Over the next few weeks there will be numerous disappointing stereotyped letters in the mails from the Immigration Department addressed to various applicants for Permanent Residence or Caymanian Status.
That goes without saying.
However more needs to be said. There is an old saying that what goes around, comes around; that is a fact.
This letter is not to challenge the decisions by our Government regarding the Proposed Immigration Law and Regulations. It is to make a few observations that could possibly reduce the influx of unexpected qualified immigrants for Status and to add my personal thoughts and a prediction at the same time.
I’m killing three stones with one bird – no, I’m killing three birds with one stone.
The prolonged delay, in some instances, dating back as much as 30 years in the granting of Caymanian Status is unforgivable.
Many governments, both present and past can be blamed. I strongly suggest that we all stop blaming anyone for the problem but, instead let us make the best of a bad situation. We must bear in mind that there are no indigenous Caymanians. We are all expatriates even though some of us are more recent arrivals than others.
My first observation is that in order for many of us to obtain entry permits to these Islands, we were not entirely truthful in completing our application forms.
In many instances some applicants answered the question regarding dependants untruthfully.
In my opinion, the application was illegal if stated incorrectly that the applicant had no dependants when there were. I consider that anyone who falsely completed and submitted such an application might even at this late date be considered as an illegal immigrant.
I also consider that before any Status Grants are made that Immigration records be compared and if no dependants are recorded, that all consideration for Status Grants to any dependants be denied.
Moreover, all such persons should be referred to the Attorney General’s office for further consideration and possible action.
There is no illusion. Cayman has changed hands as far as politics and voting rights are concerned.
Having said all of the above, we all need to ask what will happen when numerous residents (permit holders) are returned to their homelands?
Have we thought of the fact or even forgotten that all of the affected teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, labourers, domestics, hotel workers – the list goes on, will need to be rep laced?
Who will replace them?
We have to learn to prove the honesty and efficiency of the replacements!
Another observation is, what will happen when the small local labour pool, and that includes the lucky Status holders is dried up and the present and proposed housing and hotel developments come on line?
How many new permits will the approved development projects require?
How many will the numerous proposed but unapproved developments require?
Do we open the immigrant door again? Is the immigrant cycle coming around again?
As an older Caymanian I am speaking only for myself when I say that we should close the door now and attempt to keep Cayman as it is now, knowing full well that we cannot take it back to the ideal Cayman of 50 years ago. I know that is a pipe dream, but at least I had the freedom to express my opinion.
Richard E. Arch
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