Ask Auntie
Rules for hiring casual labourers
Are there any rules regarding hiring Caymanians as casual labour? Specifically, my gardener is Caymanian and he comes twice a month and I pay ‘him’ monthly, not a business, but I don’t pay pension or health insurance. Am I doing anything illegal? Same goes for my cleaner. Auntie’s answer: I took your question to the […]
Maintaining the right to be Caymanian
What is the minimum amount of time required to reside on island every five years to maintain the right to be Caymanian? Can several visits every two years be sufficient if the person has a job overseas? Auntie’s answer: The Immigration Law (see the complete law here) seems pretty clear on this point, and from […]
Rights concerning photos taken in public
Recently on a social media forum, I noted that a certain mobile vehicle detailing company on island posted a picture of one of their competitors (a carwash man on the road) who was washing a vehicle. The picture of the individual was taken without the subject’s consent and posted on social media. Is this legal? […]
I think my child is dyslexic
My otherwise bright 9-year-old son is still struggling to read and I think he might be dyslexic. What do I do? I asked a local special needs teacher and she recommended that your first stop should be with one of the child’s teachers at school or the principal to talk about your concerns. Ask them […]
Marine parks enhancements
As a diver and keen conservationist, I went to some public meetings about the marine park enhancements a while back. Can you tell me if the new protections are in force yet? A timely question on World Oceans Day. The short answer is no. The decision about whether or not to approve these changes is […]
The legality of documents created online
If you create a will using the Legal Zoom website, would the document be legal in Cayman? Auntie’s answer: I am sure you are not the first person to create a document online and wonder what the legal status would be in Cayman. These days you can do everything from publishing a book to filing […]
Rights to privacy on company website
My employer has put my picture on their website without my consent. I want my employer to respect my privacy and do not wish to have my photo on his website in the contacts section. I am OK with my name, phone extension and e-mail, but do not see the necessity of having my unprotected […]
Collecting pension does not equal retirement
Do the recent changes in the Pensions Law and the adjustment of the retirement age from 60 to 65 have the effect of extending the working years for anyone that will be 60 later this year? Auntie’s answer: That is a really good question because the answer will probably affect – and surprise – many […]
Clarifying statute of limitations
What is the statute of limitations on statutory rape in Grand Cayman? I know of a young woman who got pregnant by a 15-year-old boy. She did not register the child in his name (of course). However, learning the circumstances of that child’s birth… I just want to know what can be done about a […]
Visitor looking to buy fresh fish
I am visiting Cayman for a week and was wondering where I could buy freshly caught fish. Auntie’s answer: As we are on an island surrounded by beautifully clear, clean water, you are in great luck, which you probably already know. There are several options for buying a lovely assortment of fresh fish, including tuna, […]
How laws are passed in the Cayman Islands
Can you explain the process of passing new legislation in the Cayman Islands and what role the governor plays in it? Can the UK impose laws that have not been passed in the local Legislative Assembly? The Cayman Islands’ legal system is based on English common law, locally enacted law and Orders-in-Council, which is legislation […]
Government scholarships should be based on need
Auntie has received the following related questions: 1. How are scholarship applicants vetted in regards to their means of being able to provide for their university fees without a government scholarship? Why are there students who have parents that earn a decent salary being awarded scholarships? 2. Why does the Education Department continue to […]
Newcomer to Cayman wants to tread the boards
I am keen on amateur dramatics and I am new to the island. What options are out there and who do I contact? Auntie’s answer: You are in luck because, although Grand Cayman is small, our little island supports a fantastic amateur theatre – the Prospect Playhouse, which is home to the Cayman Drama Society […]
Driver irritated by slow-moving car
The other day I was driving on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway from Camana Bay towards the Butterfield roundabout, stuck behind a car with a kayak tied to its roof that was going about 25mph. There was no opportunity to pass and the line of cars behind me got longer and longer. Now that West Bay […]
How to complain about a lawyer
If one has a complaint about the standard of legal service provided by a licensed legal practitioner in the Cayman Islands, is there any organisation which hears and/or arbitrates such complaints? Auntie’s answer: Yes, you do have recourse if you are unhappy with the level of service you receive from a lawyer in Cayman. It […]
Annoyed by vendors storing equipment on the beach
Public Beach on West Bay Road seems to be used by vendors who store their equipment (such as large amount of beach chairs). As this is a public beach and belongs to all of us, how is it that some vendors are able to use the Public Beach area for storage of their equipment 24/7? […]
Seeking divorce without involving lawyers
My spouse and I want to divorce. It’s a very amicable agreement and we have decided who gets what with no arguments. Can you please tell us how we can get through this without ending up giving all our money to lawyers or letting them manufacture unpleasantness that does not exist? Auntie’s answer: For your […]
Learn the right way to turn right
What’s the deal with drivers who feel they need to WAIT for the green indicator arrow whilst turning right? There are clearly marked signs that say to give way on the green light, yet so many wait until the next green arrow. Is there a country where these people come from that they don’t know […]
