East End timeshare developer awarded status
David Morritt
(CNS): David Morritt (71), the man behind the Morritt’s Resort in East End, was handed Caymanian status on Friday when the Legislative Assembly approved Cabinet’s recommendation. Government brought the motion because although he had spent almost 30 years in Cayman, the British developer was here as a visitor. Premier Alden McLaughlin said Cabinet believed he deserved the right to be Caymanian and explained that, despite his investment in the economy and charitable support of good causes, when he applied for status, the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board could not grant it, so the board recommended Cabinet take it up.
Opposition Leader Ezzard Miller, who did not speak on the motion, was the only ‘no’ vote in the LA. Arden McLean, who has made it clear that he does not believe anyone should receive status except through descent or marriage, nevertheless supported the motion to award status to Morritt, who lives in his constituency of East End, because he employs a considerable number of local people at the resort.
McLean spoke about having an “on and off” relationship with one of the largest investors in East End, but said it was “undeniable that this man has contributed significantly to this country”, especially in providing jobs in the constituency.
Morritt came to Cayman in 1988 and purchased what was then the Tortuga Club and began expanding the resort. McLaughlin said the team working there is over 80% Caymanian and Morritt’s international reputation had also helped boost tourism product.
Category: Local News
Dart…. should’ve NEVER happen. I still think it’s not to late to deal with him!!!! Premier!!!!!
Definitely too late to deal with Dart. If it weren’t for him you would still be living on rubble 14 years after the hurricane. Not to mention he built the Kimpton, owns Camana bay and half your country. Dart owns your little island now.
Facts!
So Ezzard just how may jobs have you created in the Eastern Districts. Yup that’s what I thought. Big fat 0!
Should we be checking Ezzards immigration paperwork just to be sure?
Yet Mr Miller claims he’s not xenophobic. This is the man who tried to take over the National Trust because it was comprised mostly of non- Caymanians, but the good Lord saw to it that he failed.
Alluh Akbar!
Wasn’t there some employment problem between Morritt and Ezzard’s brother? Don’t tell me he voted against Morritt for personal reasons?!
I think it’s a shame and disgrace that some of these Politicians can’t put personal differences aside and see right from wrong . Here we have Mr Morritt a man of honesty and integrity and spent all these years contributing to the Island and people , and would be dragged through the process and showed no respect .
what a shining example of a Developer and a friend to be so loyal to the people he live with , 80% of his Development staff are Caymanian .
Now this is a bigger shining example of how Mr Morritt ran his Resort with 80% Caymanian staff , but no where else can . They should have given him an award too .
Please check complaints about Morritts Tortuga and their selling of timeshares
I am utterly amazed that this deserving investor and developer has been refused status for so long. What the hell are the criteria used to decide who can get status? I have seen absolute germs get status, so what is going on?
Well deserved, and shame on you Ezzard. However a minor point, how did he manage to work here during his time as a visitor – because as sure as East End is windy, he worked.
I think this is the best news I have read in a while. Congratulations Mr Morritt.
I’ll drink to that.
Or “Bottoms Up”? LOL
I had to read this three times. I assumed he would have possessed CS a very long time ago.
The management and operations of Morritts is a commendable property and so is the owner. The resort gave many Caymanians, particularly from the eastern districts, jobs when other business turned Caymanians away or replaced Caymanians.
How operations are there for the past 12 years I have not heard but I do remember from approximately 1985 to 2006 this was so. Even Caymanians fired or laid off were taken back to work. Housekeeping. Front Desk. Auditors. Kitchen/restaurant. Construction or housemen. Caymanians were given employment opportunities when resorts and establishments on the western side of Grand Cayman would turn Caymanians away and or the start of hiring outside the islands.
Well done Cabinet. And while I half agree with Arden, please no one say this was political. We can nearly all likely agree this is well deserved.
A very great example of persons who should be given status!!
Those who vote thumbs down here, you are a fool….
And you are devoid of knowledge
5:07 don’t be mad. It sounds like he and his staff would hire you. Or go back to your couch and complain about what you are not getting in life…someone else’s problem – right?
Agreed. We need people on Boards that have a good sense of business etc not people who support the Government of the Day. Some of these ego people should not be there. They just ride on the winners coat tail.
Should have been granted an MLA seat instead.
Ezzard the only no vote, I’m shocked 🙂
Ezzard is not xenophobic but if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck & quacks like a duck it isn’t a chicken.
My God… but we gave and continue giving people Status that are a drag on us, people that are criminals – people that have nothing to offer cayman – people that never even lived in Cayman – people that was in jail. Make a long story short … people that dont deserve to live amongst us.
We continue Importing poverty on us, but for whatever reason Mr Morritt was side tracked, what a shame .. a man who can take care of himself – a good man – in my opinion …..happy for you Mr. Morritt. Welcome!!!!!
Took this man 30 years and Dart not even 5. What a dam shame! SMH ?♂️
The bigger the footprint, the greater the man.
Bigger the footprint, the bigger the shoe. That’s all bobo.
Need more info…
If Mr Morritt spent almost 30 continuous years in Cayman, why didn’t he apply to be Naturalised years ago as a BOTC, and then merely stayed in line to earn Status the normal way like everyone else?
If he hasn’t spent 30 continuous years here, it sounds like Cabinet waived the residency requirement simply because everyone is familiar with his real estate development. Two sets of rules…
perhaps you should read the article again. He did spend 30 years in Cayman every year as a visitor. He was never on a work permit to be legally and ordinarily resident to apply for PR and then be naturalized (he didn’t need a work permit). He hasn’t only been a real estate developer. He employs majority Caymanians and has been well documented for bringing in record numbers of tourists to the Islands as well as sticking it through the really tough years during Ivan and the economic downturn. Not sure what different sets of rules you are talking about other than Dart got his years ago and David didn’t (and at least David circulates with Caymanians). The fact that Ezzard was the only one to vote against him shows this was a worthy recipient of status.
What did he do other than own the development and sit on the board of directors of company he owns. Neither of which requires a work permit only an LCCL. It’s easy to suggest he’s done something wrong with no shred of proof to that effect. It’s mischief making to just leave such erroneous suggestions out there to discredit the man.
If Mr Morritt can employ 80% Caymanian work force how come others can’t do the same?
I bet he put’s most Caymanian business owners to same who all screw their own people by employing cheap labor from 3rd world countries.
It’s long over due that Mr Morritt has been granted status, he cares more about Cayman and Caymanians than most Caymanians do!
Congratulations. Well deserved.
An Eas’ Enna.