Ask Auntie
Getting rid of abandoned cars
Can you please post the procedure for lodging a complaint about an abandoned or derelict vehicle? Is there a timeline that owners are granted in order to move their (derelict) vehicle before an abatement notice can be issued? Auntie’s answer: Good question. I cannot say how many rusted-out, wrecked cars I have seen alongside roads […]
Work permit issue for wife of PR applicant
Can you help with a work permit question please? My last position was made redundant after a company restructuring and I lost my job just before my term limit was up. I wasn’t able to find a new job right away and was added to my husband’s work permit as a dependant. Now I’m finding […]
Photo op with green iguana
Recently, on driving through town, I noticed an iguana sat on a chair with a sign for tourists to hold him and being charged. Surely this is not the sort of tourism we should be encouraging. Personally, I think this is totally wrong for the Cayman image/brand. Who gives approval for this type of activity? Is […]
What to do with pets that die
What is the correct method of disposing of a deceased pet? Auntie’s answer: This is such a sad question, though I suppose it is a necessary one that most pet owners may not think about or don’t want to think about. An official with the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) was able to help. The information […]
Labels and recycling bottles
I diligently recycle my glass, plastic and paper. But somebody told me that you need to remove the paper labels from the glass and plastic. Is that true? If so, what happens if you don’t? Auntie’s answer: I am so happy you asked that question because it allows me to highlight the importance of recycling. […]
Immigration status of ex-convicts
What is the status regarding work permit or permanent residency holders who have been convicted and sentenced in Cayman, upon their exit from Northward? There was a number of cases last year. Will they need to leave Cayman once they are out of prison or are they free to stay (e.g. if they are a […]
Testing work permit applicants for contagious diseases
With all the HIV testing being pushed recently on the radio and various media outlets, the news breaking of false positive tests belonging to expat workers, etc, I can’t help but wonder is there any kind of immigration requirements being implemented that require people to be tested for various contagious diseases and STDs before coming […]
Can landlords bar certain renters?
I was reading some rental ads today and noticed how specific and restrictive some of them are; for example: “Landlord would prefer a professional couple or a family with one child. Please no pets allowed.” “Professionals only please, sorry no pets and no children.” Is that even legal? I remember many years ago reading with […]
‘Going Dutch’ on a date
I was married for 20+ years and recently divorced, so I have been out of the dating game for a while. I have been asked out to dinner by a man at work and I like him but I’m not sure how to handle the paying part. My friends are giving me different advice. Some […]
Sharing taxis from the airport
Is it correct that taxi drivers from the airport can charge the same fare to each passenger going to the same area? We had to share a taxi from the airport to a SMB hotel and had to wait while a passenger was dropped off to the Marriott only to be charged the same fare […]
Not ready to have sex with boyfriend
I am 19 and my boyfriend is 20. We have been dating since I was 16. He is pressuring me to have sex even though I have told him I want to wait until I am married. I love him very much, but he hasn’t proposed yet. I don’t want to lose him. What should […]
Sale of land at Dragon Bay
What is the status of Dart’s acquisition of 360 acres of freehold at Dragon Bay including former Safehaven leasehold lands? Auntie’s answer: I believe the land you are referring to is the 280 acres under leasehold that formed part of the planned 360-acre development of Dragon Bay conceived of by Mike Ryan, the original owner […]
Police patrols at Public Beach
Why is there not an RCIPS officer assigned to Public Beach during busy periods and the weekend? (I saw) people openly smoking weed in the cabanas, leaving their young children unattended in the sea. A young life was almost lost due to the complete negligence of the parents who should be locked up. Auntie’s answer: […]
Unsure about roundabout right of way
When exiting the Butterfield roundabout (by AL Thompson’s) heading to Camana Bay, who has right of way to merge, if two cars are turning off at the same time? I understood it was always the right-hand lane which had priority, but my Canadian work colleague believed it was the inside lane who had priority. Auntie’s […]
Employee’s status unexpectedly changed to contractor
Can an employer unilaterally change your contract from employee to that of an independent contractor? I work in the real estate business and my employer has just changed my contract stating that I am now an independent contractor, in essence making me a subcontractor. I have been informed that I must pay my full 10% […]
Cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road
Can you help settle an intra-spousal argument? What’s the legal position on cyclists who ride their bikes into oncoming traffic? I get the logic that they can see cars coming better, but shouldn’t they be required to follow the rules of the road like everyone else? Auntie’s answer: I am always happy to resolve disagreements […]
Rules for putting up election billboards
I was of the understanding that there were rules concerning the signage for candidates in the upcoming election — when signage may go up and when it must be taken down. My understanding is that no signs were to go up till parliament had been dissolved and must be taken down prior to the polls […]
Can MLAs decline their salaries?
Is it possible for an individual to “volunteer” for office? That is, if an individual is interested in politics and steering their country’s ship and is qualified to run as a candidate, is it possible for that person to run for office and, if elected, accept the seat with no or half the salary? If […]
