Mental health patient has melt down in GT
(CNS): A woman suffering for mental health problems caused havoc in downtown George Town early Wednesday morning when she went looking for breakfast, topless and armed with two machetes. The woman first threatened staff and scared customers in Café del Sol when she demanded and received a free piece of carrot cake and smashed up the counter. She then went to Burger King, where she was fully clothed but still carrying the machetes, and demanded a cheese burger with lettuce as she threatened the staff. The woman was apprehended by police officers at the fast food restaurant around 7:30am. The officers were armed with Tasers but were able to arrest the woman without using them and before anyone was hurt.
The woman was taken into custody and arrested for damage to property, causing fear or provocation of violence and indecent exposure, and police say they are now investigating the incidents, in which no one was hurt.
The woman is well known to the police and local community and is suffering from serious mental health problems, highlighting the pressing need once again for government to address the issue and improve care in the community for those needing assistance and a safe environment.
Category: Crime
As you try desperately to make your money to survive, there will always be people who fall through the cracks.
All the values of this world are built on illusion and selfishness. Many, many people are cracking under the strain. The truth is that this world and its falseness is not really sustainable.
Politicians are pawns that propagate the myth and the everyday person sinks deeper and deeper into the mire.
We really need to wake up.
Such a shame that with all the monies we have wasted here in Cayman we do not have proper mental health care / facilities!
Another glaring example of the powers that be; burying their heads in the sand.
People cant vote if they are locked up in a straight jacket. So, politicians will ignore this issue and continue to make promises that they cant keep and, fools continue to believe will come true.
Clearly the location of all Burger King outlets should be on the PR exam.
I agree with other writers who have expressed concerns about the lack of a facility for mentally ill people. I am getting quite annoyed at the fact that there seem to be a handful of these people who walk the streets daily and harrass citizens and visitors. Truly they are any eye sore and not that tourism is all that matters but let's face it- it does not look good to have them roaming around. One lady in particular can't speak clearly to demand anything verbally but can be very violent and can seen partially nude strretside on occasion. A proper facility where they can be cared for and treated is very much needed. It seems also with the rise in drug use this problem seems to be spreading to the younger mostly male population as well.
This is truly a sad story. I noted as I read the story in another publication, the concern for the effect on our tourism. While that's true, what about the individuals who are suffering from mental illness?
It a shame and indeed an indictment on this country, that we do not have a proper facility, or even proper legislation, to help our mentally ill. When one considers the amount of money that has passed through the hands of Government (matters not which administration), over the decades and we are in this situation. When we look at the monstrosity of a school on Frank Sound Road, we should be ashamed. There is much talk about children and the elderly, and rightfully so, but the mentally ill must be taken care of. It is a terrible illness and we just cannot ignore this any longer. Whether the condition is a result of drugs or DNA, their condition is the same. Legisltors, past and present, should hang their heads in shame.
As with those mothers and families who have lost sons and brothers and are suffering because of the unfeeling comments about their loved one, THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, GO I!
In your post 10:40 you expressed my sentiments and I thank you. Indeed, "But for the Grace of God, there goeth I." Those on here laughing and finding such humour in this very sad story should consider that! It is not funny. As for the tourists, those with any decdncy about them would have seen this lost soul through eyes of compassion. Every country has its share of mentally ill but hopefully most would have provided for their care, unlike these Cayman Islands.
As a tourist who has visited your island many times, I have seen your "lost souls" who walk up and down the 7MB stretch and only see them thru eyes of care and compassion. I would not have looked at today's event with humour and would have understood the situation. I believe most tourists would. I believe every city/town has people who are known to have these issues and the community is compassionate toward them. Why would we (as tourists) believe Cayman would be any different? I hope the woman gets the help she needs.
Thank you! And I hope you will visit us again.
It would be nice to know she gets the help she needs, but if her problem is as a result of drug use, everyone of us sane individuals should make it our business and find out who the drug sellers are and turn them in. Those drug dealers are ruining our communities. The weak mined souls are falling for their white stuff.
The fact that you think having an issue with drugs is about being "weak minded" shows how little you know. It is a mental illness, not a matter of will power.
How was she able to walk ALL THE WAY from Cafe Del Sol to Burger King where she was finally apprehended, her walking to the Central Police Station would have been a shorter distance away yet there she was half naked with two swords walking infront of tourist with cameras in which im already sure a half dozen photos are already circling the net #CAYMANISLANDS
Burger King is about 100ft from Cafe del Sol right beside the Court House.
It was the Buger King on the waterfront