It is a wide held belief that some Filipinos in Cayman eat the wild chickens and dogs in Cayman. There are eye witness accounts of up to 15 Filipino's living in a one bedroom dwelling. That in itself should tell the story of economic hardship for some of these people while living and working in Grand Cayman. Although, 1CI dollar is worth 50 Filipino pesos, the cost of living in Cayman is very expensive if you only earn $3.00CI an hour (there is no minimum wage) and have to pay $800CI plus utilities for a 1bdrm shack of an apartment. Granted these types of jobs are menial, and do not require back breaking labor.
Although Jazz Fest features a number of internationally–acclaimed artists, the festival also takes great pride in having Cayman’s jazz, pop and soul artists share the stage with the globally recognized stars.
The list of performers at Jazz Fest will include:
Ebanks’ latest album "Tales of the G–string" is set to be released in December.
“The Friday night concert promises to be a dynamic show,” said Acting Director of Tourism, Shomari Scott.
“The Department of Tourism has always supported Cayman’s artists and we are glad that there are so many talented performers who can add a truly unique dimension to Cayman jazz fest.”
Festival ticket prices if purchased by December 3 are as follows: Thursday December 4 at Pedro St. James, CI$75; Friday December 5 and Saturday December 6 at Pageant Beach, CI$50/night. In addition, an entire festival package can be purchased for all three nights for CI$160.
Valet parking service will be available on Thursday night, while on Friday and Saturday, parking is available at the Almond Tree.
The Pageant Beach concerts will be open seating and offer free admission to children under 12–years old.
Friday and Saturday night attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. Please note that coolers, camera's or video
equipment will not be allowed on site.
Tickets can be purchased at the Department of Tourism, Funky Tangs and Atlantic Department Store.
For more information, visit www.caymanislands.ky/jazzfest
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| Stuart Kernohan |
The statement came just 24 hours after a spokesman for Mr Kernohan released a 9 October letter from the commissioner to the governor, recalling the 14-month anti-corruption probe by Mr Jack’s Special Police Investigation Team, including his own 15 May suspension, and demanding within seven days an apology, an end to the investigation of his own conduct and unspecified damages.
The letter sent on behalf of Mr. Kernohan on 9 October was released to the press Monday afternoon by a spokesman. That release came more than five weeks after it was sent. Attorneys from the Campbell’s law firm, which is representing Mr. Kernohan, said they had received no response from Governor Jack.
“We…require you, within seven days, to confirm in writing that any investigation against Mr. Kernohan is at an end, to reinstate him to his position within the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, with a full public apology, a full indemnity against his legal costs and payment to him of a sum (to be agreed) in relation to the damage that you have caused to his reputation by way of damages for breach of contract, malicious prosecution and/or slander and/or libel, failing which Mr. Kernohan’s rights are fully reserved,” the 9 October letter stated.
What television lacks in entertainment it makes up for in irony these days. A new show that aired in Britain on Monday and claimed to unravel the mysteries behind the global financial crisis, may look a little awkward once it gets to the bit about tax-evasion and dodgy, off-balance sheet funds. Its main sponsor? The Cayman Islands.
The British overseas territory isn't only a popular off-shore tax haven--it is also where many large banks parked the toxic debt securities in the last few years before the credit crisis erupted, leading to huge write-downs, losses and now, layoffs.
The six-part television series on Channel 4 and titled The Ascent of Money, is the Cayman Islands' first-ever TV sponsorship deal and worth "a six-figure" sum, the Islands' department of tourism said in a press release. It added that "the followers of the series present exactly the right profile and demographic of visitor who will want to book a holiday to the Cayman Islands."
Till now, some of Cayman's most popular tourists have been financiers: its light-touch regulation has led around 80.0% of the world's hedge funds to incorporate themselves there, and the secrecy it provides on off-shore accounts has spelled $400.0 billion in lost tax revenue from individuals and corporations, according to Richard Murphy of U.K. consultancy Tax Research.
More significantly, many of the world's large banks, including Citigroup (nyse: C - news - people ) and HSBC (nyse: HBC - news - people ), parked billions of dollars worth of credit derivatives off their balance sheets and into funds known as structured investment vehicles (SIVs), which were also incorporated in Cayman to take advantage of their lax regulation.
Most of these SIVs have now been shut down after failing to roll over their commercial paper last winter because their assets were largely American subprime mortgages. The SIVs had to be brought back onto banks' balance sheets, leading to huge write-downs, losses and the drying up interbank lending that led to the global credit freeze.
Citigroup, which announced Monday that it was cutting 53,000 jobs, once had around $80.0 billion parked in SIVs that were incorporated on the Cayman Islands. (See "Black Hole Banking.") In December last year, the bank had to put $49.0 billion worth of assets from those SIVs on its balance sheet, leading to the big write-downs of 2008.
Channel 4 spokeswoman Jenny Cummis denied that the Cayman Islands could have influenced the content of The Ascent of Money because the show had been made before the sponsorship deal was struck.
While its choice of the program is odd, Cayman is clearly seeking to change its image. The SIVs are gone and more laws are being proposed that are moving toward cracking down on the secrecy that Cayman offers. "These places actually have two choices," said Murphy. "They either sell real financial services that can survive under the glare of transparency, or they find something else to do."
In a choice between balmy Caribbean weather and credit derivatives, it is probably a lot easier to sell the former.
Grand Cayman was luckily outside the eye of the storm. As was Little Cayman fortunately for them.However, Paloma did to Cayman Brac what Ivan (2004) did to Grand Cayman. The Brac will need all the help it can in rebuilding.
(From left) Maxine Moore and her mother, Mary McCoy in
front of Mrs Moore’s devastated Little Cayman home.
Paloma grew into a Category 3 storm Friday evening with winds near 185 km/h, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Centre in Miami. It said the storm is expected to keep growing as it nears the affluent British territory.
The government has drawn up evacuation plans for residents in low-lying areas and coastal regions.
"We have asked everybody to come off the streets and to be home and safe right now," said hazard management director Barbara Carby.
The Cayman Islands government asked all hotels to remove guests from the ground and first floors.
Rainfall up to 15 inches was expected over parts of the Cayman Islands and its national weather service forecast waves rising up to 30 feet, which would cause dangerous coastal storm surges.
Water service across Grand Cayman was turned off, and power likely will be cut as the storm nears, hazard management director Barbara Carby said.
"We have asked everybody to come off the streets and to be home and safe right now," she said.
Stranded tourists watched dark clouds gather from their hotels or beachfront restaurants.
"It was a real surprise," said Rick Douglas, a 50-year-old from Toronto who checked weather Web sites before flying to the Caribbean. "It just said there was a tropical depression starting, but I didn't think it would turn into anything serious."
His wife, Susan Douglas, was confident they would be safe as long as they follow orders. "Grand Cayman has been there and done that, so they are prepared," she said.
The government has also ordered the airport closed, Tourism Minister Charles Clifford said Friday, adding that extra flights were added Thursday for those looking to leave.
"I hope I'm right, but I don't think this will be a major event," said Clifford.
The centre of the storm was about 50 kilometres south of Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands, at 7 p.m. ET. It is expected to reach Grand Cayman later Friday or early Saturday before hitting the coast of central Cuba by Saturday afternoon, the forecaster said in an advisory.
Still recovering from the havoc wreaked late in the summer by hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Cuba could be hit even harder than the Caymans.
The storm appeared to be en route to the central-eastern city of Camaguey, which was badly battered by Hurricane Ike in September.
Cuban official newspaper Granma said Friday that Paloma poses "a potential danger for the island." A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect for several Cuban provinces.
Cuba's government has deployed the early stages of its civil defence system, advising people in central and eastern parts of the country to be prepared to evacuate should conditions worsen.
Condensed from the Cayman Net News, and the Cay Compass
| Published on Saturday, October 11, 2008 in the Cayman Net News | |
The body of Estella Scott-Roberts, Cable and Wireless Corporate Communications Manager, was found in a burnt-out car today (Saturday, October 11, 2008). She had been missing since leaving friends last night at a Deckers restaurant on Seven Mile Beach. Mrs Scott-Roberts, 34, was from Cayman Brac and was the driving force behind the creation of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, where she held the position of Executive Director for three years before joining Cable and Wireless in 2006. Well-known throughout the Cayman Islands as a strong advocate for the rights and well-being of women, she was also a staunch advocate for the empowerment of young people. Detectives have confirmed that the burned vehicle found in the Dykes is the registered vehicle of Mrs Scott-Roberts. The vehicle is a 2007, black, Ford Edge, license plate number 129-257 and detectives would like to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle after 11.30pm last night (Friday, October 10). The car has been removed from the scene for forensic examination and the remains have been taken to the morgue. A forensic pathologist from the United States is expected to arrive in Cayman tomorrow (Sunday, October 12) to carry out a post mortem on Monday. “The body in the vehicle has been very badly burned,” said Senior Investigating Officer, Chief Inspector Peter Kennett. “At this time it is not possible for us to confirm the identity of the victim.” Police are appealing for sightings of Mrs Scott-Roberts or her vehicle. She was last seen leaving Deckers restaurant on West Bay Road sometime between 11 and 11.30pm last night, however nobody saw her drive from the car park. “Somehow, Mrs Scott-Robert’s vehicle got from Deckers to the Dykes,” said Mr Kennett. “It’s vital that we trace the last movements of her and her car and appeal for anyone who may have seen her vehicle prior to it being found this morning to come forward.” Anyone who can assist should contact George Town police station on 949-4222 and ask for the Criminal Investigation Department or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477. The police investigation began this morning after Mrs Scott-Roberts was reported missing. Her cell phone was traced to the West Bay area and a search commenced. On the request of the police, officers from the Department of Environment assisted with the search of the Dykes, due to their intimate knowledge of the area, and it was one of these officers who located the vehicle and called 911. Detectives are continuing their investigations this evening and anticipate a further update for the community and the media in the morning. Further details will be reported as soon as they are known. | |
Grand Court Judge Alexander Henderson, who was arrested on September 24th 2008 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The exact circumstances that led to his arrest are as follows:
Executing the search warrant on the morning of Wednesday Sept 24th, 2008, a six-member Metropolitan Police team seized computers, documents and Mr Henderson’s Canadian passport before confiscating the Justice’s keys and phone and arresting him for “misconduct in public office”.
Held for questioning in the George Town police station, the Judge returned home about 6:00 pm, but on Thursday was questioned again by police, spending a total of almost eight hours under interrogation.
In a startling two-page statement issued Mr Henderson defended himself against the accusations, saying he had been arrested “simply so they [police] could interview me”.
“When asked by police to give a statement about this,” he said, “I provided one in writing months ago and said I would answer questions posed in writing, but would not submit to an oral cross-examination. The Chief Justice, Solicitor General and the Special Prosecutor all agreed that it was the correct approach in the case of a member of the judiciary being questioned in such circumstances.”
“The police”, he wrote “demanded an oral interview repeatedly.”
Justice Henderson said the misconduct allegations for which no charges have been laid, derive from a series of events involving former Cayman Net News reporter John Evans in the wake of a mid-2007 series of letters-to-the-editor highly critical of the Cayman Islands judiciary.
The Justice, an acquaintance of Mr Evans, said he was suspicious of the letters’ authorship.
“I told Mr Evans I would be interested in hearing anything he might learn about the identity of the author(s),” Mr Henderson wrote.
On 3 September, and without permission, Mr Evans entered the offices of Net News owner and Editor-in-Chief Desmond Seales, seeking -- without success -- evidence of a previously alleged corrupt relationship between Mr Seales and Deputy Police Commissioner Anthony Ennis.
“It is alleged that he also planned to search for evidence of the identity of the letter writer(s),” the Justice wrote, “and that this entry into his own place of employment amounts in law to burglary.”
The Justice rejected any suggestion that he may have abetted Mr Evans: “I did not ask or encourage Mr Evans to conduct a search of his employer’s offices. I did not ask or encourage him to commit any illegal act.”
The 64-year-old Henderson was Acting Judge of the Cayman Islands Grand Court from 2000 to 2003 and Acting Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Supreme Court in 2001.
The Governor f Cayman Islands has not suspended Mr Henderson, although he did not attend a scheduled trial on Friday, telling a Canadian interviewer that he was “taking some vacation”.
Judge Henderson served as a Supreme Court Judge in Vancouver from 1995 to 2003 after 25 years in private practice and as an assistant city prosecutor.
Forward to what the current drama is with Mr. Henderson.
He has filed an application for judicial review. This application concerns the decision by Justice of the Peace, Carson K Ebanks, to sign warrants permitting police officers to enter and search Mr Henderson’s home in South Sound and his office at Kirk House.
Campbells, the attorneys acting for Mr Henderson, have asked for an urgent ex parte hearing of the application, in other words a hearing without the opposing parties being present.
The application seeks declarations that the entry of police officers into Mr Henderson’s home, and his office and robing room at Kirk House and the searches conducted there on 24 September were unlawful.
Mr Henderson also seeks the return of all items seized from his home and Kirk House office, as well as damages and costs.
According to the court documents filed on Mr Henderson’s behalf, the decision by Mr Ebanks to grant an application for search warrants was unlawful for the following reasons:
A full hearing of the application is requested for 17 October 2008, assuming that leave is given by the court to take the matter forward.
View Of Carib Sands Pool Relax in a large freshwater pool surrounded by wooden deck with lots of room for lounge chairs and tables.  | |
Large Dock A large dock with two story building and dive operation extends out from the Carib Sands property. The second story has hammocks and always a nice ocean breeze. | |
View From Brac Caribbean The Carib Sands facility is just beside the Brac Caribbean property and sits on a quiet ocean lagoon. | |
Well Appointed Bedrooms Double and twin beds in a colorful island motif. | |
Fully Equipped Kitchen No problems with any meal in these fully equipped kitchens. Contains microwave, fridge, stove and oven. | |
Living Room Relax after your dive or snorkel in a comfortably furnished living room. |
The Sunday-morning helicopter tour, on an aircraft provided by visiting British warship HMS Iron Duke, covered both Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the harder hit of the two Hurricane Gustav-ravaged Sister Islands.
“Every dock in Cayman Brac was damaged,” said Sister Islands MLA Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, citing between seven and 10 piers around the island.
“We found major damage to the dock at the Reef Resort; between 25 and 30 electrical poles were down on Little Cayman and between 15 and 20 on Cayman Brac. People need electricity desperately.”
Water and roof damage affected homes on both islands, she said, while Little Cayman buildings suffered a variety of structural damage.
“I would estimate the damage at a couple of hundred thousand dollars. We’ve been through quite a few storms, but this was the strongest since 1980,” Ms O’Connor-Connolly said, discounting even 2004’s Hurricane Ivan, which, while devastating Grand Cayman, left the Sister islands relatively unmolested.
“Just because there was no roof damage to some places, does not mean you don’t have water damage,” said District Commissioner Ernie Scott, exhausted after four sleepless nights touring the two islands.
“There was roof damage in multiple places; the South Coast Road was breached in about six places. We had flooding on the south coast, and a bit on the north.”
He said a team from Caribbean Utilities Company was aiding Cayman Brac Power and Light crews and working alongside a Cable & Wireless squad to restore power and communications.
“I’d have to be guessing about when things will get back to normal,” Mr Scott said, “but power is going to take about two days to three days and that may not be to every household. The company is trying to get the high-tension lines restored.
“We are also trying to get the feeder roads back together. In the Brac, all the roads are cleaned, although not necessarily cleared, but they will allow passage; of course the utility guys have to be able to get through. Otherwise it’s impossible to restore power.”
He said a Monday, 1 September, meeting of the local “damage-assessment committee” would plan a house-to-house tour of both islands, listing repairs and allocating resources. “That is likely to take a couple of days as well,” Mr Scott said.
Leader of the Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), the Hon McKeeva Bush, said God had “blessed us and blessed the islands”, sparing residents any physical injury.
“I went over with Rolston [Anglin, MLA for West Bay] and Cline [Glidden, MLA for West Bay] and Mike Adam [tentatively tapped as UDP candidate for George Town in May elections]; we saw a very successful preparation effort by various government agencies – particularly the Fire Services – who, along with the rest of the Civil Service, did an excellent job of preparing. Quite a few people in the community also pitched in.
“There were some poles down, and some damage to resort areas and the Brac Reef Resort lost its dock. I would think that the damage is a couple of million dollars, but they are about up and running with electricity now,“ Mr Bush said, although he was less sanguine about Little Cayman.
“Little Cayman took tremendous damage,” he said, “and it’s going to take them about a week to get back (up to normal); a lot of the houses were damaged.”
He said 60 people remained in public shelters on Sunday, down from a high of 432 on Cayman Brac plus another 14 on Little Cayman, where the eye of the category 1 hurricane passed within 28 miles, with winds up to 57 miles per hour and gusts of 84 mph.
On Grand Cayman, little damage was reported apart from the collapse of 12 utility poles at the Queen’s Highway, a scattering of debris and rough seas as the storm came no closer than 52 miles.
I have been coming to Cayman for many years and have recently experienced some very poor service on this Island.
I took my family to Margaritaville last week. We were seated at a table and after 12 minutes I asked a server walking by if I could please have a menu. She said this is not my section, and pointed over to a man, stating that it was his section. Another 20 minutes gone by and still no service. We left.
We then went to Subway. The server asked what I would like, I placed my order. She then turned around sneezed and without missing a beat asked what kind of bread?
Never covered her face or washed her hands after the sneeze.
We left and ate lunch elsewhere.
The next evening, we went to the Wharf, where the bartender dipped a glass into a bin of ice to fill it with ice. A piece of my glass was chipped and to this day I do not know who is going to get the chip in their mouth.
This same restaurant also has a sign at the bar, gratuities not included, but when you get your bill there is a 15 percent charge.
I shop at Foster’s about two times per week. Upon check out, I cannot even get a thank you from the clerk. How sad!
It seems many of the businesses in Cayman have gone down the tubes. What happened to cashiers saying “Hi” and “Thank You/Bye”, “Have a nice day”, anything?
I spent a lot of money at Kirk Home Centre as well, the clerks here act as if you are lucky that they are cashing you out. Again, no greeting or thank you.
These are consistent everywhere we went. I am sad to see my hard earned dollars are not appreciated in Cayman.
Where is the local health department?
Servers should be trained to follow basic health standards and managers should train for proper customer service.
I was really appalled at the new lower standard of service all through this Island. I do hope it improves.
L. Tomasso
Note: The Cayman Juice strongly agrees that friendliness and attentiveness is missing in the customer service department of most retailers and industries in Grand Cayman. One only notices when they leave the island and go to a place like Trinidad, or Toronto, and then return to Cayman and make the comparison.
1-800-999-1338
Explore the Deep Underwater adventures await for divers and snorklers.
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Our Grand Cayman destinations offer: Golf, SCUBA, Snorkeling, Swimming, Beach, Water Sports and Restaurants. Read more ›
Located on the southern end of Seven Mile Beach near George Town. All the amenities of a resort; including 3 swiming pools, a whirl pool, swim-up snack and cocktail bars, watersports, and beach with snorkel reef just offshore. Large 1, 2, & 3 bedroom units. Starting at $205 per night for 2 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›
Our condo was perfect! Very well furnished and maintained. We loved it and will be back! Booking and support was great. As a customer service manager they exceeded expectations. It was all so smooth and effortless! All of the services were efficient, easy and cooperative. Really it was a perfect experience. Thank you again! Cyndy from Wheat Ridge, CO (May 2008)
Deluxe and spacious 2, 3 & 4 BR fully equipped villas located on the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course or on the waterway to the North Sound. Guests enjoy villa and Grand Cayman Beach Suites (formerly the Hyatt) amenities including golf, the fine white sand of Seven Mile Beach, water sports, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, shops, fitness center, and beauty spa. Starting at $420 per night for 4 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›
Everything was awesome as usual – we will be returning again in 2009! See you then! Jim & Kelley from WI (March 2008)
Deluxe beachfront property on 7 Mile Beach near George Town. Well-appointed and spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units all with "Grand" views of the ocean. Sandy beach with beachfront gazebo. Beautifully landscaped oceanfront swimming pool with whirlpool. Lighted tennis court on property. Fitness equipment, restaurants, shopping, and watersports nearby. Starting at $290 per night for a 1 bedroom condo. See rates, amenities and more photos ›
Beautiful view, location, facility! John from Boone, IA (March 2008)
This beachfront property features nicely appointed, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominiums in a tranquil setting on the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. A private patio/balcony offers views of both the turquoise Caribbean waters and the nicely landscaped, well kept grounds. You'll find a full kitchen, cable TV, internet access, air conditioning and a washer and dryer in your unit. BBQ grills are available on the property. Starting at $215 per night for 2 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›
Enjoyed our stay in the condo. It was beyond our expectations. 100% more comfortable than our stay in a hotel the 1st visit to Cayman. Condition of condo exceptionally clean, plenty of space to spread out. Would recommend to family & friends. Grounds were kept up beautifully, pool was sparkling. Ann from Porter, IN (July 2008)
A fabulous oceanfront property on the quiet northern part of gorgeous Seven Mile Beach. Enjoy a pure-sand beach with very gradual incline, clear sparkling water, and relaxing privacy at this smaller property. The condo has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on two levels.
Starting at $220 per night for 2 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›
Wish I was there now! The place was great! Can’t get much easier to book! Thanks! Andree from New Orleans, LA (July 2008)
Stephen Bebber left Grand Cayman on Saturday, 2 August, probably for the last time. Mr Bebber came to Cayman seven years ago thanks to a lucky break. But his luck ran out a year ago, when he received official notice from Government saying that his most recent work permit would be his last.
Everyone knows about the official Cayman Islands Government policy whereby non-Caymanian residents are not permitted to remain here longer than seven years. To the average Caymanian, the so-called ‘rollover’ policy seems to be a hazy concept.
To the many thousands of long-term expatriates who have happily made their home here for years, however, the rollover is a very real and very painful experience, draining both emotionally and financially.
Stephen Bebber’s first taste of life in the Caribbean came while working for a month in the Turks & Caicos. But that brief sip convinced him that he wanted more.
Returning to his Toronto home with itchy feet, he moved cross-country to Vancouver, where he took up a job as a bartender at an upscale restaurant. It was while working in Vancouver that he first heard about Cayman.
“There was a recruiter doing large-scale open-session interviews for bartending jobs in three different Caribbean locations. About a thousand people showed up for what was really only a handful of jobs,” he said.
The recruitment manager liked Mr Bebber’s personality, and the fact that he already had experience bartending in a top-tier eatery didn’t hurt.
Soon enough, he kissed the brutal Canadian winters goodbye and was serving drinks at La Bodega just off Seven Mile Beach.
Though neither the salary nor the tips were very good, for the next two years Mr Bebber, now 30, began to settle into Cayman life. And his Cayman luck continued when the food and beverage manager at the Hyatt offered him a job working at that hotel’s Bamboo restaurant.
Bartending at Bamboo not only meant a better salary and bigger tips, but also more importantly he was now regularly meeting the local elite, from top government leaders and business gurus to corporate high-flyers.
Chatting with these people convinced him that tending bar might be fun for a while but not long term. Enrolling at the University College of the Cayman Islands, he decided to sign up for full-time courses (“I wanted to catch up for lost time”) with the aim of earning a degree in economics.
“I’d work at Bamboo from 4:00 pm till 2:00 am, and then be up in time for my classes which began at 8:00 am, and ran till 2:30 pm. I’d have like a nine-minute nap at home before heading out to work,” he recalled.
Eventually he earned his associate degree and was steadily building more credits towards a bachelor’s degree. Then the “rollover letter” arrived.
“Two years ago, I first began to think about the rollover. But, I kind of put it out of mind. I thought: ‘Why would I want to leave this island, where all of my best friends are?’ But now they’re all gone. One, by one, by one, they’ve all had to leave the island - to the US, to Canada, to Nicaragua….
“I can appreciate that this is a small island, and the Caymanians don’t want to be dominated by expats. But people like me are not asking to vote. We’re not asking to run the country, only to make a home here.
Franz Manderson,
Chief Immigration Officer
“Several years ago I wanted to buy a house. I wanted to invest locally as well, and I had been putting my money in the local economy all along, not just hoarding it as some people do. I’ve always felt as if I were an ambassador for Cayman for every visitor I’ve met, whether while working or not. I’ve even flown my parents here several times for holidays.
“But now, because of the rollover, instead of investing my hard-earned savings here - this island that is kicking me out - I now have no choice but to take it back with me to Canada.”
Mr Bebber was on-island for Hurricane Ivan and endured its full fury. “Basically I lost all of my stuff. The water was over the roof of my car. And almost all my household things were destroyed.”
Though he took the loss from the storm in stride, Mr Bebber still feels wounded by the fact that those expats who left the island for a year - waiting for things to be cleaned up - were rewarded with a new additional seven-year permit when they came back.
“Whereas I stayed here, and helped rebuild the country, helped the Caymanians clean things up, to bring the country back. But I feel like I was punished for having stayed.
“The government says you can go away and come back in a year and try to return. But how can a person put their entire life on hold for a year, based on the fact that they might let you return, and that if they did, you might be able to find another job here?”
But Mr Bebber has accepted his fate. “I’ve been dealing with this for a while now, and I’m ready to move on. I’ve put seven years of my life here, and I really enjoyed living here and I think I’ve been contributing.”
He now plans to finish school in Canada and then go into the financial industry. “A lot of people ask me if I would come back to Cayman. I’d have to think about it long and hard. I mean - do you really want to consider making a home in a place that really doesn’t actually seem to want you?”
