Ask Auntie
Stop obscuring licence plates
I believe it is illegal and am certain that a car will not pass its inspection with tinted plastic over the number plates – can you confirm? If it is illegal, then why are so many drivers blatantly driving with their plates obscured? The only reason I can see for making your plates hard to read […]
Visitors still looking to play pickleball
Has any progress been made since the prior comments in June regarding pickleball courts with public access? Or, is there any sort of pickleball club in Grand Cayman yet? Yes, there are many other great things to do in GC. But maybe an open mind to new things might be beneficial also. How do we […]
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 […]
Applying for a BOTC passport
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 our fence. They are getting huge — about 30 feet high — and the trunks are starting to bend the fence, and roots are lifting up under the fence. These types of trees grow very large and tall fast, to around 50 feet tall […]
Can expat kids be kept out of school?
Does the government keep track of children attending school on island? Cayman is very transient. Is it possible to move to the island with my family and not enroll my children in school? How is that monitored, aside from nosy neighbours? However, if ever questioned, the person could lie and say they were homeschooling. Can […]
The tale of the missing Gimistory
Why has Gimistory been cancelled for two years in a row? I really miss it! Auntie’s answer: Before I get into the “why” I must clear up one thing. While it may seem that Gimistory (which is also a favourite of mine) has been gone for two years, the last time it was cancelled was […]
How to buy repossessed vehicles
Where can I get/view the repossessed cars from the bank? Auntie’s answer: I have to admit that this question makes me a bit sad. I cannot fault you for inquiring about repossessed cars but it does conjure images of people who have fallen on hard times, which is especially upsetting as we get nearer to […]
Suggestions for donating toys
I want to donate some of my son’s toys to charity. Can you tell me where I can do this? Auntie’s answer: While I am always happy to find the answers to difficult questions and help people solve problems, I cannot deny it is also nice to be able to deal with a query such […]
Is pollution monitored in Cayman?
Do we have any pollution monitoring here on the island? Ocean water quality, air quality, anything? Are there any statistics, on any topic? On the WHO website it seemed we are the only country that is not proactive in regards to these matters. Auntie’s answer: This is one of those questions that necessitated input from […]
Preventing release of personal information
I’ve been hearing a lot about GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) lately, most recently on the ‘60 Minutes’ programme. The list of registered voters in Cayman is public, with voters’ names, residential addresses, and occupations. Doesn’t that fall afoul of GDPR, or the local data protection laws? Auntie’s answer: Actually, a representative of the Office […]
Trucks need to be better regulated
Are there any rules that apply to the increasing number of large, poorly driven and maintained trucks that threaten the safety of motorists using Shamrock Road? I have seen a speeding truck pass a school bus as children were alighting, trucks that spill their wet load onto vehicles behind, numerous trucks that belch thick black smoke […]
Objecting to a coastal works application
Can the wider public voice objections to coastal works applications regardless of how close they live to the site? How are those objections considered?
Pesticide use in organic farming
I am a regular visitor to farmers market at the cricket grounds. I like to buy from there as I believe the produce sold there are organic. But, as I understand it, even the certified organic products worldwide are allowed to use a certain percentage of pesticides, etc.
Where are the sidewalks?
I’m visiting Cayman and enjoying my time here, but I am struck by the lack of sidewalks in many places. The island is flat as can be, so pedestrians would not have any hills to contend with. It’s fine if you are walking in the Seven Mile Beach area but it seems if you venture […]
Maintaining Caymanian status if off-island
Please can you check on how long you are allowed to be away if you have status and are naturalised with a Cayman passport?
