I read the article regarding Leroy Jordan and I am amazed, saddened, and disgusted by the rollover policy, which, in my opinion, is doing so much damage to your island.
My questions are:
– Who developed this policy?
– What was the underlying rationale behind it?
– Who benefits from the rollover?
Here are my thoughts on this: If the intention was to make sure outsiders do not take jobs away from Caymanians–many people obtain their work permits to come to Cayman because they are prepared to do menial work that some Caymanians choose not to do.
Many come to head up large corporations when local CEO’s are not available. This is not a new concept. These things happen worldwide.
Consider for a moment how damaging the seven year rollover can be. No person can totally assimilate into your culture when they have a separation looming in the future. You could compare it to a three-week, long overdue reunion with family members who live far away. The scenario goes something like this:
For the first week you are experiencing the stress related with the trip, getting used to your new surroundings, the excitement of getting together after a long period of time and the realisation of what is expected of you in your new environment. Naturally, you are not yet living up to your potential.
For the second week you settle in, respond to the new experiences and really enjoy your family and your time together. Life is good!
For the third week you begin to experience separation anxiety, knowing full well that your departure is imminent. At this point you are definitely not performing as well as you could, with the ever-present threat of being isolated from the people and things that you care for always looming in the background.
How in the world do you expect people to give their all, knowing full well that they will be tossed aside with no valuation for the positive things they have achieved while on your island?
Leroy Jordan is only one person, and unfortunately I have not met him personally, however from the report given, he has positively affected the lives of many people. He has helped your island people in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan and no doubt, his performance in his positions on island have made inroads in having tourists return to such a friendly, welcoming island, thereby ensuring that the tourist industry is healthy and lucrative.
My solution? Look at each case individually. Reward the people who are making a positive impact on your island–the people who have truly given more than is expected of them–value them and the favourable consequences they have achieved. Throw away the people who have achieved nothing, or who have definitely impacted your island unfavourably, for example the persons responsible for the murder of one of your island’s most-loved and prized citizens.
Wake up Cayman! I love your island and its people. Please be courageous enough to admit this rollover policy in its present form is wrong!
Joan Greentree
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