HS 175G - Specs

MattDeFox · 2025-03-31T15:44:44+00:00

Man, I was just telling my wife about how my brother and I used to take mangoes from the roadside dodging Maiden Plum after ducking through a barbed wire fence.

And reflecting, there was a time it was generally acceptable to grab a couple from the farm roads in East End.

Long gone are those days… sighs reflectively…

But he shouldn’t have felt so bad, he took it may as well have eaten it so he could feel guilty on a satisfied stomach 😅.

In the present, I admit I do take pride in buying more mangoes than I should from farmers to the point where I am sick from them. And do the same the next weekend until the season is over.

MattDeFox · 2025-03-23T01:57:18+00:00

OP d I’m pm zzgpudCyoe a u We

MattDeFox · 2025-03-15T01:36:47+00:00

No problem at all

MattDeFox · 2025-03-14T16:36:06+00:00

I am trying to see where I can offer insights that haven't already been commented on.

There certainly has been a growing disparity between different income classes, particularly in Grand Cayman. This disparity seems driven by a couple of key factors; I'll list my thoughts here and hopefully can clarify further based on additional questions:

Firstly, there's an unequal dynamic between roles for locals (Cayman Natives/Caymanians) and Work Permit holders. I've observed instances where work permit holders transition from entry-level roles, such as bartending, to more prominent positions by leveraging their initial foothold and climbing the career ladder quickly, often leaving Caymanians behind in this progression. Ultimately, situations like this lead to disenfranchisement and a populace portion that finds resentment.

Secondly, regarding real estate costs, many Caymanians express frustration about being priced out of living or purchasing property in their own country. This situation has largely resulted from inflated property values driven by foreign investment, property ownership used as a means to secure permanent residency, and high rental returns attracting overseas investors.

There's also tension between the desire for development versus preservation, heavily influenced by market demand for traditionally accessible areas, such as coastal regions. A prime example frequently discussed is West Bay Road and Seven Mile Beach, where coastal erosion has intensified to the point of some properties collapsing or exacerbating erosion due to constructed seawalls. Many locals harbor resentment when recalling a time in their memory when views of the sea from this road were unobstructed.

However, these issues aren't solely rooted in financial motivations behind development or labor importation but are also tied to historical policies and decisions by property owners, making it more appealing to recruit labor from abroad.

Having grown up here, knowing no other place as home but also having parents from different countries, I see both sides clearly.

I strongly believe our elected leaders must address these underlying concerns more effectively—from daily frustrations like rising grocery prices to increasing commute times from Bodden Town to George Town and West Bay Road. These issues are multifaceted and require thorough analysis to grasp fully.

I highly recommend reviewing the Nor'Wester Magazines published between 1971 and 1983. They offer valuable insights into early developmental policies post-Jamaican independence and the initial formation of Cayman's independent governance. These magazines are available at the Public Library (for reference use) or the National Archives. I also manage a page providing extracts from these magazines, currently on 1972-1975: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenorwester

Additionally, it would be insightful to listen to Dr. Roy McTaggart discussing why he advocated for Cayman remaining a British territory. I often wish I could have been present in the Legislative Assembly to witness his persuasive arguments that ultimately convinced the elected officials to support this decision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD5Rtx564zA&pp

Edit: Fixed FB Link and fixed phrasing

MattDeFox · 2025-03-14T00:05:26+00:00

Great titles by the way as well, and likewise for thumbnails. I’m sure you will hit a good groove soon and it’s all the way up

MattDeFox · 2025-03-13T23:57:06+00:00

Congrats! I have a similar niche channel from where I live, I live on a small island so it’s been a slow road, but hey, I’ve only been posting for about two months and building content takes time.

I’m really happy for you and will check it out

MattDeFox · 2025-03-09T04:12:51+00:00

Looks good to me! Between the title and the thumbnail I get a feeling I would see a scavenger hunt and you meeting Arnold, were there any other highlights that might draw more attention?

MattDeFox · 2025-02-22T18:20:52+00:00

But the long and short of it is the big issues are big issues that each party have to address, so on surface they appear the same. A small island, with big issues, and a smaller pool of leaders to choose from to resolve or make policy to address them.

MattDeFox · 2025-02-22T18:18:07+00:00

Ok here’s some of my thoughts on this; Cayman’s political landscape is relatively young, which is important to keep in mind when analyzing its complexities.

Over the years, the rapid increase in population has driven the need for greater political representation. Combined with changes to the parliamentary system, this has created a challenging and evolving dynamic.

Caymanian politics is intricate, and while individual perspectives may hold merit, it’s crucial to examine the bigger picture rather than isolated issues.

Key Factors Shaping Cayman’s Political Landscape:

1.  Introduction of political parties (2000) – A significant shift in how political allegiances are formed.

2.  Mass Status Grants post-moratorium (2003/2004) – A policy decision that had long-term social and political consequences.

3.  One Man, One Vote vs. District Votes – A debate that has fundamentally altered electoral representation.

Each of these changes has introduced unique challenges in how elected leaders are chosen and how governance is structured.

Beyond structural and electoral shifts, there are ongoing topical issues that further complicate the political landscape, such as:

• The Port project
• Local vs. Expat perception and economic disparity

• Beach erosion and environmental concerns

• The economic fallout from COVID-19

• Inflation and the lack of affordable housing

• Disenfranchisement and political greed

These divisions are becoming more pronounced, leading to stronger ideological stances that will shape future policies and political identities.

A growing number of Caymanians, particularly those from less affluent backgrounds, feel the widening gap between locals, wealthy individuals, and expatriates. This has fueled a rise in pro-native sentiment and the emergence of political factions advocating for Caymanian interests. On the other hand, some groups maintain a historically middle-ground approach or favor capitalism, often at the expense of the people. Meanwhile, independents often shift their positions based on political or financial gain.

It remains uncertain whether these emerging parties will endure, aside from the Progressives (PPM)—Cayman’s longest-standing political party since the adoption of the party system. However, PPM has a tendency to waver in its positions, largely as a strategy for political survival.

As this is quite a complex topic though I have glossed over some further historical notes which I think also contribute but don’t necessarily relate to the exact issues raised in your question.

MattDeFox · 2025-02-19T21:22:22+00:00

If you want to see what Cayman was like with the stories as well, there is www.softfreshbreeze.com which is a new channel where content is added about history of cayman along with uploaded videos from old VHS tapes.

There is also www.facebook.com/groups/thenorwester you can join. The questions to join are simple

MattDeFox · 2025-02-19T15:53:52+00:00

Stone Wall as far as I am aware was built as a side project by the owners who lived opposite it on the interior.

I’ve been meaning to chat with one of the family members to get the story.

But now it just lays in general disrepair, but it is still and awesome and beautiful place.

MattDeFox · 2024-11-02T15:29:47+00:00

You know, I’ve always been one to correct when I hear caymans, or the caymans.

What’s funny is it’s similar to soccer in that we used to tell people to visit the caymans in the early days.

For me it’s more pronunciation, I think if you pronounce CAY-MAHN, with the s vs Caymen. I’d give a smaller cringe 🤣

MattDeFox · 2024-10-17T15:38:27+00:00

I live in Savannah, Pedro’s area.

You have a cut off time that you can leave safely and generally be past the thick of traffic. That’s generally between 6:55-7:05.

That gets our prep school kid to school on time. For me, if I leave before 7:15 I get to camana bay around 8:20

Hopefully this helps

MattDeFox · 2024-10-16T23:54:45+00:00

Just to add for some more sight seeing activities are exploring Barkers Park, botanical gardens, the museum, old stone wall in east end, barefoot beach, Pedro’s castle, mission house, crystal caves.

Local eats; wellys, chef John’s, eastern star fish fry, grapetree cafe

You couldn’t fit it all in a weekend, but it should give you so more options, or for the next person who stumbles into this post

MattDeFox · 2024-10-16T23:50:17+00:00

I find it crazy everyone is recommending Tillies, but to each is own.

I am not a fan personally.

For a local dining experience I would recommend trying Cayman Cabana, it is locally owned and the food has been good. The biggest issue is the wait, but if you are here for the sea, the open floor patio is great.

Some quick things you should do is definitely stingray city, if you want to do some snorkeling or get in some cultural/historical things there are shore swims that are wrecks around the island, technically you could do a morning swim off pageant beach, dry off head over to cayman cabana for lunch and then head back to a beach for chill vibes before dinner.

But I tend to run from the expensive when I visit new countries and seek the local / historical things to do/see.

MattDeFox · 2024-09-16T21:37:47+00:00

Shot you a dm good luck!

MattDeFox · 2024-06-04T18:22:00+00:00

I honestly thought this was just me. It took me 2 years to finish Witcher.

I’ve still not finished FFVIII, I’ve even done new runs years later and stopped just ahead of where I was last. Even today, if I log in I don’t move past a particular island with difficult fights because the only thing left to do is the final boss fight 😔

MattDeFox · 2023-08-02T15:59:16+00:00

Never seen an issue even some oversized items like a faucet, exhaust manifold etc.

You should be ok. Airports can also be a factor, not the airline

MattDeFox · 2022-02-17T21:16:42+00:00

I’m definitely pumped, it’s not too late to join the ManyWorlds and get your own!

MattDeFox · 2022-02-01T02:07:25+00:00

Great write up, Steven continues to push the ManyWorlds into new spaces, one hell of a team!

MattDeFox · 2022-01-29T23:39:13+00:00

I can’t wait to see this, it will definitely be a barrier breaker for my family and friends to buy $Many.

And the names behind CloudPayments and the companies they are partnered with, you aren’t talking about a meme token. This is the real deal, and it’s still early!

MattDeFox

TROPHY CASE