CITA frustrated over policing

| 06/09/2011

(CNS): The industry body which represents businesses working in the tourism sector has expressed its growing frustration that constant calls to address the islands’ violent crime problem with more visible policing has fallen on deaf ears. The Cayman Islands Tourism Association has asked the authorities time and time again to increase police patrols in the areas most frequented by tourists but at a recent meeting with the commissioner the president was told that there was no money for community police because of budget cuts. The government has, however, stated on numerous occasions that the police are getting the resources they need to fight crime and the 2011/12 budget allocation has remained at just over $29 milllion.

Although the RCIPS has received the same appropriation for this current financial year of just over $29 million, Chief Superintendent John Jones recently stated that the police head count had fallen from its peak of a few years ago and it was community policing that was most impacted. He said resources for neighbourhood officers were being used to support other areas in the face of the increase in violent crime and surge in robberies. “The feet on the beat,” he said, was one area that was under resourced.

However, in the wake of yet another violent robbery at a restaurant frequented by visitors last week, Trina Christian of CITA stated that the need to prevent crime impacting tourism was critical.

“Our members are becoming increasingly frustrated that, despite the endless calls, the patrols have not increased in the key areas,” she stated. “A recent meeting with our president and the commissioner has revealed that the community policing budget has been cut and this is where the ‘tourism police’ would have come from.”

For some time now CITA has campaigned to have police officers allocated to patrolling the Seven Mile Beach area, getting to know local business and offering a secure presence for visitors, but so far there has been no response from the authorities. She said CITA is not asking for mass coverage but a regular light police presence in areas frequented by visitors to make tourists feel safe and criminals think twice.

“We keep saying this over and over again because when word gets out about crime it will be devastating to the industry,” she added. “We are relying on our past reputation of being crime free, and although we are still better than many other places, the growing crime is creating more and more of a problem for the tourism product.”

Christian said that the CTIA membership knows it’s not just a police problem and that there is a much bigger picture. There are many long term issues to be addressed and the need for the community to play its part, but in order to protect the tourism sector, which so many people depend on, she said there was also a need for police visibility in key areas to deter the robbers and make visitors feel comfortable.

She said the recent news from the commissioner that the budgets had been cut was disappointing and that CITA would now have to lobby government to see if resources can be found to fund community policing in order to guarantee a presence in the Seven Mile Beach area.

“We continue to say that we need to take the crime issue seriously and we were under the impression that the police were getting the resources they needed but now we hear that there is no money to police tourism. It’s confusing,” Christian added.

She pointed out that in the face of the economic uncertainties, crime remained of critical importance to the tourism business. She said no one should underestimate what a devastating impact an armed robbery at a restaurant where tourists are there enjoying a meal can have on the entire tourism product. As far as the CITA membership is concerned, Christian said, the resources have to be found in order to protect the sector which remains one of the country’s most important economic generators.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Then tell them regular boys to pull up their pants, have respect, straighten up and fly right so they are not "misunderstood" as being criminals. There is right and wrong and nowhere in between these days. Can't afford it. Know thy enemy.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Where did they get their Police uniforms from?

  3. Sacred Wessel says:

    Juries' refusal to convict the obviously guilty local is more of a problem.

  4. hopeful eediat says:

    I agree that there are major issues with RCIPS and in particular its leadership. The brass there appear to be culturally ignorant and enthnocentric as much as they are arrogant and pompous. So they have no idea what to do and they are demoralising the RCIPS staff and the community as a whole. Not to mention the abject failure of the Crown Prosecution even when the police do a decent job!

    The only members of the community who are happy are the damn criminals and they are laughing all the way to the Banks, the Gas Stations, the small stores, some big stores, the Restaurants, peoples homes, people on the street and then all the way back to their crab holes!

    Where is the National Security Council in all of this? The majority of the members are the political GOVERNMENT (including McKeeva) and at least one of their rapidly shrinking supporters! They are ducking for cover behind RCIPS but this means that this crippling issue of crime is an issue that government must take RESPONSIBILITY for as well.

    So Mr Bush et al, what is your solution and course of action? Or is this to be another of your governments failures?  The irony is that people might be willing to turn a blind eye to your little "substance over process" charade in this case if it really produced any worthwhile results and kept us safer! 

    Mr Bush, how is it that you spend a ton of money on a "gowerment" retreat to the Brac yet you did not take along any of the civil servants who have responsibilityfor national security? I guess you only wanted zombies there to help you write your latest 2nd grade iteration of your "reminder" to so and so!

    Take your hands out of the publics pockets and do something "at a quick pace" to keep them safe!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Get to the root of the crime problem in this country, stop demanding solutions until you get to the root cause of the problems in this country.  A band aid will not work on an open wound.  The crime problems that we are now experiencing on this island are the results of years of neglect in various areas.  Address and  revampt education to include vocational skills,  adddress the island social issues, how about a minimun wage? Until the government and our people are willing to face the cold hard truths the problems will only get worst.  Locking up a few wanna be gangsters will not solve the problem we need to deal with the root cause and stamp it out once and for all.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Advisory from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:

    "Petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and mugging occurs in tourist areas, on public transportation, at tourist sights, in restaurants, pubs, bars and at airports, particularly during the summer months in urban areas. Vehicle theft also occurs. Sexual assaults and robberies have been reported by passengers using unlicensed taxis. It is recommended that travellers use only officially marked taxis.
     
    Travellers should not leave their food or drink unattended in public areas, as incidents of food or drink spiking have occurred."
    • Mr. Knox the Crocodile says:

      Should Canadians living here let them know the reality is much much worse, eh?

  7. Anonymous says:

    FROM USA STATE DEPT TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR GRAND CAYMAN:

    "SAFETY AND SECURITY: In recent year, the Cayman Islands have experienced an increase in criminal activity involving Jamaican gangs, including gang and drug-related shootings. One such shooting, in February 2010, resulted in the death of a 4 year old U.S.citizen. Local law enforcement authorities are aggressively addressing these challenges, which affect the West Bay area, in particular. 
     
    CRIME: The crime threat in Cayman Islands is generally considered low, although travelers should always take normal precautions when in unfamiliar surroundings. Petty theft, pick-pocketing and purse snatchings occur. A few cases involving sexual assault have been reported to the Embassy." 
    • Anonymous says:

      Well this was bound to happen given that many  people were taken into this country without proper background checks and given citizenshipand absolutely nothing about their backgrounds were known. Very few people have any idea of the many gunmen and gangsters that live on this islands.  Pray that the government controls this problem before it gets worst.  We as a country had better get a hold of our young people and stop the anti social behaviour before it spreads like cancer.

      Time to retaliate, mass deportations and reversion of status for any criminal activities  expecially those which involves any type of firearms.

      • Loopy Lou says:

        Yes blame the furreigner.  But look at the names in the Court lists and you will see the truth about who the criminals are.

  8. A Guy says:

    Would everyone please just calm down?

    Our fearless leader knows what he is doing. Why would anyone give money to the RCIPS to patrol tourist areas and keep our visitors safe, and therefore keep our vital tourism industry safe,  when you can give millions to a couple of churches so that they can, erm, you know, so that they….eh…………erm.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Just like Gary, Indiana with Palm Trees. We should set the crims up with public housing and food stamps becuase afterall society owes it to them right. Not their fault they were born from ignorant parents, who "raised" ignorant kids, who had some ignorant kids of their own. Don't you love all this stuff. Weez beez takin what weef want becuase dis is my island. Politicians  are saying the same thing too. Governor, Police no idea what to do. If you want to fix it we need to completley bypass the people who can't get their head around it. You all elected them and you'll be holding an empty bag if you think they can do anything. Your best bet is hiring a private security firm. Not blackwater necessarlity but  someone like Dart could do it as much as people yack about him. Do you think any of the politicians could run multi-billion dollar corps? No. The Police are just waiting to be told what to do. Neither can help us. Hire professionals and bring out the drag net. It amazes me what this BS costs in image is a fraction of what a private security firm would cost. The Governor should do it. Don't let Mackeeva talk to them. He would take all the credit anyway. They should consult with the local police but answer to the Governor. Some local law enforcement could augment their teams. Not the expat officers but the Caymanian officers who grew up in these neighborhoods. Why is no one thinking?

  10. Anonymous says:

    I don't think any of us have a problem with a "hot spot" team being too agressive. Most of us aren't on the receiving end. We can only speculate that whatever "Human Rights"  protocol is being heap on the police department was the cause for dismantling the team. This isn't really helpful becuase we have no rights in the sights of the criminals. Hit em hard again and again..there should be no other way. It is they who should be on the receiving end of the law. They do need to be harrased. Make it tough to be a criminal.

    • Anonymous says:

      It'd be a good idea then if they harrassed the real criminals instead of the regular boys on the street.  Harrassing these youngsters before they enter into a life of real crime only breeds bitterness and contempt… and more likely will result in them rebelling against society and turning into real criminals.  Instead, try give the youth something to look up to and aspire to, something to respect and to lead them in the right direction.

  11. Caymanian Boat Captain says:

    Hard working and knowledgeable front lines police officers can't be motivated into fighting crime in the Cayman Islands and neither can management be effective in leading the RCIPS in the 21st Century……….. if subordinate staff are accustom to hearing comments such as, "You are either stupid or corrupt in the Cayman Islands and you don't seem to know how to write or speak the Queen's English !!  

  12. Ubelievedat says:

    Dear Mr. Swarbrick,

    In addition to checking to find if the Premier understands his role, functions, duties and capabilities as Minister of Finance, would you also add the Governor to your list.  We have gone beyond wondering if he know what his responsibilities are in relation to Internal Affairs.

    Gosh, somebody needs to become the Watch-Dog on the "top dogs"!!…because, as sure as there's life on earth, there's something seriously wrong as to why the Government and the Governor are both silent on this grave and serious matter.

    I wonder what they are waiting on?????????????……….civil unrest???????????

  13. Anonymous says:

    You want change? It is simple, A mass rally in front of Governors House and the GOAB everyday this week.  And when I say rally I dont mean one hundred or fifty people, I mean the thousands we see at Jazz Fest and Pirates Week and Christmas Tree lighting etc.

    Then demand from your leaders (Govenor, Police Commisioner, Premier, Attorney General)  what you expect in this community. An armed rapid respsonse unit backed by a major crimes division (we dont need fifty guys, just "A Few Good Men"). Harsh penalties for violent / armed crimes. A Justice system that can sucessfully prsoecute the perpetrators. 

    And finally do your part as a citizen and hold everyone including yourself responsible. Report crime, follow up with the police, take it to the media if the police arent progressing etc. 

    If everyone continues to live in their bubble and point fingers at one entity as the culprit or just stay silent, nothing will change. 

  14. Anonymous says:

    The Police and Government cannot get together to effectively police what amounts to a town of 50,000 people.  The level of crime and in particular, burglary and armed robbery, is ridiculous for such a small place and in any other "town" it would not be tolerated and the place would be flooded with sufficient policing to wipe it out.  Take the recent London riots as an example.  There was little the Police could do to stop the rioting at the time (which is the excuse given here – they cannot police the streets to stop robberies happening) but after the fact, the authorities pulled in all the necessary resources to ensure that those who committed the crimes were made accountable for their actions – result, no more riots.

    The Police here need to be given the same resources to stop this now.  Flood the streets, get the information and lock these mindless idiots away.  Restore some confidence so that normal, law abiding people (residents and tourists alike) are safe to walk the streets, run businesses and get on with trying to make these islands the place they were not so long ago.  It is only a few bad apples spoiling this very small barrel – surely they cannot be too hard to find? 

    People of Cayman, whether you be Caymanian, expat, status holder, permanent resident, holidaymaker, or from Mars – if you know something, tell the Police.  Don't be afraid to shop these animals.  Get rid of this cancer once and for all for everyone's sake.  Please. 

    • Anonymous says:

      It is now evident that we have an organized criminal process going on who understands the RCIP weaknesses. The pattern of robberies,hitting random locations at varying times of the night or day demonstrates an awareness of police movements and deployment patterns. It is also likely that it is the same individuals or at least 4 of them who canvass locations before the hit is made.

      All of what I said before points to the need for heavy foot patrols supplemented by motor cycle patrols and stationing of officers at critical junctions in town and island wide so that their presence can act as a deterrent as well as provide rapid response when necessary. It may be argued that there is insufficient police ,however,this remains to be proven for well we don't see too many of them most of the time.

      Also,undercover personnel from neighboring jurisdictions who are fully trained should be brought in to infiltrate the underground community that exists,to provider key intelligence on known offenders as well as sniff out other rats in the sewer that may exist where it is least suspected.

      Last but not least,people of the cayman islands must realize that the crime affects us all in one way or other,but ultimately will destroy all that we have if we sit back see no evil,hear no evil and speak not .

      Tired and ready to take action.

      • Anonymous says:

        15;54

         

        RCIPS had an effective unit called the Hotspot team, they used to patrol all the drug areas, night clubs and businesses. Apparently it was dismantled by the commissioner because it was formed and led by a caymanian, and was accused of being too aggressive in the hotspot areas. They were replaced by his Serious Crime Taskforce.

         

        Apparently the serious crime task force works…Serious crime has gone up!

         

        SOL

  15. Anonymous says:

    I recently returned to the UK and now live in a rural area. My nearest 24/7 manned police station is over 10 miles away but we still see regular police patrols and I've even been visited by a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) just to see if everything was OK.

    Crime in the area is as close to zero as you can get. If you forget to lock your car or your house it's no sweat, tools or stuff like bicycles can be left in the front garden and (unlike where I lived in Cayman) they won't vanish.

    All this has a bit to do with good policing but is more likely due to everyone keeping an eye out for each other and God help anyone we comes into our village with criminal intentions because everyone owns a shotgun and/or a big dog, most men round here have carried knives all their working lives and all if that fails the bads guys will find a couple of big old farm boys stomping on them.

    This is despite the fact that the area currently has high unemployment, particularly amongst the under-25s, and a substantial welfare-dependant population. Bottom line, folks round here share the hardships and look after their own.

    What we don't have is the huge divide between the 'haves' and 'have nots' that I suspect is causing the problems CITA are complaining about. Unlike where I now live you have created for yourselves a distinctly two-tier society, with those living on the lower deck effectively shut out of the employment that should have provided all the things that they have been raised to expect. You can put all the police patrols in the world on the streets and you won't correct that. Rather than whining and moaning, CITA could address part of the problem by adopting a more pro-active approach to bringing local people into a tourism industry dominated by ex-pats employed on, at best, subsistence wages.   

  16. Anonymous says:

    Writing as an ex-cop

     

    I have to say there is alot wrong with our police service..But the public do get the service they deserve.

    The police cannot do this on their own. Caymanian society need to step up to the plate.

    All the Mothers, Fathers,Brothers Sisters, Friends who shield their killing, raping, robbing little " jonny" are as equally to blame.

    How many times did I hear from parents "My little jonny wouldnt do that"…Wrong!! your little Jonny IS doing that and in the process he's ruining the country.

    Someone else commented dont blame the police untill you look in the mirror..how right he or she was

    Wake up Cayman before its to late

    Just because he's your second cousin twice removed doesnt mean he isnt a criminal…time to start shopping your brethren

  17. Anonymous says:

    the rcips suffers from the same problem as the rest of the civil service…….

    too many caymanians who treat the job as a social welfare benefit……

    • Anonymous says:

      I take exception to your comment.  The Police Service does not have that many Caymanians employed.  Paper caymanians and others make up 80% of those employed, while the remaining 20% could be native Caymanians.   I am not trying to be biased, but I like to call a spade a spade.  

      I was a Civil Servant and I am aware of the twists amd turns that are made to unseat the Caymanians, in order to get their very own in through the back door.  I am tired of  the poor Caymanians being constantly sidelined and pushed aside, to the rise of new commers.  We are not aggressive enough, so they take or passsionate tolerance for weakness and trampled us to death.  While the good people are working the others are sleeping. 

      • Anonymous says:

        Well, you should be happy with the current government policy of not renewing expat contracts and hiring in underqualified Caymanians to fill those posts.

         

        • Anonymous says:

          We would be happy if we imported competent expats. 

          • Anonymous says:

            Head in the sand.  This is what you see.

          • Anonymous says:

            Why? Surely by stating this you are admitting that you are not going to field any home grown competition or step up to the plate as an alternative!

            You don't want any more expats imported, you want more competent expats imported yet you don't want to it for yourselves! There is no pleasing some people.

            When you dissappear down the Independence chute, let me know how the Trinidad / Haiti / Jamaica Style Policing works out for you as I guess you still wont do it for yourselves!

      • Anonymous says:

        where you getting your stats from???

    • Anonymous says:

      you hit the nail on the head…anybody who does not agree is sticking thier head in the sand (caymans favourite national past time)

    • Anonymous says:

      Actually the RCIPS is 75% expat and is lby expats. It is one thing to have homegrown incompetence but completely incomprehensible why we should import it.

  18. Anonymous says:

    As long as crime pays better than 3$ an hour with the cita members, you are not going to solve the problem.

    Or legalize pot and take away the source of income for organised crime.

    Or fire the cocaine addicted condo salesmen . . . . . .

    Or simply hiremore caymanians, so you get the support from the locals.

     

  19. oneworld says:

    It's not only tourism that is affected. It's everyone's quality of life. We stand to lose our best and brightest – the Caymanian young people with the education and resources to really contribute. They are the very ones able to find good jobsoverseas. This leaves families separated and Cayman without the benefit of their talents. Many of us have children in college or working in other countries. We want them to return for the long term and decide to live here.  

  20. oneworld says:

    Are the millions being spent on the police helicopter out of this same budget? 

    How is the heliocopter helping to stop crime exactly?

     

     

  21. Anonymous says:

    Currently on average the ratio of police to population in the US comes to about 2.3 officers per thousand residents;

    http://www.project.org/info.php?recordID=33

    Do the math for Cayman and you will see that we are supporting a bunch of overpaid, undertrained, useless law enforcement personnel whose ratio of solved to unsolved crime is even worse.

    We must have one of the worst police forces in the whole world. I am going to submit these numbers to the Daily Mail as their readers will get a good laugh out of it.

    ROTFTMHO

    Rolling on the floor tearing my hair out.

  22. Anonymous says:

    The police get plenty of money….that's not it. It is the Leadership and UK Styple policing

    • Anonymous says:

      As is usual on this island it is whothey are forced to hire and try to train into hard working, professional, and ethical workers.  Its not working anywhere else so why does anyone think it would work in the police dept.  The only way it work here is the same as every where else: Only hire for skill, and experiance or at the very least aptitude for learning AND fire and replace anyone who can not do the job as soon as possible.  But Cayman Government has always forced this down any businesses throat and always will so in Cayman you are lucky to get anything done at all and never done well.  Blame it on the over protective and under educated system that is Cayman islands.  Not the Police chief.

      • Anonymous says:

        And what did Operation Tempura net us, A big bill with no smoking guns. Who ran that, UK cops. The Police and Police commisioner are passing the buck, just like most everyone else.

        Its the budget, its the staff, its the community, its the judges…Yada Yada Yada. 

        • Anonymous says:

          And your point is?  And try to stick to the topic.  And get your head out of the sand first.

    • UKer says:

      BELIEVE ME… as much as its supposed to be, this is NOT UK style policing – its giving real UK policing a bad rep.

      • Anonymous says:

        I wish there was some UK policing here. Sadly, I don't think it will ever happen.

  23. Anonymous says:

    My family just moved here a month ago from South Florida.  We were excited to move somewhere which has much less crime, especially violent ones.  5 murders a day in south florida is common.  Well, to our surprise, the crime rate in Grand Cayman is increasing, especially based on a small population!  When will the Cayman government and police realize that violent crimes, especially the most recent at the Cassanova restaurant will be very detrimental to the economy.  The US has already issued a travel warning for Grand Cayman.  Despite the banking industry, travel is the #2 source of income for Grand Cayman.  You don't make anything, have oil, etc. to export.  The crime is out of hand.  What about the 25 million government surplus???  Not enough $ to fight crime??  As a community, we must come together.  Someone knows who is doing this and should come forward.  If no one does, then the corruption runs from the top down!

  24. Anonymous says:

    The government is very tight financially and is now apparently unable to provide basic policing service. This is only one example of what happens when a country can't afford to take care of itself because of lack of funds.

    Cayman may be proud of its no taxes policy, but it comes at a real price to all of us. 

    It may be time to introduce real new revenue sources for the government, though taxes. With those taxes, the government would be able to take care of this country better without having to sell all its assets and rely heavily on foreing investments. 

    • Anonymous says:

      People in the UK are taxed very heavily and look at the crime there.  The police budgets have been cut there too. 

    • Anonymous says:

      no taxes – which planet are you living on – look at the price of food, gas, electricity and everything else and then tell me we have no taxes

    • Anonymous says:

      We are TAXED but in a different model. Our income might not be directly taxed but indirectly we are taxed by import duty laws, stamp duty on land transfers, duty on each cheque or debit card transaction, etc. . Don't ever make the mistake and say we are not taxed!

    • truth says:

      $500 million a year for what? 120,000 people?  Lack of funds?  Get real!  Lack of accountability,  a corrupted Government system that gives money to friends and spends most of it on itself is THE problem in Grand Cayman.  Your premeir spends thousands a week on his security so he doesn't think anything else is needed.  Cayman leadership is the Caymanians problem.

      • Anonymous says:

        Not to mention he gives away millions to churches and yet the crime is still going sky high, what good are these churches really doing because they don't seem to have any moral influence on those who commit the crimes.

        • Anonymous says:

          My guess is that those committing the violent crimes don't attend church. It is all our resposnbility to deal with the criminal element. 

    • R.U. Kiddin says:

      Anonymous 12:26, I heartily disagree with you!  The government gets plenty of money to operate this small country.  The trouble is, it is squandered on various unnecessary projects, various unnecessary people, various unnecessary boondoggles, etc., etc.  It would be very interesting to know just exactly where all the money IS spent…. or where it DOES go,  but then, I don't know of any government that publishes a true account of where all the money goes.  Governments can't give out all their little secrets because some of their actions might be illegal or unethical or…. heaven forbid…. lose votes!

  25. Michel says:

    We need to stop comparing ourselves to other islands or have to rely on our past reputations for being a safe destination . In my humble opinion, If we don't rally together and priorize our future, we won't have to worry about new roads and Cayman Friendly adds. I do feel for you CITA, I myself  having worked in the Tourism Industry for at least 27 years( many days and many nights) in Grand Cayman  prior to my illnesses . I have been away nearly 2 months and even with one eye, did not stop me from being an Ambassador of our Beloved Cayman Islands. Those of which I had the opportunaty to work with in the past many years and those that know me understand where I am coming from and I am not talking about where I was born or where my heart is. I even still talk in my sleep to our precious visitors and very good clients friends as I love to call them and my wife & family still get a kick from it since I have not worked in 21/2 years not to mention my very dream last night as I was setting up some Jewellery Store with persons I have worked with in many years.And here's my point ! So of course everyone I meet I cannot wait for them to ask me where I am from(not where I was born) I still glow and tell them proudly (hospital, Dr. office,drug store,hotel I have been for the past week and it don't matter who it is because all my life I have tried, learned and taught many never to judge someone by their appearance or present circomstances, the same way I used to say:" never judge the content of a book by it's cover" ! Wake up call for myself, as many total strangers whom I met ,had never been or those who had been in Cayman up to a few years ago would tell me(us) how much they envied myself( &my wonderful born Caymanian wife, for putting up with me  for nearly 33 years who has been here with me for the past week) of couse we would glow. But the hotel I am staying at is whithin walking distance to the Port of Tampa and cruise to Cayman where persons stay I heard quite a different version from some staff including front desk. And we  heard of stories of before and after. In the past, I would have encouraged many on go to our local news on line including this one ( and forum) but I have learned many years ago to be careful to what I say as we used to call them (ghosts in the closet) not only for my own integrity but most important for that of the Cayman Islands( so I could not). I will never forget many wise lessons from our Dear Sister Hope Sunday school lessons such as this one ; " If you die tomorrow what would your honest Eulogy(?) say ? So prepare from today of what you would honestly be said about youself" The same when you write an article in this forum, would you sign your name to it if you had to ?" Yes my dream is, as I am certain of many of yours whom have worked very hard to build Cayman's special reputation worlwide to return to that status but now more then ever is the time to realise that the WE ALL are important in our daily interactions with others and as long as we don't accept the fact that we need to work together it will only get worse before it gets better. This is my opinion and not directed to anyone in particular but to everyone that lives in Cayman and let's stop  blaming each other and work HAND IN HAND. And please do not judge my writing as I barely finished 9th grade but my wife taught me that proper attitude and common sense goes a long way. Michel Lemay(thanks to everynoe for prayers & help) See you soon Lor'd Willing. Michel Lemay

  26. Libertarian says:

    You mean to tell me that we nearly have 400 plus police officers, and the "the feet on the beat" for neighborhoods and tourist destinations is under resourced?

    And some have the gall to ask for more money!  What ever happened to proper management?!

  27. Anonymous says:

    Last I heard there were about 350 police. That's a lot for a 2×4 island. Seems like some of them at least could be patrolling. They don't all have to be standing around at the crime scenes wondering what to do next.

  28. roger jones says:

    Yes crime is growing beyond most tourists' expectations.  But there is more to a decline in Cayman Tourism.  Crusie lines own their own islands and prefer to berth at the piers.  

    More than demographics are changing.  No longer does one have to go to Cayman to bank.  Its all done by the internet.  And you are no longer the most favoured tax havens.  

    Cayman is beautiful, laid back and a great place to rest.  But its often a little too quiet and shuts down a little too early.  Sun worshippers are accustomed to a little late night enjoyment like in most other destinations that they travel to.  Cayman has to step up the excitement a little.   Cheers

     

     

  29. Anonymous says:

    Hey CITA, Why dont you get the hospitality industry to REALLY mean it when they want to employ or train Caymanians in this field and stop creating smoke screens.

    Oh sorry , I am not qualified or over qualified and English is my second language. Blame the Government NOT the police. It is going to get worse, just wait and see.

    Oh, the airport runway should have been extended since 10 years  ago and DOT should have started getting routes from Central, South American countries via a hub in Cuba and the same in Asia. We are depending on the American market too much and thats not going to come around for a long , long time if ever. Jamaica tourism is still surviving.

    • Anonymous says:

      train caymanians!! they dont want to work in the restaurant/hotel industries because you would have to work weekends and holidays, and they want to start at management level with no experience ))

  30. Anonymous says:

    any caymanians who are blaming the police need to look in the mirror first……

  31. Too little, too late..... says:

    CITA is actually part of the problem.

    Why should Govt have to spend $20-30m a year promoting the tourism industry? No other business sector gets this type of state subsidy. A substantial portion of that money should be allocated to operating a proper vocational training school – something that has been studiously avoided for the past 40 years.

    And let's not forget that CITA's members import many foreign nationals at slave labour wages. This effectively has taken locals out of an entire job sector and contributed to the unemployment problem.

    The cancer's roots are diverse and many.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree CITA is part of the problem.  Other Caribbean countries like Jamaica, have the private sector helping to foot the advertisement bill eg. Sandals.  CITA expects to get everything for free.  

      2.  United States is going down the drain fast.  It's time to cater to the European & Japanese tourists.

      3. It's also time for some All-inclusives and villas with a cook.  It's ridiculous the prices that have to be paid for accommodations here and they don't even get service.

      4.  Lastly but only when McKeever is out of office, income tax instead of indirect taxes but based on income.  Less taxes for those that don't make much money.  I always used to be against this but I figured out if all those high duties are removed, we should be able to pay taxes and still make a decent wage.

      5.  Speaking of McKeever, I know this falls a little outside this argument but I think we should have one man one vote and change to  a real democracy where the people vote on all of the laws.

      • R.U. Kiddin says:

        Hmmmmmm….  You say, " a real democracy where the people vote on all of the laws" ?  I don't think there is such a place.

  32. Frank says:

    No money in the budget yet they just received a whole new fleet of $45,000.00 cars to drive around in and do nothing? Not to mention that the Impala's that they were driving were still in good enough shape. Priorities…thats what they need to get straight.

  33. Anonymous says:

    A few recent CNS extracts:

    http://centos6-httpd22-php56-mysql55.installer.magneticone.com/o_belozerov/31115drupal622/politics/2011/05/23/budget-painful-says-governor

    'Public confidence remains an elusive goal,” Taylor said. 'The RCIPS recognises the key benefits of having officers at neighbourhood level, known and trusted by those they serve and key to the securing of public confidence. This year, resources permitting, the RCIPS will increase the number of officers working with and at the heart of our communities.”

    http://centos6-httpd22-php56-mysql55.installer.magneticone.com/o_belozerov/31115drupal622/crime/2011/06/22/cops-get-close-30-million

    (CNS): While other government departments and agencies may be forced to feel the pinch in this year’s budget, the police have been given a boost with an increase in their budget allocation of more than 10% with an extra $3.3 milllion for police and investigative services

    http://centos6-httpd22-php56-mysql55.installer.magneticone.com/o_belozerov/31115drupal622/local-news/2011/07/26/cops-get-new-trucks-and-go-faster-cars-0

    (CNS): While times may be tough for some government departments not so at the RCIPS which has got twenty-four new vehicles for its fleet bought by the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs

    OK, so where are all of Cayman's police and what are they doing?  Because other than flashing off their new cars, I don't really see many at all… anywhere. They need to be visible in the communities as well as tourist areas.  Given the second link I posted above, I am surprised to now be reading that their budget has been cut?  But of course, I am sure I must be missing something.. perhaps the new cars cost that much they ate into the budget?  Who knows?

  34. Anonymous says:

    I have a problem with the police. They cannot find real criminals and then intimidate members of the public on minor charges.

    To coin a phrase, "What I see happening here is pure unadulterated harrassment."

    Then they fly that damned helicopter over us like we are some kind of criminal society whilst making no attempt to catch the real thugs. It's a shame on the police and the biggest shame is on the governor, unless of course this is what you want, in which case you are doing a real fine job, sir.

    You certainly telegraphed your intent in the Hazard Management Law where you have tricked the remains of our democracy to answer directly to the police force under your control, sidestepping the Assembly and giving them a seat on a powerless committee.

    No wonder you are filling the police force with foreigners. What on earth are you trying to do?

  35. Married to a Caymanian says:

    So once again it is a "He said, She said" scenario with the poor public in the middle and suffering from random and rampant crime.  

    THIS, my friends is what happens with a two party system.  It is NEVER your own fault, noooooo blame the other guy, blame the party that came before you and created this mess, blame the other side for not supporting your ideas, your budget, your task force….insert "your" with any public problem, you get the point.

    We are a tiny nation.  A small community.  There is no place for this type of poltiics.  It is so bloody small, that we should be seeing Big Mac having lunch with the leaders of police!

    Our own people's egos have created this problem.  We need PEOPLE to solve PROBLEMS, not PARTIES!!!

  36. Anonymous says:

    Until someone figures out a way that our politicians can profit from preventing crime and capturing the criminals, or until there is political change, nothing will be done to stop the thugs.

  37. Anonymous says:

    cita should be blaming this useless government not the police…..

  38. Anonymous says:

    Need a task force that targets guys that fit the profile of thug. We all know what they look like, Can see them a mile away. Stop them. Ask them what they do for a living, Verify with employers. If no verifiable Job and especially if no verifiable for a long period of time how are they supporting themselves? Interview family. Are they supporting them? Doubt it. Then make that person check in with police on a regular basis just like the people collecting welfare in the states with their "job booklet" showing who they contacted and when about employment AND VERIFY. People can't live for free. There you will have your drug dealers, thiefs and armed robbers. It is called managing your Thugs 101. Start pulling over cars with illegal tint. Start hiding polic cars 150 meter in either direction from road blocks looking for people who turn around.

    • Married to a Caymanian says:

      Dear "Need a Task Force"  I could not agree MORE.  I am not a cop, I'm a housewife, but if someone said itwas up to ME to get a handle on crime I would start with: Stopping and interviewing anyone that fit the description of a thug.  I would start in the neighborhoods and talk with everyone on the street, go into people's homes, and start tracking license plates.

      It is not harrassment if you have nothing to hide.  If a police officer came to my door tonight, I would invite him in an d tell him (or her) that some young men hang out smoking pot in the empty lot next door during the evenings.  Gee, that police officer may even add that tip to his list of things he is tracking???

  39. Anonymous says:

    This is a disgrace.  Same amount of money and less police on the street.  Oh I forgot, we have more police in the sky – where they are really needed. 

    Maybe CITA should lobby Government for funds from DOT's budget. Move it from "promoting" to "policing" otherwise soon they wont have a product to promote.

  40. Anonymous says:

    Budget cuts? Why are there so many new police cruisers on the island then?

    • Anonymous says:

      For cruising…..!!:) New tourism idea.

    • Dred says:

      The other cars were not as comfortable to sleep in. These have more leg room and a place to hang your hat I hear.

  41. Anonymous says:

    Every Police Commissioner of the last God knows how many years has gone on and on about never having enough money to do their job, thus justifying their increasingly poor efforts. They get millions of dollars to spend on personnel, cars and even a helicopter, but still they don't have enough. I would bet we have more cops here per person than many countries with far worse crime rates. But what we need is BETTER policing not more and more ineffective policing.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Ok there is money for Barkers Park Rangers but not Tourist Police….I think CITA is misguided in placing blame on the RCIPS but I guess its easy to go after the low hanging fruit.

  43. Anonymous says:

    Start putting up the fences and gates.  Tourist inside, Caymanian thiefs, corrupt officials, incompetent leadership and people just trying to make a living outside.   Face it allready.  Its the best Cayman can do for now.

    • Anonymous says:

      Then move the road arund the back of the property so the caymanians can not only not getin but can not see the view.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Wow! If that comment is not the height of racism then I don't know what is! It is scary that we actually have people on this Island that think like this and judging by the thumbs up it is clearly popular view among CNS commenters. This is not South Africa under apartheid and you will not make it so.  

    • Anonymous says:

      You should be ashamed to make such an awful comment.

      What do you propose to do with the non-Caymanian thieves?