Candidates to discuss sexual assault
(CNS): 2nd UPDATE 11:35 am: Nine candidates have so far accepted an invitation to participate in a public discussion on sexual assault, where voters will be given the opportunity to learn where political candidates stand on the issue. The ‘Breakfast with the Candidates’ event will take place on Saturday, 25 April, at the Church of God Chapel Family Life Centre from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. All political parties and independent candidates in the upcoming election have been invited to participate in this event and the public is invited to attend.
The first 10 candidates that respond to the invitation will be given a seat on the panel, and so far nine candidates have accepted, two from UDP, one from PPM and six independent candidates. They are: Gilbert Mclean, Eddie Thompson, Theresa Lewis Pitcairn, Wailing Whittaker, Sandra Catron, Perlina McGaw-Lumsden, Julie O’Connor-Connolly, Alfonso Wright, and Dr Frank McField has now also joined the list, leaving just one spot open.
The political participants will be given the opportunity to provide their solutions and plans to address sexual violence in the Cayman Islands if elected, and the audience will then be given the opportunity to ask questions to the panel of candidates.
The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC), in partnership with the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation (ESRF), will be hosting this historic discussion with political candidates that will focus on discussing solutions to the issue of sexual violence. According to a release from the foundation, the event is being organized as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), which is internationally observed in April. This and other SAAM activities provide an opportunity to educate individuals and communities on the topic of sexual violence and how to prevent it.
Breakfast will be served immediately following the event, and there will be an opportunity for the audience and candidates to continue dialogue after the formal panel discussion has concluded. For more information on this free event or other SAAM activities, please contact the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre at 949-0366 or email renee.grate@cicc.ky or the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation at esrfoundation@gmail.com.
Category: Election 2009
Correct me if I am wrong – Is Theresa an only child? WIth her mom being so ill maybe her focus should be on spending time with her mom and family. That is more important.
What was even more of a shame was the lack of turnout by the audience as well as the lack of real solutions being proposed.
Although Sandra Catron had to leave early she had the best solutions in her initial presentation. I understand that despite her sister Ann James passing away she attended this event and then left to attend the funeral. Wow … can I say how impressed I am at this young lady? She’s well spoke, researches her topics and spoke about real solutions that we could implement.
I agree with her that the laws in this area need to be revamped completely. We need to start there. Sandra also said that she would give 1 day per month of her time to go into our schools and talk to young men and women about violence. Hats off to you Sandra.
The other only woman on the panel was Pearlina. What does that say? Even if the other women were not on the panel they could have at least came and listened! No others showed up; yet we have 8 of them running for office.
This speaks volumes.
I guess this is where you determine who lives in glass houses and the rubber hits the road. This is a most timely discussion since we know that abuse against women are very prevalent here in the Cayman Islands; and that it is even happening from the very top.
I think it is a disgrace that every politician running for elected office is not doing everything possible to attend this event.
As a voter I would look carefully at a person who didn’t attend this event and ask myself, "Is this the type of person I want making the laws in my country?"
Has it been confirmed that Ms. Catron will be there? I think her sister’s funeral is at the same time. It would be sad if she’s not able to attend – my condolences go out to her and her entire family for their loss.
I’m glad to see that this is happening. Please help us protect our children. Thank you Ms. Catron! Keep up the good work for all of us.
I look forward to this debat with bated breath. I hope that the candidates have taken the time to properly inform themselves of the laws and the current practices and thereby have an informed and adult debate – rather than of course the uninformed emotional bigoted hogwash that usually comes out of these public forums.
Ms. Catron will be there. Maybe they will learn a thing or two from her when she speaks on this issue. I know this is one of her passions.
I believe it is a passion not only for Catron but also for all the people of the Cayman Islands.