From South Florida Caribbean News

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – The Cayman Islands Progressives Government, only in office for three short months, is looking at a variety of ways to help create jobs for Caymanians.

From new hotels to a proposed golfing community in the Eastern Districts, administration officials are committed to finding jobs for Cayman’s people.

“Our multi-pronged approach to stabilize, stimulate and grow the economy will result in more jobs for Caymanians,” said Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin.

Planning Minister Hon. Kurt Tibbetts said Government has been meeting with members of the Dart Group and Government is monitoring work permits to ensure Caymanians get work on the building of a new hotel on the site of the old Courtyard Marriott on West Bay Road.

Talks are also in the works for a 5-Star Conrad Hilton hotel in Beach Bay as well as a hotel at the Health City site in East End.

“These will offer employment for those in the eastern districts,’” he said.

Also in the works is a $360 million golfing community, which will include a residential area, off Frank Sound Road in North Side. It is a 15-year project.

“We have to ensure as a Government that we’re getting the right types of investment,” he said. “We need to get jobs for our people.”

The projects would be staggered to ensure Caymanians stay employed.

The Government also has plans to make sure students receive scholarships and to institute a hospitality course through the University College of the Cayman Islands. Government is also working with stakeholders in the hospitality industry to begin an apprenticeship scheme.

Apprenticeships for other jobs in the private sector are also being examined.

A thorough review of the work permit system is ongoing and should be completed by January with the aim to improve the process and ensure that where Caymanians are available for jobs, they will be given a fair chance to apply for and get those jobs.

The Government is also looking at quickly starting the airport renovation and new cruise berthing facilities with work beginning in the first quarter of 2104.

Mr. McLaughlin said Government is looking to reduce fees for small businesses so that they can grow again and hire Caymanians.

Through various initiatives and incentives, the new Progressive’s Government will substantially reduce unemployment within four years.

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