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Life after prison: ‘The biggest concern is acceptance’

For prisoners coming back into the community after a long sentence, housing, employment and acceptance are vital.

From living in an abandoned craft market, to a second chance at life

Two months ago, the Cayman Compass accompanied workers from non-profit ARK to interview Shirley Christian, who was sheltering inside a derelict stall at an abandoned tourism market. Since we first reported her story, a home has been found for her and she is now living in a hotel as she waits to move in.

Crack addiction, prison and the road to recovery, Quincy Brown bares his soul

Entertainer, singer and storyteller Quincy Brown opens up about his arrest for crack cocaine possession, his battle with addiction and his path to redemption.

10 key issues for 2024: From artificial intelligence to government transparency

New year, same problems? Well, kind of. The Cayman Compass list of issues we will be watching closely in 2024 features some familiar concerns as well as pressing new challenges that loom on the horizon.

The issue explained: Why Cayman needs to get off the ‘grey list’

In a special report today, we delve into some of the politics behind the global money laundering grey list and the battle to protect Cayman's image and its economy.

From the rubble of failed housing project, new hope emerges

The site of a disastrous failed attempt to deal with Cayman’s affordable housing crisis could become the focal point of a revived attempt to deal with the longstanding issue.

Stipend transformed to ‘performance bonus’ in new trade training plan

For more than two years, since the COVID-19 pandemic first swept across the globe, leaving a trail of unemployment in its wake, government has been paying stipends of $1,500-a-month to thousands of impacted Caymanians. As the economy bounces back and that programme winds down, its legacy may be a creative new approach to unemployment and training on the islands.

Surviving on a stipend: Cayman’s cost-of-living concerns ‘unmanageable’

Low-income workers and those surviving on a stipend have been hit hardest by dramatic price increases on food, rent and gas as Cayman's cost-of-living soars.

Our world in 2022: Ten trends that could shape the year ahead

The key issues in 2022 are likely to centre on how Cayman moves on from the worst of the pandemic and adapts its policies on quarantine and testing, travel and tourism, and its healthcare infrastructure to adjust to the long-term reality of life with COVID.

Balancing act: Hoteliers look to hire locally, but still face work permit challenges

The hospitality industry is facing a possible recruitment crisis as it prepares for the return of more tourists in the new year. Efforts to train and hire local talent are intensifying, but further action is needed, say hoteliers.

What is the risk to Cayman from a COVID outbreak?

Once the borders reopen to vaccinated travellers, Cayman Islands leaders are anticipating that some degree of exposure to COVID-19 is inevitable. But what exactly is the risk from COVID at this point?

10 ways to address Cayman’s housing problems

Over the past six weeks, the Cayman Compass Issues section has been taking an in-depth look at some of the concerns around housing in the Cayman Islands. Today we summarise some of the recommendations coming from our readers, contributors and columnists to address the concerns we have highlighted.

Cayman for sale? Opinion divided over open property market

Cayman's open property market means there are theoretically 8 billion potential buyers for any home that goes on sale in the territory. Opinion is divided over whether restrictions would help make housing more affordable.

Home ownership a distant dream for young Caymanians

Young professionals in Cayman fear they are being priced out of the property market and may never have the chance to own a home in their own country.

CIREBA president: Lack of affordable homes is an ongoing concern

The limited number of affordable homes for sale in the Cayman Islands has been a longstanding concern in the community, according to Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association president Brian Wight.

Transformation of England’s ‘worst school’ a lesson for Cayman?

The story of how the ‘worst school in England’ was transformed to become one of the country’s best has been highlighted as a blueprint for the Cayman Islands to follow if it wants to integrate schools and raise standards.

21 people in 2021: Andre Gooden

Andre Gooden quit his corporate job to begin doing what he loved -- living sustainably. That passion has now helped him launch a carpentry business.

The great divide: Fighting education inequality in Cayman

As Cayman continues to develop its modern knowledge-based economy, concern is growing that some are being left behind. In a special feature today we look at the links between economic and education inequality and some of the programs seeking to bridge the divide.
There are a number of online counselling services available.

Planning, virtual counselling help fight COVID-19 blues

The global impact of coronavirus may feel overwhelming for any one person to process. The news updates are both constant and frightening, and it’s natural for that to take an emotional toll. Dr. Marc Lockhart, chairperson of the Cayman Islands Mental Health Commission, broke down some suggestions to help manage our mental wellbeing during these exceptionally stressful times.
The ‘Stay Safe & Chill’ Facebook group, supported by the Alex Panton Foundation, allows Cayman Islands students a way to connect.

Online resources expand to address coronavirus anxiety

Anxiety manifests in many ways and, by now, plenty of residents in the Cayman Islands are familiar with the symptoms.

Traffic in focus: New Compass series

The morning and evening commutes have become a stressful endurance test for many.

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