RECENTLY a lot of comparisons have been made between the Cayman Islands and Bermuda in terms of the expatriate rollover policy ? citing that their new term limit for foreign workers is six years and that expats are not allowed to buy property among other things.

And once again the comparisons have been made without any attempt at understanding the background of this country other than calling it our sister country and a good model to blindly follow!

I took the liberty of sourcing actual facts about our sibling island, something that obviously has not been done by anyone comparing our situation to Bermuda.

When you focus only on the shallow end of the pool, you lose respect for what the deep end can do to you! Here's just a taste of life in Bermuda:

1. Bermuda today is the third most densely populated place on earth, with an estimated resident population (meaning native Bermudians) at year-end 2005 of 68,500 in its 20.75 square miles or 3,301 permanent residents per square mile. In terms of population, this is only exceeded by Monaco with 15,921 and Singapore with 6,891 people. One could compare us to Bermuda only if we had roughly 336,000 people within the 102 square miles of our three islands.

2. Sixth highest rate of Aids in the world! One of the key stats as most Cayman expats including myself are tested on a yearly basis for Aids and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases to submit with a new work permit application. Add that stat to the gradual disappearance of the genetic disease, Cayman Ataxia, and marrying outside of your own gene family doesn't seem so bad now does it?

3. More people in prison per capita than every country in the world except four.

4. One of the highest in Gross Domestic Product, but also one of the highest in cost of living. Some newcomers receive a housing allowance from their employers of up to $3,500 a month. Utilities are always extra. Renting an unfurnished two-bedroom, one-bath condominium will cost at least US$3,750 a month in Bermuda. (Demand from reasonably well-paid expatriates with a spouse is highest in the $6,000 to $10,000 a month range). The average for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, cottage, condominium or duplex is $4,750 a month. Some places, for insurance company or other CEOs, rent for US$15,000 a month. Newcomers are advised not to pay any more than 28 per cent of their salary on accommodation. Only 42 per cent of native Bermudians own their homes outright.

5. By far and away the least generous benefits and services to its senior citizens and the disabled of any other country with a high Gross Domestic Product.

6. Automobile costs are about twice of vehicles purchased in the UK, Canada and USA prices new. Also add to the fact that automobile ownership is Government-regulated in Bermuda to one vehicle per household. Do you hear that correctly? One! That means for most families here that you won't have a selection of Hummers, BMWs or SUVs to choose from.

7. It has long been said, inaccurately, that Bermuda is tax free. In fact, it has a combination of direct taxes (payroll tax on income, paid by employers and employees) plus a huge range of very high and non-deductible indirect taxes paid by every consumer rich or poor, young and old. Newcomers should know payroll and general living taxes combined translate into a 20 per cent tax as a percentage of income.

Cayman, keep in mind that all these statistics are probably not the result of a rollover policy, but there is definitely no evidence to base the ridiculous assumptions that Bermuda is an example of a successful rollover at work.

You are not allowed to expect us to swallow the cold truth of being removed from this island by saying: "Look at Bermuda. Things could be worse." We, as an expat community, know that it's worse. That's why we're not in Bermuda.

If you must have a rollover, please, please pick the honour roll model rather than the one used by the juvenile delinquent of the world!