📜 Cayman Islands Tourism Minister advocates for more ministerial influence in civil service hiring

Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan is advocating for Cabinet ministers in the Cayman Islands to have a greater say in the recruitment of civil service employees. Bryan believes that ministers should have more influence in hiring decisions to ensure local Caymanians are given employment opportunities. The minister expressed concerns about the current immigration system, stating that it has created challenges for local people, including a growing population and a housing crisis. He also criticized private sector employers for not hiring and promoting Caymanians, and believes ministers should be able to hold the civil service accountable when it overlooks local workers in favor of overseas recruitment. 🏛️

During a recent radio appearance, Bryan stated that "drastic measures" were needed to reform immigration, but that such changes would require agreement from the government's caucus. He also raised concerns about the limited power ministers have in promoting local employment within the government. Bryan explained that ministers no longer have any influence over the civil service, despite it being one of the country's largest employers. He stated that constituents expect their elected representatives to assist them in finding government employment, but that this is currently not possible due to restrictions on elected officials' involvement in government human resources. 📻

Bryan plans to discuss these issues with the governor, as he believes helping Caymanians secure private sector employment is also challenging. He has been vocal about the need for immigration reform to reduce the number of work permits granted and to increase the hiring, training, and promotion of local workers. The minister also argued for changes to the immigration law, stating that the civil service should prioritize Caymanians and that the decision to hire overseas workers should not rest solely with the deputy governor. He concluded by stating that while politicians should not have absolute power over the civil service, there should be more shared responsibility and accountability in the hiring process. 🗣️