October 15, 2013

CICSA Statement on Voluntary Separation

Dear Members,

You are no doubt aware that the Cayman Islands Government has proceeded to implement what it terms the Voluntary Separation Policy (VSP). CICSA was consulted on this however we were surprised and saddened to note that a number of our concerns voiced on the numerous draft versions are not reflected in the final version.

Of particular concern to members who are considering voluntary separation is the restriction from applying for ANY civil service job for five years hence. This applies to any vacant advertised job, in any section of government, not just your previous employment. As the Voluntary Separation Policy only applies to Cayman citizens, and there appears to be no similar measure for Contracted Officers who have not been renewed as part of the Government’s on-going Civil Service cuts, a baffling and disturbing dichotomy between Caymanian’s and non-Caymanian’s potential to apply for jobs is created. Therefore one of our firm recommendations was to conduct a manpower survey determining the needs of the Civil Service and at the same time identifying the knowledge and skills that existed and this would better help in reducing the numbers as the VSP is being used to do.

The Cayman Islands Civil Service Association remains neutral on the Voluntary Separation Policy and, while we recognise that its provisions may be of interest to, or even benefit, a few of our members CICSA can in no way endorse the current Policy. It is our view that clearly there is a lack of willingness to engage in a holistic review of Civil Service staffing and staff reductions, of which it is strongly felt that Voluntary Separation should be a third, not second, resort.

We encourage members who wish to discuss the Voluntary Separation Policy and similar issues to attend the upcoming Annual Meeting on October 24th 2013 at the South Sound Community Centre at 5:30 PM. This is your time to provide further input and to help guide the Association’s position on the continuing ‘restructuring’ of the Service.

Members of the Association who are considering VSP are welcome to discuss this in private with an Officer of the Association, if you are not clear on the pros and cons of the Policy as it applies to you, please contact any one of the Directors as listed below and arrange a time to discuss your concern. Likewise, a meeting can be arranged by emailing the Association at ([email protected]). However, because of the intricate nature of the financial considerations relating to VSP it is strongly advised that persons contact an independent financial consultant after speaking with your agency’s Human Resources officer, who is best placed to assist you with calculating the potential separation packages. We strongly advise members to contact the Public Service Pension Board ([email protected]) due to the great complexity of how pensions are calculated.

Names:

Clara Smith, James Watler, John Bothwell, Mark Tibbetts, Francis Clyne, Sharon Scott, Langlie Powery, Charles Brown, Paulino Rodrigues, Katherine Dinspell-Powell, Mervyn Conolly

Yours In Service,

James T. Watler, President