Ask Auntie
Former overstayer wants to visit Cayman
I have a friend who, 13 years ago, when he was 19, was “deported” because his employer held his passport and when he asked immigration for more time they informed him that he had overstayed (it wasn’t more than three months). Immigration then allowed him to stay one more week. He didn’t serve any jail […]
Motorcycles should stay in their lane
I very frequently notice motorcycles and scooters driving down the middle of the road and in the bicycle lanes in an apparent effort to evade traffic. Is this practice legal? If so, how does it affect other drivers’ “right of way” within their lane position? If there was an accident, how is fault assigned as […]
Ask Auntie Award for Department of Immigration
(Auntie): The questions I have received so far during the life of this column have covered topics ranging from bats to licence plates to garbage to white butterflies. But some subjects definitely come up more often than others, and one of the most frequent has been anything to do with the Department of Immigration.
Can all cars use gas containing ethanol?
I’ve passed by Refuel, the new gas station in Industrial Park, several times and noticed the lower prices they offer on their gas. But is the fuel OK to use in all types of cars? I’ve checked their website and cannot find any information about that. Auntie’s answer: I have also been intrigued by the […]
How do you keep scorpions away?
UPDATED: Recently I’ve found a couple of scorpions in my house. I was able to deal with them but have a few questions. How do they get into the house and how do you stop them from coming? Also, am I correct that the scorpions found here are not lethal? Auntie’s answer: I have just […]
Is McKeeva Bush a ‘doctor’?
Updated with response from McKeeva Bush: I was on the Legislative Assembly website and noticed that in the biography section, McKeeva Bush is given the title “Dr”. I don’t recall him ever earning a university degree, much less a PhD. When did he earn his doctorate? Auntie’s answer: I checked the website and you are […]
Limits on importing frozen meat for personal use
I have lived on the Brac for over 30 years and when I return from the US I always bring in frozen meat that complies with the regulations of the Agricultural Department. The last time I came in I claimed all my frozen meat but the customs officer who checked my things was, obviously, out […]
Suspects rat poison laid in public place
I was appalled on a recent morning to see rat poison just placed in the open in The Strand parking lot. Many tourists and especially young children will not know that this is serious poison as it looks like a blue bar of soap. I have no idea who does the pest control in this […]
Visitor wants to use travellers cheques
I am from the UK and holiday with my family in Grand Cayman every year. We have always brought American Express US dollar travellers cheques with us for spending money and we could cash them at (a local bank). But that bank recently changed its policy regarding cashing these to non-customers. Here in the UK […]
Missed deadline for switching to Cayman licence
As a foreigner who lives here on the islands, one is obliged to obtain a local driving licence on top of the licence one has acquired abroad. Now, I was told that if you miss a certain deadline, you have to take a new test in written and practical form. But the problem seems to […]
Remaining in Cayman after quitting work
I will quit working in October. My work permit expires in December. Would I be able to stay on island another 20-30 days after I quit working? Auntie’s answer: First of all, for anyone who is not aware, under the Immigration Regulations (2015 Revision), it is required that if someone who holds a work permit […]
Why are security guards directing traffic?
I would like to know why there are two security guards stopping cars at the entrance to the Royal Palms where the new tunnel is being built so that vehicles coming out of there can get on to West Bay Road? Last week I was forced to stop so that the guard could let out […]
Leave the sea turtles alone
I saw people at Public Beach recently pick up a turtle that was trying to come in presumably to lay eggs. Only when I said something to them did they put it down and leave it alone, but the turtle then swam back out and didn’t come back. Would you remind people that live and […]
Reasons for holding onto immigration white card
What is the purpose of the ‘retain’ portion of the white card immigration form I have to fill in when entering the Cayman Islands by plane, being the part I then must keep with my passport and re-present to immigration when leaving the Cayman Islands? What happens if I lose it? Can’t the immigration department […]
In search of a pickleball game in Cayman
Is there a place we could play pickleball on the island? We are on a cruise ship and thought it would be fun if we could play pickleball instead of going on an excursion. Auntie’s answer: I have to say I never expected to see “pickle” and “ball” in the same sentence, much less the […]
Wants to return after PR denied
I was turned down for permanent residency and am now thinking of returning after my year is up. I know I can’t return to Cayman until November 1, but can I apply for a work permit to return before that date, or do I have to wait until then to apply? Auntie’s answer: Yes, you […]
Non-Caymanian spouse seeks naturalisation
I’m married to a Caymanian and I’ve been living here for four years. I have a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC). Am I eligible to apply for naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen on grounds of marriage? I understand that I need to be married for seven years in order to apply for the […]
No car inspections when it rains
A colleague of mine has just advised that the licensing department can no longer provide vehicle inspections in rainy weather. Is this true? Being that we have hurricane season five months out of the year, is this realistic? Do you know what the reason for this rule is if it’s in fact true? Auntie’s answer: […]
