Ask Auntie

Missed the deadline for permanent residency application
I am a civil servant who has worked here for 10 years now under government contract. When I made the decision to apply for permanent residency, which is a very big life decision, I was four months past the period allowed to apply. I was told that at this time I have lost my right […]

Why no change when paying for airport parking?
Why doesn’t the ticket machine at the airport give change? Is that legal? Auntie’s answer: I must admit that after reading your question, I was all set to rant and rave about the state of the airport parking-ticket-payment machine at Owen Roberts. Anyone who has been in Cayman longer than a few months will certainly […]

Wants to be removed from register of electors
How do I “de-register” to vote? No longer wish to be on electoral roll. Auntie’s answer: I am afraid I have bad news for you. Once you are on the electoral roll, you basically cannot be removed. However, as the nice people at the Elections Office explained to me, there are exceptions to the whole […]

What can be done about neighbour’s dog poop?
My neighbour’s dog keeps coming and taking a poop in my yard. You think it all right for me to just throw it back over there, or is that not right? Auntie’s answer: Well, my first reaction is if you are actually willing to pick up the poop and toss it over the fence, then […]

How secret is the local Masonic Lodge?
I have one question about one organisation on the list (Group needed for single moms) — The Lodge! When you press on their link it comes up blank. Secret Society they are! Why is their link not working? (Or is it me doing something wrong trying to get it to work?) Auntie’s answer: I will […]

Unable to contact the skate park
My son would like to have his birthday party at the Black Pearl Skate Park but we have not been able to get in touch with anyone there to organise it. I have tried numerous phone numbers and email addresses as a result of internet searches, but no luck (they all appear to be out […]

Drinking and riding a bicycle
Can you get arrested for riding a bicycle while drunk? Auntie’s answer: That is a great question, if for no other reason than it gives me an opening to say something about bicycle riders in general. But, I will also answer your question, so bear with me. I want to point out as well that […]

Denied coverage by insurance company
I have been diagnosed with a chronic disease and my insurance company has denied my claim for coverage of my related medical expenses. What can I do? Auntie’s answer: Since this is already the second insurance question I have received, I can see this will be an ongoing issue for many readers, and understandably so. […]

Employer not paying minimum wage
I am not being paid minimum wage despite the new law. Who should I contact? Auntie’s answer: You are certainly right that a minimum wage is a new part of the Labour Law, having come into effect 1 March. The official minimum wage is now $6 per hour, though it could be as low as […]

Group needed for single moms
Is there a club or meet-up for single mothers? Also is there a comedy or laughter club? If there is neither, it would be very helpful if someone could take the initiative to start one. Auntie’s answer: I do not know of any club that specifically caters for single mothers but there are organisations for […]

Finding health insurance without a job
I am in my mid-50’s and was made redundant a few months ago. I am now without income and have been unable so far to find a job to support myself. My health insurance through my last employers will end in a few weeks and I don’t see how I can afford to pay for […]

Registering new address with Elections Office
I have moved since the last general elections and want to register my new address with the Elections Office. Having managed to find the correct form on the Elections Office website (which totally sucks and navigation is beyond rubbish), it says at the bottom, “Where the elector has changed his or her place of residence […]

Bringing pets to the Cayman Islands
I am moving to the Cayman Islands in a few months and want to bring my 6-year-old cat. Is this possible? Auntie’s answer: The good news is that since your cat is older than 10 months, you can bring him or her with you. The same is true for dogs. But the process is a […]

Applying for permanent residency
I am thinking about applying for Cayman Islands permanent residency but I don’t know how to go about it and cannot afford a lawyer or immigration consultant. Can you help? Auntie’s Answer: At this point, I am not sure that anybody can help. Since the amended immigration law was enacted 26 October 2013 (and then […]

Recycling and the Junk dumpsters
I very diligently collecting my glass, plastic, aluminium and paper/cardboard garbage for recycling, take it to the Junk dumpsters by Hurley’s, then, aside from glass, which is kept separately, dump all the bags into the same dumpsters. There are three of them, each marked for plastic, cans and paper. Wouldn’t it make more sense to […]

Fired for no good reason
I have just been fired from my job for what I think is a petty reason. It was the first mistake I made in three years on the job and I was not given any warning. What are my options? Auntie’s Answer: Being fired is never fun, but it would be helpful to know the reason. As […]