Governor sacks Commissioner Kernohan

Stuart Kernohan Police Commissioner

H.E. the Governor Stuart Jack, in an uncompromising 18 November statement, has sacked Police Commissioner Stuart Kernohan -- accusing him of an “unauthorised absence” and “inappropriate action” -- and announced an immediate search for a replacement.

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.

Said Governor Jack, “I can now advise that after reviewing all the circumstances of Mr Kernohan’s conduct as it relates to the terms and conditions of his employment, including his continuous unauthorised absence from the Islands, I am left with no option but to accept that he has unilaterally severed his contract with the Cayman Islands Government, and I now therefore treat it as at an end,” the Governor said in a five-paragraph statement late on Tuesday, 18 November.

“I am advised that the termination of the contract [will] not in any way affect the ongoing Police investigation against Mr Kernohan, whom I understand the police intend to interview shortly,” the governor wrote, after calling on the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs “to immediately commence the recruitment process for a new full-time Commissioner”.

Until Tuesday’s statement, the Office of the Governor had neither acknowledged receipt of the letter nor offered a response.

Mr Kernohan, Chief Detective Superintendent John Jones and Deputy Police Commissioner Rudolph Dixon were all placed on “required leave” on 27 March by the Governor and Martin Bridger, Senior Investigating Officer of Mr Jack’s Special Police Investigation Team, as part of an anti-corruption probe of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

On 15 May, Mr Jack and Mr Bridger placed both Mr Kernohan and Mr Jones under formal investigation, while arresting Mr Dixon on charges of obstructing justice and misconduct in public office.

Neither Mr Kernohan nor Mr Jones has been charged with any offence, nor have they been questioned by the investigation team.

Also on Tuesday afternoon, new Acting Police Commissioner Royce Hipgrave was scheduled to arrive, replacing outgoing Acting Commissioner David George, who is set to leave in late November after eight months in the position.

In his Tuesday statement, the Governor lamented Kernohan’s Monday release of the 9 October letter: ”I am personally disappointed that Mr Kernohan would publish private correspondence sent to me at a time when we consider potential disciplinary acts against him. Not only was this an inappropriate action, but the letter also contains groundless allegations which I categorically refute,” he wrote.

The reference to “potential disciplinary acts” refers to Mr Jack’s 10 September move to pursue sanctions against the commissioner after three fruitless orders in July and August that Mr Kernohan should return to George Town from the UK, where he had been since late April looking after his ailing father.

“Groundless accusations” are a reference to Kernohan’s 9 October charges of “an unlawful and irrational exercise” of executive power by Mr Jack, who deprived the commissioner of his job “for no good reason”, and acted “in bad faith and maliciously”, prolonging a “wholly pointless and expensive police operation to the disrepute” of Mr Kernohan and the people of the Cayman Islands.

Closing his 18 November “Update on Commissioner Stuart Kernohan”, Mr Jack said he would “continue to ensure that the public is kept up-to-date as developments take place”.

Mr Jack’s office did not respond to a list of questions by press time, leaving unanswered whether the move meant an end to all disciplinary sanctions against the commissioner and if Mr Jack anticipated legal recourse by Mr Kernohan.

The Ascent of Money, is the Cayman Islands' first-ever TV sponsorship deal

Cayman's Revolution Will Be Televised

Parmy Olson

A TV series that explains the origins of the financial crisis has a surprising sponsor: the Cayman Islands.

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.

Hurricane Paloma Update: Cayman Brac Suffered the Most Damage

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.

Cayman Islands bracing for Hurricane Paloma

Cayman Islands braced on Friday for Hurricane Paloma, a strengthening storm expected to make landfall within hours.

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.

Update: Two Men Apprehended in Estella Roberts Murder Case

Condensed from the Cayman Net News, and the Cay Compass

Thursday 30th October, 2008

Two men accused of killing Cable and Wireless communications manager Estella Scott–Roberts, appeared in Summary Court Thursday facing numerous charges including murder, abduction and robbery. One of the suspects, 27–year–old Kirkland Henry, was charged with an additional count of rape in connection with Mrs. Scott–Roberts’ murder. Kirkland Henry worked as a gardener and lived in George Town . The other murder suspect, 25–year–old Larry Prinston Ricketts, worked as a carpenter and also lived in George Town.

Solicitor General Cheryll Richards told the court that police obtained detailed statements from both men admitting to the allegations during police questioning. As well, they were both in possession of two of Mrs. Scott–Roberts’ cell phones; one found on each man. She said there was also forensic evidence connecting Kirkland Henry to the deceased. Mrs. Richards recommended that both men be remanded in custody on the charges. Mrs. Richards stressed that “these are serious charges against them", and Magistrate Margaret Ramsay–Hale agreed, stating “charges of this nature…by two foreigners, there is no doubt they are a flight risk,”.

The men were interviewed at length by police prior to Thursday’s court appearance, and neither had retained Counsel by the time of the proceeding. Both of the accused were remanded into custody and are to appear before the court again on November 6th, 2008.

Two Men Charged with Rape of 5-year-old Girl

No pictures of the two Caymanian suspects are available.

By Trent Jacobs Two men have been formally charged with raping a five-year-old girl after being arrested last week. Kent Robert Ebanks, 52, of West Bay, has been charged with three separate instances of rape and Marden Hernandez-Kirkconnell, 26, has been charged with one count of rape of the young girl. The crimes were reported to police on the evening of Monday, 20 October, the same night Mr Ebanks was arrested; Mr Hernandez-Kirkconnell was arrested the following day. As defined by the Cayman Islands Penal Code, rape is considered to be unlawful sexual intercourse with another person without consent and is punishable by up to life in prison. In Cayman, the severity of the charge is the same regardless of the age of the rape victim. Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) spokesperson Deborah Denis told Cayman Net News, “It’s still the same charge of rape and rape is the highest sexual offence charge there is in the Cayman Islands.” The child was taken to a hospital for treatment but has since been released, according to the police, and is said to be “doing ok.” The rape case was made public last week in a widely circulated email that included a picture of a man alleged to be one of the rapists and included a warning to call police if the man was seen. That same day the RCIPS issued a release explaining that the email was not an official police document. The subject of child sexual abuse has gained media attention following the two-year sentence recently given to a man who was convicted of indecently assaulting a five-year-old boy. Last week, the RCIPS issued a statement explaining that in 2006 they forwarded their sex offenders registry proposal to the Attorney General Hon. Samuel Bulgin, who approved the proposal and submitted it to the Legal Drafting Department where, according to police, it still remains two years since its original drafting. When reached by Cayman Net News a representative from the Legal Drafting Department said that they have been told not to speak to the press about the sex offenders registry and all inquires were to be handled through Acting Attorney General Cheryll Richards. She could not be reached for comment by press time. Sandra Catron, a former candidate for public office and radio talk-show host, who has been outspoken on the issue, recently declared that in light of the Government’s inaction to pass the sex offenders registry into law she will launch a public sex offender registry online. According to the RCIPS statement, “The advantages of such a register include the increased supervision and tracking of convicted sexual offenders, particularly those at high risk of re-offending after expiry of their parole or probation period, through knowledge of their patterns of offending and place of abode and employment which will highlight any contact they may have with potential new victims.” The proposed registry will include data such as the perpetrators name, aliases, distinguishing marks, picture, address, place of work and DNA samples. The Legislative Assembly will decide whether the public will have access to such information. In the US, Megan’s Law or the Sexual Offender Act of 1994, makes public such information as opposed to the UK where similar legislation maintains the privacy of sexual offenders. “It just shows their lack of complete interest in the matter,” Ms Catron said of the Government’s failure to pass the legislation that would inform the public of sex offenders living in the community. In a reference to the recent murder of woman’s rights activist Estella Scott-Roberts and the possible implications of taking action herself on the issue of sexual abuse, Ms Catron said, “I’m putting my life at risk here potentially and in physical danger because our Government refuses to get off of their behinds and do the right thing by the people in this country.” She described the crime against the young rape victim as “horrific” and said she hopes justice is served properly in this case. “I’m glad that charges were brought which hopefully means there is sufficient evidence for a successful prosecution. It just makes me physically sick to even think of the possibility of that happening.” Ms Catron is also pushing for broader education regarding sexual abuse but insists that the public be made aware of convicted sexual criminals living in the Cayman Islands, whether they are Caymanians or foreigners. She noted that she is in the early process of forming a petition to convince the Government to take action on the matter saying, “The public has a right to know.” Ms Catron added: “[I’ll do] whatever is necessary to show the Government that the majority of people in this country are in favour of a public sex offenders registry that they themselves can go online and access.”

Cayman's Estella Scott-Roberts Victim of Foul Play

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 Arrested, Puts Up a Fight

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:

• Mr Ebanks had no, or no sufficient, information upon which he could be satisfied that there were reasonable grounds to suspect the commission of the offence of misconduct in public office.
  
• Mr Ebanks was not informed of the decision "In the Matter of Operation Tempura". [This is believed to be a reference to an earlier decision of the Chief Justice denying search warrants in relation to Commissioner of Police Stuart Kernohan and Detective Chief Superintendant John Jones.]
  
• Mr Ebanks therefore failed to take into account important matters relevant to his decision.
  
• The warrants purport to have been issued by the Court whereas Mr Ebanks is not a competent Court of the Cayman Islands. Accordingly, the warrants do not comply with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (2006 Revision).

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.

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The Carib Sands is our favorite retreat on Cayman Brac.

Interior and Exterior Views
A few shots of the exterior and interior of Carib Sands.

CS1 View Of Carib Sands Pool Relax in a large freshwater pool surrounded by wooden deck with lots of room for lounge chairs and tables.

CS2 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.

CS3 View From Brac Caribbean The Carib Sands facility is just beside the Brac Caribbean property and sits on a quiet ocean lagoon.

CS4 Well Appointed Bedrooms Double and twin beds in a colorful island motif.

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CS6 Living Room Relax after your dive or snorkel in a comfortably furnished living room.

Hurricane Gustav damage estimates in the Cayman Islands

Damage estimates ranged from a “couple hundred thousand” to “a couple of million” dollars in the wake of a Sunday, 31 August, tour of the storm-damaged Sister Islands by MLAs, Ministers and H.E the Governor Stuart Jack.

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.

Bad Customer Service Complaints

What has happened to friendly and quality service? Please allow me to explain, as here are some examples.

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.

Civil Suit Filed Against Four Individuals and Companies in the Cayman Islands

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: Financial newsletter Offshore Alert has reported that a civil suit has been filed at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against four individuals and companies in the Cayman Islands.

The suit, filed on June 30, 2008, is an amended complaint to the original one filed on April 4 of this year, in which the new liquidators of two Cayman-registered hedge funds sponsored by US financial giant Bear Stearns are seeking to recover over US$1.5 billion in losses.

Walkers Fund Services Limited; two of its officers, Canadian national Scott Lennon and US national, Michelle Wilson-Clarke; and Deloitte & Touche (Cayman) were named in the amended complaint.
Walkers has been accused of aiding and abetting fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty. The causes of action against Deloitte and Touche (Cayman) include violation of the Securities and Exchange Act, fraud, professional malpractice, gross negligence, breach of contract, aiding and abetting fraud, and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty.

According to Offshore Alert, KPMG (Cayman) and two of its officers, Simon Whicker and Kristen Beighton were criticized in the amended complaint for their conduct as the former liquidators of the funds. However, they were not named as parties to the action.

Both individuals were reportedly removed as liquidators by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands after certain investors in the funds claimed that they were not truly independent, but were, instead, “hand-picked” by Bear Stearns in an attempt to conceal illegal activity.

"This action seeks recovery of more than $1.5 billion of losses sustained by investors in the Overseas Funds and Domestic Funds (collectively, the "Funds") as a direct and proximate result of a sophisticated fraud perpetrated by the Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. ("Bear Steams Companies"), their co-defendant affiliates and subsidiaries, Bear, Stears & Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns Co.") and Bear Stearns Asset Management ("BSAM", and together with the Bear Stearns Companies and Bear Stearns Co., "Bear Stearns"), and their officers, directors and employees, Ralph Cioffi, Matthew Tannin, Raymond McGarrigal, George Buxton, Barry Joseph Cohen, Gerald R. Cummins, David Sandelovsky, Greg Quental and Michael Ernest Guarasci (collectively, with Bear Steams, the "Bear Steams Defendants")," it was stated in the complaint.

“From their inception, the Funds were doomed to fail, because the Bear Stearns Defendants conceived, managed, and deceptively marketed them knowing that they would be viable so long as – but only so long as – the US housing market continued to experience an unprecedented rise,” the complaint stated. “The Bear Steams Defendants also knew, however, that so long as they were viable, the Funds would generate massive, unprecedented fees and other benefits for each of the Bear Steams Defendants.

“In short, in orchestrating this fraud, it appears that the Bear Steams Defendants did not fail to plan, but rather, planned to fail.”

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Play a Round of Golf Enjoy paradise on 18 holes of premier golf with seaside greens.

Our Grand Cayman destinations offer: Golf, SCUBA, Snorkeling, Swimming, Beach, Water Sports and Restaurants. Read more ›

Treasure Island Condos

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)

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Britannia Villas

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)

The Grandview Condos

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)

George Town Villas

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)

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White Sands

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)

Goodbye Mr. Bartender: Another Cayman rollover casualty

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?”

The UK in Cayman - National Security

The Cayman Islands remains an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, with a Governor appointed by the Crown, a 15 member elected Legislative Assembly, an 8 member Cabinet presided over by the Governor.

The UK is committed to the defense of the population of 52,500. The Royal Navy are regular visitors to the Cayman Islands and, even when out of sight, are patrolling in the Caribbean Sea. The Governor is responsible for ensuring national security from the full range of hazards and threats, whether natural or man-made. This is done in partnership with the elected government who provide most of the financial resources. Once the immediate threat to national security has passed then responsibility for the recovery and reconstruction naturally falls to Cabinet, Ministers and their Ministries. More detail on responding to natural hazards is available at Cayman Prepared.

Chaired by the Governor, the National Security Committee pulls together mainly law enforcement and criminal justice experts, and provides strategic policy direction to addressing threats from illegal immigration and terrorism to serious and organised crime. Reporting to the NSC are the National Aviation Security and National Maritime Security Committees which have responsibility for ensuring that airports and ports security is compliant with the standards laid down by the UK Department for Transport and therefore meets international standards. Through the Governor, the UK is also responsible for ensuring standards of air safety in the Cayman Islands, which is achieved with the support of Air Safety Support International.

The Commissioner of Police reports directly to the Governor. The RoyalCayman Islands Police Service has almost 400 uniformed police officersplus additional civilian staff. They carry out a broad range offunctions, from routine policing, to the investigation of financialcrimes, and working in partnership with customs, immigration and othersto guarantee Cayman’s border security. Given Cayman’s location on akey drug-smuggling route to the US and also to Europe, the RCIPS isbuilding the capacity of its Marine Unit with advice and training fromthe UK. A new Marine Base, vessels, staff, training and air supportwill be operational by the end of 2008.

5 Storey Building in Cayman is home to over 18,500 Firms

A report to be published this morning by the Senate Finance Committee's Government Accountability Office (GAO) will disclose that the number of companies that list their address in a five-story building in the Cayman Islands nearly doubled to more than 18,500 during the past four years, according to a source who has seen the report.

The building is called "Ugland House" and as of March 2008 was home to 18,857 business tenants. That was up from 12,748 reported tenants in August of 2004 - an increase of four tenants a day. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., who is chairing a Thursday hearing of the Senate Finance Committee on the issue, called the findings "hugely troubling." "When you see a huge spike in tenancy in a place like the Ugland House, where no one's really sure what's going on, decent oversight demands that you ask more questions," Baucus said. "If we strengthen transparency for U.S. holdings in places like the Caymans, it will be a lot easier for the IRS to tell who's not playing by the rules."

The GAO report is the culmination of a yearlong inquiry conducted at the behest of the Senate Finance Committee and comes on the heels of another Senate investigation that said the use of tax havens has cost America an estimated $100 billion a year in lost revenue. Companies with addresses in Ugland House are clients of the law firm Maples & Calder, which is the building's sole tenant. Investigators from the General Accounting Office traveled to the Cayman Islands earlier this year and interviewed officials with the law firm. Maples and Calder told GAO that only around 5% of the entities it serves are wholly-U.S. owned.

The GAO also found that U.S. persons reporting to the U.S. Treasury that they control Caymans bank accounts jumped to 7,937 last year, up from 2,677 in 2002. In addition, 732 companies that trade on the U.S. stock exchange are incorporated in the Caymans, GAO said. More than a third of the entities that reside at Ugland House - about 38% - are hedge fund or private equity-related. Caymans-based hedge funds offer U.S. tax-exempt entities like pension funds and foundations the ability to legally invest in the high-return vehicles without paying a U.S. tax that applies to leveraged investments. They also serve foreign investors who prefer not to invest in U.S.-domiciled funds for tax, regulatory or political reasons. Most hedge funds that operate in the Caymans are part of a "master feeder structure" that includes a mirror U.S. fund. Fund managers are responsible for ensuring that U.S. investors only invest in the U.S. feeder fund.

Another 24% of firms registered at Ugland House are related to structured finance - for example, leasing corporations set up to finance commercial aircraft. The remainder, about 38%, are corporate entities like holding companies and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Some of these are legal entities set up by U.S. firms to facilitate doing business overseas. But others are created for the purpose of tax fraud or evasion, GAO said. GAO identified 21 civil and criminal cases brought by U.S. authorities against Caymans entities.

Cayman Islands Living Costs

These were fairly accurate at the time of writing and are designed to be a rough guideline only. These are some approximate guide figures as to how much it would cost to live on the Cayman Islands in CI$ per month.

1 bed apartment: $800 - $1,500
2 bed/2 bath apartment: $1,200 - $5,000
3 bed: $2,000 - $5,000

TV: $70 - (depends on package of channels) Internet: Over $100 for high speed.

Water: $30 - $120 upwards depending on consumption

Electricity: $80 - $250 (for a 1-bed apartment, more if you run the AC) upwards. Obviously a 2 bed or a house will be depending on the AC system and insulation etc. Ecay tip Always ask to see a previous electric bill before taking a lease on a property

Telephone: how long is a piece of string? C&W have a great package called Net Speak that allows inexpensive calls over the Internet. –
We now have several telecomms providers offering mobile, Internet and data services, and C&W, Digicel and Telecayman offer land lines or the equivalent.

Medical Insurance: $90 upwards depending on the coverage - (bare minimum - very limited benefits)

PO Box rental: from $75/year depending on size

Food: $500 (for a family of three) obviously this varies depending on your lifestyle. Imported British products for example are extremely expensive but local Caymanian and Caribbean products are reasonably priced.

Car: $4000 + insurance (starting at $500) + car tax ($180) (for a very basic vehicle!)
One has to be Caymanian to secure a place at a government school, so private schooling is the only thing available to non Caymanian. There is a great choice of schools and prices start at $4,000 - $9,000 per year

Prices for basic items (January 2006)

Item/Services Approximate
Price (CI$)
5lb bag white potatoes $2.69
3lb bag yellow onions $1.49
1lb jumbo slicing tomatoes $3.89
1lb Red Delicious apples $1.49
1lb fresh cabbage $0.69
5lb bag sweet oranges $3.29
Jumbo seeded red grapes $2.29/lb

Beef loin T-bone steak $10.99/lb
Salmon fillets $6.99/lb
Boneless/skinless chicken breasts $5.49/lb
Uncooked bone-in turkey breast $1.59
Honey Ham $4.99/lb
8 oz sliced bacon $2.99
Pork loin chops $2.59/lb

#2 lobster tails $14.99/lb
Salad shrimp $6.99/lb

Lender bagels $1.89
Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat bread $2.09/loaf
2lb Pillsbury All Purpose Flour $1.35/bag
Dozen large eggs $1.25

Kraft 8oz Strong Cheddar Cheese $2.99
64oz Tropicana Orange Juice $4.45
12-pack 12oz Pepsi etc $5.95
10.5oz pizza $2.25
18oz Kellogg's Corn Flakes $3.79
Paper Towels $0.69/roll
Soft 'n Gentle 24 Roll Bath Tissue

63oz Gain powder detergent $7.49

Milk $5.29/gallon
7oz (200g) Nescafé Classic $5.99
** Please note that prices vary on a weekly basis depending on availability **

Gas $3.29/gallon

Beer $32.00/case
Cigarettes $30.00/200
Postal Rates
Postcards (to US) $0.20
Postcards (to UK/Europe) $0.25
Letters per half ounce (to US) $0.30
Letters per half ounce (to UK/Europe) $0.40
Greetings cards (to US) $0.60
Greetings cards (to UK/Europe) $0.80
Cost of Living in Grand Cayman

The cost of living in the Cayman Islands will often vary depending on a number of factors, including choice of accommodation, entertainment and lifestyle. The summary below highlights the average range of costs. All items are in Cayman Islands dollars which is equivalent to US$1.25.

Accommodation costs in Cayman Islands


A large selection of apartments and condos are available for long term rental. Accommodation cost vary dramatically with location (proximity to George Town, Seven mile beachfront, canal, waterfront), condition of the premises and facilities (pool, dock, tennis court). The rental costs for a reasonable apartment/condo are as follows:


1 bedroom - 2 bedroom
Seven mile Beach or canal $1,500 + $3,000 +
Off the beach $1,200 + $1,800 +

It is possible to find cheaper units that may not be in such a desirable area. Click on the link here to take you to the Ecay Trade free classified section of this site where hundreds of properties are listed. Alternatively go to the Ecay Cayman Islands Business Directory and check under Cayman Islands Real Estate and Developers for local agents who offer rentals and Property Management
Utilities (electricity and water) costs in Cayman Islands

Average monthly electricity charge (including air conditioning) for 1 to 2 bedrooms ranges from $100 to $250. However, some may be more if they do not have good insulation. We would recommend monitoring your consumption for the first month so you do not get any nasty surprises when your bill comes in. Average monthly water charge range from $50 to $100. If you are renting a house with a pool, you should expect far higher water bills than stated above. Security deposits are required for electricity and water services and apartment/property size. Electricity $100 to $500 and water roughly $200.
Our business directory has contact details for:

* Utilities
* Telecommunications

Cable costs in Cayman Islands

Generally the cost of cable (approximately $75 per month) is included in monthly rental charge. Weststar now offers some great upgrade packages should you wish to get more movies or sports channels etc.
Telecommunication costs in Cayman Islands

Basic monthly connection with voicemail is approximately $15. Long distance charges range from $0.50 to $0.90 per minute within the Caribbean, $0.60 to $1.20 per minute to the US & Canada and $0.80 to $1.60 per minute for the rest of the world. Security deposit for new phone service ranges from $100 to $350, dependent upon payment method.
Please note that these amounts quoted are rough. Check out the Ecay Cayman Islands Business Directory to get information on Cayman Islands Telecommunication Companies. Since the advent of telecoms competition rates have plummeted and some good deals are now available from: Telecayman, Digicel and Westtel.
Vehicle costs in Cayman Islands

The cost of a basic mid-size used car can range from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on size and age. Insurance premiums generally range from $500 to $1,500 per year. Some discounts are available and it is worthwhile to arrange a reference letter from a previous insurer. Check out the Ecay Business Directory for a full list of Insurance Providers in the Cayman Islands.
A three year driver’s license cost $65. Vehicle registration can be purchased for either a six-month period or a full year. The annual inspection and registration fees are approximately $200.
Food Costs in Cayman Islands

There are number of large grocery stores on the Island which offer a wide selection of fresh and packaged goods. Food costs are relatively expensive as the majority of items are imported. The average cost for groceries for one month can range from $450 to $1,000 depending on the size of your family and your dietary preferences.

Health Insurance costs in Cayman Islands

Health insurance is mandatory. Your company will arrange basic group health cover with a local recognized insurer and will contribute half of the monthly health insurance premium for employees and their families. Employee contributions are made by way of salary deduction. Some pre-existing conditions are specifically excluded from coverage by local insurers.

Exchange Rate in Cayman Islands

The currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Island Dollar (denoted CI$). The CI$ is exchanged to the US dollar at the following rates:
US$1.00=CI$.80 (cash), US$1.00 = CI$.82 (check)
Our business directory has contact details for:

* Electronics
* Furniture
* Home & Garden
* Linens
* Shopping

Housing costs in Cayman Islands

Rented accommodation is relatively easy to find, and generally annual leases are available, although less so between November and February (the tourist season). Monthly rental costs can vary considerably depending upon the nature (furnished or unfurnished), location, and size of the accommodation. The following is a general guide:

Modern fully furnished one-bedroom apartment:

* On the beach CI$1,500-2,500
* Off the beach CI$750-1,200

Modern fully furnished two-bedroom apartment:

* On the beach CI$2,000-3,000
* Off the beach CI$1,200-1,800

Two- or three-bedroom fully furnished houses:

* Off the beach CI$1,500-3,000

Generally deposits of one month’s rent are required for apartments. Also, telephone, water, and electricity deposits are approximately CI$750 in total.
Household Goods costs in Cayman Islands

All household goods can be purchased locally. Many landlords provide a full range of crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, and linen in furnished accommodations although quality can vary considerably. The electric current is 110 volts AC.

HURRICANE SEASON 2008 IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Atlantic Hurricane Season is from June 1 - November 30

Invest 94L has already passed Jamaica and on the satellite image it is now a big white blob over Cayman.

Establishing a business in the Cayman Islands

Establishing a business in the Cayman Islands involves approvals by several government agencies depending on the type of business being established and the industry in which the business will operate. A company wishing to trade within the Cayman Islands, e.g., in retail trading, real estate, hotel operation, restaurants, maintenance services or local shipping, must obtain a licence under the Local Companies (Control) Law. No less than 60 percent of the equity must be Caymanian-owned and there should be more than 2/3 local directorship. Depending on the nature of business or industry, if less than 60 percent of the equity is Caymanian-owned, the Trade and Business Licensing Board will have to be convinced of the need for the company’s services. An application may go before the Trade & Business Licensing Board within four weeks or less of receipt of the application. This period may be greater, whenever an applicant has not provided all the requisite information.

Below is a general outline of this process.

Business Entity

Businesses in the Cayman Islands are usually established by an individual, a company, or a partnership:

Company

The registration of companies is governed by the Companies Law (2004 Revision), and all companies must be registered with the Registrar of Companies. Companies can be formed with one shareholder and with no minimum capitalisation requirements (except for Exempted Limited Duration Companies).

Client privacy is protected by the fact that the Registrar can only release the name and type of company, its date of registration, the address of the registered office and the company's status. Disclosing any other information is prohibited except where assistance to law enforcement agencies is required.

Businesses that intend to operate in the jurisdiction are typically incorporated as a 'Resident Company'. Resident Companies are companies carrying on business in the Cayman Islands, which must report annually to the Registrar and which can hold land. As an alternative, companies that are incorporated outside of the Cayman Islands that wish to carry on business locally can register as a 'Foreign Company'.

Click here for details on the ways in which a company may be registered in the Cayman Islands.

Partnership

Limited partnerships, which can be formed by two or more people or companies, are governed by the Partnership Law (2002 Revision), which requires them to be registered with the Registrar of Limited Partnerships.

Click here for details on registering a limited partnership in the Cayman Islands.

Business Licensing

All businesses and professionals operating in the Cayman Islands must be licensed under the law relevant to their industry.

General Business Licences

Trade and Business Licences are administered through the Trade and Business Licensing Board of the Immigration Department as specified under the Trade and Business Licensing Law (2003 Revision). The fees for licence application and annual renewal depend on the broad nature of the business and/or profession. Certain types of business premises, such as restaurants, also require inspection by the Department of Environmental Health.

In addition, foreign-owned or controlled companies doing business in the Cayman Islands must obtain a licence under the Local Companies (Control) Law (1999 Revision). A company is considered foreign owned if less than 60 per cent of the equity is owned by Caymanians or if less than 60 per cent of the board of directors is Caymanian. This licence has a maximum duration of 12 years, but a longer period may be approved by the Governor.

For more details, please visit the Immigration Department website.

Financial Services Licences

Companies operating in the financial services industry must apply for the license relevant to its industry from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). CIMA is responsible for processing applications, regulation and supervision of the following types of businesses:

* Banks and Trust Companies

* Insurance Companies

* Fiduciary Services (Companies Management, Corporate Services, Trust Companies in of companies without a banking licence)

* Investment & Securities Services (Mutual Funds, Mutual Fund Administrators, Securities Investments Businesses)

For more details, please visit the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority website.

Hotel Licences

Hotels seeking to operate in the Cayman Islands must apply for a hotel licence from the Hotel Licensing Board under the Tourism Law (1995 Revision). This process is administered through the Department of Tourism.

A Trade and Business Licence is not required, but a LCCL is required if the level of Caymanian participation does not meet the threshold stated in law.

Telecommunications and Radio Licences

The Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) is an independent statutory Authority which is responsible for the regulation and licensing of Telecommunications, Broadcasting, and all forms of radio which includes ship, aircraft, mobile and amateur radio. The ICTA conducts the administration and management of the .ky domain, and also has a number of responsibilities under the Electronic Transactions Law 2000.

A Trade and Business Licence is not required for a business licensed by the ICTA, but a Local Companies (Control) Licence is required if the level of Caymanian participation does not meet the threshold stated in law.

For more details, please visit the Information and Communications Technology Authority website.

Building Regulations

Applications for permission to carry out development must be made to the Planning Department in accordance with land uses indicated in the Development and Planning Law (2003 Revision), Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision), and the Cayman Islands Development Plan.

Applications for planning permission to carry out development must be made to the Central Planning Authority (CPA) in Grand Cayman and the Development Control Board (DCB) in the Sister Islands. Land uses (zoning) are indicated by The Development Plan. Planning permission is required even for an established location where the intended use of the location is significantly different from what was originally approved.

A building permit is required prior to start of construction and a Certificate of Occupancy is required before buildings can be occupied. In certain limited circumstances, home offices are permitted subject to conditions restricting and limiting the scope of activities within the designated address. Applicants are advised to consult the Planning Department for advice on registering a business at a private residence.

All major developments must go to the Central Planning Authority (CPA) for approval. The CPA may require an Environmental Impact Assessment depending on the project (type and size) and its impacts. Advice on the environmental impact of development projects is taken from the Department of Environment. The Department of Environment encourages pre-application consultation with project proponents to discuss areas of environmental concern or mitigating impacts through best management practices and other internationally accepted mechanisms.

For more details, please visit the Planning Department website.

Work Permit Requirements

Non-Caymanians or people not legally and not ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands aren not allowed to work in the Cayman Islands without a work permit.

Under the Immigration Law (2003), a person or his/her employer may apply for a work permit to the Work Permit Board or the Business Staffing Plan Board for employment in Grand Cayman, or to the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Immigration Board for employment in the Sister Islands.

In Grand Cayman, all businesses employing fifteen or more work permit holders must submit their work permit application through the Business Staffing Plan Board as opposed to the Work Permit Board. Businesses employing fewer than fifteen work permit holders have the option of applying to either of these boards.

The boards may grant work permits for up to three years. Five-year permits can also be granted to holders of certain positions that have been approved under a business-staffing plan. A work permit holder can work continuously for no more than seven years. After this, the board can’t normally grant any further work permits until that person has left the Islands for at least two years. The only exceptions to this would be a worker designated an ‘exempted employee’ in a business staffing plan, or where there are exceptional circumstances. In such cases, the board may, at its discretion, grant additional work permits to enable the person to complete an aggregate period of eight years, thus making him or her eligible to apply for the status of permanent residence.

For more details, please visit the Immigration Department website.

Terms of Employment

Under the Labour Law (2001 Revision), every employer who enters into a contract of employment with an employee shall within ten working days of entering into such contract, furnish the employee with a written statement of his conditions of employment. This statement covers, amongst other things, job title, responsibilities, special requirements, regular working hours, rate of remuneration, and period of employment if any.

Labour Tribunals have been established under the Law for the purpose of hearing complaints from employers and employees, though provision has also been made for the complaints to first go through a Conciliation and Mediation process. In the event that this process fails to resolve the situation it is then referred to the Labour Tribunal. For more information, please visit the Department of Employment Relations website.

There is currently no National Minimum Wage in the Cayman Islands.

Under the Health Insurance Law (2003 Revision), an employer must pay the standard premium of any standard health insurance contract issued by an approved insurer. Up to 50 per cent of this premium can be recovered directly or deducted from the employee's salary. Health insurance coverage is also required for an employee within the first fifteen days of employment. For more details, please visit the Health Insurance Commission website.

Under the National Pensions Law (2000 Revision), employers don’t have to provide pension plans or contribute to pension plans for employees who do not have Caymanian status, or who are not permanent residents in the Cayman Islands during the first nine months of their employment.

Employers are responsible for providing a pension plan for eligible employees, and for maintaining current information with the National Pensions Office. For more details, please visit the National Pensions Office website.

Can I work while I’m visiting the Cayman Islands?

A casual visitor is not permitted to take up or solicit employment while in the Islands. A work permit must be applied for and obtained before arrival, either by the individual, if he is to be self-employed, or by the employer with a post to fill. A work permit entitles the holder and named dependents (normally limited to three) to live in the Islands during the term of the license or specific employment. Dependents will not be allowed to work without their own licenses.

If you're planning a business trip, know in advance that sales people planning to solicit business and take orders in our islands require a temporary work permit. Applications for this may be obtained in advance from the Department of Immigration. Contact their office weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (345) 949-8344. You also must declare all samples of goods you're bringing into the country and these must leave with you.

Under Immigration Laws visitors are not allowed to accept jobs in the Cayman Islands without a government-issued work permit.