The recent “Improving the Employment Prospects for Caymanians” report by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), published in June 2024, highlights key challenges and opportunities in enhancing local employment. As the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, we believe the findings of this report offer a critical moment for reflection and action. The private sector plays an essential role in shaping the future workforce, and it is vital that we actively participate in addressing these issues.

The report outlines several shortcomings in government efforts, particularly through Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC). While government strategies such as the Strategic Policy Statements (SPS) mention full employment as a priority, there is a lack of a clear and actionable plan to achieve this. WORC’s existing programmes are plagued by inefficiencies, including low acceptance rates, unclear targets, and inadequate data collection. The Chamber’s position is clear: a national employment policy is urgently needed, and the private sector must be an integral part of this process. A joined-up, coordinated effort between government and business is essential to ensure that employment prospects for Caymanians are enhanced and aligned with future economic demands.

One of the key issues is the disconnect between the jobs available and the career interests of Caymanians. The report reveals that while 46% of future jobs will be in IT-related fields, only 8% of Caymanians are interested in these roles. This mismatch threatens to leave businesses reliant on expatriate workers, creating long-term risks for both local businesses and the economy. The Chamber believes that the private sector must work closely with educational institutions and WORC to promote careers in high-demand sectors. Businesses can contribute by engaging with schools, offering internships, and supporting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to ensure that Caymanians are both aware of and prepared for opportunities in these growing fields.

Educational attainment is another critical barrier. The report highlights that less than half of Year 11 students in public schools achieved the national expected standard in 2023. This creates a significant gap in the skillsets required by the private sector, making it difficult for businesses to fill roles with local talent. The Chamber advocates for stronger collaboration between government, educational institutions, and the business community to address this gap. By working together, we can ensure that students leave school with the skills they need to enter the workforce or pursue further training in TVET or higher education.

The private sector can also contribute by advocating for a comprehensive revision of the minimum wage. The current minimum wage, at $6.00 per hour, has not been adjusted for inflation since 2016. While the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee has recommended a new rate of $8.75 per hour, the government has yet to implement this change. A wage that is more in line with the cost of living could make jobs in sectors such as tourism and retail more attractive to Caymanians, reducing the reliance on expatriate labour. The Chamber recognises that this is a complex issue, and we urge businesses to participate in the ongoing dialogue to ensure that wage adjustments are made in a way that benefits both employers and employees.

The JobsCayman portal, which was launched in 2020 to connect job seekers with employers, is another area that requires immediate attention. The report notes several deficiencies in the platform, including a lack of user-friendliness and poor progress assessment. The Chamber believes that the private sector can play a role here by providing feedback to WORC and working with them to improve the functionality of the portal. A more effective JobsCayman system could dramatically increase the chances of matching local talent with the right job opportunities, reducing the need for costly international recruitment.

Apprenticeships and internships are powerful tools for bridging the gap between education and employment. However, as the report indicates, WORC is currently accepting less than 10% of apprenticeship applications, mainly due to a lack of available placements. The Chamber encourages its members to expand apprenticeship programmes and offer more opportunities for young Caymanians to gain practical experience. This is an investment in the future of our workforce, and businesses that step up now will benefit from a more skilled and reliable labour pool in the years to come.

A significant portion of the OAG’s recommendations revolve around the need for better data collection and performance monitoring. Without clear metrics and regular assessments, it is difficult to measure the success of employment programmes or adjust them to meet the needs of the economy. The Chamber supports this call for greater accountability and transparency and urges the government to ensure that WORC and other relevant bodies regularly track their progress. Businesses can assist by providing data on their hiring practices, skill gaps, and workforce needs to help shape more effective employment strategies.

The Chamber also believes that leadership within WORC needs to be strengthened. Clear strategic direction is critical if we are to see real progress in addressing the employment challenges Caymanians face. The private sector must have a seat at the table when these strategies are being developed, ensuring that government policies align with business realities and labour market demands.

In conclusion, improving employment prospects for Caymanians requires a collaborative, coordinated effort between the government, educational institutions, and the private sector. The Chamber is committed to advocating for policies that support local talent development while also encouraging businesses to take an active role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. By investing in Caymanians now—through education, apprenticeships, fair wages, and improved job-matching platforms—businesses will not only ensure their own success but also contribute to the long-term prosperity and resilience of the Cayman Islands economy.

We call on our members to join us in this mission by engaging with government, providing opportunities for young Caymanians, and participating in the shaping of a national employment policy that benefits all stakeholders. The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure that Caymanians are well-prepared to take on the jobs of the future and help our businesses thrive in a competitive global marketplace.