Some Caymanians are now desperate

| 07/06/2020 | 166 Comments

There are many of us Caymanians that don’t work in tourism but are without jobs. Why is it that only people in tourism gets the help? I have lost my job and the company I used to work for has gone out of business. I have nothing, I guess they want me to get in line at NAU… I have never felt this low in my life. I have never had to beg anyone for anything, not even my family.

This comment was posted in response to: Only 1/4 of tourism jobless register with ministry


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Category: Jobs, Local News, Viewpoint

Comments (166)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Sounds like Alden is saying today that people should depend on pension payout..Has he stopped to think that many of these pension companies have lost our money and a lot of unscrupulous employers who have never paid into it.

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    • Anonymous says:

      He’ll be long gone from politics (and hopefully the island) by the time we need our pension and it isn’t there.

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  2. Anonymous says:

    Go straight to Alden’s house!

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  3. Anonymous says:

    This person needs to register with JobsCayman. The Employment Services Officer will help you find a job. People should try rather than sit down and wait for a job to fall in their lap. Even if the job is below what you used to do at least it is a job.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Spoken by someone who has no clue what is going on with people who are jobless. Please keep your ignorant suggestions to your self.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    The man told you all to eat bully beef, so shut the hell up and do what the man told you.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    When you think that the Prime Minister pf the UK and most heads of States around the world get paid LESS than these guys, it is laughable. They should be squirming in their seats. The raw nerve of it!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Bullshit!

      Have you considered the perks of that group?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Have you considered the responsibilities and the press scrutiny? If the UK PM decided to spend tax payers money on a freebie to Monaco so he could ride a bike and Rub shoulders with royalty there would be hell to pay, and look at the furore over Dominic Cummings- not even an elected official – and his lock down trip versus the announcement about the MoHs wife not being prosecuted.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    What we need is a Nation Building Fund.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    For the life of me I cannot understand why the current politicians will not muster up the effort to ‘pay forward.’ COLLECTIVELY, set up a ‘pay out fund’ for all of the people who are in so much need for help that are not being helped by NAU, charities etc.

    I know that giving up say a quarter of your monthly salary for three months will not break any of you. As far as I am aware, POLITICIANS are paid by the public purse. Therefore, you should find it in your hearts to PAY FORWARD to the very same people that are ensuring that you can go to the bank to collect your salary every month.

    DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PAY FORWARD. Rest assured you would create the single best initiative that any government in the Cayman Islands have ever made to its people. Think about making History not building that big bank account that let me remind you, you can not carry with you in your next life.

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    • Anonymous says:

      They will never willingly do such a thing. It is against their culture. Take all you can and give nothing back is the secret creed. All the money they control is for use of the tribe and only the tribe. Everyone else is prey. Get used to it. Soon they will have their own army Then things get easier for them and harder for us. If you want to see the truth stop listening to their words and only see the actions.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Cayman needs an organisation that allows affluent people who are willing to help to directly help a person or persons in need, without government or organisational bureaucracy and administration fees. Those who can help should be invited to the homes of those that need help so that they can see and hear for themselves the need. There’s still a need for the other organisations, but neighbour helping neighbour can help alleviate some of the acute issues people are facing.
    Government should also allow employers to hire Caymanians on a short-term basis (up to six months) for the rest of the year without the labour laws concerning termination, vacation pay and sick pay. Maybe then more employers would hire those who aren’t specifically qualified for jobs as a way to get us through this rough patch before tourism reopens. This is a business-helping-neighbour solution that can also eliminate government and organisational bureaucracy and administration fees.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Presto! The new classifieds section! Submit your teasers for business plans and equity capital pitches!

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Caymanians should never have to beg from Government like this..We can get food from the many charities that are giving it out but are we to do that for the rest of our lives. Can these charities keep up? I need money to pay my bills. CUC and the bank will only hold out a little while longer, then what do we do then? I didn’t work In tourism so I am not favored like those that did. Why is that? Why I am being discriminated against by the government?

    Government spent $9M+ in their efforts to get us to approve a port that they didn’t want..Why can’t they set aside some money for it’s people in the form of a monthly grant each month for those of us that can prove that we are out of work. These government agencies like NAU and WORC are nothing but bureaucratic organizations set up to force people to be dependent on them and for the politicians to come back at election time and throw it in your face that they did something for you. Believe me I have tried with both of these places and all you do is get a run around or get frustrated by all the stupid things they require. After going through all of the crap at NAU, well over a month ago..absolutely nothing!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      The WORC supposively have company’s listing job openings, restaurants, food deliveries, security, cashiers, etc. Yet Immigration is still giving Temporary Work Permits for jobs that are being filed. Can anyone explain this? Jobs that don’t need that much experience. How can you leave one job – work permit holder, than get another one – work permit? Someone isn’t doing their job

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      • Anonymous says:

        Duh! Alden is responsible and has been driving lax immigration enforcement for years. You just noticing now?

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        • Anonymous says:

          I remember “..duh I like giving out management level permits as it creates entry level jobs…” thanks for temporary ditch digging jobs Aldart!

      • Anonymous says:

        So why won’t Caymanians do these jobs???

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        • Anonymous says:

          Several reasons including they do not know about them, the employers are not receptive to them, and the adverts do not accurately reflect the available remuneration.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Most of these jobs require showing up and working most to the day. Also customer service is required. These are jobs for lowly expats. If you use your eyes and not your ears you would know that.

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  10. Sini says:

    This is exactly why the line its lives against economic distress was never the case. the extended lock down after it was clear that the population already has some immunity and non one is in hospitals was wrong. Running economy down has real human cost. This cost should have been carefully balanced with virus control measures. We should immediately switch to protecting the actually vulnerable (elderly and those with existing medical conditions). Rest of the economy should open up fully immediately.Yes, healthy adults can get sick and even die but this is so rare that compared against people loosing everything its just one risk that most persons will be able to assess themselves.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Did I write that? My sentiments exactly. The elderly and vulnerable will need to take extra precautions for a while, but 98.5% of the population can get back to work. Let’s get the economy going ASAP before everyone is destitute… unless that’s what the Govt is looking to do to everyone?!

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  11. Caymanian lives matter says:

    Caymanians are desperate because no matter what happens here some just won’t leave and will only leave when the highest point of these islands is 12 feet under the Caribbean Sea and even then they will still cling to the building roof tops. Thank you HE Roper for your valiant efforts to preserve our little islands.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    Interesting expert perspective in todays’s NYT…

    “When 511 Epidemiologists Expect to Fly, Hug and Do 18 Other Everyday Activities Again”…

    https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/08/upshot/when-epidemiologists-will-do-everyday-things-coronavirus.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

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  13. Anonymous says:

    Who cares about Caymanian! This is all about making Alden look good – despite the abundance of facts to the contrary. We’re number one, we’re number one.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Absolutely no Caymanian who wants to work should be out of a job while so many work permits are issued. We already know that employers just love to write job requirements that are not relative to the job, but suit who they have employed. These same employers then often send the expat for further job training!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Look forward to seeing all those Caymanians taking up jobs in the tourism sector when the sector opens up later in the year. No reason why we should have so many Canadian waiters, waitresses and bartenders if there is a ready supply of Caymanians ready to do those jobs. Let’s see what happens.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Ummm, except the hiring managers want to employ their own buddies, and the enforcement agencies of the Cayman Islands government do not care…

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      • Anonymous says:

        The reason is that they are generally nicer and faster.

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        • Anonymous says:

          To people that look and act like them. That’s what all the protesting is about you notice on the news..

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          • Anonymous says:

            I had an American manager here tell me I must say yall instead of unna here, in these islands. I promptly quit.

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            • Anonymous says:

              But not before you took all 10 sick days and then filed a complaint with the Labour Board, right?

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      • Anonymous says:

        The reality is that there is no magic lever to resuming Int’l travel demand (if/when a workable solution is developed to accommodate that). It’s going to take a year or two to scale back up to what it was. If the businesses suffering aren’t looking to local customers, and local service staff, they are really courting their own disaster.

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      • Anonymous says:

        LOL – like that would really happen. No, if you don’t find top-paying jobs at which Caymanians can work regular 9 t0 5, M to F working hours, you’re going to hear a lot of moaning.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It isn’t just about tourism silly. There are many very qualified and experienced Caymanian professionals who rightful space is occupied by a permit holder

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      • Anonymous says:

        Didn’t work before. No reason why Caymanians should be terrible at showing up for work and customer service. Lets see if they can make it work this time.

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      • Anonymous says:

        But what happens to all those Caymanians renting property to all those “many Canadian waiters, waitresses and bartenders”?

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        • Anonymous says:

          There are 2 Caymanians that I know do that. Each has more than 50 apartments, and was granted status in recent years.

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      • Anonymous says:

        8:06am Caymanians filled those positions years ago. There is no reason to recruit from overseas. We must stand up at take this island back. Do what is being done in other countries and around the world. Make a statement that, stand up and fight for our rights.

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      • Anonymous says:

        8:06 where is ready supply of Caymanians!

    • Anon says:

      well I’m a Caymanian employer and all my staff have come back to work ( we are now exempt) the only persons that haven’t come back to work are the 2 Caymanian ones citing that they are either uncomfortable or they cant get helpers for their children. Everyone else( PR holders /One work permit holder) are juggling these responsibilities.
      Caymanian’s you now have your wish a lot of expats have left. Plenty of jobs all you have to do is turn up !!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Well, not having childcare is a pretty damn good excuse. You should take that up with Alden as he is the one with no plan. How can women go back to work when we have been forced to now work from home, home school, clean the house and so on. There isn’t enough time to care for our children properly with a demanding job. Give us a break!

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        • Anonymous says:

          There are a ton of good excuses. Which is the main reason no one(even Caymanian business owners) hire expats over Caymanians. Because expats show up and work all day and don’t ever depend on excuses.

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          • Anonymous says:

            And sit quietly by while their employer steals their pension monies, refuses to pay overtime, and calls Caymanians names.

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            • Anonymous says:

              Expats w.p holders will grin and bare it – that’s why employers love that w.p. Instead of a Caymanian. They can treat the wp holder as they please. Fact.l

        • Anonymous says:

          Hello? What is your man doing?

    • Anonymous says:

      All of those work permit holders should’ve left long ago. No work permit should be issued to any of those people. Until we have MLA’s who are focused on the Caymanian people and have their interest at heart, you will never see change. The only thing they are willing to do is amend laws or make laws in favour of non Caymanians. Flip the cards in 2021 and turn the table over.

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    • Shaleen Ebanks says:

      Government been saying tourism workers will get stipend however they only just opened registration for tourism workers May 21st and the dead line was May 31st but due to the low number of Caymanians who apply date was extended to june 7th and still no date for actual payout ! I work in tourism years now and Government knows that there is no more than 2000 if so many caymanians in the industry because once a caymanian is fired wrongfully or rightfully the company as per immigration laws can then go ahead and employ an expat hassle free hence why not much caymanians left working in the industry.
      In times like these all unemployed Caymanians in need should automactically qualify for monetary assistance from the government like our sister island Bermuda.
      At all times we the people of this country are given the “what left”
      See restaurants and bars and retail can now open yet caymanians are not given first prefrence to work it mostly permit holders that has gone back to work because most business cut staff from the start of Covid and majority of staff terminated/layed off indefinately are caymanians. Secondly most of the caymanian dominating industry still remain close.
      The way the Goverment is treating us is unacceptable we have always face discrimination just for being a “Caymanian” and labeled as lazy and the worst in our own country by expats and private sector employers an even the Government in some instances for example Minister Of health when asked if programs would be put in place to train and help caymanians to dominate health industry by a reporter and he spoke about the high priced expensive nurse course available at the college among other irrelevant points then he went on to say we have to ask the children what they would like cause it could be that they are interested in Technolgy which in my opinion is a nicer way of saying we only want “desk jobs cause we are lazy” at least thats the picture they have always painted of caymanians in our local work environments especially the private sector.
      Government need do better ! And i hope all of us young an old caymanians vote for people who genuiely care about us, our well being and our country next election!

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      • Anonymous says:

        5:53pm Vote for educated young Caymanians. The Minister should visit the HSA and find out how many locals are employed there. He has no idea what’s happening around him and less the the number of one nationality that is controlling the HSA. They dominate the training at that institution and pressure the locals. Time for some changes but don’t expect any, if the Minister has to confuse this brain any worse than it is now. I came, I saw, I conquered.

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      • Anonymous says:

        you had me up until you said “Government need do better !”

    • Anonymous says:

      In thirty plus years I have been involved in the hiring of people here I am sad to say that despite every effort to employ a Caymanian, in the overwhelming majority of cases their work ethics and productivity has been nowhere near as good as Expats!
      I have had Caymanians steal from the company, wreck company vehicles, take time off without proper cause, turn up late constantly and be useless at their jobs. The Caymanians who shout loudest about the number of work permits issued fail to realize that it is a lot less trouble to employ a Caymanian if they are prepared to work for their money. Too often I have experienced this entitlement attitude that has been perpetuated by Caymanians who think they should get a good wage just for being Caymanian. I have had some great Caymanians work for me and have seen many of them either start their own business or get high positions in large companies, but the majority have been the lazy ones who think life owes then not just a job or living but good money for doing nothing. And in the majority of these cases they end up living off the girlfriend / wife!

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      • Anonymous says:

        So someone is finally saying some truth. Just like any other country in the world you have good and bad. But you slipped your tongue when you described the good Caymanians who moved on. They were able to open their own business. Which is probably why they stayed to increase their knowledge. Than they moved on when they got some “bs” excuse of why you didn’t give said person an increase in salary. So they who would have stayed and increase your profit opened their own business and lowered your profit. Which is probably the reason most businesses need a work permit to pay such low salaries. Plus unless work permit holder cuts a deal to open a business with another greedy person or marriage with a Cayman Passport.

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      • Anonymous says:

        I have had some expats do that too. The difference was I could fire them.

      • Anonymous says:

        In every country theie is the minority of people who chose to steal, not work etc. However fact is majority of Caymanians are willing to work to earn they honest bread but majority of caymanain employers like you self rather hiring the permit holders over us because they work cheaper, they are not respected an appreciated as a loyal honest worker most importantly majority of them or over worked and under paid but are afraid to speak up because of fear of losing their work permit. Fact is madam/sir Caymanain employer majority of Cayman Islands employees wethee caymanian or expat are working in toxic environments. What makes caymanian’ s different is the fact that we speak up cause we cannot be bought or held ransom for a work permit! If only some of these permot holders had back bones and speak up about the injustice both expats and caymanians face daily from employers

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      • Shaleen says:

        Madam/sir Caymanian employer good and bad is every where majority caymanian work and work hard until they dont have to tolerant the toxic under paid work environment we are forced to work in. Truth be told permit holders are also ill treated, over worked & under paid just like us difference we speak up we have options they dont because they are held hostage by a work permit.
        Truth is work permit holders hate the toxic under paid over worked environment they have to work in however any opportunity here versus opportunity in their country is way better cause the CI dollar is strong every where in the world sad part is they feel they have to accept it to keep their permit or as i see it they have no backbone!
        I say the Government need do better yes because minimum wages is extermly low hence why some caymanians and even some permit holders steal but i am sure as a Caymanian employer your not keen on seeing the minimum wages go up to match the high cost of living on island and to enable a better way of life for all and give caymanian access to the opportunities we should be getting ro enhance our life individually

  15. Anonymous says:

    As long as Alden is getting his full salary, you have nothing to worry about.

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  16. Anon says:

    My relief at escaping the Caymanian madhouse in April is certainly tempered by concern about the friends and family I left behind. I think about you and pray for you every day.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Lucky you. Trying to escape as well.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Please go and put all that land on the market that you bought up from sell-out Caymanians to landbank so actual natives can get back a piece of their birthright

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        • Anon says:

          I never bought one inch of Cayman property, but I have spent thousands of dollars and days of labor helping my native Caymanian family members maintain and profit from their family land. I like them, and wish then (and you) the best, but madness is madness.

          I assure you that I am perfectly happy in the USA and I would be happy never to set foot out of it again.

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          • Anonymous says:

            You’re happy in the US? Lol OK. LOL

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          • Anonymous says:

            The US “used” to be a coveted passport, not anymore that’s for sure, would never want to live there EVER again. E V E R.

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            • Anonymous says:

              What’s wrong with the U.S.? Where I live there is little crime. I can get to the beach, mountains, and city all within 35 minutes drive. We have 4 seasons although I’m not too crazy about winter. We have museums, arts, theater, sports, parks,etc. Lots of history! It’s really not a bad place. Please come visit!

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        • Anonymous says:

          Funny you say that. I sold back to a Caymanian already.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Better to wait until Caymanians have their way and bankrupt the island. then it will be a better place for expats again.

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        • Anonymous says:

          First of all, land was never a “birthright”. If your “actual native” ancestors had land you can bet they worked their asses off for it. If they sold it, that was their free choice. Hopefully they took that money and invested it wisely here in Cayman. If they pissed it away or spent it on spoiling their “actual native” kids then that too was a free choice. If you are in the latter group, you might want to blame your ancestors.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Life is unfair but that doesn’t mean the good have to accept the consequences of corrupted leaders / elders.

      • Anonymous says:

        LOL, it’s not that hard if you really want to leave…such drama!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Good! Stay gone, you and your “friends” are not wanted. I can assure you of that, wish more would pack up and depart.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    The government needs to think seriously about all of the people that are unemployed and how to help them. Apparently we had 4000 people employed in the tourism industry and that is why we needed the port. Now we can’t even muster up 1000 people in tourism.

    Let’s put aside all this bull crap and inaccurate politically made up numbers and help the people that need it. Instead of the government having people line up at the NAU begging the government, they should send out a $1000 check to everyone that is Caymanian and can prove they are. Of course there should be some checks and balances in place and whilst I know some people will take advantage of this even if they don’t need it, it would still be putting food on people’s tables and money back into the economy..There are a lot of people that will starve before begging but if a check or direct deposit comes to their account once a month they would really appreciate it.

    I mean nothing bad towards the expats that are stuck here and we should take care of them but it is not fair to us that are Caymaninan that are in the same position without work and can’t afford rent and light bills to be left behind..

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    • Reb says:

      The other day I added up the numbers from a compass story about all the people that the charities are feeding and it came up too almost 14000 people

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      • Anonymous says:

        Milking it for all they are worth.

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      • Anonymous says:

        In about 8 months, when most construction grinds to a screeching halt, it will get much much worse. The only option is for government to take the advice of the private sector who have some solutions (that do not include blowing our borders open) but so far government’s engagement ain’t lookin so good.

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        • Anonymous says:

          That’s when they need to send people home

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        • Anonymous says:

          Yes ,everyone is crying Gov do,Gov do ,you all don’t think the money will finished ,no revenue from tourism anytime soon, it have to come from somewhere,,if you can fill a post caymanians please do you. God help us.

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      • Anonymous says:

        7.50am I bet 10,000 of them from one country and it ain’t Cayman.

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      • Anonymous says:

        They are mostly Expats and status holders.

  18. Anonymous says:

    There are so many of us Caymanians unemployed and the government doesn’t same to care. There are a lot of us that don’t work in Tourism and nobody seems to care about us.. I too don’t want to go to NAU. For all these years, I have worked hard for the same company for almost 20 years at age 51, I am let go. I have nothing, I am going to lose my home, I feel like if I died tomorrow it would be a blessing.

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    • Anonymous says:

      You may not have been informed of your rights, and I appreciate this is only part of the answer but if the Department of Labour and Pensions (for which the Premier is responsible) is functioning propery and enforcing the law, you should have received almost 20 weeks’ pay, plus notice, plus earned but untaken vacation pay as at the date of your termination.

      If the Department of Labour and Pensions has been doing its job (for which the Premier is responsible) you should have a sizable pension that your are allowed to access.

      If the Department of WORC (for which the Premier is responsible) is doing its job, you should have an opportunity to undertake any of the many hundreds of jobs being undertaken by foreign nationals for which you may be qualified. The same applies in the civil service.

      Finally, the NAU is theoretically available to help but it has extremely limited resources available taking care of already extensive (and substantially imported) poverty in Cayman.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Aldart only cares about his paydays.

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      • Anonymous says:

        You only get the redundancy pay if the employer hasn’t gone out of business.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Not true. The shareholders/directors still owe it.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Sigh. You don’t understand limited liability do you? A company is a legal entity separate from its shareholders or directors. If it goes bust there is nothing in law to make the shareholders directors fund the shortfall. Its not as if you are dealing with an unlimited liability partnership or an unincorporated entity. Do you think McKeeva Bush paid any money to the creditors of First Cayman Bank? Or the shareholders of Caledonian Bank reimbursed their depositors? Or Michael Ryan paid back the government the money owed by the Ritz?

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            • Anonymous says:

              You don’t understand what happens to creditors after liquidators get their hands on assets, do you. The Caledonian Bank situation, in particular, was a travesty. And you do realise that depositor at First Cayman Bank got more than 85% of their assets back AFTER the liquidation expenses.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Do you understand limited liability?

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            • Anonymous says:

              Yes, and I understand the labour law, and insolvency principles (including what happens when you keep trading when insolvency is imminent). I suggest you do a little checking.

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              • Anonymous says:

                Almost all companies (especially in low tax countries) will keep their net assets at a minimum.

  19. Anonymous says:

    I am a Caymanian in the same boat..Mentally, I am totally drained, I have lost my job, I have no income and although the bank has delayed my mortgage it is just giving them time to take it from me. I have two children 6 and 8 and each night I go to bed and cry for them, hoping that I can get food from one of the charities the next day. I was not raised to depend on the government for anything. I don’t want to be a NAU client. I have worked hard all my life. I want to work again. If it wasn’t for my children, I just don’t know how I would hold on..

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    • Anonymous says:

      What is your # phone number I need to help you

      CNS: It’s up to people whether they want to post their phone number on our site or not but an alternative is if you both email me, I can exchange your contact details: info@caymannewsservice.com

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    • Anonymous says:

      My heart goes out to you. For the sake of your children I hope that you consider going to NAU, as uncomfortable as that may be

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    • Chris Johnson says:

      How very sad to hear. I cannot believe the thumbs down.

      Unfortunately there are many families in the same positions on. The CIG has to look after you and those is a similar predicament. Those businesses that will be left will do their best as will the charities. However they can only do so much.

      Tourism will eventually pick up the slack but that may be too late for many. Meanwhile contruction is being revived but not to its fullest extent. The financial community is fighting to keep going against the new draconian laws and the EU. Obviously alternative industries are needed as indeed they are needed throughout the Caribbean.

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      • Anonymous says:

        I give you thumbs down precisely because you say you can’t believe that her post would receive thumbs down from some elitist idiots who like to spout conservative doctrines of self-reliance. You know the type well because you worked amongst them – and against them – for decades. A better response is 7:05’s. If you find her story truly sad, you are in a better position to help than most. Not many of us own private homes on Seven Mile Beach. She’s not asking her for charity. so give her a job, Chris, and help her survive while keeping her dignity. Cayman has been very good to you and you’ve done some good for Cayman. But now it’s time for you and other rich folks to step up and help some more. If you don’t trust the government or charities, then help individuals like this lady.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Mr Johnson has supported these islands since he came here in 1968 and unlike you always puts his name to his articles. Moreover I know the charitable contributions he has made and continues to make. This is in addition to all the time he spent on promoting sporting clubs. It was unfair of you to criticize him because he lives on the beach. He has been in the same location since 1976 and clearly had a bit of foresight.
          I have no doubt he is focusing some of his efforts helping others in this crisis.

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        • Anonymous says:

          How do you know what he is or is not doing already?

          What an odd and rather nasty response (“not many of us own private homes…”) to someone showing empathy and making sense.

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          • Anonymous says:

            How do you know what he has or hasn’t done already?
            I’ll concede your second point, but the lady isn’t in need of an economic forecast pep talk.

      • Debbie does Dullards says:

        Dear Mr. Johnson
        I bet your cut down grape trees are doing much better now then most Caymanians because of Covid madness.
        Cayman built up itself as a five star place. Why was there not some type of job loss insurance if jobs would have been lost like in this current emergency?
        There was a great comment in here earlier stating that a pay forward account could be established. To have let go all of these workers that made up the prosperous Pre Covid Cayman is a shocking revelation and will have a disastrous affect on the entire Cayman economy.
        The best is wished for the Cayman Islands as the recovery transitions out of the lock down.

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  20. Anonymous says:

    I truly sympathize, but we have a premier who isn’t willing to sacrifice a penny to feel our reality. Likely because he shamelessly thinks he’s the global leader of the year. A Governor who puts at risk by allowing foreigners on flights to Cayman from the worst hit region. The Health Minister is not even worth mentioning. A doctor who didn’t want to be a doctor. In truth they have bought their own bs for so long they couldn’t care less about us!

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  21. Anonymous says:

    Don’t you understand? No economic circumstances to be considered!

    But…. you should at least feel good that at least… Alden and the gang, didn’t have to consider taking a pay cut. This is because THEY have bills to pay, and THEY worked really really really hard, unlike everyone else that were forced to stay home with no income.

    ….and to top it off! The press had to audacity to ask them uncomfortable questions!

    Thank God for selfless leaders like this, whom are always prepared to put their political interest above all else!

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  22. Anonymous says:

    As a tourist, I just read an article in the Caymanian Compass titled “ High speed testing…”. I had nowhere to post, so I am coming over here to make a few comments. Testing in Miami could really jam a traveler up. First, connections are usually tight, so waiting for testing could make us miss our connecting flight. Secondly, that would only allow us to travel thru Miami (or certain hubs) and some of us have pending vouchers from previous trips that were recently cancelled and if those hubs are not “the ones”, we lose out again. Third, by chance we test positive, we will then be stuck at that given hub for 14 days in quarantine instead of our possible one week holiday. If testing is mandatory for a visit to Cayman, it should be before our first flight and not the connection.
    Thanks for letting me share my comments.

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    • Anonymous says:

      These are important issuesand I hope the press will ask the CIG about this tourism “plan” as there are many unanswered questions, like these. It’s obvious The Minister of Tourism’s plan hasn’t even considered such questions. The ordeal of international travel will be bad enough. But what if you make it to Miami and test positive? Many test results have proved to be inaccurate in the last 3 months, according to news reports. Somecontinue to test positive long after they have recovered but are not contagious So what then? Do you turn around and go home? Are you detained in quarantine in Miami? This has clearly not been thought out and CIG is just throwing out teasers to keep people quiet.

      The way the world is going with so many mass protests, in direct contradiction of COVID-19 social distancing precautions, its likely many many more will test positive in e coming months. We are going to have to learn to live with this virus and manage it. Or be locked away forever.

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    • Anonymous says:

      It always the lay people who have common sense, but experts and “leaders” seem to be unable to think outside the box and see farther than their noses.
      7:53 comment is an example of that.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Even if a reliable high speed test existed (and it doesn’t) it’s a bit late to test passengers that have already bought tickets, connected with their family domestically, who are staring at you in your departure gate area, and whose baggage is already loaded on the aircraft. If mom or dad is an asymptomatic positive, do they leave the rest of the family to board the plane? What about their rental car and hotel/condo reservations? A full abort at the departure gate is a completely unworkable situation for passengers, airport, airline, rental agencies, condos/hotel mgrs etc. Our DOT Minister is an idiot.

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    • John Smith says:

      Wife, children, I and many relatives have been coming to Cayman annually since 1984. We cancelled two trips that we had booked in 2020.

      We will not take a chance to book/pay for flights and have that trip depend on a “roll of the dice” on a pre-flight quick test. To many acknowledged false positives, as well as false negatives with these past test iterations.

      I understand the need for caution for travelers allowed to travel to Cayman, but this plan needs a lot more vetting. Is the current Cayman officials up to this task; I do hope so.

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  23. Anonymous says:

    We can do all of these now.

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  24. Anonymous says:

    Cayman is not what it used to be, it is time for a welfare system.

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    • Anonymous says:

      We have a welfare system. It’s called public servants.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Yes, but that is substantially for foreign nationals. The poster was referencing a mechanism to support Caymanians.

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        • Anonymous says:

          The civil service is mostly made up of foreign nationals? What planet do you live on?

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          • Anonymous says:

            Planet makeupshit.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Jamrock west, (in the province of southern Ontario).

          • Anonymous says:

            Well over 1,000 civil servants are foreign nationals…

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            • Anonymous says:

              I suppose you count status Caymanians as foreign nationals then?

            • Anonymous says:

              Out of 4,000 jobs. 75% are Caymanians who get absolutely preference as they should. If a foreigner gets the job because the preferred local does not have the needed skillset for a particular job, can you blame the foreigner? My lord, even the government is being accused of unfairly taking foreigners over caymanians? As they say, some people aren’t happy if they don’t have something to complain about.

              • Anonymous says:

                Answer these questions: why is government not willing to have to apply for work permits for its foreign employees. Should they not have to abide by the same rules as the rest of us? And if they in fact employ all available Caymanians for positions, what do they have to fear?

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                • Anonymous says:

                  So you are suggesting that the government apply for a work permit that they will also approve? Does that make sense? Maybe you can request applicant resumes with names and address information redacted under the freedom of information act. Try that and come back to us. Properly prove that the government takes foreigners over their own qualified applicants before trash talking?

                  • Anonymous says:

                    Yes it does…they have to go through same advertising process and are subject same scrutiny and rules.

    • Anonymous says:

      You have one, it’s called the civil service.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Cayman has always had a working welfare system. Unfortunately it is tribal run. You need to be part of the tribe to get in on it. You need to be a voter first, then you need to swear to completely follow the tribal leadership no matter what. Everyone else is on their own. Not all Caymanians qualify.

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  25. Sunrise says:

    I can understand and sympathize with you, as this is hitting a lot of families hard financially. The Tourism sector was pushing government for a while to help financially as they had the rug pulled from under their feet, as so to speak. You all have got to get together and demand professionally that you require help. All Caymanians should get together at this time and demand that government do a serious cutback on work permit holders, especially in the construction industry to help locals get work so they may cover their expenses. The best way to get help is to do it in an organized manner in groups.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Great point. Bermuda have already begun “scrutinizing” their work permit process to ensure out of work Bermudians will not be further displaced. Remember folks, elections are on schedule for next year.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It’s a fine idea. There shouldn’t be permits issued for positions that can be filled by locales. But, you knew that.

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        • Anonymous says:

          No advertising required for temporaries, baby. Then when the full gets denied just appeal and keep on workin. Either Alden and his cronies do not know what they have done, or are lying when they say jobs are for Caymanians.

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  26. Anonymous says:

    I’m in the same situation, but have applied to NAU. I have not tecieved an answer from NAU about my application since I applied in March. I have only recieved $600 in food vouchers since then. I am now recieving notices for 3 months of bills now due at end of June and goverment has yet to say what the plan is.

    Focus has only been on the Tourism sector and the rest of us with out jobs are heading through tough times with our homes being the next in line to be lost.

    CNS: Can you ask government what is the plan for NAU applicants not in the tourism sector? To date applicants have only recieved food vouchers. Without a job or a pension payout what is the plan after JUNE for applicants.

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  27. Anonymous says:

    Any Caymanian out of a job can register for a login for the job listings on the WORC website. You can also send a message to curfew time. You can register for benefits with NAU until you get your feet. You can contact the food bank and meals on wheels. There are literally millions of dollars in financial assistance flying around right now. *BUT* you must expend the minimal effort necessary to register/ask for help.

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    • Anonymous says:

      There are millions of dollars flying around but who is benefiting from them? You obviously are a civil servant on the gravy train and know where all the money is. Many Caymanians do not want to feel beholding to the government. Unfortunately, it seems that is what the government wants..Caymanians want to work and earn their own money. Having them come to you to beg for money is making them feel subservient to the government.

      I remember year after year how these politicians come around and ask you if you need something before election. I have not seen mine except for on TV since election. I didn’t take handouts from them then and don’t want to start now. It should be a fair system and each politician should individually check in on their constituents. In some districts there is less than 500 people and they have staff in the others that could help. Find out what you r constituents need and go to bat for them. Go to their homes and help them fill out forms if necessary. It is horrible how the government treats its people.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Pride is a sin, just accept help until you can get back on your feet.

        Don’t let your ego starve your children, its not all about you

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        • Anonymous says:

          Exactly, then when you’re back in your feet, pay it back by volunteering it helping someone else in need.

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      • Doodlebug says:

        You’re so right. In NS, there’s no sign of our MLA, not a cheep.

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    • Anonymous says:

      WORC is a waste of time. Requiring the registration of Caymanians
      -ensures employed Caymanians won’t register on fear of reprisals from their employers and
      -allows employers to create requirements outside of the skills of registered Caymanians.
      Alden doesn’t want anyone upsetting his Work Permit surpluses. Most selfish and destructive leader you have had.

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  28. Anonymous says:

    NAU and the various non profits helps everyone not just tourism workers. Did you reach out to them ?Meals on Wheels, Ark Cayman, R3 Foundation, NCVO may help. WORC Cayman can assist with employment issues. Alric Lindsay is also running a campaign to assist where possible.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Non of THESE organizations are going to pay your internet, CUC, Water, or house payments.

      But thank you to everyone who is making these great suggestions.

      But FOOD IS NOT THE CRISIS.

      If you think it is then you are not in the same boat as allot of us who are jobless and getting hit with BILLS.

      If you want to help, who is hiring?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Sorry to burst your pity party but have you looked at worc??? There are jobs there. No, not 6 figure salaries but you do what you have to do right?

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  29. Anonymous says:

    Open up and require masks and distancing before the economy is setback years. Requiring indoors leads to spread through families. Get outdoors dining. Get beaches going. Allow parking for eateries to use.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I never understood why people wearing masks should also distance themselves.

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      • Anonymous says:

        To keep away from people like you who haven’t even the vested interest in month 6 to learn about what this new virus is and what is does.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Let the pee meme help you: https://i.imgur.com/4X5tdyn.jpg

        If you are further away, the pee will not reach you.

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      • Anonymous says:

        You can get it through your eyes. The mask is a courtesy for others to catch your own moist breath, it doesn’t protect you from theirs, or other droplets that may have been aerosolized up to 3 hours earlier. It’s month 6 now, can we all try to take the 10 minutes to learn about how this thing (that can kill people) is transmitted?!?

        https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/transmission/

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        • Anonymous says:

          The reason why some people don’t take the time to read about covid is that they don’t believe it’s real. They’ve heard/read on various agendised media platforms or conspiracy theory websites that this is all fake, so why should they waste time reading about something that is fake. The orange devil has helped create so much distrust over all information that no one believes in facts anymore. The Darwinism is becoming cerebral and be thankful you’ll be on the survival end.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Or maybe we aren’t afraid??? It has nothing to do with the orange idiot and has everything to do with living our lives.

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          • Anonymous says:

            It is definitely real. It’s just not the big deal they told you it was. We have been bombarded by scaremongering for months.They projected 900 people dead here and well after we all knew that was based on a mortality rate 10x higher than reality, Dr. Lee got on TV and waved his charts around. Sure, it justified the initial lockdown. Great. Those figures are now three months old. Now that we know the real overall death rate is closer to 0.2% and much, much lower for healthy people, it’s clear why some people have stopped reading and listening to nonsense.

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            • Anonymous says:

              Yes, thankfully it seems to be less threatening as time goes by, but there were certainly deaths throughout the world so don’t minimize the threat it carried.

              • Tibbetts Inc says:

                Look 5:04! There have bern pandemics before and the damn world was not shut down!!! People have to work to eat! It is terrible that Government is not taking a pay cut and cutting salaries across the board in sympathy with the poverty and hurting. Start praying for the hurting and the children.
                Cayman needs to move on. It is obvious the virus is out there like H1N1 was and the Hong Kong fly. Yes take precautions but can the world please reopen so we can work and pay our bills. We are not Government workers that are guaranteed an income.

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