Possible Solution for the Rollover Policy ?

This is another great recommendation that was sent into this site. Some of you have credited me after reading this suggestion, however I don't have all the ideas, and don't want contributors to think I am taking their credit. Read on and keep the ideas coming...

I could suggest a possible solution to the problems being experienced by the ‘implementation’ of the roll-over. I believe that the time period in which the rollover policy has been put in effect is detrimental. On the other hand, there are numerous benefits to be derived should the policy be carried out in a more responsible manner.

The roll-over policy should have applied to persons entering the Islands after the implementation date. It should not have applied to persons who were already residing here, who have contributed enormously to the economy and have been employees upon whom employers depend for continued support. The solution suggested is one of a gradual implementation process. The rollover policy should be reviewed to be applicable to all persons coming into the Cayman Islands after January 2004, when the law came into effect. The real issue that needs to be addressed is long-term “population growth”. The government could instead address this with sound long-term macro economic strategies and fiscal management. Due to the current implementation of the rollover policy, remaining citizens have to start rehiring, from scratch, especially at this time of economic instability and re-growth after hurricane Ivan. When a law is passed, it normally applies as at that date. If employers knew from the onset that their employee would have had to leave after seven years regardless of whether they found a suitable Caymanian to take on the role, they would have had an entire seven years to put programmes in place to ensure a smooth transition. With the current policy implementation, employers were not given this opportunity. If tomorrow, a country passes a law that all burglars will be hanged, legally and in fairness, the hanging sentence would not apply to persons already serving sentences for burglary. It would apply to any burglaries committed after the said date, and would be applicable to future such court cases. Passing a law such as the rollover, with immediate effect and expecting everything to be okay after a year or two? ... with no proper transition procedure? ...no government buffer or cushion offered to assist the community to recover from potential losses? ... What practical support has been offered to those Caymanian employers who are either currently or soon will be experiencing difficulties? With the way the policy has been implemented, even if looking towards the long-term, the country will have to play “catch-up” with the equivalent of a “brain drain” impact.

Transitions like these take time to properly implement. If the policy was better planned and implemented and was to apply to persons entering after the date of its adoption, there would have been ample opportunity for both Caymanians and non-Caymanians to plan effectively for a smooth transition. This would also include the opportunity for Caymanians to fully equip themselves to adequately fill posts that would become vacant within the next two to five years.A rollover policy would be very effective if:

1) the policy was applied to all persons coming into the Cayman Islands after the date of the law.

2) suitable strategies were put in place to ensure an adequate infrastructure for pending population growth.

3) it would not apply in situations where a “new” work permit would be needed to replace the “rolled-over” work permit. If attempted too quickly, as is currently the case, the negative costs to be derived may far outweigh the benefits proposed.

The above issues aside, the Cayman Islands may be failing to understand that if you have been profitable having your own right hand toil, that you do not deliberately chop off your right hand and still expect to be as viable. The Cayman Islands may be failing to understand the power of good international relations and fairness. The Cayman Islands may be failing to understand that the same persons who may leave, are the same persons that helped to build the country’s competitive advantage in the region. The Cayman Islands may be failing to understand that its indigenous people may suffer not only for a short period after the policy is implemented as is, but may feel the negative effects of this policy for years to come.

Cayman’s own people may have to interact with new entrants to the community, who may or may not have the interest of the country at heart, as would the persons who have left. The Cayman Islands may be failing to understand that it could be in need of international assistance in the future and perhaps not be granted because the international community has been treated unfairly. The Cayman Islands may be failing to understand that dismissing a member of its team with no severance pay or the international equivalent of some remuneration will not result in a favourable impression of the country. The Cayman Islands may be failing to understand that the cost of living here is not as compelling as it once was. The rollover policy as being implemented, may be failing the Cayman Islands from all angles. Yes, a policy framework is needed but in order to be successful, has to be implemented differently.

Yours sincerely,

Concerned for the sustainable future of the Cayman Islands