Greetings on all points of the triangle.

When one cannot obtain a response from the ministry responsible for seamen’s benefits or the legal department, there is little choice but to seek answers via a public forum.

My question is, how long an individual is allowed to be away from the Islands before he is deemed to be a non-resident?

If a seaman went to sea for two years – as a lot did – is he no longer a resident?

Should he now wish to travel to various countries seeking knowledge or entertainment – how long is he allowed be away before he is a non-resident and his pension benefits withheld? How about going abroad to study for the ministry or some other subject or to seek medical aid or help for an addiction problem? If one does not know he cannot travel is he told that? Ignorance of the law is no excuse or is he given time once informed, to return home?

Should one be in a foreign country past the time given by Immigration with no home or property, bank account or even a steady girlfriend – is he a resident of that country?

I would return home if I had the money. So if any of my friends or family or Government wishes to make a donation they can to my account at Cayman National Bank.

There are a lot more subjects that need to be mentioned in the press. Maybe that is why certain individuals do not wish me to return.

Clive A. Christian