Unemployment up to 4.9% despite robust economy

| 26/04/2018 | 176 Comments

(CNS): The newly published 2017 autumn Labour Force Survey has revealed that the unemployment rate in Cayman increased at the end of last year when compared to both the 2016 seasonal survey and the 2017 spring survey. The latest statistics from the Economics and Statistics Office show overall unemployment jumped from 4.1% in the spring of last year and from 4.2% in the fall of 2016 to 4.9%, with the local rate of unemployment now at 7.3% compared to 7.1% in the previous year. While the size of the labour force has increased, 2,085 people who were looking for work had no job at the time of the survey.

In his budget address in October last year the finance minister had forecast an unemployment rate of 4.3% by the end of 2017 which would fall to just 3.6% this year. “These forecasts indicate that as our economy grows it will generate jobs, creating enhanced opportunities for our people,” he said.

However, the economy is growing and the size of the overall labour force reached 42,941 at end-December, an increase of 1.8% on 2016 but over 100 more locals were out of work at the end of 2017 than were unemployed at the end of 2016. The population has also increased to an estimated 63,415 compared to 61,361 in the fall of 2016 and 63,115 in the spring of 2017.

The figures also show that more than 5% of Caymanians with a post-secondary education are unemployed while 13% who have only a high school education are out of work. Also the survey reveals that it is women that appear to be more likely to be out of a job at the moment than men. While 4.3% of men looking for work were unemployed, 5.5% of women were without a job according to the survey. Compared to the 2016 fall report this is complete gender swap; at that time the unemployment rate for men was 4.9% and 3.5% for women.

The survey shows that the labour force currently comprises 20,774 Caymanians or 48.4% of the total, 4,348 Permanent Residents With Right to Work or 10%, and 17,819 Non-Caymanians or 41.5%. In total, 40,856 have a job, but with more than 1,500 local people still looking for work and an overall unemployment level of nearly 5%, the figures are not only going in the wrong direction but the government still faces the problem of a growing workforce, more than half of which are foreign nationals while 7.3% of Caymanians looking for work are still unemployed.

While this latest fall survey shows the under-employment rate among locals has fallen to 3.9% from 4.1% in 2016, there are still 758 Caymanians who say they are underemployed which means they are in either part-time work or engaging in jobs that fall well below their abilities and potential earnings. Over 40% of the workforce is earning less than CI$2,400 per month and more than 12% earns CI$1,199 or less per month. Based on the average working week, which was established in the survey as around 42 hours, well over 5,000 people are on minimum wage.

See the full report in the CNS Library

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Category: Economy, Local News, Politics

Comments (176)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Caymanians, I implore you to take control of your country. If you enter any place of business with the intent of engaging that business’ services, and you don’t see enough Caymanians working there, turn around an walk out. Find and support a business that supports Caymanians. Too often these days I’ll enter a restaurant or shop and there aren’t any Caymanians working there. Not one. At least back in the day you’d see a token. Not anymore. The most frustrating part is, most of those businesses are owned by long term residents that have received PR or status. How can these people, who have been granted an opportunity to live and develop a business here, turn their backs on their newly adopted community? It is the most selfish thing anyone can do. Not only selfish, it’s self defeating! If you’ve adopted Cayman as your home, jumped through all the hoops to attain status/PR, worked your tail off to achieve your own successful business, and then don’t hire Caymanians; well you’re shooting yourself in the foot aren’t you? This is your community now. If you don’t help make it better by paying it forward, what is going to happen to your business down the road when the community continues to crumble as it is doing now? And I’m not talking about paying it forward by giving out hand outs, or hiring Caymanians that don’t work hard and won’t appreciate it. I’m talking about us hard working Caymanians out here taking advantage of ever opportunity we’re given.

    • Rick says:

      Did it ever occur to you that Caymanians dont want those type of Jobs?
      I can name other Caribbean countries where the local population will not do those type of jobs.

    • Anonymous says:

      Please anyone answer this, why would an employer bear the burden of hiring an expatriate when they could hire locally? Give me one reason…..

  2. Anonymous says:

    If Tara continues to let UK MPs continue to fantasize openly about “skyrocketing money laundering” in the British Overseas Territories, then our lay-offs have only just begun. How many have Scotiabank laid off just in the last month? Expect more, not less.

  3. Anonymous says:

    I feel that there are many unemployed Caymanians due to the fact that many of them have Police Records and most employers, (including the Cayman Islands Government), is hesitant to give them a second chance. There are many persons who have made a mistake or error in judgement and just would like an opportunity to prove themselves. Government needs to look into this and stop the revolving door at HMP Northward!!! Just saying but it needs to be considered by the powers that be.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Well, how about not choosing the CRIMINAL angle that offended society and resulted in jail time? There is always a choice, and jail is the inevitable end product of a lifetime of failed moral programing. Stop kids from having unwanted children.

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    • Anonymous says:

      99% of the people in jail are multiple offenders with rap sheets as long as your arm. They are not people who made a “mistake”, they intentionally committed major crimes. Let’s fix the revolving door by tightening up the exit. It’s time to get serious about crime and stop messing around. If there are deserving people who just made a one-time mistake, let them apply for a pardon. I doubt there are many.

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      • Anonymous says:

        I’m speaking of one time offenders really but many of the repeat offenders go back to a life of crime BECAUSE they cannot gain employment, sorry but it’s a fact. Yes crime doesn’t pay but how many can truthfully say they have never done something wrong or something that could have cost them their freedom if they’d been caught?

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Frankly, more Caymanians need to leave the Islands and find jobs overseas where they are more welcomed than at home. Until the present set of controllers leave these Islands, there will not be any change. Remember the golden rule: whoever has the gold, makes the rules.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    This all points to a failure of leadership.

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    • Rick says:

      Cayman Leadership is ran by Caymanian, guess you cant blame expats here

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    • Anonymous says:

      Not really. Just general failure. Or over dramatization of everyday life. I mean really. Some people aren’t working. Life’s like that.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    There will be six immigration jobs going soon

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Why cant a government office publish an anonymised list of the unemployed caymanians, with a brief resume on each, so that employers can pick them for vacant positions. Or at least invite them to an interview ? As a recruiter, I would be very keen on picking from a known list. Lets make this easier.

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    • Anonymous says:

      First problem. Government does not know who is Caymanian.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Not all recruiters think like you. A lot of companies already have their own people in mind and are only advertising in the paper because they have to. Doesn’t mean they have to hire. Since the government agency in charge of making sure Caymanians are not being overlook are asleep at the wheel the unemployed Caymanian % will only increase.

      I would say Gov’t needs to wake up and make sure this department is doing it’s job but I guess that would mean certain people in government not helping their friends out who in turn help out their pockets.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Yup that the stuff that brings back the jobs…lool.at trumps America ..they winning bottom line….the English in they losing as usual and flooding us out here

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    • Anonymous says:

      I am so sick of hearing the same s..t. The police were hiring and Caymanians could not pass the requirements, DOE drivers have to be work permit holders cause Caymanians can’t do the job, security guards, construction, beauticians, housekeeping work permit holders, Foster/Hurley/Kirk Cashiers work permit holders, and you know why…Caymanians think they are to good for the job. If you want to work there are jobs, maybe it isn’t what you want, but it pays the bills and puts food on the table!!! While you are working, you can better yourselves, but you just want it placed in your lap. Oh yes, Caymanians when you have interviews, ensure you are on time. So Alden save your crap for someone else.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Trump’s speech writer?

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Out of 25 Caribbean countries only 3 have greater unemployment than Cayman. International companies bring jobs, not take them. Remove the expats and ask how many construction jobs, service industry, finance, HR and others there will be? Not enough.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Untrue. Fake news. I just looked up 10 and only Trinidad was lower at 4.1%. Most are 25% and higher.

      • Anonymous says:

        After thinking about it I think the poster meant to say only 3 countries had lower unemployment than Cayman. I only found one, but I didn’t google every island.

      • Anonymous says:

        Trinidad low unemployment rate is due to the fact that over the years the government has been on a Training program for school leavers .They even had total free education to university level. There are a surplus of skilled labor, those that cant get job simply migrate to USA . The have programs once you are skilled they place you on a ‘on the job training’ with employers that get a tax break for hiring school leavers. Once trainees show they are willing to learn and do the job they get extended work and some lead to permanent employment. Across Trinidad there are trade schools to supply the the oil & gas employers.
        It is very very difficult to get a work permit in Trinidad, not even the in the Oil & Gas sector. Trinidad is so good at it they supply the oil & gas workers to other countries.

        Cayman needs to follow Trinidad’s example of training a work force with employers playing a part in it. Cayman needs to limit work permits and start training their own people.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yet this article contradicts your argument. Why is that?

  10. Anonymous says:

    Not every young Caymanian is set to achieve high academic status, nor may not possess a deep desire to do so.

    Government had an opportunity to build a world class trade school or technical college, but instead chose to build Clifton Hunter School, which ended up going way over budget.

    Both objectives could easily have been met with the total spend on just the CH school.

    Equip the trade school to train diesel and petrol mechanics, hydraulic specialists, plumbers, electricians…..the list of possibilities is endless.

    It is totally unreasonable to expect the private sector to be responsible for the training of these youngsters.

    Proper training and internationally recognised certifications, must be administered in a controlled environment with professionally trained educators. Standards have to be maintained and adhered to, so that when local companies hire a young qualified Caymanian, that company knows exactly what the applicant is capable of doing, and to an acceptable level of competence.

    Anything short of this is a half measure and will not be successful in the long term.

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  11. Anonymous says:

    The real question is; why would Caymanian employers rather pay work permit fees to hire unknown foreign workers instead of hiring their fellow unemployed Caymanians? Answer that honestly and you’re halfway to finding a solution.

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    • Anonymous says:

      And we all know the answer to that!

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      • Fred the Piemaker says:

        Unfortunately we don’t. All sides of the argument think they do – whilst ignoring the other sides.

        Cause that’s how we like to do it in Cayman – your beliefs, typically based on personal bias or the Marl Road – are the only truth, and the other arguments can be put in a box marked “lazy entitled Caymanian”, “arrogant and racist expat” or even “greedy turncoat Cayman merchant class” and safely ignored.

        The OP has a really good point – if someone focused on why the private sector, who should be interested in maximizing profit, choose to hire expats despite the work permit fees and the costs and hassle of dealing with immigration, we may have a fighting chance of fixing the issues. But I suspect that’s a naive assumption. Asking some Caymanians to accept that some of their countrymen are ill educated and lazy, some expats to accept that they are biased towards those with a similar culture and background, and some employers that the degree of control over their employees the permit system provides is worth the permit fee, is probably asking too much.

    • Anonymous says:

      largely cronyism and indentured nature of work permits…or do you have a more convenient expat promoting answer.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Too many bad employers who can treat WP staff as indentured servants on poor wages. A controversial thought is to allow free movement of WP staff (like Switzerland) – this will push employers to improve wages and conditions and make many of those jobs more attractive to locals. I don’t dispute that there are many lazy locals who have no desire to work, but at the same time there are many who do want to work for a proper wage in decent conditions.

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        • Rick says:

          If WP holders think they are Indentured servants on poor wages, then what are they still doing in Cayman?

      • Anonymous says:

        Cronyism is hiring friends and aquaintances so it doesn’t answer why a Caymanian business owner would hire unknown foreigners over his fellow Caymanians. If you can’t answer the question honestly you won’t fix it.

    • Anonymous says:

      Everyone knows the reason why. The laziness and entitlement runs rife.

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      • Anonymous says:

        No, the businesses here are generally run by expats who prefer to promote their own people. I see a lot of lazy and uneducated expats do well here so that’s not an excuse. Try to lead better.

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        • Anonymous says:

          That’s simply not true. I just built a house. Every single company I used was Caymanian owned and run. Very, very few of the workers were though.

    • Rick says:

      I would say all Expats leave cayman, and let Cayman run on Caymanians. Let see how long they will last.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    What’s new? The rich get richer the poor get poorer.

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  13. Anonymous says:

    Diversify or die.

    – Who

    *Cayman needs to reject modern western norms and bring back vocational skills and training.

    **I personally stuffed construction-worker weekly pay packets to the tune of $700 – $800…back in the ’90s.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Everyone is doing their part except the unemployed. Government has made it so you would be the logical choice over an expat. Employers would love to have an on island hire over an unknown off island hire but they need a person who can and will step up to the job. There is a very good reason your not working when expats are. They show up on time all the time and do what is asked of them. Just like all the over 90% of working Caymanians. That is the reason they are working, living, eating, and being responsible citizens. And your not. Your lack of a skill,work ethic, and bad attitude is the reason you can’t keep a job. Blame yourselves.

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    • RICK says:

      Cayman have become spoilt and don’t know what hard work is. Yet still they cuss expats

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      • Sabotage machinery says:

        Yes Ricki dear that’s what happens when you start to overwhelm and displace the local population.You unfortunately get resentment but fairness and balance are two things that never ever come to mind at all with scavengers.until it is too late and civil unrest in what ever shape or form begins and starts to ferment.which doesn’t bode well for anyone. Another thing whilst on here stirring up strife which I don’t mind because at least you are up front with your views unlike your fool fool coward supporters we appreciate it because it helps make us stronger because we know those just like you exist in our society.

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        • Rick says:

          Sabotage machinery. Do you prefer a Cayman without Expats?
          Are you willing to take up the Jobs that Caymanians dont want to do?
          Are you willing to attend work on time and leave on time?
          Are you willing to give a full days work without causing stress to a coustomer or other work staff?
          Are you willing to fo the extra mile?
          Are you willing to contribute to Cayman rather than sit around all day?

          Whos displacing the local population?
          How may baby mothers and baby fathers in Cayman?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Where is your research to back up such a statement?

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  15. Anonymous says:

    Guess what I have friends there and I see that this same crap is seen in the government service these ya days too.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    So Mr. Premier…. such a report should warrant some form of communication to the people using the various mediums…. but here’s my suggestion as I know you read these comments…. come on one morning (in the month of May 2018) on for the record radio show and talk to the people. So look at your schedule…. and pencil some time to talk with the people and for person to call in an talk to you………. don’t send your Counsellor…. or CO…. just you Mr. Premier!……………Tick tick…..you’ve been elected now for almost a full year and have yet to make an appearance on a live tv or radio show! Show us the electorate that you can be the leadership that you proclaim to be outside of your office and postings on social media!! We are watching and waiting…….. sincerely #fortheloveofcountry

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    • Anonymous says:

      Aldart is working on someone else’s agenda…he is well aware of the damage he is causing to the opportunities for Caymanians but it is obviously not important.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    Government should mandate apprenticeship programs for most companies – especially vocational trades, so that eligible school leavers have development and employment opportunities. Same should be implemented in white collar jobs, whatever they choose to call it.

    Without same, young Caymanians are doomed to languish in unemployment while Government “sells” more work permits to increase its revenues!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Correct, employers want someone who has the necessary skills, but more than that;, they want employees who will show up for work on time and do a decent day’s work.
      Attitude because you have a chip on your shoulder is the reason so many Caymanians remain unemployed.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Have you ever had an intern? It’s such hit or miss. Mostly miss. How about you legalize pot and use the revenue to actually make the schools better? Then after that, build a trade school to learn mechanics, customer services, computers, etc.

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      • Anonymous says:

        That’s funny! Legalize pot to increase academic performance. Hey, I got a good one: use pot and booze to increase parenting skills. Yeah, that’ll work.

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        • Anonymous says:

          So using the funds from legal pot sells to get better teachers, books, computers, etc will not help. Tell us what will then?

    • RICK says:

      This is done in Trinidad and now they have surplus of labour. It is very hard to get a work permit in Trinidad. The company has to prove that there are one on the island that can do the job.

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  18. Anonymous says:

    4.9% unemployed through their own choice. end of story.

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  19. "Anonymousir" says:

    These forecasts indicate that as our economy grows it will generate jobs .. (but there is no cap on hiring expats, there is no control. the people who are out of jobs are locals. NOT paper cayman locals. the born locals who have to prove that this is their home. the ones who dont live here, get the jobs. thanks to all who has help with this mess. Much Thanks. May God Bless You!)

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    • Anonymous says:

      Actually, I think I’m on the unemployment side as an expat. Can someone confirm that they include spouses? I resigned from my position and haven’t worked since.

      There are so many jobs out there, you just need to be a team player. That’s not usually the strong point in most applicants.

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  20. Anonymous says:

    Should be another category, “overemployed” I can think of 19 for a start.

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  21. Anonymous says:

    Its not about available jobs. Its available people who can work. Caymans schools are pumping out unemployable kids faster and faster. Leadership is trying to fix it but just don’t know how without fixing the culture first. If they are going to force businesses to take on useless workers just to get them paid then businesses will not be able to function without Government subsidies Just like Cayman Airways, Cayman turtle farm, Cayman Civil service, etc.. Its not going to get any better in our lifetime. Businesses on Cayman should plan accordingly.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Why are these kids useless as employees?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Because your local schools are crap and the majority of parents are worse. These kids have like 5 half siblings where the oldest takes care of the younger ones and then they go to school and they are supposed to try when they see their parents hanging out on the patio with friends not trying in their life?!

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    • No haters says:

      Oh please which plane did you come on. You are so full of it. It is simplly cheaper to hire an expat who has some life experience than to train our school leavers. The expats will work for less and keep their mouths shut and put up with the abuse of employers. I guess it is to too complicate to train Caymanians to be bell boys or girls to open doora for our tourist?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Lol. That doesn’t need training, that needs you to put in an application. Show me the caymanians who applied and then applied themselves to that job who got ousted by an expat and I’ll show you a unicorn.

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        • Anonymous says:

          They are all in London working…they put on in the application there because they couldn’t be bothered with the make believe permit renewal job. #truth

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        • Anonymous says:

          Look around the records of any major law firm.

          • Anonymous says:

            If you have this proof then get it and publish it. You don’t need to sit here and blame everyone for your problems and then tell us to go and search for the answers. Get off your ass and do it yourself.

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            • Anonymous says:

              The information is already widely known to regulators and others in authority to refuse or fail to enforce our laws.

            • Anonymous says:

              CNS…please do an FOI..ask scholarship sec. To give data or estimate amount overseas..or perhaps the Govt wishes to answer the MLA..from GT who asked this same question and then we can just check the Hansard..

  22. Anon says:

    I run a small business of 14 staff in total. After applying over the years for three work permits and denied on all Three occasions.

    I now don’t even consider work permit holders. Everyone emoloyed by me is either Caymanian although some may say paper Caymanian ( There is no such thing by the way) or legal reaidents ( Married to Caymanian or PR holders) so it is possible.!!!

    However the unemployment rate represents the unemployable rather than the unemployed

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  23. Anonymous says:

    Oh shit. Maybe it’s time to emulate Venezuela

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  24. Cash Flow says:

    Yes Ricky agent provocateur you and your propaganda soon come to come ya hear You know damn well what he meant Fijians got fed up. George Speight then unfortunately took the necessary actions to stop the erosion of indigenous Fijian rights no worries ricki & friends Caymanians don’t have those kind of B@!!$ but Pray we don,t have another Ivan like event where the imported rabble get control of our streets like the last time where some of you all found out exactly who ya shacking up wid and assisting with your propaganda on here. In Case you all forget our imported law enforce help jumped on a flight and departed for the comfort of home Eh buddie leaving us to mercy of scavengers. Our Grand Royal navy took their broken no use Dimwit governor on their whirly bird and sailed away too tired they said to help a few tarps and salt tablets was all we needed they said. That was of course after they went around and scoop up their pale foreign accent EU passport holders in their dragnet. Yes we actually had some fools waving their Red Passport believing that was the ticket to ride out of here. Yes Cayman like Alden said they are here for us so long as we keep paying them dollas ya here!

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    • Rick says:

      indigenous Fijian yes, there are no indigenous caymanians you are all immigrats

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      • Anonymous says:

        It smells in here.. the “indigenous” Fijians emigrated from western Melanesia and from the hundreds of surrounding islands.
        These “Lapita people” are a Polynesian mixture..just as Cayman is now a Caribbean/Central American mixture.
        With some driftwood thrown in for good measure.

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    • Rick says:

      Cash Flow, 150 years Indians was shipped mostly to the Caribbean and Fiji to supply labour on a 5-year contract, When the Indian contract ended the Indians wanted to return to their homeland. The countries then gave out lands and money to for the Indians to remain rather than go back to Indian because the labour was needed. These countries saw wealth from Indian Labour, Indians remained and came part of their new countries like Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, Belize, St Lucia, and some of the Dutch and French Caribbean Islands. The labour laws then were almost the same as Cayman laws as Indians could not work anywhere else until their contract expired, they were treated harshly and as second-class citizens. Today Indians in those countries are every part of it, some have become Prime ministers, doctors, Lawyers and hold the top jobs. Without these Immigrants those countries would have remained backward. Those that have complained about Immigrant labour were left behind. Present day Cayman is the same and the Inhabitants here are really from Jamaica which are the same People that they cuss and disapprove of everyday. Caymanians sit and complain about expat this and expat that. You all set up your own Immigration laws but don’t adhere to it. Immigrants coming in with fake documents, but who is letting them it? You all want better life’s but expect to make money from Expats via rents and permit fees ect.

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    • Jotnar says:

      Selective memory of Ivan. Seem to recall fair number of senior Caymanian RCIPS not turning up rather than wholesale departure of overseas officers.

  25. Anonymous says:

    Taking shots at the Hon Premier is not going to solve the problem. If you want to put pressure then make some thoughtful suggestions and followup.

    As for blaming the Progressives, the voters of this country decided to elect a mixed bag. So da what we get!

    Here is one suggestion for all and sundry:
    Make it a requirement for businesses with above a specified number of work permits for skilled jobs to have trainee positions filled with suitable Caymanians. Not discardable interns, real trainees where an industry recognised training and experience program is in place and there is a reciprocal commitment from the trainees.

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    • Anonymous says:

      That is a requirement and has been since 1972. Like everything else, there is no enforcement.

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    • How about the CIG set up a trade school rather than spending a fortune on a university and train Caymanians as plumbers, electricians, air conditioner technicians, etc. The private sector should not be expected on this tiny island to set up their own in house trade schools for every trade they need.

      Stop whining about Caymanians being unemployed and LEARN A TRADE.

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      • Rick says:

        Agree with this 100% , this is done in Trindad. There is never a shortage of trade labour not even Doctors. Cayman is being left behind as they are not training their own people. Too many Caymanains busy watching what expats are doing and not looking to forward themselves. The goverment needs mandate employers to train new school leavers for a fixed term, that is the only way forward.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Weston. The government has a world class apprenticeship programme at public works.

    • JStylez says:

      How fortunate for our dear leader and his ppm followers that those are just verbal shots!!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      There is little honourable about the premier. He sabotages anyone and anything who chooses to question anything he does for political convenience, and surrounds himself with yes men. The result is typical “group think” and we are all feeling the consequences. He is a politician, not a leader or statesman. Hon. is a title reserved for the latter categories.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Also reinstating ‘entry level’ jobs in the Civil Service. They were among the first to not get filed as people moved up during the hiring freeze a few years ago so there were fewer openings for school leavers, etc.

    • Anonymous says:

      You do realize that the PPM controls the coalition, Alden is the Premier most of the Cabinet are PPM members
      This is not a result the voters in 2017 this is a result of the continue mismanagement and disregard of the PPM
      They lost 3 sitting ministers that should show you the people are tired of their shit, they did not want another PPM government but Alden and Mckeeva decided to screw over the people of the Cayman Islands in order to preserve their own power

      You brainless PPM supporters don’t even stop to think, the same people who have been in charge for all these years are the same ones who then turn around and pretend like they are not responsible for the state of Cayman today
      The PPM and CDP are both responsible for the lackluster education, costly and delayed capital projects and infrastructure below par

      Every year the PPM and CDP stay in power more and more people see the truth
      keep blindly supporting them, it wont end well for you or your party

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  26. Rick says:

    I dont see what the problem is if you want work you will find. In every country their are people that refuse to work. Cayman is a just lil pebble

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  27. Anonymous says:

    Discount the drunks, the crackheads, the criminals and those with entitlement issues that stop them taking one of the hundreds of jobs that are available. Real unemployment rate among rational, moral and self-disciplined job seekers? Close to zero.

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    • Nah tru Bobo says:

      The problem is the foreign drunkards and drug addicts and criminals don’t have employment difficulties.They believe them and family and friends are some how entitled to come here and displace and disenfranchise Caymanians in their own island. not today Bobo!!!

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      • Anonymous says:

        That’s kind of funny. I never thought of it like that, but there are a lot drunkard expats here on permits. An as is usual with drunkards, their behavior is less than pleasant.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Ah, the old nativist mantra of the mediocre. A variation on the Trump’s statement that Mexicans are rapists. This is the sort of attitude that lets extremism, Trump and Brexit flourish.

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      • Rick says:

        So who let these foreign drunkards and drug addicts and criminals in?
        I thought Cayman has strict Immigration requirments and back ground checks been done. Look like Immigration dept needs firing

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    • Anonymous says:

      Even if that is the case does society want to be carrying those undesirables economically, or do we want to see programmes put in place to get them off the street and into gainful employment and positive social mobility? If so the first step is … recognising we have a problem and will not accept X% unemployment.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Other people can employ them. My businesses won’t be a charity thank you very much. Social mobility among these groups is a myth based on a few outliers. They are where they belong, will stay and deserve to be.

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    • Anonymous says:

      What fallacious garbage of a comment. There are many drunks, crackheads and criminals coming to this country as well. How do you suggest to discount them?

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  28. Anonymous says:

    For the record unemployment isn’t “I need work…but not that job”. How many are actually willing, not just able?

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  29. SSM345 says:

    “Global Britain” ya say?

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  30. Anonymous says:

    This is just another indicator as to the reason the Electorate voted for independents during the last Election but basically got back the same PPM crap because of the Members from NS and EE!!! The election was pointless in my opinion.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Wait, but, if we voted for independents, and the two you cite ran & were elected as independent, then isn’t the problem that we voted for independents? – Dang, now you’ve made it look like I support political parties.

  31. Anonymous says:

    Yawn. The myth continues.

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  32. Anonymous says:

    Wha ya say Alden…Now that’s Progressive!

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  33. GT Voter says:

    I thought Government was elected to represent and help Caymanians participate in the Cayman miracle? Time to get tough and deliver on those campaign promises. It’s too easy to get a work permit and PR in the Cayman Islands. Are they trying to create the next Fiji?

    Caymanians can only tolerate so much before things go boom!

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    • Rick says:

      What rubish are you speaking about?
      Fiji does not have a large Expat workforce.

      Most foreigners living in Fiji don’t move to the island nation for career opportunities, but rather to retire. While more and more expats are beginning to see the potential that lies in the Fijian economy and using the opportunity to invest and set up their own businesses, it remains difficult for most expats to acquire the necessary work permit to take up employment in Fiji.

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      • Fiji also does not have a large financial services sector which brings in expats. Think about this fact.

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      • Jotnar says:

        Think the reference is to the ethnic divisions in Fiji between Polynesian/Melansian indigenous Fijians and the Indian Fijian community, whose origins largely date back to migrant labour brought in a hundred years ago.

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        • Rick says:

          Jotnar, 150 years Indians was shipped mostly to the Caribbean and Fiji to supply labour on a 5-year contract, When the Indian contract ended the Indians wanted to return to their homeland. The countries then gave out lands and money to for the Indians to remain rather than go back to Indian because the labour was needed. These countries saw wealth from Indian Labour, Indians remained and came part of their new countries like Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, Belize, St Lucia, and some of the Dutch and French Caribbean Islands. The labour laws then were almost the same as Cayman laws as Indians could not work anywhere else until their contract expired, they were treated harshly and as second-class citizens. Today Indians in those countries are every part of it, some have become Prime ministers, doctors, Lawyers and hold the top jobs. Without these Immigrants those countries would have remained backward. Those that have complained about Immigrant labour were left behind. Present day Cayman is the same and the Inhabitants here are really from Jamaica which are the same People that they cuss and disapprove of everyday. Caymanians sit and complain about expat this and expat that. You all set up your own Immigration laws but don’t adhere to it. Immigrants coming in with fake documents, but who is letting them it? You all want better life’s but expect to make money from Expats via rents and permit fees ect.

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      • Rick says:

        To GT Voter and the thumbs down crew, please provide your some facts to back up your claims .

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      • Anonymous says:

        Rick, the Indian population in Fiji displaced the locals. You do not have to be white to be an expat.

        • Rick says:

          6:51 am, The Indian population in Fiji are all born and breed Fijians over 100 years ago, they came to Fiji via an invite same as the West Indians that went to the UK after the War. The Indians in Fiji are not johnny come latelys.

          Its the same the other Carribean Islands like Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Jamacia ect.

    • Anonymous says:

      This is true!! Dont mind rick he is jacan and know no better brainwashed by the colonizers

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  34. Anonymous says:

    This is insanity.

    At December 31 there were about 24,000 people here on government contracts or work permits, not including Permanent Residents. The article says there are only 17,819 non Caymanians in the labour force, and some of them are unemployed! We know there were 24,000 in employment on some type of work permit on 31 December! We know they have dependants! Miraculously in addition the ESO says there are some 5,000 Permanet Residents with the Right to Work (that is in addition to the work permit holders) and the ESO is not classifying them as non Caymanians. What about their dependents? Why are PR holders not classified as non Caymanians? They are not Caymanian! What about the expatriate spouses of Caymanians. They are not Caymanian. They are also not Permanent Residents!

    24,000 permit holders + 5,000 PR holders with the Right to Work + 10,000 Children + 22,000 Caymanians in the Labour Force is 61,000 by itself. Retirees, dependent spouses of work permit holders or PR holders without the right to work, dependent in-laws?

    We are supposed to trust these numbers why?

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    • West Bay Premier says:

      Anonymous 7:49 pm , you’re completely right those numbers are completely insanity . But it really sounds like the Government wants to have a great number of people unemployed just hanging around the Island just in case jobs pick up.
      In the main time man is got to do what man has do , robb rape and pillage . You can talk to Government about that .

      Anonymous 8:01 pm , I hope you’re a big supporter of this Government , and you keep your eyes open till next election .

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    • Anonymous says:

      Damn. We actually have no idea how many people live here.

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      • P&L says:

        No we don’t… especially since Alden made it okay for anyone who buys property to stay for SIX months at a time no questions asked. Literally you could fly in on Jan 1… leave June 30th for the afternoon… come back again and don’t have to leave till New Year’s Eve! No polic record. No blood test. Nada. Just enough money to buy a condo and something like $100/day gets you an eyes wide shut kindness of permanent resident. Yeah. We have NO idea and neither do they!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Lmao

    • Rick says:

      Becuase Cayman Lives off Expats while cussing them at the same time

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      • Anonymous says:

        its “because” you @$$wipe try to go back home and stop being a mere nuisance on here with your inflammatory rhetoric. It’s those just like you that make difficult for the rest of us to live and work here.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Seems like it also happens the other way around too….I have heard some from far afield say “The only thing wrong with Cayman is the Caymanians”

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    • Anonymous says:

      So what are expat spouses of Caymanians called?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Actually the statistics published said there were 25,870 on work permits then, so the disparity between immigration and the ESO is even worse.

  35. Anonymous says:

    Same old same old.

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  36. Anonymous says:

    I can not speak to other sectors but in the hospitality industry any qualified Caymanian should be able to get a job. We have run into the problem of certain individuals having a sense of entitlement however we find that they leave after a short period of time. We also have some amazing young Caymanians working for for us that that do a fantastic job, work hard and show up every day. It is really up to the individual.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Now if only you would pay them an amount that is recognised by financial institutions as being income, all would be much better.

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      • Anonymous says:

        This is true…and it would help if the commentor knew a bit of grammar. All good though, working for “us” lol this what we import.

      • Anonymous says:

        Do you know what people in the hospitality industry here can earn in tips? It’s insane. There are people who while renting on 7mile are able to amass enough $$ to travel the world on their rollover years so don’t tell me there’s no money to be made in hospitality!

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        • Anonymous says:

          And do you know that local banks do not count tips as income so a hotel worker cannot get a mortgage, let alone a car loan. Great fun for expats passing through, nightmare for locals trying to build a life.

      • Anonymous says:

        If you are any good at being a waiter or bartender, you can make a ton of money. If you are rude and dismissive, not so much.

  37. Anonymous says:

    Another day under the PPM’s “leadership”

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  38. Anonymous says:

    Hey, Minister responsible for Immigration – explain that! Your incompetence is killing your people.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Your premier doesn’t understand that record work permit fees are not necessarily good for the people.

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      • Anonymous says:

        What work permit fees? As he makes all the senior people paying the highest fees Caymanian, his sacred work permit fees are about to go “poof!”

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    • Anonymous says:

      Or better yet… share this great news on your facebook & twitter Minister of Labor & Immigration! Like many have said….the economy is growing but many Caymanians being left behind! #thisaintprogress #caymanianfirst

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