Cabinet makes developer and rum-cake owner Caymanians
Monique-Hamaty-Simmonds
(CNS): The premier has announced Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, owner of Tortuga Rum Cake Company, and property developer Fraser Wellon have been awarded Caymanian status by the Cabinet. Announcing the grants as the Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday to begin ploughing through the raft of business on the agenda, Premier Alden McLaughlin said that a motion would be presented later in the sitting. He told his parliamentary colleagues that the grants were a result of recommendations from the Caymanian Status Board to Cabinet that they were “persons suitable” to get the grant, and that Cabinet had agreed.
Cabinet status grants are few and far between and these two bring the number of people receiving Caymanian status this way to just five over the last 12 years, after the infamous mass status grants of 2003 made the political conferring of local status extremely controversial. The last grant was two years ago, when the current administration gave status to police officer Kishna Burke. Before that, in 2012 the previous UDP government gave status to the jewellery store owner Harry Chandi and to businessman William Maines.
Fraser Wellon
Caymanian status is more usually achieved as a result of marriages that last 7 years or more or permanent residents living here for more than fifteen years.
Wellon and Hamaty-Simmonds are both long-term residents. Wellon, a wealthy investor who has been behind a number of the luxury condo developments that now dominate Seven Mile Beach, and Hamaty- Simmonds, the daughter of Tortuga Rum Co’s founder, Robert Hamaty, has been involved in the family rum cake business since they began making the cakes in the late 1970’s.
Category: Local News
This is not to cast aspersions at the two who were granted status as they well may be fine people deserving of obtaining security of tenure; however, these two grants illustrate how undeniably flawed and unfair the system is. It would have exhibited a far more fair and progressive social consciousness for Cabinet to have bestowed the grants on two ordinary, hard working, long time residents with clean records, and who have as some have suggested here, “no other options” and really need and deserve the security of tenure that the grant would afford. This would have served to show others like them that there is a benefit and reward for integrating well and working hard.
I think that Cabinet squandered an opportunity in this case. I know of several individuals, some with Caymanian connections, who fell into the cracks of the system and are finding it virtually impossible to obtain status through the normal channels. In my opinion, cases like theirs should be the ones that Cabinet considers for grants of status.
The two grantees derive comparatively little benefit from the status grants. Both would appear to be financially secure status or no, and both likely could remain and support themselves here indefinitely without the status grants. Could not have either or both grantees simply gone through the “process” and ultimately been granted status through regular means? The salient question is: Were grants of status by Cabinet the only way that these grantees could have obtained status? Or, was this merely a fast-track favour granted to ones belonging to the privileged class?
Oh…my…come to think of it, I guess the time has come to cast some aspersions here after all: If the grantees could have obtained status through normal means, I would proffer that they have displayed poor character, for if they are indeed well enough integrated into the community to be deserving of status, they should be quite well aware of others with a greater and more pressing need for status than they, and thus, they should not have pursued the grants from Cabinet in the first place. Hopefully, now that they have security of tenure, they will lobby for a fairer system regarding who gets status and how it can be obtained. That would be one way to give back a priceless gift to the community. But, methinks, that this may probably be far from their minds…got cakes to ship and investments to look after, ya know…no time to dabble in trying to better the lots of ordinary folk who need status. But, a dreamer can dream, right?
This story lends much credence to the belief that Alden and his minions differ from Mac only in that they have a bit more robust vocabulary and somewhat better grammar: in other words they possess equally poor judgement but they come in slicker packaging. It seems that these islands are falling into step with the USA in that far too many Caymanians value form over substance and are becoming simpletons who are easily beguiled into supporting candidates with a slick package. Articulate speech, nice suits and well-gelled hairstyles are not the stuff of good leadership. “Doing the right”, as my Caymanian elders are fond of saying, is. It does not appear that Cabinet has done the right in this case.
Congratulations Fraser,
Shame on you all you naysayers! Fraser Wellon has done so much for Cayman and continues to bring prosperity to the island.
If you don’t like what he is doing for the island, you can always move to Cuba.
-Phil.P
Congratulations Fraser Wellon. A Cayman Status well deserved. For those of you who are not aware, let it be known that FW lived in these islands for over 30 years. He could have joined the line in 2003 when Cayman Status was giving away and he did not. He is a humble and decent gentleman with a good heart and operates with a great deal of integrity. Therefore, before you bad-mouth the Grant, please go and discover who FW really is and what he has done for these islands privately besides building luxury condominiums. His staff is 96% Caymanian. Yes, believe IT OR NOT, his staff is 96% Caymanians. FW continues to provide jobs for Caymanians. This Grant was well deserved. Well done Cabinet!!
To Robbie, good response and congratulations to your daughter.
Ok after all is said and done please explain to me objectors to this grant by Cabinet; what is as offensive and destructive as the mass status grants of 2003! Let me remind you in the grants of 2003 people who had never before set foot on these islands were recipients of these rights in addition a few undesirables were given these rights also and many minor children and spouses. Some of these very people and their dependents have now become a drain on the social services. First and foremost if status are given to individuals by Cabinet is should be to individuals who have made significant contributions (socially & or economically) to this country and can demonstrate that they are financially stable and will not become a drain on the social service. Congrats to both, I am positive both could have gotten status by grants in 2003.
I do not think anybody objects to these two receiving status. It is the fact that there are many folks just as deserving as these two who should also be given status. Many who’s rights have been violated and that can be set straight.
These two could have easily gotten status under the law in their own right.
Speak for yourself P deserving Wow!!! We all deserve a new car doesn’t mean one should be given to you????
Yes, Julio! Excellent analogy! Let’s expand on this for those who might have missed the truth contained in your comment: How does one come about getting a new car if nobody offers them of of the vary rare “Free New Car Now” certificates? The person works hard, saves the money for a down payment, garners a clean credit record, makes a loan application, and is patient with the process until they are approved to buy the car. If government was giving away cars, it makes ample sense and is only fair to bestow the cars to those people who really needed a car to drive to work and get their kids to school, but who because of circumstances were unable to get a car, rather than giving away those cars to people who easily could afford to buy a car. Thanks for the food for thought!
Yet others with very strong Cayman family ties are left hanging but i cannot say i am at all surprise when it comes to the PPM and its political funding schemes. They said this would never ever happen under them and now using the UDP as an excuse to justify their actions talk about the pot calling the kettle Black!
$$$$$$$ Zzzzzz….
I think AWARDING people Caymanian Status after being a contribution to these islands for more than 30 to 40 years, would be a noble thing to do – instead of having the person apply for it. That to me shows no gratitude!
I know this domestic helper from Jamaica. She is not too well able to even fill out an application form much less have monies to pay Immigration fees … yet all this time this humble lady has been on work permits, raising and taking care of Caymanian families. One time I heard that Immigration even threaten to refuse her permit because they say somebody else could do her job! You mean to tell me that this woman, clean police record, been here 38 years, Im a grown man and I knew her since I was a young boy … and now she has to be subject to work permit conditions like somebody else who just came here the other day?!
Cayman, this is not natural justice. We need to do better and increase our population the wholesome way. Stop giving awards to just big shots and think about natural justice. How we treat people will follow us!
Its all about the money!! Always!!!
Any person contributing to the increase of the development of Caymanians with their money should always be put to the front of the line. Why oh why should anyone poor who have no education or ability to take of themselves be allowed? We are a small little island. You all have no loyalty to your own country. How do we benefit by having you here? What can you bring to the table?
Well well well. I just hope and pray that the rich investor in Cayman Brac will NEVER EVER be considered for this type of Grant. Just putting it out there because the Brac Backra Massa politician will try and squeeze it through without letting anyone know and his puppet Alden will approve. Watch for it.
I am at a loss to understand why these two persons did not qualify under the current status regime? I put in my time applied and waited and after 18 years received my status. Why did these two get moved to the front of the line?
My bigger shock is that Alden was actually able to make a decision!
I wonder if we would ever see a headline like, “Cabinet make Nanny and Gardner Caymanians” There are two distinct policies for the poor and rich!
They made 3000 of them caymanians a few years back and people are still crying.
My question is why am I not given a status grant?
Congratulations to my daughter Monique Hamaty-Simmonds and Mr. Fraser Wellon The status grant is warranted merited and deserved. Thanks to the cabinet for recognizing them.
I don’t know Mr Wellon but seen his large foreign currency contribution to our Cayman islands and its economy with multiple developments while creating lots of employment. Thank you Sir.
.My wife Carlene and I ,previous employees of Cayman Airways , and founding owners or Tortuga Rum Company , has made our contribution to the Cayman Islands and grown from a 1 employee operation in 1984 to 120 today.
My daughter Monique has played an active role in the growth and global reputation of the Tortuga brand from a young age while at FIU in Miami while obtaining her marketing degree, she was dealing with our 1-800 # (internet was not invented then) and using fed x to courier our Cayman made Tortuga rum cakes from Miami Florida globally.
I arrived in Cayman June 1978 after 8 years with Air Jamaica and spent 14 years as a captain and chief pilot with CAL. My son Capt. Basil Hamaty followed in my footsteps.
I wish to also add that i served 16 years as the Honorary Jamaican Consul . I am very happy that all my immediate family now lives in the Cayman Islands and we are proud of the contribution we have made to these beautiful islands. Regards Robert Hamaty .
Sir, you have contributed to our society. However, your daughter as well as everyone else, should have gone through the proper channels. If she truly wants to be a Cayman resident and Status holder, live here, work here, contribute here for 15 YEARS just like everybody else.
The same said for Mr. Wellon.
No special privileges should have been given.
Why is this process improper? It is specified in law and there is a process set out by government requirements which was followed. I would say that was proper.
Some people are just envious and hateful.
Well said.
Well said!
That is a proper channel, is written on the law and protected by the constitution. #knowyourlaws.
Poster 1:30 do you know how long Fraser Wellon have been in Cayman?? I can assure you long before 2003, if you know anything about the man except for the WaterColours you would know that he was one of the owners of the TI when it was a hotel and that was well over 20 years ago. There are many more properties along WB road that he was a part of. If you don’t know it’s better to remain silent. Give me Mr. Wellon over 90% of the status recipient of 2003. If that was the case Cayman’s social problems would be far less or non existent.
I made a rumcake once and have flown KX more times than I can remember. Where is mine?
Please send a photo of said rum cake and show us how to build a daub and wattle house and get in line.
Glad to hear everything went ok with her application Robbie, she is definitely an win for us here.
For those uninformed that made comments, none of the Jumped the line, they just joined a different line than yours. Sometimes is wise to be informed before you get emotionally invested.
If you applied for status because you are a resident for a period of 15 years, you have to wait 15 years, if you applied because you got married and the law says you have to wait 7… them 7 it is and if none of this apply them Cabinet can make that decision after you lawfully fill the application, pay your fees and comply with all requirements.
so if you want it that way, apply that way, not the other.
Nonsense. There are 20 year olds born here that know no other home and need cabinet status grants and cannot get them!
RIP sir. Who would have thought you would not be here today
RIP indeed, it’s almost surreal to see his writing there.. can’t take your money with you, but you can leave more than money.
Congratulations Fraser!
Please explain exactly what he did apart from make himself richer, sell condos to millionaire Americans, import overseas contractors and employ work permit staff.
The Watercolors blocked/restricted more of SMB and if you dare put out your beach chair on the beach in front of the property a very friendly Philipo security guard will try and Bull*hit you that it is private property.
Alden and Mack really do come out of the same mould!!!!!!!
Come on he did a lot.. we’ll I mean he made a couple of real estate agents richer.
Of course, it IS private property above the high tide marker, but don’t let facts get in the way.
PS “explain exactly what he did apart from make himself richer, sell condos to millionaire Americans, import overseas contractors and employ work permit staff” – sounds like every Cayman developer, and with the exception of the condos point, like most of Cayman’s merchant class to me – he should fit right in.
Congratulations Mr. Wellon, well deserved.
Yes; he certainly can afford to pay for Smith Cove with the 50% off duty concession he got for Water Colours.
He did not receive 50 percent off duty. That is another lie! Watercolors development contributed over 21 million dollars to Govt revenue and asked and received 1.5 million dollars off in duty reductions. I guess to some of you that is a bad deal!!!!
He should have paid double to be allowed to put up that hideous monstrosity. Cambridge sell any units?
Well, I never! Mack’s in da house. *grabs popcorn.
Wealth is obviously the common factor, but I wonder where it goes?.
I remember when doctors who made a difference in our laws (Drug Counsel- Hospice) or Pioneers for the country (Bob Soto) or equivalent of an OBE for industry got these grants, but once again our Politicians fell a little short of seeking out “change-makers?” Congrats to Hamaty, but her father was the pilot hero who started that industry, not her.
Fraser is a wildly successful SMB developer so maybe on the back side of this grant and recognition TODAY, he should step up, put his millions where his mouth is and offer to buy the $2.2 Smith Cove up for development and donate it to the people!?!
Oooooh, there’s an idea!!!….a successful developer donating the controversial Smith Cove lot. It’s only money Mr Wellon. Ask the neighbors who gave the monument, they know the North American developer and can get you in touch.
Congratulations now please earn this honour.
” persons suitable to get grant” really? what about the children who have are born and raised here and can’t get status? What about the people who have done everything right by the books and love Cayman as their own and can’t get status? What about the people who have been here more than 15 years and can’t get status? This is BS…..as always money talks. Immigration really needs to get their Sh*% together.
Very good point. Regular families suffer at this type of injustice.
Really Alden?? Desperate for votes are you. That won’r help, trust me.
Alden is all about the wotes. No unpopular decisions until after the election and a few pathetic nationalist measures to win over a few woters.
Read your laws, get a grip, check the facts and then, and only then, open your mouth. congratulations and Welcome.
well this Island made them rich so why not. get over it. A struggling single female or male will never get this even thou they may contribute more to their community by volunteering their time which that all they have to give. Two rules yes you are right . Fraser builds home for the rich and infamous, what has he done for the poor & needy. Hamaty company provides jobs and does help the needy they get involved . just saying
What a joke! I and some friends have been scrubbing away here in Cayman for many, many years and still don’t have status and these people walk in with money and get status. one just with family relations and the other with $$$$$$. more Caymankind at work
At least Fraser Wellon brought jobs and investment….congratulations Fraser.
I am sure when you started scrubbing away in the Cayman islands, you know that you was scrubbing for yourself. Cayman does not owe you a single cent. You did not scrub for free. You know that when you took that scrubbing contract that you would scrub for a few years and move on. Now get scrubbing before you are replaced with another scrubber. Ungrateful scrubber you are. Cha man.
I am not for status Grants, But we already have enough scrubbers line up at the handout office after they get a piece of paper.
Its time for you and your friends to plan somewhere else to scrub bo bo.
I hate that Bull Crap mentality. Reminds me of a certain nationality that talking crap about how they build Cayman after Ivan. As if they did not take advantage of the situation. Nobody, and I repeat Nobody did Cayman any favors for free after Ivan.
Every and each one got paid. Some a lot more than others, but all paid in Full.
I guess that poster isn’t getting any love from you.
https://youtu.be/FrLequ6dUdM
@2:52 PM. Hi dear, who wake you up? Can you please go back to bed. Thanks!
Absolutely disgusting! This is quite simply a disgrace. Children born here and living here their entire lives have been denied this opportunity. These persons had options.
If they happened to be gay would they have been giving the same right?
Welcome.
“Wotes.”
Fraser is one of the most incredible, awe inspiring, imaginative, innovative and respected developers in Cayman. I know this is true because he told me himself.
?
one rule for the rich…different rule for the poor
From time and memorial there have always been two sets of rules one for rich and the other for the poor. Go to the USA and invest $500k in a targeted employment area and you become automatically eligible for Permanent Residency see section 203(b) (5) of the Immigration & Natuonality Act.
So wait. What time did you say the memorial is? Will there be swanky and fitters? Thx.
These folks get to jump the line.
There are families waiting to hear about PR and status and then this.
Yes, but many of those families are victims of the racist anti-Jamaican agenda.
There are people who have been here for 15+ years who have not be regularized. When will the government fix this problem?
Exactly the kind of persons these grants were designed for. I really like this open and transparent process.
Congrats to both.
Open and transparent process! First anyone hears of it is when they have already been granted it, and no detail as to how these two were selected or the criteria applied. Think they are both great additions, but leave off the open and transparent BS
Thought PPM locked down this option of granting status?
I think they changed it so only 5 can be given like this in a year.
At least these two won’t be lining up at social service dept. looking for money to pay rent. So many of those who got in the 3000 grant can’t take care of themselves financially. We do not need to import any more poverty. I believe when people come here to work they should be treated fairly according to the terms of employment. If they integrate and interact as any decent immigrant ( guest) should do and have a good tract record then when the time comes for making a careful selection then I agree with the grant. However, every person who gets a work permit should not expect that they will be granted status eventually. I think we should always be very selected in who we choose to get status.
Agreed completely with 9 ;50
Total lie @ 9;50. It just isn’t happening. But it pleases the simple minded bigots who hate foreigners to keep saying it.
EXACTLY.
Only 4 can be given in a year. Two very deserving applicants with no other options will have been denied an opportunity as a result of this. It would be interesting to know the reason these two were selected over far more deserving persons who know no other home, and have no other options available to them.
First reason is because they will not be looking for a handout the next day. Need another reason?
And for the record, not every child born in Cayman was out of love. Some people think way ahead and children is the by product of the conveniences of that plan. Some obvious and some very obvious.
Show me a “mad man” in Cayman and I can show you his wife and the benefits she has. More so if she claim the baby for her “husband.”