Although this is a personal web blog in which I mainly talk about my "very interesting" life and random thoughts, today I am stepping away from my regular "programming" to write a bit about the social/political happenings on the little islands that I reside in ... because believe it or not, it's not all about me all the time, LOL!
So yes, it is summer here and getting pretty hot, but not only weather wise, as life here on the island from the "political arena" is getting heated up as well.
As I mentioned the other day about participating on a peaceful protest, that didn't quite happened that day because of the cancellation from the government side.
You might ask, what was the reason for the protest?Well, no other that the latest announcement by the government of their new plan to start taxing expatriates on they payroll (10%), but only those that have a work permit on the island, plus the elimination of expats pension benefit.
Although this isn't a tax but a "community enhancement fee" as the Leader of Government said last night on a public meeting, well, to me, "no matter how you dress up your dog, it's still a dog", right?
So, it looks like the plan is a go, because the current government cannot find another way to make enough revenue and have the UK accept their 2012-2013 budget... Go figure, another government in debt, never saw that coming, LOL!
Now, we have to remember that these islands are and have always been a tax haven, this being the main reason why so many companies and people come to get established here and the same way they came, they can leave, right? So, is this the beginning of the end for the non tax benefits these islands have enjoyed for so long, I personally don't know...
What is this going to mean to the overall economy and future of the these islands. I just hope for the sake of both local Caymanians as well as Expatriats that live here, that the government makes good use of all the money they say this new fees will generate, but again, this is a government we are talking about, right... so you never know!
And that folks is a very broad description of what is happening here and now, from my point of view but with no political, financial or law background whatsoever... So, if you feel like you want to read and find out more about this issue, please feel free to visit and read our local newspaper, news website and local tv news channel found here, here and here.
Have a great Thursday!
So yes, it is summer here and getting pretty hot, but not only weather wise, as life here on the island from the "political arena" is getting heated up as well.
As I mentioned the other day about participating on a peaceful protest, that didn't quite happened that day because of the cancellation from the government side.
You might ask, what was the reason for the protest?Well, no other that the latest announcement by the government of their new plan to start taxing expatriates on they payroll (10%), but only those that have a work permit on the island, plus the elimination of expats pension benefit.
Although this isn't a tax but a "community enhancement fee" as the Leader of Government said last night on a public meeting, well, to me, "no matter how you dress up your dog, it's still a dog", right?
Now, we have to remember that these islands are and have always been a tax haven, this being the main reason why so many companies and people come to get established here and the same way they came, they can leave, right? So, is this the beginning of the end for the non tax benefits these islands have enjoyed for so long, I personally don't know...
What is this going to mean to the overall economy and future of the these islands. I just hope for the sake of both local Caymanians as well as Expatriats that live here, that the government makes good use of all the money they say this new fees will generate, but again, this is a government we are talking about, right... so you never know!
And that folks is a very broad description of what is happening here and now, from my point of view but with no political, financial or law background whatsoever... So, if you feel like you want to read and find out more about this issue, please feel free to visit and read our local newspaper, news website and local tv news channel found here, here and here.
Have a great Thursday!
3 commented; now it's your turn!:
Thanks for sharing! I am definitely going to read up more on this issue.
The problem is government spending, not income. When they make more, they spend more.
I guess all Governments are the same. Always thinking up some sort of new "fee" - to pay for government things, and at the same time, fatten their pockets. Our President is famous for all the nasty fee's and taxes he's creating. Sure hope we can vote him out of office....debbie
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