Money money money

Post # 501...oh boy! Let's get cracking. Nothing like talking about money, right?

When I was really young, the term Money Laundering didn't quite make sense to me. Sounded like one's money was scheduled for laundry day or something. Back then there were so many words that didn't quite make sense, but all that's changed now. Money laundering makes total sense.

You may have noticed how Cayman has such a bad rap when it comes to money laundering? Any prime time show out there that involves drug dealers, gangs or bad guys wanting to hide their moolah, will inevitably mention that their money is parked in the Cayman Islands, notorious for its haven for money launders. But times are a changing. Cayman has been trying very hard to rid itself of this image. Regulations and strict compliance measures have been making the rounds for a while and Cayman now makes accountability mandatory to those wanting to park their monetary funds on island. So, how did this bad rap get started...?

You can bet one way was this...I was watching a documentary on how Marijuana was smuggled into San Francisco in epic proportions about 20 years ago. The mastermind behind this admitted that the money (millions every month) made off of trafficking and selling off this pot was easily moved to the Cayman Islands, far from the reach of Uncle Sam. I believe his exact words were: You could walk into Cayman with suitcases loaded with money and they just didn't care.

Tsk tsk Cayman, you sure set yourself up for a big fall. But you're recovering, slowly and surely you are working hard to rid yourself of the image that you are aiding and abiding the bad boys. I've noticed most shows now barely mention Cayman when it comes to money laundering, they've moved on to other offshore jurisdictions, like the Bahamas...or even Belize. They've been doing their research, and eventually this will pay off. It may take a while, but you'll get there.

Making the cut

Here in Cayman, there are so many occurrences that one may hear about through the grapevine, and then only to be surprised when it doesn't make print. You would think journalists would be doing their damnedest to scour material hoping that would make the daily cut, but you're left scratching your head when you can't find what you're looking for in the newspaper or even online. As an older Caymanian co-worker put it rightly, ‘Oh you don’t know how this country of mine works. They are very very good at hiding & covering up things.’ Ironic, considering how small this island really is. We're going to hear about it inadvertently and eventually, so why hide it!

Surely you kid

A Cayman facts and figures article of various things starts of with...'At the end of 2008 there were 2171 goats in the Cayman Islands'. Goats? Really? The article's only picture was of a goat. I think that's cute! If that doesn't make you laugh, it should at least make you smile. I wonder what the end of 2009 will do for the goat population.

So taxing

The government has overspent, but that's what governments everywhere do. So in an order to 'replenish' some of this cash, it has been recommended that a slew of taxes be put in place. If they were to implement income tax, let me tell you, we'd be gone...like the wind. Cayman, while not as expensive as Bermuda, is expensive in its own right, something like income taxes that would most definitely affect expats, is not going to want to make them stay. You can bet the financial industry here will be the next to crumble and I hope the politicians are aware of the domino effect this form of taxation will create. But, there is the case of property tax that the government is looking at. Rents are at a all time low here in Cayman, it is a renter's paradise but one has to wonder what effect property taxes would have on the rental market. Hopefully it can't be any worse than Bermuda, as her rental market never seems to follow a downward trend.

Triangle taunts

You know you're Bermudian...if using the words Bermuda and Triangle in the same sentence irritates you.

Yah Mon

You know you're Caymanian when....you make fun of Jamacians when you're in Cayman, but walk, talk, and hang out with them when you "live overseas".

So so true!

Baby's day out

A couple of my friends have given birth to the cutest baby girls in the last couple of months at the private hospital here in Cayman. During my visit the second time around, I was able to take a better snapshot of this poster, taped in every maternity room. When I first looked at it I was all like, SERIOUSLY????

Well, here it is and need I say more???

What's in a name anyway?

You know you're Caymanian when...you identify where you are goin, where you live, or where you are by trees, corners, and pot holes, instead of road names.

The slavery card

Young whites must admit role of slavery, segregation in our history – Farrakhan.

This is the problem with some in Bermuda. They like to hold on to the slavery card when all they need to do is let is go. The current generation has nothing to do with the slavery of the past and when are they going to learn that they cannot punish the children of today for the sins of their fathers, or their great grand fathers, in this case.

This is what annoyed me so much about Bermuda. This constant need to remind the 'whites' how the 'blacks' were slaves. I get it. I can understand how hard it was back then, but let me say this, blacks were NOT the only ones that were subject to slavery. The Chinese were too, and so were the Indians, both red and brown. But those races have successfully put that behind them, and thus have been able to move forward. I don't see any of them still harping on about how their ancestors were slaves.

So, why are there some Bermudians that are so determined to blame the current generation for slavery that happened generations ago? When is this nonsense going to end?

Love and Marriage

I told my husband today that he had better be careful, I had received a proposal (putting it liberally) today. From a co-worker. Old enough to be my father. And he was quite serious. Let me elaborate...I got a call from this co-worker later this afternoon, the same co-worker I saw in the morning as he dropped off paperwork. He later calls to ask: Can I ask you a personal question?

My response (which is all in the tone) when dealing with all employees that are borderline flirtatious is: Yes, how can I help you?

Co worker: Are you married?

Me: Yes, why? Who's asking?

Co-worker: I'm asking, because I'm interested.

Me (laughing my head off): Yes, Mr. Co-worker, I am married.

Co-worker: Is your husband here with you in Cayman?

Me (still laughing, while my other co-workers around me are making all kinds of faces): Yes of course he is. Why? Does that matter?

Co-Worker: Oh well I don't know. That's upto you...you know.

Me (laughing to the point my sides are splitting): Yeah well...take a number, Mr. Co-worker! Take a number. Bye bye!

Oh the surrounding co-workers were all like WHO WAS THAT? IS HE CRAZY?

My husband was like FILE A COMPLAINT!

I was like THIS IS TOO FUNNY!

And later I was like: I should have had cooler answers like YOU'RE OLD ENOUGH TO BE MY FATHER. But really, how often is someone prepared for a situation such as this anyway.

Of course, I am not about to mention this to the boss. In this economy I'd feel terribly guilty if someone were to lose their job just because they are...having an off day? Besides, it comes with the territory, due to my role, I deal with employees (who are mostly male) every day and while most have learned not to take my friendliness the wrong way - (thinking I'm paying them special attention for whatever reason), some have obviously not.

But on a serious note, why is it that once on an island such as this (and Bermuda is no different) that marriage values go out the window. So many expats here tend to lose their moral compass when it comes to fidelity. So many of them here have left their wives/ husbands/ and families behind that it is automatically presumed that they are looking for companionship, a little something on the side, if you will. I reckon what makes it easier to slip is the lack of family presence who would ordinarily scrutinise and not to mention judge your every wrong move. We all know how that goes!

And let's not get started on 'swinging'. There's a concept one thought was dead once the 70's dropped off the calendar, but some of the expats well, they're bringing it back. I kid you not!

"Don't eat the S"

I'm back. Didya miss me? Probably didn't even notice I was MIA, eh? Ah, C'est la vie.

Ok, so here's my thing. Why do some people say CAYMAN ISLAND? It's not one island, it's three. Yet they continue to say I live in the Cayman Island. Plural, people, plural. How lazy can you get? It's only ever alright to say Cayman Island when it's preceded with Grand, as in Grand Cayman Island (the largest of the three islands), but when you're referring to the islands as a collective, you need to say 'Cayman IslandS'. I cannot Stress the importance of not eating the S. Don't eat the S. If I were back in School, back in India or Dubai our teacherS would get on our caSe about 'eating the S' aS they would Say. So, don't forget the all important S at the end of Cayman IslandS, and you won't get on my nerveS because theSe dayS I am just about on my very laSt one.

No more

A family friend's four year old, let's call him Noodles, which is actually one of his nicknames, has been a frequent visitor at my parents' place in Toronto. My mother is one of his favourite people and he will not pass up the chance to spend the night at their place. So, of course he regales her with all sorts of stories and is quite content with having 'conversations' with her, not to mention playing games with her on her iPhone.

During one of their conversations, the topic of relating something back to each of their parents came up. Noodles asked my mother where her parents were. Not wanting to tell a four year old that they had long since passed she told him they were not around. Her rationalisation was, how much does a four year old know and even understand the concept of being dead anyway.

Noodles, proceeds to ask her: Well, where are they?

Mom: Well, they're not alive anymore. They're in heaven now.

Noodles: In heaven?

Mom: Yes, in heaven, with Jesus.

Noodles: In heaven with Jesus? Oh, so they died?

Mom: !?!?!?!?!?!

And here she was trying to break it to him gently. Well, apparently that was unnecessary! He's obviously a very smart four year old.

Which bring me to this, with all this 24 hour coverage of the legendary Michael Jackson's demise and the constant scrutiny and airing of how his fans come to terms with his death, I have to wonder: do WE, as adults, really know and understand the concept of death and what it means to be dead?

Batabano

Cayman's version of the Caribana which is called Batabano. Now it's not as good as Toronto's Caribana, as many of you can attest, but it'll do...Maybe next year's will be better.

Hey Frenchie

I am so pleased to share with you a first time find for me.

Taken (by me) over a month ago at Cemetary Beach in West bay - a juvenile FRENCH ANGELFISH. Gorgeous, innit? They look quite different all grown up. Since they're also cleaner fish, they tend to take on 'clients'.

These fish are also monogamous. Ha! Who knew!

Put on a happy face

I am about to get very busy for the next couple of weeks, so to remedy my posts that would normally be few and far inbetween, I am going to share some island appropriate visuals. Are your eyes ready for this? Here goes...

Just this alone is enough to take me to that happy place. Seriously, who can't use a happy face?

Canines of KY

I love dogs and it is for this reason that I hate seeing stray dogs out and about, left to fend for themselves. Cayman has plenty of them. Some have collars. Now I'm not sure if many of these have been 'adopted' by the many dog lovers out there, or if dog owners just let their pooches roam free. I have also seen dogs chase after their owners as they drive off to work or running errands, oblivious at these times to the rush hour traffic. I have stopped one too many times for these dogs, afraid that if I don't to give them way, someone else won't either. Why are these dogs not on a leash in the safety of their own backyards? It's hard to tell.

Regardless, Cayman's dogs are SMART! I cannot count the number of times I have spotted a dog 'waiting' to cross the road, looking for a break in traffic in both directions before they make their way across. And they do it is such a humble manner, not cocky at all. You never see a Cayman dog strut his stuff as he crosses the road. They are cautious, with their heads lowered in humility knowing all too well how dangerous crossing the road can be. It's a lesson in humility we can all learn from, and apply to so many different areas in our life. But getting back to these dogs, why are they not better secured, why are they left to roam the streets, left to meet up with their other unsecured friends. Sure it's a life without restrictions, but such a dangerous one at that. Oh how I tempted I am to take one home with me.

Can't speak English a wah?

There has been a little bit of a debate going on and around about speaking English while in Cayman. There are so many foreign nationals here that you're bound to hear a myriad of dialects when you're out and about. With one thing I do agree, English MUST be spoken at the work place and there is no room for other languages, especially when dealing with customers. But anywhere else, is fair game. It's a free country and what that means is that you cannot stop someone from speaking in their own tongue with their friends while, say at the beach, or shopping. A restriction placed on that freedom is going a bit too far.

Hot hot hot

It's that time again. Summer heat is here. And so the comparisons begin from my folks in Dubai & Bombay thinking that they're the only ones suffering the from the heat and that it's just exclusive to them. Just so y'all know, Cayman is just as hot as Dubai & Bombay. How do I know this? Check out the weather map on the left.

Before and after

And touching on this post:

You know you're Caymanian when most stories are either "before Ivan" or "after Ivan".

Let's talk about...

I found a link to a bunch of You know you're Caymanian when liners and thought I'd share some here and there.

So, here's goes: You know you're Caymanian when you can research anybodys sexual history if you ask enough people.

'Tis the season

This happens every year. Just like the cold white north prepares for the winter season conducive to snow storms, we here in the Caribbean prepare ourselves for hurricane season. Some say to me, 'Oh you guys must be pros by now, having lived in Bermuda for three years and now in Cayman'. But that's just it, you can't ever get 'used' to a hurricane. You can't ever be a 'pro', well, unless you're like those audacious Hurricane Hunters you see on TV, flying in the midst of it, or close to it to bring us up to date details on any ongoing hurricane.

Most outside of Cayman may not know but 2004's Hurricane Ivan was the worst the island had seen since the 1930's. What made it worse was that most were so lax about the approaching hurricane, that no one thought that it might actually be devastating. And the reason why not many may know about this is that it wasn't publicised. Cayman blocked all media access that no one really knew the extent of the devastation that took place here.

I often hear about how some if not most parts of the island lacked electricity and water...for weeks! How during the hurricane, tidal waves pretty much flooded Georgetown which is shaped like a bowl, how some parts were under 12 feet of water, how so many coffins were unearthed during the hurricane - and this being Cayman how the rumours ensued, how so many left the island never to come back, how new comers onto the island were not told of the hurricane nor the aftermath - and how would they know with the lack of media coverage, I could go on and on.

Since Ivan, the government has been far more cautious and takes every hurricane/ approaching storm warning seriously. So, are we worried? Should we be? I am not sure. Most homes here in Cayman are post Ivan construction, and have been built to withstand hurricanes. There were very few places and cars that were not affected by Ivan. But regardless, I don't see how we'd have a good summer if we spent everyday worrying about the hurricane season that officially begins today.

Coin me crazy

At first glance, and only at first glance, can you tell which of these quarters belong to which commonwealth country/Brit territory? If they were to be found jingling around in your pocket or wallet and you were looking for the appropriate coin, would you be able to separate it from its cousins that have also mistakenly made their way into your pocket/wallet? This has been my dilemma for the past four years.




Canadian quarters mixed up with Bermuda quarters mixed up with Cayman quarters. What does not help is that they all bear the image of their Head of State, Queen Elizabeth. It is quite the annoyance when you're in a rush and you find yourself short of change, only to dig deeper into your wallet and find that you yet again forgot to clear your wallet off the lesser needed unvaluable change.



So, at first glance can you match the coin to the country?

Auto lock

It's always a little bit of a lifestyle change when you move from a big city to a smaller island. Many fail to understand the reason behind the little habits that we have accumulated and exhibit over the years from our big city life. Until shit hits the fan...or so to speak.

Like...locking your car doors while driving around. Car jacking is all too common in big cities and locking your car doors could make the biggest difference. One would NOT want to have their vehicle carjacked in the middle of winter because one could be left stranded outside. They say, in Canada a person can die from just being outside during the winter. Not something you'd want to have happen to you at any point.

It's a force of habit, I reckon. Makes no sense to have just the front doors locked while cruising the streets, so I always find myself reminding the driver to lock all doors while we are driving off, or if I'm the driver, then I find myself doing it. Because car jacking does happen on smaller islands too. And when it does there's such shock and surprise, which I fail to understand. Just because you're on an island, and crime may not make an appearance everyday, or every week for that matter, doesn't mean you'll never be touched.

This carjacking incident took place a couple of months ago, and soon followed reminders that one, especially women, should ensure their doors are locked while they're driving around. Now if you've been doing this all along, then you're golden. But if not, now's the time to start, because you never know when you're going to be a victim. Anywhere.

House of Nemo

I must have watched Finding Nemo at least 50 times. Don't be shocked. It was a long time ago and yes, even though I was that much older, what can I say, it was a very well done animated film. And when you think of Nemo, you inevitably think of his home and recall how difficult it was for him to pronounce it - anemenemone!

Which is why it thrilled me to no end to spot this during our snorkel at Kaibo a few weeks ago. This Sea Anemone was in relatively shallow water almost too easy to miss amidst a seabed of seaweed and other underwater greenery. But spot I did and in proper and usual fashion pictures were taken. Can we say Anemone?

And what is a Sea Anemone? Believe it or not, it's also a predatory animal, with it's tips that sting and temporarily stun prey as they are attracted to its pretty colours. Clown fish like Nemo, make their home in the Sea Anemone as they are immune to the stings emanating from the Anemone.

I've also attached a video, because that swaying is so mesmerising, I did not want you to miss out on it.

Badda Bing Badda Boom

Celebrating something in Cayman? Light up the fireworks. On any given weekend one is guaranteed to see fireworks somewhere on the island. Cayman loves its fireworks and will set them off for whatever reason that may be. This is the only place where you'll be driving around town and can and will pull up for some impromtu fireworks show. Every weekend. Don't believe me? Start looking...

Starry eyed

If I stay at work late enough I have the delightful company of one of my co-worker's daughter (aged four), who comes in at the end of the day for 15 minutes or so. She'll make a straight bee line for my desk, just because she knows that's where she has to go if she wants her own personal visual tour of the underwater creatures. 'I wanna see fish', was her statement today. She had previously seen my videos & pictures on Stingrays and all she could say as she stared open mouthed at the screen was WOW. I then realised that I hadn't updated the blog with any fish pics per se, and had to delve into my personal album to show her some Starfish pictures. Yes that's right, I said Starfish. We went all the way up to Kaibo a few Sundays ago and were able to spot quite a few Starfish. Hubby was sorely tempted to take one home with us and even asked if we were. I have to admit I was too, but I said it would be too cruel. That was before I found out that Starfish cause much damage to coral reefs. Perhaps next time...except I was told that it reeks as it dries.

For some Starfish may not be a big deal, but to me it is! STARFISH! How often do you get to pick up Starfish off an ocean floor? As you can see these are of a decent size. Check out that underside, whereupon you can feel a slight suction motion if you were to place your palm flat against the underside. And just to show you how big a deal this is, one of my high school friends who now lives in Aussie had this to say: You just run into starfish just like that!....*sigh*...here we gotta go to Sea World to get a glimpse of the buggars :)

Doing what?

...So, what do you do?

It's a very common opening starter of a question that expats are often asked here in Cayman. For some this may feel like the norm, for others not so much. A couple of weeks ago I overheard a couple of women talking about how this is such a norm of a question for North Americans to ask, while noting that in France, for example people just don't ask questions like these.

Which got me thinking...Why do we North Americans have this incessant need to find out what it is that one does for a living. Does it make a difference? Does it define who a person is or make/break them?

It's even worse here on the island. Bermuda was the same where expats take it to a whole new level...after the 'what do you do' question, it's the 'Where do you work?' follow up and then when they are told the name of a company that they don't recognise, a quizzical look is borne. Further explaining is mandatory and if one isn't given, you're then asked, 'Well, where is that? What is that?'

It is often easy to forget that at times people just don't want to divulge where they work? How is any of that important? A little semblance of privacy in a place where nothing is private is a good thing.

And sometimes it pays to remember: You are not what you do, you are what you are.

Don't share

Here's how small Cayman is and here's how well they respect each others privacy.

Billionaire guy builds a massive mansion of a house in Cayman. Someone with access to his personal website address, downloads professional pictures of the well appointed and tastefully decorated interiors of this mansion with the following message. Some friend, eh? The message is as follows:

"Guys if you are going to FW this Message pls remove the email address!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks! I was asked not to forward this but I had to share it with a few friends and family as he may not invite us for dinner. Please respect his privacy and don't share, thank you. Absolutely awesome!!"

Trust me, everyone's been sharing and I mean EVERYONE. This email has made the rounds, even though it specifically mentions not to share, right after strict instructions on how what to do if you do decide to forward it.

There's nothing like reverse psychology!

Needless to say, the house is gorgeous and no, I am NOT going to share.

Two?

Two? I think someone at The Weather Network over in Canada mistakenly ate a digit off Cayman's weather last night. It's probably never been 2 deg C in Cayman, EVER! Maybe they're wishing it was, so they'd feel better about themselves at six. Envious, much?

Barracuda

I've posted about the Barracuda before, while in Bermuda, but I had none of my snorkel visuals to back it up. Not this time! Here's a lone ranger, venturing out into our neck of the ocean, until my friend chased him away. Well in his defence, he was trying to motion it closer to us. I actually didn't mind that the barracuda swam away as fast as it did, as I only wanted him around long enough for a photo op, which I got. I guess just one barracuda is not so much of a problem, it's the many than encirle you, that makes it one. While it wasn't the clearest of days, I did manage to get a clearer video. Could it have swam away any faster???