Auntie’s favourite questions of 2018
(Auntie): Over the course of 2018, as with previous years, I have received questions that run the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous. Readers have sent in queries that have alternately surprised, annoyed and intrigued me. As we get ready to welcome 2019, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favourites of the more than 200 columns that appeared this year.
Below are some of them, in no particular order:
Leave the sea turtles alone
Any time I can call attention to ecological and/or environmental issues I feel compelled to do so. And if the question allows me to educate people who don’t understand that our sea turtles are not to be disturbed, especially when they are nesting, then all the better.
Concerned by threats to freedom of speech
I don’t think I should need to sell the importance of free speech to most people, but unfortunately sometimes it becomes necessary. This column responded to a reader’s concern about the government’s apparent encroaching on the right to speak or write freely, a topic always worth discussing.
Upset by well-known person drinking and driving
As I have said more than once, I have no patience for anyone stupid enough to drive while under the influence. Judging by the comments this column generated many people thankfully agree with me. And this is the perfect time of year to publicise this issue.
Doesn’t want paper phone directory
While I see Cayman moving to the green side, it doesn’t hurt to continue to promote reducing, reusing and recycling. I was heartened to see the comments supportive of lessening reliance on paper.
Doesn’t want to vaccinate child
This question about whether children entering school needed to be vaccinated generated a very animated debate among readers. If a column gets people talking, I believe that is a good thing, and this one certainly accomplished that. Some of the comments were a bit heated, to say the least, and some even veered off into the possible dangers of cell-phone towers. But I was glad to see so many people motivated to speak up.
How do you keep scorpions away?
A combination of interesting facts and off-putting creepy-crawliness, this column also inspired readers to share their scorpion stories. I always appreciate when people take the time to post a comment, and hope the information imparted helped some readers rid their homes of these uninvited guests. And if eradicating vermin floats your boat, here’s one more for you on rats.
I look forward to another year of answering your questions, and wish you all a very happy and healthy 2019.
Send questions to auntie@caymannewsservice.com
Recent answers from Auntie
Once a child is born overseas of a marriage between a Caymanian and a non-Caymanian, can you apply for the Cayman passport for the child while overseas? And for Caymanians just generally living overseas, can we apply for a Cayman passport or renew our Cayman passport while overseas? If so, how? Auntie’s answer: No, you […]
Do iguana cullers carry liability protection?
Can you find out if those who have registered to cull the green iguanas have liability insurance? No one I know doing this will talk about that. Auntie’s answer: The issue is a bit complicated and the answer not that straightforward. I received an explanation from the Department of Environment (DoE), which is in charge […]
Stamp duty on bank transactions
On what basis does government charge 25 cents stamp duty on a transfer from a customer’s savings account to his checking account? This is just an internal transfer. Auntie’s answer: The reason seems to be “because they can” as a way to bring in money to the government, under the Stamp Duty Law (2013 Revision). […]
Trees damaging neighbour’s fence
I was wondering what to do about a neighbour’s trees encroaching on
Category: Ask Auntie
