Ask Auntie
Fire Service boat a necessity
Why does the Cayman Islands Fire Service need a boat? Auntie’s answer: There is actually a very practical and important reason for the Fire Service to maintain a boat and it has to do with the airport. An official with the unit explained that the boat is needed “to provide a water rescue capability for […]
Regulations dealing with boat safety
What does the applicable Cayman legislation require regarding provision of life jackets/lifesaving equipment on locally licensed boats, particularly those that take tourists out on North Sound trips to places like Stingray City, or on deep sea fishing trips around the island and further offshore? This in the context of recent articles in the press expressing […]
Selling a property without CIREBA
My condo on Grand Cayman is listed with CIREBA. Can any CIREBA agent sell it or just the agent I listed it with? Can non-CIREBA real estate companies sell my property or am I now obligated to go through CIREBA? Can I sell it without using an agent and if so, how? Auntie’s answer: I […]
Switching to single-member constituencies
A member of staff from the Elections Office came round to my house a few weeks ago and while she was there I filled out a form because I have moved district since the last elections. But when I checked the revised voter list today, my name is still registered for the district where I […]
Rules for operating online business
Do you need a trade and business licence to run an online business (selling product both in Cayman and overseas) whilst resident (dependent of work permit holder) in Cayman? Auntie’s answer: It seems this issue of working online is of interest here. Today’s query came in response to last week’s column on the legality of […]
Missing licence plates and illegal trailers
There seems to be an increasing amount of vehicles missing the front licence plate on our roads. Some have the licence plate placed on the vehicle’s dashboard. Is this legal? There also seems to be an increasing amount of homemade trailers on our roads. Those trailers are missing brake lights and licence plates. Is this […]
Is there a way to check if barracuda is toxic?
I’ve heard barracuda is poisonous but you can eat it if it is tested on ants first. Is that true? Auntie’s answer: I will do my best to answer your question, with full expectations that others will weigh in with their own ideas. Barracuda has that effect on people. I have been too afraid to […]
Get dangerous bikers off the road
What can be done about the crazy motorbikers who use the roads to carry out dangerous stunts, even when there is traffic around? Last night a young man balanced on his seat whilst still moving and then went onto one wheel at 5:45pm, so when there was lots of traffic. I was driving behind him and do […]
Constitution should have a braille version
I read that the Constitutional Commission and the Human Rights Commission are working on producing an audio version of the Cayman Islands Constitution for people who have vision problems (See Audio of Constitution for visually impaired ‘soon come’). Is there also a copy of that or any of our other important documents in braille, which […]
Working online and off-island
Is it legal for someone who is off-island to do online work for a local company? Auntie’s answer: This could easily have been a one-word answer, allowing Auntie to take the rest of the day off, but I wanted to give you your money’s worth so will add some context. For those who do not […]
How to stop email fraudsters
Who would be the person to report phishing emails purported to be from FLOW to? I keep getting emails that appear to be from FLOW saying I have breached their terms and conditions and must click on a link to rectify. I even got two one day. Of course I delete them as soon as […]
Are plea bargains accepted in Cayman?
Does Cayman have a system in place to accept plea deals from persons accused of crimes? Whether it be traffic or criminal related? For example, if I am charged with DUI, can I plead guilty in exchange for community service to save everyone the time? Auntie’s answer: Apparently there is no system in place here […]
Accusing company of skirting immigration rules
As a job seeker I need to point out a new trend I’m beginning to see with jobs advertised by one of the largest and expanding private employers in Cayman. Basically they are advertising in the local Friday paper vacancies with a deadline to apply. When you go onto their careers website where they direct […]
Restaurant may have caused food poisoning
How do I complain about a restaurant that I suspect had given me food poisoning? Can I claim any compensation? Auntie’s answer: The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is the government agency responsible for food hygiene wherever the food is sold, including restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, school kitchens and mobile vendors. The DEH food safety team […]
Concerned about friend being suicidal
A friend of mine has been really depressed recently and I am really worried about her. I’m wondering if there is a suicide hotline here? Auntie’s answer: Few things could be worse than getting to a place where someone contemplates ending their life. If the unthinkable does happen, I unfortunately can say with experience that […]
Pay grade of top government officials
What is the salary for the Cayman Islands premier, deputy premier, ministers, MLAs and the governor? Auntie’s answer: While you might have been hoping for an exact number for each salary, Gloria McField-Nixon, chief officer in the Portfolio of the Civil Service, did supply a precise range, and how that is determined, for the officials […]
Cautioned when getting a ticket
I recently received a ticket for parking within 45 feet of a pedestrian crossing. Upon completing the ticket, the officer cautioned me (the “Anything you say may be used in a court of law”) and wrote on the ticket, “Cautioned at 11:36.” Is it standard or common practice to caution someone when issuing a ticket? […]
Pregnant woman concerned about visiting Cayman
I would like to know if I should reschedule my trip to the Cayman Islands because of Zika virus. I will be six months pregnant when I travel there. We are staying at the Meridian. I’ve been told a lot of things can change by then. I was also told in February there aren’t many […]
