Andrew Smith, Photography Editor
Why do Jamaicans go to work in the Cayman Islands, considering the abuse and threats that they allegedly face; the possibility that their work permits will be immediately revoked and they will be sent home if they complain of any of these infringements to the authorities? The Sunday Gleaner spoke recently to a Jamaican couple and heard firsthand the challenges of working in Grand Cayman. Such is the fear and intimidation surrounding these workers that they refused to be named or be photographed in their home.
Lois and Eric arrived in Grand Cayman several years ago. During that period, she has been working as a domestic helper and he works at the airport. As with all migrant workers the world over, they arrived looking for better opportunities to provide for their family.
The Sunday Gleaner found them at home after the working day. 'Home' is one of two cramped bedrooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. The other bedroom is rented out to another Jamaican couple. As she told her story, Lois scurried around the room putting away laundry, taking clothes off the bed and the solitary chair to make space for her visitors - typical Jamaican hospitality.
This flat has been their home for several years before Hurricane Ivan devastated the island in September 2004. They were then paying CI$425 (JA$35,000) per month. 'Ivan' then felled a tree on to the roof and the rent was then raised her husband had to do much of the repairs. Now the kitchen walls and ceiling are in need of paint and the kitchen sink is mouldy and unhygienic. For this, each couple pays CI$500 (JA$41,000) per month for what is described as a furnished flat, but all items, except the bed and kitchen cupboards, are theirs.
Ashamed
Lois says she now works for "good people" and admits that she is somewhat comfortable with her salary. "[I] can't complain; I get a good salary," she said of her of CI$1,500 per month from her employer. This is in stark contrast to the CI$75.00 per month that she was receiving four years ago, an amount that she was ashamed to tell her husband at the time.
At the airport, Eric has the misfortune to witness how some of his fellow Jamaicans are treated.
"Yuh heart pain ... The way they treat (Jamaican) people," adding, "I see customs officer beat man just because he has a Jamaican passport."
He has observed Jamaicans being placed in holding cells, handcuffed and those suspected as drug mules given laxatives. Whenever a flight arrives from Jamaica he does his best to avoid witnessing this treatment. "Sometimes it cuts your heart. All the time I go to the U.S., I don't see them treat nobody so," he said.
Nine children - five of their own and four others. All living in Jamaica. This is why they expose themselves to the challenges of living and working in the Cayman Islands. This is why Lois literally saves every cent that she gets her hands on, unashamedly allowing The Sunday Gleaner to photograph her containers of coins. This is why they have applied for permanent residence, so Eric can "give thanks, (and) stay to work to give the youth dem."
In their words, "It's all about survival."
Names changed.
