After reading your editorial dated 20 January, 2006, my first reaction was uncontrolled anger.
I was angry with you for printing such misrepresentations.
Inevitably I began feeling a sense of inadequacy.
Is it true what they are saying? I’ve had to go through my whole life ostracised as a ‘third world’ inhabitant, so you’d forgive my defensive reaction to this overly sensitive issue.
I then began reassessing my life on the island over the 13 months I’ve been here and asking ‘Do I live differently from everyone else?’ I then took a step back and analysed my typical week in Cayman.
Monday – Wednesday: Have whole wheat toast and eggs for breakfast. (bought at Hurleys), lunch at Quiznos, World Gym in the evenings and packed dinner at Hurleys (the salmon is to die for).
Thursday – After work drinks and dinner at Sunset House with friends.
Friday – Cocktails at Bamboo, followed by dinner and night out at AquaBeach. On some nights, we proceed to Next Level.
Saturday – Morning dive at Eden Rock or Sunset House.
Sunday – Church at the First Baptist, then breakfast at Coconut Joes; brunch, if it’s a special occasion.
I asked my Canadian friend, Alfred (not his real name), what he did during his week and it was pretty much in line with the above.
So what is it about people from third world countries that vex you so much? Could it be a race issue? I don’t think so. Cayman is extremely multi-racial.
Could it be a class issue? Probably. The very essence of the word ‘third-world’ is a derogatory expression of countries and individuals of a lower class.
But rather than dwell on biases people may or may not have, let’s consider the facts, shall we.
FACT: Accountants seem to be moving more for career development than compensation.
The Robert Half Finance & Accounting Salary & Benefits Survey of professional accountants from less developed countries done in 2005 showed the reasons for relocating are:
• The desire for better career development – 32 per cent
• Increased compensation – 24 per cent
• Achieving a better work/life balance – 22 per cent
The remainder are looking for further responsibility and new challenges, some with a change of location or redundancy fuelling the move.
FACT: Whether from Africa or Cayman, we pray to the same Jesus Christ.
An important part of Cayman culture is its rich Christian heritage. As this is the shared opinion of most, if not all, African nationals, it negates your view of individuals from less developed countries being unable to assimilate into Cayman life.
FACT: Purchasing power has nothing to do with where you are from.
The last time I checked, there wasn’t an express line from Kenya delivering salads from my mother’s backyard.
If I need something, like say food, I’ll shop at one of the three supermarkets (all Caymanian owned). If I need a movie, I’ll rent it at Blockbuster (Caymanian-owned). If I need a drink, I’ll have a mojito at Breezes on the Bay (Caymanian-owned). Dinner at Rackams (Caymanian-owned). The fact is, the more you earn, the more you spend.
FACT: The number of wild roosters on the island exceeds the number of accountants from third world countries working in Cayman.
You just have to have lunch at Fort Street market to prove this. The truth is, we should all be more worried about bird flu right now.
When Mayor Ray Nagin said that the rebuilt New Orleans should be a chocolate city, people reacted with disdain and outrage.
But how different is his comment to the one expressed in your editorial?
I’d be more than happy to debate the issues relating to the cultural implications of hiring professionals from less developed nations over a mojito at Breezes or a cocktail at Bamboo but I doubt you’ll accept the challenge, or publish this letter.
Paul Njoka
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