Hi, I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the work permit situation for me..I've been given mixed messages, are they hard to obtain? Or a simple procedure? As you may or may not know, Consolidated Water of Grand Cayman, has purchased Seatec Belize (the Water Supply Company on Amergris). I'm trying to see how hard it will be to get a permit for staff...I'd appreciate your imput..How long, types of jobs that can get permits, etc etc

I'll tell you...but you have to PROMISE...IN WRITING.....to give us cheaper rates!

I'll see what I can do I'm just an engineer but you see, the higher the water demand, the more we can make and its cheaper to make larger volumes..so tell everyone to hook up to the water system so we can use more water and prices will drop.. from my understanding only 1 in 3 are connected..If we can get the big users, hotels etc online we'll get the volumes up!!! Keep in mind that on some of the islands in the Bahamas they are paying in the vicinty of $18-20 US per 1000 gal...I'll do my best..

Keep in mind that we don't set the water rates, we are selling water to the Goverment, who in turn, sells the water to you..so,ultimately its up to them. But from what I currently understand, they aren't making any money in Ambergris at this point...couldn't tell you why, maybe the distribution system has a lot of leaks? Maybe they need to restructure the rates; commerical companies have a higher rate than the residents etc...we have that in Cayman...

Well..I hope things improve once your company gets settled in. A lot of people here are fortunate enough to have good wells. Si, I don't see them connecting unless they run dry...LOL

It will be interesting to see how things change. When is the transition going to take place?

As far as work permits for staff from a company....I'm not sure about that.

There may be special provisions since you are coming here as a utility service for the general public.

Lan would be the one to ask about that that. He is very good with facts and figures.
I'm sure he will answer here....but you can visit his website at: http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/

Look under immigration.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info!

Well water is economical but can pose problems with corrosion of pipes, water heaters and connections due to the aggressive nature of well water. Additionally, they need to be closely monitored as they are easily contaminated by pesticides, herbicides and numerous other contaminents such as lead etc.

The other aspects are taste, odor and clarity. This does effect tourism as North Americans expect and only trust water that tastes like bottled water and is free of particles.

Many residents of cayman connected to the water system as a backup for the wells and many have completely converted or 1/2 converted where they use our water for the kitchen & laundry and the bathrooms remain on the well.Its all personal preference.

In Cayman we own everything from water production down to the pipe in the ground and the meters at the homes...We have a completely reliable system and supply roughly 1.8 million gallons of water per day with a 4.5% line loss...I believe its close to 20% in Ambergris..who do you really think pays for this loss?? In Ambergris we only operate the plant so far but would not be adverse to becoming more involved with the entire operation...time will tell..

A few of our staff have visited Ambergris and return with the statement that Ambergris is Grand Cayman 15-20 years ago..I hope we can play a part in the growth and development!

So Sandshaker, just realized that you are with the resort on North Ambergris, what will you do for water up there? FYI we are looking at doing something up there in the future as the Hyatt & Rosewood hotels will require water...Utilities are one of the things that maintenance fees cover right?

The truth is out there.

Belizewater, you can get a some info here on this board, but. You definitely need to
retain an Attorney, in San Pedro or Belize City, is my thought.

LMAO....BelizeWaters...you and I need to talk!

You found me out....yes..I have a vested interest in you and your company!

No good wells found yet....still digging.
Plan for now is a combination of Rain catchment and rev. Os.

When will you be coming here?

I have this:
WORK PERMITS

Application forms for work permits are available at any Labour Department office free of cost and/or at the Angelus Press Limited for a small fee.

There are two types of forms - one for self employment, the other for hiring a foreign worker.

The application process takes approximately three (3) weeks. Although the Ministry of Labour processes and approves the issuing of work permits, the permit is issued by the Immigration Department - the fee can range anywhere from $100.00 to $600.00 depending on the level of skill. Two recent passport size pictures endorsed by the applicant must accompany the application.

In the case of an investor he must present his passport, have three passport size pictures, substantive proof of his ability to sustain himself without infringing on the country's limited economic resources. Bank statements or other proof of financial independence are also required.

The 'life' of a work permit ranges from three months to one year and is subject to renewal.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONTACT
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT
PHONE: (501) 8-22323, (02) 44907.

not sure if this is any help, i'll dig some more....


Here's a little more...
this is from late 1997, San Pedro Sun...

Many visitors to San Pedro, and residents, decide they want to get a job and stay on La Isla Bonita. To get a job a non-Belizean must have a work permit.This article was written with the purpose of assisting those who may want to apply for a temporary work permit. (All work permits are temporary).
Non-Belizeans must be in possession of a temporary work permit before accepting employment. The visitor's visa, issued by the Immigration Department to arriving visitors, clearly states "Permitted to land on condition that the holder does not enter employment paid or unpaid, does not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the principal immigration officer and does not remain in Belize longer than ___ days (usually thirty days)."

The first step in obtaining a permit is to purchase the appropriate form from the Angelus Press (located on Queen Street in Belize City). The Labour Department does not supply the form, nor is it available in their offices. After obtaining and completing the form the applicant will need:

a. Three passport size photographs with your signature on the reverse side.
b. A letter from the Mayor of San Pedro regarding the nature of the employment request.
c. A letter from the Belize Tourist Board regarding the nature of the employment request.
d. If requesting self-employment, you must attend an interview at the Labour Department. Interviews are conducted on any Wednesday the office is open.
e. If an employer is seeking a permit for you, the employer or an authorized representative (who must have a letter) must attend an interview along f. A bank statement or other document demonstrating proof of your ability to sustain yourself without becoming a strain on the country's public services and resources. (If self-employment).
g. Proof of continuous residence in Belize for at least six months.
Do not mail the application and supporting documents. Applications are only received when presented personally by the applicant. In addition to the above required items, at the discretion of the Labour Department, further information and documentation of information provided may be requested.
Persons applying for temporary work permits should also be advised that the issuance of a work permit is at the discretion of the Labour Commissioner and is not guaranteed. Three consecutive weeks of advertising (in a newspaper or on TV or radio) that the position is open may be required. If a qualified Belizean wishes to fill the position, a work permit might not be given to a non-Belizean. The Labour Commissioner also will not accept ads from "regional" newspapers such as The San Pedro Sun, although TV ads in Belize City are acceptable.

After all necessary documents are received, applicants can expect to hear from the Labour Department after approximately four weeks.




[This message has been edited by Marty (edited 09-21-2000).]

I almost forgot about Consolidated Water. A few years ago I owned a little stock in the company you work for which turned into a fairly profitable investment. I have not been a stockholder for some time but after your post here I did a little research on "CWCO" and found Consolidated to be a very sound but very small company which pays a dividend aroud 4% and with a price of $7.00 as of the close today.
What do you think of the company you work for as an Investment ?
How long have you worked for "CWCO" ? Thanks for the information.
Robert

The work permits have gone up recently.
I paid $1500 BZ for mine.
There are 2 types...professional and no-professional.
Non-professional...is considered as laborers, etc.
Most are considered professional.

Kind of ridiculous if you ask me!

Good morning, well Stocktrader,I've worked for Consolidated (used to be Cayman ) Water for 5 years now and the past three I've been working on overseas projects. We have a project pending in Bimini Bahamas and we really are looking at a lot of growth on Ambergris..sort of "if we build it they will come"..we saw it on Cayman, you extend the pipe and new developments spring up. As for the share price, I have totaly faith it will increase in the near future as there is so much going on and we've had a lot of growth here in Cayman.

Sandshaker, as I've said we've talked about extending the water supply to your end of the island. So what is the time frame for your development? How many unit and when etc? Are there any other developed areas near you? Obviously the more customers we can serve would make it more cost effective..there are many options. I haven't looked at it cost wise yet, extending the pipe (we'd have to cross under the cut) or placing another plant on that side...If you are seriously interested I could arrange a meeting, our CEO will be there next week..he's coming over with the new plant manager..maybe I could swing a trip too:-)

Chloe, why would we need an attorney? Are they a lot of existing problems with the water company? Remember, we just supply water into the Governemtn tank and they do the rest...How is the water quality? Are people happy with the supply? I'd love to get a feel for what people think of the water...

Work permit rules changed in 1999, including the fees. So some of the information posted from pre-1999 is now out of date.

--Lan Sluder

Lan Sluder, could you give me the up to date info or tell me where to find it? So is the process fairly routine or are there tons of delays and to they denie a lot of permit? Do you have to advertise for a local first to make sure that there aren't any qualified people before you apply for a permit?
Any info would be usefull thanks

I think Chloe's recommendation for getting an attorney may have been to help you with work permits. Actually, you can handle this process yourself. There are restrictions on work permits to prevent outsiders from competing with Belizeans for jobs here, so you'll need to demonstrate that you can't find Belizeans with the necessary expertise. This usually involves running help wanted ads in the local papers and documenting the results of your search. If you wish more detailed information, go to my website, then email me.
The water quality seems good although most people drink bottled water for the taste.
There are some pretty large problems with running water lines up north as far as Sandshaker's project. The only right-of-way is through swamp and virtually inaccessable. The 2 new hotels planned up that way will most certainly have their own infrastructure as part of their development. www.InvestInBelize.com

Belizewater, thanks for your answer to my question on your post 9-22-2000. I have been out of town and away from my lap top for a few days and this is the first chance to check your post. I hope you make it to AC even if is at least to visit. The little town of San Pedro is addictive with its atmosphere and friendly people.
robert

I will definitely make it down there Stocktrader, either for work or otherwise...My sister and husband have just relocated to Belize, currently checking out Caye Caulker..they have a web-based business so can work from anywhere so I just have to come and visit:-)

If you know anyone looking for work in the Cayman Islands you can send them my sister's site...http://www.caymanjobs.com ;-)

I try to plug them as much as possible:-)