The Cayman Islands growth and development has matured to a stage that now calls for organisation for the Cayman Islands and Caymanians.
For the past 24 months Caymanians have been grossly disenfranchised in that young Caymanian college and university graduates returning home are faced with resistance from employers who are allowed by the Cayman Islands government to hire cheap labour, pay for a work permit that brings in revenue for the local government and is a door stopper to the employment of young Caymanians and other age groups. Government is actually partnering with employers to keep Caymanians unemployed! It is a disgrace and is now inciting a social and economic revolution in the Cayman Islands that were once a quiet and crime-free society. Because of rejection from being employed, our young people have no other recourse but to resort to crime, gunrunning and drug trade. Cayman is now an attraction to drug lords because of the poor economic planning by the government of the day. Also, the rollover policy must stay as it was created for a reason and it serves well if enacted effectively and efficiently to protect the interest of Caymanians and job placement and advancement for our people. The recent legislation passed approving l0-year work permits for foreign labour is the last nail in the coffin of Caymanians ever enjoying job opportunity in their homeland. The current government, year after year, has denied jobs to our people in exchange for work permit fees. Government must seek revenue for the public purse away from the backs of our poor disenfranchised Caymanians. Enough is enough. Our young college grads with degrees returning home cannot wait 10 years for a job nor wait 10 years for promotion while cheap foreign labour sits in the seat of what should be seen as a post to be filled by a Caymanian. The UDP government is destroying the socioeconomic landscape and overall face of the Cayman Islands, which is a financial centre of the world as well as a tourist destination. It is no more a safe place.
There needs to be a Cayman Islands Homeland Security that is the statutory authority for all enforcement arms of government and our border patrol agencies.
No premier, no government official, nor elected nor party politicians can ever manage, control, direct, influence or manage this new statutory authority Cayman so desperately needs.
Just like the courts, the statutory authority reports to Her Majesty The Queen if it is to function well and effectively and efficiently.
Currently, the most important positions are not civil servants but in fact to the destruction of our country’s socioeconomic landscape; the post of work permit chairman is a volunteer position; including board members. Similarly the Immigration Board director as well; such important positions are voluntary! This is to the detriment of our country since volunteers are never responsible and cannot ever be held accountable for what they do and the bad decisions they are making. Such positions are of paramount importance and crucial to decision making for the wellbeing of the Cayman Islands and it is senseless to hand over such a hefty responsibility to volunteers and expect them to perform or deliver any solution to the needs of the country and its people. All these positions must be filled by paid staff who should report to a chairman or chief of Cayman Islands Homeland Security, which must be an independent statutory authority if we are to be free from the injustices that the people of the Cayman Islands are currently faced with inflicted by party politics.
The following should come under such an authority:
Work Permit Board & Director
Immigration Department
Immigration Board & Director
Labour Office & Director
Director of Employee Relations
Customs Department
Port Authority
Fire Department
Environment
Any other border patrol related arm or body of government not mentioned.
Also, the quality of border patrol necessary to curtail drug trafficking and possible human trafficking as well as gun smuggling in the Cayman Islands needs to be upgraded and needs to be managed by the creation of a Cayman Islands Coast Guard. This can create jobs and young school leavers can see this new opportunity as a career.
The coast guard must also come under the umbrella of the statutory authority named Cayman Islands Homeland Security, which must be held responsible for all departments of government aforementioned that are functioning as border patrol agencies or homeland security and they all are accountable and report to the Cayman Islands Homeland Authority.
This is a matter of urgency.
Florence Goring-Nozza
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Great article, I hope the leaders are reading.
Cayman certainly needs to be organized.We do need a statutory authority that governs all these agencies.They seem to be doing their own thing causing a lot of embarrassment.
Premier MCKeeva Bush has vowed one year ago that
he would ensure that our l9 Caymanian Lawers recently graduates of our law school and overseas universities who have been DENIED employment; Well the Premier promised to pressure local law firms to hire them as articled clerks. To date He has done NOTHING to help them.
His time is spent fulfilling his promises to Dart promises, since he feels Dart is more important than the future of our precious young people. This is a travesty, and is unacceptable.
Are you really that ignorant?
Why would a firm want to pay for a work permit when they can hire a qualified Caymanian?
How dare you blame the expats for pushing young Caymanians to crime!!
Nothing in life is free. If they want a job, go out and get one but they have to be prepared to work hard and show that they are the best candidate for the job and have more going for themselves than just being Caymanian.
People need to realize that nationality doesn’t guarantee an income. It’s a competitive work force so be competitive.
I work in an industry that is predominantly Caymanian. There is less than half who actually work. They spend most of their day chatting to their friends on email, bbm or the phone instead of working and earning their salary. I guess I just answered my own question about why firms would hire expats over Caymanians.
Reading this article brings a few things to mind, while I can understand the pain people who are unemployed face, the lack of employment is still not a valid reason to resort to a life of crime. Is it me or is the writer condoning the criminal acts going on in Cayman?
I’ve been unemployed and times were very hard yet I’ve never considered armed robbery, gun running or selling drugs. Growing up I’ve seen my father busting his behind to put food on the table sometimes having to work two and three menial jobs and never once have I known him to steal anything from anyone even when he was looked over because of the color of his skin. He was always and still is an honest, proud and excellent example of a man, which is something I strive to be for my own children.
I have to agree with other comments about companies hiring expats over Caymanians being unrealistic if there is a qualified Caymanian with the right work ethic, it just makes no since to me for someone to pay a work permit fee when there is no need. There is mention of Government partnering with employers to keep Caymanians unemployed, while it’s obvious that there is a financial gain for the CIG, where is the benefit for these employers?
These Employers that folks claim are not willing to hire Caymanians, are they foreign owned companies or Caymanian owned Companies? I see quite a bit of local companies with mostly expat employees and they seem to fill most of the menial jobs so I have to ask where is the desire for these business owners to help their own people and would the young Caymanians returning home with degrees want these types of jobs or are they looking for specific higher end positions? If so this in itself will make things harder.
Cayman is no bigger than a small city of just about any state in the US. When my daughter graduated from College with an Engineering Degree she tried for a little while to get a job close to home but eventually realized that if she wanted to get a start in her field she had to spread her wings so she took a job in another state. I would recommend to these Caymanian College Graduates with Degrees that they not limit themselves to one place when looking for employment it’s a big world out there sometime you have to go to the Job, it’s not going to come to you. Nowadays most companies want someone with experience in the field as well as a Degree and remember that with the current economic state there are a lot of people out of work, so you’re competing against people that have years of experience as well as a Degree. There are very few entry level position these days, so be willing to spread your wings.
I’ve been reading the want ads in Cayman out of curiosity and I notice that a lot of specialized positions require a certain amount of years experience as well as a degree. So basically if you have an Accounting degree and apply for a job as an accountant, if the job requirements are an Accounting Degree and 3-5 years experience, you are not qualified, so you shouldn’t think that you didn’t get the position just because you are Caymanian, you just didn’t get hired because you didn’t have the experience. So take my advice, do whatever it takes and go wherever is needed to get that experience. Plenty of people go away to get jobs and then come back home stronger candidates.
To Jeremiah Jane and N2CAY,
It is clear that when someone speaks on behalf of our young people that they are immediately ambushed with a multitude of rebuttals of self interest.
The writer is absolutely correct in every aspect of the above article and the truth angers people who have ulterior motives. As a matter of fact its not even your affair as obviously you are not government an you’re definitely not Caymanian not that it matters.The writer is pointing out the failure of government to fix a system that is broken that affects our young people. Moreover, N2CAY and Jeremiah Jane, you both are in denial that idleness breeds crime, what part of that is condoning crime? You are deliberately trying to mislead the readers but we’re onto you. And as far as the both of you now having the audacity to recommend that our young people
should stay away from Cayman or look elsewhere for employment rather than rely on employment in their homeland well that’s just the last insult that we are prepared to take from ignorant folk like you both, what now, we should export our children and import all of you?.
You’re obviously were hit right between the eyes with this article and we need more writers to enlighten the young people of Cayman, who some of them are already speaking out, why don’t you get on the talk show with your rants and see how you get handled there?, I guess only the compass prints your garbage…..CAYMANIANS SHOULD BE FIRST as in any country a government should look out for its people. The advertising for an accountant is or other positions are often a complete fraud, where the position is not at all represented in the qualifications required for in the advertisement.Yes they are lying on applications to employ cheap labor, not more qualified labor! while government collect the work permit fees, the entire country is aware of this employers and they should be penalized for obtaining work permits by deception.
To N2CAY,
Be very careful when you accuse individuals participating in a forum of condoning or inciting crime. That is strong language.Be very careful of making comment that may be of a very damaging, defamatory and slanderous nature as it is not only false but misleading and defamatory in nature and can indeed distort or pervert the views of someone’s character and persona in the eyes of some readers who are vulnerable and can easily be misled.
My Legal Rights and Responsibilities:-
While freedom of speech is our right, it’s essential that we recognize that with rights come responsibilities. Our freedom of speech is limited by the law in accord with the responsibilities that we have towards one another as determined by constitutional law case law and as required by Cayman Islands legislation.
Both the common law and legislation protect every person from harm to their reputation arising from false and derogatory remarks being made about their person (defamation). And, both slander (verbal form) and libel (printed form) are included in the definition of defamation.
PSEUDONYMS OFFER NO SAFETY.
Jeremiah Jane,
My article does not in any way shape or form blame x-pats for pushing Caymanian young people to crime.
Read my article again before jumping to a misleading conclusion. As I explained clearly that it is our government systems that are failing our young people, and I will not apologize for speaking the truth. As far as your challenging words How dare you is really out of bounds, this is my country and not only will I dare, but I will speak out whenever, and as many times as necessary on behalf of our young people and I do not seek your permission nor the approval of anyone to do so.If you can get an understanding on that, then we’ll get along. I’m not your conventional punching bag.
A word of advice, when you speak this strongly, whether you pick a fight with someone your size or not, have the guts and be mature enough to at least sign your name to your article, I’d have more respect for you. And always remember, ‘I Don’t Need Your Permission To Speak on behalf of my Caymanian young people.
Tiger – in one breath you say that Caymanians are unemployed because firms are hiring expats and in the next you say Because of rejection from being employed, our young people have no other recourse but to resort to crime, gunrunning and drug trade. – please explain how I jumped to a misleading conclusion about expats being to blame for young Caymanians turning to crime?
This is a very sensitive subject for Caymanians and expats alike.
It is unfortunate that Cayman has talented young people with a desire to better their country but they are unable to use their education and degrees (ie engineering, environmental studies, etc) in Cayman because their is no work force of those natures here.
Sure – Caymanians should be first…but only if they have the qualifications and the drive to work hard and not just earn a salary.
Why is it that Caymanians have not always had jobs in their own country? When did all these expats come in and take all the jobs and why did Cayman allow them in? It seems that Caymanians should have control over their own country and keep expats out until all Caymanians have jobs. And if expat companies do not hire Caymanians, then those companies have to leave. It seems simple to me that Caymanians should take control of the law firms, hedge funds etc. What am I missing?
Well obviously my comments have upset some people, for this I apologize. I am in no way trying to slander anyone’s name I am just making a neutral observation. Yes I do agree that Idleness can breed crime, my point that this should be used as an excuse and there will be a lot of young people reading into this just that way. I was only recommending that in addition to pointing out the failure of the system that young people still need to stead fast and show integrity and not let hard times get the best of them. Young people have to understand that even petty little crimes on your record will haunt you for the rest of your life making your fight for success even harder.
As far as having ulterior motives, what possible ulterior motives could I have for seeing a whole generation fall apart? Please enlighten me on this since you know me so well. I see it in the US and would hate to see it in Cayman as well, which is why I offer advice to young people that there are opportunities outside of the box. And that has nothing to do with importing or exporting anyone. It’s a fact the true world experience can be obtained in plenty of places outside of Cayman which would only make for a stronger Candidate for any position and if you advise young people against these types of opportunities you are only holding them back. You may not be able to recognize heartfelt concern for the younger generation or someone who’s only trying to offer positive advise, but don’t poison younger people to other ideas with your battle cries and desires to fight the good fight. Yes it would be great if every College Graduate has a job handed to him on a platter, but that’s just not the way the world is and a lot of young people do not realize this thanks to false impressions and promises from politicians, parents and people of all sorts.
There obviously seem to be a break down in the system that’s having an effect on the younger generation but while people are fighting the government and the system, what happens to the children? Should they just sit and wait for a change? Is there really something wrong with broadening your horizons?
Sound like a great idea Scotty, but let me ask you. How should Caymanians take control of these Law firms and Hedge Funds?
I also have to ask is it only Expat Companies that hire expats? Or do a lot of Caymanian owned companies hire expats for cheap labor as well should they also have to leave.
Well, if they can’t take control from the existing companies why can’t Caymanians start up hedge funds, law firms etc to create jobs for their own people. I am an expat who is leaving the island in a few weeks and truly wonder why Caymanians do not seem to be in control of their own country.
Scotty
If you are leaving due to a Rollover, who will be replacing you?
A Caymanian or an Expat?
Just curious.
Banana Rep.
Scotty is pulling your leg. every Scotty in the Cayman Islands are Caymanian. The person is probably being funny.
Banana R – leaving on our own accord due to a better opportunity elsewhere. I don’t work as am on spouse’s work permit.
Liverpool
Thanks.
Just checking the waters.
I’m reading and learning; politics is a dangerous field to start commenting on!
Scotty
Thanks for the reply.
Congratulations on that better opportunity, in all sincerity; seeking a better life is what we’re all about and striving for.
But, I would still like to have a question answered.
Who would, then, be replacing your spouse’s position?
A Caymanian or an Expat?
Still curious.
Banana R – it is a small operation and the position will not be advertised and indeed a Caymanian is taking over the position. As I said perhaps if there were fewer expats, then Caymanians would all be employed.
I think Scotty Enjoys adding fuel to an already existing flame…
NJ2Cay – I can assure you that I am not joking about this so please don’t assume anything about what I am posting. Thanks.
Scotty
I don’t know you, but for your own piece of mind let this issue ride its course, no more comments are necessary.
By that last response it appears you’re not as thick skinned as some of these of other posters; nor should you be.
As you stated, you’ll be off island soon, so pick your battles accordingly.
Dancing with wolves can be fun, but it’s not for everyone.
If you take it personally, you’ve lost the battle and the Joy of Verbal Sparing is lost as well.