International comparisons of Cayman's minimum wage have caused some to ask whether the planned increase to $8.75 should go further - but others call for caution because of the knock-on costs to businesses.

Set against other economically developed states, comparable island nations, and even other low-tax economies, Cayman's national minimum wage sits almost last among 35 countries analysed by this newspaper.

The Cayman Compass looks at 10 key issues raised by our reporting on the minimum wage – ranging from rental exploitation and food prices to childcare and public transport deficiencies – that will also need attention, no matter what government decides about wages.

Expatriate workers in Cayman sent nearly USD $300 million home last year, according to the latest data from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.

Customers at Cayman restaurants, hotels speak up about their views on the island's tipping culture in a Compass survey that attracted hundreds of responses.

Bolstered by an automatic gratuity, of between 15% and 20% added directly to the bill as well as additional tips from customers, some servers in the Cayman Islands' most popular venues are pulling in as much as $70,000 annually.

Cayman families that hire domestic helpers or other staff could be required to provide proper written contracts in an effort to help stamp out abuse, the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee will recommend.

Nannies, caregivers and domestic helpers in the Cayman Islands spoke out about low wages, bullying and abuse as part of our ongoing series.

As our minimum wage series continues, security guards and landscapers tell us how they survive on low wages and we look at the economics of those industries in Cayman.

As part of our ongoing minimum wage series, the Compass, takes a dive into the data around the island's minimum wage.