Lead Stories

Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Premier of The Cayman Islands, W. McKeeva Bush, is considering making it easier for Jamaicans to visit that country once they are already holders of a United States visa.

Bush, who is also the minister of finance, tourism and development for the island group, said he believes the rigorous process to which applicants for US visas are subjected should be satisfactory for entry to Cayman, obviating the need for the granting of a Cayman visa.

"The US visa process is well scrutinised. If it serves the US, then it serves us. What I do believe needs to be done now is to consider allowing entry to persons with US- issued visas.

"There is still so much good business connections between Jamaica and The Cayman Islands and legitimate business people need to move to and fro," said Bush, who was speaking to The Gleaner at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort where the 31st meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government was held this week.

The premier raved about his Jamaican ancestry, disclosing that his great-great-grandfather had lived in the parish of Westmoreland back in the early 1800s, before migrating to Cuba and then Cayman.

"The Cayman Islands has had tremendous and historical connections and relations with Jamaica for many years. I have always had a tremendous connection with Jamaica and its people.

"At one point, we were annexed to the parish of Westmoreland and our government administered through the Jamaican Government," he said.

Bush praised the work ethic of Jamaican immigrants, who play a major role in the Cayman economy, particularly as tradesmen, health-care staff, and domestic assistants.

"Some of the best workers the Cayman Islands has seen come from Jamaica. I have no problem hiring Jamaicans," he said.

Tough opposition ahead

Bush said he could not commit to whether the visa waiver would be limited to business persons. But he cautioned that any attempt to amend visa rules may not go well with the People's Progressive Movement, the parliamentary Opposition.

"Only God knows what they will do. They will jump on any political bandwagon, but we have to do what is right," the premier said.

The Cayman Islands has an estimated population of 52,000 people, with a significant Jamaican presence.

Bush, who heads the United Democratic Party, admitted that there had been discrimination against Jamaicans in the past but argued that proper screening was imperative.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com