Mac calls on cops for new way

| 11/02/2010

(CNS): The orthodox way of fighting crime in the Cayman Islands is not working, the premier has said, and called on the police commissioner to implement new aggressive strategies to get to grips with the islands’ crime problem. McKeeva Bush said that the criminals are not seeing the police as a threat, which was “totally unacceptable”, and there was a need for new crime fighting methods. The country’s elected leader said he believed in the death penalty but the UK took it away because of human rights and there was nothing he can do to bring it back, so something else was needed to stop the violent crime.

“Crime is one of the laziest ways known to man of trying to solve life’s problem,” Bush told the press at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday afternoon. “When I was campaigning, we did not say we had the answers to the crime wave we were experiencing. We said we would try to do something about it. That is our commitment.”

He said that while the previous PPM administration had said that they were spending $50 million on police to fight crime and while they talked about infrared binoculars, a helicopter, more police officers and more vehicles, crime was still no better controlled $50 million later.

Bush said his government was once again pushing to get a Special Task Force to deal with the rise in crime – a request the premier has made since coming to office in May last year.

“We believe that the orthodox way of fighting crime in Cayman is not working. We feel that the criminals are not seeing the police as a threat and this is totally unacceptable. There must be new crime fighting methods implemented to deal with the new wave of offenses,” he added.  “I have spoken to the commissioner about setting up a special task force to deal with crime. This task force would work aggressively to deal with the rising crime. From our viewpoint they would work with the commissioner to develop strategies to clean up our policing systems, implement more aggressive methods and more updated technologies and strategies. We feel that the old way of dealing with crime or criminal elements must change.”

Bush also pointed to recent moves in Bermuda requesting the help of the New York Police Department to deal with an increase gang-related violence in that jurisdiction. He said government was committed toensuring that the right resources were assigned to fight crime.

“We cannot simply expect the problem to go away on its own,” he said, warning about its impact on the local economy. “If we don’t implement strategies to deal aggressively with crime the impact on the overall economy will be significant. This is not a district specific issue, it is a national one, and as such we must collectively deal with it. This government has a generous vision for national development, but for it to work and remain sustainable we must have a safe environment for our citizens and our visitors.”

Calling on the community to support the police, he also said that personal security and national development were intrinsically linked. “We must develop strong strategies to deal with crime,” the premier said, stating his government was continuing to have serious and high level discussion with the commissioner and the governor, who has jurisdiction over issues relating to security.

“We also expect that the recently appointed National Security Council will vigorously pursue such discussions at its first meeting, to be called soon, in order to properly advise the government in terms of policy on crime and public safety,” Bush noted.

The elected government would support the necessary new technology, he said, such as CCTV, machinery for x-raying containers at the port and radar for interdiction purposes. Bush also said his government would adapt policy measures such as changing legislation. “There is already gang legislation in the penal code, in force from 2005. If that needs to be strengthened, we will do so,” the premier stated. But he said he wanted to see a special task force and more effective coastal patrols. However, the elected arm of the government has no control over crime other than allocating the financial resources requested by the RCIPS.

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  1. op1 says:

    To answer your Question Mr Premier We Had such a Unit it  was called the DTF and you and the PPM and other Political forces and cronies destroyed it along with all the capable officers within. What we are left with is a bunch of Wannabe’s and the new breed of Police collecting a cheque and a social life. Now come the Brits and company re inventing the wheel and with their very expensive new formula to fix things. This has all be done before guys a repeat performance of 1996( Mersyside police) when all we needed to do was to reassemble a few of the old experience hands and let them get to work to disassemble certain elements who are fueling and nuturing the criminal element here on this very small island. Sadly some of the capable are no longer with us we have unfortunately loss their knowledge and abilities forever. Rest in peace Spook the boys surely miss you and the island could surely use your strategies now.

  2. au revoir says:

    Big Mac has no plan, never had one, and never will.  He promises you the sky, and then slowly retracts every word uttered.  “When I was campaigning, we did not say we had the answers to the crime wave we were experiencing. We said we would try to do something about it. That is our commitment.”  Not much of a commitment is it now…  Not that thePPM has a clue either…or a commitment…or anything really…

  3. McGruff says:

    I know little to nothing about crime, I have never worked in or studied the field of crime. I therefore choose to keep my uneducated opinion on this subject to myself. Would anyone care to join me,? Mr Premier? Fellow posters?

    Never mind, just thought I would ask.

  4. Anonymous says:

    why doesnt the government invest in a "proper" prison? has anyone actually been in northward to see the conditions? it wouldnt pass as a dog shelter in uk.

     higher security for a start. long periods of lock downfor those unwilling to work and conform completely? stop all the outside work hence all the smuggling of ganja. (oh and murders) invest in more officers of a high quality. then work with the law on actually sentencing people who break the law and not giving them chance after chance. two strikes and your out system for example, then you can save your 50 million your spending every year on helicopters and so called experts.

    ex pat.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Mr Bush’s seemingly ignorant remarks would be easily ignored if he were not the country’s most visible elected representative.

    Texas has the death penalty, Texas executes more people than most other states in the Union, Texas still has one of the highest incidences of individuals committing violent crime.

    Our leader is a moron.

  6. Anonymous says:

    I am glad that we are all  finally acceping that  CRIME is a real problem , which if unchecked will destroy this country.

    Let us , the majority of the people, stop barricading ourselves behind physical barriers and electronic devices on our houses and businesses.

    This has not stopped crime, but probably reduced it sometimes We are pschologically becoming prisoners and the criminals roam free.

    While the police commissioner should be allowed to do his job seriously, we need  to help him and  stop justifying crime , as some people do , by blaming it on society. We as responsible citizens and residents, need to inform the poilice when we see or suspect crimininal intent and activity. We should not cover up even if they are family or a friend.

    The prosecution should do their job properly, an not half heartedly or be an embarassment, as happens now. The judges should sentence them to the full extent of the law.

    It is nice of the Chief JUstice, to talk of legal aid and human rights etc. First of all , he is not footing the bill for legal aid from his pocket– the residents are. The proposed Legal Aid Cell could do the job of providing the basic services.

    The Lawyers have a moral responsibily to the good citizens of the islands by not taking  up cases of blatant criminal activities . If they claim they are ptotecting  the human rights of these criminals, what about the rights of the good citizens. Do what is right, pass them and not fall for the money shown before you.

    The Prison system should be overhauled. The Judges should award Simple imprisonment for(SI) for minor crimes and Rigorous Imprisonment  ( RI ) involving hard labour for serious crimes against society

    These are some of my humble suggestions unlike the experts. As far as the elected Politicians and the Chief Justice– please get rid of the special security protection you all enjoy. Live like the majority of us and you will realise what our daily lives involve and probably be more proactive

  7. Anonymous says:

    Definitely, making Northward a harsh(er) place to be incarcerated would go a long way in reducing recidivism – which may help in some cases. It is debateable whether or not it would reduce some first-time incarcerations,as I would imagine that some crimes are committed without the perpetrator first considering his actions, such as impulsive crimes of passion and some domestic violent crimes. But knowing that it’s no holiday might deter some ‘wanna be’ outlaws when considering and planning crimes like armed robbery.

    But there is a percentaage of hardened criminals who aren’t fazed by the thought of gong to prison, though I believe they are in the minority. So yes, take away the cell phones, air conditioning (in some cell blocks), three squares of choice menu (and serve only human rights minimum fare) and bring back the chain gangs and that will have an impact on a large percentageof the potential criminal population. Also, with the drug court now in effect, certain crimes resulting from drug abuse or addiction may qualify for ‘softer’ incarceration penalties or conditions (hopefully no assault, home invasion or violent crime associated with drugs is eligible).

    In the 1980’s two acquaintances of mine went to Northward for drug offences (possession). At that time one could still see prisoners cutting bush along the roadsides under guard. They each told me later that it was the most embarrassing time of their lives to be seen by their friends and relatives as they passed by and that when those cell doors went ‘clank’ at night it was the most lonely and demeaning feeling. These were men with feelings mind you, not violent criminals and neither has been so much as arrested since. 

    But that is only one approach IF a person is apprehended, successfully prosecuted and sentenced for a crime. That is the first part of the criminal justice system which is failing. Firstly, the RCIPS has to arrest, successfully charge and produce solid evidence for the prosecution, then that arm of the system has to obtain a conviction. Until these two arms of the judicial system become more effective and successful, hardening conditions at Northward will have little benefit. Not saying they shouldn’t, though.

    Giving guns to RCIPS officers is in general NOT the answer, except under the conditions that they now bear arms. Firstly, they need to heighten the education requirements for entry – to those current members who know that this comment doesn’y apply to them, I apologize but they will also agree that there is a fundamental deficiency there. Then through better training (not in Cayman) it needs to be instilled in recruits that they are not above the law nor above the citizenry that they ‘protect and serve’, just because of the stripe on their side. Rebuilding bridges with the community (now being attempted) is another need but over the years, some morons in the RCIPS has caused such distrust and disrespect that this will take a while.

    COMMISSIONER, ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?? This is not ‘Monday morning quarterback’ talk, these are real sentiments being expressed by the majority of people in this country, who have years of experience in either dealing directly with or knows someone who has experienced the moronic ‘strorm trooper’ mentality. And it’s still continuing, just this afternoon I experienced a similar attitude and if you monitor the talk shows someone is always recounting a negative experience with an RCIPS Officer. Unfortunately, it is invariably a Caymanian or a Caribbean officer. The public WILL NOT assist police in solving crimes as long as Police officers do not have their RESPECT and TRUST. And these must be EARNED, NOT begged nor DEMANDED or BULLIED.

    Commish, when you get your officers to recognize, acknowledge and  accept this, your job will have just STARTED. Consider it a REHABILITATION, not unlike treating an addict, and treat it accordingly. Only then will you/we start to see the changes which are necessary within the RCIPS. 

        

  8. Raffaele says:

    The Contingency of Crime, well Cayman here we stand once again having this stomach sickening Deja Vue pain of crime in Cayman.In the past 7 years it has  rapidly increased and we have now turn to throwing Millions & millions of dollars at the crime problem to our economic distress, rather than trying to find out what has cause the crime problem, because we are being led around by a defunk and morally bankrupt political system. Who uses it as tool to garnish & distract  voters on the real issues facing the island. It just this malicious deception and intent that has perpetuated the rise in crime in Cayman. As for the Loyal colonist who mingle and undermine the society by  turning a blind to the complicity of the governing powers of this OT who only act when their economic or political interest are threatened. I  often wondered why persons like one of Cayman’s most disliked personalities G Barlow are so pessimistic about government here and in the UK. It’s sure odd that certain governing powers allowed and condoned certain destructive elements to dismantle and destroy certain efficient working social and law enforcement systems . We should all be suspicious of their intent but we are now too busy trying to survive and keep safe in this very hostile crime enviroment. I for one have lost faith in them and for the loss of so many of our young people to prison and crime. I deem this to be truly a evil & cruel  act of there part. Their sarcastic manner and resistance to seek the advice of experience ex officers is similar to the characterics and behaviour of a criminal when brought to confront his guilty conscience. Yes your Excellency we are not all dreaming the politician’s dream $$$$$$$$$ here in this OT.

  9. Anonymous says:

    I agree with the comment that Northward must be made into a real prision; a place where no one wants to go.

    I also think that some offenders should be sent to Jamaica to do their time. It cost us CI$55,000.00 per year per prisioner, that sum equates to approximately JAM$5.5 mil. I think they would take all of our prisioners for that amount of money.

    Some may say that prision in Jamaica has not curbed the crime there but I believe that it would be a deterrent for criminals here, who think they are "bad men", but in a place like Jamaica they are just "mama’s boys".

    • Anonymous says:

      THATS THE MAN, I know it wouldnt be long before Mack would take the bull by the horn. So much being spent and no results. The public is not going to give no information and I AGREE AFTER A BAD EXPERIENCE. You give information and the culprit is told by certain friend officers and now I HAVE A REAL BAD ENEMY. Mack get the Sub Stations in as much areas as you can and the most high tec cameras. Then you wont to have so many Police driving around. Also all business places should have them. It should be made mandatory. Get on the ball Mack you might save anybodys life.

  10. Anonymous says:

    crime fighting  it is so funny that the premier useto blame the ppm adminstration for crime, but now that he is leader he is on the police, not his problem.  mr leader you are the same who is causing the crime rate to go up.you made the people believed that you was going to be the best leader we ever had.but you fooled us ,including me into hopeng so, but you is only full of deception.when i heard the udp supporters complaining about you all i say is (that is what you all get, chuckie warned you all)  i for one would like to know why the bayers keep putting this man in, is it because of the fridges, stoves, and washers.  if that is so shame on you all.  you do not relieze what this man is doing to your country,and your children and grand children future.   it also amase me to know that he is the LESS educated member there and he is the leader.    WHAT A BUNCH OF FOLLOWERS. real extension cords you all remind me of pack of dogs when the she one is leading

  11. Anonymous says:

    Do not give the Police guns!!! Only specially trained officers should have guns, god forbid if the Police man that stopped me just to chat me up got a gun.  There will be more innocent people dead, if these half wits (not all but some) get them.  The US is not a safer place because their police have guns, in fact almost the opposite.

    If they were seen to actually investigate crimes and catch some criminals, that might do the trick, having guns are not going to make them better police, this is definitely not the answer.

    Xraying the containers that come in, wow, i thought this would have been thought of already, so this is obviously how so many lunatics have guns.

    And please, give the Police training on how to record interviews, apparently this very basic necessity is only used very rarely here in Cayman because only very few Police are trained to use a "TAPE RECORDER"!

    • Things that make you go hummm says:

      Of course they would get weapons training. Have you ever taken the time to find out how these officers are trained, it is intensive.

      You sound like you have had a run in with an officer and it wasn’t a good experience. That’s one officer (I’m not saying there are a few more), I know lots and they are professionals that want the same thing as everyone else to be able to control the criminals, but they don’t have the tools to do it, heck most of them don’thave bullet proof vests that fit them!

      I don’t see how a tape recorder would scare criminals into submission. Are you honestly suggesting keeping it as is; say you have a gun pointed to your head during a robbery your in GT the armed unit is in EE, would you be happy waiting with the gun pointed to your head for 40min waiting for the heavies to come….ummm no thanks, I want officer to be able to respond and shoot the criminal down before they shoot me.

      Oh but I guess after they can investigate the murder because they will be highly trained in that area.

      Give the Police weapons training and equipment so they can whip this island back into shape!

      Just my personal opinion…

    • Anonymous says:

      I TOTALLY AGREE. Even their spelling is rediculous.

    • Baps says:

       I agree with your comment 100% 

  12. Anon says:

    I have read dozens of people suggest to the police to use decoys – essentially plain-clothed male and female cops walking around the island at night looking like normal citizens.

    When the criminals strike, a hidden group of police can ambush them.

    Its so easy and would make the criminals second-guess before attacking innocent people.

     

    If CNS posters can come up with such a simple solution, why can’t the police?

  13. Richard Wadd says:

     Dear CNS,

       On your comment about "The Minor side Issue"

      Yes, it is true what you say, as it is also true what the comment stated. Here-in lies the ‘Flaw’ of our Constitution, and the Westminster System.

     As in the USA, our constitution could have allowed for a separation of Leadership and Govt. This allows for a greater level of control over our Govt., and makes the ‘Party system’ have far less effect on Govt. Polices, by keeping the Real Power in the hands of the people. It would have been possible to have a UDP Premier, with a PPM Majority, for example.

     He is correct, as the Premier’s Party won more seats, but not more Votes.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Most violent crime inmates are Caymanian

    Please see the following link

    http://www.compasscayman.com/caycompass/2010/02/11/Most-violent-crime-inmates-are-Caymanian/

    • Anonymous says:

      The Caymanian population of Northward should be 100% If you are not Caymanian, you should be shipped back to your home country once you are found guilty, period! Also Remove the TVs and mobile phones from the inmates. Do they have A/C up there? If so, shut it off, plenty of us live without it year round, so they can too! You go to jail/prison to be punished for the crime you were found guilty of.

      • Anonymous says:

        I totally agree. Why keep the foriegn prisioners here I KNOW  Bruce would be happy . And on another note we have some very reformed Caymanian inmates doing life who should be given a chance. They should have enough experience at the prison over the years to come out and join the RCIPS.

    • Anonymous says:

      If we had a high crime solution rate this might be more meaningful. Most violent crimes are unsolved. We do not know the national identities of the perpretrators but it stands to reason that if you live and remain on Island you are more likely to be caught than if you leave immediately following the commission of the crime or have come and left simply for the purpose of the crime. Is this fanciful? Not at all. We have a number of cases where persons were either nabbed at the airport attempting to leave, or had left and had to be lured back or extradited.  Also there is a policy of releasing criminals from other countries earlier and then deporting them.

      None of this to deny that we clearly have a home grown problem as well and something that we must take seriously. But it is far from the whole picture. 

  15. Mr Miller says:

     Here’s is my solution for crime bring back Mr Haines and his former officers and train the officers that are now employed in the RCIPS hire all unemployed Caymanians encourage training and continued education ,lower the amount of Jamaicans,hondurans third world people we have on Work permits  ,implement a minimum wage all residents can live on lower the cost of government and doing business in Cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree fully with this post.  Also, with the post regarding our very high end prison system.  Its a hotel for criminals and not set up in a manner which provides punishment for crimes.  It’s simply a stay-cation for the prisoners whom obviously are not afraid of returning.

    • American in Cayman says:

      What if it is unemployed Caymanians committing the crimes and not the "third world people"?

      Would it be wise to unwittingly bring thecriminals into the police force?

      • Raffaele says:

         American in Cayman you need to take the time to get a couple of things straight. Who has one of he most corrupt police forces in the Caribbean who now have a major enquiry into Police selling guns to criminals. Oh we tried the Canadian experiment too where we hired some who were wanted and had to return to face criminal charges, in fact one end up in prison for fraud here.  When certain of our Mother countries children/ bad apples go sour they become untouchable persons and are quietly paid to leave this jurisdiction. Yes we had our share too of our own which is highlighted and for obvious reasons.  Some of you on here would love to have it said locals are all corrupt like you dont have corruption in your respective countries. At least we no who we are hiring from the local community instead of importing persons we know nothing about. Who,s background can not easily be verified. I hope this answers your sarcastic mind.

    • Anonymous says:

      What in the world have the Hondurans done to you, or the Jamaicans for that matter?

       

      Do you realise that some of those Hondurans (from the Bay Islands) are also Caymanians by descent?  Call them Caymanians when you accuse them of anything please.

      • Anonymous says:

        Mr Baines need to listen to ideas from the little man on the street as the big cats is the ones who f….. up this Country.

    • Anonymous says:

      nonsense.. 90% of crime is committed by caymanians…very good for people who make up 50% of the population!

  16. Anonymous says:

    Just a minor side issue: Is it really accurate for CNS to refer to Bush as the "country’s elected leader"? It is misleading.

    After all, he was not elected by the country. He was elected by a couple of thousand West Bayers. The student government president at my university got more votes than that.

    When Bush is referred to in this way, it gives the false impression that he won a national election when that is not the case. This is not a criticism of him, of course, it’s a comment on a flawed process.

    Cayman needs national election to select its national leaders.

    CNS: Gordon Brown is Britain’sprime minister, the UK’s elected leader under the same political system. Essentially, the people of West Bay elected him as MLA for their district. The UDP elected him as party leader, and therefore leader of the Cayman Islands.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Mac has every right to call upon Baines to buckle-up. As Minister of Finance he has quickly seen to it that our finances are in the best shape ever with huge surpluses that can more than cover the cost of world tours for the Premier and his entourage.

    As Minister of Tourism he has the hotels fully booked and is looking into building new attractions like oil terminals for the tourist to tour.

    The economy is booming, jobs are plentiful with good pay, and there is harmony amongst all sectors on the island.

    High net worth individuals are standing in line, in an orderly manner, outside Immigration waiting to purchase residency.

    Big Mac needs to stop worrying and take himself on a well earned vacation. Maybe he could put Ellio in charge of the police. He had the answer for everything before he was elected.

     

    • Anonymous says:

       Elio i/c police – now that is the funniest thing written for ages….

      to be pedantic – Ellio THOUGHT he had answers, but he probably was the only one who thought that – everyone who listened to his show each day knew he spoke a lot – but also knew he spoke almost total nonsense   

    • Macman says:

      Maybe Commisoner Bains should take our Honrable Leaders comments to heart and beg the criminals to stop their wrong doing…he might suceed where Mac failed!

  18. Things that make you go hummm says:

    Give the Police guns!

    Then they would be seen as a serious force; right now if the patrol officers come under fire or have a riot situation, they have to wait for the USG to come…there have been times when the USG were in GT and the incident was happening in EE!

    C’mon arm your officers, they are paid to up hold the law and they want to do it, they have not been given the right tools to do so, right now all they can do is pepper spray or use the baton, what good is that against these armed robbers!?

    I say stop complaining about what the police are or are not doing if you are not going to give them the right tools.

    Cayman is not the keep your windows and doors open Island anymore, and as soon as who ever is making the no gun call gets his/her head out of the Seven Mile Beach sand the better!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      With all due respect, no thanks.  Many of our officers are ill equipped to deal with the public let alone be let loose with firearms.  Send a select few (hard working) cops to the UK to be trained for district firearms units which desperately need to be set up here. 

  19. John Evans says:

    In other words – let’s get back to what you had before Operation Tempura.

    At the risk of starting to sound like a stuck record there was positive movement on the post-Ivan crime problem until 27 March 2008.

    The instant Stuart Jack suspended three senior police officers and announced that a major investigation was underway into alleged corruption three things happened –

    1. A large number of good, honesty police officers and essential civilian employees started looking for a way out. Not because they had done anything wrong but because they knew how the Met works and didn’t want to risk getting caught up in what was little more than an expensive fishing exercise.

    2. The criminals, seeing the RCIPS effectively decapitated, started to make their moves.

    3. It became increasingly difficult to recruit people into the RCIPS to fill the vacancies. One former employee told me the force had become a ‘zoo’.

    The fact that Tempura is now more little more than a big joke and the Met’s reputation is almost daily sinking to new lows hasn’t helped.

    Check out –

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/10/news-international-phone-hacking

    and

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/7201236/Disgraced-Police-Chief-Ali-Dizaei-spoke-at-rally-for-Iranian-president.html

    Then ask yourself if the Cayman Islands needs any more help from the UK?

     

     

  20. Anonymous says:

    and make Northward a real prison. Cut the cost of running it by 75% and make them work, work and work in chain gains on the roads and in the quarries – instead of a hotel.  Take their cell phones away, let them make one call a week for a limited time.  Have isolation for when the act out. Its supposed to be punishment.

    • Anonymous says:

      Agreed.  And tell me why we are paying out our hard earned dollars to house the foreign nationals in our prisons.  They are probably living better in our prisons than they would in their own home countires.  My take is, after they have been convicted of a crime, DEPORT THEM!!! with no chance of return!!!!!  Stop locking them up here and forcing us to pay the costs of their maintainence while they are on vacation in Northward Resort!!!!  So much money is wasted on keeping them here.   

      • Macman says:

        Do you really think that the majority of prisoners in Northward are foreigners? Or are you blinded by the propaganda that tells us all our ills are due to foreigners?

        • Anonymous says:

          No, I have not bought into the propaganda and my point was not that foreigners are commiting the majority of crimes.  I was simply stating my opinion on the added costs of detaining foreign nationals who have been convicted of a crime in our very luxurious prison which obviously does not serve it’s purpose either.  It does not intimidate anyone from returning so why should we pay the costs for those that are not our own. 

      • Anonymous says:

        I agree that we spend too much on all prisoners and especially the foreign ones. However if foreign criminals know that they can come to Cayman and commit as many crimes as they want of whatever type that they want, and all that will happen is that they will get a plane ride home then it would be open season on Cayman. I support the proposals that have been on other threads that we should send as many prisoners as possible to serve their time in third world countries with prison systems that would make them very afraid. That would be much more of a deterrent than just sending them home with a free rum punch on the flight.

  21. Pucka says:

    In a country where two convicted criminals brazenly ran in the last election and the premier sees legal requirements as a pest it is not surprising that the youth are increasingly paying less regard for the law.

  22. Jail'em in Cuba says:

    SOLUTION: CUBAN JAILS!

    Cayman Airways has direct flights to Cuba 3 times a week with many empty seats: let’s fill them with our hardcore prisoners to be jailed in Cuba for a fraction of the cost!…

    It apparently costs some CI$50,000.00 per prisoner per year in Cayman and I’m pretty sure that the Cuban authorities would be delighted to subcontract the job for around CI$5000.00 per prisoner, a huge saving!…

    This would also act as an enormous deterrent for would-be criminals, as I’d expect the Cuban jails are a far cry from what’s now available in Cayman in terms of creature comfort, food, entertainment and visits..

    Added benefits:

    – Prisoners will have a chance to acquire a second language, which should be helpful for their rehabilitation in society…

    – More traffic on Cayman Airways to Cuba from visiting relatives…

    – Far more room available in Cayman’s jail for young offenders and those who have received light sentences and are not yet hardened criminals…

    This would really be a no-brainer WIN-WIN deal for Cayman as a whole!…

    • Anonymous says:

      I think that’s a great idea! I really think it would help the economy: and deter criminals.. no sarcasm, i really do..

    • Anonymous says:

      Why didn’t someone think of this before.  Now what can we do to get it into law?

       

       

    • frank rizzo says:

      Before making reservations, I would double check the amount of delight on the part of Cuban officials at subcontracting at $5000 per prisoner. No-brainer idea for sure.

    • Anonymous says:

      There are places which would probably charge much less than Cuba and which would teach convicts about hard work and discipline. I suggest that we find out which country would take prisoners at the lowest cost to Cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      you forgot to mention THAT YOU WOULDNT BE ABLE TO GET DRUGS IN  Fidels Prison. A GREAT IDEA, AND WILL COST VERY LITTLE.

  23. Anonymous says:

    gaurdian angels…………………

    http://www.guardianangels.org/

  24. Anonymous says:

    The ignorance displayed by some of you on this site and the general behaviour of those mouthing off loudest serves little purpose,and I am sure only adds to the frustration of the police force in trying to deal with the increasing crime in this country. The types and level of crime happening now is new to us but unfortunately these things are a symptom of the greater problems eating away at the fabric of this society. The police alone cannot solve it and as frightening a thought as it is, our problems, including growing crime, is only likely to become worse.

  25. Joe Grinder says:

    Support,

    Calling ,

    Wishing.

    We believe ,

    We are,

    We feel,

    We must,

    These  are good sound bites,looks and reads good in the papers .But the reality is , they ,I mean Mac , has no idea what he is doing.Grasping at straws,

    Duncan can you see what we have todeal with .

    This man has no concept of what he is doing.

    This government with little big man is a sham.

    Tell him that you have decided to re-instate Dan to ensure that there is no wrongdoings going on in these Islands.Tell him that his government is broke .And the British government will not allow the Caymans to borrow any more money

    His answer to solve these problems is to,raise taxes on imports .and tax the poor with a 2% on money transfer.Raising turtle meat 600%..Now he wants to sell residency for a cool million .No reduction in the civil service,which a million a day,to support. political suicide to suggest that he even thinks about it

    This man needs to to be put in place.Has no real solutions .(oh, I forgot about the refinery in east end).2000 bed hospital,150 million docking port,selling the dump to dart ,what else ?

    Duncan I hope you read these posts

    • Anonymous says:

      FOR SUPPORT, CALLING

      Sigh! Here we go again! Tribal ignorance speaks again! Did the Premier not just say that this is not a district issue but one that impacts the whole nation? May I add, to clarify for you, crime has no political, district, tribil, colour or creed gender! It has only one loyalty – to fulfill its own selfish agenda, irrespective of how it impacts the country on a whole. Crime does not respect you either! In case you did not know!

      The Premier has these, plus obviously the economic issues to contend with and he, like every other humans here, is trying desperately to come to grips with these new outlandish and barbaric elements that have risen with new desperate determination on the part of the criminals. New measures have to be put in place and he has said it. Give it time to work before you start spouting prejudicial nonsense – up to the time you have not offered a better solution. Its easy to say how the ball should have been kicked from the sidelines isn’t it? Sigh! I don’t begrudge GOD for HIS job of dealing with tough nuts like you!

      On the issue of Govt. laying off its employees. You think that if the system starts chopping off its employees that will not create another issue? Wholesale unemployment bone brain!! Then when more are unemployed, more crime possibilities! Which would you prefer, no increase on certain goods and services and cut jobs, or increase certain goods and services which would help to sustain jobs? If you eat your cake, you will not still have it (you can’t have your cake and eat it).

      Pray for the leaders of your country, be they PPM or UDP. They are humans like yourself who need spiritual guidance for these tough issues!

      Next time, if you have nothing workable and sustainable to add to the forum just shut up! Even a fool is considered wise if he shuts his mouth, the Bible says!

       

    • Bobby Anonymous says:

      And please tell me why 2% money transfer tax is wrong? Asfar as I see it people send way to much money off this Island. There should be a limit in how much you can transfer or pay at least 25% tax. If you don’t like it then go work somewhere else.

      Oh, by the way I am an Ex Pat (with Status, granted not given). I work hard, invest in the Island and reap the rewards.

      Thank You Cayman.

      • Macman says:

        These people worked for their money…some probably a damned sight harder than you! Who are you to tell them how to spend their money!

        Does your help or gardener who you probably pay a pittance to tell you that you should not buy the food imported from America, England, Canada but should be buying all local food? Or are your investments purely in property and a business.

        Do you support the local economy by using public transport or did you but a foreign car (or two)?

        Don’t be so sanctimonious…you will always be a paper Caymanian so don’t try to get above your station!

         

         

        • Bobby Anonymous says:

          OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh, Hit a sore spot did I?

          I don’t remember telling anyone how to spend their money, I just objectto it being all sent off the Island, when we ALL, Caymanians and "paper caymanians need to suport the economy.

          I don’t have a helper or a gardener.  I also ride a bicycle and grow my own food.

          You seem to resent the fact that there is such a thing as paper Caymanians and suggest by your remarks that we have no say, so shut up. OK then as you wish, my fellow Caymanian.

          Bye, Bye.

  26. anonymous says:

    BigMac jusgt go ahead and fire Baines then Hire Haines. Haines will get the job done!  stop wasting time, if you have to tell the commisioner how to do his job and the public can see that he can not handle it then the only alternative is replace him!

     

    WITH DEREK HAINES !

    • Rufus says:

      Im so sick of hearing about bring back Haines, with all due respect to this man he might had been hard card  a few years back but times are changing. stop talking like if you bring him back all worries are over, i guess if he was the commissioner in October 2008 Estalla would have been alive too , (yea right) get real this is a rough world we;re in now so hanes,  fruit of the loom whoever aint  gonna help now, so stfu bout Haines.Sorry Mr Haines but its the truth and i still think your a nice lad.

    • Anonymous says:

      Here we go again.  Of the crimes that occured in the last week, how many arrests have there been??  Nearly all crimes reported on here have had arrests – yet we say it is failing.  Sorry, don’t get that one. 

      Seems that it has been a good week for the RCIPS, but there again why would you expect this premier (with small p) to give any credit to anyone!

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh please.  Give Baines a chance.  He’s only been here just over 6 months and even you have to admit, he inherited a complete nightmare that can’t be fixed overnight.  If the cops really were trained the length of time British cops are, and really did utilise the British cops methodologies, principles and continuing professional developmentwe wouldn’t be in this mess, and they wouldn’t be saying they needed more officers either.  How the Police can claim they are following British policing procedures beggars belief when anyone coming from England (especially Baines himself) can tell you this simply is not true. 

      • Anonymous says:

        Oh give me a break please !!!!

        In case you didn’t know, the British cops have been "fully in charge" of the RCIPS since 1995 and as for their methodologies, principles and continued professional development that you claim they possess and exhibit, this is why the police service now finds itself in the mess that it’s in, directly through them !!!

        Are you really living on this place call Earth or perhaps just visiting us (passing through) from another planet  ??

         

         

        • Anonymous says:

          Cearly you did not read and overstand my post.  I know British cops are in charge and their methodologies and principles are supposedly in place.  From my re-reading of my own post I believe that is evident so I am surprised you missed it.  

          When were you last in the UK for any period of time?  I presume you must have been there and witnessed british policing in order to be such an authority on the British Police Force -v- Cayman Police Farce issue?

  27. Anonymous says:

    The orthodox way of fighting crime has not worked and will not work as long as you have "failed imported policies and initatives" whom have failed in their own country of orgin, but for those whom are now in charge to enforce/implement them here, seem to think it will work in the caribbean and in particluar the Cayman Islands.

    These orthodox policies/initatives which have been in place from late 2005, and with the ten’s of millions of CI dollars spent to make it work, the big question is, are we better off today "crime prevention and detection wise" than we were priorto all these largely funded and highly publized strategic plans, which were guaranteed to bring positive results??

    I say "NO" as it has failed and failed miserably.

    How say "You" ??  

    • Anonymous says:

      The only place policies and initiatives have been imported from is the very vivid imaginations of those in charge right here, because these ‘policies and initiatives’ may have emanated from UK ideals, but they have been misinterpreted, abused and improperly effected here.  And contrary to your view, they actually do work in the UK to a significant extent.  Cayman crime is small fry compared with organised crime in the UK.  I believe if the same UK policies, initiatives, PACE and police procedures really were implemented here, with similar independent overseeing and complaints bodies, Cayman would have a very effective and efficient police force.

       

  28. Richard Wadd says:

     WHIP them Big Mac, BRING BACK the CAT-o-NINE !!

     Let the Criminal FEAR the Whip, as much as the people have grown to Fear them !

     And if them Damn ‘Bleeding-hearts’ Human-rights people say anything, let the World know that in the Cayman Islands, WE protect the rights of the Victims, not the Criminals.

     Those who chose to abuse our right to live a free and peaceful life, will have their’s taken from them also !

     Three cheers for the Premier !

     

    P.S. Was anyone ever Hanged in these Islands in the last 100 years?

    • Anonymous says:

      The answer to your Hanging question is yes, but not for crime.

    • Anonymous says:

      Hear hear

      and let us include all criminals, especially speeders and those who refuse to use their indicators, illegal tinting, etc

      Whip them all