Today'sHeadlines
EDITORIAL
Of Being Swornto the Dogma of No Master
Some were computer errors - others werebecause of sheer fatigue - brought on by the magnitude of workthat just only two persons did, with a few contributions.
We are referring to the typos and errorsin layout, which appeared in the Premiere edition of Cayman NetNews weekly newspaper, which went on sale last Thursday.
This was no mean feat. One that could havebeen relieved though, if we were not penalized by the denial ofa one year work permit for a keycomputer Graphic Artist on whomwe spent near $10,000 for airfares, hotel accommodations and salaries.He was brought to Cayman originally on a Temporary Work Permit,to be tested for his skills, a probation period
and to get a feel for Cayman and working conditions.
A salary of $24,000 a year was agreed upon,and he was prepared to takean apartment in the range of $800 permonth until he could findsomething more 'elegant' when he earnsmore from our fledgling company. On his original application,he confirmed that he has a wife and a young child, of three yearsold - who would be home-schooled by his wife, who
will not seek a job in Cayman - because of their religious preference.
Knowing of no impediments which would preventhim from getting a full permit, the Graphic Artist sold all hisbelongings, and proceeded to Miami from his native Trinidad -after visiting Cayman again, while waiting for his permit.
The original permit was refused by letteron the 21st of March because the Immigration Board said: "....insofar as the Board is not satisfied that it is in the best interestof the community to grant this permit with his dependants, inlight of the insufficient salary and the already burdened infrastructure."
Bewildered by this letter of refusal - "insofar"as the Board dictating the salary arrangements between employerand employee ... without apparently taking into considerationthat it takes more than $200,000 of income to justify paying outa salary of $24,000 - and the stability of a small, stable familyman ... we re-submitted another application to the Board for re-considerationstating that as we were taking on management of another Internet-related business, and by such arrangement we were prepared topay the same man an additional $12,000 per year - bringing hissalary up to $36,000 a year.
We received a reply to this re-submissionof the application, after paying two fees for same and such wasagain refused on the 16th of March, because the Immigration Board"declined to rescind" their original decision - withoutany explanation what-so-ever.
A determinationto proceed without Fear ... or Favour
It is known, that this medium's fearlessapproach to publish issues and commentaries on many of theills affecting this Blessed territory - because we have no fear... or favours to ask ... has been upsetting to some persons inauthority.
The truth be known ... we are aware thatmany in our community have long expressed private fears that manywho sit in positions of authority on Boards or as heads of Departmentsare vindictive, spiteful, and are extremely jealous of others'accomplishments.
There are those in positions of authority... and others sitting as the political appointees to Boards ...who should examine their conscience ... because there certainlywill be a day when those who are guilty of inciting others toact vindictively, will have to answer to a Higher Authority fortheir cowardly, unfair and unreasonable decisions which affectso many people's lives.
Continuing inhumane behaviour - such thathas been practiced in years - sometimes for selfish and financialgain, which will one day be brought out into the open. This inturn, will further serve to only create some very dangerous sparks... and hazardous, inflammatory situations in the community.
We are asking for no special favours ...just fair, balanced treatment and a level playing field to inthe dispensation of our experience as a responsible news medium- and offer a vibrant and innovative alternative news serviceto the community.
Although the hours of the principal havebeen averaging between 18 and 20 hours a day - seven days a week,along with a lone Graphic Artist who is trying to cope with theoverload of work - we are not about to give up.
Why are we sharing this dilemma with you... our readers? We feel that you ought to know, that like manyof you, we too are running into the brick walls of bureaucracy,silence and unreasonableness, that has for too long plagued theseIslands. It is high time these complaints be handled by the appropriateadministrative authorities in an open and logical fashion.
Earlier this year, our Internet website's candid news reportswere frowned upon, which resulted with the banning of us receivingPolice Press Releases. This has since been sensibly rescinded.As told to the Officer in charge of putting out these Police Releases,because of our 31 years of experience in local media - we havefar more contacts with the local populace - expatriate and indigenous- and a track record of fearlessness and fairness when dealingwith the presentation of the news.
We will not stand down in the face of whatis our right to present reports which the other media may notwant to address. We are 'hard-wired' into what goes on in thiscommunity when dealing with the facts and getting the correctinformation - which some may prefer to remain hidden, so as tomislead the community ... in an attempt to keep them unenlightened.
It is our intention - and a commitment ...tocontinue reporting news ... as it happens ... when it happens... on our website, which is capable of being viewed by over 200million Internet browsers in the global village to which the CaymanIslands belong... and in our Weekly Newspaper.
We aim to continue being of service to thiscommunity ... which has been longing for an alternative, strongvoice. We have been absent from the print media scene for 16 years- and as the pioneer of local Television - for far too long. Inresponse to the many who have beseeched us to recreate instrumentswhich will carry their cries for good order and fairness for all- we have been resurrected with the birth of Cayman Net News -the electronic Website and companion weekly newspaper.
As we grow from strength to strength - inspite of the forces who will still try to throw up roadblockssuch as the refusal of Work Permits, thereby denying us the opportunityto train Caymanians - we are determined to deal with the issues,lift up good intentions, report the facts ... and being swornto uphold the dogma of a free press - 'in the face' of relentlessintimidation, jealousies and our refusal of any display of timidity.
By being innovative, investigative and alert,we will prove the rules which are required from those who arein authority in Government - and the private sector - should befor good order... not selfishness.
So please, stand with us.
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Applicants'Rights regarding Refusals from Immigration
Everyone has the right of appeal, when theirapplication for the grant of any permission is refused when seekingapproval from the Immigartion Board.
The refusal letters from the Board usuallystates that " ... if you are dissatisfied with this decision(refusal) under section 11 of the Immigarion Law (1997 Revision),you have the right of appeal to the Governor-in-Council - (whichconsists of the five Elected Members of the Executive Council:Mr. Truman Bodden, Mr. Tom Jefferson, Mr. John Mc Lean, Mr. Truman,Mr. Anthony Eden and Mrs. Julianna O'Connor Connolly, along withthe Official Members: The Chief Secretary, Mr. James Ryan, theFinancial Secretary, Mr. George McCarthy and the Attorney General,Mr. David Ballyntyne, with the Governor, Mr. Peter Smith sittingas Chairman) - within 21 days hereof."
Over the years, there have been very, veryfew overturns of Immigration decisons by the Governor-in-Council,which is often mistaken to be His Excelency the Governor aloneacting alone, when dealing with appeals.
It also known that appeals can take quitea long time to be put on the agenda of Executive Council business.In the meantime, those waiting for decisions are often 'in limbo'- and are quite stressed out, with their life and others, as wellas in many cases business development, on hold - while awaitngthe outcome of an appeal.
What is not known by many who have receivedthose dreaded refusal letters, is that there is nothing in theImmigration Law - or directives for the operating of the Law,which prevents applicants from re-submitting applications to theBoard, again.. and again, as long as the fee of $35. is paid eachtime. There is no guarantee that the Immigartion Board will havea change of heart when they have refused to approve an application.However, applicants can write in to them again ... and again statingnew facts why their application should be re-considered.
Depite letters which may be received statingthat one should not re-apply, there is nothing in the Law whichprevents anyone from re-applying again ... and again.... as longas they can pay the re-consideration fee of $35. each time.
In respect to submitting letters of appealto the Governor-in-Council, one should make sure that copies ofsuch letters are copied to every member of the Executive Council,and address each envelope separately, delivering such lettersby hand to the Goverment Administration Building (the Glass House),ordinary or registerd mail.
As long as one is of the firm convictionthat they are being treated unfairly - they have every right tohave applications re-considered by the Board. If there is no satisfaction- then exercise your right of appeal ... asking the Clerk of theExecutive Council by letter for a two-week extension if you cannotput in for your appeal within the 21-day period.
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Response to"Concerned Expatriate" - sent by E-mail
Dear Concerned Expatriate ... (Friday, 31 March 2000)
Thank you for your quite courageous letter.
Among the aims of our publishing efforts... is to remove the fear which traumatizes many like yourself.THIS MUST STOP!
We are not doing you or anyone else anygood .. by promoting anonymity to letters. THE FEAR MUST STOP.
We do want to print your letter for theworld ... the Government ... the the powers-that-be in England,the Churches, for everyone to see. THE FEAR MUST STOP.
Please consent to have a name put on yourletter ... and give us a call so that we can verify its authenticity.
We do want to print your letter ... please... help us to break the fear.
- The Publisers