WORC plan to be revealed at forum

| 14/06/2019 | 28 Comments
Cayman News Service, Cayman National Human Resources Department
WORC Director Sharon Roulstone

(CNS): The new Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman strategy will be explained by WORC Director Sharon Roulstone at an economic forum next week being hosted by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce. The event will open with an address from Finance Minister Roy McTaggart on the ‘State of the Economy’ in Cayman followed by a Q&A session. But with the government’s plans for its new approach to the labour market still very much under wraps, the attention is likely to be focused on Roulstone.

The enforcement section of the old immigration department was merged with customs to create a new Customs and Border Control Agency, which has been functioning as a new unit since the beginning of the year. However, the necessary legislation to create the new WORC, which was formed with the merger of the former National Workforce Development Agency and the work permit function of immigration, is yet to be completed.

Following Roulstone’s speech on the WORC plan, Education Council Chairman Dan Scott and UCCI President Dr Stacy McAfee will join her in a panel discussion to explore the implications of this strategy for Cayman’s current and future workforce.

The controversial issue of the Cayman Islands’ growing population will be addressed by JC Calhoun, from the real estate franchise Coldwell Banker, who, organisers said, will paint a picture of what the Cayman economy would look like with a population of 100,000. Joining him on the panel will be Justin Howe, Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development and Operations for Decco, Dart Development; Paul Byles, Economist and Managing Director of FTS; and Richard Hew, President and CEO of Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd. 

Included in the line-up of speakers is Tourism Director Rosa Harris, who will provide an update on the state of Cayman’s tourism industry. Her address will also be followed by a Q&A session.

“With this speaker line up, we really hope to be able to discuss key issues and help our members plot out a sustainable course for their business future,” said Chamber President Chris Kirkconnell. “We are extremely pleased with the calibre of speakers and panellists that have come on board… They are sure to provide detail insights on Cayman’s future for our attendees.”  

The forum will run from 12:30 – 6:30pm on Wednesday, 19 June, at the Kimpton Hotel.

Tags: , ,

Category: Jobs, Local News, Politics

Comments (28)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Anonymous says:

    Employing more people to do nothing. Many reports have been made about companies breaking the immigration laws and absolutely nothing is done.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I propose we promote all people out of work to assistant TO THE Worc director.

    They then can all come up with ideas detached from reality, but at least they will have jobs.

  3. Bertie : B says:

    what happens when Dart dies , and his family that obviously will be in his will / do not want anything to do with Cayman ?

  4. gee says:

    Can you all please check out these people properly that we’re letting in here for god sake! its a mess and getting worst that’s what’s happening to this place. please god help us.

    17
    2
  5. Anonymous says:

    It will all end in tears, Sharon. You cannot employ the unemployable and succeed as a country.

    20
    4
    • Anonymous says:

      the cry of an abuser…got some gym buddies or countrymen you need to hire or promote?? Go home

      6
      7
      • Anonymous says:

        @9:28, idiot comment, bobo. I’m from here but I’m a realist. Have you ever tried to run a small business using local reception staff and laborers as I have done? Should be easy to get our own people, right? Well let me tell you it is one of the most discouraging disgusting things to try to do when you see the guys not show up for work on time or regularly and the girls unable to even properly type a letter or take a phone message. Give me a break about your gym buddies crap.

        14
        1
  6. Anonymous says:

    Can we have this meeting televised live as the 1 liners we get as News will not be sufficient for the public to get a full understanding of what is being recommended to become a new Law. Can we also have someone to speak for the average man who understands what is happening to the majority of us, who are now a minority, on this run away train that are being piloted by greed and more greed for the almighty dollars. Waiting to hear the glowing examples of prosperity for all with a population of over 100,000 residents. Just consider what is happening now with 65,000 residents, what a mess.
    Remember this, within the next 10 years the majority of Caymanians (including New Caymanians) will be depending on Social Services to stay alive and housing. What say ye?

    38
    9
    • Anonymous says:

      There are already more than 75,000 residents. The 65,000 number they keep feeding us is a gross understatement.

      21
      4
      • Anonymous says:

        Evidence for this?

        7
        2
        • Anonymous says:

          27,000 have work permits.
          6,000 permanent residents.
          10,000 spouses and children of work permit holders, PR holders, and Caymanians.
          32,000 Caymanians.

          Add a sprinkling of overstayers.

          North of 75,000.

          10
      • Anonymous says:

        Agreed, this is an outdated census number. But what 10:22am said is very well put. Everyone should have access to listen to this (I don’t want to call it a charade but look at the speakers…) what I am sure will be a very informative conference.
        “Can we also have someone to speak for the average man who understands what is happening to the majority of us, who are now a minority” Yes please!
        This is so important. We should all know what is going on instead of the usual Cayman Head in the Sand that we do. And we DO!

  7. Worcer says:

    Will all the Deputy Directors be there, or will they be represented by their Deputies”.

    17
    2
  8. Anonymous says:

    Population of 100,000? Impossible unless they drain all the mangrove swamps and build some 50 storey apartments. This island is packed as it is.

    34
    10
    • Anonymous says:

      The only people ‘thumbs downing’ this comment are ones chasing the dollars and have no concept of what is actually happening on their island.

      26
      4
  9. Anonymous says:

    Here is the plan…whatever Dart wants.

    40
    6
  10. Anonymous says:

    The priority of WORC seems to make things easier for businesses to continue circumventing the regulations….thanks Aldart!

    32
    8
    • Anonymous says:

      The businesses you speak of are not circumventing the regulations. Many of them are outright breaking them (and the law) and continue to be allowed to with impunity.

      Meanwhile the boards themselves ignore whole sections of legislation in granting people status.

      27
      4

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.