The Cayman Islands Government has issued the following statement in response to the current protest by Cuban national Dr Luis Garcia
The Cayman Islands Government has been notified that Dr. Luis Garcia, a Cuban national who was granted Cayman refugee status in 1994 and who has resided in the Cayman Islands since then, has recently decided to stage a public protest that includes a hunger strike.
Dr. Garcia has been camping out on the lawn of the Government Administration Building in George Town.
It has been brought to Government’s attention that as part of his protest, Dr. Luis Garcia is demanding the following.
• an immediate improvement of the human rights situation in Cuba and Cayman;
• a meeting with Pope Benedict; and
• monetary compensation from Government for his failure to secure employment from government during his tenure in the Cayman Islands.
Government wishes to confirm that there are no legal claims by Dr. Garcia against Government for any failure by him to secure employment that would therefore entitle him to any compensation.
Indeed the refugee status granted to Dr. Garcia entitles him to work for any employer in the Cayman Islands, in any area of occupation. It also affords him all the rights and privileges similar to those of a permanent resident in the Cayman Islands. There is therefore no legal restriction against him trying to secure available employment, the statement reads.
Additionally, the Government is unaware of any human rights issues pertaining to Dr. Garcia’s continuing tenure in the Cayman Islands. Dr. Garcia’s request to meet with Pope Benedict highlights the unrealistic nature of his demands, the statement said.
To the extent that Dr. Garcia’s hunger strike might impact his health, the Government, through the relevant agencies, will continue to monitor the situation and will provide assistance as necessary.
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