Plans at Immigration to make some temporary work permit holders re-take the English test is welcome news.
There isn’t much more frustrating than not being able to communicate with people in your own country.
English is the official language of the Cayman Islands.
We should expect nothing less from the people who we allow to come to our shores and make a living.
If we were to go to their country and work we would certainly have to learn their language.
It’s only right.
The test applies only to those who come here from non-English speaking countries.
Prior to November those taking the test did it orally, so it was up to the discretion of the Immigration processing officer as to who was allowed to stay and who had to go back to their native land because of their ability or inability to speak English.
Today the test is both oral and written.
That helps ensure the test taker not only can speak English, but also understands it.
Too many times we encounter people in the Cayman Islands who speak their native tongue, especially at retail establishments. Most of the time they’re carrying on a conversation with a fellow worker from their country while assisting a customer.
It’s rude to the customer and an insult to Caymanians.
Business owners should enforce English-speaking only while employees are on the clock.
We aren’t proposing that foreign nationals refrain from using their own language while in private conversation away from the workplace, but we are proposing common courtesy while they are on the job.
Being able to speak and understand English is also vitally important to the foreign national so that he can ensure he’s being treated fairly.
Some people can and do take advantage of those who can’t speak their language.
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