Jamaica protests Cayman discrimination
November 11, 2005
JAMAICA said yesterday that it would begin urgent talks with the Cayman Islands government in the face of a reported upsurge of official discrimination against Jamaicans in the semi-autonomous British colony, which recently introduced visas for Jamaican citizens.
The foreign ministry said that Jamaica's honorary consul, Robert Hamaty, reported the allegations of discrimination against Jamaicans - a matter that has become a hot topic since the Caymanians introduced the visa regime at the start of November.
"Accordingly, the ministry will be initiating urgent discussions with the Caymanian authorities in order to ensure that our nationals are not unfairly or indiscriminately treated," the foreign ministry statement said.
The Cayman Islands, once a ward of Jamaica administered through one of the parish councils, are now one of the world's leading centres for off-shore banking. Its healthy economy, high per capita income and shortage of skills, make it a magnet for immigrants, including Jamaicans, some of whom perform low-skilled jobs.
Author: Observer Reporter
Source: Jamaica Observer
