Ask Auntie

Wants to scatter mother’s ashes in Cayman
I recently lost my mother in Canada and her wish was to be cremated and brought back to Cayman where our family could spread her remains in our yard under a very special tree we have that she loved looking at every time she visited. I was told we cannot bring remains in carry-on and they […]

Unhappy with water-delivery service
I have a cistern and during the dry days/weeks/months, I have to order water from a particular local company. However, after waiting more than 12 hours (sometimes even 24 hours) on a delivery of water that is urgently needed, I am a bit frustrated with the customer service and would like to know if there […]

Acquiring status for 18-year-old son
My son was born in 1998. I was told by a friend he can apply for status on his 18th birthday. Can you please help get some correct information? Auntie’s answer: I am afraid I cannot offer you the information you seek; I can only lead you to where you might be able to find the […]

Can the public videotape police officers?
Is it illegal to videotape a police officer who is in a public place performing his or her duties? Auntie’s answer: As with many things, the answer is both simple and more complicated. To navigate the intricacies, I consulted with the RCIPS, and received a very helpful response. The quick reply to your question is […]

Concern over PR application not being processed
I submitted my permanent residence (PR) application 18 months ago and according to the Immigration Department applications received since the change in law are not being dealt with, and no-one can say when they will be. I’m coming up to 10 years on Island. What happens now? Will I be rolled over? Auntie’s answer: The […]

Removing an animal from the attic
I have an animal in my attic. Who do I call to get it out? Auntie’s answer: Since you didn’t mention what kind of animal you were trying to evict from your attic, I am guessing you haven’t seen it, only heard the patter (or possibly the thump) of non-human feet. I will go further […]

Toy drone annoyance
Last weekend, up at Cayman Kai, my quiet afternoon was ruined by the buzzing of a “toy” drone, invading my garden and spying on me from the beach at eye level, before heading out over the water, only to return a few minutes later. I later saw that it was controlled by a man with […]

Is interest on deposits paid to companies required by law?
Is there a law that requires companies to pay interest on deposits? I have provided CI$200 deposit to both Cable and Wireless (now Flow) and CUC and realise I only receive interest on deposit from CUC. I have never gotten any interest from Flow, only continual crappy service. Auntie’s Answer: The quick answer is no, […]

Making a complaint about a government department
Who can I turn to for assistance at the labour office. A certain officer has had my case now going on to 9 weeks, give or take a few days. Every time I go to the office or call for her, I get the lame duck excuses such as “in a meeting”…….”busy”………”not seeing clients today”…….Please […]

No reply to FOI request
Who is responsible for the FOI integrity? I made an inquiry and instead of getting a response from the FOI as outlined in their formal policy, I received a call from the RCIPS and called out on harassment. Apparently the question I raised was offensive to the person I was inquiring about. I don’t know […]

Caymanian status eligibility for wife
I am a Caymanian and married a foreign woman four years ago. She has permanent residency and after the seven years of marriage she will apply for Cayman status. Our problem is that I am looking to leave Cayman as it is just getting too expensive to live here, but I will return after I […]

Volunteer opportunities in Cayman
I am fairly new to the island but would like to be more involved with the local community. I am not sure what I want to do exactly, but would appreciate some suggestions on organisations I could join. Auntie’s answer: You are in luck, because for a small island, Cayman has a remarkably large number […]

New residents seek US education for children
Our family will be moving to Cayman in a few months with our two school-age children, one in primary school and the other finishing up grade nine. We are American and I am wondering what are the options for getting a US education in Cayman? Auntie’s answer: As you would expect, most schools (both government […]

Need legal advice for contested will
The recent passing of my father has led to awful arguments in my family over how his estate should be divided. I cannot afford to hire a lawyer to sort out the will but am desperate to find a way to settle this. Any suggestions? Auntie’s answer: Your question points to one of those unfortunate […]

Family distraught over helper being rolled over
Our amazing helper is being rolled over in June and has been with us for a long time. Our children will be devastated when she has to leave as they have grown very attached to her and she wants to stay. Is there anything we can do so she can stay? My husband has a […]

Requirements for travelling to Cuba
Do you need a visa to go to Cuba? Are there any other travel requirements? Auntie’s answer: Too bad we didn’t get this question before the Rolling Stones played in Havana; I could have weaved my answer around attending that historic concert. The short answer is that you do need to get a visa to […]

How does the minimum wage affect a flat salary?
Does the minimum wage take precedence over a flat wage/salary? Auntie’s answer: Yes, it does. The salary has to equate to the mandated minimum wage when calculated on an hourly rate. As explained by an officer at the Department of Labour and Pensions, “The fixed salary has to be no less than the minimum wage […]

How is the jury pool chosen?
Would you please investigate and dispel the myth that being listed as a registered elector does not automatically put one on the jury pool list? Those already in the jury pool are seemingly there for other reasons and often get called upon again and again, while many longtime voters have never been called. Auntie’s answer: […]