Activists want people’s vote on PR grants
(CNS): A group of local activists are making a bid for a people-initiated referendum to stop government from granting permanent residency to the backlog of applicants until the more than 1,200 unemployed locals and the 600 new graduates expected to hit the job market this year have found work. Worried that government will offer all of the 1,000 or so applicants PR in a block grant, they have begun a petition with an eye on collecting signatures from 25% of the electorate to trigger a referendum.
The organisers told CNS that they want government to take care of local workers first before they create what they believe will inevitably be more competition for Caymanians who are already discriminated against and struggling to secure employment. The activists believe that this is their only hope to prevent the growth of local unemployment in the face of increasing imported cheaper labour.
“This is why we are directing our elected representatives to defer any approvals as a matter of national security, or to deny without prejudice these applications where they can re-apply and seek approval at a later date once our country takes care of our own citizens first,” the activists told CNS.
“While we are cognizant that we will always need to rely on work permits because there are more jobs than unemployed Caymanians, the fact of the matter is that there are far too many Caymanians unemployed at the moment to push them down any further by approving mass PR grants for these 1,000 non-Caymanians and all of their dependants.”
There is no indication that government plans a mass grant of permanent residency to everyone who has applied. However, officials have said that work will begin this week on the backlog that has built up over the last three years. While some people will qualify under the law, many may not meet the legal criteria to be granted permanent residency.
But there are concerns that anyone refused PR who has waited more than a year to have their case heard or who has now been legally resident for ten years or more due to the delay will have a legal right to contest any refusal. Although it remains a tightly guarded secret, speculation has mounted that the still secret Ritch report on immigration issues, which was commissioned by the government, came to that very conclusion.
While the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board along with immigration staff may be undertaking the official process, their decisions may prove immaterial because it may ultimately be the courts that decide.
The petition organisers are faced with a significant challenge to collect the names of 5,108 registered voters, the number required to meet the 25% support for a people-initiated referendum. While it could take months to physically collect the signatures, they are hopeful that government will stay the review of the applications until they can demonstrate the support for the referendum.
However, even if the activists can raise the support for a referendum and then win that vote (which requires 50% of the electorate plus 1), the law will still need to be changed, making the goal a long, complex and unlikely achievement. But the organisers believe the current situation is fundamentally unfair to them and made worse by government’s failure to enforce the law concerning work permit practices by employers.
They want a comprehensive overhaul of current hiring practices to address discrimination and believe these potential PR approvals at this time will “punish our newly graduated Caymanian youth and our already unemployed Caymanians”. Describing the current situation as a “form of legal apartheid”, they said government must listen to the will of the people and stop the PR grants, as they are the country’s voters.
“We truly believe that there is room enough in Cayman for everyone, but Caymanians can no longer be overlooked and be expected to bear the burden of our surplus and our economy on the backs of Caymanians only,” the activists stated.
Aware that they face a daunting task, the organisers said that “doing something was better than just griping about our government …the unemployment and poverty”, as they urged all Caymanians to help.
They said that they would like to have “as many boots on the ground” as possible to help, pointing out that if 100 people committed to gathering 50 signatures from registered voters among friends and family members, the goal was within reach. If 200 people were involved, the petition could be before Cabinet by next month.
“This is a grassroots community effort where we have no resources for an office location, access to printing off petitions or to pay anyone a salary. We are proceeding paperless at the moment and requesting those so minded to help to direct their friends and family members to the online petition,” the organisers said.
Anyone who would like a master copy of the petition, can email PeopleInitiatedReferendum@gmail.com.
The organisers said they are already cross-referencing completed petitions with the official Elections Office voter list, so they can submit “a 100% clean petition to Cabinet”.
Category: Local News
600 high school graduates? Ok, let’s see how many of those permanent resident applicants are earning minimum wage and see how many graduates are willing to take those jobs. With a high school diploma that’s all they can expect. Don’t tell me they want to work in some office with their experience and education! I was filling shelves in a grocery store in my fourth year at a major North American university to subsidize my education.
Unemployment means able and willing to work. These high school grads are only able to take up minimum wage jobs unless they further their education. As a CPA, a batchelors of commerce was not enough, I had to put in 3 more years to become a CPA. Even then, I didn’t earn my office for yet another 3 years..
And they didn’t teach you how to spell in Canada. Give our grads a chance, someone obviously gave you one even though you weren’t perfect. And then you came here and got an even better chance. Lucky you.
CPA? Oh yeah that multi choice exam. You gained a Batchelors and not a Bachelors?
I came right out of high school over forty years ago and got a job as a teller. That was my starting point. I am now a college graduate who is a qualified CPA I might add. So why can’t these graduates be given the same opportunity? Oh right, this opportunity should only be afforded to you all.
Around 1000 PR applications in about 4 years equals around 250 per year. Wasn’t the PR application way higher before the law was changed in 2013? 1000 seems big number because it is accumulated. If the PR had been processed on time, say around 250 per year, it would still be the same number of applications. The same number of people (whatever percentage that would be) would have been approved. Even now when the processing starts, not all PR applicants will be processed at the same time. And not all applicants will be granted the PR. Isn’t it so?
No, the whole point is that if the applications are granted en masse, there is not vetting so no refusals. If 250 were considered each year, probably a good many would be refused but if 1,000 are approved due to legal implications, that is a different situation altogether.
Most will be granted PR and so will their spouses and children. The shock to the economy including disappearing work permit fees and much higher strains on public services will be enormous. There has been no planning and even less understanding.
Actually people with PR pay the same as what the work permit would be. They only people who don’t pay the permit tax are Caymanians.
Except PR holders pay the same fees as WP holders until such time/if as they naturalise; 15 years after arrival. And given they have had to prove their financial independence to qualify for the PR, the burden on the public purse doesn’t make sense. Of course, if they are denied PR and leave, there is the prospect of losing the WP/PR fee and all the duty on their expenditure here, but logic doesnt seem to play much role in these posts.
They could roll them over and then get new work permit fees.
PR holders still have to pay an annual fee, the same amount as their work permit was – so no shock to the economy in that regard.
300 signatures in 2 days – all voters . Civil services have been warned against signing – there goes 5000 or more voices for the petition.
2.24pm ‘Civil services have been warned against signing’ Show us the proof.
This doesn’t seem like a very well thought through proposal. For example I am aware that my dentist is awaiting PR. If this group succeeds is it proposed that my next extraction will be carried out by a school leaver who may very keen and willing but may not have the required skill set? I think a longer term solution should be looked at with more focus on the new work permits rather than attacking the established expats who are most likely integral to the local economy.
I’ve got a rusty pair of pliers and a bottle of rum. I can pull your tooth if you would like. How hard can it be?
You will have to go to a different dentist.
WHO warned civil servants against signing?? My understanding of the matter is that signing petitions, joining protests etc.depends on their position in the civil service. Lower positioned Civil servants can sign. High ranking civil servants like Chief Officers, HOD etc. normally would refrain from signing petitions . Please check the facts with Franz Manderson. Civil servants are Caymanians and registered voters TOO, who suffer along with everyone else, the effects of poor governance!!!!.
Read the comments and you’ll get an idea of who these malcontents are. Bring it on dummies.
The island should stop trying to get 100% employment of Caymanians and instead start thinking about universal basic income for Caymanians.
Right, because that encourages people to be productive.
A real socialist! No way!
Yeah, why should anyone work – they should get a minimum payment just for being. Of course the Finns that are currently experimenting with universal income in certain areas have some of the highest income tax rates in Europe – between 30 and 55% income tax – but what the hell. Sure everyone here can get behind the idea that those that work should pay others not to and will be happy to pay on top of the ridiculous amount of indirect tax we already pay. Its your birthright to get an income even if you don’t get out of bed.
The stupid Caymanians should have to lie down and be stepped on. Reason why, they are always ready to pick up the sword and march with the enemies, but never ready to join forces with their very own to get a grip on what’s happening to them. When the salary was talked about, who march against? Who is ever ready to march with Caymanians?
This is the only rock in the world that has magnet. No one wants to leave. Welcome to Paradise.
This is a very hot topic, I wonder why when it’s all about the Caymanians and Cayman islands, and not the guest of the Islands.
Give up your U.K. Passports and I won’t go for PR people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
There is no comparison for what you suggesting. U.K. Is massive. Cayman is small. It is restricted for the amount of people it can hold. Get a life.
Fair point. So lets take away both. Fact that UK is large gives you a right to live and vote there how exactly?
Who da rass wants to go and live in the UK??
FFS even its citizens don’t want to be there – as evidenced by your posts and the hundreds of others by your fellow Brits.
Cayman is the better option. I know it kills you and your friends to admit but it is what it is.
foh
Who wants to live there? Obviously you don’t, that’s why you’re here. No comparison. This is paradise and you know it.
So you as a U.K. Passport holder have or had the right to live in Germany or any other country in the EU if you so pleased so your point is what exactly? Greediness in wanting more much?! And before you criticize Caymanian’s for not showing up on time or having the right work ethics take a look at your own country and the lovely people living on the dol and getting free council housing. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stone right?
Yes you should give more points for UK PR applicants and not equate them with Egyptians or Americans
I wouldn’t want your UK passport thanks anyway
@12:26pm. It’s morons like you that should NOT be granted PR. You probably voted for or support brexit as well. Congrats on reducing your options moron.
12:26pm Aren’t the Cayman Islands BOT? So, what’s the problem with having the British Pasport?
So despite being top secret in typical Cayman fashion the results of the Ritch report are common knowledge. Pity the permanent residense applicants, soon all their personal details, medical and financial affairs, etc, etc, will be public knowledge as well.
Exactly!
11.12am I hope that anything hidden that should be exposed,gets exposed.
Again folks, having government enforce and push draconian measures like minimun wage, etc … are but quick fixes to our ailing economy and lack of jobs-
You want a real better solution:
Simply make it easier for a Caymanian to start and maintain his or her own business, so they can make money and hence create more jobs and competition in the Caymam Islands.
I think the role of government is to not favor any business entity over another, but to create an environment for ALL BUSINESSES to thrive. Moreover it is not the government role to force or dictate to employers how they should run their own businesses- unless there are labor laws violations to the harming of employees or customers.
All government has to do is just reduce the cost of doing business in the Cayman Islands, and certainly our young people will have jobs!
How do you know a local business owner that makes alot of money, will be so generous that he will create jobs for Caymanians??? How you know that money stays in Cayman??? How you know it will not be used to hire work permits holders???
I think you are not being realistic
Amen.
A major Govt agency advertised recently for new hires. They all had to undergo a training course and according to the head of the agency all 4 Caymanians who completed the course were given jobs. Over 200 applied and of these only 4 locals completed the course!, no wonder we have so many Caymanians unemployed.We need a petition to stop giving these people handouts then they might get a job.
11.08am Two hundred was the total number of applicants.We were not told how many Caymanians applied, therefore it is premature for you to try to pass judgement on Caymanaians without those numbers. Perhaps only four Caymanians applied which would mean 100% success rate.
But if only 4 applied, what does it say about the more than 1,196 other “unemployed” people? Seems in reality that they may not be so willing and able to work after all.
A suggestions to school leavers. Realistically these kids are in some cases unemployable in Cayman and the $6 an hour in the blazing sun or working nights and weekends is not very appealing. Thus most of these positions are filled by Expats.
A good selection of Trade Schools and the like are not available in Cayman.
The Caymanian school leavers have access to the “golden” British passport.
Might I suggest buying your child a backpack, sleeping bag, one year round trip ticket to the UK and fronting 2 weeks of prepaid youth hostel accommodation and a few pounds to get started.
Cannot afford that, have the child sell all their “toys” on Ecay and set up a garage sale for the smalls. That should cover a large part of the costs.
As of today, British passport holders have job availability in Europe as well as the UK. There are 1000’s of jobs in the UK. Sure, its server positions, basic clerical, lots of selling jobs, you name it. Not in the blazing sun………
One of a few things will then happen:
The kid will come unglued by not pushing to survive in the big world. All jobs “are beneath me” Get fired for tardiness and punctuality et al. The kid returns home within 2 months. Conclusion: My kid does not have what it takes and should settle for the $6 in the blazing sun or take any menial job on offer for which they are somewhat or not qualified for.
OR: The kid does well, gets a job, resigns for a better one, moves from the youth hostel within a month to take up digs with a roommate in a commune. Meets other worldly kids, sees some of the world, understands the responsibility of a job and bill paying. Learns to budget, does not use sick days as vacation days. Masters the use of the Laundromat, Experiences a steam iron, polishes shoes from time to time, learns to cook and periodically makes a bed.
After a year the kid either returns or moves onto better things. Maybe has a clearer idea of what they want to study. Brings some skills and value to a Cayman business. Presents well in an interview like a decent ironed shirt, clean shoes, trousers no longer hanging off the hip. A CV with some reasonable achievements. Maybe even sees an opportunity overseas and brings the idea back to Cayman as a self starter. List is endless….
It worked for me 30 years ago. It worked for my brother. And it will certainly work for my daughter next year when she does this for 12 – 18 months. What, she scored 1300 in her recent SAT’s and is Deputy Head Girl and has an idea of what she wants to study!! Yes, but in order to really achieve one has “drive” them through the “passage” of manhood or womanhood. Just diving into the Cayman work place straight our of school is in most cases setting up a child for disappointment and failure leading to further social and economic woes later on.
I see in some kids I have met, the desire to excel, take on an entry level job and work and study their way up. Sadly its overshadowed by the lax, unprofessional and uncooperative approach of others.
(Sigh…)
Sir, I am sure you meant well with your post however, allow me to illustrate to you the absurdity thereof.
Firstly, the basis of your contribution is the SUPPOSED British standards in this respect being superior and or advantageous.
May I remind (or inform) you of the millions of “unemployed” and government-dependent young Brits all over that country – notably in the North, outside London, and the other larger cities – you know, Brexit-land.
There are countless multi-generational “workless households” throughout the many economic deadzones of the UK today – and believe me, you won’t find a more entitled bunch – complete with multiple widescreen tellies on their workless walls.
However, contrast their reality with the economic worker bee that is the South, you know, Remainer-land, e.g. London where (shock, horror!!) White Brits are now an ethnic minority in an overwhelmingly White / native populated country and we see a rather interesting picture beginning to form.
During my time there I often wondered how was it that Tunde from Nigeria, Ishmeet from India and myself from Cayman managed to uproot themselves thousands of miles and partake in the UK economic wheel yet Nigel from Lancashire and Gemma from Hull couldn’t manage to just take a train down?
Furthermore, have you researched the general opinion of the typical young British worker of the UK business sector?
There is a reason the typical server, builder and office worker of the UK’s southeast speaks with an Eastern European accent..often with a higher vocabulary by the way.
My point is that your post suggests a reality of inherent cultural expectations and shortcomings whereas the truth speaks more to a generational drop in educational standards, work ethic and discipline…throughout the western world.
It appears that the reality may be that a smaller percentage of young Westerners today operate by the standards that we regarded as normal a few decades ago.
I was encouraged to read of your plans to suggest the same plan of action to your own daughter, therefore my initial judgment of your post was perhaps off-target.
Nevertheless, considering the forum I found it necessary to address a few aspects of your contribution.
You both seem to be saying the same thing. Your response correctly mentions your example from Lancashire and Hull and the original poster was surely just saying he/she didn’t want Caymanians to have the ‘entitlement’ attitude, which is present with some people in both countries.
Given the OP says that the British passport gives the right to work anywhere in Europe, you are being distracted by your contempt for the UK from the wider point of encouraging people to get off their ass and go and find work elsewhere. Nor does he suggest the Brits are particularly good at it – indeed, the presumption that there are jobs available in the UK despite UKs own unemployment rates rather suggest the incomer has an advantage – strangely consistent with your own observations. Get that chip off your shoulder and don’t attack the OP for not making the anti UK criticism you love to indulge in but which are completely irrelevant to the point being made.
Dear 12.16
I can only present facts that are known to me personally. Two staff members of mine “had” to leave our employ. One a lady in her mid 40’s and a youngster in his 20’s. Both Caymanian for generations.
The lady went from one mundane job to another having not much to offer. She left for the UK, got another menial job and finally ended up working for a hospital. She has been there 4 years now and is happy.
The kid in his 20’s, who could not write / spell or even construct a coherent sentence let alone add or subtract and fell foul of the law on occasions could not get employed in Cayman. He left for the UK 3 years ago, got a laborers job, moved up the ranks, just got married and a kid on the way. More notably, he did some trade study !! He turned his life around. When I spoke with him some time back he said he was always around the wrong crowd and it held him back.
Sorry, but I only know of two cases, both a factual success.
In a nutshell, I am saying, don’t blame a parent, a dysfunctional school system, teachers or peer pressure. If you 18+ and in the wrong crowd or habits and cannot break free. Turn to a backpack and go. A UK passports grants you access to a lot more countries than the UK.
The thrust of my contribution was, if you are 18+ and NOT laying on the couch dreaming about a job and cannot get one due to limited experience and more common, unskilled, lacking manners and enthusiasm or influenced by the wrong crowd or simply want to grow up and add value to the community, get a backpack…..come back in a year, grown up, responsible, well presented, skilled and some experience in hand and the prospective employer may be more enthusiastic.
There is no unemployment problem.
Exactly! All Caymanians who have job skills and experience already have jobs (well paying ones I might add). Lazy, entitled kids need to be put to work in low paying jobs. That’s what I did when I was out of school (yes in the blazing hot sun of Cayman). You work your way up, get experience and increase your stock over time.
All these people want are more handouts than they already get. It’s time to stop the whining and get to work!
And expats can stop whining and get out if they don’t like it here if they don’t get PR. Works both ways.
Not quite because you can hardly say they haven’t got off their own backsides!
No we can’t say that. But they do have a home country which is not Cayman. They have options. The reason people migrate to Cayman is for economic opportunities that they do not have in their home country – Australians, jamaicans, Canadians, Filipinos, Americans. It is all the same reason. Caymanians should also have the priority in their own country for economic opportunities without the barrier of expats blocking Caymanians.
Ah, but that would require the immigration law and the trade and business licensing law to be followed. We do not follow those laws here, which is exactly why we are in this mess.
Caymanians lets take a reality check and see whats taking place from a socio economic perspective of present day Cayman. The architects of our present socio economic problems where merchants and buisness class people who main focus was developing the physical and capital development insituitions of Cayman sustained by a identured foreign labour force which translates into a high precentage of Caymanians being disinfranchised in the capital, administrative and service industry of the Cayman Islands due to the lack of human resources insitutional development. And as a result.The now everyday social conditions we are faced with.eg unemployment, crime, family dysfunctionalism, juvinile dilinquency, lack of self and national identity,is the result of the colonial elite merchant family class system that has and is still ruling Cayman through their subordinates,our representives in Goverment. Until Caymanians start to become more proactive and hold our political representives accountable and demand the emphasis is to reform and establish more educational insitutions and adress our immigration and labour laws we will continue to condem a high precentage of our future generations to a life of disinfranchisment and all of the sociologicals ills that come with it! Look at the outcome of the criminal justice system of the Cayman Islands with a population of sixty to seventy thousand people with twenty five to thrity thousand work permit holders. Our prisons is overflowing, sixty five people and counting was arrested in a week for various crimes.We have the highest number of police and prison population in the world per capita.It would be very interesting to know what percentage of the prison population is work permit holders. Based off of those stats Cayman would seem to be in a state of unlawfullness at this time. And the powers at be. You can employ more police, pass more draconian anti criminal laws, build more prisons,without adressing the underlying factors which makes people turn to a life of crime is only temporary solutions to appease the status quo. Who has the most to lose from all of this criminality that is presently taking place in Cayman to which the are some of the main contributers by refusing to invest in the development of Caymanian people especially the young.
Show me the Caymanians that will do those jobs for $4 an hour plus gratuity. If you find any I can provide job applcations.
You have Caymanian’s who work at various security firms, fast food industry, hotel maid service, handy men/women, Landscaping and limited number in the Dive industry. Our people do take the jobs but some of us choose to believe that we are above this type of work. Don’t generalize a whole population based upon the grumbling of some.
Your post could have been just a few lines making a clear point and much more sense, rather than the convoluted sesquipedalian nonsense that is your post now. At the risk of sounding rude, it’s a sign of low intelligence.
The poor grammar didn’t help either.
The arguments of these activists are an oversimplification of the real issues.
The relatively small numbers of unemployed Caymanians will not magically become employed when the 1000 plus PR applicants are denied.
This so-called activism will do far, far more harm than good. Please let’s move on from this expat blaming game we are playing and find the real issues the politicians don’t want to have to deal with.
Someone, somehow this message has to get through.
They are zero sum game cavemen.
Very cute of you, fake “Whodatis”.
Nice try but you are flaking like a Chinese Polex Submariner.
Can’t beat the real thing 😉
– Whodatis
CNS: I’ve changed the name of the imposter.
Nice one CNS.
Thanks.
– Who
Unemployment – able and willing to work but does not have a job.
Now if we apply this definition appropriately to this unemployment number, it will likely reduce drastically.
-Caymanian
Able and willing, i.e. not simply mouthing-off/ complaining/bitching about not having a job, when in reality job not wanted anyway.
How many PR seekers would be withdrawing their applications after the last violent early morning home invasion and armed vehicle heist in a broad day light?
How many people would put their houses for sale and seek spending their retirement years some place else?
If you can’t sleep in you own bed, sit on your own porch, shop in a daylight and walk on a road without fear of being violated, shot or sexually assaulted, what is the point of living here?
People don’t want to live in a state of permanent alert. If they can’t trust their maid, a pool guy or an electrician, who might lead the next home invasion to them, what is the point?
Peace of mind comes ahead of crystal blue waters and sunshine.
And don’t forget, collective hate creates negative vibes, literally. Don’t be surprised if this country would attract some disasters, natural or man made in the future. You get what you push against. Always.
This all is really sad. This country was a true paradise just 10 years ago.
I am saying this as an Expat who lived in Cayman and returned to my home country when my “time” was up. I arrived wanting to stay like everyone else loving the island. What is there not to love. What is laughable is how Expats accuse Caymanians of being entitled but the truth is expats are displaying and are acting entitled to an island they have no right to stay and live permanently. This is not your home. You were not born and raised here but want all the benefits associated with the country and the best of everything. You NOT entitled to ANY of it. So I agree with the locals. I think Expats are arrogant in their entitled behavior and attitudes!
Everyone, regardless of which country they live in, should be entitled to expect the laws that are introduced by the government of that country are applied.
I am not quite sure why it is arrogant to expect that.
It is arrogant because you expect to be granted status on virtue of your education etc. Australia changes its rules all the time and rejects many people who paid hefty fees to apply and you don’t see them suing and acting entitled. It is their country. They don’t have to do swat for you because you want to live in paradise.
No, I expect to be granted PR based on the laws that have been introduced by the Cayman Islands government being applied if I attain the benchmark set out in those laws (if being the key word).
If the benchmark was to be able to juggle 15 oranges whilst riding a unicycle I wouldn’t bother applying.
It is the government that sets the benchmark.
Remember there is a reason the government is either losing or not contesting the court cases and that is not the court applicant’s fault, yours or mine.
1.55pm Why don’t you want to return to your home country. Can someone say “Entitlement Mentality”
Ok I give up if expecting laws to be followed makes me entitled then so be it.
And let’s hope you were truthful in your application. Have you stopped mentoring Caymanian kids now, quit doing community service, quit pretending to be friends with actual Caymanians, you know -not the paper type? If you’re still assimilating and helping build a better community for all then you will be one of a very few. Hence the outrage, most of you do not deserve the privilege of being here and you know it.
You don’t think a person should get credit for 8 years of community service???
I did quit doing community service – for personal reasons. I work full time and have a family to raise. I enjoy giving back to the community and plan to get more involved when my kids are older. And you know what? I volunteered for years before the new law was in place and before I ever planned to stay here long-term. And I see many, many expats that do the same.
I think you should stop being so cynical and be grateful for the time and effort that so many people expend here.
Thank you…this entitlement is really shocking…who would want these people in their country. Alden caused this pandering to everyone but his own people.
2.14pm McKeeva played his part by refusing to roll them over and left the problem for Alden. But not to worry this new batch of MLAs is going to straighten this out and put everyone in their place including that bunch of entitled lawyers encouraging a class action suit which is not even permitted under Cayman Law. If you are a PR applicant , aligning yourself with this action may be more hindrance than help. First of all please the courts cannot grant your application , that still comes back to the board who can still refuse your PR. Any extra money that you have , keep it in case you need it to get set up back home ,if your application is turned down.
Are you an unemployed lawyer by any chance?
Yes, who would want people with no criminal records, who are financially independent, have invested in the economy, and make social contributions. Make the rest of us look bad. Throw em out.
you left out…belittle the citizens, sue the country that gave them an opportunity for citizenship…entitled arrogant scum
You are NO expat!!!! We all know that.
What all the butt hurt folks on here commenting need to do is blame their government and stop blasting the expats who have no choice but to say thank you to the same government who sat down on their applications and now have to grant the them all 🙂
Hope you are reading these comments Alden as many good examples of the expatriate entitlement you and Marco created. Hey how’s he doing anyway? Any luck finding work? According to many of the posts here he must be willing to start at the bottom.
Alden didn’t create the PR system or roll-over, but his regime DID WILLFULLY (and contrary to advice) suspend the process, endangering Caymanian jobs by allowing a minority of unworthy applicants to remain continuously resident for more than 10 years. We’re also being sued by worthy abused contributors that have created additional jobs and opportunities for our people over a decade. Let’s hope they stay.
Marco is doing fine….his is not the plight of the ordinary Caymanian
Professional and technical occupations are two major categories of jobs that require education, certification and licensing. Then there are skilled labourer jobs. Then there are unskilled labourer jobs.
For which jobs 1200 unemployed and 600 graduates (from where? HS?) qualify? Can activists be specific? Example: there are 500 certified, licensed and unemployed accountants, nurses, technicians, college professors, doctors, teachers etc.
What would be the impact on the economy if the activists succeed (hypothetically) and 1,000 applicants would have to leave the island? How many Caymanians would lose rental income? How many houses, condos and apartments would be up for sale with no one to buy? Wouldn’t they want the CIG to compensate for the that? PR applicants have complied with all laws, rules and regulations, but CIG didn’t. How many lawsuits for financial damages would be successful and how much it is going to cost to the Cayman Islands?
Wow, ballsy to threaten the people of the Cayman Islands with lawsuits for monetary damages if you don’t get your PR. Who cares about the Caymanians getting jobs right?
No one is threatening a lawsuit for not getting PR. People are threatening lawsuits for not having their applications considered.
There is an important difference.
Point A: He didn’t threaten anything, merely insinuated that lawsuits would happen if the Government reneged on the applicants for following their own rules!
Point B: Caymanians Have jobs. Most Caymanians work and make good money. How come people care about the degenerate part of their population investing their time with gangs, crime and jail? 5-7% of Caymanians are just unemployable in any field because they either don’t show up to work or don’t do the work they were hired to do in the first place.
8.12am Go ahead ans sue. Then Government can agree to pay you when the needs of all Caymanians are met, including the needs of those losing their rental income.I figure that could take a long,long time. I think it is high time that our lawmakers get creative in fighting this expat entitlement mentality.
What would be the impact by letting them stay? More expensive homes? Less jobs?
To 9:31 PM who posted this “Laughable. Trust me a school leaver could not do my job. 4 year degree, MBA, two professional designations, and licensing exams. 15 years experience”.
I could do your job, including my Caymanian children. Why are you comparing your position with a school leaver? These are the things that annoys us. By the way, I am a Paper Caymanian with children who has bloodline here and could run circles around you in the workplace because they are more qualified and has more degrees than what you have posted. With your laughable post, do you understand why we feel alienated from people like you and do not welcome your type?
How can a child have more than 15 years experience? Your post is laughable.
8.25am No mention was made as to the age of the children. Simple; it depends on the age of the ‘child’. That child may be 45 years old.
I think they compared themselves to a school leaver because the article insinuates the reason for the referendum is predicted on the school leavers. Lending to the ridiculousness of the petition. A petition that on review appears disjointed in thought and action. Also having no relevance in current law referring to the immigration law. If the government reduced restrictions and lowered the cost of doing business you would see a growth in jobs.
Free career advice from another Caymanian: Those genuinely unable to select appropriate collective nouns, or use appropriate verb tense will often get pegged below the front lines, and their lofty career aspirations will rarely be realised. For better results, use “has” when the subject is a singular noun or singular pronoun. Use “have” when the subject is a plural noun or plural pronoun. It may sound petty, but basic literacy is a genuine and common career limiter. Many successful Caymanians, who know the difference, have learned when to turn their grammatical switch “on” in business context and “off” again for casual socializing, but if you don’t know about the switch at all, or the difference between these communication styles, you are the only one that suffers. Business contacts off-island are not impressed or charmed by these colloquial “islander” errors. Peace.
You should read more closely. The noun is who. There is a clause broken up in there that causes the problem. If you were right, you would be rude nonetheless.
has more degrees lol
How do you know you could do his job when you don’t know what it is. Perhaps he’s a heart surgeon, or an airline pilot. Or do you and your children have some magical ability to do any job? Laughable post eh? Pot meet kettle.
This is crazy about 35 -40% of the PR applicants will be granted. Many applicants just submitted their application to stay in paradise a little longer.
How about a petition to give a mandatory 20 years imprisonment for robbery with a firearm and 15 years imprisonment if you commit 3 burglaries.
huh?
I am an expat and spent 6 years in Cayman. I feel for Caymanians because if this happened in my own country I would be fed up too. This is a small island and too many people are getting in while locals suffer. There is not enough for all. So I agree with what they are doing. We as foreigners have no claim to their jobs or land no matter how educated we think we are. The 7 yr rollover policy is the best policy with a 1 year break for a new run. If you don’t like it then don’t live in Cayman. No one should get permanent residency, you not entitled but Caymanians are entitled to have employment.
I doubt you are an expat. Jus sayin’
Yes I am an expat. Why is that hard to believe? Because I support Caymanians in this and agree with you? I have great Caymanians friends and yes also glad you standing up for yourselves a bit. Everyone want to live in paradise, but this is your paradise by virtue that you were born here. We were not. We have our own home countries that we all ran from for a multitude of reasons.
Hey, I support Caymanians as well. But the point you are missing is that if there is a Law that LEGALLY allows permanent residence, you can’t unilaterally just put PR applicants on “forever” hold. Change your Laws and that would be the end of the “problem” Caymanians seem to have. CIG had collected millions in fees and if it would want to turn around, there is a price to pay.
Fine refund the fees. Change of heart. Denials of work permits happen all the time and other countries are far more stringent. Australia’s work permit rules change all the time with no one suing them. What gives these people the audacity to do so and demand status. It didn’t work sorry rejected Permit so is life. The people that are rejected don’t get their fees returned it is tough luck buttercup.
Lol people do sue in Australia and they get payout that set them up for life!
Give me an address to this supposed home you are from. And I need to verify with your Facebook page. Then I’ll believe you…
Hilarious… because you can’t believe that an expat is not siding with the mob expat mentality who was so wrong done by for not getting a thumbs up for PR demands and takes to suing like a child having a tantrum for not getting their way? I am not giving personal details here.. but here’s a clue.. the very south tip of the world, 24 hr flight to be exact.
Santa!!!!!!!!!!
You are not an expat… I know that for sure.
Yes I am Santa. Anyway this divide of expat and Local is rather serious. As an expat you should be more respectful of someone else’s home country, it is not yours and you don’t have any rights to it. As locals change the perception people have, don’t mix in the wrong crowds and make a future for yourself. At the end of the day there is no they and us, we a community together and the right thing should be done for all in all fairness. True a carrot should not be dangled with promises. Rollover is the most logical solution to please all parties. You can’t satisfy everyone with PR.
LOL I was thinking the exact same thing.
“no claim to their jobs or land”
One, these jobs are not “their jobs”. The jobs are related to the business activity brought to these islands. The jobs are created out of a function of the economy and private business. Then ‘or land”, okay let us through out hundreds of year of property law. The comment is ridiculous.
Employment is not a right or entitlement. You have to earn it. You have to produce a good product for people to spend their own hard earned money.
It is a right if it is your country. How would you like to be unemployable in your home country with foreigners grabbing every opportunity from your hands despite studying hard for a degree. Put yourself in their shoes instead of being so selfish and greedy taking all the island has to offer and wanting more. Have your fun in the sun but don’t stay.
I wonder if you know how employment/jobs are created. From your comment you do not.
Clearly, neither do the politicians either.
Who changed the path to PR? Who introduced the 9 year term limit? Who invited every Tom,Dick and Harry to apply and did nothing in the last 3.5 years? If you have been here six years your only hope to PR was key employee decided by your employer.
The fact is there are lots of jobs and shipping off the foreigners will not help your unemployed one bit.
I am an expat and spent 6 years in Cayman. I feel for Caymanians because if this happened in my own country I would be fed up too. This is a small island and too many people are getting in while locals suffer. There is not enough for all. So I agree with what they are doing. We as foreigners have no claim to their jobs or land not matter how educated we think we are. The rollover policy is the best policy with a 1 year break for a new run. If you don’t like it then don’t live in Cayman. No one should get permanent residency, you not entitled but Caymanians are entitled to have employment.
I implore everyone to stop, breathe and truly take it the rhetoric and sentiments in this thread.
Honestly, with so much disdain flying about, why would either side be hopeful of another mass status grant – or even the regular never-ending permanent emigration to the Cayman Islands?
The situation is now a toxic one. I don’t want that for my kids, but the reality is, Caymanians like myself now have no choice in the matter. Those knocking on the door, on the other hand, have all the choice in the world.
Interestingly they appear to be the ones pushing the issue, many with cynicism, entitlement, and bitterness in their souls.
Lastly, I suggest everyone reread the thread and substitute “Cayman / Caymanians” with your own “nation / Nationality” and then you may start to understand.
(Throughout the exercise also bear in mind the significant respective differences in population and immigration stats.)
– Who
Permanent Residency does not automatically confer CI Status or even BOTC Naturalisation (CI passport). You don’t have a clue what it takes or how this process works. At best, those that have been sitting 10yrs+, might try to argue “right of abode” under UK and Commonwealth law (difficult to do without any security of tenure) for a BOTC Naturalisation. This is entirely separate and prior hurdle to CI Status application/voting rights, and achievable on a much shorter time frame. I think you will find that those that fail to qualify for PR on a merit basis, likely do not have the means to mount a Privy Council legal appeal.
Wha da rass u talkin bout??
– Who
600 graduates? I know the term is used rather loosely, but lets face it; 600 teenagers leaving high school are hardly ready for the job market. The conversation relating to these should be the availability of college spaces or other post-secondary training institutions. This idea that completing high school means that one is ready for the world of work is one of the reasons for the unemployment in these islands. I am quite sure that for many these applications, even if the applicant were to be sent packing, his/her replacement would not be a Caymanian.
This is the first time I heard that A Caymanian has a pair of b$$ls, I say grow another pair an go for it.
And you, my balless friend?
Do they? Where are they with their actions against sexual abuse of children, neglected education and the rampant crime?
Although they are still small by universal standards otherwise there would be names.
I congratulate the efforts of the petition organizers. However, there is a bigger problem than 1,200 unemployed Caymanians. bY allowing these PR applications the government creates a permeant ceiling. Those Caymanians who aspire for a better job and life for them and their family will never rise through the ranks as many of these positions will be held by expats with residency. I think this is a much more widespread problem that touches all Caymanians. Allowing mass approvals will be creating will wipe out a generation’s aspirations.
By the way, I am an expat and if this was happening in my home country I would be upset. For those expats who will ridicule me ask yourself the questions if you were in your home country and your son or daughter couldn’t get a decent job because your country was overrun with foreigners, you would be upset as well.
Your post is much needed and appreciated.
However, I would respectfully suggest the organisers are acutely aware of the points you have enlightened. Clearly such arguments have fallenl on deaf ears over the decades so an alternative strategy has been put into play.
Thank you for being an honest and balanced poster on this issue, however your efforts to instill those values in your target audience will be proven futile in the responses thereto.
My son COULD get a job. He’s a good person and a good employee. Why would anyone less than him, beat him out of a job? I’m not sure what you are trying to say.
NO…I would send my son or daughter to a proper school and teach them work ethics in order to obtain and keep a job.
Wow, thanks man. Really appreciate your humble and kind approach to us….I’m a native Caymanian.
Thanks so much for truly caring. Any Country would be lucky to have you!
Private sector financial pillar employers will simply move their skill and vocation “ceiling” elsewhere if the right of abode goal posts (established by Caymanians in the CIG) move again, or the CIG fails to honour their commitments. It will be a public media-focused exodus and the message will be irreversibly negative for the perception of business-friendliness and the economy of the Cayman Islands. Our competitor jurisdictions (with clear, easy to understand rules) will be only too happy to woo these businesses. Many other jobs will be trimmed in that wake. Private sector are not the civil service and many are not bound to the Cayman Islands or our tourist traffic in any way – quite the opposite. The historic advantages of domiciling in the Cayman Islands are quickly evaporating. Many firms relocated successfully, and literally over night before Ivan, and many never returned. God forbid, we are one good hurricane or one bad political move from a mass exodus as far as Financial Services goes – and those dollars will not be returning to rebuild. We need to be very careful playing this game in the context of 2017+.
Oh that old threat.
Imaginary is it? In the last 10-15 years, even with the introduction of the SEZ, how many mid-large size private sector financial services employers have re-domiciled to the Cayman Islands bringing jobs and opportunities? Think a bit on that.
Very little new business and some of the old already gone. If we look back, private banking ended a long time ago. The fund industry, or at least the support services, used to employ a lot of people, but that all left. The class A banks have even moved as much off-island as they can.
Cayman isn’t the only offshore game in town any more. We are far from dead, but we need to be competitive and be business friendly. If we keep plucking the golden goose it will either move along or no longer be golden.
“unemployed Caymanians. bY allowing these PR applications the government creates a permeant ceiling. Those Caymanians who aspire for a better job and life for them and their family will never rise through the ranks as many of these positions will be held by expats with residency. I think this is a much more widespread problem that touches all Caymanians. Allowing mass approvals will be creating will wipe out a generation’s aspirations.”
So your statement is not factual. You cannot determine that a proper PR process/granting of PR will ultimately limit job growth. Like jobs are a zero sum game. Where the amount is static and never fluctuates. Your comment is speculative at best and is a black sky view of was could happen. Percentage wise very slim because your comment is not based in economic reality or principles.
We here in the US tend to agree. The colonial remnants are the ones who feel entitled to drop in anywhere in the old empire and tell tell people what to do.
Hmmmmn. Didn’t your great American ancestors wipe out the indigenous peoples of America in order to become the “Americans” of today? Don’t you feast each year at Thanksgiving to celebrate this travesty?
Laughable. Trust me a school leaver could not do my job. 4 year degree, MBA, two professional designations, and licensing exams. 15 years experience.
Since you are so good then your home country should be very happy to get you back, silver wings are waiting!
What if the home country sent them here to look after their businesses interests?
I’m an unemployed Caymanian with three professional designations and 16 years experience…maybe I should do your job.
May be there’s a reason why you can’t land that job other than work permits, where a company is prepared to go through the hassle of the work permit bureaucracy and on top of that pay a significant costly penalty every year rather than hire you.
-Indentured nature of the work permit
-Nepotism
-Inter-company transfers
Need more d-head?
-indentured nature of work permit
-nepotism
-xenophobia
-inter-company transfers
Need anymore you pompous self-important d-head?
LOL…and there it is.
This all makes me sick. Why don’t you windbags admit the reason you all are here which is because you are skirting paying taxes in your home countries plus you could not use your influence to get your sweetheart positions. We need to levy a income tax on all so they pay there fair share and get rid of the excessive duties which make it harder on the regular person. Do the income tax and you will see all these ones run for the first flight. You all are just old carpet baggers hear for the fast cash and rape our country.
Income and Property tax should be levied on the select wealthy Caymanian families who hold most of the economic and political power. That property and cash needs to be redistributed through tax to the Cayman electorate.
LOL,
You keep posting the same comment again and again. Why won’t you start your own business with your designations and experience ?
Yes, let’s mitigate youth unemployment by creating executive unemployment, population decline, business failure and the withdrawal of investment. Genius.
Is there a German word for activism that makes an ironic point about the problem it is attempting to fix?
If you are so worried about immigration why don’t you try to assist to solve the problem, I beleive on one of the talk shows last week or the week before Mr Mario Evans was on and he put forward great solution.
We have 2 types of residency
1) for those who wish to become Caymanian.
2) for those that don’t want to be Caymanian, after 7 yrs they sign a contract with us, every 2yrs saying that they don’t.
I have spoke to several expats and they would jump on number 2,they would still buy a place and probably after 20-30yrs would retire back in their own country.
One of them said they would even be willing to assist their employer with payments on the work permit fee.
Several of them said they love Cayman, they love most Caymanians (of course not these idiots I the article) and just want to enjoy our island.
Many private businesses lobbied CIG for this very tier when the rollover was first discussed. It was determined that everyone that wished to stick around beyond 7 yrs HAD TO apply for Permanent Residency. This resettlement speed-bump was to be an exercise modeled on Bermuda’s failed system – to weed out contributors from non-contributors, BEFORE anyone hit the magic 10yr residency mark where other rights kick in. Essentially a generous window of two years to review a 6 page application and supporting docs. We need to blame Alden’s regime for deliberately suspending this mechanism, ignoring expensive advice, inviting lawsuits, and inevitably, allowing a minority of unqualified candidates the gift of security, eventual BOTC Passport, and further along, CI and Voter Status.
Love it, have to make excuses, lets make changes, this is just 1 idea, have heard yours yet.
Just a minute, you only prefer to criticise people’s comments, not really contributing to them.
We entertain employing Caymanians. We actually love to have our own people working with us. But the problem is out of every 10 Locals that we interview only 3 are qualified. Out of the 3 that meets the bar, only 2 will take the post serious. As a government, let us seriously get our people educated and not sell them foolishness by assisting them to write a CV. A lot of that is done. Applicants get help to write a CV and then the applicant cannot deliver or engage with what is in the CV. This is setting up our people to fail. Train our people, offer some scholarship to get educated overseas. Start somewhere. Example, a Garbage Collector and make us the best Garbage Collector. A Teacher and make us the best Teacher. A Brick layer and make us the best Brick Layers. A HR Officer and make us the best HR Officers. A Dancer and make us the best Dancers. A Doctor and make us the best Doctors. A Painter and make us the best Painters. The list goes on and on. Build the Trade Schools and work with Minister Julie to improve our current education system. Ms. Julie a former Teacher and Lawyer will make a big difference with the system. Support the Teachers so that they can delivery without fear of children being disrespectful. Love and look out for each other. Parents, help your children. Read with them teach them to be respectful to self and others. It can be done. Finally, to each of us that are entering the world of work, please go with the right attitude. Your great education or skill will not let you keep the job if your attitude stinks. Once we get these things in place, then PR and Cayman Status will be on the back burner.
There are plenty jobs out there for Caymanians, the unfortunate thing is that we have educated our kids to be entitled and still living in mummy and daddy’s house for free with a $500+ cel phone and computer games.
Back in the 70s even 80s our parents encouraged us to move out build or buy a place by the age of 23-25yrs old, sh…t my first job was when I was 9 selling the news paper in town, I would consider my 1at real job was at 12yrs on vacations working on the north sound boats for capt Marvin, I had to be at work by 6:30am and didn’t get home by 5pm if not later, I fact I had to hitch plenty of times if not walk from Morgans to prospect and all for $20 a day plus a couple of dollars in tips.
So hush up and teach your kids to be men and women, especially the girls who spread their legs for some gangster boy.
All you want is a minimum wage screw that, all you’re going to do is increase products, live of what you can live off, have roommates, work your assessment off.
I employ 19 person, 12 are Caymanian and out of those 5 have 2 jobs working their bums of to do better for themselves.
Very simple!
Oh not all our Caymanians are lazy but there are alot, who more than they are worth.
Lastly, if you are so concerned, why don’t you arrange better education for adults and youth alike. Why does it cost me only $13k pa for private school great education but Government school cost $45+ pa per child for a shite education.
Nuff said!
I like you, Old Schooler.
You right thr Bobo, old school all the way
You are obviously not an unemployed Caymanian looking for work.
Read above, No I’m not! I’ve worked my ass of for 30 plus years here and started from the bottom.
Maybe you and other entitled brats should do the same, get off CNS, get a job and I 30yrs you can then write remarks.
Maybe that’s what we need to give you unemployed bums, a kick up the arse!
Go be a server, cleaner, Bagboy. Show up for work early, don’t take 1hr lunch breaks and be one of the last to leave, if you do this you will succeed! It’s very simple.
I’ve done all of the above and more, now own my own business, I also during summer hire parttime school kids to learn our trade. Oh and I’m very selective, I’ve researched their family and see if they have any work ethics, if the parents do then I hire the kids part time, I don’t need no entitlement bums working for me.
Lastly, once again.
Another great thing for kids to do (which we did back I the day), was to rent a 2 bed apt, 6 of us lived in it, and let me tell you some days we just ate rice and tune, of course if crab season, rice and crab. (ooh, just had an idea, it’s crab season, get off your ass and go catch some crab, clean them for a few days, boil them, pick them, oh wait that’s your mummy’s job, then sell the meat, plenty cash in that). We didn’t have electricity for 1 week till we saved up and paid our bills, but man it was the best time of our lives, and now. All of us are now very successful Caymanians who appreciate hard work.
I hate to say this but we. Need another Ivan to teach these kids work ethic and. Get Reid of this entitlement sh…
As for the above donkeys, give up and stop giving g my tax money to people that don’t want to work.
We would love to find some enterprising students to do some painting or yard work this summer. These are summer staple jobs for responsible career-aspirational kids worldwide, but here? Where are the entrepreneurs and risk-takers? Running drugs from Jamaica, or playing Plants Vs Zombies on their nana’s sofa?
Welll, you could have achieved your goal if your representatives in government were not such losers. But, they chose to not deal with the issues, so now you are going to have to compete with persons far more able and educated than you, who are willing to work for less. Karma is a bitch.
I think instead of looking for easy or draconian solutions to the lack of jobs (like minimun wage, forcing employers to hire, or blocking PR applications), I think government should rather focus on –
Reducing the cost of living
Making the market more robust and competitive
Increasing the ease of doing small business in the Cayman Islands
Reduce harsh fees and duties
Then and only then, when Caymanians are able to have affordable run businesses, is when MORE JOBS WILL BE CREATED THE RIGHT WAY!
But … to have government twist the arms of employers and yet make it so hard to start and maintain a small shop, IS VERY DRACONIAN AND SOCIALIST. This is like killing the goose for golden eggs.
MY ADVICE: IF YOU REALLY WANT MORE JOBS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAYMANIANS, PUSH YOUR MLA’s FOR A MORE FAIR AND FREE MARKET! WORK AT IMPROVING THE MARKET AS A WHOLE! NOT FAVORING ONE BIG NAME OVER SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, OR RESORTING TO DRACONIAN MEASURES! TREAT THE MARKET AS ONE!
Peace ?
What country do you come from that doesn’t have immigration rules and try to protect it’s citizens standard of living, employment security first?
Quit spouting off your self-serving rhetoric.
There’s nothing self-serving in making it easier for Caymanians to start and maintain their own business, so they can have more cash to create more jobs???
Which planet are you from?
Um… Pot? Kettle?
I know the employment playing field is not level and there a lots of good examples of that. But some of the 1,200 unemployed are not employable.If they have to be employed before PR are granted Iguanas will fly over the Immigration Building many times. I suppose this referendum is another idea from the Independent thinkers. Let’s see how long it takes them to get the 5,000 + votes to trigger a referendum.
“They” do realize the applicants are already in jobs in most cases by far… They will not be taking anything away from the opportunities out there now. And as a business owner, I would far rather hire an equally hard working dedicated honest Caymanian any day. There are lots of them out there, but sadly, other employers have snapped them up first. As for the graduates, put your head down, work hard, prove yourself and you will have no problem finding a job. Walk in with an attitude of expectation and a chip on the shoulder, then be prepared to join some of the others out there without jobs for whom this simple formula just hasn’t clicked…
I saw make the process quicker and ensure the law has changed to make it extremely difficult to get PR. Significantly increase the community service requirements. The rest can remain. I do think the whiners about Caymanians not having jobs will at least appreciate that the ones vying for PR are required to do at minimum 100+ hours of community service monthly or whatever arbitrary amount that can make it difficult.
Bermuda and Bahamas make it near impossible for expats to get PR and residency and they are larger and more structurally developed. Why pick on the smaller populated island other than the Caymanians tend to be non combative.
The Bahamas and Bermuda are more structurally developed? Have you ever been to either? You are very, very badly informed.
4:58 pm, get your head out of the sand and see the world.
You mean the world with politicians whose first priority is to protect and advance their citizens? Sadly we would need to leave Cayman to see that.
4:58 pm, you are both
This is a such a pitiful way to grab the attention of (unbothered) politicians.
Petition link doesn’t work?
CNS: I’ve fixed it now.
But does it WANT to work ?
lol
Ha
I can’t help but laugh after reading this. Blame your government for screwing over the 1000 plus PR applicants.The granting of PR to everyone waiting their lives away is not the the applicants fault, it is the fault of the CI government. No petition can stop it from happening. Right is right! Well…. Look at court cases for the Government in the near future. Tell me something, So you want the Applicants to wait another six years before the government handle the backlog?
All those applicants from 2013 will sue their bums should this happen.
“waiting their lives away”…they continued to work and didn’t pay taxes….they had nothing better to do or they would have left after so much inconvenience.
Hush! They waited their lives away. All that was needed is an answer to their applications. A right they have. A right that the government gave to every non Caymanian after living here for a period of time. Go and educate yourself and stop letting your hatred for expats cause you to go blind!
But yet people want them to leave or be put on the sideline again whilst we find jobs for the “unemployables”? You want people who contribute to Cayman in all aspects of life to just sit twiddling there thumbs whilst those that contribute nothing whatsoever are given jobs that they quit after 1 week, complain and bitch about all day long or do absolutely nothing at because they are lazy as F? Yep that makes complete sense. Anyone who ahs ever owned a business on this island knows exactly what these “unemployables” are like because we have all given them chance after chance only to be slapped in the face time and time again.
Do these xenophobic protesters even know what a PR application is, or what’s required, or how we got here? Clearly not. Why do they think that our electorate are qualified to opine on the ECHR legal precedents that apply to this territory? They aren’t.
Successful PR applicants are non-infectuous healthy households (from countries arbitrarily deemed desirable by the Caymanians law makers) that are already employed, owning property, with savings, know their Cayman history, and are making some kind of tangible and demonstrable contribution over 8 years of continuous residency and commitment. Their kids are not allowed to go to CIG public schools, so they need to dedicate a big chunk of change to private schools every few months. These are not new comers to the island, or vacant positions, or jobs that Caymanian-owned business makers were able to fill with qualified Caymanians when those positions where recurrently advertised over at least 8 years.
As a Caymanian business owner, I wish it were so easy to grant a bulk lot of PR applications. Perhaps once they are genuinely vetted for merit, many of those applications that have been sitting idle, contrary to law and good governance – all representing potential lawsuits – can be cleared. The sooner the better – including much belated rejections to those that should never have been allowed to stay this long.
As a recepient of permanent residency myself many years ago I know how hard is to achieve. I have been on these Islands for 20 years learnt the history as well. Done lots of volunteer work,bought a house as well. It is not fair to stop residency because Caymamians are unemployed
A very well written comment on the topic for all to consider.
Huh……activist ever heard of human rights? It’s an international thing.
You have human rights. You were born in a country and you have rights there.
The Cayman Islands recognizes your country. Be happy and stop moaning. Stop bullying and crying human rights.
NO! YOU learn what Human rights means and start respecting your fellow humans.
The angry mediocre of the world do seem to use the internet to convince each other (or be convinced by extremists with agendae to push) that their mediocrity is caused by others rather than their own failings. Trump and Brexit are good examples of that.
And the scared mediocre that protect their positions through deception, self-serving rants, belittling others, and taking unearned credit….the expat manager.
You mean the same human rights that prohibit discrimination based on national origin like many Caymanians seeking employment face in our own homeland?
They don’t discriminate against Caymanians. Just against bad workers versus good ones. If you can’t keep up then just sit back and get out of the way.
What’s your definition of discrimination in this context? When the employer chooses an expat instead of a Caymanian? You realize that’s not necessarily discrimination right? Do you have any evidence at all of a time that it was?
If so, did you take it to the labour department?
If not, shut up.
Here’s some truth and context: Employers (of Caymanian-owned private sector businesses) MUST look for Caymanians that either don’t exist, don’t apply, or fail to impress at interview, criminal check, or employer reference level. Then they spend a lot of extra company capital searching internationally for what they are looking for. Beyond accepting extortionate levels of permit fees, they engage overseas head hunters and offer flights, shipping, housing, and transportation inducements to try and lure qualifying candidates from further afield. Worth mentioning that many of them don’t make the cut either. That expensive, time-consuming process generally takes 6-9 months for every new permit hire and often, particularly in small businesses, distracts at least one senior person from commercial task during the search, eventual hire, permit approval, and relocation period. My fellow Caymanians really need to chew on that business reality that our business owners know only too well.
Rubbish. They employ who they know. Money is no obstacle to these businesses.
Well, “mother country” just recently confirmed that Human Rights are easily changeable.
Just sayin…
– Who
who are ‘they’???
lol … Alden its now your time to do something great since you’ve made Immigration to fall under your care.
Over 600 students are graduated, and looking decent jobs …
Gd help us!
How many of the 600 have a decent level of literacy and basic arithmetic ? From recent reports not many . But hey , they have the one qualification that many seem to think counts ..
That too is Alden’s fault. He didn’t address the Immigration crisis that was a result of his successive failures to provide a higher standard of education for Caymanians. He should be flogged in the public square by each of those 600 graduating now and perhaps retroactively for each of those he’s failed over the past 16 years while he’s been a MLA. Highly paid at that. He’s a national disgrace but he’s still pompous. Or do I mean “shy”?
I agree with you over the educational issue. Although I am not a huge Alden fan,fact is educational failures in Cayman are the fault of decades of bad governments not just Alden.
As long as politicians continue to expect employers to address the failures of an education system with abysmal literacy rates and which does not train kids to understand the world of work and work ethics, until they give Caymanians the chance to study relevant internationally recognised qualifications and vocational opportunities, then no matter what anybody does, with or without expats, there will always be a huge unemployment problem here in Cayman.
The only ones to blame for this are the Caymanian politicians that Caymanians have elected over the years, not expats.
To force the unqualified and uneducated to be employed and replace those who have proven their ability to get out of bed and fend for themselves is the worst idea intitled Namyacs have ever had. A valuable resident is one who can get out of bed, knows how to get a job done, and does it. To be a resident you have to prove your value to the economy. How many Caymanians could qualify.
And what are the alternatives, keep the locals unemployed so they can break into my home or your home? What a selfish statement. Caymanians need to eat too, let’s see how much you will want to stay here once the recent crime spree continues. Remember the prison is full now.
It never ceases to amaze me that unthinkably violent cash-at-any-cost crimes (motivated often by drug addiction) are sold (through comments like these) as viable and justified alternatives to the harder road of “not doing drugs”, avoiding teen pregnancy, updating one’s skill set, temporarily working a second job below one’s potential, or having any semblance of a life plan. We’re just going to have to expand the prison if attitudes like this persist.
Actually there are thousands upon thousands of Caymanians who get up and work hard every day. And they don’t have a problem working with foreigners every day. But they are not the ‘activists’, ironic that, isn’t it?
So Larry are you saying that we should give citizenship to whomever wants and has a job….what country have you seen that policy?
In light of recent (homegrown) terror attacks and general upheaval in their region, both Islamic and Nationalistic, have we enhanced our vetting process for those of British and EU nationality seeking permanent residency in our country accordingly?
Yes, this is a matter of national security – in all terms of the phrase.
– Who
What have you been smoking? We can’t even handle the lawless already here what makes you think we have the skills and resources available to vet them.
Oh I see what. You did there, let’s find another way to delay delay delay. If you can’t fix it, make it worse.
I do believe you are making the point for me.
Thank you.
– Who
*In any event, I actually don’t know how best to vet these individuals as it is clear their respective governments are doing a horrendous job in that regard.
Perhaps a “temporary travel restriction” would do the trick?
After all, the leader of the free world democratically manoeuvred into his position via such rhetoric.
You have now reached a new level of ridiculousness , congratulations . As a citizen of the u.k I have no more rights here than a Jamaican , phillipino , american , Canadian or someone from timbuctu despite the fact this is supposed to be an British overseas territory. However you have a British passport are entitled to live in the U.K , use our health service and claim welfare if you so wish . I know of three caymanians who are living in the U.K and claiming unemployment or old age pension benefit while collecting nice pensions from jobs they retired early from here . Now you not only do not wish to reciprocate , you wish to single out U.K citizens in case they are terrorists ??? That’s like me saying in the light of recent convictions of caymanian peadophiles maybe we should screen any wishing to enter the u.k . pathetic even by your standards
You missed out That Who is entitled to vote in the UK if he claims to be resident there as well, whereas the reverse is surely not true.
LOL!!
If it is pedophiles you’re after, then look no further than your OBE and MBE roster, my fair British friend.
Some even say it is an understood prerequisite for the honour – but I don’t know, I’m just a lowly BOTC.
😉
– Who
* Btw, yours was a very weak reply to my original post and did nothing to address the valid concerns.
Lastly, many countries issue bans and special screening on emigrating nationals based on similar forms of instability, terrorism and reported number of “under surveillance” individuals. It would be reckless for us to continue with business as usual in this regard.
Look outside buddy, it is 2017 out there. A new world.
Generally in a news article like this it would be good to know who the “activists” are? It is germane to the argument.
You are obviously new here. In Cayman ‘activist’ means someone with a criminal record for dishonesty who then finds it difficult to find a job and blames foreigners for their problems.
Or someone who didn’t get elected in the last national lottery.
Kill me now. Majority of PR applicants are upper echelon professionals.
Enough Caymanians with big-time Universities UNDEREMPLOYED. Now go sit down on ya echelon!
I’m confused .They have big time universities ? Where do they keep these universities ? Has anyone noticed they are missing ? Did they pay duty on them or did they just take them out the packaging and make them look used before bringing them through customs ?
They need to LEARN as in be taught, to speak, read, write, and spell in English . Oh yes, and get out of bed. A college degree is not a contract for success. HARD Work and an education will usually get you there.
It’s so sad that the anti-foreigner brigades are vocal in so many countries. Trump’s morons, the Le Pen followers in France, UKIPers in the UK. Cayman is not immune unfortunately. Anyone who says that Caymanians are discriminated against here is either lying or stupid. And yes I am Caymanian!
Some are, some are not. Some people prefer to live with a reason they are “put down” so they can keep their inflated dreamland view of themselves intact.
Has it ever occurred to you that the reason these other countries are doing this is for the same reason that we want to here to protect our little country and indigenous people
No such thing as an indigenous caymanian
Yes you are probably one of them they choose to be part of their team whereby you spy and run back and tell them all kinds of garbage and lies to maintain your status on the team and cut every Caymanian beneath you to keep your position. I met a few of you in my years of working and what I will tell you when they are finished with you, you will be like the syringe of a crack head whereby no one will have any use for you, expat or Caymanians.