By Johann Moxam From Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber Council urges Government to abolish the policy for registering electronic devices with Customs at the airport which only frustrates travelers and adds another layer of bureaucracy.

“We live in the information age and carrying electronic devices is a way of life and a business necessity. Registering electronic devices is a waste of time and money and falls into the category of absurdity. We should be trying to simplify the travel experience rather than complicating it with policies that should have been abolished years ago. The Chamber supports lower duty rates for retailers which would encourage more residents to purchase these items locally rather than abroad. Policy makers and customs officials are placing the emphasis in the wrong area,” said Chamber President Johann Moxam.

Operation Spearfish is an example of where resources and energies should be expended and the Customs and Police Departments are to be commended for taking action to remove and detain two containers from the Windsor Park area of George Town recently on suspicion of containing stolen goods. Merchants have informed the Chamber Council that this practice is common and without sufficient enforcement it will only continue.

“The enforcement section of Customs should be commended for taking this action. Stolen goods and contraband distort the local marketplace and harm both businesses and the consumers who purchase the stolen and illegal items. The Chamber encourages Customs to focus more energy in this area so that persons who are involved in this illegal activity are brought to justice, not on wedding dresses and registering electronic goods,” said Chamber President Moxam.

Creating a business friendly climate is one of the five drivers that were identified by representatives from the Chamber and private sector associations and Government departments and ministries that participated in the Future of Cayman economic development forums in 2010 and 2012. The Chamber and the Government signed a memorandum of understanding in 2010 to work together to adopt the five drivers and to achieve the objectives that were developed. (www.futureofcayman.com ) The current Government pledged their support to adopt the drivers during the Chamber’s Legislative Luncheon last year.

Some progress has been achieved since 2010 as outlined in the progress report on the Future of Cayman website, but there continues to be antiquated and anti-business policies that are regressive and detract from making the Cayman Islands an attractive place to conduct business.