Sign this petition if you believe the maternity entitlements in the Cayman Islands are inadequate. 

Currently, the leave entitlements are 12 calendar weeks (3 months) in any 12 month period. Currently, the pay entitlements are 20 working days leave on full pay, 20 working days leave on half-pay and 20 working days of no pay. The Cayman Islands Civil Servants (Government employees) are entitled to 90 days maternity leave, whereby, 30 days are paid and 60 days are unpaid, however, there is a clear disparity in what is available to the women in the Cayman Islands as the public and private sector do not offer the same benefits. 

The WHO recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of life and to continue breastfeeding for 2 years, however, with mother's having to return to work, this is typically not the case. Mother's are typically returning to work and having to arrange care for their child rather swiftly after giving birth. Several daycares on island take babies as young as 6 weeks due to the pay restrictions that are implemented by the Cayman Islands Labour Law. No mother should have to choose between childcare and working to provide for their family. 

Within the 21st century, women and particularly mother's should have the right to be with their child for nurturing, bonding and developmental reasons. It is vital that we have the Cayman Islands Labour Law amended to increase the maternity leave for the wellbeing of the community and the country at large.