Ask Auntie
Spouse applying for RERC while overseas
Can a non-Caymanian spouse apply for the Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) and subsequently the rights to be Caymanian on the grounds of marriage while off island? Or does the couple/non-Caymanian spouse have to reside in Cayman during the process?
Determining increases in mortgage interest
If the US prime rate is 5.25 percent for the month of October 2018, by how much percent should the banks in the Cayman Islands increase their mortgage interest rate?
How private is genetic information?
Are there any laws or policies that protect personal genetic information from being released to health insurance companies in the Cayman Islands? I’ve been talking to a friend who is wary of being tested for the BRCA gene mutations that cause increased risk of certain cancers. Their doctor does not know whether if someone signs […]
Clarifying duty-free rules
I was wondering if I can bring in tobacco, and/or spirits, in excess of the duty-free allowance, for my personal use, under the $500 allowance; i.e., if I only spend $100 at Target can I bring in $200 worth of Bailey’s, and $200 of Marlboro lights for my $500? Auntie’s answer: This is one of […]
Upset about Sunday construction noise
I wonder if you could shed some light on construction on Sundays. There is a new apartment complex being built next to two existing complexes and we expect noise from the site during the week, but we are extremely disturbed that during the weekends, on both Saturdays and Sundays work continues. From 8am until about […]
Bank charges cutting into pension transfers
I recently applied for my retirement pension and wanted the amount paid monthly into my bank account. However, I was mystified to learn that my pension provider does not do domestic bank transfers for pensions. If you want your pension paid into your bank account, they only offer international wire transfers. So, the money goes […]
Civil servants and petitions
Could you please tell us whether or not civil servants would be able to collect signatures in addition to signing petitions?
Explaining the new Customs policy
Several months ago, it was reported that you no longer have to complete customs declaration forms if you have not exceeded your entitlement/concession. However, our customs officers are still expecting completed forms from everyone. What are the facts?
What ingredients are in local packaged foods?
Almost all locally made packaged food products sold in the supermarkets, whether baked goods, ice cream, sauces, etc., do not carry any ingredients list on them. This goes for products bought by the supermarkets (e.g. bulla, ice cream) and for products made by the supermarkets (e.g. bread). I’d love to support local, but I also don’t […]
Following police instructions on the road
If a policeman is directing traffic contrary to the working traffic lights what are drivers supposed to do? Specifically, when the policeman at the junction of Fort Street, Harbour Drive and North Church Street is waving traffic forward but the lights are red, am I supposed to commit an offence by driving through the red light? […]
What religions are practised in Cayman?
I am new to Cayman and I have noticed the many churches on the island. But I was wondering what other religions are represented here?
Clearing out bulk items for the holidays
Will there be a bulk waste collection for all districts this year before the holiday season? Auntie’s answer: Yes, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) will once again be offering free collection of bulk waste items on Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman ahead of the holidays. Here is the DEH calendar which provides […]
Expunging minor convictions
Can you find out if the Expungement Board also expunges minor offences from the record such as disorderly conduct etc? Auntie’s answer: The short reply is “yes”, but below you will find some details on the board and the process, for those who want more in-depth information. The Criminal Records (Spent Convictions) Law (2018 Revision) […]
Distinguishing blue from green iguanas
Is it possible for you to post an article with pictures showing the differences between a Cayman blue and the invasive green iguanas? I am hoping that when the cullers were vetted they were shown differences and how to quickly/easily spot which is which. I would love to see good photos of them side by […]
Segways and the Traffic Law
1. Should the Segways that go along West Bay Road use the road or the pavement? I have seen pedestrians forced into the road when they are on the pavement, but also deliberately hold up traffic when they are on the road. 2. I have been seeing Segway tours being conducted on the sand on Seven […]
Why is shipping part of duty calculation?
I have been trying to find out why I keep getting charged customs duty on the shipping and insurance costs for personal goods I’m bringing into Cayman via a freight forwarder company. I’ve looked at the Customs Law and Customs Tariffs Law and cannot see anything about this. Is it even legal for Government to include […]
Keeping PR if off-island for a year
If you leave with permanent residency do you have to start over if you ever return? Can special circumstances be considered, like your mother is in her 80’s and you wanted to spend some time with her and she lives outside Cayman? Auntie’s answer: You do not have to start the process over but you […]
