2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PRE-COVID-19 ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE

1.1 The Islands’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by 3.1 percent in 2019. Growth estimate is based on actual economic indicators for the first nine months of 2019, coupled with the use of full-year economic indicators where available.
1.2 The construction industry remained robust in 2019 with economic activity in the sector, expanding by 6.1 percent. Growth in the sector was indicated by a rise in imported building materials and is consistent with an increase in demand for housing and commercial properties. The economic performance of the hotels and restaurants industry was boosted by a record number of stay-over visitor arrivals (502,739) for 2019. During the period, air arrivals rose by 8.5 percent compared to 2018. Consequently, the sector is estimated to have expanded by 5.3 percent for the year.
1.3 Price levels spiked in the calendar year 2019 – the Cayman Islands recorded average Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation of 5.7 percent for the year. This is relative to CPI inflation of 2.0 and 3.3 percent in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The higher CPI inflation rate in 2019 was led by higher price trends of actual rentals paid by tenants for housing, followed by recreation and culture, and communication.
1.4 Economic growth in 2019 precipitated an increase in labour supply. The total labour force strengthened to 49,089, an expansion of 6.3 percent over the previous year, while the unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, an uptick from a year ago.
1.5 Central government fiscal operations resulted in a surplus of $102.1 million in 2019. This surplus emanated from a 3.6 percent growth in total revenue to $860.0 million which outweighed total expenditure of $757.9 million.

POST-COVID-19 PROJECTIONS

1.6 Conditions and direction of the international economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) assesses that the “great lock-down” will be the worst recession since the Great Depression, and much worse than the 2008/09 global financial crisis. In its April 2020, World Economic Outlook, the fund projected the global economy to contract by 3.0 percent in 2020. Global economic prospects are expected to be weakened by the current outbreak of COVID-19. Despite the uncertainly, the world economy is anticipated to rebound by 5.8 percent in 2021.
1.7 Cayman Islands GDP Growth. Due to the significant disruptions to tourist arrivals and policy restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Cayman Islands’ economy is projected
to contract between 11.4 percent and 12.2 percent in 2020, conditional on low visitor arrivals in the last quarter of 2020 or resumption of visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2021.
1.8 Hotels and restaurants sector. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projected that international arrivals would decline between 1.0 percent and 3.0 percent relative to the previous forecast for average growth of 3.5 percent. Notwithstanding the strong growth in air arrivals of 8.5 percent reported for the first two months of the year, the sector is projected to decline between 75.0 percent and 82.5 percent in 2020.
1.9 Transport and storage sector. The sector is forecast to contract between 40.8 and 42.5 percent as the industry grapples with the complete loss of cruise visitors for between six and nine (9) months, followed by an expected slow recovery due to residual fear factor on flights and cruises, coupled with the temporary closure of domestic public transportation.
1.10 Construction. The construction sector is expected to show some resilience in the medium term if existing projects are continued. However, a contraction of 14.6 percent is expected in the industry for the year. Additionally, with the cruise berthing facility development unlikely given the recent court ruling, and with cruise lines now grappling with being anchored indefinitely, the sector is expected to generate low economic growth barring any additional stimulus measures.
1.11 Financial and insurance services. The industry is expected to ride most of the initial falloff associated with the COVID-19 restrictions as most activities in the industry can be conducted online while employees work from home. However, increasing investment uncertainty and declining global stock markets are expected to have some lagged impact on the sector. Consequently, the sector is projected to contract by 6.5 percent for the year.
1.12 Business services, administrative, and support services. Business services remained relatively unimpeded by the domestic COVID-19 restrictions; however, they are expected to be affected by the general falloff in local and international demand in the latter half of the year. Administrative and support services will also be affected by the decline in both financial and business services, coupled with the general downturn in demand from the tourism industry.
1.13 Government Services. Government spending on public administration and defence is anticipated to rise by approximately 9.5 percent for the year, boosted in part by the increased salary payments effective January 2020. Despite the expansion in government outlay, revenue intake is expected to decline due mainly to loss of tourism-related revenue, and lower aggregate demand for imported goods.
1.14 Inflation rate. Despite a sharp uptick in food inflation for the first half of 2020, a gradual reduction in non-food demand, coupled with a decline in international commodity prices – including oil prices – is expected to relieve inflation pressures for the year. The global demand is expected to remain subdued for non-food items over the short term, especially in the source markets. In addition, local economic conditions are expected to exert downward pressure on housing rentals as displaced ex-pats exit the labour market, lower public transport coupled with a lower cost of fuel, and with plummeted visitor arrivals pushing domestic accommodation prices downwards. These factors combined are projected to exert downward pressure on the average inflation rate to 0.4 percent in 2020.
1.15 Employment and labour force. The demand for labour is expected to track the forecast contraction in real GDP. Reduction in employment in the hotels and restaurants, as well as the transport sector, is expected to dampen employment in other sectors. Total labour demand or employment for 2020 is projected to be between 37,812 and 38,535 persons relative to 47,394 persons in 2019.
1.16 Fiscal operations. Central government revenue is projected to decline between $211.4 and 227.7 million. In comparison, expenditure is projected to increase by $141.3 million mainly on account of increases in salary expense (up $20 million), subsidies and social benefits payments (up $6.6 million) and budgeted capital expenditure (up $121.3 million).
1.17 Impact of economic stimulus measures implemented. The implementation of a series of economic stimulus measures are expected to propel economic growth, increase employment and hasten the economic recovery if the full impact is realised. The Cayman Islands’ economy is projected to contract by 7.3 percent in 2020 as opposed to 11.4 percent without stimulus measures in 2020. Overall employment is estimated to improve to 40,003, higher by 1,468 persons.
1.18 Impact of other economic stimulus measures for consideration. The additional economic stimulus measures for consideration are expected to bolster economic growth, increase employment, and potentially speed-up economic recovery. The Cayman Islands’ economy is projected to contract by 5.4 percent in 2020 as opposed to 7.3 percent with the stimulus measures already implemented in 2020. Overall employment is estimated to improve to 41,532 employing an additional 1,529 persons.

13.1 CAYMAN ISLANDS ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN – SUGGESTED MEASURES ALREADY IMPLEMENTED IN FULL OR IN PART.

1. One-time payment of $600 to displaced tourism and tourism-related workers. Tourism workers were the first to feel the impact of the closure, are the most vulnerable, and will more than likely feel the financial pain of the crisis the longest. Provide Caymanian tourism workers immediately affected by the closure of the borders a one-time stipend of $600. This measure has been enacted and currently being paid to applicants. The assessment process can be fast-tracked and the financial assistance for Caymanian tourism workers through the Needs Assessment Unit.
2. Mandate the Red Cross to make facial masks. The government could consider entering into an MOU with the Red Cross to manage the making of masks at a national level for every single person in the population to be distributed for free (to decrease the ability of people to spread respiratory droplets while in public). This effort could potentially reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and thus lower the costs of the medical services that will be needed.
3. Grant $3,000 monthly to small, vulnerable tourism-related businesses. Small tourism- related businesses, deemed vulnerable, to be granted $3,000 monthly for six (6) months.
4. Partner with commercial banks, credit unions to provide soft loans. In partnership with Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Cooperative Credit Union and local commercial banks, offer soft loans:
   a. Between $15,000 and $75,000, to be provided to small tourism-related businesses that meet specific criteria for assistance.
   b. Principal repayment can be deferred for six (6) months—the loan repayment period for up to 15 years.
5. Provide financial assistance to displaced ex-pats. CIG should consider encouraging and providing support when necessary for, expatriates, particularly those who have lost jobs, to get to their home countries if that is what they want or need to do.
6. Waive Trade and Business License (TBL) fees for three (3) months for businesses operating in the eligible sectors. Businesses would still be required to submit applications for TBLs and renewals of TBLs, with the understanding that the fee would be waived for three months and resumed July 2020.
7. Fast track assessment of NAU. Speed up the financial need of potential recipients to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of money into the hands of vulnerable persons.
8. Use hotel building for excess hospital capacity. Hotels can be transformed into medical care spaces to absorb the escalating demand for hospital treatments. This is taking place currently as hotels are used to isolate and quarantine returning Caymanians and Residents.
9. Invite UK Military to train Local Cadet Corps. UK Military could be invited to work with Cayman Islands Cadet Corps and plan their own (financially supported) Adventurous Training opportunities (e.g. diving or sailing activities) in Cayman for their staff. They will bring finances to the economy while engaging in training opportunities with Cayman youths (as above) – potentially aiming to recruit Caymanians into UK military careers or preparing them for CI policing careers.
10. Financial assistance for Caymanians. Financial support or food aid for Caymanians who are unable to find work due to the economic slowdown and availability of jobs and/or skills gaps.
11. Pension withdrawal and holiday. Amend the pension law to allow persons to withdraw up to 100 percent of their pension funds not exceeding $10,000, and 25 percent of funds above $10,000; in addition, to the suspension of pension payments from 1 April to 30September 2020 for employees and employers.
    
    14 APPENDIX 2
    
12. 14.1 CAYMAN ISLANDS ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN – STIMULUS MEASURES SUGGESTED BY CIVIL SERVANTS, BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND CIVIL SOCIETY
14. Put money in the hands of individuals. Increased employment through a revised version of the National Community Enhancement (NiCE) project could be implemented utilising unemployed and displaced Caymanians. NiCE beautification programme (tied in with the George Town Revitalisation Project) could be established so that when Cayman re-opens for outside tourism, our product is even more enhanced. Part of this beautification could include the planting of trees, flowers, etc. in various locations across the Islands.
15. Capital injection to allow farmers and fisher folks to increase production. This could be in the form of grants or low-interest loans. This should not be considered a bail-out, but an investment in the Islands’ food security. Encourage local grocery stores and restaurants to buy from the locally registered fisher folks.
16. Employ Caymanians at Coast Guard and DOE. Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) and Department of Environment (DOE) can employ several young Caymanians who meet the required standards and who may have been laid off from one of the watersport or tourism-related companies. The number of persons which can be employed will be impacted by CIG personnel budget allocation for new hires.
17. Boost local eggs production funding. CIG could consider making funds readily available for domestic egg production. This would provide jobs for the unemployed and stimulate the local economy within the field of oogenesis.
18. Fast track government capital expenditure programmes such as those on construction projects.
    a. There are several CI Coast Guard base construction/improvement projects that could be undertaken within the next 18 months that could provide opportunities to companies that can prove that they employ between 80-100 percent Caymanian in each of the various construction disciplines.
    b. Build new roads (e.g. Extend East-West Arterial) and sidewalks as too many persons are at risk walking on the side of the road. Able-bodied and likeminded tourism workers can be used in sidewalk construction to transition to the construction industry.
19. Construction of hanger helipad project. The development of this project would provide opportunities for construction, which would include the land, base of the hangar and two helipads, plumbing and electricians, and associated supply industry. The lifespan of the helicopters is at least 25 years, at a rental cost of KY$120k yearly, that is a potential rental cost of KY$3m.
20. Capital projects to complete the West Bay police station. There should be a more aggressive push for capital projects such as: completion of work at West Bay police station to afford a conducive work environment to improve job satisfaction and staff morale. This will ensure person-environmental fit, thereby improving organisational commitment.
    a. Acquisition of necessary work resources and equipment. b. Increase in the salary of staff to afford for greater organisational commitment and
    reduce the loss to other entities of staff who will not fill the role of frontline officers in times of national crisis.
21. Suspend investment subsidy to CUC. Rather than the government giving a subsidy to CUC to reduce the cost of producing electricity, CIG could engage with CUC to see if they can reduce their profits temporarily.
22. Waive/ reduce the duty on fuel for six (6) months. Waive or reduce the duty on fuel AND negotiate with CUC, Water Authority, Cayman Water & Chamber of Commerce to ensure the reductions are passed on to consumers. Duty waiver on fuel will have a local impact on transportation costs, cost of living and ultimately disposable incomes.
23. Waive/ reduce garbage collection fees. These fees can be waived for the remainder of 2020.
24. Ownership for the economic stimulus should be shared between the government and the private sector. It would be reasonable for the government to incentivise and reward such contributions from private sector entities by offering soft loans, reduced fees, making it easier to rehire staff that were sent home, providing wage subsidies for companies taking on interns and apprentices, etc. The public-private partnership can be both short to medium term and long term as follows:
    Short-medium term
    CIG could request formal commitments from private sector entities to
    actively/financially contribute to the solution, for example: a. To forego some shareholder profits and reinvest to keep employees employed and
    supported for the next 3-6 months (for example, some banks in the UK have done this).
    b. To offer customer rebates (e.g. CUC, on electricity bills).
    c. Where business is booming, e.g. supermarkets, CIG could request companies to hire additional staff, increase the pay of staff (e.g. cashiers and shelf stockers) and to offer employment to Caymanians displaced from their normal industries.
    d. Specifically, for supermarkets, CIG could request reductions in the costs of a basket of the essential food items (most of which are brought in duty-free already but are still subject to price mark-ups).
    e. As part of their package of support for small to medium businesses, CIG and/or CUC could consider rebates on electricity bills.
    Medium to Long term
    a. CIG and the private sector could collaborate to plan a Holiday at Home campaign, to encourage Caymanians to support our tourism industry this year.
    b. CIG could hire and encourage private sector companies to offer temporary employment, or paid internships and apprenticeships for the many Caymanian university students at home for extended periods from university, especially where there are temporary skill shortages.
    c. Government and the private sector could identify priority industries and projects that can be safely conducted in the medium term, with appropriate social distancing, and prioritise support to get them up and running. For example, CIG could identify planned infrastructure projects that could be fast-tracked to keep the economy going by providing increased opportunities for those who may have work disrupted in other industries. These can be prioritised to focus on those to be undertaken by local suppliers and workers and which can meet social distancing requirements. CIG could incentivise the same in the private sector.
    d. Government and the private sector could establish a joint Pandemic Recovery Fund to support economic recovery efforts.
    e. To support existing government contractors impacted by event cancellations, CIG could identify areas to redeploy these contractors for other beneficial work that can be conducted safely so that they can earn a wage, e.g. maintenance activities.
    f. CIG/private sector could collaborate to identify and provide support for businesses having difficulty accessing supplies they need to continue operating, employing persons and to meet customers’ needs.
    g. CIG could consider reducing business licensing fees for new applications or renewals and waive these as part of the normal licensing process (no requirement for special applications or reviews).
25. Waive all or part of currently owed Tourism Accommodation Tax. Perhaps a waiver of 50% of February 2020 tax and waiver of 100% of March 2020 tax due. For those properties who have mailed or submitted taxes for February 2020 or March 2020, the discounted amount will take the form ofa credit for future tourism accommodation tax payments.
26. Defer all Import Duty owed by tourism-related businesses for three (3) to six (6) months.
27. Reduce/waive work permit fees, and royalties for entities. Offer a predetermined percentage reduction in licence fee for entities that can show 75% or more Caymanians employed in each of the roles each entity has within its total operations: E.g. bartenders, waiters, and chefs licences and permit fees for construction employees. This can be short- term (6 months) or resumption of normal activities. Waive or reduce permit fees for construction employees. This can be short-term (6 months) or resumption of normal activities.
28. Waiver Stamp duty waivers property purchases. Waive stamp duty in addition to mortgage payments being waived for twelve (12) months, with a revised maturity date, consider lowering interest rates on mortgages/loans. Consider stamp duty waivers on property purchases. Create or improve programmes to encourage civil servants to acquire low-interest rate loans and mortgages through CIDB and CICSA.
29. Liens on water sports equipment. Liens could be placed on the Nautical equipment (charter boats, wave runners) of some of the larger water sports operators against short term low-interest loans to enable them to survive what looks like at least 12 months before the tourist industry has any chance of recovery.
30. Increase money transfer fees. Increase government fees on money wire transfers leaving the Cayman Islands.
31. Consider allowing employees (esp. WPHs) to tap pension funds to modest limit (e.g. $1,000 per month). Suspend/relax pension contribution requirements to enable businesses to conserve cash.
32. Voluntary contribution to COVID-19 fund. Civil service employees to be requested to voluntarily give through their salary a one-off donation. Private sector implements a similar COVID-19 tax of 3% on all employees earning over an agreed annual salary. Any person earning over an agreed amount to pay a one-off COVID-19 payment. The amount to increase incrementally against the previous year’s earning of the employee.
33. Revenue measure. a. COVID-19 ALCOHOL increased duties to be implemented. b. COVID-19 FUEL increased duties to be implemented.
34. Police Clearance Certificate fees reduction. Reduction in the fee for the first Police Clearance Certificate transaction conducted by residents for three (3) months. Remove local police clearance certificate requirements. Where someone is already an established resident here, local Police Clearance Certificates should no longer be required as part of gaining new permission. The government can access the information it needs to. The people who need them are already here anyway. There is little point to them, and they appear to be an unnecessary element of processes. Dealing with these issues would seem an inappropriate use of police resources at this time.
35. Charge a fee for RCIPS services at private events. Charge a fee, or at a minimum, recoup the costs incurred whenever the RCIPS provides security services at private events.
36. Pension holiday. – Leave more money in disposable income for employees and reduce payroll expense burden on employers. Allow access to pension for small business owners to use to save their businesses, Pension holiday for six (6) months.
37. Commercial rent three (3) months holiday. Mandate commercial property owners to waive office or shop rents for three (3) months for small businesses then re-assess.
38. Extend current WP expiry dates. Extend current WP expiry dates since staff are stranded on the Islands until the situation settles down and it is safe to travel. Look at WP fee reduction once the storm has passed to ensure skilled staff are still attracted to the island. Extension of work permits for those that we had to send away for three (3) months so when this is over, we can get back to normal ASAP.
39. One-time grant to businesses with low wages. a. One-time grant to businesses. CIG could offer a one-time grant for businesses in
    the eligible sectors to assist with alleviating their cash flow issues, paying business liabilities, or undertaking business improvement projects.
    b. Wage support scheme to businesses. In order to encourage employers, wherever possible, to retain their employees, even if it means the employees having to work less hours or take unpaid leave for a short period of time during this disruption, CIG could introduce a wage support scheme for businesses operating in the eligible sectors for an initial period of twelve (12) weeks.
    i. Pay KYD 990.00 per employee as wage support for twelve weeks. The wage support payment could be based on minimum wage (KYD 6.00) for 7.5 hours per day for 22 days a month for full-time employees and prorated for part-time employees. This would equate to KYD 990.00 per employee.
    ii. This scheme would not require the business only to pay the employee $990 per month (especially if they are currently working) but be used to offset some of the wages they are owed.
    iii. History of pension plan contributions can be used to confirm the number of staff employed during the assessment process.
40. Increase the National Minimum Wage. Minimum Wage Advisory Committee can meet to consider increasing the minimum wage by December 2020.
41. Refund work permit fees (in whole or pro-rata) to businesses for WPHs on condition that the WPH leaves the country. Full refunds would be better as:
    a. It’s a greater incentive, and b. It’s less complicated to calculate and process. Issue refunds immediately by ACH.
    Enforce end dates once advised.
42. Allow businesses to cancel work permits and receive refunds. When businesses are ready to rehire and expedite approval of work permits for persons who had their work permits revoked.
43. Offer financial support to human resources companies that can assist small businesses that are ramping up hiring for new drivers for deliveries. HR companies can help with HR logistics, so the small businesses are not burdened with it as they increase staff.
44. Waive (or at minimum accept IOUs) for government fees for most local businesses (discuss with Cayman Finance whether financial services firms need this or not).
    32.Negotiate rent reduction agreements. Meet with large commercial landlords to encourage concessions/forbearance on rent. Assist in negotiating the reduction of commercial rental cost. Encourage and assist local entrepreneurs in creating new businesses with the cooperation of the banking sector. Initiate programmes with the owners of commercial spaces where leasing fees can be reduced for new local businesses.
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    15 APPENDIX 3
    
46. 15.1 CAYMAN ISLANDS ECONOMIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE – SUBMISSIONS FROM CIVIL SERVICE, BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND CIVIL SOCIETY ( A NUMBER IMPLEMENTED)
    
47. Use Cayman Airways to repatriate Non-Caymanian tourism-related workers affected by the COVID-19. Cayman Airways to be used to repatriate Non-Caymanians tourism-related workers back to their country of origin. To reduce medium to long term health care cost.
48. Voluntary cooperation between the tourism and health sectors. Businesses to make available excess hospitality capacity to support the medical system, through the delivery of meals to medical personnel, or older people, or by providing spaces for people needing quarantine. Public Transport operators can be used to transport groceries, dry goods, locally grown produce, pharmaceuticals, liquor, and meals to reduce human interaction in supermarkets, pharmacies, liquor stores, and restaurants. This is currently being done to an extent but could be expanded.
49. Reallocate displaced tourism workers to other areas of the economy. Before the elimination of local COVID-19 transmission, tourism workers to be used to make face masks to limit the spread of the virus locally. After confirmed elimination of local COVID- 19 transmission of the virus, tourism workers to carry out similar roles in other sectors, i.e. housekeeping and maintenance. Provide opportunities for displaced workers. Develop a plan to provide displaced workers (tour operators, retail sector, etc.) with opportunities to assist in other essential services support (delivery of supplies to quarantined and self-quarantined individuals and families).
50. Re-open the Farmers Market. The government could work with the operators of the Farmers Market at the Grounds. Establish social distancing protocols for the facility and provide security via CBC, RCIP and/or Cadet Corp to ensure that agreed-upon protocols are maintained. The perimeter would be secured since it is an open market.
51. Remove restrictions on fishing. Once restrictions on fishing have been lifted, then consideration could also be given to allow the fishers to sell their fresh fish at the Farmers Market. They too could be monitored under the social distancing protocols.
52. Permit the sale of fish at Royal Watler Terminal. Permit locally registered fisher folks to sell their catch from designated areas at Royal Watler Terminal until cruise ships recommence operations.
53. Increase the legal catch limits on conch and lobster. Increase conch and lobster catch to 30 and 15 per day respectively. This would avoid persons running afoul of the Marine Conservation Law and assist them with selling to local restaurants.
54. Cull invasive Lionfish. To generate stimulus in the diving industry, a similar incentive to cull invasive Lionfish could be introduced. Still, they would need a review/relaxation of current restrictions on spearfishing regulations – within DoE guidelines. This should encourage more people back into diving operations, generating income into this industry
    while allowing some individuals to create a small income from culling this invasive species and providing fish for the table.
55. Allow hardware stores to deliver during the current shut-down. CIG could consider allowing online services from hardware stores to enable home repairs to make the best use of time at home.
56. Launch a buy-local campaign. Encourage the community to shop local; offer lower import fees for licensed businesses which have proven local stock also – and ensure savings are transferred to consumers. Also, local retailers should consider providing additional discounts to entice consumers. Preference for procurement should be given to domestic production over imported goods for a period of at least one year. Commitments should be given to local farmers that all available supply that meets specified quality standards will be purchased and at fair rates.
    11.Use convicted offenders’ labour in projects. Convicted offenders could be given community rehabilitation projects to work thereby saving CIG money on spending in this area, e.g. road or beach cleaning, garbage disposal, graffiti cleaning etc. This must be taken in context with the crime. Victims’ views to be taken into consideration of any such projects.
57. Secure food supply agreements. Failed businesses could impact our supply or existing agreements with suppliers and may lead us to procure from non-traditional vendors who may impose high costs due to the demands.
    a. Alternatives may also be sought for items that we cannot readily procure. For example, in the case of hand-sanitiser, we had to rely on the use of alcohol sprays as an alternative. Another example, the government is now encouraging local manufacturing of same to have these products on hand.
58. Fast track the establishment of “Uber Cayman”. The “Uber in Cayman” app known as Flex can be approved to encourage the employment of taxi drivers and allocation of limited travellers. “Flex had initially hoped to use private drivers, but after discussions with the government, they agreed to modify the plan to involve only taxi drivers licensed through the Public Transport Board.” Perhaps the Public Transport Board can relook at this business model given the current and future climate of transport. Having the ability for a local app that operates like Uber to be available during this time would provide an instant opportunity for many Caymanians to be taxi drivers and pick up an income in a cashless system which would be a welcome opportunity.
59. Allow for temporary lay-off without terminating employment at large tourism-related businesses. For large tourism-related businesses, amend legislation to allow for the provision of a temporary lay-off option for a period of up to six months without terminating employment.
60. Employee lay-off periods should be permitted for the Agriculture and Construction sectors. Terminations create a significant financial strain and restarting a business would carry a considerable start-up expense.
    16.Assist tourism-related businesses to diversify. Tourism-related businesses can be provided technical assistance to identify alternative export markets or supply chains, methodologies to diversify their businesses, and if need be principles of financial management.
61. Hotels can cater to residents. Hotels could work in a limited capacity catering to residents. This would allow the local community to go on staycations considering that it is unlikely they will be able to spend their holidays off the islands. Offer local discounts to residents who may want to do staycations and or enjoy water sports activities.
62. CIG could collaborate with CITA to promote spending locally. Once the shelter-in-place is lifted, CIG could work with CITA to promote spending locally to jolt the economy. Restaurants that depend primarily on tourists could offer discounts to encourage the local community to spend locally at restaurants.
63. Re-open the Post Office with stringent protocols. CIG could perhaps consider re-opening domestic mail services with more stringent protocols. Maybe gradually ease into the opening of full services by initially starting with no face to face services offered. Persons could drop mail in post boxes and collect them from their post boxes accessible outside (Assumptions: persons could access the purchasing of stamps through a machine and cleaning protocols would be established at the various locations). The downside to this, of course, is that this would be one more place that persons could travel to during the soft curfew.
64. Encourage remote meetings through IT. Investment in secured IT networks can be considered based on any protracted impact on travel or extended travel restrictions that would impede potential employees being physically present in the jurisdiction. Perhaps employment contracts can be agreed with employees in another jurisdiction, and work conducted across a secured platform with the requisite IT infrastructure in place.
65. Secure the health insurance sector post-COVID-19. The government should immediately consult with the health insurance sector and others as necessary to ensure that the industry stays afloat. Employers would still be required to maintain contributions to pension and health insurance.
66. CIG encourage financing from local institutions. CIG should encourage private financing (new/increased/renegotiated) through retail banks/credit unions/building societies
    rather than directly providing or guaranteeing to finance. If a landlord is successful in obtaining a waiver, encourage them to pass these savings on to their tenant.
67. Work with financing institutions and landlords. Work with financial institutions for mortgage waiver, renegotiation of loan agreements and lines of credit for the benefit of small businesses and households. Work with commercial landlords to work with small businesses to temporarily reduce rent for the next 2 – 3 months.
68. Establish residential and commercial boards. There should be a freeze on rent increases for an initial period of six months if there is an established Residential and Commercial Rent Board.
    a. A rent-increase notice from a landlord will not have the effect of increasing a tenant’s rent unless the rent increase has already taken effect.
    b. Tenancies will not be terminated during the lock-down period, unless the parties agree, or in limited circumstances, regardless of when the notice was provided. The protections against terminations will apply for an initial period of three months.
    c. Tenants will still be able to terminate their tenancy as standard if they wish. d. Tenants will have the ability to revoke termination notices that they have already
    given in case they need to stay in the tenancy during the lock-down period. e. At the end of both initial periods, the government will evaluate whether they need
    to be extended. f. The Cabinet should consider limiting (ex. using a quota) or no longer allowing the
    issuance of work permits for real estate agents and property management. g. To subside this issue, CIG could consider enacting legislation such as New Zealand
    regarding rental protection measures. h. Perhaps this could be done through amendments to the current law: Price
    Gouging Control (Emergency Circumstances) Law (2015 Revision). At a minimum, the Law currently does allow for the establishment of a Price Gouging Control Commission and appointed by Cabinet.
69. The amalgamation of all property leases. Financial support by CIG for extended and/or new lease contracts and capital projects as required.
    a. West Bay Police Station to get back on track as soon as possible post-COVID-19. b. George Town Amalgamation of Leases project (7 down to 3 locations for optional
    service delivery) to get back on track as more quickly as possible post-COVID-19.
70. Reduce bureaucracy for closing small business. CIG in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and other key stakeholders could develop a programme to rapidly and easily shut down or put local businesses (particularly micro-businesses or ones where there are no employees) into abeyance, and in a way that minimises cost to the owner.
71. Priority granting of work permits to government contract employees. A policy which would allow spouses/partners of RCIPS officers and staff (and other essential CIG staffers) to be granted work permits similar to the immigration procedure for Spouses of Caymanians which would substantially increase the morale of the affected Officers. It may also assist in the retention of Officers in the event of any last resort salary cuts. Many of the serving expatriate Officers must maintain homes in their native countries: in the event of a substantial pay cut, remaining in the Cayman Islands may become unfeasible.
    a. Benefits – a dedicated operating area that the Unit is in control of, privacy and security, resilience. Financial saving in the longer term on rent while providing stimulus injection now.
72. Staff Recruitment. Recruit persons as Auxiliary Technical Flight Officers to undergo training as technical specialists (camera, pilot’s assistant, Medevac, etc.). Over 12 months, they would be transitioned into full Tactical Flight Officers (police tactical command on the helicopter) and suggestion is that they attain Police Constable rank through appropriate training after the 12 months. They would also be trained in the operation of the RCIPS Drones to increase the capability to the front-line response. The selection process would have to be as the requirements for the current Tactical Flight Officers, focused on fitness to fly, swimming, spatial awareness and technical ability.
    a. Employment opportunity for Caymanians (impact of airfield reduced operations, especially around General Aviation). Providing employment opportunities to persons selected for their commitment and trustworthiness will be of great assistance to the general running of the unit.
    b. General logistics, equipment audit and checking, hangar good order, engineers’ assistant when required (labour – not training).
    c. Increase in budgetary allotment to afford more robust recruitment and training of new employees to mitigate the shortfall in resources in the community and the loss to turnover. This will lessen the workload, reduce organisational stress and minimise turnover intentions.
73. Increase social workers family visits. Concerted efforts and employment of short-term contract social workers to make personal visits/arrangement to re-engage with families coming to attention during COVID-19 restrictions where no such visit was possible.
74. Outsource NAU means-testing. Outsource means-testing to the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accounting by publishing means testing procedures developed by the Needs Assessment Unit.
75. Amend Labour Law. Waive prohibition in Labour Law against rehiring in the same position within 12 months. Allow portability of positions and workplaces.
76. Furlough staff. Allow firms to furlough staff (reduce hours/pay) where necessary.
77. Offer financial support to human resources companies that can assist small businesses that are ramping up hiring for new drivers for deliveries. HR companies can help with HR logistics, so the small businesses are not burdened with it as they increase staff.
78. Operate with a skeleton staff. Encourage companies to maintain skeleton staffing (as opposed to total shutdown) to allow essential functions/services to continue.
79. Cease medical requirements for WP renewal and PR. Work permit renewal medicals and medicals expected in connection with PR applications by persons already resident here should cease immediately. They are a likely waste of much needed and soon to be overloaded resources, and a potentially dangerous transmission vector.
80. Cease advertising for WP renewal requirements. An “Emergency Period” can be declared with the direction that no advertising for renewals of permits in the next few weeks (say until the end of April) is required for tourism-related businesses whose affected staff may be on temporary lay-off.

You can download the whole document at: https://www.gov.ky/