New and renewed work permits face vaccine condition
(CNS): Government appears to be planning to introduce a compulsory vaccine requirement for future overseas work permit holders and for those wanting to have their permit renewed. It is also looking at a reduction in the quarantine period for travellers who have had a full vaccination course and a negative test on arrival. But borders are unlikely to be opened in the summer, despite pressure from the hospitality sector. Premier Wayne Panton said that when the PACT came into office, he was expecting to find a plan mapping out process for opening that they could pick up. However, nothing was in place, so the new government is now working on a pathway to reopening.
Speaking on Radio Cayman on Monday, Panton said that none of the groundwork had been done on this, so they have been working with the technical civil servants over the last few weeks to create a programme.
“This process obviously involves an increase in risk for us,” Panton told Orrett Connor, the host of For the Record, as he explained the fundamental areas government is looking, the options available and the protocols needed to support the tourism industry as Cayman emerges from its current quarantine, testing and isolation bubble.
“Our success depends… on a number of factors, not just our own internal preparations but what is happening in the… gateway countries,” he said.
Vaccine rates in the UK and the relevant states in the United States, and the parameters that should be in place before opening are now at the heart of government’s plans. But Panton warned that while the UK and USA are close to achieving high vaccination prevalence, given the variants and a potential third wave in the UK, things could change.
Panton also spoke about the need to clarify what sort of timeline the tourism industry needs in order to ramp up, as he said they are receiving mixed messages from stakeholders. He said government had to carefully consider the implications for all residents presented by the increase in risk that comes with reducing the quarantine period to five days and then reopening
“It’s a heavy burden,” he said, adding that he wanted to minimize the risk.
He implored everyone to get vaccinated because while the Cayman Islands will get more vaccines from the UK in future, he wanted to see the maximum protection across the country before the borders open. But also, given the vaccine desperation around the rest of the world, it was essential we did not waste the doses we have.
The main issue around reopening is how to verify the vaccines that people say they have had, which is central to reducing the quarantine and isolation protocols. While we can be sure of the vaccines that have been administered locally to Cayman residents, verifying the shots people have had overseas will be much more difficult.
Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan, who was also a guest on the show, said government was focusing on reopening for tourism and that included discussions with cruise lines about how they will manage safety issues.
But there is a greater focus on overnight tourism, and as the government works on the reopening protocols, he encouraged hospitality employers to recruit locally. He said they would still be allowed to apply for new permits, the government is now considering making it mandatory for future work permit applicants to be vaccinated as well as those seeking a renewed permit.
“Once you are going up for renewal, we can make it a condition for your renewal for a new work permit to make sure you are vaccinated,” he said, as he urged permit holders to encourage their employees to get the shot so that when they apply for renewal they have already had both doses and there will no additional delay to the application.
CayMAS, one of Cayman’s annual carnivals, has been cleared to go ahead under certain conditions in August. Bryan said that one of those conditions was that all those working and taking part in the street parade must have been vaccinated. In a press release issued Monday, organisers confirmed their agreement that all their workers will have had both shots two weeks before the event on 7 August.
Bryan said that hosting a carnival styled event before the borders are open means that the level of risk remains lower. “We therefore saw this event as an opportunity to encourage people to get vaccinated while also providing the incentive for doing so,” he said. “It also allows the effectiveness of our safety protocols with respect to large crowds to be assessed at the same time.”
Craig Frederick, Director of CayMAS Carnival, thanked government for giving the people of Cayman the opportunity to celebrate the pandemic victories the best way Caribbean people know how – through Carnival.
“To our overseas patrons who are desperate to be back on the road with us, have faith that 2022 will be spectacular,” he said. “We are mindful of the current environment as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and we have therefore agreed to a no-exceptions vaccination policy for all CayMAS participants and staff… This mandate will give everyone the chance to revel freely and safely on Seven Mile Beach and beyond, in what will be the region’s first major Carnival since the global lockdown.”
Prior to the event, organisers will actively promote the vaccination drive, and all participants will be given a COVID-19 pamphlet when collecting their costumes.
Although Batabano will be going ahead as well later this month, that carnival has been reduced to a series of small events and a very limited parade. It is not clear if participants in that street festival will be required to be vaccinated.
See Panton and Bryan on Radio Cayman below:
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Category: Local News, Travel
Its kinda upside down what’s going on. The vax doesn’t stop you getting it or spreading it, but if you have the vax, you can travel and serve less if not maybe zero days in quarantine.
if you don’t have the vax, traveling is harder and quarantine is 2 weeks. Then we’ll let you out into the community where the vax’d have been spreading covid freely. (if they caught it)
I’ve reread what i’ve typed repeatedly, it’s completely true. And yet, its utterly insance. Effectively, if the purpose of a vax is to prevent covid entering the community, you can’t have reduced quarantines for the vax’d compared to the unvax’d…the vax doesnt stop you getting it.
Did we all have lobotomies?
The science is showing that if you are vaccinated you chances of spreading the virus is greatly reduced. And the chances of getting its also greatly reduced. Check your facts.
10:33 that is what they think but it is too soon to tell. Many who have been vaccinated are now testing positive.
Many? the stats out of the US imply a 1 in 10000 chance of a vaccinated person catching Covid.
Citation or Evidence????
BS
This is not true. You are making it sound like vaccinated people are just as likely to spread covid as unvaccinated people which is false. In the rare event that someone who has been vaccinated does pick up covid, they have substantially lower amounts of the virus making it highly unlikely they will spread it. This why the CDC has said that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks. It is also why countries with high vaccination rates are seeing cases of covid go down. So the more people that are vaccinated, the less likely covid is going to spread.
They also said masks are pointless infected or not
Sigh. Except they didn’t. Doesn’t protect you, but does help protect others.
Who did you guys elect?
Discrimination
Same as how y’all treat us when we try to get a decent job
I don’t get it. I understand there is a challenge around verifying who has been vaccinated but there is no challenge verifying who has received one from the HSA so first step remove quarantine for people who have received from the HSA. I would expect it would be easy to verify people who received from the UK also.
Second, you can’t blame the previous government. You expected a plan to be in a place? Then you made a mistake in expecting that. Did you want them to tell you how to do the rest of your job? All politicians running knew with plenty anticipation that Covid would need to be dealt with so should have had a plan ready to go.
You’re missing the main point – the vaccined still can get the virus. If you’re quarantining to prevent possible spread, you have to quarantine everyone.
I think you are six months behind in your thinking. The government knows the vaccine substantially reduces the chances of someone spreading covid so at some point they are going to open up to vaccinated people. Their excuse for not doing it now is that they are concerned about making sure incoming travellers aren’t using fake vaccination cards.
So if CIG is able to verify local vaccination cards, why are double vaccinated locals still required to quarantine upon return?
Ummm, because they may be infected with Covid?????
Because they might have Covid?
This is what happens to a Christian society who’s faith in God is that he is understandably pissed at them and now wants to give them what’s coming to them. They are afraid of retribution by Covid. The fear is real and powerful enough to kill off all businesses and trust for the future. Plan accordingly.
8:08 what a ridiculous post. Don’t turn this into a religious thing because it isn’t. Do shut up.
You’re…
I can not take the vaccine myself due auto immune disease but I was also never afraid of catching Covid because I am so healthy otherwise. After working 7 years, building my house, and having my son go from kindergarten to 6th grade we will get kicked out because I cannot take any of the so called vaccines? I personally don’t know anyone who has caught Covid. I don’t know anyone who knows anyone who has died of Covid but I do have a close personal friend who also has autoimmune who had a stroke after the second shot and is now on life support. In your quest to survive you are sacrificing basic rights. Again. Gays have no representation here, Businesses have no representation here and are dying, now those with auto immune have joined the club. Caymankind?
7:45 oh please, your post was going so well until the end.
What a pathetic, shit stirring post. You wouldn’t know anyone here who has had it because of the safety measures the CIG put in place. You don’t like the rules to continue to keep our community safe, pack your shit and go. You have someone else you can go and kotch. The rest of us don’t, this is our place.
Aren’t you coming up on roll over?
Caymankind was a saying imposed by foreigners. Not Caymanians
Actually it was invented by the Department of Tourism in 2011 – wasn’t foreigners that produced all those YouTube videos’ and the Caymankind song.
Thumbs down al you like – doesn’t stop it being true lol.
9:46 who is most made up of paper “caymanians” and foreigners.
Well… more like exploited by foreigners.
A lot of them use it to pull black veils over Caymanian eyes. They must think most of us are clueless to all of the bait and switching going on.
Followed by unfruitful threats to leave the country while holding us hostage, when everybody knows they need us more than we need them.
I would assume it would only be required for those who are eligible and medically able to do so.
I have several auto-immune diseases. Both jabs, no issue and I’m in support of WP holders requiring vaccines.
You do know we’re in greater risk of having severe complications from Covid right?
Troll
Not if the borders stay closed indefinitely, which seems to be popular in the CNS comments section.
7:45am: Autoimmune disease don’t automatically preclude you from being vaccinated. In fact, it’s quite the opposite and MANY autoimmune diseases allowed for priority status in getting vaccine because of increased tick in catching Covid.
Besides, building a house doesn’t mean you get to stay anyway. Ever heard of the rollover legislation?
You are so full of crap…you have auto immune disease but otherwise healty..how the hell can yo be healthy with auto immune disease..Stop making stuff up. !hat proof do you have that the vaccine caused your friend to have a stroke? Stop with the conspiracy theories! I’m sure that is made up too as it all sounds so convenient..
We have to do what we have to do to keep the people of this country safe first. Instead of coming on here and complaining simply go to the HSA and explain to them your situation. We are not that draconian that we would not waive the vaccination for you to renew your work permit.
Anywhere else you go in the world there will be conditions, just like when you first came here. You have to understand that you cannot go to another man’s country and try to force them to abide by the country that you have left behind..And to be honest I know this sounds bad but there are always other countries that you can go to if if you don’t want to go back to the one you came from..The grass is always greener on the other side and too many of you think that Cayman must change to suit you..
Sounds like if you have been here 7 years, you should be planning your roll over..Let me guess though, the land of milk and honey still too good to give up and you can smell that permanent residency right around the corner.
Unfortunately, it is people like you that make it bad for other good and decent expats that come here and accept us,live amongst us, break bread with us and who don’t use us just so that you can stay here and bad mouth and complain about us while you live in your gated community.
They clearly aren’t keeping up with the adverse reactions happening all over the world!
Is the HSA reporting anaphylaxis cases, no matter how insignificant they may seem to the CDC VAERS? This is extremely important data to submit as it helps to improve future batches of the vaccine.
VAERS is a site where any idiot/conspiracy theoriist/malcontent can post anything without any verification. It is one of the least important places to post anything
8:53 No they are not. They are keeping extremely tight lipped about adverse reactions people in our community are having to the vaccine. Which is incredibly unfortunate as we the public should be provided details of these situations (of course to an extent because the patient’s info should be protected).
What about civil servants? Why should a doctor coming to work at Health City have to be vaccinated while their colleague coming to work at the HSA is not? Surely the treatment of all classes of non resident foreign worker should be the same?
Low hanging fruit.
If an expat comes to work at HSA I would expect the requirement to be vaccinated weather health or admin.
If they don’t want to be vaccinated then don’t apply.
Not sure now but work permit holders and expat gov workers had to be tested for aids every two years. Easy to add vaccination to employment conditions.
If it were low hanging fruit then shouldn’t government make it a condition for all civil servants to be vaccinated, not just the foreign ones?
It applies to all expats dumbass
Umm, no it doesn’t. Permanent Residents are Expatriates. Civil Servants are not Work Permit holders.
Expatriate civil servants are NOT work permit holders.
People…this is a huge decision the the government has to make.
What if this virus is spread throughout the community and we have to go into another lock down? …then you will be calling for the government’s head.
“just to save a life or two?”..are you listening to yourself? No one s keeping you here. Leave when you want! No one is stopping you or anyone else. Cayman Airways has two flights a week to Miami. Once you get there the world is your oyster.
Don’t disrespect my Premier or my country. He is doing what is safe for us and those of you that live with us. We will open soon. Because you want to make summer vacation plans that should not be our concern, our health and safety is..
Sounds like you need some mental health care if you think bringing back Alden is the solution..
You need to get use to the idea that the new Premier will make safe and calculated decisions for us unlike money hungry Alden and gang.
Give it a rest and see someone about your mental health.. We will re-open soon.
“To our overseas patrons who are desperate to be back on the road with us, have faith that 2022 will be spectacular,” he said.
Do you honestly believe 2022 will be “spectacular?” Surely you jest. How can 2022 possibly be “spectacular” when you can’t even get your government to make a reopening plan that is competent enough to share with the people of these islands? Mr. Panton you said 70% vaccination to reopen the border, yes, that is exactly what you said but now you back peddle on that statement. The ever-changing target continues. If your government has no plan to bring tourism back until 2022 then man up and say so.
Yep, it great that we don’t have community spread of Covid but we can’t live this way forever. PPM was very good at giving us just enough hope to keep us hanging on. PACT is proving to be even better at dangling the proverbial carrot.
there is only one valid question:
what is the risk to cayman, based on scientific evidence, of allowing vaccinated, covid-free people freedom of travel?
what do they think/know will happen?
You do not know people are Covid free until after the incubation period has passed, hence quarantine.
You only know people have Covid-19 after they are tested. Most places are now using tests to good success. We have to learn to live with this, like flu, cancer or for that matter driving your car. It is about making good decisions based on the actual risk that is being faced.
Cayman is not the only place in the World that is dealing with Covid-19, but we are likely one of the worst in terms of planning and communicating the plans.
Was Wayne expecting to find a fully developed plan when he walked into his office? He says there is none. I wonder want Alden and Roy will say about this, I’d mention Jon Jon but he would just mutter something about donkeys and full-moons
What was Wayne doing during the campaign period? Did he not have any ideas of his own? Was he just assuming he would use the PPM plan as he found it?
He spent months telling us how bad the PPM was so that clearly can’t be…
I would say we are the best in dealing with covid..
Don’t worry about our Governments PPM or PACT. They have both did and continue to do the right thing to keep us safe..
Nether Alden or Wayne are God. They have both handled this pandemic in the best interests of this island. You would prefer they just shoot from the hip like the USA. Not happening!
Why the anger at those not having the vaccine? If you have had it, then clearly you believe in its protection and thus can consider yourselves safe. Those who do not want it, are therefore the ones at risk. Again, why the anger at them?
Fear. And the inability to deal with it. Very powerful here.
Public health considerations require the herd to be vaccinated, for the protection and good of everyone. If the reasons that someone has for refusing a vaccine are irrational, they are unreasonably endangering wider society (including those who decline the vaccine for rational reasons I.e. allergies, pregnancy, youth, infirmity etc. ).
8:07 irrational to you does not mean it is irrational to them. Mind your own
No. It effects everyone. At the end of the day our system allows and even requires judges to determine what is rational and what is not.
“affects”
The non vaxers are keeping the border closed and putting those that cant have it at risk.
They are ignorant and selfish people who the second they get sick will expect government to look after them.
Nuff said!
Actually, no. It’s the government and the ever changing goalposts. Your frustration is misdirected, vent it at them.
Because they are holding the rest of society hostage?
11:34 I don’t see a gun to my head…do you? You are only a hostage in your own mind, because you aren’t in reality
You lost me at those last eight words.
The COCID-19 vaccines are still in trial period and haven’t been authorized by FDA, except for emergency use – how can any vaccine which is under trial be made mandatory for anyone – doesn’t matter if that human being is an expat or not – they are still human beings. Those who state that some countries require certain other vaccination for people, etc, etc. – know that those vaccines are tried and tested and have been used for decades – they are under trial.
Where are the human rights for those that aren’t anti Vaxers but not ready for a vaccine under trial.
It’s only mandatory if you want to come on a work permit so not technically mandatory. Don’t want to take it? Work elsewhere. Pretty simple CHOICE!
Pathetic. The PPM didn’t leave me a reopening plan. Is this the same PPM that you spent the entire election campaign telling everyone was completely useless and couldn’t do anything right? At least they left you a full set of Board Members, since you haven’t figured out how to appoint one of those yet.
AS A FORMER MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT IN YOUR OPINION?
We have a system that still does not regard environmental issues as important to our success as a country and our wellbeing as citizens of this country. Some people still have the idea that the environment is disposable. They do not understand that we do not have a real, sustainable tourism product without a protected environment.
We cannot label Cayman as successful without an environment that supports an enjoyable quality of life. A balanced, holistic approach across all of Government is needed to achieve this instead of the current situation where progress is being made in little pockets but with no consistent and aligned objectives.
Don’t get me wrong. I believe in sustainable development. That means sensible growth which takes into consideration and seeks to balance other important factors such as quality of life; the quality of the tourism product; climate change resiliency; proper infrastructure management; protection of the environment and renewable energy options.
The bottom line is that we are not entitled to pursue our prosperity today at the cost of our children’s prosperity tomorrow. We must strike the right balance.
https://vote4community.ky/wayne-panton/on-the-issues/
So keeping the individual who has the most to gain from uncontrolled development as the head of the CPA is part of the plan?
Ireland following the science! No quarantine or tests for fully vaccinated travelers.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/eu-recommends-quarantine-and-test-exemptions-for-fully-vaccinated-people-1.4580039%3fmode=amp
No way I’m taking that second shot now.
You didn’t even take the first one, so hush lying..
It sounds like, if someone wants to confirm if someone in Cayman has been vaccinated that they can verify it with Cayman Island Government. Is this true and what department will do the verification and how?
Just ask Karen at the supermarket, your information will have made it to her by now.
Troll
LOL
I feel like I just ran most of a marathon and I can see the finish line, when at the last minute, they move the finish line to an undefined further distance.
yep…really makes you not want to do another marathon(take the next vaccine/booster shot)
An outrage … really? NO it means learning from the mistakes of our neighbours and having enough sense to protect our people, including you 5:29. You people seem to forget that the vaccine helps but does NOT completely prevent catching or spreading the virus. In most people it is expected to prevent serious illness but you are not immune because of having taken the vaccine.
That’s the whole point tho! If prevents the virus being anything but a mere flu virus. You’d have us live in isolation from the rest of the world because the virus isn’t going away anytime soon. Everyone has access to the vaccine to prevent them getting sick so open up. It will come but people will be protected.
scienctific data does not support your fears when 90% of the at risk groups are vaccinated.
Amen..these ignorant anti-vaxxers don’t realize that what we are doing will protect them too. They are so used to living in this bubble and think they are immune to catching covid. They are going to have a real “enlightening” when we open and either they or one of their unvaccinated family members catches covid and dies. But then again most of them believe Covid doesn’t even exist..
Omg, just get over your stupid selves. This is idiocy. Allow vaccinated individuals to come here with minimal quarantine, like 24 hours. Limit travelers to those that have had the Moderna or Pfizer, and are coming from highly vaccinated countries. We can move forward to include more persons as science dictates. Jeez y’all. This is not rocket science, just common sense. And of course we should require vaccination for permits and renewals. That goes without saying. Government get off your laurels and do your job!
Why are you excluding the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine? That is what most people in the us have had and it is clearly hugely effective just like Pfizer
UK. AstraZeneca is not approved in the US.
Most people in the US have not had AstroZeneca. Our options are Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson……all highly effective!
So, if I read this article right and if this actually becomes practice:
No work permit holders with children can work on the Cayman Islands without leaving their families in other countries (because children are not approved to take the “emergency use authorized vaccine” right now)?
No work permit holder who cannot take the “emergency use authorized vaccine” for medical reasons (like an autoimmune disease or severe allergic reaction to chemicals) can work on the Cayman Islands?
Discrimination, at its core!
I think this would mostly likely be just for those individuals who are age-eligible and medically able to receive the vaccine.
Give me one person to whom this would apply. I raise you 1000 uneducated idiots, with no reason not to get vaccinated. I have a half dozen in my Caymanian family alone. The issue isn’t the one off person with a legitimate reason for not vaccinating, it is the mass of Primarily Jamaicans and Caymanians that are afraid the vaccine will cause them some harm. It won’t. But try and convince them. It is impossible. Stupid is what stupid does. I hated Forrest Gump, but so true.
The article says nothing about dependents. Children are not work permit holders.
And what makes you think there won’t be an exemption for people who genuinely have a medical reason that stops them from having it?
If you have such a condition, you’re an idiot for trying to dissuade others from having it. They’re helping to protect you by doing so!
They are making up conspiracy theories like they normally do.. This is our country and we will protect the health and safety of our people.
I fyou want to come here to work, just like going to any other country you must follow the rules.
Nobody said anything about vaccinating children.They said permit holders and furthermore many coming now have to get their children vaccinated if they want to attend school so what is the difference..and don’t come back with the foolishness about experimental vaccine..That will only last a little longer until the FDA gives it full approval.
Bottom line if you don’t want to come to Cayman and obey or rules, don’t come! There are lots of people lined up behind you waiting to come in and wailling to follow the rules.
It’s not your country, it’s a British Overseas Territory.
8:15 Lmao, which is our country and our “Motherland”. Your point?
Don’t worry these people love a conspiracy theory..They always think the worse of us when we have kept their assess safe for a year and a half..
Ungrateful Wretches!!
Ummm, you have not read it right.
In case your weren’t paying attention you are on “Discrimination” island. It is taught here from birth and an entitlement. The UK will once again need to come to the rescue.
7:53 Don’t like our island…LEAVE and allow the door to hit you on the a$$ on the way out.
And what about me? 3rd generation, born and raised here under just what 7:53am stated “Discrimination taught here from birth and an entitlement”
That is how I was raised here on MY island. Whole family including extended family. Racist against our own people PLUS any color of expat. (We are mostly ‘white’) Even worked with a white Jamaican with Cayman grandparents that was openly racist.
Where should I go???
You ALL should grow up and realize that you need to join the world of acceptance. Because guess what… Some of your relatives and your politicians are not heterosexuals. SHhhhhhh..
What about you? You are full of 💩 and not anymore Caymanian than I am Indian.
7:53, you can hold your breath on that. The mess that the UK is in with multiple lockdowns…they would not be imposing any of that nonsense on us after how well we have managed Covid. That would be a laugh after their mismanagement.
The island is closed until 2022. How is this handling Covid well?
12:06 Closed, community safe, Covid not running rampant…sounds like CIG handled it well to me and most folks. Hence why so many are like land crabs trying to scramble here.
Where are you getting info that auto-immune can’t take the vax?
They asked local business to donate prizes to encourage people to take they vaccine. This has worked and now we still have no date. Why should the businesses that have suffered the most now have to donate prizes and still not have any idea when the borders will reopen?
Any business that relies on tourism and has donated should refuse to give away anything until a date is set for the borders to open
I have cancelled those which we agreed to donate.
You donated for the wrong reason then..Who does that? Very selfish, your business should be named and shamed..
You do make a very good point….
The date has been set- sometime in 2022………
No it has not.
Be patient please..We are almost there..Your summer vacation maybe a little delayed but it’s coming soon..
It is. just not here.
Direct rule now!
But 2022 will be spectacular…..
Just like…2 more weeks….
Why is there a distinction between Caymanians and WP holders/residents? Last time I checked Caymanians are just as likely to get and transmit the virus as WP holders? Also, if the goverbment don;t make it mandatory for Caymanians as well, any unvaccinated Caymanian won’t ever be able to travel off island (clearly no other country or airline is going to allow unvaccinated travellers), work in a tourism/taxi or tourist facing job, and will have to socially distance and wear a mask when we open, which seems a strange policy?
The distinction is that these Caymanians are natives of the Cayman Islands. Remember that little detail?
No such thing exists.
The natives are restless!
No we aren’t and those of us who have, have taken a trip off the rock.
All the more reason for it to be compulsory for them too!
So the fact they are born here prevents them from getting or spreading covid? Special people indeed!
It’s god’s country.
…being Caymanian grants me special powers. Thank you McKeeva.
Hey. RCIP. You opened an investigation yet?
As far as I am concerned anyone who is medically eligible to take the vaccine, but chooses not to is a selfish dickhead. And as a selfish dickhead, they can face consequences, like not being able to travel.
As far as I am concerned, anyone that has chosen to make a potentially life changing decision and then turns around and bullies others into making that same decision is a complete trollope.
You have no idea how much private research goes into each person’s decision.
Stop being so bloody belligerent.
There is a distinction because work permit holders are CHOOSING to come. As a condition of being allowed to come live here, there are requirements to be met……just like there already are in place (e.g. AIDS test).
What a very entitled colonial attitiude. Caymanians don’t have to apply to work or enter the Country. If someone has a work permit, it is a permit to work on the conditions set out when one applies to live and work in the Country they are not from. Same as any other Country for non-nationals. If you don’t like the terms then it is your choice not to apply for work and immigration rights to any country and remain in the Country to which you already have a right to abide.
No one is saying that Caymanians are less likely to get covid but anyone who is not vaccinated is a liability because they are more likely to catch and spread covid. We already have enough stupid people here refusing to get vaccinated so we don’t need to import more. If WP holders don’t want to get vaccinated, they have the option of returning or staying in their home country.
We’ve forded the Rubicon when we start requiring a select group to get vaccinated and not everyone. It’s an EXTREMELY dangerous precedent. I say that as a believer in the vaccine.
good
Next comes the reemergence of the Expat Tax – payroll tax on expats only. Just wait.
8:38 that should already be happening
shut up!
Please stop with the negative conspiracy theories..
I saw this same thing today in a PPM Whatsapp group. They are using it as a way to stir shit amongst the few people they have left and now they come on here anonymously and do them same thing. This is not anything more than the PPM throwing out foolish dis-information about the new government.
There was no “deject group”,
At the beginning we had a limited number of vaccines and we prioritized.
Jeez.
We wish the vaccine cards was like the drivers license. So they could fit in our wallets.
Don’t worry they will be in your right hand or forehead soon, so you can travel light.
Hopefully the CAYMANIANS will now get off their A$$es and get the Vaccine
Na fam, I’m good. You can take your foreign ass to get yours though.
You are an idiot and Ia m a born and breed Caymanian. You sit there waiting for covid to come find you or one of your family members..bet you will wish you got it then..
They still are expat bashers! What about Caymanians? How many Caymanians did fly off Islands and return with virus?
Cry us a river and take your ass elsewhere if you don’t like it
Keeping friends and families apart for over two years. Terrible. We are vaccinated for a reason and that reason was so we could safely get together with family across shores.
I won’t hold my breath on 2022 to be spectacular. Heard too many times the borders were opening only to hear of another excuse on why they are not.
So, 5:58, moaning thou much! Who exactly is keeping you separated from your overseas people? If you are vaccinated you can do what the rest of us do – arrange to visit them!
Sorry that my work does not afford me to take that much time off to quarantine.
8:20 boohoo
Have you asked?
Sounds like you need a new employer. The Government is not responsible for you being able to see your family and work during a pandemic You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Sounds like you have choice to make.
No one is keeping anyone apart. YOU have made a decision yourself not to go and see them. Government nor anyone else has done that for you. Take a look in the mirror and redirect your anger where it is due, at yourself.
At first it was a quarantine on both end of a journey. Impossible for most unless retired and extremely wealthy. Most protocols have been lightened on the US side, but a 15,10 or 5 day quarantine is still very expensive to stay in hotel before a holiday begins. Add in food at cayman prices it becomes impossible especially when employment only gives 7-10 days .
Noticing how unkind and uncaring people truly are on this forum. People have been apart for a very long time. A little understanding would go a long way .
Unkind and uncaring? So persons must take an experimental shot they don’t want so you can see your family? Most persons advocating for the shot is so they can travel and see family. If your job doesn’t give you enough time off, quit and move back to where you’ll be close to family.
No problem. If we are going to hinge our safety upon mRNA vaccines, then we are well within our rights to require WP holders to comply, or not come.
I would only caution those of you high up in government with your helpers and mama helpers; you may lose them, because the compliance may not be worth it to them.
right! What next? Stop bringing up foolishness..Wouldn’t you want your helper taking care of your elderly parents vaccinated..
so…what about those vaccinated with sinopharm? or vaccines not already approved by uk? those in phillipines xannot get pfizer..modrna ..j & j or astrazebecca? they only option is chinese or spudnik?
The chinese and russian ones have terrible protection rates – look at the outbreaks in countries using them. We should not allow them.
Do you know that people in Russia don’t wear face masks? My friend has just arrived in Vladivostok from Miami and was the only one wearing face mask.
So stop spreading nonsense.
Ok, follow your friend to Russia then.
I am very grateful that Premier Panton (and Premier McLaughlin before him) put the safety of our people first! All of you who jump on here bashing our government should take a deep breath and be thankful for the safe environment we currently live in. Why should our government cave to pressure from special interest groups and selfish individuals, without taking necessary precautions? We have all sacrificed to get to where we are!!
Spudnik only prevents potato blight though.
If you take it, you must have a chip on your shoulder.
Take it and your brain is mashed!
Imploring people to get vaccinated is not a plan either.
Government needs to think outside the box, find out what specifically is preventing people from getting vaccinated and solve that problem.
Transport? Go to them.
Misinformation? Provide the science.
Time?
All of these obstacle can be overcome but not by simply imploring people and doing more of the same.
The only plan government should be worried about developing is a safe re-opening plan. Everyone knows about the benefit of the vaccine and has had ample opportunity to get vaccinated.
Belief that God frowns upon it? Believing what they read on the internet conspiracy groups versus what they are told by scientists? How you going to deal with those? Government seems to think that a lottery ticket and a Whopper will work, but I think they have already harvested the bribable.
People said that the virus started in Wuhan China and the scientists said no way! Fast forward to today, scientists are agreeing that the virus started in Wuhan China. Moral of the story is, that the scientist got it wrong to begin with. Happens all the time in the real world.
What BS. Families with young children are being discriminated against. The mortality rate for children is so tiny, that of regular flu.
Travel Cayman needs an overhaul.
It is madness that as of today, a fully qualified traveller can not fly into Cayman until July 3rd.
You can’t even get a flight out between between June 17th and July 4th.
Utterly ridiculous! Past time for regular flights to be happening.
What a JOKE!
Blame the old government.
9 months ago Dr Lee said once there is a vaccine we can open up! What Happened?
Now it’s more excuses and more fear mongering.
All the tourists from the USA are traveling to all other Caribbean islands with most airlines expecting a big summer season, now we will be missing out on.
Cruise ships are running and the USA has stuck it to Canada and allowed them to return to Alaska this summer without them stopping in a overseas port.
What happened was anti-vaxxers like you did your fear mongering causing people to delay their decision to get their vaccination. Luckily, most have now stepped up to the plate.
Please remember, we do not have to follow what every other Caribbean Island does. We have to do what is best for us.
After this Cayman will be used as a model as to what to do with an island nation if we have another Pandemic. We have gotten this right so far. Give the Premier and the new government the support they need to get us through this mess and get us to the point where we can re-open safely.
The PACT Government has picked up where the PPM government left off, seemingly set on slowly (or not so slowly) starving our island, this as members of government sit in privileged positions content to make decisions from what amounts to ivory towers immune from the effects of their immediate incompetence. The fact this government along with the one before it continue to react to scare mongering regarding Covid when over 60% of the population has now been now vaccinated and the lack of governments ability to consider the ongoing damage that these closed border policies are doing to business and the overall mental health of the community is an insult to the entire population.
They should all be ashamed of themselves for not having a plan already and as for not opening vaccinations to children over 12 when it has been approved by both Canada and the US is a clear reflection of the hubris that narrow mindedness that Public Health and its senior decision makers bring to this issue.
Concerned Caymanian? You are no more Caymanian than I am European or North American. We are a British Overseas Territory and don’t follow along with what the Americans or Canadians are doing. Great Britain have not yet approved the vaccine for our children and we Caymanians are quite ok with that.
Amen, so sick of these people coming here and wanting to tell us how to run our country and that we must conform to their way of living..
Criticizing us and calling us names does not help their plight even though like we Caymanians always do we will looking out for their interests as well, many times to our own detriment.
Make it a law like yesterday. Stop dragging your feet about this issue. Do not worry about the work permit holder. Worry about the people who call Cayman home.
Work permit holders new and current know that they’re not going to bite off the hand that is feeding them and more. Non-compliance simply means that another person, who has been standing in line for however long, now gets the opportunity to take that job.
As for the others who live here by right or other means, get yourselves vaccinated. If not for your sorry a**, do so for the betterment of the country.
Amen! 100%
At last we hear something! 5 days would be a big step in the right direction.
Ridiculous. Utterly and simply ridiculous.
Legal challenge on this would be interesting.
Exactly, I’d like to see the basis for any sort of quarantine at this point based on science and any previous precendent.
You would not get far with legal challenge, I can tell you that from now.
So you run for office during a pandemic and don’t have a plan prepared in the event that you win. In fairness it’s not as though the pandemic and border lockdown is a big deal, right?
As predicted, it sounds like the goalpost has once again been moved. 70% anyone?…lol.
I was one of the holdouts who foolishly and against my better judgement took the first dose in good faith to help push us to the goal of 70%. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. What’s the point of getting the second dose when everyone coming in will be quarantined?
Lastly, it is almost as though Mr. Panton is operating on Snapchat science. Tell me how it is that a leader can operate on pure unscientific speculation where variants are concerned? I expect this on facebook but not from a leader. How do you get out of that sort of circular and nebulas logic where you literally prophesize about variants? Not a good look..
So let me get this straight, in order for CaymMAS to go ahead, all those participating in the carnival must have been vaccinated…
But what about the majority of people there (in their thousands no doubt) who won’t be participating, but will be standing on the side of the streets!?
Holy moly please send help.
Fake vaccine cards about to be rampant lol
75% of Americans are planning on traveling this summer just heard on news tonight. Stupid to miss out on that when just need to allow only vaccinated travelers in. Rampant vaccine cards is real funny. Just what most traveling families will be traveling with. Lol
There aren’t 75% of Americans that have a passport.
Traveling – doesn’t necessarily mean all Americans will be going overseas.
8:08, news flash…..passport is not required for domestic travel. That 75% includes those traveling within the US. However, many many many Americans ARE and have been traveling internationally for MONTHS!
47% of American voters voted for Trump. Are we really using what the the average American gets up to as the basis for making decisions? That seems to be the gist of the OP and your response?
Trump said Obama left no booklet on the pandemic. Sound familiar? Panton says previous government left no instructions on the reopening. Things that make one say hmmmm……
I can vouch for HEAVY travel loads in the US this summer. Vaccination rates are soaring and people are traveling….both domestically and internationally.
Flights are full, rental cars are hard to come by and hotel rates are sky high.
Most of which will travel within America. Look for stats of those planning to travel abroad. Much much much lower
Everyone I know is traveling internationally as for the last year they traveled stateside.
Not until Wayne answers the question about the vaccination of the members of his government truthfully.
4:29 Not our business