News from Grand Cayman

Kurt Tibbetts, Leader of Government Business, stated last week that the Government of the Cayman Islands remains committed to term limits for foreign workers. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly he said ‘The Government, after the most careful consideration, has concluded that the choice for Cayman is stark: either we retain a system designed to reduce the number of people who are able to stay here indefinitely and become part of the permanent population with all the attendant rights and privileges that must go hand in hand with long term tenure, or we concede that in ten years or less, the control of the destiny of these beloved Islands will be vested in persons who were not born here. For this Government and we believe for the vast majority of Caymanians, the latter result is wholly undesirable and unacceptable.’

Government data indicates that since the introduction of the policy the ‘brain drain’ predicted by many has not materialised. In fact the number of qualified professionals such as accountants and lawyers has increased significantly.

The Cayman Islands National Museum, severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, is to have a ‘soft’ opening in November. Restoration work has been going on since early 2007. The museum is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2009.

Chief Immigration Officer Franz Manderson has reminded employers that work permit renewal applications must be submitted before current work permits expire. He stated that a growing number of renewal applications are being submitted late, contrary to the requirements of the Immigration Law (2007 Revision).

Under the legislation employees can carry on working after their current permit expires provided a renewal application has been made before its expiration. If an application is made after the expiration date, the employee must stop working until a new permit is issued.

The Cayman Islands performed well in Scuba Diving magazine’s recent reader awards. Little Cayman and Grand Cayman were voted the 3rd and 4th best Dive Destinations in the Caribbean. The top spot was taken by Bonaire.

The islands fared better in the Top Wall Diving category with Little Cayman taking top spot, with Grand Cayman in second place.

The Cayman Islands Airport Authority has announced that passenger drop-offs in front of the departure area at Owen Roberts International Airport will be suspended for 2 weeks from today. The change will allow vital development work to take place. Drivers dropping off passengers are advised to use a designated lane close to the arrivals area.

Grand Cayman’s Ritz-Carlton will host an Outback Champions Series tennis tournament from April 16 to 20 2008. It will feature some of the greatest over-30 tennis legends including John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Wayne Ferreira, and Jimmy Arias.

Michael Ryan, owner of the Ritz-Carlton and the event’s main sponsor, said ‘The Outback Champions Series and our Legends Championships reinforces our commitment to making Grand Cayman the premier tennis destination in the Caribbean. We’re looking forward to hosting many of the best tennis players in the world and welcoming athletes and visitors alike with our relaxed Caymanian hospitality.’

The Cayman Islands Department of Immigration have a new website and logo. The site offers comprehensive information about visas, work permits, permanent residence and Caymanian status.

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has released air and cruise arrival figures for 2007. Air passenger arrivals for 2007 stood at 291,503, up 9 percent from 2006 but 18 percent lower than the pre Hurricane Ivan and 9/11 figures recorded in 2000. 1.7 million visitors arrived by cruise ship, down on the record 1.9 million visitors recorded in 2006.

The Global Hyatt Corporation has announced that they will not be renewing their contract to operate the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman when it expires at the end of this year. The main part of the hotel has been closed since being severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The Beach Suites element of the property has been open for two years. Owners Embassy Investments are expected to rename the property Grand Cayman Beach Suites.

Grand Cayman’s lobster season starts on December 1 and runs until February 28. The Department of the Environment has asked residents and visitors to take note of the relevant regulations.