BVI debate; Cayman’s expat placing
James Francis - Monday, November 5th, 2012 at 6:18 AM
Dear Editor,
As the expat tit-for-tat continues in the BVI, I thought I might share a very interesting article I have found in an October 31, 2012 publication of The Caribbean Journal.
The BVI was not among those involved in a survey that classifies the Cayman Islands as the third best place for expats.
I will not say much on it, but hope it will be a guiding light for those in the territory who think it is the most evil thing to have expats become a part of the society due to one thing – THE FACT THAT THEY ARE EXPATS.
Bear in mind, the fact that both Cayman and the BVI are Caribbean countries, are British Overseas Territories and both have large numbers of expats among their respective populations.
Anyways, at this point, here is the article to share with your readers:
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TITLE: “Cayman Islands Ranked Third-Best Location for Expats in HSBC Survey”
WRITTEN BY: The Caribbean Journal staff
The Cayman Islands is the third-best location for expatriates in the world, according to a recently-released survey from Jersey-based HSBC Expat.
Cayman finished third behind Singapore and Thailand, and just ahead of Bermuda and Hong Kong, and finished with the top rankings for overall experience, setting up and quality of life.
“The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2012 really only confirms what we in the Cayman Islands already know: that the Cayman Islands is indeed an excellent location in which to live and work,” said Richard Coles, chairman of Cayman Finance. “We are delighted that this fact has been officially recognized by this in-depth study.”
The survey examined all aspects of expat life, from how well they integrate to local communities and their quality of life.
“To reach the top spot in so many criteria is a huge achievement for the Cayman Islands, especially as the jurisdiction beat some of the choice location for expatriates around the world,” Coles said.
The survey ran from May 11 to July 3, with expats from 97 countries taking part.
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Yours Truly,
James Francis
*Editorial note: Send your letters to [email protected]
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12 Comments
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If expats feel that they are great nation builders why dont they go back to their countries and help to build them.The same opportunities that they are claiming would not be possible without them their countries would welcome them. Why build another man country and neglect your own. The sametime that you are waiting to become a citizen in another man country you can spend that time in some capacity helping to build your own.How sensible is it to build another man house and neglect your own hoping to one day own it. The sad truth is most expats cannot do these things for themselves so they have to attach themselves to those who can. You all are not creators but rather followers. You are only willing to help yourselves to what was already started. Oh and by the way you are paid for what you do so we in the BVI dont owe you jack.
They should also speak with the nationals of those countries that have been displaced and marginalized as a result of a disproportionate expat population.
To all coming to visit, party, or reside. if you come here to help you are wasting your time, but if your freedom is bind up with mine then we can work together. Let the expats abroad and in the VI tell me what they contributed other than paying taxes.
I don’t see the point either lol
Especially as there is no information as to what percentage of the individuals who participated in the survey were expats within the BVI. Also the BVI is very small in comparison with the top ranking countries noted in the article therefore even if loads of expats rated BVI as a great place to work, it would be difficult to receive any high rankings when compared to larger, therefore more populated countries (eg singapore and thailand) who have greater demand for workers.
I fail to see the point Mr. Francis was making. While I recognize the contributions that those among us who hails from other countries make my people (BVIslandser and belongers)will always come first. It is no different that in Jamaica, T and T, UK, Russia ect. Its about national pride.
What is your point? Why don’t you go to the Cayman Islands to live? Better yet take your wife or girlfriend there
Forgot one thing! I honestly dont think they would like to share their island with some of these that we have here…..it will lose its credibility indeed.
And what is your point?
Nothing about this article explains why it is such a good thing to be ranked on such a list. Behind Thailand and Singapore? Really? These are countries that the BVI should try to emulate? Really?
We BVIslanders are a proud people. Our forefathers are who built this country! We are proud of our identity just as Trinis are when they fly their red, white and black; jamaicans when they fly their gold and green proudly; etc.
I do not support or condone ANY BVIslander degrading any other country. But we must look out for ourselves FIRST in our own country. Numerically we are already a minority in our own country. That is not a good thing! So now, more than ever, we need to band together…not to fight against expats, but rather to uplift ourselves.
We have way too many expats in this country. And let’s be honest, if the BVI was not such an attractive place economically and socially, NONE of these expats would have left their own country to come here. The very first expats came here because of the opportunities that the BVI offered. Expats didn’t create the BVI’s success…we were already a success. Expats have only contributed to our continued success. But the BVI clearly had to have something about it that attracted every single expat! So let’s give credit where credit is due and that is to our forefathers first!
No expat fought the UK for our status, autonomy, use of US currency, governing independence, creation of Tourism and Financial serivces, etc. It was local BVIslanders. Thereafter, expats have come in and equally contributed to and benefitted from the work of our forefathers.
The BVI must be a country for BVIslanders and Belongers first! (And that is not being disrespectful to expats!)
One Side, Thank you for your post. I dont see their point either as we fought and worked hard to be where we are, and some would feel like they are more entitled than us, and we owe it all to them. This is our country and we need to be the priority, NOT EXPATS!!
Couldn’t have said it better.
we need to keep our children here. after education we should ensure our children come back to live here. thus we can minimise need for expat population. if its just our 12 or 13 k virgin islanders to live normal peaceful lives–like old times -catch fish, burn wood for coal and sell mangoes to s’t.thomas etc don’t need all these guys come from 83 countries —to do the racketeering. but we don’t want to ride donkeys any more— we and – our children want fast cars— dress-up nice shop in s’t marten/san juan etc we got to pay the price we are balling to pay the price for so called development. we are building so many houses…..for who? WE HAVE UNLEASHED the GENIE. CAN WE CONTROLE IT? think again. do we want to stagnate while rest of the world proceeds? to be a country we need people. history reminds us of our forefathers toil in far off places and made us survive. try develop a bigger heart, tolerance and be respectful of others most of our mates are from other countries too. enough of mating among ourselves
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