The Cayman Islands have been dealing with the challenge of employment as well. The islands have a population of 47,862, of which 25,000 persons are work permit holders. The Cayman Island Immigration Service has taken the lead role in ensuring that more Caymanians benefit from their islands’ economic prosperity. The department has been holding “Immigration district evening public meetings” in order to hear the views of the community but also at the same time present their policy to the community.
The goal according to Chief Immigration Officer Franz Manderson is to see more Caymanians trained for positions, including senior level postings in the workforce. He adds that there are companies who provide employment and training opportunities for Caymanians while others left much to be desired. To encourage companies to act as good corporate citizens, his department was looking at developing a reward system for companies which have consistently committed to training and hiring Caymanians.
Manderson added that the authorities have intensified investigations of employers who break work permit rules and in so doing, deny locals desirable job opportunities. He also emphasized that his staff as well as the Business Staffing Board and the Work Permit Board, are working to ensure that positions advertised are legitimate and that companies have exhausted all efforts to find Caymanians to fill vacancies before they are offered to foreign nationals.
Manderson also advised young Caymanians to earn appropriate qualifications to ensure that they can compete in the labour market and take advantage of employment opportunities.
Here are some discussion points which need to be addressed. Which entity or entities should be handling work permits? Should the Immigration Service play a more predominant role? Should a reward system be introduced?
Roddy Heyliger