Migratory reform divides population of Cayman Islands                              

(Prensa Latina) The migratory reform proposed by the government of the Cayman Islands today divides the population of this British overseas territory, amid high unemployment figures.

In the last days, several marches were developed against the initiative of Prime Minister [Premier] Alden McLaughlin, one of those culminated in front of the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly. [Another took place on Sat 19.]

Among the main causes for the friction, there is the case of 1,600 foreigners whose work permits expire at the end of this month and therefore, the foreigners should be expelled.

While the authorities want to continue their stay, diverse sectors reject the idea when arguing that the exit of these people will reduce national unemployment indexes.

Nadine Hollis, one of the unemployed women in this country, said that she does not like the governmental plan, because it will make finding jobs harder.

Prime Minister [Premier] McLaughlin defended the project by pointing out that the risk for the national economy is to allow the exit of 1,600 foreign workers.

“If we don’t change the law, 1,600 people should leave our country, which will mean less rents, the fall in the purchase of foods and other expenses strongly deprecating the economy,” said McLaughlin.

Though McLaughlin recognized there are many nationals without a job, he stated repatriating those people would not mean more jobs automatically, because many of the foreign people are professionals.

BlueSkies Airlines about to take off

BlueSkies Airlines, the brainchild of local businessman Kenny Rankin, has announced it is putting together a fleet of executive jets to service destinations in the Caribbean, Central and South America from the Cayman Islands.

Chairman, Rankin, says BlueSkies will offer both on demand and commercial flights to complement but not compete with government carrier Cayman Airways.

ICTA and Lands and Survey found guilty of irregularities in recruitment practices

David Archbold, the director of Cayman’s Information & Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) that is responsible for the regulation and licensing of Telecommunications, Broadcasting, and all forms of radio, came under fire last Thursday (17) at the Finance Committee meeting.

North Side MLA Ezzard Miller asked Archbold about irregularities in recruitment practices at the ICTA. The ICTA head denied the authority had advertised two posts in the local press despite having already sent contracts to candidates overseas before the date for applications had been closed.

However, when the documents were later produced by Archbold it proved Miller’s charges were correct.

Concerns were also raised concerning the appointment of a new registrar at Lands and Survey after Aliceann Kirchman had retired. MLA’s asked to be shown evidence of policy changes regarding the recruitment process. There were none, but it appeared an additional requirement of a law degree among other manipulations to the post had preventing experienced Caymanians from applying. It seemed the advertised job description had been tailor made to fit a specific Jamaican National.

Ebanks responds to Complaints Commissioner’s accusations regarding pensions

Following Complaints Commissioner Nicola Williams’ report that pointed to 1,023 delinquent companies not paying workers’ contributions in 2010, the director of labour and pensions disagreed.

Director, Mario Ebanks, said his research showed the figure was around 600.

He said, “She [Nicola Williams] calls the issue alarming and a national crisis and she talks of tens of millions of dollars. According to our figures the number of delinquencies or arrears going back from 1999 to now is $14 million.  Yes, it is a significant amount but it is not tens of millions.”

Makeover to Cayman’s skateboarding park

The skateboarding park at Grand Harbour, is getting a makeover courtesy of Staff from accountants KPMG.

Although the staff are covering up the graffiti there they want the kids that use the park to come back and place graffiti art that means something.

Talking to local television station CITN/Cayman27 KPMG employee Jodie McTaggart said, “Some of the graffiti in the park was a little inappropriate and other bits of graffiti didn’t mean anything to anyone. So our idea was to cover up the graffiti that the kids had put in and have kids that come into the park, and use the park, to come back with the graffiti art is and put graffiti in that means something.”

Youth worker Michael Myles has included the park in his after-school programme and local artist and Native Son, Chris Christian will work with children to paint an underwater mural.

Cox Lumber to open store in Bodden Town

“Today we commemorate and dedicate this groundbreaking to the vision, passion, Caymanian resilience and legacy of Mr Linton, my grandfather and the Cox Lumber family and Tibbetts Lumber family.”

This was said by Mr Kyle Hooker, grandson of Mr Linton Tibbetts, who was the founder of the business known as Cox Lumber, at a groundbreaking ceremony in Bodden Town on Tuesday, 15 October.

With a host of family members, government officials, dignitaries and invited guests in attendance, Hooker introduced family and long-serving staff members of Cox Lumber, Cayman Islands and St Petersburg, Florida, who altogether had a total of 381 years of service to Cox Lumber.

Cox Lumber in Bodden Town will be located on the main street in close proximity to the police station and to Chester’s Enterprises.

The property was purchased in 2008.

The first phase of construction for the new store will be a 80×150 truss plant with state-of-the-art equipment, two warehouses and an 11,000 square foot retail store, with a diverse mix of products for the contractor, homeowner and general shopper. The final phase will consist of a mixed-use commercial and residential development.

Police marine patrol funding cut

Funding for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) marine patrols has been cut.

Kurt Walton, chief superintendent of RCIPS, said at a press conference last week that in 2009 the budget for fuel used for border control was of over $600,000. In the proposed 2013/14 Budget it has been cut to only $ $155,000.

“We’re expected to be a coast guard. We are the defense force – the police force of the Cayman Islands,” he said.

Home Affairs Minister and Cayman Islands Premier, Alden McLaughlin, said his ministry would be taking more direct responsibility for the police service than has been seen in the past with the elected arm of government.

“My acceptance of that level of responsibility means that the elected government will have a real say and influence in what transpires with respect to internal security,” he said. “It will not, and cannot, be limited to us simply being asked to vote for money in a vacuum.”