19/07/2025
WORK PERMIT HOLDERS PROTEST NEW FISHING BAN IN CAYMAN ISLANDS
A recent announcement by
Minister for Health, Environment & Sustainability Katherine Wilks has sparked outrage among the expatriate community, as the Cayman Islands government has imposed a new ban preventing work permit holders from fishing for food in local waters.
The ban represents a major policy shift from the 2010 legislation, which allowed work permit holders to fish with a license costing $400. This new amendment fully prohibits non-Caymanians on work permits from fishing, even for subsistence purposes.
Many expatriate workers view this decision as unjust, discriminatory, and spiritually offensive. Critics argue that the law goes against the Cayman Islands’ deep heritage, which is rooted in maritime life and sustenance from the sea. We are founded upon the seas and established upon the flood.
Ms. Lovell Marriott told Cayman breaking News that the ban does not apply to work permit holders who live along the beach or who own boats. These individuals, she explained, have continued access to the sea. However, many community members have responded with frustration, arguing that this creates an unfair loophole that benefits only a small group of people with privileged access.
“The ocean does not belong to the Cayman Government,” Said, Ms. Marriott. “God placed the fish in the sea for all of mankind to eat—not just for sport or for a privileged few. This is a matter of survival for many, not recreation.” you can never deplete the sea, the marine life is increase by the second, that's God's divine provision.
“The Bible teaches us that Jesus fed 5,000 people with five fish and two loaves of bread. That wasn’t recreation—it was provision." “How can the pastor association and churches remain silent when the government prevents a hungry man from feeding himself?”
Expatriate workers, many of whom take to the sea after long hours of work to relax, unwind and catch a simple meal from been enslaved sometimes without salary for weeks. We are now calling for a peaceful protest and for this law to be repealed. They stress that fishing is not a luxury, but a basic human need that falls under the human rights law. Especially given the rising cost of living and food in the islands.
“ Honerable Wilks this policy is a step too far outside of your lane,” said Ms. Marriott “We respect law and order, but not at the expense of a man dignity, heritage, or access to food.”
Count the cost Madam.. when you implement polices to take a man peace of mind, food from his table and they turn to robbery to feed themselves remember you started it first..
The group is urging the Cayman Government to reconsider the amendment and consult with both legal and religious leaders, as well as the wider community, to create fair and compassionate policies for all residents of the Cayman Islands.
CAYMAN BREAKING NEWS
Lovell Marriott
Journalist