Although Cayman born and bred, I’ve lived and worked in the UK. While I was there, I was asked countless times what it was like. I’d mention an aspect of our history or culture and then get talking about the seafood and then I’d be off, waxing lyrical about the lifestyle or the clear blue waters. I guess I gave a different answer every time.
For a business considering opening a branch in the Cayman Islands, the attractions are obvious. The islands are a major financial centre, home to a wealth of high-quality global organisations. You almost have to have a base here to be taken seriously. The infrastructure is excellent. Several key projects are delivering innovative, world-class commercial facilities and of course, there is the very favourable tax regime.
One of the key advantages of being a small, independent company is flexibility. Decisions can be made rapidly, and necessary changes implemented fast. When the market moves on, or where technology disrupts the old ways of doing business, it’s easier to respond.
The old saying would have it that the stomach is the way to a man’s heart. If that’s the case – and who am I to argue? – it’s another reason why my love affair with my Cayman home will never wane.
If a dozen people sat together trying to decide which factors make property investment successful, each would probably have a slightly different list. Combine their ideas and you would come up with something that looked very much like the Cayman Islands.
When we meet a new potential purchaser, we like to spend a bit of time getting to know them. Understanding their needs and aspirations is all part of our job, so we ask a few questions. It’s rare, but we do find the odd client who is concerned when we include requests for ID and personal details. On the surface, their logic seems fine – they are the customer, and we should be running around looking after their interests, rather than expecting them to give us proof of their address and providing copies of their passport. If only it were that simple.
If you are, you could be ideal for our team. We’re expanding and are looking for agents with five to ten years’ relevant experience with CIREBA, who can hit the ground running.
The Paradise Papers story has named several famous people who have investments in Cayman. Once again, the attitude seems to be that this investment strategy is shameful, some sort of clever-clever manipulation of rules and regulations to avoid paying tax. Now, we won’t deny that there are tax advantages in the island’s fiscal policies, but we feel it’s time for a little less hysteria. It’s time for a grown-up conversation about global finance.
Before the arrival of Hurricane Ivan, both residential and commercial landlords in the Cayman Islands operated with few restrictions. It was widely accepted that the upper-hand in the landlord–tenant relationship was with the property’s owner and not its residents.
When you’re feeling blue, grey skies get greyer and life has no sparkle. At times like these, your last holiday seems like a lifetime ago – you can just about remember the feel of sand between your toes, but you won’t have forgotten the dream you had of giving up your job and changing your lifestyle. You imagined a beautiful beach on your doorstep. Any time you wanted, you could paddle, swim or dive in crystal-clear seas.