Hats off to Mr. Richens’ 29 September letter in reply to Ms Andrews’ 29 September letter. (Both Caymanian Compass).
If I could add to Mr. Richens letter, Canada has high taxes. It’s the main reason for their ‘brain drain’. Any newcomer faces those taxes too.
As I read Ms Andrews words of ‘never met such an envious, hateful population as Caymanians’, I had to chuckle. Truth be told, the shoe’s on the other foot. If she met any Caymanians who acted hateful or envious to her, they must be the rare few, who by now may have adopted this manner many expats now operate in.
From a historical perspective, Caymanians always welcomed expats. It’s been the norm from early ’60s after Bob Soto rigged tanks for diving and Vassel Johnson put us on the financial map, not to mention the pioneering possibilities beloved Jim Bodden brought into play to push our isles ahead.
In fact, we’ve always been happy to see people come from all walks of life who fall in love with our isles and abide. It’s still one of the few places one can buy real estate, bring in a car, walk a dark beach alone at night and not pay taxes.
In past years, we attracted highly educated expat managers of utmost integrity, and ethical expat co-workers who became extended families. Banks, accounting firms sent Caymanians off to train without any government prodding. After all, these isles saved expats personal and corporate taxes, offered beautiful surroundings for an abode…and so they reciprocated generously by employing us, giving to charities, etc.
Of recent years, instead of continuing the ‘let’s roll up our sleeves, let’s make money together’, it’s become a nightmare. Many expats make top dollar, and there’s also no taxes to pay here nor back home. Of course they’re hooked!
Caymanian heritage has always been one to extend the warm hand of friendship, yet when we do, we’re thought of as weak. When we don’t retaliate with evil for evil, we’re read as even weaker. Some expats even thrive off using our friendliness against us, much like how Cortez used the Incan Empire’s friendliness against them in order to grab their gold.
But Caymanians get it. We realize one day we have to answer to the ‘higher boss’. As for those who come here only to rudely grab a paycheck in this abusive manner, think ahead to the non-earthly payday.
Due to enduring the above and seeing it happen to fellow Caymanians, I congratulate the rollover. It gives expats a chance to work, make money, return home, and other expats an opportunity too. The rollover may give Caymanians a possible chance to break this ‘Pharoh-type’ stranglehold hold over them. We’re overgenerous.
Our rollover is seven years, Bermuda’s four and their conversion rate is only 1:1.
Pam DaCosta
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