Loopholes closed on vaccine queue jumping

| 04/02/2021 | 130 Comments
Cayman News Service
CMO Dr John Lee at Thursday’s press briefing

(CNS): Public Health officials have closed the loopholes that were allowing property owners and visitors aged 60 and over to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and all Caymanian residents will now take priority over even long-term visitors in the National Vaccination Plan. Chief Medical Officer Dr John Lee also said the health ministry doesn’t have the manpower to be able to release all the data to meet the public clamour for a detailed breakdown of testing and vaccinations.

Despite some concerns that long-term visitors over 60 were accessing the vaccine and others were also queue jumping, the programme continues apace. Speaking at the press briefing on Thursday, Dr John Lee said that 11,850 shots have been administered but almost one third of those are second doses. The number of those getting the first shot has dropped because healthcare professionals administering the jabs have focused this week on second shots. Almost 4,000 people have now had the full course of the Pfizer vaccine.

On Saturday Dr Lee said he expected a surge in new first time vaccinations when Stage 2 opens to all those aged over 16 who have existing health conditions that could make them more susceptible to becoming very ill if they contract COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Governor Martyn Roper said that another 15,000 doses of the vaccine are scheduled to arrive from the UK next week and he is currently in discussions regarding the next batch. Roper said that Cayman may get some of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is emerging as the most effective against all strains and may also be much better at curbing transmission.

Around 12% of the adult population of Cayman has now received at least one dose and 65% of the over 70s have had their first shot.

While no test results were revealed Thursday, Dr Lee pointed out that some of the positive cases emerging among travellers arriving with a negative test are weak positives.

He explained that because Cayman is COVID-free, we continue to assess test samples to a much greater degree than some other countries who are not seeking the small traces of the virus in the same way public health officials are here.

There are still some strong positive test results among those arriving, he said, but given that the virus can be picked up at anytime from the moment a person leaves a testing centre to their arrival here, as much as three days later, the positive cases will continue.


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  1. Anonymous says:

    The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has almost no effect in reducing cases of Covid from the 501Y.V2 strain, which is now, many months later, spreading on all continents. It’s unclear how well it works against last year’s originating strain. Their trials were a mess of half does, full doses, and delayed dose data that few can follow. It also wasn’t tested in at-risk over 60’s, so many EU countries aren’t approving it and the FDA won’t approve it, even for EUA without more testing, now underway.

  2. Anonymous says:

    News flash: there are easier ways to get the vaccine than flying to Cayman.

  3. Anonymous says:

    If British visitors are not treated the same as locals then Boris should cut off the supply.

    • Zulu says:

      Just like a typical Colonist would think. ……why don’t you worry how brexit is working out !

      • Big Bobo In West Bay says:

        As an entitled people, we expect that our British colonial masters shall tax their own people and then supply us for free with vaccines. Entitlement has its real privileges.

        No British person should be allowed to partake in our supply of vaccines.

        We are a selfish and self centered people. Sad but true.

        • Anonymous says:

          Well, 10:44 am, suggest you not talk too much about taxation. The British did try to tax the Americans for the benefit of HM Govt. you do remember the out one I am sure—“no taxation without representation.” Last tone I checked Cayman had no MP representing us in the House of Commons.

      • Anonymous says:

        It’s working out just fine – but why don’t you ask the EU for some free vaccines and see what they say?

    • Anonymous says:

      What they need to drill into Dr Lee and Alden skull is that discretion needs to be applied with the vaccine. If you are having difficulty getting the over 60’s to show-up like my husband experienced today, the other Caymanians that were at the airport, they should have given them the vaccine, but NO Samantha Bennett claimed, they had the exact amount of vaccine prepared. Is she a Dr?? I doubt it!! But I’m sure all her under 60 peeps juk up!!..tsk tsk. 🤔 How the hell she knew how many over 60’s were not going to show up and kept turning away a steady stream of Caymanians in their 50’s today. Even people who are clearly in uniform and they could see were frontline staff!! Clearly they have no idea what they are doing. It’s called, use your common sense!! They simply need to have enough vaccine, so people can just go to their private doctors or another hospital pay and get it.

      This dogmatic control is why no one will take it. Common sense should dictate if you have over 60’s that don’t want it (unless you plan force it on them) give it to Caymanians that want it, on the given day, because you can’t open and re-use the next day!! Shit show today at the airport indeed. No wonder Dr. Lee can’t produce any proper statistics when asked, because these people are clueless!! You airport people turned my husband away today, even though he has an underlying condition and had his DR note, and was his day today!! Why??

      Just open the damn country then as taking the vaccine won’t stop covid, and won’t stop you giving it either. But if you want people to take it, use your common senses!!

      • Anonymous says:

        Hello 8:42 pm: if you and your husband visit the HSA website, you will see that there is a clear timetable for every group and within groups.

        If the HSA did not do this and its vaccine centres were swamped to the point of a rush that threatened to turn into a riot, you and others would be the first to castigate.

        Go to the HSA website, check the schedule, and turn up accordingly.

        That is all Samantha Bennett’s needs to say.

        And by the way l, she doesn’t need to be a doctor to say that they had calculated numbers on a particular basis. You do realise that the vaccines can go bad if not used in a certain timeframe, right?

        For God’s sake stop all this carping and be grateful.

        • Anonymous says:

          Hear hear. Follow the rules. My husband was turned away too, but his HR’s fault…. as “an essential worker” he should have secured an approved letter.

          Come on Govt HR get your act together!!

          As for long time 60+ visitors, if they quarantined for 14 days, have property or family ties here, it would be irresponsible not to offer the vaccine. It is exactly this group of seniors we cannot have flood hospitals.

          Let Granny get her shot!!

      • Anonymous says:

        I was also turned away from the airport with a severe underlying condition. At least 25% of people were being turned away but some older tourists were permitted to get it.

  4. Immigrant vs Expat says:

    *british immigrants!! Call a spade a spade about expat. Never understood why we say Jamaican immigrant. Honduran immigrant. Philipino immigrant and then turn around and say British expat. They are all immigrating arent they?

  5. Anonymous says:

    Wow. The comments on here are embarrassing. No elderly people are coming here to take “our” vaccines! You know the vaccines their taxes paid to develop, buy and give to us. Sheesh. Those that are here are invariably parents and grandparents of Caymanians and residents. Have a word with yourselves!

    Oh and the fact that the UK has already given us more vaccine per capita than just about every other country on earth has not gone unnoticed. Except perhaps here.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cayman-islands-awash-with-covid-vaccines-762l5z9tz

    • Anonymous says:

      Te 5:28 pm: Call me closed-minded if you wish, but I won’t read the article with this biased, over-stated headline designed to appeal to the emotions.

      First, All overseas territories are beneficiaries of these vaccine “gifts” from the UK.

      Second, a few thousands hardly qualify to being “awash”—we still have a long way to go to provide these life-saving interventions to deal with a potential disaster that might otherwise threaten our health services.

      Third, Let me ask—how often have we gotten anything more than technical assistance? In Hurricane Ivan—zilch. In the years when we were struggling financially to survive—zilch. That is a matter of historic record.

      Fourth—Britain shamelessly exploited resources of their at-one-time vast empire, taking home bounties from the natural resources and the labour of slaves, and following that servants that were paid paltry sums. They did nothing towards developing the intellectual capacity of the populations, and everything to keep them in their place.

      Fifth, that bounty went to maintaining the economy of the people at home in the British isles.

      So they give us a few thousands vaccines that makes little difference to their situation at home?

      Sixth, the governor reminds us at every press conference that we receive them at the munificence of the HM Government. Why? To build goodwill—immeasurable, unquantifiable equity—for HM Government.

      Seventh, what about the strategic importance of the Cayman Islands in the event of future world conflicts? Cayman served that important role during WW2.

      Eighth, we are all that remains of their once-proud empire. We are their face-saving resource.

      I am sure I could go on.

      The Times needs to educate its audience on these historic facets to the relationship and the potential and currently significant benefits to the UK that make a few thousand vaccines pale into insignificance.

      In so doing the Times would better serve its audience than taking cheap shots at the Cayman Islands.

      • Anonymous says:

        If it’s so bad, why aren’t you a republic?

        • Anonymous says:

          3:53 pm: I don’t really care one way or the other re Cayman’s current OT status. Maintaining status has its pluses and minuses.

          I was just trying to point out that there are two sides to the debate if you approach it with an open mind.

          Now the shoe is on the other foot in a way.

          That’s life.

          • Anonymous says:

            Still waiting for the bit in your argument that demonstrates Cayman gives anything to the UK or that the other side to the argument is based on something other than a sense of entitlement. Or the details of the “bounties from natural resources” Britain extracted from us (by your argument all those vaccines coming to us should be redirected to India and Africa), or for that matter Cayman’s strategic importance in WWII let alone in the modern era.

            • Anonymous says:

              4:17 pm: I was u set no illusion that people like you would have been persuaded. For that you would have to be open-minded.

            • Anonymous says:

              4:17 pm: you demonstrate very little regional knowledge, awareness, or empathy.

              I was born into colonial rule in Jamaica. My family suffered through the impact of colonial disdain and any sense of commitment other than to enrich themselves.

              I was among the first scholarship awardees, thanks to Norman Manley who began to try to right the many wrongs of colonial rule.

              I suggest that you start reading and researching—and with an open mind—as your lack of awareness is an insult to the region in which I assume live, though still holding out hope that you do not.

          • Anonymous says:

            What are the minuses exactly?

      • Anonymous says:

        Suggest you take it up with the Times. I don’t agree with the emotive nonsense they wrote either but that is what is being said. If we are now saying elderly British visitors can not have “our” vaccine do not be surprised if there is a backlash. Rightly or wrongly the ungrateful tone of the conversation here is not at all helpful.

        • Anonymous says:

          5:24 pm: I assume that the Times article is an editorial. But even editorials are required to be reasonable in choice of words.

          I don’t really care about what the Times writes, but when it is put up here on CNS as a reasonable point of view I must put my objections up on CNS.

          We are not ungrateful. We are simply responding to views that suggest that we are placing the British taxpayer at risk. We are clearly not and people need to be reminded of the role the British plundering of the then British empire has played in today’s economy of the British Isles—snd has continued to play in preferential treatment for jobs over the years and to today in places like Cayman and elsewhere.

          To your point about visitors—they should understand that the local provision of vaccines, regardless of their provenance, are for the local population.

          I am glad the government plugged that loophole. They should have anticipated it and acted sooner.

        • Anonymous says:

          5:24 pm: the fact that that “is what is being said” out there, doesn’t necessarily make it worth repeating—it should be reasoned and reasonable.

          • Anonymous says:

            I’d say it’s a fairly accurate gauge of public opinion in the UK. I don’t agree with it and I don’t think it’s reasonable or fair but that’s irrelevant. In the context of vaccine supply in which we have no other options; we should be very wary of our attitude to refusing people vaccines on the basis of their immigration status!

        • Anonymous says:

          5:24 pm: call it an installment to reparations for slavery and its legacy. And yes, the Cayman islands did have slaves, as did the other OTs.

      • Anonymous says:

        What did the Romans ever do for us?

      • Anonymous says:

        There is actually a real ethical argument to be made that once our elderly, at-risk and frontline workers are vaccinated that we should not receive any additional vaccine until the UK is vaccinating its general population.

        Currently the expectation is that we will be giving jabs to healthy 20 years old’s while UK pensioners are still waiting.

    • Anonymous says:

      5:28 pm: HM government well knows that if the OTs crash it will be present them with a massive financial obligation. These few vaccines represent not a little self-interest for the government and the taxpayer.

      • Anonymous says:

        Lol. If you think any flavour of British government is going to waste and political capital bailing out a “tax haven” you are hopelessly out of touch with British public opinion!

        • Anonymous says:

          5:27 pm: so why is the UK government do fastidious in overseeing our financial probity?

        • Anonymous says:

          5:27 pm: that would be typical of the UK: Not surprised that the UK might feel that they should control our budget (they do — back in the last recession our national budget could not be implemented locally until approved to the satisfaction of HM Government). Also, As you likely well know HM Government has veto powers over our laws, as clearly demonstrated in a number of cases recently.

          With control comes obligations—for your edification and that of the much vaunted Times whose output only confirms the standards of journalism for which the UK is so well reputed.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Quite staggered by the attitude of entitlement to these vaccines ahead of a few elderly visitors. Especially tax payers from the UK! It’s a good job the UK government don’t share this attitude or we wouldn’t be seeing any vaccines at all until next year.

  7. Yuck says:

    So a 25 year old with no risks is getting it ahead of a long term visitor in their 60s? How barbaric.

  8. Anonymous says:

    I wonder how many of those returning passengers testing positive on arrival were buying the fake Covid-free certificates? hmmmmm.

  9. Anonymous says:

    When we to get our first Vaccine in the Brac, they was even letting in expats/visitors to get their Vaccine before letting me an my wife ( Caymanians ) in and we were there before they was there. So i had to speak about it and then they let us be next to be the Vaccines.

  10. Anon says:

    How many people that are not residents have had the vaccine?

    Shame on the vaccine vacationers!

    • Anonymous says:

      And shame on your sense of entitlement. These people aren’t vacationers, they are almost all home owners and part time residents or elderly family of our community. What exactly have you done to deserve the vaccine ahead of anyone else?

      • Anon says:

        Entitlement?

        Where did it say in my comment that I had received the vaccine?

        What is a part time resident?

        You sound like you are making excuses for either having had it ahead of those that need it, or allowed your vacationing family members to have it ahead of front line people and those specified in the groups.

        I’d ask if you’re feeling guilty, but clearly not if you have the nerve to be first in line!

        I’m sure you and your family had the second vaccine this week. Well done!

        • Anonymous says:

          Wrong on all counts, except not feeling any guilt. Maybe I just don’t feel entitled to the vaccine before those who are 30-40 years older than me irrespective of where they are from? Imagine that.

          • Anonymous says:

            Actually, 5:38 pm. we are not yet arrived at vaccinating 30year olds. We are still vaccinating seniors.

            I just feel it is quite a bit insensitive of visitors, whether part time or not, to jump into the queue to get vaccinated when our own seniors are still in process.

            But no need to argue about it any more. The loophole is plugged— those visitors who didn’t get vaccinated can now wait until the government decides we have enough to share.

            And that is how it should be.

      • Anonymous says:

        5:13 pm, Do you think Caymanians can go to U S A, and the the Vaccine, I know it will never happen and you know it too, but you think all should be able to come here and get the fee vaccines.

      • Anonymous says:

        Hear hear! How xenophobic of YOU. Shame, not a Christian Caymanian view either??? Let Granny get her shot!

        The over 60’s and over 70’s long time owners certainly paid their property tax and support our snow-bird community. This is their home too, and unlike Bermuda and Tortola we welcome overseas owners and our community is better for it. They are the ones keeping restaurants and workers employed. They also had to apply to come, were approved, did their 14 day quarantine, and certainly if over 70 have paid their dues to society!!!!

        As for any elderly visiting grandparents of Caymanian children, you wanna say you refused Grandpa his shot because he had the wrong passport?

        Shame on you. Respect your Seniors and try to find kindness in your heart. Our elderly beloved parents all know someone their age overseas who died from COVID and yet you cannot find compassion for these terrified senior travelers that braved it to cayman to be with their families, be safe, and get vaccinated.

        Caymankind should vaccinate all seniors on our shores.

  11. Anonymous says:

    We sure dont feel welcomed by all and a lot of people put us down like we are second class citizens are we not all from the same maker

  12. Anonymous says:

    CIG invited certain people to get vaccinated and put on social media to incentivize others so people have BEEN jumping the queue

  13. Anonymous says:

    visitors no…but it should be a free for all regarding residents.
    no point waiting on poorly educated locals who believe in youtube over science.

  14. Anonymous says:

    CNS, would be nice to know where you get your facts:

    “Cayman may get some of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is emerging as the most effective against all strains and may also be much better at curbing transmission.“

    When it comes to efficacy, transmission, and dealing with the new variants it seems that the Oxford vaccine comes last…

    CNS:
    This is constantly changing and all vaccine makers are upping their game.

  15. Anonymous says:

    I’m truly baffled why some people queue jump and then brag about it on their social media.

    I’ve seen people boast that they got vaccinated early because they are cohabiting with healthcare workers for example – yet their group should still be in line as Stage 2b.

    Surely it just lets everyone know that they are phonies!

    • Anonymous says:

      The very government themselves are now promoting the queue jumping preachers.

      • Anonymous says:

        Last time I checked CV-19 does not just infect Caymanians. It is a non discriminatory virus that can infect anyone. If you’re on the island you should get vaccinated period if for no other reason than to protect yourself from the uninformed who refuse to protect their fellow citizens.

    • Anonymous says:

      Get off social media. People brag to gain popularity and many posts are fake (what they say never happened). They are just pulling your leg.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Cayman, with a population of 60,000, is getting 15,000 Pfizer doses next week.

    Canada, with a population of 38 million, is getting 70,000 Pfizer doses next week (directly from PFizer).

    Cayman, consider ourselves lucky.

    • Anonymous says:

      Canada committed to over 300 million doses for its 38mln population, and is now the only G7 nation to claw back doses that were previously earmarked and promised to the third world. This deplorable exhibit is mainly due to Canada’s corrupt leadership and failing diplomacy not being up to task. Canada is not the standard bearer for anything these days, except perhaps self-delusion.

      • Hubert says:

        11:57, But I assume you have no problems with British citizens currently on island not being able to get vaccines here even though Cayman received the vaccines for free and with British taxpayers money?

        You missed a very important point about Canada. They are the only G7 country that does not have a vaccine producing capability. That obviously impacted the decision. Furthermore, both Australia and New Zealand last month, took back vaccine meant for the Third World. Both countries are not G7 members.

      • Miami Dave says:

        But Canada sure does build superb civilian airports. Just look at the new one in Bermuda.

  17. Anonymous says:

    These people take us for fools

  18. Anonymous says:

    Should have had measures in place from the get go. However, glad they have rectified their errors.

    • Anonymous says:

      I second that. They should have realised people would try to beat the system given that many people over 60 who live in the U.K., U.S. and Canada will be waiting many more months for vaccination, but could get it here now. I understand that residents here who have older parents living abroad would want to help protect their loved ones, but we should be taking care of our own residents first. It’s good that our government realised what was happening and closed the loophole.

      • Anonymous says:

        Some of these statements are astonishing. The haste of this entire exercise, is for the expressed purpose of accelerating the re-opening up of our borders to the very condo owners and longterm renter residents that some on here don’t consider to be of any concern, even after they previously met our own stated priority health criteria. So essentially, we are okay with at-risk elderly residents (even those with Retirement PR) dying in our hospitals, just so long as they aren’t Pines residents, or other CI Status holders?!? Pick a lane. #Caymankind

        • Anonymous says:

          I know of a guy on work permit (management level) who brought his parents in to get them out of Canada so they could get the vaccine. They don’t live here, they will return to Canada in the summer, they don’t own property … but got the vaccination within a week of clearing quarantine. How is that fair to those legally resident here who have to wait to get vaccinated because doses are going to visitors?

      • Anonymous says:

        Thats not true at all. Healthy over 60’s start in under 2 weeks in UK. Currently getting through 1/2 million every day!

        • Anonymous says:

          Not in Canada. My 70-year-old sister says they are being told fall 2021.

          • Anonymous says:

            Canada’s healthcare system is always bogged down. “Free” healthcare isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

            • Orlando Bob says:

              B.S. It is not always bogged down in Canada though will admit that in the Toronto area, due to immigrant pressures and population growth, there are challenges.

              The American health care system is an administration nightmare compared to Canada’s system.

              That is why America has by far the most expensive health care system in the world.

          • Anonymous says:

            My mother who is 90 years old got a vaccine in British Columbia last week.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Generational Caymanians first!

    • Anonymous says:

      troll much?

    • Anonymous says:

      Bigot

    • Anonymous says:

      The Cayman “me first” generation, must be a diehard Trump supporter. He gone, you can put your incredible selfishness down now.

    • Anonymous says:

      british expats first- the uk supplied the vaccine free…….
      bet you don’t like that – we should of given the vaccine to encounter dealing with people in quarantine (airport/ airline/ hotel workers cleaned etc then people who need to goto the usa for medical appointments then cayman students who are going overseas for education, these young aldults will be coming back and if they are ill overseas they could be affecting all out medical premiums anyway!
      after that the rest of healthcare + old + compromised immune then age order old to young.

      We don’t have community spread so no rush for most. Going shopping in Miami is not a reason!

      • Anonymous says:

        Students should NOT be a priority group! They are low risk of being severely ill.

        • Anonymous says:

          Not tested therefore given to those under 16

          • Anonymous says:

            They were referring to the college students that a poster on here keeps saying should be prioritized. They should not. If they have health concerns they would have already been classified in an early category.

        • Anonymous says:

          i agee but they will come back as carries so why not, again no community spread we need to protest the boarders and any returning resident is a risk, especially he young who don’t show symptoms or have the same morals.

      • Immigrant vs Expat says:

        *british immigrants!! Call a spade a spade about expat. Never understood why we say Jamaican immigrant. Honduran immigrant. Philipino immigrant and then turn around and say British expat. They are all immigrating arent they?

    • Anonymous says:

      Shouldn’t we vaccinate expats first since that’s who is keeping the economy alive?

  20. Anonymous says:

    Bravo, great news. Keep up the good work.

  21. KayaNow says:

    Thank you Dr Lee and thanks to all of the health care personnel who are involved in the vaccination process. We owe you a debt of gratitude. May you all be continually Blessed.

  22. Anonymous says:

    It’s really scandalous that Cayman is getting more vaccines when the UK hasn’t even vaccinated all its over 75s. I’m surprised there hasn’t been a public outcry. What are they even needed for if arrivals are still going to have to quarantine indefinitely?

    • Anonymous says:

      Not really. Not when you realize the main issue is distribution, not supply. No one in the UK has been unable to get a vaccination because someone in Cayman (themselves British) got one.

      • Anonymous says:

        There actually IS a supply issue across the globe. Some places have compounded that by not having a good distribution system.

      • Anonymous says:

        That’s not the way it would play in the Daily Mail, is it? More like “my granny couldn’t get vaccinated in Manchester but Boris can get vaccine all the way to Cayman, when they pay zero tax – and are even vaccinating to visiting Americans and billionaires living there to evade tax”.

      • Anonymous says:

        I love that you think everyone in Cayman who has received the vaccine is British. I think a quick fact check would reveal that is not the case and some of the queue jumpers are in fact guest workers from other countries (think 20-something young ladies) receiving a vaccine because of who they know. Not sure how this would play in the Daily Mail but it shouldn’t go down too well on-island either really.

      • Anonymous says:

        Not true. Vaccines are currently being diverted from better-performing areas to make up for shortfalls in others, meaning that many people are now having to wait longer for their first dose. Also, it’s not just Cayman getting free vaccines, it’s all the BOTs.

    • Anonymous says:

      I think we are the guinea pigs.

    • Anonymous says:

      We are an entitled people here in Cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      Huh? The UK has vaccinated a higher % of their population than Cayman has. Are you aware of that?

      • Anonymous says:

        Much more to the point is that there are over 1000 people per day dying of COVID here compared with zero, so whose need is greater, exactly?

        • Anonymous says:

          If you would stay your behind inside, wear a mask and social distance like we did here you all wouldn’t be dropping like flies..

          Cayman did the right thing and we shouldn’t be treated like step children for doing so.

  23. Anonymous says:

    So how are the “loopholes” plugged, pray tell. While I know it isn’t possible to ask all the essential questions, I thought this was one of wide public interest. Does everyone, for example, have to show up with passports? How exactly can this gaming of the system be averted?

    When I went to get my second shot (presumably before the plugging), I was struck at how foreign most vaccine candidates looked. Would be interesting to hear how government is dealing with this.

    • Anonymous says:

      If you don’t know you need to bring gov’t-issued photo ID along with your valid priority reason, and consent form, then it is impossible to believe you’ve had any shots, let alone surveyed those getting them. Also: >60,000 residents in Cayman now, including >22,000 registered voters – and you would presume to know them all?!?

      • anonymous says:

        11:29 am: Sorry, I got both shots, and I did not have to bring any govt-issued ID. All I had to do was complete the official form provided and line up.

        For the second shot, I completed a survey form, took along my first immunization card, and lined up again.

        Done.

        So the information that you have now given is new to me. Perhaps that is now being required but it was not when I got my shots on 8 January and 28 January.

    • Anonymous says:

      Please elaborate on “how foreign most vaccine candidates looked” I’m curious…..

      • Anonymous says:

        White privilege does have its distinguishing marks. That’s how.

      • anonymous says:

        2:03 p m: I think there are distinguishing cultural nuances that distinguish people — how they dress, how they relate or don’t relate to people around them, how they greet people around them or don’t greet people around them, openness or closed postures, comfort or discomfort in an environment, facial expressions that suggest oneness and integration with people around, and other even perhaps indefinable features.

        In Cayman, for example, we use to be able to distinguish which district people are from — while it is not so obvious any more, someone people can actually still distinguish district origins.

    • Anonymous says:

      Foreign-looking you say? Yup, one can definitely tell if someone is a resident by looking at them…

      • Anonymous says:

        The people in front of me were all with a pasty skin tone. Wearing brand new Sketchers trainers and high white socks. They had Tommy Bahama-style T-shirts, freshly pressed shorts and thick accents saying ‘the Caymins’. The women had wide brimmed granny hats and the men were wearing Rolex watches.

        So yea, when I saw them I knew they were tourists and the hour I had to stand behind them confirmed it. Live in Cayman for more than a minute and you can tell a tourist from a resident, and the difference isn’t skin colour.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Right.. and just how does he intend to stop this…I’ll only believe that when I actually see it stopped..

    Caymanians should be allowed to go first. There are people coming in on private planes, quarantining and getting their vaccine because they can’t get it in the states.

    • Anonymous says:

      I can’t believe you can turn this issue into one of race and nationality. Sure, residents first rather than use our vaccines on those temporary visitors, but Caymanians rather than all residents? That’s just plain racist. I’m really sick of it now. As a Caymanian with a lot of international friends, I can honestly say I would rather spend time with most of them these days than my own countrymen. Sick of hearing all the hate and blaming from our side, when really we need to look closer to home for the cause of our issues. Namely our leaders and their hate speech, our segregated education and the constant blaming of others for what we have brought on ourselves.

      • Anonymous says:

        I’m Caymanian and I have absolutely no problem with true residents (i.e., Caymanians, those who live here on a work permit or PR) getting vaccinated when they meet the timing criteria. If we’re to get herd immunity from vaccination, we need 70% of the resident population to be vaccinated. But, like you said, residents first, no matter their immigration status. Now, some of these people coming back are Caymanians living aboard. The same people who are complaining about non-resident expats slipping in for vaccination don’t seem to be bothered at all about non-resident Caymanians coming back. I would argue that they shouldn’t be getting the vaccine either!

        • Anonymous says:

          11:01……I agree with you! The key is for as many persons as possible living on Cayman to receive the vaccine. That’s how “herd immunity” will be achieved.

          I doubt most Caymanians living overseas want to come quarantine for 2 weeks to get a vaccine. If they meet the Phase 1A or 1B criteria in Cayman, they’re eligible for a vaccine where they live too.

          • Anonymous says:

            Not so, where I live in the USA, we have to go online day after day trying to get an appointment and until now I have not been able to get even my first shot.

            If I could afford a private plane and quarantine for two weeks and knew I could get my vaccine in the Cayman Islands, I would be there in a heart beat.

      • Anonymous says:

        “I can’t believe you can turn this issue into one of race and nationality.”

        Really? This is the CNS comment section. I have no trouble believing it myself.

    • Anonymous says:

      NO! residents of the Cayman Islands!

    • Anonymous says:

      Y’all have gone first as you know someone who got you in line. It’s not a nationality issue, it’s a resident over visitor.

      • Anonymous says:

        9:35 am: Agree. that is the distinction–residents should get the preference when goods are in short supply. Makes sense.

    • Anonymous says:

      BS. You can get it from private sector labs without limitation of age or nationality if you can pay. You seriously think someone who can afford a private jet is going to come here just to jump the queue?

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