As this newspaper completes an enforced move into new, more permanent premises this week, we are pleased to report that the spirit of individual co-operation that was engendered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 is not dead, but is alive and well during “Hurricane Lehman” – the term coined by Britain’s Guardian newspaper to describe the global financial crisis precipitated by the collapse of investment bankers Lehman Brothers.

Certainly, the assistance and, in some cases, forbearance we have received from a number of local businesses, individuals others in public service has been gratifying and serves to operate as considerable encouragement to the newspaper’s management and staff in their determination to continue publishing the plain, unvarnished news of the day, as well as local commentary and other expressions of opinion, come what may.

Yes, we have reduced staff numbers considerably as a result of normal attrition, redundancies and, in rare cases, dismissals, but regrettably in the current economic situation many local businesses are faced with the same necessity – cut overhead expenses in order to survive.

The remaining staff members have unquestionably demonstrated their dedication, commitment and loyalty, in the same way that Hurricane Ivan separated the weak from the strong in 2004.

We trust that readers and advertisers will continue to recognise and support our staff during these very demanding times.

Equally, we have to acknowledge the ongoing support and commitment of our overseas staff and correspondents, who are also soldiering on in difficult circumstances. We must also thank our printers in Miami, without whose cooperation we would not have been able to keep delivering the daily news in printed form to our loyal readers in the Cayman Islands.

The fact that we are rapidly turning into the poster child for the financial difficulties faced by small businesses in the Cayman Islands has also resonated with people from all walks of life here, if the many expressions of empathy and support we have received are any guide.

Whether or not the government actually realises it, local entrepreneurs are under extreme pressure to survive the current financial crisis and we have already seen some well-established businesses succumb to the economic pressures. It should come as no surprise to anyone if this negative trend gathers momentum the longer meaningful assistance to the small business sector is delayed.

It is a sad situation when the government of the day either does not realise the damage it is causing to the small entrepreneurs in the country or, it does realise this but just doesn’t care – all in the name of preserving “big” government.

We have already commented on the comparison in the Budget address between the extremely vague mention of government cuts with the very detailed and specific new taxes to be imposed on those in our society that can least afford them – struggling small businesses and lower paid workers.

Civil service hirings are apparently to be restricted to “a minimum”, with no acknowledgement that there is a compelling case to reduce the government payroll – not just keep the increases to a minimum.

“Identifying ways to reduce accommodation rental costs” does not represent much of a commitment actually to do so, once such ways have been identified.

“All but essential official travel” is supposed to be eliminated but why have the taxpayers of the Cayman Islands apparently been paying for non-essential travel all these years?

This is just one example of the presumptuousness and sense of entitlement that seems to be endemic within both the elected and permanent sectors of government.

Likewise, the promise to restrict “the usage of Government vehicles for private purposes.” What gives public servants the right to use assets that belong to the Cayman Islands taxpayers for their own private purposes in the first place?

We are now asked, as taxpayers, to bail out the government from its earlier admitted profligacy without any immediate measures being taken to stimulate local business activity so that we may earn the money to do so.

Local businesses such as Cayman Net News and many others have to adapt and cut expenditure in ways that are painful and unwelcome, but it is something that has to be done in order to survive.

It’s about time the government realised it has to be more businesslike and practical in its approach to the economic situation and act without delay accordingly.