CAYMAN’S ‘CAN DO’ SPIRIT IS ALIVE AND WELL FOR 2022

Talk On The Street: Looking to Recover in 2022

‘If anyone can, then a Caymanian can’ seems to be the motto driving many of our readers’ outlook for 2022.

That spirit of self-reliance was evident when Caymanian Times took to the streets to find out how residents were planning for 2022.

With Cayman now looking at ways to rebound following the COVID-induced economic downturn over the past two years, many people we spoke with for our first ‘Talk On The Street’ for this year demonstrated a resilience to adapt to the so-called ‘new normal’.

While some level of recovery is expected this year with the borders now open to international air travel, that turnaround is however expected to be slow.

Nevertheless, while the government has extended several aspects of its COVID-relief and other support packages, it was clear from persons we spoke with that they are focused on their own drive and resilience to create opportunities for themselves this year.

Despite the current high levels of unemployment and financial challenges many people are hoping to rebound in 2022.

This was evident in the responses to our question: “What do you intend to do to make 2022 a better year than 2021 financially for you and your family?”

Henry, Caymanian, 46:

“The best way to get out of this mess is to be more strict with your spending. Don’t buy anything that you don’t need and spend your money here in Cayman. That’s what I’m going to do.”

George, Caymanian, 37:

“There is not a whole lot that I can do until I find a job and it is hard to find one now.”

Lloyd, Caymanian, 31:

“I am finally starting my own business. I have been wanting to do that for a long time and I think now is the time. I have to try something.”

Trey, Caymanian, 22:

“First, I am going to find a second job so that I can pay for my children’s daycare and then I don’t have to worry about them when I go to my main job. And then I am going to get as much overtime as I can and try to save a little something each week. Luckily, I have my mother to help me with the children at night.”

Keira, Caymanian, 35:

“Thank God, I am doing okay. Not great, but okay. At least I have a job and I never really lost any income during this whole time. I am thinking about starting my own business though to get a little more security.”

Maxine, Caymanian, 56:

“I am glad that I am a civil servant. All through this, I didn’t have to worry about my paycheck. It is not as easy as people think, but at least I have a job.”

Nola, Caymanian, 56:

“Now is the time for everybody to be more financially prudent. And we need to make sure and spend our money locally. That way we support each other and help others to have jobs and thriving businesses.”

Michael, Caymanian, 63:

“The best way for everyone to get better is for us to spend our money in the local economy. Our economy was starting to improve for most of 2021 but, I am afraid that since Caymanians can travel a little more now, they are spending less locally and going back to their old way of doing things- spending money overseas. Not a good trend.”

Kevin, Caymanian, 49:

“I am going to start my own business, but I am staying away from anything that depends upon tourists or visitors. I want to cater to our own people, and to provide for my family at the same time.”

Lisa, Caymanian, 50:

“The best way out of this crisis is to work together and support each other. Shop local, hire local, and treat each other fairly should be our mantra. If we do that, then our economy will recover and more Caymanians will have opportunities to provide for their family.”

Julius, Caymanian, 44:

“If the government would ensure that Caymanians got a fair chance at the jobs here on island, then things would be a whole lot better. I think we are headed right back to where were before, though, because there are more and more work permit holders coming into the country every week and a lot of Caymanians can’t find work.”

Nicole, Caymanian, 40:

“I am taking some classes at UCCI and I plan on opening my own business in a few months. In the meanwhile, I am saving as much money as I can.”

It simply goes to show that COVID-19 notwithstanding, in spite of all, Cayman’s ‘can do’ spirit is alive and well.