The Minister of Tourism has spoken out in the Legislative Assembly about allegations of layoffs and serious regulatory breaches at two local condominiums.
Speaking at the Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday, 17 September, Minister Clifford named Lacovia and Regal Beach Club as the condos being investigated.
‘Late last week the government was made aware of allegations of layoffs and serious regulatory breaches at two local condominiums along Seven Mile Beach. The Minister of Employment Relations and I met with the affected employees and received some very serious reports,’ the Minister stated.
‘It has been alleged, among other things, that Caymanian employees have been laid off in favour of outsourcing housekeeping jobs to janitorial firms. Such a practice is against longstanding policy and is wholly unacceptable to the Government.’
Consequently, the Minister said, the government commenced an investigation to determine, among other matters, whether any breaches of law occurred at these properties, as alleged, and secondly, who authorised the lifting of restrictions that had previously been attached to the Trade and Business Licenses of janitorial companies.
The government and the country owe a duty to those Caymanians who have dedicated their careers to serving in the tourism sector, said Mr. Clifford. ‘We understand that when they do their jobs faithfully, we owe it to them to do our jobs in ensuring that they continue to have an opportunity to earn a living in this growing sector.’
The Minister continued, ‘As a policy, the government will not allow the outsourcing of tourism jobs to occur where we have willing and able Caymanian workers available to do these jobs. We are prepared to defend this policy even to the extent of introducing legislation, should that prove necessary’.
Mr. Clifford added that the government is not alone in its goal to protect Caymanians in the tourism industry. ‘Both public and private sectors are united. We are grateful to the Cayman Islands Tourism Association for joining the government in condemning the short-sighted corporate philosophy allegedly adopted by two condo properties on Seven Mile Beach.’
As the minister was delivering his statement, a joint task force representing multiple government agencies including the Department of Employment Relations, Department of Tourism, the Pensions Office and the Health Insurance Commission were on site at the properties carrying out necessary investigations, he said.
‘Madam Speaker, it is most unfortunate that this situation has occurred. However, the Government is committed to a thorough investigation of what occurred and to working with all parties to ensure that this matter is resolved and that Caymanian jobs in tourism are preserved for present and future generations.’
Regal Beach Club and Lacovia had no comment to make on the situation by press time.
Related Videos
