The word “MIGHT” is bandied about by the media to sensationalise their stories that are merely speculative and lack any hard facts or data.

And seemingly not just by the media.

The Cayman Real Estate Association and the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce have been warning the government that with the new rules regarding pensions for expat workers coming into force next year – they cannot take their pensions that have been paid into their account immediately they leave these Islands – there will be a mass exodus.

Premier Alden McLaughlin said in the Legislative Assembly there was no data to support it.And if they were to leave it would not be “en masse”.

Ex-pat workers would still need to wait for two years to access their pension payments in a cash lump and that should mitigate against people leaving all at once.

Newlands MLA Alva Suckoo had put forward a Private Member’s Motion calling on the government to make special preparations to deal with this exodus that MIGHT happen.

The premier said his ministry was already doing nearly everything outlined in the PM Motion and there was no need for more policies or directives.

He also said, “Government is pressing on with trying to improve the overall job market and availability.”

McLaughlin added that plans to reform the immigration law and regulations as well as the department were well underway and would allow government to deal with the issue if the exodus happened.

However, Suckoo said that was all fine and dandy and he applauded what was being done BUT there was need for data. And government should sit down with the Chamber and ask them what was fuelling their insistence the mass exodus MIGHT happen.

“Waiting for it to happen before consulting with the Chamber could mean a missed opportunity to address the potential problem before it happens,” Suckoo insisted. “I urge extreme caution as Caymanians really don’t need another hurdle placed in front of them when it comes to finding employment in this country. I am a bit disappointed that government is not going to at least consider what I have recommended.”

Then in a fit of petulance, Suckoo said he was getting used to all his ideas being rejected and he was “deliberately being punished.” And his constituents

Oh dear. I am one of Suckoo’s constituents. MIGHT this be actually true?