. Firstly you say you are Caymanian but use "brit" as your handle.Worst of all you write "Northside". instead of North Side ,definitely not a Caymanian.Secondly you suggest that Ezzard should do something about crime in North Side but fail to note that he was instrumental in getting CCTV cameras installed in his district,before Government embarked on their CCTV program.He was also at the forefront in organising a Neighborhood Watch program in North Side.Yesterday in the LA he also outlined his efforts to obtain better policing for his district, and his frustation at not being able to get it.Maybe you should try to be better informed before you make your next post.
If one us thought of as a fool it 's best to remain silent rather than to open your mouth and remove all doubt poster 10:22 this applies to you.
"paper" Caymanian right?
After the immigration public meeting in GT on Thursday night, people were talking about the protest march on Frdiay. So it didnt' sound canceled there.
The turnout should be a fascinating mix of the insane, drug addled and unemployable. And their champion from Nawside.
I fully reject the notion that Cayman's criminal youth where turned bad by our labour market. What a preposterous claim! One must already be predisposed to that behavior and entrenched in a gang and drug environment to accelerate along thatcareer path. These aren't part timers driven to crime from successive bad policy, they were already bad from a young age – in many cases, descended from generations of bad apples.
Yes, and our politicians have repeatedly ignored our youth for generations. Sorry, churches and well-meaning thoughts will not fix a poor family life. We need vocational skills programs from teen years (A/C, Beauty, Technical)
When we can replace the 10,000 permits in skilledlabor, we will reduce our poverty and crime. Teach a man to fish…..
Ezzard and Arden
Are two good politicians and the only two that seems to have unemployed Caymanians at heart. You all sit there and listen to PPM tell lies just to ensure that their high class friends get PR.
Now tell me, with all of the PPM manifesto promises where are the ones that was to offer relief to Caymanians especially the poor that is being without food, water and electricty for months. When this continues you talk about crime just wait and see what happens when poor people get fed up. Come on it is a shame what is happening in our country and nothing being done. You bunch of clowns had better thank Ezzard and Arden for being the front runners of democracy in this country.
Keep up the good works gents and I look froward to more true representation.
If also these Caymanians are unemployed, how come only 200 people indicated an interest in working in tourism, which is the biggest employment sector?
CNS- i know this is long, but if possible please print this for me.
The Little Black Hen
Said the lttle red rooster, Gosh all hemlock, things are tough, Seems that worns are getting scarcer and I cannot find enough. What becomes of all those fat ones is a mystery to me. There were thousands through that rainy spell, but now where can they be.
The old black hen heard him, did'nt grumble or complain. She had gone though lots of dry spells, she had lived through flood and rain. So she flew up on the grindstone, and she gave her claws a whet, As she said, I've never seen the time when there were no worms to get.
She picked a new and undug spot, the earth was hard and firm. The little rooster jeered, New ground!!. That's no place for a worm! The old black hen just spread her feet, she dug both fast and free. I must go to the worns, she said "the worms won't come to me".
The rooster wanly spent his day, through habit, by the ways, Where fat worms had passed in squads, back in the rainy days. When nightfall found him supperless, he growled in accents roughs, "Iam hungry as a fowl can be– conditions sure are tough"
He turned then to the old black hen and said "it's worse with you,. For you're not only hungry, but you must be tired too. I rested while I watched for worms so I feel fairly perk, But how are you ? Without worms, too? and after all that work.
The old black hen hopped to her perch and drooped her eyes to sleep, And murmured, in a drowsy tone, "Young man, hear me and weep. I am full of wormsand happy, for I've dined both long and well, The worms are there, as always, but I had to dig like hell.
Fellow Caymanians- you have to start digging like hell!!
At least somebody speaking up for us!
The need give caymanians work this cayman .. And caymanians come first not any one else
Jordanian
Caymanians first, Jordanians second. Then we vote to see who comes third out of Jamaicans, Canadians, and Phillipinos.
"And caymanians come first not any one else "
So that takes the Jordanian out the equation does it?
Jordanian tired to hear ya voice, you never talked about cayman labor before now so suuush. PPM listen, ya revised point rating system is so directed to keeoing foreign workers ere than ever before. You are raising the bar on ya own people, for Compnies wioll use the system against us when they want to employ from abroad and we dont have people that meet the standard set by the rating sytem. Send the people home, as has ben said weeks ago extend the tim for the companies to say good buye to the present workers and bring in new employees.'And And another Ting.
Leaves Macs ambassadore to Jordan alone.
Come one come all ; get a sicky joins us for a happy jolly friday fun ,food and entertainment at government building
Does "caymanian" extend to people who call themselves Jordanian? Or is it for "born" caymanians?
Splitters! What have the Jordanians ever done for us?
Not even Jordanians?
Ezzard and Arden and the most useless politicians in Cayman. No ideas, no vision, nothing but criticism and politricks. What happened to the umemployed people Ezzard was going to find jobs for? We never heard anything more about that, did we? I guess that would require him to do some actual work, and we all know that is never going to happen!
Patience…soon come!
After hearing him on "TalkToday" several times recently, I must say, I've never heard our Middle Eastern friend so excited about anything before!
This is ridiculous! I hope it's not like those half-assed protestst that the PPM held when they were the opposition. Those were pathetic!
Why is our government (past, present) ALWAYS in favour of the expats? That's what's creating the division in this country. Caymanians are generally passive people, but if we can't earn a living because our government puts outsiders before us, then what are we to do?
These MLA's and Ministers just need to grow some backbone and create laws that favour Caymanians. Forget about leveling the employment playing field by allowing Caymanians to apply for certain jobs and reserving certain jobs for Caymanians. That's affirmative action bullsh– adopted from the US. We don't need that here. We need Caymanians at the forefront of as many businesses as possible. There should not be any company in Cayman that is 100% expat-owned, expat-managed, expat-staffed and expat-focused in Cayman unless it's in the Enterprise City.
Just take a look at the recruitment agencies. All expats recruiting other expats from OVESEAS! Not even local expats that we know. They're targeting newbies that know nothing about Cayman for companies that want to avoid hiring Caymanians.
And what's this about 1,500 expats getting PR? What the hell? We're allowing 1,500 people to stay here forever, occupy jobs that the 2,000 unemployed Caymanians could be holding, and do absolutely nothing but work and send money to their countries of origin for the rest of their lives? Does that make sense?
Something needs to be done. Caymanians are getting the sh–y end of the stick as always.
1500 expats are not getting PR, they will be allowed to apply for PR, but with the increased level of points, the number getting PR will be around 100-200.
The reason why the government is scared of 1500 people going, is the knock on effect, as less people mean drop in house prices, rents, a lot less taxes to pay the current civil servant, so expect layoffs ans the effect on Cayman businesses with a lot less people spending money.
And look at the jobs many are for lawyers and chartered accountants, how many unemployed Caymanians have these qualifications? many may want thoase jobs, but you have to have done the schooling, exams and experience to qualify.
the effect of lossing 1500 workers at once, so proably close to 2,500 people with families is huge. That is 5% of the population, the decline in Caymans economy will be felt by all.
The reason they are for expats is because the expat population is the ones filling government coffers through expat fees, while more Caymanian workers would mean less revenue for government. This is the drawback of not having income taxes. So I wouldn't expect much help from them, people need to take it upon themsleves to make hiring them over expats a better choice to employers
Here’s a simple solution for the CIG, get rid of the expats and collect the 60 Million a year in revenue from the Caymanian workers..This way everyone will be employed and happy..
"Why is our government (past, present) ALWAYS in favour of the expats?"
two words: revenue stream.
One word;
Survival.
0 words:
" ".
In Favour of expats? You have got to be kidding all the rules in place at present are to protect Caymanians but who is going to protect us when all the expats leave? Take a close look at Bermuda its a case study on how not to treat the international business comunity, unfortunately we are learning no lessons from this and more and more jobs that could be based here are being moved back to the US & UK.
You simply cant keep beating IB with a stick and presume they will want to do business here. I am Caymanian employed by an IB and I know they are moving jobs away from Cayman beacause of the politics and cost associated with doing business here.
Please please please understand there will be no jobs for anyone if we dont embrace international business. Which means no resteraunts, lack of infrastructure and a lower standard of living.
To Protect Caymanians we must create more jobs not reduce opportunity if companies leave and other choose not to set up here at all!
Actually the Agencies Personnel 2000, Affinity and Baraud are Caymanian owned, also the others are own by people given PR or or Status grants by CIG. Furthermore at the end of the day as the Premier has said of the 1500 jobs 900 are for helpers, domestics, gardeners etc. the remainder are job specific that may require designations, specific skill or education.
Also 1500 people are not getting PR, because the majority of the people even eligible at this point will not qualify based on the increased point system or the increased fees, so that statement is also misleading! The reality is that even if those 1500 leave there will be 1500 more to take their place or those same people will return in a year, because if they have proven themselves as an asset to their employer the said employer will want them back.
Given the recruitment agencies charge a commission to employers for finding a candidate, it is not surprising that they concentrate on sourcing expatriates for job – they can hardly justify charging a finders fee for a local when the job is advertised in the paper. And just because a recruitment agency is involved doesnt get around the requirement to adevrtise and to prefer Caymanians. If you have an example of a Caymanian being denied a job, then report it to Immigration – but don't tell me that with 21000 WP holders and only 2000 unemployed that there is any real alternative but to Cayman hiring a whole bunch of foreigners. The law as is is enough to protect Caymanians – it just needs to be enforced.
As for the 15oo TELPS, there is a hell of a difference between allowing people to apply for PR, and thereby avoiding a human rights type legal action, and actually granting it. Have you even read the points system for getting PR? If you have and you dont realise that it its virtually impossible for anyone other than the top echelon white collar workers or those with very close Caymanian links to get PR, then I despair. And if you haven'r read it, don't you think you should before spouting here?
This bill is ppm looking out for the merchants that donated to the campaign coffers at the expense of Caymanians. What is the rush?
The loss of passive income from rental properties, the loss of the funds those people flow through the local economy and oh yeah the loss of those WP fees for CIG!
Did you even read the bill.? I have said it before and I will say it again -some Caymanians can and will get some of these jobs but they will have to apply and avail themselves. I know that the island will not fade into the sea if 1500 people leave at one time however Cayman as an International Business destination cannot afford to do that. Can you imagine the press headlines. It was be real damaging to our reputation. The government is going about this in a sensible manner, forthe betterment of all. If we run all of these people out of our country we will be worse than any third world country. The PPM’s plan will work if we give it a fighting chance. When they go they might take the business with them- does Ezzard and Arden have a company to take it place. I don’t know but probably they each hire one person once per month- to do the yard. They have nothing more to offer besides noise and please do not forget that each one of them is married to an expat- one of them -second time around. I am a proud Caymanian.
I agree that there is no reason to rush this.
The new immigration rules are so tough that there are probably fewer than 20 of the 2000 set to be rolled over that are going to qualify. While I think it is possible for someone in a middle to upper level position to pass under the new rules, you need to be planning for the rules from the very beginning. The very few people who can just count up their points and pass the new system were likely key employees anyway.
Just grandfather current employees who are within a few years of their term limit to the current system. Then take the time to tweak and perfect a needed better system.
Well, the other side of the coin is that Caymanian employers are feeling the squeeze from the continued dithering on permit policy. Even new temporary work permits are in a state of paralysis until some new policy direction is formed – we're talking non-contentious permits for skilled specialists that fundamentally don't exist in this labour market. Fact.
Giveum hell Ezzard! Give um hell!
That’s all he is capable of doing, and he’s going to lead his followers and people like you straight to hell as well
Expats will lead us to our destiny.. he is our Ghandi and will lead us to discover our self determination and ultimately, independence.
Ezzard Milleris no Ghandi.
I have no respect left for Ezzard Miller. He is after power at whatever cost.
Even if he is right? This dirty way that some people have of branding individuals is far more worst that Ezzard. As usual, some people are so caught up with their dislike of the messenger, they pay no attention to the message. If you are a Caymanian, I can't say that I expect any better because too many of us still suffer from that colonial mentality. If you are an expat, I suggest you keep your head down and stay out of meddling in the affairs of Cayman.
He isn't right. Ezzard and Arden are misrepresenting this issue and too many people won't take the time to read the bill and educate themselves.
Well I would surely expect that all 2000 to 3000 unemployed Caymanians would be present at the march. What would be the message the unemployed are sending if only a handful of them participate? I would go further to infer that the amount of people attending would approximate the number of truly unemployed individuals.
Totally agree with this poster. It's not that they need to "get time off work" to march so I expect to see them out in force. Make sure that all your tatoos are visable and don't forget to flash your gang sign! But, for the love of God, please pull your pants up.
Sorry to bust your bubble- look more like 50 to me.!!
Radio Cayman noon news said "60 people showed up", our Middle Eastern friendcalled in to exclaim, "over 120 people were here!" (?)
60 people? Popular politician our Mr Ezzard. The 2000 unemployed son't give a sh@t about the law, suggesting the majoirty don't want jobs…especially ones where they would have to work
120 people screaming over 1500 possible job openings that they won't apply for…….A demonstration to be proud of, not.
I wonder if any cruise shippers managed to pick up the impromptu and embarassing comedy show at our Main Building?
Can you imagine what an American tourist thought of some Jordanian screaming on a bull horn about foreginers taking Caymanian jobs!
ezzard….. stick to your tuesday morning radio rants….. you know nothing of the realities of employment or running a business in this country…..
That right Ezzard should stick to his Tuesday morning talk show it is the best and most informative in Cayman that's why it has such high ratings. As for him running the country why should he want to now when it's just two steps away from 3rd world and back in 1980s when he was in government Cayman was 1st word, administered and controlled by Caymanians for Caymanians and a time when people like you were of no significance in Cayman or elsewhere.
I hope those lazy a$$ Caymanians sitting under the grape trees playing dominoes and those sitting on the seawall looking at fish take part also!!!–they are giving us all a bad name……signed a pure Caymanian.
ezzard is king of the small town, small minded soundbite……he offers little or nothing to the development of cayman….he was excluded from government for a reason….
Ezzard is brave speaks the views of ordinary caymanians who have lost hope. PPM and UDP are comfortable in supporting policies that leave caymanians behind. Everyone else who comes here benefits in this country except native caymanians.
I am a Caymanian, I benefitted well. I sent my children (all of them ) overseas to University and they all have great careers and making very good salaries. I have a house, infact I have two. Each of my children have their own home and are educating their children. I have some money saved for my retirement and I have a good pension fund. I did it first of all by God's help and secondly because I went to school and paid attention, I taught mine to do the same and I showed up for work and did the work. That is the formula- it is not rocket science – anyone who wants to do it can!! There are still opportunities in Cayman- do not let Ezzard and Arden fool you to think otherwise.
ezzard how did your job fair in northside go??????
To: Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/10/2013 – 18:14. Did he have one in"northside" too? I hear that the one in North Side went quite well.
quick somebody call rent-a-crowd……
Me comin', me comin'…how much? Oh no, too late, boss turned up, gotta go!
Will there be free food?
And drink?
No my good lad, that would be treating — or is it cheating? hmmmm, regardless, there will be no eating
Ya rite, help a Caymanian out nah?
It Friday….no beer or rum…? Not going!
Ezzard and Arden (Sons of Thunder) are just making trouble. East Enders already told
Arden not to join in with Ezzard with all his noise. They are still upset because their little coup they were setting up the morning after Election did not work, but they will never be the Premier of this little country. The PPM is not perfect but they are right now the best option, they are addressing the issues that the UDP consistently kicked down the road. Caymanians can and will get jobs out of what the PPM is doing but they have to apply and as well send in a copy of their application letters to the labour office and Immigration. The sons of Thunder should be holding workshops to assist their people with getting their Resumes up-dated and in on time instead of spouting off rubbish about they have lost confidence in the system. Caymanians get your Resumes in and be persistent and you will be heard. Stop listening to Ezzard and Arden!! The only thing they have to offer is negativity.