Dear Editor:
I have just finished reading your article on the cost of driver’s licences in the Cayman Islands. And while your comparative analyses provide good information, I am not certain that your claim of unfairness to the foreigner is convincing.
Consider this: If Caymanians do not accrue certain advantages in Cayman from the right of being Caymanian, then pray tell me what is the merit in being a Caymanian? Are you suggesting that every Dick, Tom and Harry should have the same rights, privileges and advantages as those who trace their ancestry for generations in these islands.
Years ago the American Express credit card company had a slogan ‘Membership has its privileges’. The slogan suggested that American Express cardholders were a cut above those holding other cards. A driver’s licence is a privilege and not a right. Its primary objective is to ensure road users have the knowledge, skills and courtesy to traverse the roads safely and responsibly. Now, let’s face the facts some persons new to these islands have to repeat the tests five or six times consecutively with no restrictions placed upon their inability. In many other jurisdictions, restrictions are placed on such attempts and the candidate would have to re-enlist for driver education and wait for a period of months prior to reapplying. The intention of the increased fees seems not only reasonable but timely as well.
The winds of change are blowing in the 21st century Cayman Islands and my research into the society leads me to conclude that Caymanians, like many other people are reacting to the forces of globalization, which is a concern of many jurisdictions, not least of which is the great United States. I contend however, that this is the normal reaction of a Caymanian people who realize that they are outnumbered by persons whom they do not know and who do not wish to know them.
I am not a politician and I am not privy to the rationale the political directorate has for driver’s licence fee increases, or any other decisions, which of late seem to be roiling many persons. What I can say from conversations I have with many persons is that these actions are eagerly embraced by Caymanians.
James Arthur Roy Bodden
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I’m Caymanian, of many generations, and I do not agree with the driver’s license fees hikes for only foreign nationals!
I support this government, but I disagree with this decision. I might be in support if this was being done along with an improved bus system. Without a viable alternative, this will only make life worse for already vulnerable people and also for the Caymanians the same people work with/for.
If it is directed at those that make significant money (say at least $50k pa) then I might support it.
If the driving licence fees increase are eagerly embraced by Mr Bodden, then he should have been a politician. There are many Caymanians in the UK how would they feel if they were treated like this.