Caymanian civil servant’s urgent call to rethink policy
Cayman Anon writes: As a Caymanian and a senior member of the civil service, I write with deep concern regarding the government’s recently approved term limits policy for expatriate civil servants, set to take effect in 2026. While the policy’s intention to prioritise Caymanians in public service is understandable, its implementation risks undermining the very systems we’ve worked so hard to build.
The reality is simple: we rely on expatriates not just as fillers in roles, but as professionals who bring unique skills and expertise that are simply not available within our local talent pool at the moment. These expatriates have dedicated years to serving our community, and their contributions have been critical in ensuring the smooth operation of essential services, from healthcare to education and law enforcement.
By forcing them out after a set term, we risk losing decades of hard-earned experience. This will not be a smooth transition for our civil service. Caymanians are undoubtedly capable, but without a proper succession plan, mentoring, and time to build up the necessary skills, the loss of seasoned expatriate professionals will leave us with a massive gap. The question is: who will fill it? Are we truly prepared to sacrifice quality public service for a politically motivated policy?
This policy’s short-term gains could cost us dearly in the long run. Instead of alienating expatriates who have helped us grow, we should be focusing on programmes that provide mentorship, training, and gradual integration of Caymanians into these critical roles. We cannot afford to let divisiveness overshadow pragmatism.
If we want to secure a prosperous future for our island, we must seek policies that unite us, not divide us. This policy, as it stands, could weaken the very civil service that is essential to our success.
I urge the government to reconsider this policy. Our future depends on collaboration, not exclusion.
This opinion was emailed to Governor Jane Owen and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and copied to CNS.
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Category: Government Administration, Policy, Politics, Viewpoint
I read this article, I read the comments. It’s obvious Caymanains need a proper training facility. Something with recognized certification so they can compete.
Cayman Anon,
As a true Caymanian – and I mean that not by the definition of any Immigration Law, but as a birth right, generational Caymanian – I am appalled and saddened at this article.
It is people like you who have stifled the development of other Caymanians for far too long.
Let me share with you an observation, one I am sure many other people across these islands can attest to. How many times have we imported foreign labour for a particular post, only to find out that the person actually lacked the capabilities detailed on their CV? And what happens then? The Cayman Islands Government is left to further train them, or, more often than not, the Caymanian who was already doing the job, or capable of doing it, ends up training the expatriate.
I am sure as persons within the Civil Service read this, they will nod their heads in agreeance because they have seen it or experienced it themselves.
What your article highlights to me, “Cayman Anon,” is that you are part of the issue. You are a clear example of the systemic problem that many Caymanians face, often at the hands of our own people who have managed to climb the ladder. You speak of “decades of hard-earned experience” that we risk losing. But what about the decades of Caymanian potential that have been side lined? What about the experience Caymanians have been denied the chance to gain in their own country because the path was blocked?
You ask who will fill the gap. Caymanians will fill it – if given the genuine opportunity, the proper training pathways from the start (not as an afterthought), and if the system actually believes in them. Your fear mongering about sacrificing “quality public service” is an insult to the capabilities of Caymanians. For too long, we have heard this narrative while watching others, sometimes less qualified, be parachuted in above us.
Instead of focusing on “mentorship, training, and gradual integration” as if Caymanians are a project to be managed by expatriates, perhaps the focus should have always been on developing Caymanian talent first and foremost, with expatriate expertise used to genuinely transfer knowledge for a defined period, not to create indefinite dependency.
Your call for “collaboration, not exclusion” rings hollow when the policies of the past have often led to the exclusion of Caymanians from top opportunities in their own home.
This new term limits policy is not about alienating anyone; it’s about ensuring Caymanians are finally prioritised in their own Civil Service.
Just like the writer before stated in response to another matter, I say to you: please do the Caymanian populace and the Civil Service a favour and move on, because you form part of the greater issue.
Your mindset is what has held us back. It’s time for a change, and this policy, while perhaps needing refinement in its rollout, is a step towards addressing a long standing imbalance.
When will ‘Caymanians’ stop complaining about lost employment and GET EDUCATED AND TRAINED for the jobs they want??????? Look in the mirror for what is holding you back.
You have clearly missed the message here mate.
Additionally this ‘senior leader’ should know each contract is 2 years and there is NO guarantee of renewal. This letter is written as though they have an open contract that doesn’t not require renewal.
Having had several roles within the Civil Service they have a very poor record of transitioning between people. Handing over reports were foreign when I tried to institute them. Such processes are mandatory in the private sector for business continuity.
cayman anon,
Are you truly caymanian ir just another expat under the guise of cayman rebelling because you are about to rolled out? I agree 100% with writer.
please move on or out! you are certainly not part of any sensible solution
As a Caymanian, I believe it is time for significant change, and your stance appears to undermine the necessary progression of our public service. While expatriates have undoubtedly contributed to our community, it is essential to recognize that our workforce should reflect our own people. The Cayman Islands, like many other Overseas Territories, should prioritize the development and empowerment of its citizens.
The argument that we rely on expatriates due to a lack of local talent only highlights the pressing need for us to invest in our own. It has been too long that we have allowed our future to be dictated by the presence of foreign professionals. Society evolves, and we must embrace this change swiftly and justly. Your concerns about losing experienced expatriate workers should not overshadow the importance of creating opportunities for Caymanians to rise to these roles.
As a senior civil service leader I urge you to leave the civil service as you are part of the issue. The private sector, where expatriates are prevalent, may be a more suitable environment for your mindset. We need strong advocates for local talent in our public service, not individuals who propagate fear of change.
This is not about excluding expatriates, but about ensuring we build a civil service that prioritizes and invests in our own.
As an expat I agree that Caymanians should be first in line. No doubt. I just don’t agree to force out specialists in fields such as Teachers, Nurses, Forensic Experts, Detectives, Care Workers and Lawyers just for the sake of a rollover. Look how many in the private sector go on rollover and return like nothing happened?. These jobs I mentioned earlier are career roles which still open up for Caymanians even without a term limit (for the few that want it). The gov jobs that Caymanians actually want are already about 98% locals anyways. Now with the term limit the jobs I alluded to will not attract the best of the best as it once did. Secondly, those who leave will find permanent employment elsewhere. The only thing changes is the attrition rate. PR does not solve the issue because I’ve seen Europeans who invested in property and have enough points but was still denied a PR. It would be good to exempt a few roles in gov that are not highly sought after. Peace to all.
Boo hoo. Now you know what small business owners have been dealing with for years. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander.
“These expatriates have dedicated years to serving our community”
That right there should cause you shame, you’ve had years to train and prepare a Caymanian, but obviously you’re not interested in doing so
I love it when the government creates a problem and convinces us they are a hero and will solve it. Does anybody think it’s Frans time to go?
Long past his time. He spouts the term “world class” Civil Service as if he himself is world class. Oh yes and only within his definition.
Big big question does this whole issue touch upon the ever growing number of expats hired by CIIMA, dar number alone is enough to populate Bodden town east end and north side. So ona be careful ya hear look in and around all corners for we have been infiltrated and our own caymanians in position are to blame. Ona hear wa I say !!
You are unemployable based on your appalling English alone.
TRUTH!
You do realise there are around 40,000 more jobs here than Caymanians to fill them, right? Every employer cannot “train and prepare a Caymanian” to fill every job. It is mathematically impossible.
Maybe we have around 30,000 too many jobs? Serious question. What is the point of them if local people are not benefitting, and are reasonably feeling overwhelmed?
You rely on expats to fund Cayman.
This article highlighted how Caymanians are funded by pillaging expats who live here: https://www.caymancompass.com/2024/11/13/analysis-is-public-spending-in-cayman-out-of-control.
“Perhaps the most eye-opening fact that arises from looking at the pie chart above is how potentially exposed Cayman is to the financial services sector; 40% of government revenue is explicitly derived from this sector (to say nothing of the import duty, permit fees and such like connected to those who work in it).
In fact, if one adds in revenue from work permits and tourism, then we find that at least 59% of government revenue is derived from potentially non-controllable sources.
That’s a very high figure for any country and should illustrate how reliant Cayman is on firstly keeping its reputation intact (in many ways), as well as how dependent Cayman is on the expatriate and international community to support government’s spending plans for the country.”
In short, Cayman is massively exposed to downturns to the financial services sector; 40% of government revenue is explicitly derived from it (to say nothing of the import duty, permit fees and such like connected to those who work in it). Adding revenue from work permits and tourism, at least 59% of government revenue is derived from expats. That’s very high for any country and illustrates how reliant Cayman is on firstly keeping its reputation intact (by not indulging in lobotomised xenophobia), as well as how dependent Cayman is on the expat community to fund CIG’s spending (on Caymanians).
Cayman is doomed to fail, by its OWN fault.
You understand that much of government’s expenditure is supporting impoverished expats that have been brought in to these islands, and the extended families of civil servants?
This is an excellent point, well said.
In broad terms, there are three sorts of expats:
1. Highly qualified, irreplaceable specialists. The two obvious examples are doctors and lawyers. Cayman cannot, and will never, produce enough of them.
2. ‘Generalist expats’ – e.g. realtors, general managers, secretaries, dive instructors and bar workers.
3. Third world expats. Unskilled, from dysfunctional and/or violent parts of the world. The dominant example is of course Jamaica.
A high-functioning Caymanian government should be able to protect Category 1 expats (while concurrently doing everything humanly possible to get as many Caymanians into those jobs), while ensuring that categories 2 and 3 are minimised.
Category 3 in particular need to be prevented from getting PR or status. This should be achievable with suitable economic impact on Cayman, because Category 3 people can be rolled over without compunction. Mac’s status grant continues to cause massive issues: we know how damaging letting these sorts of people in can be.
“Highly qualified, irreplaceable specialists.”
Aww, tweetums, you really believe that, huh? 😂
Yes, look at Bermuda.
2024: https://www.royalgazette.com/economy/business/article/20240220/report-economy-vulnerable-to-several-external-risks/
2025: https://www.royalgazette.com/general/news/article/20250604/population-declines-threatens-tax-base/
Recruiters warn “Highly qualified, irreplaceable specialists” not to apply to Bermuda, because they have backwards, xenophobic immigration and work permit laws. They are now deservedly suffering the consequences 🙂
Cayman has so far benefited from this, because we are taking e.g. increasing captive insurance work. Nonetheless, the constant demands for affirmative action are threatening a similar path to Bermuda.
To be clear: are you (or anyone else) genuinely suggesting that Cayman can produce enough doctors or lawyers needed by the population/economy? From where? Look at the school results!! 😉
AND to be honest, how many CAYMANIANS will go to an ACTUAL CAYMANIAN doctor, not a status grant doctor, but TRUE GENERATIONAL CAYMANIAN?
The disrespect to Jamaica and Jamaicans is appalling. Check CIG and you’ll see the amount of Jamaican Doctors and Lawyers in employment…….. Well qualified and educated!
Don’t speak logic to this audience, they rather grumble than work!
Well they have 9 years to succession plan so get the program in place. Justifying an Expat police or teacher position is laughable. Both those areas in CIG heavy with other Caribbean Mafia style protectionism in full display and the outcome for our students and crime in the community an obvious direct connection. Seriously how long does it take to train your basic traffic cop 6 months 1 year max? Give RCIP and and every low level police officer notice now that they will be out of a job Jan 1st 2027 and let’s get on with this.
Which civil servants ? The one here that believe they were going to continue this terrible onslaught against Caymanians so much so now we are a minority in our own island! We are not the ones who need to rethink this BS being perpetrated by a few usurpers who have come here to destroy this little place and turn it to your dutty and nasty playgrounds you have run from overseas ! Enough is Enough feel the heat in Unnah draws seat !
Funny how we get so sensitive, angry and loud every time the expats are mentioned as if we are all “native” to Cayman. The truth is that Cayman is built by expats, your great grandfather/grandmother and mine. We can all be angry at expats, not our government that is not doing anything about preparing Caymanians to perform better in the jobs they’re handed. Giving the decision making power to execute these jobs is a key to flow. Add to that the painful Bureaucracy that is halting progress, it’s chocking us all. Expats are paying the bills, and with a bit of some low enforcement, including road safety (polluting trucks/cars fine, misfunctioning lights on vehicles fine, etc.) regulating construction trucks driving time on the road, and fine littering at construction sights can generate great additional revenue for training programs. But who has the appetite for that?
“Caymanian”
Students benefit most when educators come from varied backgrounds, rather than representing a single diaspora. Engaging with teachers from different cultures broadens students’ worldviews, fosters global awareness, and prepares them to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Rotating teachers promotes fresh perspectives and continuous innovation, ensuring students experience a range of teaching styles and cultural influences. Without change, educators may become too accustomed to their surroundings.
All nice things to have but none of which matters a bean when 60% of our students are failing basic English and Math at CXC.
…so is your argument that we should retain the current staff that have “achieved” those results? I’m not sure the point of your comment.
*crickets*
Couldn’t figure out how to turn this one into another anti-Caymanian rebuttal, I guess.
The Viewpoint’s opinion can also apply to the private sector. So, then, why have term limits for foreign workers at all? The same reasoning to justify term limits in the private sector should certainly apply to the civil service. This inconsistency is the glaring defect in the author’s reasoning.
Providing easy access to mentorship and training, and integration of Caymanians into critical roles–along with term limits–should be part of a prudent, well structured plan to enhance the ability of Caymanians to replace foreign workers as the expat workers are rolled over or phased out. It should apply to ALL areas of employment, not just to the private sector.
This whole policy will end in tears but it is good to finally implement it. Let us see how the system works now.
All I read was hate towards Caymanians and calling Us lazy. Train Caymanians to fill those positions before he/she leaves. Simple!
Why can’t Caymanians train Caymanians????? Should departing expats do all the work. Sheesh, take responsibility folks!
You need to read and understand the law surrounding the conditions under which any expatriate with skills is permitted to come and work here in the first place!
Because Caymanians are busy training the Ex-pat brought in for the position they’ve been covering for the last year or longer for no additional pay.
Who trained YOU?!
The writer is insulting every Caymanian. Can a Caymanian not learn? Should a Caymanian not be given an opportunity to do any job in their own country?
Makes me think the writer is one of those civil servants who is only there for the money. Not interested in learning anything new or advancing themselves.
The policy for the private sector should have been the same for public sector.
Cayman Islands Government should lead by example.
I heard a speech that Benson Ebanks gave to teachers in which he explained that Cayman was affluent enough to be able to attract ‘the best’ teachers because our children deserve ‘the best’.
Fast forward to today, and the profession is ‘infested’ with underperforming staff who are led by administrators who have bought their higher degrees from online places with names similar to Walmart. In Benson’s day, qualifications had to be from an approved University which were were few and far between. In his day, we had a core of excellent dedicated teachers, from all over the world, like who have left a lasting impression on many of today’s successful Caymanians.
PS As an examole a name that is talked about and was admired a lot is Eustace Francis (sadly deceased).
the government must now follow the Civil service lead. increas 1 year break to 2 and designate roles for Caymanians onky.
thank you DG and Premier
I may have missed that speech but I remember others. He was an honourable man and a great politician. I used to go visit him at his hardware store in West Bay and listen to his many stories as well as seeking his advice. We could do with him today.
I believe you Sir are definitely a good replacement. You have shown your true love for these lil rocks.
So I believe, all that you learned from Mr. Benson and ALL the others of his time, you can share and help immensely.
Why were standards dropped?
i.e. why isn’t there a continuing requirement for qualifications from approved First World universities, rather than online diploma mills?
According to the Economics and Statistics Office, as of June last year, out of the 4,810 civil servants in Cayman, 30.7%, or 1,479, were non-Caymanians.
Most expat workers in government are employed within schools, the police and prison services, and as caregivers in the Department of Children and Family Services.
The question is how many Caymanians are training to take up these Jobs, and if they do how many stay and make it a career?
These jobs have local recruitment every year and still they are not filled.
Is there a disconnect between the Political rethoric and the Jobs that expats are being recruited for?
A disproportionate number of the Caymanians in these jobs are not from Cayman. They are overwhelmingly from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica. The workplace culture is accordingly far from Caymanian, and many Caymanians find it “foreign”. Because it is!
There is supposed to be demographic balance in workplaces to avoid this. The civil service has too often failed to ensure that. We are now in a mess.
FALSE!
Where is the Attorney General from?
Where is the Auditor General from?
Where is the Solicitor General from?
Where is the Chief Justice from?
Where is the DPP from?
And that is just in legal affairs…
You may have left off:
Where is the Chief Magistrate from?
Where is the head of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit from?
Where is the First Legislative Counsel from?
Where is the Director of the Law reform Commission from?
also in legal affairs.
Where is practically the entire staff of the CIG Pointsetta Mental Health Facility from?
Oh, I’m sure the poster was just getting started with the most senior people in government’s legal services division. Don’t even get started on education, health, police or prisons. What has been allowed to happen is a travesty.
Whether or not the job is filled by an expat is a completely different issue from whether that specific expat is allowed to stay long enough that they can develop a right to permanent residence or status, ir if the expat can be replaced with another expat if unable to find or train a Caymanian replacement.
Exactly what happens in the private sector. Replace a well trained expat that you know & trust with a new foreigner, that you have to bring up to speed on how to integrate in Cayman.
In other words, “Don’t send the expats away, they’re the only ones holding the CS together!”
Wiht all the highly educated students returning from university and the difficulty some of them have in securing employment, these jobs can be filled by our own people. I see foreign nationals in the civil service that more than one local person can do.
The so-called decades of experience are not valid to even consider, given how much job structures are changing from day to day.
Relevant experience is needed for many of the jobs expats fill. Granted, not all of the jobs, but many. You can’t just expect to be put in a role which requires substantial experience to fulfill with only an academic qualification. CIG should start its own training program.
So where do they get the experience?
There are ex-pat employees working happily in the civil service who had no intention of applying for the right to become Caymanian. They never intended to retire here. Just enjoy working and contributing, and eventually moving on in their own time.
But now they will be forced to apply for PR and status. So the government are just creating more applications and more foreign Caymanians by forcing them to become Caymanian so they can stay in their jobs.
It’s lunacy!
Their kids ain’t leaving, ever. Even if their parents do.
Dear Cayman Anon,
If you don’t think that 9.5 years is enough time for a “smooth transition”, you clearly are not fit for your role as a “senior civil servant”.
If you read the release in its entirety, the implementation date is 1 January 2026 BUT the clock only starts to tick from that date. Those non-Caymanian civil servants that you are worried about will have 9.5 years from today to train a Caymanian and to pass on their skills and expertise.
I wonder if you’ve identified a successor for your “senior” role when you retire. Oh? You still have 10 years left before you retire? You have plenty time you say?
Same goes for this.
A new day. A new dawn.
Shape up or ship out.
Thank you DG and Premier Andre. You video last evening gave me hope and admiration.
The point you raise is exactly the same issue that confronts other parts of the economy and infrastructure where skills and experience are critical, from financial services to medical professionals. Yet those sectors have to face and deal with the term limit issues. What makes the civil service a sacred cow? If the private sector is expected to navigate around the requirements, why shouldnt our world class civil service not be capable of doing so as well ?
I agree with the rethink it should be retroactive from the status giveaway!
If all expats are sent home all Caymanians will have jobs, there will be less cars on the road and less crime.
😂
I mean, you’d be a fool to not understand that two out of three of those are factual, right?
funny to see caymanians
re-joice at this when in reality it will mean nothing more than an overall weakening of the civil service….
after 9 years when there is obviously no caymanian to do the job…what happens…a new expat with even less experience as the last one….and the cycle continues.
poor gullible caymanians for swallowing this nonsense.
Well, no wonder they love trump here so much. Let them get what they want so much.
Imagine if Caymanians were regarded like expats here when they migrate to other countries.
Caymankindness?
Imagine Caymanians being treated as second class citizens in the Cayman Islands by expats.
Caymanian protection change is coming. First in the public sector and then in the private sector.
Caymanians who migrate to other countries (for work) would indeed be regarded as expatriate laborers. Your comment makes no sense.
…and called Aliens in the United States, and not allowed to buy property in Canada (by way of examples).
As a non Canadian who owns property in Canada I wonder where you are getting your information from. Tou may pay a different level of stamp duty from a Canadian but there is no prohibition in owning property.
There was a two year moratorium on purchasing property in Canada a few years ago. This may now have stopped.
It’s been extended:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2024/02/government-announces-two-year-extension-to-ban-on-foreign-ownership-of-canadian-housing.html
There are some Caymanains (too few in my opinion, considering the educational investments) that do finish high school and university with the ambition to seek and gain foreign placement experience that builds these competitive skill sets, and puts them on par with experienced hires from elsewhere. The world is a big place, and Cayman is a tiny talent pool for top performing jobs, where birthplace counts for nothing. There has to be more career ambition and fulfillment drive than simply securing a tolerable job that pays X and plodding along until the shift whistle blows.
When the surname Ebanks gets your resume put aside regardless of qualifications and experience, then no amount of education will make you competitive in your own home. There are lots of educated Caymanians that are not given the opportunity and generalized. Yet, a new experienced individual is brought in, only for the Caymanian to train them.
Imagine? wotch u taking bout Willis? that’s our reality and stop with this Caymankind pure rubbish you must mean Cayman unkind guest that don’t want to leave.
Very few Caymanians emigrated let it be it own.
Come high water or for any other reason, natural or man-made, we stay and grin and bear our situations.
Just excuses for his/her laziness. Resist change at all costs because it requires work. The aim is to do the least possible and collect a check, not help promote your neighbor.
Agreed, plus how will they attract needed professionals if they know they will get kicked out after a set time?
12:23 – the answer is – the same way they recruit in the private sector where there are already term limits
Yes, welcome to the hiring issues in the private sector. Why should civil service staff be treated differently?
I was born in the UK but have lived here more than half my life.
I am now a Caymanian citizen and proud that this is my only home.
I support this proposal and have advocated it myself. Although a one year absence, as in the private sector, would be reasonable.
There is nothing to stop a civil servant qualifying for permanent residence in the same way as those who work in the private sector.
Or support the removal of all team limits as in most other countries.
12.54 If only the term limits were enforced in private sector for all. The major banks might be headed by real Caymanians like they used to and again have good customer service.
By knowing that for 8-9 years you salary is better than in their country and you will leave with a very healthy pension ? With no tax, how else duhh.
The government’s decision to set a term limit for expatriate civil servants is an a necessary step forward. While this transition may come with challenges—given the valuable perspectives and expertise these professionals bring—it also creates a real opportunity to fully implement succession planning for Caymanians in a meaningful and lasting way.
For years, Caymanians have been informed of the academic qualifications required for higher positions, yet they have rarely been given a clear roadmap for acquiring hands-on experience, mentorship, and a gradual transition of responsibilities—critical elements for success in leadership roles within the civil service. While Caymanians undoubtedly possess the talent and capability, meaningful career progression has often relied on expatriates who may be hesitant to provide full training opportunities, fearing that doing so could lead to their own replacement. As a result, the lack of structured knowledge transfer has left Caymanians unprepared for leadership roles, making the potential loss of experienced expatriates a significant challenge.
Of course, there may be efforts to bypass these new rules, with certain positions being labeled as “essential” or exemptions granted. However, this change presents a unique opportunity to reshape the system—to move beyond simply discussing succession planning and instead put it into practice. By fostering structured career development, mentorship programs, and gradual leadership transitions, Caymanians can build the confidence, skills, and experience necessary to take on top civil service roles.
And let’s not forget—there’s still plenty of time! While the term limit will be implemented in 2026, this doesn’t mean that all or even most expatriate civil servants will be hitting their limits right away. There’s ample opportunity to get real succession planning rolling before the effects are fully felt.
With thoughtful implementation, commitment, and a focus on real training and development, this policy shift can serve as a defining moment—one that strengthens Cayman’s civil service and ensures a future led by capable, well-prepared Caymanians.
Thanks, ChatGPT
Serious question: are there enough Caymanians to fill these (I’m guessing) senior civil servant roles?
very well put
you must be a politician.
ha – well now you know what the private sector has been dealing with for years.
I am agnostic about the policy – but there is no reason for the public sector not to follow the same rules as the private sector.
If it doesn’t work for public sector – then it doesn’t for private sector either
Agnostic?
Couldn’t agree more. Well said
You need to Leave Cayman forever if you want to double down on our new government’s policy! Get away!
You need to leave UK forever, plenty more third world to move in, then see how you complain and how Cayman will be.
“gradual integration of Caymanians into critical roles?”
Just how gradual do you intend it to be? The last 20 years hasn’t been long enough?
The foreign domination of key elements of our civil service is palpable. The fact that it seems to have occasionally happened to the exclusion of generational Caymanians, unforgivable.
The private sector generally functions better than the civil service, and does it whilst abiding by the same rules that you claim are impossible to manage.
The key is having a proper succession plan!! We do need expat workers that’s for sure but many qualified Caymanians (with experience and qualifications), are not moving up in the CS as we should. They have nine years from 2026, I think that’s fair notice.
Cry me a river. Sick and tired of feeling out of place in my homeland. Can’t hear the Caymanian accent at all when you go to Foster’s Camana.
Who are we building for?! Keep these limits, halt status and PR grants, or sink this dyamn place and start over! Ga these people ya so brazen that I ga Karen, an expat manager, telling me to stop saying “unna” in a Cayman Islands office!
Unlike you, some of us are absolutely sick and tired of Tim Horton’s being pushed by people demanding we stop selling turtle meat. They refuse to assimilate. They push to dilute our culture to theirs. Natives are not respected here, but rather, seen as undesired as they lock themselves in their gated communities. Enough is ENOUGH!
I am not anti-expat. I am pro-Caymanian. If absolutely needed, the work permit workers can be rotated out from a pool of billions of other potential applicants who would work here temporarily for relatively lucrative pay instead of buying up our finite land.
There’s a lot to unpack in here. But in a nutshell, the world, Cayman, and aquatic resource stocks, have all changed materially over the decades. We need to move forward through time and space together mindful of changing realities and our place in it. These other Caymanians, who co-inhabit this land now, who really owe you nothing, to whom you don’t accept and actively resent, should be glad for the security gates that separate out professed respect-seekers wanting to get in to take back something that isn’t theirs, or force their own unlawful fealty challenges. Move along, Sir.
” should be glad for the security gates that separate out professed respect-seekers wanting to get in to take back something that isn’t theirs ”
What a reach. I want nothing to do with the likes of you – stay up in your mansion; I’m happy on ironshore.
If you want to be a racist, generalizing person who thinks every native is a thief that you need to hide from, just own it.
Correct, you don’t hear the Caymanian accent anymore, it’s the Camanian.
Not trans-atlantic, but a white accent with a very slight essence of Caymanian, perpetuated mainly through the social divide that happened over the past few decades of the uppity expat kids attending rich private school primarily if not exclusively.
7.21 Alot more Jamanian accents than any other. That is our biggest problem.
Who chose to exclude expat kids from the public school system?
CAYMANIANS!
Who is whinging about “uppity expat kids attending rich private school[s]”?
CAYMANIANS!
Who has totally trashed their public school system now that expats kids aren’t allowed to be taught there?
CAYMANIANS!
Whose fault is it all?
CAYMANIANS!
Who will be too pig-headed and arrogant to admit it?
CAYMANIANS!
Well said poster!
Shout it from the roof tops as loud as you can and I am echoeing right behind you.
Another Pro-Caymanian.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Is unna really Caymanian?
I associate it with somewhere else.
You make it seem like everyone will be leaving their job at once. There will be no mass exodus. And guess what? They can start the training of Caymanians from now. And once that expat leaves, if by chance a Caymanian cannot be found to fill that role; then they just hire a new expat that they feel have the qualifications . That will at least eliminate the pretty much guaranteed route to PR that the current expats have.
@Cayman Anon: What has the leadership of the civil service been doing since each of those contract employees reached our shores? Let’s say someone has been on a contract for five years by now. Have any serious attempts been made to identify a Caymanians who obviously may not have the experience, but has sufficient education and training to learn the role within the standard HR expectation of 12 to 14 months? Has an effort been made to bring to the table the scholarship secretariat, WORC, the business staffing board and the work permit board in order to identify qualified Caymanians? Many of us feel that if the term limit starts in January, 2026 it should expire in two (maximum three years), instead of nine! A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…
truth and facts. two things caymanians don’t do.
Which is why you were able to embellish your CV in order to get a job here that you weren’t able to get back home, right?
Happens more often than you’d like to think. They come with years and years of experience, yet don’t know the basics and a Caymanian is usually put up to the task of training them. It’s even more insulting when you realize they know nothing but got the job.
You’ve obviously misunderstood what is taking place. As of Jan 2026, CIG has 9 years to train and prepare Caymanians to take over certain roles. If there are no qualified Caymanians for specific roles, then CIG just recruits a new qualified expat. If the civil service takes the role of training and promoting Caymanians seriously, then the transition should be smoother than you think it will be. 9 years is a long time to plan.
You keep writing your drivel you hear. Only people being exclude are Caymanians its so funny how unnah writing opinions now yet when our children return from university and overseas they are put through hell to get a basic job despite being qualified for the post. The labels attached to Caymanians are downright nasty and demeaning and disrespectful and appears to be and organized strategy by those who come here and don’t want to ever leave. Unnah need to leave because we could not get away with what you are doing in Cayman in unnah countries that’s for sure.
Stop using ‘unnah’
Signed:
Karen.
Here’s another label just for you: illiterate.
It’s an idiotic policy designed to obtain support from locals. If we have qualified Caymanians to fill these positions, then it is a good thing as a whole, but promoting within the civil service just for time served or the sake of giving a Caymanian a senior position who isn’t qualified is ridiculous. Also, if they can not fill this role with a qualified Caymanian, we then need to bring in another expat anyway. They are focusing on the wrong areas. We should be focusing on the trouble makers who obtained status previously and are now unemployed criminals. Revoke statuses and deport them. The small number of people in government that are exempt from rollover is so small that it will have a bigger negative effect than positive. One of the first examples of a government that are acting before thinking. More of this will come as well.
Then I guess you’ll be replaced with another expat if no Caymanian is available. Is the problem that an “unqualified” Caymanian may take your place eventually, or are you comforted that it may be another expat? I doubt it is any and I believe MOST expats here are only looking out for themselves and their pockets. It is clear by the comments. This will expose more of the anti-Caymanian sentiment that plagues our shores.
Look in the mirror and see a nationalist.
I am the original poster and I am Caymanian. I just don’t have my head buried in the sand and am willing to say that we do not have enough qualified Caymanians to fill these roles. This will happen in the next 10 years or so as more and more Caymanians are obtaining further education, but right now we need expats here. 99 percent of the people complaining about this aren’t even qualified for any of these positions, they just enjoy moaning.
Bredduh
XXXX
Why u copy the Governor when she isn’t resp for civil service?!
and..
Start at the bottom then, and replace the Expat Security Officers with local men and women who can open a door, and ID any potential threat person better. And speak ENGLISH.
Thats now a shame and risk throughout government.
Bet u wont!
Not enough Caymanians to fill these roles, but we have enough unqualified foreigners to do so? OK then…
¿Por qué no los dos?
They are paid the big bucks, they can focus on fixing multiple issues at once.
The truth comes out – we need the expat “fillers” to do the actual work. What will happen when they are all gone? The panic is setting in.
Panic is setting in for sure, but it isn’t Caymanians panicking 😂
Don’t hurt yourself reaching like that.
Expat fillers? Try so fill in your taxes, immigration papers and job applications!
Maples thrives with term limits.
Shetty thrives with term limits.
St. Ignatius thrives with term limits.
Why cannot the civil service? It should face work permits and with rare exceptions, all the same rules as the private sector.
Oh, and and the sad reality is that we too often succeed in spite of our civil service, not because of it. We are not always recruiting the best, and we retain everyone. There is little accountability. Cayman and Caymanians deserve the best.
11:03. simply minded response. Maples can send their lawyers to Hong Kong or UK for a year. Where they work uninterrupted Let’s see the civil service send their police and prison officers to Hong Kong or London to work uninterrupted.
Many of the police and prison officers we have working here would not be qualified for those roles in London or Hong Kong. Perhaps if we employed some of our police and prison officers from London or Hong Kong, rather than overwhelmingly from Jamaica – we would have less of an issue.
Like Maples, we should be hiring the best.
Oh, and the prison and police would work fine if individual officers rotated out for a while.
Everyone should follow the same rules
The CS was being used as a loop hole for too long.