Miller plans legal challenge

| 28/10/2013

(CNS): The independent member for North Side has said he intends to challenge the newly passed immigration law in the courts if the governor assents to the bill because he claims it is not constitutional. During the debate Wednesday Ezzard Miller said that, contrary to government’s position, there was no emergency to allow it to waive the constitutional requirement that laws are published 21 days before the start of the meeting in which they are to be presented. Although the Immigration Amendment bill 2013 was published several weeks before members debated the controversial changes to local immigration policy, it did not comply with the three weeks. The government's position was that this had to be waived because of the emergency surrounding some 1,500 Term Limit Exemption Permit  (TLEP) holders.

If the government had not changed the law, the 1,500 expatriate workers who still hold TLEPs would have all been required to leave today, 28 October. Government’s fear was that such a mass exodus would have a serious negative impact on the economy.

However, Miller disagreed and said this was not an emergency because for every permit holder that left, if a local did not take the job a new worker would have been recruited in the same way that others who are rolled over are replaced with new workers when Caymanians are not available.

He said the government was acting as though it was an emergency for an inexplicable reason, as he implied that pressure had been applied by someone or something to make it act in this way.

During his contribution to the debate, Miller said the new law, which was passed in the Legislative Assembly in the very early hours of Thursday morning, spelt economic genocide for Caymanians and was the worst law that any government has ever brought, save for the Health Practitioners bill brought by the previous UDP administration.

Miller, who has been a vocal opponent since the government announced the planned changes to the immigration regime, said there was nothing at all in the bill to help local people and it would  make things worse for them at an already very difficult time. He said the decision to rush the law through had to be at someone’s request and that some special interest was influencing government because the situation could not be described as an emergency.

He pointed out that the employers were given the term limit exemption permits by the UDP administration in order to give them two years to sort out their human resource issues and stagger the departure of workers. However, as no one had done a single thing about it, government was now rushing through terrible legislation because of appallingly bad management on the part of employers. 

“We need to understand that business owners have never placed enough importance on these people to apply for the key employee provisions in the existing law,” he said, adding that this was surprising as the key employing provision was wide enough that even his dog could probably get it.

“But all of a sudden, because of bad management by businesses we have to do this,” he stated. “They have had seven years, and more recently another two, but they did nothing. So, because of bad HR managers and no succession planning we’re told we have a national crisis.”

While he said he was not naïve enough to believe all 1,500 jobs would go to Caymanians, many were still being blocked from posts held by TLEP holders. Miller pointed out that where a local did not take up a TLEP post, a new ex-pat would be brought in, so government’s fear of a mass exodus was unfounded.

“There is no moral reason or crisis that we need to allow people to stay,” Miller said as he asked exactly who it was that was exerting such influence on government to force this law.

The member also took aim at the attorney general, pointing once again to the government lawyer’s conflicting advice. Miller said when the TLEP certificate was introduced, the government was advised by his chambers that this permit could not count toward a holders' ordinary residence and therefore could not entitled them to apply for PR under the old regime. However, here was the new government saying that they had been advised by the very same attorney general that in fact it could count and if government did not to allow them to stay, there could be a surge of law suits.

Ripping the law to pieces in a long debate, Miller said there was nothing at all in it to assist Caymanians, as he railed against the “Niagara Falls” of abuses against local workers that were now being exposed, not just in the private sector but in the public sector as well. 

He also used the recent appointment of an ex-pat CEO at the local telecommunication company LIME as an illustration of what he saw as the marginalisation of local workers in every sector, at every level. He said that despite the fact that locals had applied for the post, for the first time in 25 years the firm would not be led by a Caymanian.

The North Side member told his colleagues that he had significant concerns about the government’s promise to enforce the law regarding the immigration process, noting that it is already an offence to lie to immigration but there had not been a single prosecution, despite what legislators know to be thousands of transgressions.

Setting out his intention not only to vote ‘no’ but to challenge its entire legality, Miller said he could be persuaded to support the new bill with a number of changes. He set out a list of amendments, which included the publication of business staffing plans in companies. This would enable workers to see their employers' plans for recruiting, training and succession planning for locals leading to the departure of all TLEP holders before the change to rollover was introduced. However, all the suggested amendments were defeated during the committee stage deliberations in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The bill will not only allow the 1,500 TLEP holders to stay until they reach year nine, the removal of the seven year term limit has opened the door for all workers from today to be able to stay and apply for PR if their work-permits are renewed.

Despite a much more stringent regime, which is likely to see far more people refused and the government hopes will also act as a barrier to most people applying, there are still major concern about the law. By adding two years for ex-pat workers to stay, Caymanians will have to wait longer to get the chance to apply, as many people believe government will still not be able to enforce the law that locals get first refusal on all jobs for which they are qualified before a permit is granted.

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  1. Anonymous says:
    If any of these jokers were really serious, they would have called for an unemployment task force.
     
     
     
    Gather all the details of the individuals being given 45 days, then do the same for the underemployed (UE) Cayamanians, and start doing some grilling!
     
    identify each of the individuals (UE) that meet the criteria of the post and set up interviews. Have someone from the task force sit on the interview and also look at the post in detail.
     
    Most postings label the exact job to the skills of the preferred candidate, eliminate these types of situations and you will really be serving the country.
     
    This is the perfect opportunity for all Caymanians.
     
    1) At a bear minimum, at least 15% of these jobs can be filled by locals
     
    2) It will identify what skills Caymanians do not posses, this can be the focus of training
     
    3) It will identify the ability or lack of locals being able to sell mantelshelves. sometimes we as Caymanians lack the skill of a simple "good interview". I may not be the best at anything, but if an employer can identify that I have the will, drive, and personality to succeed, I will increase my chance by 50%
     
     
     
    Wake up folks, "Miller Time" is all about his personal agenda and not for the country as a whole, that's why he apposes every bill that is submitted, I hope one of the other MLAs can see this and act.

     

  2. Anonymous says:

    More politricks and BS from Ezzard. Why not do something meaningful for a change, like fix the NSDA . Didn't you promise to personally match Caymanian workers to vacant jobs but I guess that would involve you doing some real work for a change. If you really care about Cayman jobs, why not draft a law that requires government to post and advertise civil service jobs that are currently held by expats. There are over 1,500 of them you know, and Caymanians have NO CHANCE to fill those positions since they are not even advertised. You criticize the private sector for poor management, but why can't government operate on the same playing filed as the private sector? And BTW, 1,500 people leaving Cayman overnight would be detrimental to our economy, but I guess you get a fat paycheck no matter what, so why would you care.

    • Anonymous says:

      I think you waving your finger at the wrong person. It is the responsibility of the civil service association and or mr. manderson to provide such a list.

      And please, come again? Operate like the private sector , as far as i can tell they both operate with lawless indifference.

       

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Civil service jobs are advertised. If they weren't, how did the 1,500 expats get the jobs in the first place?

  3. Anonymous says:

    I thank God and will pray for Mr Ezzard every day for GOD TO GIVE HIM THE COURAGE AND STRENGTH TO FIGHT FOR cAYMAN iSLANDS. HE seems to be one of the few men since Mr Jims time. Mack came close to Jim as well and Mr Arden. Caymanians only like to stay in a corner and grumble but no backbone. I pray for these men, Ezzard should have been the Premier and Mr Tony or Mr Arden his Deputy.

    • Anonymous says:

      Perhaps you can ask God whilst you're there, who the hell is paying for Ezzard to challenge government in the courts. I hope it is coming out of his substantial pay check and not money needed for vital services.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Idon't always side with Ezzard but this  $hit has to stop.. Forme it is not even about the Immigration bill but that the same PPM that made so much stink about bringing bills this late are doing the same thing now….emergency, my a$$!!!!

  5. Kadafe says:

    If 1500+  expats go home all of a sudden I wonder who would rent all of those apartments? What will happen to those landlords houses? Is anyone thinking about this? I think the bank would have more houses than they could give away soon enough….

    • Anonymous says:

      Do you really think these 1500 won't be replaced with 1500 more..Get your head out of the sand. this is a temporary inconvenience  to allow us to continue to survive as Caymanians. Where in the world could you go and have PR handed to you like it has been done in Cayman..It has to stop sometime, somehow and somewhere,

      • Anonymous says:

         Where in the world could you go and have PR handed to you like it has been done in Cayman

        LOL, it is alot easier every where else, hell, if you hold a OT passport in Cayman you can live and work nearly anywhere in Europe, so that arguement is totally refuted

        As for replacing 1500 expats, I thought you wanted Caymanians to take all the jobs, flip flop much?

        • Anonymous says:

          Actually, with an OT passport you cannot even live, let alone work, anwhere in Continental Europe. Check your facts.

        • Anonymous says:

          Rubbish. An OT passport gets you nothing, not even right of abode in the UK. You need a UK passport to do those things.

    • Anonymous says:

      if the 1,500 are genuinely needed by their employers then the apartments will be filled by their replacements…

      • Anonymous says:

        you are SOOOO right

        see  1,500 go and 1,500 NEW one come !

        that is how it should be !

        • Anonymous says:

          Why? That does nothing to solve the mythical unemployment stats. All we get are inexperienced newby's that we have to bring up to speed.

          We suffer, the customer suffers and the economy suffers.

          Good job.

    • Anonymous says:

      That might be a good thing.  I have seen some of these so called apartments and they are not fitting for human habitation.

    • Anon says:

      The way the new points system has been drafted makes it obvious that the rental market has been overlooked.  Rather than stimulating both rentals and property sales, only those who are fool enough to invest before they knowthey can stay, stand a chance of even being considered.  All of us who pay a fortune to our Caymanian landlords in rental can go home – regardless of whether we would otherwise pass the points test.

    • Anonymous says:

      Government sector have no appreciation for how difficult, time consuming, and expensive it is to find and recruit someone to fill positions that Caymanians either don't apply for, or are unable/unwilling to perform.  The statistics office should have conveyed a list of these positions to Immigration and the permit process should have been streamlined for these categories years ago.  Our misplaced xenophobic knee-jerk policy reactions lump all expats in the same bucket and ultimately harm Caymanian small business owners, who themselves, are just trying to get by!  Even temporary permits are not being processed while this familiar nonsensical banter continues!

    • Anonymous says:

      do not forget the other knock on effect

      1500 car s on the market, shops, bars and resterants takings go down by 5-10%, taking them most probably below their profit lines, more lay offs and crime.

      1500 people all withdrawing their pensions at the same time in 2 years.

      Government revenue down from  lost Permit fees, and drop in duty, Civil service layoffs as you need a much smaller CS for the smaller populations.

      Private schools loss a good portion of students.

      Large influx ofhouses come on the market devaluing properties, more people in negative equity defaulting, banks getting into trouble.

      1500 expats removing money fromlocal banks to take home at once, lost capital push banks into further difficulty.

      Effectively losing 4-5% of population in one day, would be catistrophic fro the economy.

      Only winner is Cayman Airways who will price gouge per their usual practise with all the tickets being in demand

      • Anonymous says:

        what a bunch of BS

        these people should have been faded out long time

        ther are NO 1,500 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

        it is all a lie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

        • Anonymous says:

          OK then,  UDP made all these permits end on the same day when they added the extension, do some research

          #headinthesand

          #keepdrinkingthekoolaid

        • Anonymous says:

          Thank you for your comment Adolf.

        • anonymous says:

          Check the rentals on ecaytrade and get back to me with your theory. How many thousand? 

           

      • Anonymously says:

        Yes Chicken Little poster 10:17 lmao, because as you, me and every expat knows for every one that leaves there is 10 clammering to replace them.  So if 1,500 leaves today at least they will be replaced by 6,000. Many qualified and willing Chinese workers would jump at the apportunity to come here and they have the money and skills. During hurricane Ivan we lost about 50% of the population and Cayman did not sink (get my point?) we got 1,500 more people. 

        As for houses being devalued this happens the world over every day except for Bermuda and Monaco (supply and demand rule).

        The law need to change on expats withdrawing their monies from pension plans after 2 years because if Caymanians have to wait until they are retired so too should the expats.  Government should change the law and use the same system as the USA.

        About time for Cayman Airways to be smart, AA does it every time and it is more expensive.  So while you have a good cry about the negatives, I'll have a positive attitude and wish every one a happy life, those that leave, stay or arrived to replace, like our friendly immigration officers and airport staff, I saywelcome and goodbye.

         

         

      • J Salasi I. -111? says:
        1. Yow ya a chat BS stink one too. 3% of the working population would not have a significant impact if the Employers who backed the PPM ( I tell ona that's why the rush fe this Law) would have gone and obtained new permits for new people. We must stop pandering fe the rights of others above ourselves. 
        2. why is it that we must always through Politics become second class citizens in a we country why? . Are we saying that we have lost own man hood that we can't stand up and be forthright in the interest of the people. Why do we continue to erode our strength, and let others become stronger in our community. Caymanians no matter we ya come from rise up and take a stand, unite in peace and harmony, respect ya fellow man, help ya brother man, do not allow the conquest of the Beast to continue in our Land. The time will come again when you must choose who represent you, don't look for hand outs, don't feed dem egoes and money loving. Don't sell out ya rights. Look for true Caymanians   essence men and women who would die for this Land, that is the only way we will not become extinct in a we land. Jah Rastafaaari. We shall overcome.
        • Anonymous says:

          'Caymanians no matter we ya come from rise up and take a stand, unite in peace and harmony, respect ya fellow man, help ya brother man, do not allow the conquest of the Beast to continue in our Land'.

          Now that's a prime example of the duplicitous crap we've come to expect from a minority who preach love and peace, religious values and respect on one hand, but actually preach the language of hate on the other. You are a hypocrite, pure and simple.  

          'Die for this land', don't make me laugh, you can't even get of your lazy, ganja smoking ass to attend Ezzards 50 man march in support of your mythical unemployed. You can't even be bothered to turn up to the job fairs that have been staged on your behalf, or sign the ridiculous petiition calling for the removal of the CoP.

          If you think that 3% of the total working population, (30,000 ish) is so insignificant, why is it that the same proportion is what you claim to be the figure of out of work Caymanian's. If it is so insignificant, why the hell are you still whinging?

          Oh yes, according to the many religious fanatics on this island, to be a 'true Caymanian' you must also be a Christian. Tell me, how's that working out for you Rasta man? 

          Jah rule.

          • Jonas Dwyer says:

            You laugh at a mans words yes you must be be one of the chosen ones . That is the Rasta man whoever he is thoughts. He has the right to express them whether you like it or not. There is no hatred in his words, but yours certainly depict a mentality that may not be of any use in this country. Yes we have to get togetherness for we are seriously outnumbered.

      • Anonymous says:

        Don't worry by the first of the year another 1500 will be there…don't be so pessimistic, that is what has go us into this mess. 5000 left after Ivan and probable 3 times that came back. This is the land of milk and honey and easy politicians, and for these reasons they will keep coming.

    • Anonymous says:

      While I respect what you are saying about the large numbers, I don't believe it would be a case of 1500 WP holders going home at one time. We had two separate issues that needed to be addressed. They should never have been lumped together…they should have been handled separately.

      We as a country had to see this coming and CIG should have devised a more realistic and comprehensive plan. And after consutation with steakholders and then implement it in phases. Not this rush that is presently taking place, and then expecting that all will jump on the band wagon, all gunho and happy.  

      Generally people are scared of change, so what do we expect with one of this magnitute. No one enjoy this type of experience, it created uncertainty for locals and expats alike. There are many unhappy with the passing of the immigration bill. Many who are not saying a word many that voted for this Govt, and this is not to pick with any one Govt. I am not into the politics and don't care who is in as long as they operate with integrity and make decisions that are in the best interest of our country. i always vote my concience.

      Yes there may have been visits to the various districts for dialog but it seem as if the powers that be, minds where made up, despite what might have been the views of the people. Hence the bill was past. This turn of event will seriously impact our country one way or he other. I am not saying it is and will be all negative and if so in every respect, but it certainly will not be all positive, and may not be in many respects, in the opinion of people opposed.

      I personally have nothing against expats and believe every country needs them. Many expats have brought much and has genuinely integrated wth locals and did and continue to do much good for our country. My spouse is a UK expat now Caymanian, as such my children are too. I have friends that spans across many nationalities.

      We as a country, CIG should have dealt with the extensions of WP first and then handled the status and PR issue separately after much more thought was given. You will never make everyone happy however I feel more of the people opposing would have been more receptive if that were the case.  Instead it is felt by many that the community meeings were all a farce.

      Thanks for allowing me to voice my opinion.

  6. Anonymous says:

    I'm sure Mr. Miller will be able to find a Caymanian Lawyer who has had the same treatment that has been given to other qualified Caymanians. 

    People keep saying OMG I have to train a local. So what, train them or go home, really how long is it going to take to teach a waiter or waitress, a bar tender,hotel staff ? Most of them will be able to learn 2 weeks to 3 months for something a little harder like driving a delivery van or truck route. Once it becomes a routine you good. Stop making excuses

    • Anonymous says:

      why don't you ask any of the hotels what their experience is of trying to train caymanians?

      • Anonymous says:

        Yeah, the Caymanians got argumentative and refused to work after finding out the managers were illegally splitting their gratuities, the owner was stealing their pensions, and they were not getting any promised overtime while always having to work on Christmas day while their supervisor's girlfriend kept getting the day off.

      • Anonymous says:

        I worked at more then 4 hotels from when I was 17 years old. Learning a new job you want and like doesn't take long. If one is trying to prove that a caymanian can't do the job, then all you need to do is hire a person who isn't interested.What makes you think that hiring a waitress with no experience from a foreign country is any better? Come on ,if you all would play fair you would enjoy your stay here. You making stupid remarks to a guy who is 60 should know its like lying to your granddad. I have 47 years of tourism on this island from front desk ,kitchen, to dive boat captain and diving instructor. I've heard all this before.

    • Anonymous says:

      What rubbish you can't get Caymanians to apply for these positions! Zero, zilch, none!  Would love to have them apply and here's the kicker be willing to show up and do the work.  A good bartender can make a hefty chunk of money but they do have to work evenings, weekends, holidays and that's the kicker isn't it anyone in the hhospitality sector can prove how hard they have tried to get Caymanians in but they simply won't apply and if they do they quit about a week in to the job.  It's a shame as most employers would like to hire those who want to make it a career choice and it can be a great career.  I've tried for years to get my friends to try but they just won't even though they see me leading a comfortable lifestyle and having fun in my job, they always complain about the hours or some excuse.

       

      Caymanian Hospitality Worker

  7. Anonymous says:

    ASK PPM now that the passed the Amendment to help the 1500 foreigners, WHEN they will pass the law to help Caymanians get jobs – like they promised.

     

  8. Anonymous says:

    YOU ALL MUST

    Stop castigating Ezzard as he is an honorable man with principals and morals and have the Caymanian at heart. So by calling him names it doesn’t change the fact that he is honest and no one can challenge his integrity.

    I SAY EZZARD FOR PREMIER.

  9. Anonymous says:

    stick to your radio rants……thats all you are good for…. you were kept out of government for a reason!

  10. Anonymous says:

    ezzard knows nothing of the problems facing emloyers in cayman……..

  11. Anonymous says:

    Hey Ezzard – Imagine what you could do if the Penal Code said that doing such things as misleading the immigration authorities by not disclosing Caymanian applicants and artificially tailoring requirements to dissuade local applicants should put you away for 3 years.

     

    But wait, it does!

     

     

    False information to public officer

    120. A person who gives to any person employed inthe public service any information in the truth of which he does not believe intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause such person employed in the public service-

    (a) to do or omit anything which such person employed in the public service ought not to do or omit if the true state of facts respecting which such information is given were known to him; or

    (b) to use the lawful power of such person employed in the public service to the injury or annoyance of any person,

    commits an offence and is liable to a fine of four hundred dollars and to imprisonment for three years.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Don't worry. Despite even the politicians being aware of thousands of instances of this, there has never been a prosecution. That is what is so great about Cayman. We have laws, but no-one has to follow them!

  12. Anonymous says:

    Yeah, win win for govt. first they get rid of the expats. Then when they can't …….Can't I say again , find any capable local individuals  that they then would have to seek new expats to work…which gives the govt more money because of fees etc.   meanwhile the employers now have to train the new personnel….no big deal.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why are you training new expatriate personnel? I thought you said they were qualified when you applied for the permits?

      • Anonymous says:

        I guess that'll be continuance training, you know, like they do in real economies.

      • Anon says:

        No matter how qualified or skilled an employee is – whether caymanian or expat, all new recruits to any firm need training on internal procedures and systems. 

    • Anonymous says:

      This law is bad for everyone, Caymanians and expats alike and does not, once again, address core issues of vocational training and education which are key for full Caymanian employment, and encouraging foreign investment. Quite the reverse, investors are once agian thinking twice about being here if they are "forced" to employ people, or they will relocate those jobs. This will not result in more Caymanian employment, or very little extra employment. It will drive away investors as it did in Bermuda and they will only keep minimum number of jobs on Island. Madness, complete madness. Downward spiral, I thought this Government would be more intelligent. They are not solving anything. 

  13. Anonymous says:

    Ezzard GasBag Miller strickes again and examples that he has no clue what the private sector actually *needs* to operate and be competitive and profitable.  One of those things is the right to hire who they CHOOSE to hire.  Caymanian or not.  Employment isn't a freaking RIGHT or ENTITILEMENT.

    • Anonymous says:

      If employment isn't a right, why does the expat worker always feel entitled to have the Immigration laws changed?

      It is always the expat worker fighting for so-called rights in this hist country yet the have the nerve to state Caymanians feel entitled? Yes, yes they're entitled to jobs in their own country.

      • Anonymous says:

        Expats aren't changing the laws, Caymanian's are.

        And no, we are not entitled to jobs in our own countries, we have to work for them first by getting an education and then qualifying against an open recruitment market. It is the employer who is left to decide whether a candidate is the best person for the job, not an uneducated politician or petty civil servant. 

        Its called a meritocracy for good reason, you advance by merit, not by entitlement.

    • Anonymous says:

      You are using cayman resources to operate.

    • Anonymous says:

      Employment is both a right and an entitlement if you are Caymanian, able to fill the role at a good standard, and an expat is currently filling the position. It is not a right or an entitlement to be employed in another person's country, contrary to law, and where it displaces a local person from employment.

      The expat and their employer knew this.  It is neither unfair nor inappropriate. Thank you for your service and please now give some deserving locals a chance.

      and please drop your FREAKIN ENTITLEMENT mentality.

       

    • Stiff-necked Fool says:

      Attention seeking geeza! He should go sit down and quiet himself as he was only elected by default as look who this bloke had to run against in North Side! A typical waste to humanity!

    • Anonymous says:

      Even the UK speaks to excluding immigrants if they are at the expense of UK citizens not having employment. We do not need businesses who wont employ Caymanians.

      Every sensible country has a 5 year rollover including the great USA. With our size how can we afford not to?

      Time for at least one Labour Union.

      • Anonymous says:

        The UK does not have a policy of exclusion, it has one of control. Every European citizen within the EU has the right to work in another members country. However, those from outside the EU do not, unless they conform to immigration requirements, visa's etc….

        However, the employer is largely still allowed to offer employment to whom ever he pleases, as long as the rules have been complied with. But the fact remains that should a non EU citizen who is qualified and skilled enough to do a particular job apply for that job, they are treated as equals when it comes to interviews and recruitment.

        The UK does not have a policy of forcing employers to take on a person because of his nationality, UK citizen or otherwise. And they do not 'rollover' people who are in legitimate employment. That is economic suicide, as Cayman will eventually realise. Because losing a skilled or unskilled worker who has received appropriate training and workplace experience, only to be replaced by someone who needs to go through the whole process again, is stupidity and seriously damaging to the business concerned and the economy as a whole.

        Also, the UK also has a long history of receiving and accepting refugees and asylum seekers, something Cayman cannot possibly understand.

        But it does have a similar problem with employment, as does almost every other western country. It has a proportion of the population who are unmotivated and possibly uneducated enough to seek employment. Add into the mix a generous welfare system that rewards the lazy and self entitled, and you have a gap in your jobs market that needs filling by non UK citizens. Whom, by the way are normally hard working and willing to travel long distances to find employment. Unlike in Cayman, immigration is viewed as a wealth creator and a conduit for external investment. Not a threat to local business, but an opportunity to reward those who bring money into the country and start new businesses, large and small. Unfortunately, Cayman's ill thoughtout and protectionist immigration and business policies stop that dead in the water. The small cabal of wealthy business owners just get richer and the cost of living stays high.  

        The point being, that all countries need help to grow their economies, especially if they do not have the population, experience or skills to furnish their own market. Of course, every country would like to see 100% local employment, but that is normally a pipe dream, small counties the size of Cayman couldn't possibly supply a growing or specialist economy with enough qualified or unqualified workers. This accounts for an alleged unemployment figure of 2000, and a work permit issue of 20,000.

        As you correctly state, a 'sensible' country has a 5 year settlement plan. But that conforms to the premise that if you have been a model citizen and contributed to the society in which you live, you are entiltled to apply for citizenship. It is not a rollover, it is a fundamental right to settle. Of course, some do not wish to and will return from their home countries and their families. And don't forget, whilst you are intent on ridding yourselves of UK expats, the UK leaves the door open for you to enter freely and gain employment if you qualify, even over a UK 'local'. It also allows you to settle after 5 years and gain full UK citizenship.

        Of course Cayman needs controls, but it also needs to grow in order to be able to support itself. It cannot do that with local labour alone, the work permit figures confirm that.

        • Anonymous says:

          You are spouting nonsense. To prove it I invite you to tell me what would happen if you tried to get a work permit in the UK for a Honduran or Phillipino Helper.

          • Anonymous says:

            Unlike Caymanian's we in the UK do not subscribe to indentured slavery, or 'helpers' as you like to call them. We get off our butt's and clean our own homes, look after our own kids and walk our own dogs.

            However, we do employ thousands of Philipino care and nursing staff to assist those who cannot care for themselves. They are paid the national minimum wage or considerably more and they are skilled, experienced and caring professionals who are valued by their employers. 

            But, should you be in the market for hiring a specialist personal nurse, nanny, maid or au pair, then going through the appropriate immigration channels shouldn't be a problem. You might have issues with employing someone to act as your personal skivvy for the poorest of pay, insanitary accommodation and degrading treatment, as you do here.

            • Anonymous says:

              Yes, we understand you have a lower standard of living in the UK and that is your real gripe with how things are done here. But many low-paid jobs Brits will not do and so are filled by Eastern European workers.

                http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2307216/Britons-likely-job-East-European-migrants-Findings-contrast-countries-high-immigration.html

              • Anonymous says:

                No one disagrees that migrants do some of the jobs that UK citizens don't want to do, every western country has the same. But migrants in the UK are covered by minimum wage laws, gang master regulation, accommodation laws and a benefit, health and welfare system.

                What exactly do you offer, apart from inhuman and degrading treatment, sub standard accommodation and outrageous levels of low pay?

                And if we have such a low standard of living compared to Cayman, why do you need such low paid workers in the first place. Why don't you pay your housemaids and cleaners a fair wage, why don't you employ Caymanian's instead?

                The truth is that the UK cost of living is pretty high, but the standard of living is considerably better for all, including migrants. The UK has a growing economy and a booming housing market, exactly how is Cayman doing on that front, still in debt with a stagnating economy I believe?

                That is why they are queuing to get into the UK and some are risking their lives to do so.

                • Anonymous says:

                  Ummmm… actually the UK is in debt to a much greater degree than Cayman. While the UK govt. is aiming for a deficit of about £120bn this year, Cayman is aiming for a surplus of $100m. Cayman's total public sector debt to GDP ratio is about 28% versus the UK's 75%.

                  If the standard of living is higher in the UK why are very few Caymanians clamouring to get there while many Brits (and other expats) are clamouring to get here? Obviously we would have no expats if Cayman offered only "inhuman and degrading treatment, sub standard accommodation and outrageous levels of low pay". There would not be 20K+ people on work permits – a staggering percentage of the total population compared to the UK's low % of foreign workers (which Brits flip out about).   

                   

          • Anonymous says:

            In the UK i would be able to hire an English helper unlike here were you try getting a Caymanian to do that kind of job, hence why people employ Honduran or Phillipino helpers. Remember  that due to Cayman's superiority complex only Caymanians can employ a Jamaican helper, what sort of BS is that? 

          • anonymous says:

            I think William Wilberforce put a stop to that many years ago. This is the UK not the 3rd world.

            • Anonymous says:

              So there are no domestic helpers in the UK, and that is reflective of its first world status? LOL. The idiocy some people write. 

        • Anonymous says:

          Just like the owner of Harrods, right?

        • Anonymously says:

          Go spout this rubbish in Bermuda and Monaco look at their population, policies and countries then get back on this blog with your answer poster 10:00, as both countries are similar to Cayman please compare apples to apples and not apples to grapefruits.

          • Anonymous says:

            Ha, Ha, Ha. You really do believe you are on a level playing field with the likes of Bermuda and Monaco. You poor deluded fool, go visit these places and then tell me that Cayman is even in the same league.

            This place is only famous because of crime novels and money laundering. It doesn't have a huge celebrity enclave or population and cannot compete on the glitter and glamour stage. Sure, there are some wealthy people here, but they are not even close to the wealth and huge numbers that frequent both Bermuda and Monaco.

            Get real, concentrate on cruise shippers, that's where your fame rests.

            • Anonymous says:

              Nobody in Monaco thinks Bermuda is remotely comparable to it. This must be some Bermudian fool beating his chest as usual. Bermuda is just an overpriced, overcrowded place full of racial tension.  

              Cayman is famous because it is one of the top offshore financial centres in the world. It is by far the largest offshoredomicile for hedge funds, and is closing on Bermuda fast in captive insurance.  

        • Anonymous says:

          If anything the UK immigration policy shows exactly why Cayman and other countries need to protect their citizens and be careful of who they allow to live indefinetly in their country.  The UK over the past years has imported a lot of poverty.  People migrate to the UK don't get a job but live better off than some people are employed.  Also, the European Union is not really a good comparison as it is a Union and while citizens can move anywhere, the countries also reap benefits such as free trade etc. which Cayman doesn't with any other country.  A better comparison would be the United States, Australia and Canada.  

          I agree that Cayman needs to have expats but Cayman does have to control who of those are going to stay.  I'm not saying this new law is the solution but I think it is a lot better than the old law.  One thing that really needs to be locked down is the enforcement, I think if immigration laws were enforced better a lot of these issues would go away and the requirements could be eased up.  For example, as you said everyone should be treated at least equally whereas currently there are so many of the larger companies who bend backwards to hire an expat for whatever reason, it is a friend, family etc.  

          • Anonymous says:

            I agree that the UK has made some terrible mistakes in regard to immigration, mainly of the back of stupid socialist ideals of multiculturalism. But the fact remains that the poster was referring to those from outside of the EU and the policies therein.

            Cayman does not allow anyone on a work permit to claim any kind of benefit, so unless you are working there is no form of state support, so goodbye. The UK/EU model is therefore irrelevant when making such a comparison.

            Cayman does not have porous borders and does not have another country within 100+ miles of its coastline. It is therefore very unlikely that the UK model would apply here due to geographic location and logistical hurdles. 

            Just because Cayman isn't in Europe, it does not mean that she cannot take advantage of UK/EU protocols, hence the BOTC passport.

            In regard to free trade, Australia are inching towards trade agreements with their far eastern neighbours and the US is still in talks about a similar arrrangement with the EU, (spying scandals allowing). Cayman simply doesn't have anything to trade, so of what benefit is she to the rest of the world, except limited financial services, which are now being squeezed by almost every other country concerned with tax evasion and money laundering.

            Obviously, immigration has to be controlled, the poster makes that very clear. But there isa difference between control and exclusion.

    • Anonymous says:

      What would you say if you returned home and found more than 50% of workers were from other countries and you cannot get a job because they dictate who they want to hire and ignore the immigration laws ??????????????? Oh, tell me you do not have loafers, beggers, pot smokers, drug users and uneducated people in your country.

      You accepted your contract to come here, with an expirary date on your employee agreement and W. P so why all the fuss to stay here, remember we are all uneducated, entitlement goffers, and you want to stay here. Why? guess it's to help us!!!!!!!!!!. I could go on, but as it is, it will not likely be published.

      • Anon says:

        Cayman is in the unusual position of having 50,000+ jobs and roughly 25,000 Caymanians.  So even if you sent every expat home and put every unemployed Caymanian in their seats, Cayman would still need to have 50% foreign workers to take the vacant positions.  I don't believe there are many, if any other countries in this unique position.  Until Cayman's population grows, you will always need 50% expat workforce.

        • Anonymous says:

          We don't have a problem with that at all. However, when you come to the end of your 7 year contract you should leave and make space for another expat if there is no caymanian to fill the post. This is a good way of controlling our population growth by foreign nationals.

      • Anonymous says:

        Actually, its Caymanian's who hire expat labour and ignore immigration rules. And it's Caymanian's who fraudulently allow some workers to apply for work permits yet have nothing to do with their employment. It's Caymanian's who own big business on these islands, and its Caymanian's who have created the monopolies that stiffle open competition and keep the cost of living artificially high. And it's wealthy Caymanian's who are getting richer off the backs of low paid and uneducated Caymanian's and expats.

        Yes, most countries have a disfunctional element to their population, but all of them are functioning meritocracies where work is a product of education and personal application, not nationality. They also don't kick out legitimate employees who put back into the society they have adopted, they offer them a path to residency and citizenship.

        Cayman needs expat labour, simply because a total population of 30,000 cannot support a growing economy. And without a growing economy, Cayman cannot support itself or pay its way in the world. If 50% of the local population were of employable age and there was 100% employment, where would you get the extra 18,000 people from to run the economy at its current level?

        The simple answer is that you cannot. By trying to reduce expat numbers through rollover is pointless, you will always need to cover the 18,000. In effect all you're doing is replacing your workforce with inexperience and losing the benefits of investment, most notably the pension pot, banking and property purchase.

        Unfortunately, your incoherent rant justifies in the minds of many that you just don't understand the basics of immigration and commercial interest. Expats aren't here for your benefit, they're here for their own, and they will seek the best assurances before investing in a country that openly disregards their input.

        Little islander and nationalist rants will not bring prosperity to the Cayman Islands, nor will openly discriminatory immigration policies. Cayman for Caymanian's is just not going to happen unless you want to return to weaving thatch rope. You need to expand the settled population, period, and you can't do that if you throw away skilled and experienced labour every 7 years.

    • Anonymous says:

      Not here Bo Bo; Caymanians MUST come first. If not, take your business and stuff it or take it to Jamaica or elsewhere.

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh employment isn't seen as a right for Caymanians in their own home country? How do you really want these people to earn a living? Expats talk alot of BS but the truth is Caymanians have bills ie food expenses, car maintenace, gas, light and water, and they need jobs. So yes, a job for a caymanian is a right. Why do expats feel they have a right to avoid taxes which is why they ran and hid here in the first place? Answer that because Im tired of hearing expats crying about taxes back home. Employers need to stop crying. Whoever defends employers on here has to be someone who is paid to, ie Human resources with a sad life. Stop lying to immigration about recuiting details, and how many caymanians are fired for unjustifiable reasons over and over just to create a false image that caymanians cannot do the job so you have to resort to finding an expat. You stage that just to have your way, and since there are consequences you hide and try not to be discovered. I for one liked this island when a caymanian could at least be respected, expats are like a disease eating at this country. They dont think caymanians working is necessary, but complain about crime? Makes no sense to complain about crime when you are clearly being discriminant in thinking caymanians feel employment is a handout. If employment in the cayman islands for caymanians is not a handout, then so is residency here. But before PPM gives caymanians a law to make sure they work, they make a law to make it possible for 1500 foreigners to apply for residency in someone else's home. I pray that law doesn't make it past a week or two of enactment.

      • Anonymous says:

        09.06, turn the binoculars around and look the right way through them…there there…not so pretty is it? Now look at the rest of the world in its entirety and show me a country that is succeeding by such policies as you indicate. I will give you a little clue, there is not one…

      • Anonymous says:

        Not paying taxes, are you freaking serious?

        We pay more tax by stealth here in Cayman than I would ever do in the UK, and the cost of living is high there, or so I thought.

        This is a typical, juvenille, prejudicial and racist comment from someone who knows little of life outside of these islands. Stop feeling so damn sorry for yourselves and get off your butt and do something about your life, instead of blaming it all on someone else.

        Caymanian's are solely to blame for the mess they find themselves in, expats will only apply for what has been made available by Caymanian's. If you didn't practice the politics of the school yard then thingswould get an awful lot better.

        And no, employment is earnt through education and application, not by nationality. But I wouldn't expect someone who writes such nonsensical garbage to understand that concept.

        But as you say, it's your island, your mess.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Ezzard You Deserves

    To be knighted for you attempts to protect we the frail creatures of these little Islands. The government of the day is no better than the last one. All we have seen is help for the XPATS and mental torture for us. We have to worry about our bills at the end of each month whilst it seems like the XPATS are having no problems. I know of none of them that forclosure notices have been served on, whilst it is a common delivery to us the locals. We are becoming fedup with the way of living we have and it must stop. If you and Arden weren’t there we would be lost as a country. I take a special note of the person that the authority is bestowed on for the issuance of PR and it is the chief Immigration officer, well my good friends let us ask ourselves a question, what stops the minister from calling the immigration chief and saying to this person, look out for Joe bloggs application and make sure it is approved. Tom may be drunk but Tom not fool Alden have always been an advocate of a certain bracket getting rights to remain here, and whilst we have to struggle to find jobs for our children they don’t have no worries, scratch my back and I scratch yours.
    We are in some serious times and I believe PPM is not the answer.
    Mr. Ezzard please I beg you for a new party so we may get the kind of representation we deserves as Caymanians.

    • Anonymous says:

      That's because expats can't get a loan based on the fact they are Caymanian, expats have to prove they are capable of paying the loan.

      • Anonymous says:

        Caymanians don't get loans on that basis either, but I've seem expats earning similar salaries to Caymanians get preferential terms because they are expats.

    • Anonymous says:

      Exactly, "We are becoming fedup with the way of living we have and it must stop". "We have to worry about our bills at the end of each month." "I know of none of them that forclosure notices have been served on, whilst it is a common delivery to us the locals."

      You seem to have spelt out the root cause of your own troubles.  You are fed up with the way of living and it must stop.  True.  You must stop living an unorganised life and set your priorities right. You have no money to pay your bills, but you and you family own Blackberrys and iPhones.  You don't have enough money to pay your mortgages, but you have enough to go on vacations. You don't know how to live on a budget, but you know very well how to live off credit card and do it extravagantly.

      If you stopped living the way you live now and improve your skills starting with prioritising your needs and differentiating them from wants, the potential employer might conisder hiring the organised new you.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Big E.. go for it. I in the past have never been a big surppoter of yours but on this I beleive a majority of caymanians are, includng myself.

    • Diogenes says:

      If he succeeds and the judicial review finds the law is unconstitutional, it will be void.  However, in the meantime the government will have issued all the TELPS with WOL entitlements, so they aren't going anywhere.  All that is then going to happen is that government will reintroduce the bill, this time with the 21 days notice, and it will pass second time around – Ezzard's issue is that the notice period was inadequate – that does not change the numbers voting for it. 

      And if he loses, hardly think Ezzard is in a position to pay the governments legal costs.

      Net outcome either way, win or lose  – exactly the same as today, except the expenditure of tax payers funds on dealing with the legal costs of the judicial review (and lots of media coverage for one MLA).

  16. Blowhard says:

    Oh just give it up. Try and do something real for once.

  17. Anonymous says:

    More wasted legal expense.

    • Anon says:

      In reality this whole expense could be saved as there is no need to rush the law through its already way too late.  When you're faced with leaving the country under a term limit, you start planning a lot more than 45 days before.  Many of those about to leave on TLEPs or term limits have already made their decisions to leave.  Most wouldn't qualify for PR under the new law and for others its already too late.

      • Diogenes says:

        Think you are spot on.  According to the Compass way less than 1500 people have turned up for their WOL.  Rest are either going or already gone, I guess.

    • Anonymous says:

      And I know who will be paying, the caymanian people who are already unemployed and cannot afford thier own bills.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Buzzard is now becoming an embarrassment. Where is the money going to come from to fight a meaningless battle in the Court? Why does he not just accept the fact that he cannot always get his way?

    • Anonymous says:

      From an expat, that's rich.

    • Anonymous says:

      Ezzard, Arden, Gilbert and sometimes Austin seems to be trying their best to destroy Cayman. They are way out ahead of McKeeva on this, because I do believe that McKeeva cares deeply about Cayman but goes about it the wrong way. Gilbert do you remember when you were trying to get rid of so many workers from the hospital and McKeeva stopped you, were you looking out for Caymanians then. Also what about the huge Status grants that you played a part in along with McKeeva. You guys really need to pay attention to your words and try to get in tuned with what is really going on here. The financial sector is dragging along, business is going to other destinations or simply closing down. That leaves only the tourism sector to fill the gap and that is near imposibility. While you are tearing Cayman apart with your hatred and bombastic ideas we in the private sector are trying to hold on for our lives and hold it together. I am all for unemployed Caymanians getting jobs but first of all they need to take advantage of the training that is being offered to them. Ezzard and Arden you need to assist these people with updating their Resumes and getting their application letters done instead of spreading your hatred and encouraging them to do nothing by spouting out about “they have lost confidence” Exactly who have they lost confidence in, themselves, the two of you or who. When was the last time a “real Caymanian” opened up a viable company to be able to offer jobs. We Caymanians like to put our money in the banks and watch it not get any interest. People like the Albergas, The Browns (Mike Ice & Celebrations),The Godfreys, the Guilfoils and many more like them,scraped up whatever they could bring with them and invested it in Cayman. Eventually they were granted permanent residence and them Caymanian Status. They were foreigners who worked tirelessly in Cayman to provide services and goods. Why should it be made so hard for people like them and others to operate their businesses. If (I say if because I do not know) they have staff on TLEPs why not give them the opportunity to see if some of them can apply and gain permanent residence if they meet the criteria. Surely not everybody will be able to. If there are any Caymanians out there who would like to get into some of these businesses the Government is giving them the chance to apply for the jobs that will be advertised. Ezzard if you called this genocide then perhaps you never read about the real genocide that took place under Hitler. Stop using these inflamatory words to rile up the public- you should know better. Because you are not a member of the Government and because your little “planned coup” did not materialize is no reason for you to have so much hate – if you think you are entitled to your hate then please keep it to yourself, I do not want it contaminating this little island on which I have to live. Do you guys realise that words that are spoken can never come back to you, sounds keep moving around the world like when you drop a pebble in a pond and watch the movement of the water. Words cannot come back to you but the effect of the words can. Anger and hatred causes all kinds of diseases and mental problems. Remember you all have children who could one day reap what you have sown. Now Ezzard has pulled the last straw with rubbish about suing the government while knowing that there is no extra money nor time to deal with this. The Premier and his government are working to get a grip on immigration and labour issues, if yu cannaot be a part of the solution please step aside and let them get on with it.

      • Anonymous says:

        Gilbert , Ezzard, and Arden did not do what McKeeva did when it came to Status grants.They merely helped people who were here for a very long time some as long as 35 years to get status they had proved themselves. They were never able to get it. When they tried to get some people in , it wasn't the amount that McKeeva was trying to get in. He was the one responsible for allowing some bad people in. 

        The group of people you named are mostly white Jamaicans who have been here since the currency control laws of jamaica of the 70's. How many Caymanians have they helped to succeed by training them ? Scholarships? employment? anything? when? People like XXXX who over charges people for the houses he builds and you have to qualify with 4000 ci dollars . Then he wants people in planning to give him special privileges to make smaller lots to sell smaller houses. You're the people whostarted all this . Pay your workers proper cost of living salaries.

        Please hire Caymanians and train them.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Notice how Alden used to rail against the UDP for doing this all the time, but now that he's the King, he thinks he can do what he wants.  Alden is McKeeva 2.0.

    • Anonymous says:

      It was McKeeva's govt. that created this situation with the TLEPs which gave this govt., no real choice but to abridge time.  

    • Anonymous says:

      No, He is Rocky 2.0, watch out for that right-hand… POW!!