Tourists mugged at beach
(CNS): Following revelations on a tourist blog site, the RCIPS has confirmed thata couple visiting the Cayman Islands from the United States was robbed in broad daylight on Barefoot Beach in East End on Monday lunchtime. Police said that Bodden Town detectives have launched an enquiry in the wake of the crime, which occurred around noon. The man and woman parked their hire car in a pathway off the Queens Highway next to Barefoot Beach and a short time later they were threatened by three robbers while sitting on the beach.
Police said the couple was suddenly confronted by three men who all had their faces covered by t-shirts, two of which were armed with a baseball bat and a knuckleduster. One of the men grabbed the male tourist, placed him in a headlock and demanded cash and the victims handed over a wallet containinga small amount of money.
As the suspects were making off from the scene they smashed the window of the couple’s hire car with the baseball bat and stole a camera.
Police said the couple were not injured in the incident but have been left shaken by the ordeal.
The suspects are described as follows; One was approximately 17 years old, 5 feet 7 inches in height, dark complexion. He was wearing a knuckleduster and a dark blue NBA jersey. The second was about 5 feet 10 inches in height and approximately 165 pounds wearing short pants and carried the baseball bat. The third was said to be about 6 feet in height, approximately 165 pounds and wearing a white shirt and short pants.
Detective Sergeant Dwayne Jones, of Bodden Town CID, said, “This is a very remote location and it’s extremely unusual for an incident like this to take place in the area. Although the location is out of the way it is entirely possible that someone travelling on Queens Highway saw the suspects either before or after the incident. If anyone has information that could assist the enquiry they should call Bodden Town CID on 947-2220 or Crime Stoppers 800-8477 (TIPS).”
The Commander of the Eastern Districts, Chief Inspector Martin Bodden Jr., has confirmed that there will be increased police patrols in the area.
The couple, who went to the Reef Resort in East End, wrote about the incident on a tourist web-site yesterday where they thanked the staff there who helped them contact the police.They said the RCIPS had responded promptly and acted in a most professional manner.
“ I felt like we were in an episode of CSI with all the fingerprinting and DNA swabbing that was done,’ the visitors revealed, adding that everyone was “appalled and shocked” that this could happen in East End. “A sad sign of the times on Grand Cayman," the couple added.
Category: Headline News
Just keep making Cayman sound soo downgrading and see how many tourist will keep coming here!!
You guys need to stop making Cayman sound soo bad because worldwide can see this.. I’m not a Caymanian but I love the islands and I recommend anyone to come here on vacay.
The way you guys are going with this bad news eventually there will be only few.
Message to the Government. Take in, Photograph and finger print every young male in the East End District between the ages of 16 and 24. Want to limit is down? Dare I say profile? Take in every young male between these ages that look like a hoodlum with no job. Awe comon’ guys,,,you know what a hoodlum looks like. You can’t fool us. Forget about Human Rights for a moment. This is our Island, The good people of Cayman. When you have done this then have these two poor souls sift through the photographs. Then investigate. You can catch these guys. You must catch them and make an example out of them. For $20 these low lifes has cost this country plenty. The time to make examples out of people who do this is now. Do you not know what hoodlums look like? Do we have to take you by the hand an show you? To the Parents of these lowlifes, you are low lifes too. You need to pack up your “family” and go. Soon people will take the law into their own hands.
A sad state if affairs and we’re seriously lacking leadership from all angles. Mac, is away on some fact finding $1million visit and will comeback claiming the Saudi’s are looking for oil in Cayman. Then there’s Mr. Bean ( Baines) who is a comic himself and trying to figure where’s Hell. Seriously though it’s really bad for Cayman’s safe reputation that is quickly disappearing by the day. Stop using this crime stats comparisons as the old saying goes sort out your first before you start meddling in other people affairs. Also start getting tougher laws that would involve labour and use strong arm tactics and crying out loud get real men back in the force like McArtur Bodden who I can remember growing scared the grap out of everyone. When tourist are robbed in broad daylight in East End then makes you wonder if it’s worth even going to the beach.
I hope this is the last of these such attacks and that crime will decline sharply yet I think it’s probably will raise it’s ugly head again. Residents need to put pressure on our lazy and greedy politicians to either do something or get out of the way. Cayman is still a relative safe place and one of the nicest places in the world yet if violence continues it won’t be. Wishing all of you the best and blessings to all.
mug? thank God they wasn’t robbed… you see that everyday where they are from… me and husband had a good time here. i just have a suggestion – next time, don’t make this into such a sensational story. it will not do your tourism any good. look at kingston, jamaica… do you think they’re going to put every mug story in their papers?
Anyone else see this in the Wikileaks files:
http://bernews.com/2011/02/wikileaks-bermuda-sought-help-on-crime/
At a meeting last year attended by none other than our own premier, BERMUDA acknowledged that it had a problem with crime and discussed US and UK assistance in dealing with it.
It seems the Cayman Islands representative chose not to speak up.
Many people have been predicting the rise to tourist crime for 2 years. Now the private sector is being forced to create "safety information" for tourists because the government leader will not address the crime issue in The Cayman Islands. The continuing rise in crime must be stopped. If the Premier and Deputy Premier will not address this issue they should be told to step down and resign. What is wrong with the rest of the cabinet and elected MLA’s.
WOW I’m changing my vacation plans from Grand Cayman to Key West Florida. I love your island but the safety of my family is more important, I hope you get these guys under control before all your tourist dollars are gone!
Sorry to hear that, especially as Key West reported 2,138 crimes last year for a population of 23,000.
You should take comfort in the fact that a mugging still makes the news and causes such consternation among the people.
I know that stats are little comfort if you are the victim of crime, and I wish those tourists well.
Maybe the DOT could spring for a weeks all inclusive vacation for them, with our tourist product being tarnished I’m sure there are many businesses out there who wouldn’t mind offering a free meal, drink, car, dive, flight?
Stay safe.
I am ‘highly’ suspect of all these postings. Something on the order of one-third of the postings here… all these potential Cayman tourists are are shaken to the core and are no longer planning on visiting our islands.
Really… the more I read the comments the more this stinks. I don’t see any comments by these potential visitors in such large numbers saying, wow I can’t believe the effort you guys are making to search for this missing woman.
I don’t see any comments from these potential tourists on any of the dozens of other positive stories posted here on CNS… but suddenly they come pouring out of the woodwork when a story like this appears.
I any major American city, you know what this would be. Petty theft, or smash and grab… a mugging… most likely wouldn’t even make the paper. They would be referred to as misguided youth and victims of their upbringing.
But when he happens here, everybody around the world starts shaking in their boots.
Cancel the dock, get me a taser. Call out the troops, everybody head for the hills… arm all the police, fire the commissioner…
Seriously now, we have one of the most beautiful places on the planet… it’s clean and yes… it is ‘for-the-most-part’ crime free.
Unfortunately there are a few incidents like this which make our skin boil (and that’s a good thing)… but everything that makes us a destination and everything that makes us call this home… is still here.
I would not be suspect of (this) posting, as I meant what I said, having visited GC ten times since 2004. I also wrote several favorable reviews on Trip Advisor and actually encouraged others to visit.
On one occasion, we visited shortly after Ivan, and did not see or hear about any crime. What happened?
I would not take an expense paid trip now under any circumstances.
I do agree with you on how minor this incident would be viewed in any US city, as unfortunately we have grown used to that type of thing by our own subculture on a daily basis.
Perhaps we are just sad, in shock, or just as angry as you are, because we really loved your island andthe people who made us feel safe and welcome. Maybe our harsh comments are in the hope they will inspire some action by your government and police department so we can return someday.
Keep another thing in mind- 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day in the US, with many more soon to follow. We are the ones with the time and money to visit, and are probably more concerned about the recent crime. As I’ve stated before, if we have to deal with criminal hood rats, we will stay here, where at least we are armed.
Marek…you have not been a follower of Trip Adviser. For many years only positive things have been written about GC. We have loved your island and promoted your island re. safety, the people, the beaches and the peace we all felt arriving on your shores. Now, the tide has shifted and people are now discussing how the crime is changing our views. It makes us leary about spending our dollars to come holiday on your island. It is not one incident of crime. It has been many. We have tried to overlook the shootings, the home invasions, the store breaks, the muggings, the bank robberies, the purse snatchings, the stabbings, but each and every story adds a little extra to our questioning of our next trip. It has started to become a daily event and becoming “more personal” when we start to feel that we can not sit on a beach or go to a restaurant or gas station. We want to come to your island. Many of us have been coming there for years. We have invested thousands of dollars there and have many of friends who live on your island.
I hope this helps clear up why this is somewhat “personal” to us, also.
So if I am to understand you correctly you are suggesting that some of the posts to this honorable forum may be disingenuous.
Welcome aboard mate…the best are from the political faithful.
" it’s clean and yes… it is ‘for-the-most-part’ crime free. "
No, it’s not. There’s garbage everywhere.
And no, it’s not "even a little part" crime free.
I’m sorry to be blunt and pointed, but you sound stupid parroting that old "crime-free" chestnut and it is angering to hear it in these circumstances. That was not really true on the old days and it sure as xxxx isn’t true now. A quick read of the headlines proves you are wrong.
I personally know you are wrong, having lived and worked in the place. I left because people were getting shot in front of the parking lot assigned to me by my downtown major law firm.
My wife took to sleeping with a kitchen knife beside the bed after the home break and enters started. You know, the ones where the residents get beat up and robbed? The ones where the only person on the Island to do anything aboutit was the home-owner who shot and killed the armed intruder?
I would list the various murders, assaults and whatnot, but it would take far too long. It will suffice to remind the readers that Cayman has had 7 armed robberies in 2011, and we’re only in early February. One restaurant has been robbed twice so far this year. There is a manhunt for a missing woman currently underway. Armed men are wandering around the SMB high-end condo resorts (read the report on CNS). These tourists were mugged. Another was stabbed in the stomach on SMB.
You say "crime free". Really? In what universe do you live?
Pretending the problem doesn’t exist used to be a cute PS scheme, but now it’s just maddening. Deal with the problem Cayman, before it’s too late. But it probably already is.
"It’s clean and yes… it is" 8:38 you left because people were getting shot in front of the parking lot assigned to you by your downtown Law firm ? OK I think this is getting a little (you think?) out of context. Wow am I glad you left the island ! You seem to be a little psycho to me and it worries me that you lived among us. I worked downtown for 25 years and scratching my head at which parking lot you are referring to that people were shot in front of. You definatly are good for a drama role. Please don’t insult our intelligence. Yes 7 robberies( some attempted) this year in 41 days. Cayman has changed but you don’t need to add to it, and we are still safer then most other Island destinations in the Caribbean. Please get the right Island next time.
With all due respect Marek where are you living. The crime rate in Cayman has sky rocketed over the past 3 years. The proliferation of guns in our society is ridiculous. Innocent people, children and now tourists are being violated on almost daily basis. Do not ignore crime. Don’t stick your head in the sand. Put pressure on our elected officials until someone cleans up the country.
In the last two weeks I had two unusual and extremely aggressive encounters with two different cruise ship tourists.
One was a screaming match with a guy yelling you f**king people are ripping me off… he failed to see that $5.00 US on a $4.00 CI purchase garnered 20 cents in change… he pitched the 20 cents at the employee and pushed another person in line waiting to order and walked out pretty much saying… he had just been ‘robbed’ by this establishment.
He was of course, wrong and rude and not interested in the explanation being offered to him.
About a week earlier I had an equally aggressive and uncalled for encounter with a cruise ship passenger… who no doubt will blog or post comments on some website.
The point here is, people need to measure these web postings with a grain of salt and try to weed them out for what they are.
I certainly feel for this couple, but there are questions which come to mind and make this event seem … unusual.
Not sure what questions come to mind. You seem to suggest that the island is sane and this is all the work of vicious outsiders; a bit of Cayman paranoia.
Calling these victims liars certainly won’t help the situation Marek. Try apologizing to them on behalf of the Cayman Islands instead. The people who read your post will know that not only will they get robbed in the Cayman Islands, but they won’t be believed when they report it. That’s not going to help in the slightest.
I was by no means calling the victims liars and in factsaid I felt for their situation, what I was and am suspect of is all the postings by people claiming to be potential visitors are who are now shaken to the core and terrified for their lives.
We may only have 50,000 people, but we get 1.8 million cruise ship passengers per year and a few hundred thousand more by air for long term stay over.
Pretty safe to save that on any given day, our population is nearer to 100,000 than it is 50,000… no crime would be idea and unfortunately we don’t live in an idea world.
But all of these terrified posters live in and are coming from areas where the crime is 10-50 times worse than it is here in Cayman… that is what I find suspect.
On a weekly basis every major city in American, many in Europe and now many in Canada have dozen murders, hundreds of robberies, road rage shootings… home invasions… streets filled ‘filled’ with homeless people.
I read their news too…
Even the TripAvisor Poster who was also kind enough to post a reply referred to everything in plurals … bank robberies, muggins, home invasions…
The realty remains that while these events do unfortunately happen they are indeed rare and not well tolerated by our community.
On a daily basis I see so many good deeds here in Cayman. I wave to so many people, conduct so many conversations at the market. I yield to turning traffic… and always get a friendly horn tap… I see cars stopping all the time on West Bay road to allow tourists to cross.
I also see a more often polite reaction from local drivers who have to flash their lights to remind a tourist with a white plate… that they are on the wrong side of the road.
I see people holding doors for women and elderly people…
I feel terrible for a tourist … or anybody… who has had any of these things happen to them… but seriously now… TWO MILLION people come here every year…
Statistically speaking, this may well be the safest place in the world when you consider that something happened to… perhaps half a dozen … or maybe even a dozen.
Marek,
The reason there are so many posts related to this incident is that the man has a high internet profile, is one of the destination experts for tripadvisor.com, is a North Side property owner and comes to GC many times each year. He has earned the respect and affection of many local and long time visitors. No reason to be suspicious.
I think the police here can voice the words" proactive policing" but they don’t know the meaning of them. Quite simply the police brass here don’t know how to deal with this type of crime. They are like fish out of water. Baines and those junior to him have had more than enough time to come up with a workable plan to really combat crime. It leaves one to think that there must be another reason for their failings. What are they waiting for another innocent life to be lost. Next time it could be a tourist. What are our politicians doing (nothing). They can hide behind that" its the polices job and they don’t control them" stance for so long. We are fast becoming a little Jamaica. They (the politicians) are our voice,it’s high time they let the Governor and England know this type of policing cant go on. Tourism is one of our major ways of financial survival.
ISN”T ONE CAUSE OF CRIME, THE FAILING ECONOMY??? If that is so, then what caused our economy to sink and so many go unemployed??? Some are blaming the UDP government. But that’s funny. It must a case of amnesia. I recall somewhere during PPM’s tenure when Kurt and Alden was in charge of things, the country got in some serious debt, and because of the countries debt, I remember too well how McKeeva got the most votes to make things better. Now… it is quite interesting that he is engaging in many projects to increase the countries revenue, and those same ones are apparently against him. This is quite amusing 🙂
CaymanKind must be Pilar’s and CG’s brainchild.
Note to the inexperienced – Don’t promise what you can’t deliver. This will backfire and tourism will further decline.
It was interesting to see the spin they put on the recently posted statistics which they dubbed “encouraging”.
If you want to know the truth about the statistics read the fine print and see the comments from the private sector representatives who warn that there is much work to be done to get our tourism numbers back to the 2007 and 2008 numbers.
Signed : SPIN DOCTOR POLICEMAN
Go East, get robbed. Go West, get robbed. Work in a bank in George Town, get robbed. Be in Bodden Town in the evening, get robbed. Work in a restaurant or store in West Bay, get robbed, Or worse! Stop for gas in West Bay, well we all remember that tragedy. Doesn’t sound very kind to me.
Numerous very knowledgeable people in the private sector have spoken for years about how a public/private sector tourism authority would re energize and re invent Cayman’s stay over tourism industry. This will not happen with the present premier in power.
Pilar hasn’t been working with DoT for quite awhile so I’m sure it’s not her "brainchild".
The guy (or gal) was just trying to enjoy the beach… They weren’t applying for the job as a cook. What’s with all the violence LOL!!! Warning: focus on those upcoming kids. Hell will be Cayman’s to pay… Time will tell…
This is so sad. I just last week booked airfare for our family vacation this summer to the Caymans. I relied on the U.S. Govt website that this was one of the safest islands when booking. With an island of 50,000 people the violent crimes I’m reading about now are very concerning to me. Pickpockets are one thing but these crimes I am seeing to tourists are violent in nature and quite scary since they seem to be all over the island.
Living in a town of about 50,000 in the U.S. yes crimes happen here as they do everywhere but this seems more frequent than in my town and doesn’t look like it’s getting any better in the near future. Other places in Mexico and Caribbean I’ve been to certainly had crimes as well but much bigger population and pretty much not targeting tourists.
I’m sorry that I took the plunge and booked my flights but already wondering if perhaps I’ll pay the change fees and move elsewhere. It has certainly taken the sails out of my vacation having to worry about the safety of my family.
Hope the government and police take this to heart because I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling this way.
Please trust me as someone that spends a lot of time here, the Islands are safe. This is a one off, not good I know, but most people are very relaxed here and stillenjoying themselves. Ok, it may be a while before some people go to a remote beach, but I really think there will be an increased police presence around these places, and perhaps people will be observant. You will enjoy your time here, aim to share it with other people in the relaxing but populated areas if you are not confident. But anywhere you go these days, there is a level of crime. It is the way of the world unfortunately.
I have been living in the Cayman Islands for 10 years and travel extensively. Yes things have changed but compared to other destinations Cayman is still a very safe place.
Once again I have to agree with most posts on here and again ask the question.WHERE the HELL is our Govt on all this?.It took almost two years just to come up with a crime strategy.What the hell good does that do?Action is needed NOW.Stop all this pussyfooting around and get your heads out of the SAND people and start making a difference.Do you guys not see that with the escalating crime will come less jobs as our tourism product goes down the drain and all we seem to be worried about is signing more monetary cooperation agreements with other countries.I would love to get our Premier on one of the talk shows so that the public can put him on the hot seat with this one but having said that there are not too many people who would stand up to him and say what is really concerning them with this present situation.
Here is what will happen.A march is organised from the Governors home to the Glasshouse and say about 250 people show up.By the time the march arrives at the Premiers office there will be less than one can count on both hands.This is the way it has been and will continue to be here.as people aremostly all talk and NO DO.(Prove me wrong PEOPLE).
I wish the police would publish and stop covering up, that many of these reports are suspicious.
Still nothing about the purse snatcher by the Royal Watler Terminal……..how many more not reported????
can we fly this lady in please….
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/feb/07/woman-robbers-handbag
Tourist Robbed & Murdered – that is the next headline Cayman will have to face if something isn’t done soon. Then kiss goodbye to the cruise ships and the stay-over tourists. The police chief must now for the sake of Cayman resign and a new chief must be appointed. Please fall on your sword now! Legislators then must pass a law that all officers must be armed. Bandits – shame on you. You risk the jobs of those people in the tourism industry for the sake of a few selfish bucks. Just think for a moment, and I bet you have friends and family working in or connected to the tourism industry. You are taking bread from the tables of those people. You should be placed in the stocks in front of the court house so the good people of Cayman can throw rotten eggs in your face – no 6 month play-station vacation at Northward for you! Cayman is being written off as a safe vacation spot on the internet thanks to the likes of you. Buy a Friday Compass and get a job. If the police can’t find these clowns and prosecute them promptly the good ship Cayman will go down. To the tourists robbed – so very sorry – not the true Cayman – this is an isolated incident – but we will sort this problem out because our lively-hoods depend on it.
Perhaps you are right, we will solve this because our livelyhoods depend on it; but I think a better reason is because it is the right thing to do. These incidents anger some and sadden others, but I suspect that the great majority of Caymanians are mostly embarrased and want to apologise to our guests. I know that I do.
I would like to submit a comment to this article. In early December, my husband and I were at our property along Sea View Road. We were looking fairly “rag tag” as we were working in our yard. Not long after we had been there, an unmarked police car pulled up, flashing its lights and Officer Ben asked if we were ok.
We could not get over how kind and concerned for our safety this police officer was that day and told everyone when we came home. He explained to us that we were in his district and that it is his job to make sure that everything is ok. We see a police presence around the island that makes our home town pale by comparison.
It is unfortunate that a story like this paints Cayman as such a dangerous place. We have experienced quite the opposite.
This is one of the most appaulling things I have read, an absolute disgrace, if I was a tourist I would boycott the Cayman Islands completely!!!
Unfortunately I am a Caymanian and have to remain here with this terror, sad, very sad!!! And it is awkward that we now have to say “unfortunately I am Caymanian” when the number one saying has always been “proud to be a Caymanian” how I long for the days when that was the greatest title to uphold!!!
“Terror”? Lol. Why do people not keep things within context? Yes crime has risen and is a serious concern, but can you honeslty say that you feel unsafe walking around Cayman’s streets now? We must learn to keep situations likt this in context and stop over-exaggerating (Yes, that’s what a lot of these concerns are based on). Crime happens every where and is an unfortunate part of society. With an increasing population, comes increased crime. With a struggling economy, comes increased crime. Etc etc. Keep perspectives relative.
Tell me why I would spend my hard-earned funds to visit Cayman? The allure of Cayman has long been the relative friendliness of the people and safety of the islands. When safety is absent, it is just another dangerous beach…
Tell me why I would spend my hard-earned funds to visit Cayman? The allure of Cayman has long been the relative friendliness of the people and safety of the islands. When safety is absent, it is just another dangerous beach…
I have said it so many times, pass a law that requires one to carry a valid ID. Then ensure police makes random checks when they see people lingering and huddling around with apparently nothing to do. The police then needs to make immediate checks with immigration, schools etc.
Will this prevent all crime? No, but it is a start. Unless those thugs feel that at any time they can be searched and questioned, nothing is going to change. This requires the police to go out on foot, bikes, etc.
The strategy needs to switch to prevention, not dealing with matters AFTERWARDS.
Can we bring back flogging and corporal punishment for idiots that commit crimes like this?
Its clear that the time has come for Mr. Baines to resign. He has blamed everyone (including other countries and music) for what is going on here, but has yet himself fully taken accountability to the scope of his responsibilities.
He is clearly out of touch, out of ideas and tactics to deal with this escalating and devastating crime problem. Cayman simply can no longer afford to continue down this path and it time to bring in experts to help destroy this infestation in our society and stop playing to the political correctness crowd.
We now have tourists being robbed in their homes, on the beach, in parking lots, in broad daylight. Are we going to wait until they are robbed coming out of the airport or the cruise ship doors before we realize that our policing efforts are utterly inadequate and incompetent?
It’s time Mr Baines. Do the right thing and exit while you can still do so gracefully.
Yea right! blame it on Mr. Barnes, blame it on the Governor, Blame it on the expats. If all the idiots like you exited gracefully there would be NO problems. For all the not idiots out there responsibility lies with the people causing the problems. Incredibly bad parenting, unbelivably bad leadership,low to no morals, Lazyness, corruption,Inept,incompetent, skilless but of course intittled people. It is no small wonder that so many on island have nothing good to say about anyone who’s job it is to fight crime and criminals on Cayman. Crime on Cayman was not caused by Barnes, the Governor, or Expats even though it is left to them to fix it because no one else can.
Was smashing the bat against the car really necessary after they already had the $ and were on their way? Idiots.
Agreed – the scum did take the new underwater camera from the car when they did this – lets all please keep an eye out for this going on sale cheap.
These people, along with the recent stabbing attack on SMB – really has sunk this already ailing Island to a new all time low!
Are you sure 10:15 of what actually took place. You may be far from the truth.
Information was on CNS blogs also that the Cuban Boat was not given fewel or anything else, and that is not true. They were given Fuel water and gatorade b y Caymanians.
Hmmm, wrong thread I think? 10.15 talking about tourist getting robbed and you talking bout a different news article!
Hmmm perhaps you didn’t read the article – they didn’t smash it for the hell of it, they did it to steal a brand new underwater camera – quite an expensive piece of equipment.
Here is a link to the guy’s blog, in which he clearly states they smashed the windscreen ( and there is a nice photo to prove it ) and broke into the car to steal the camera:
http://caymansnorkelblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/while-i-know-incidents-and-criminal.html
so apparently they did smash it just for the hell of it. Nor does anyone but a thug carry a knuckleduster on their person. Let’s not make excuses for these guys, it was premeditated, malicious and just what we don’t need.
he did say they smashed the window and stole his camera… but he didn’t say the smashed the window ‘to’ steal the camera. Unless they smashed 2 windows, I can’t see from the photo how the nimrod would get his teevin hand through the smash.
So it seems nobody here understands the meaning of "just for the hell of it", which actually means for no particular reason, or on a whim, i.e. to get nothing out of it, thus indicating the person/people smashed the window for no reason and to gain nothing.
Now re-read the original comment:
Was smashing the bat against the car really necessary after they already had the $ and were on their way? Idiots.
I simply replied to point out exactly the same thing as you guys… that it wasn’t for the hell of it (on a whim/for no reason or gain) it was to steal an expensive underwater camera, which I am sure is worth a lot more than the $20 they managed to get off the tourists in question. I read islandblues post to say that they just smashed the windows and gone and was trying to correct them.
So I have no clue why all the thumbs down, and comments which basically say exactly what I said already!
This is what the tourists are now saying about Grand Cayman (from Tripadvisor):
Testudo, unfortunately Seven Mile Beach has had it’s share of problems lately. Calico Jack’s, Treasure Island, Caribbean Club, Beach Suites, Comfort Suites, the former Next Level and Gino’s have all been in the news with various issues. Alfresco and TimBucTuu, in West Bay, were both robbed during a time in the evening when diners could have been eating. Poor TimBucTuu has been robbed twice in the early evening.
Since reading about the car break-in and thefts of items on the beach at Cemetary Beach, we no longer put anything into the trunk of the car when we are in full view and never bring anything we would miss.
We also spent a lovely day in September snorkeling off the Cayman Kai Public Beach, we had the beach to ourselves. I’ll think twice about secluded beaches in that area now and honestly, am no longer comfortable on the beaches up in the far West Bay area, either.
Sad.
I think this is the guy who was robbed writing on tripadvisor
No, this comment is from another tourist responding to his original post.
It defies belief that the leaders of this country are busy squabbling about ports and quarries and district councils and the premier says crime is down!
Meanwhile their impotent political posturing is slowly but surely being forced off the front pages by robberies, stabbings, murders and missing people that they won’t even acknowledge.
The lack of leadership on this issue is as shocking to me as the crime itself.
I’ve never been on a protest march but I think it’s reached that point. Unless the Cayman people make the leadership understand that crime has to be their only priority right now they are just going to carry on doing absolutely nothing.
How about from the GT police station to the Governor’s house?
Very disturbing news which is not only unfortunate but destructive in regards to our tourism and CaymanKind project. The only thing I can now suggest is that we either keep our blinders on or we start reporting suspicious activity. Yes it won’t be pleasant but we have no choice. ie. 2 to 3 persons driving around idely in a faily fancy car apparently not working if on a weekday or same person (s) or car repeatetly seen in one aera. It will be many 911 call and many innocent persons possibly harrased but what else can we do. Also start identifying gang colors by the authorities and aera of turf. We need to be educated has to how to identify (the) criminal element and behavior. We, the older generation(Maybe 30 ‘s and up) trusting by nature and need to be more aware of our environment and if anyone has any info. on any crime or anyone please pass it on. We need proper legislation for witness protestion and a future plan to go with it as this is a small place (confidentiality). It may already exist in a way but now needs to be explained and finalized so the public do not have to live in fear for their lives should they provide valuable info. A sincere apology to those all those precious tourist affected by these bums and hope and pray that our present Government will address this important issue a.s,a,p. Let’s support our police force,
Its only a matter of time before these guys target the wrong person(s) to mess with and end up getting seriously hurt. Lets just hope this happens sooner rather than later!! People are slowly arming themselves just in case this kind of stuff happens to them. I myself have a few things in my vehicle that are not illegal but would inflict some serious harm on a would be robber given the situation!
It scares me when I think of the times my wife and I have been alone at your secluded beaches without protection from the criminals that plague your country.
I can assure you this- if they were to attempt bodily harm to me or my wife at our beach in SC or ME they would be in for a grave surprise.
It is appalling that our tourists are being subjected to such incidents . Unless some form of fear of apprehension & prosecution is instilled in these thugs, they will continue to carry out such crimes. There will be no need for any new tourism advertising & campaigns to bring the tourists & their dollars here to Cayman. They are reading if this & other incidents & planning a trip somewhere else. Disgraceful & shame on the perpetrators.
Come to Cayman Brac tourists – we would love to have you – and its safe here and serene and we have secluded beaches – come to da Brac
Me and my sister go that beach a lot! I hope that the idiots that did this are very pleased with themselves!!! You know if any of you went to St Lucia you would see that Cayman is a lot better off than you think!!! It is a shame that some thugs decided to make it unsafe!! This should not be happening!!!!
Crime in Cayman Islands is total out of control. In a such small island, police can’t get organize to stop crime. We need good police here. This will be getting worse and worse…..
NO!!! This is insane!!! My trip is planned for April and I am staying in a remote area. I sure hope I don’t have to fear coming to the Island. I hate crime! I read the paper everyday and it is sad enough that the local people are victims but to take advantage of the visitors is truly horrible. Why do we want to come to the Island and spend our hard earned money. I guess there is no longer a nice long walk on the beach at night. There is no going at night to have a cocktail at sunset. There is no sitting in front of your cottage during the day. UGH! This is so sad! I sure hope they curb this crime quickly. Can I bring anything with me to defend myself? This is truly a sad day in Cayman!
This is a favorite snorkel site of a friend who rents my condo every year. I won’t put he and his wife in harm’s way. They will know the dangers.
I spend a lot of time driving around the Island. During the day I see a lot of teens and children walking up and down and hanging out. Why are they not in school?
And I see how these teens ‘groom’ themselves. Not exactly looking like upstanding students. Oh and the tattoos! That is just amazing that parents allow their children to get tattoos.
Really, there should be a law that tattooing is for adults only. But I digress, anyway the point I wish to make is:
Where are the truant vans! (those are the vehicles that drive around picking up the kids that are skipping school). Or shouldn’t the Police be stopping and questioning those youths on the street in the day? It is part of the crime prevention package!
Shepherd. You see, those children on the streets are some of the 300 that graduated from school last year and cannot find jobs in their island and their parents cannot afford college.
It’s not because these children you see on the streets dont want to work and that they feel they should be given work because they are Caymanians ( I am sick of hearing this) but because their applications are not even looked at much less considered.
Today our Caymanian children feel lost, rejected for people from the Phillipines, Jamaica, Honduras and Canada to name a few who come here and get the jobs because they work for much less. These foreign workers live 10 in a room, pool their money for food and rent and send the rest home for 7 years. They then go home and start a business or retire. So Shepherd, I am asking you, as a starting point, if you have a job available offer it to one of these kids you see on the street.
I do however agree with you if some of these kids are still of school age and wandering the streets, they should be picked up and the parents fined if they dont have a good excuse for the child being out of school.
First time I’ve heard of Canadians ‘herding’ living 10 to a room. Really??
Naive much??
wouldn’t be enough room left for the beer
Truant van is an excellent idea, but guess what these same kids that you see on the streets are the recent graduates that OUR government believes is ready to fit into society.They cant get a good job and thinks that they are adults now so hence they do not heed their parents advice.
having a child leave school at age 16 is ludicris, they are not fully developed and cant make a good decision so why put them out to fail.
This still is no excuse for the viscious attacks that they are carrying out, the education dept needs to come up with a better alternative for these children, granted now some of them cant be redeemed. Parents need to act as parents not buddys too.
Reply to ”I spend a lot of time driving”
You are so right…They need to get on these young teens early and
hopefully prevent them from getting into the wrong crowd in a year
or two.
It’s very sad when you read articles about where Cayman has gone. But let’s remember that no country today is totaly crime free. We must look at this relatively.
With that being said, times have changed in Cayman and there seems to be no looking back. To blame are a number of things, particularly an increase in lazy people (I’m tired of hearing lack of available jobs), terrible parenting, and a failed education system/lack of education. If we are to successfully combat increasing crime rates, we must tackle the issue which we can influence, from it’s roots. In the meantime, police patrols need to be increased and people need to be more willing to come forward.
In case there was any doubt that this is going around in the tourist circles:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147365-i261-k4227898-Crime_It_Happens-Grand_Cayman_Cayman_Islands.html
http://caymansnorkelblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/while-i-know-incidents-and-criminal.html
Are there any concealed carry places in the Caribbean? Maybe you need to invite an NRA cruise to stop by and clean things up for you.
Such a shame- I guess all my wife and I have are great memories and photos of your beautiful island. I really feel bad for those who invested in real estate.
Meanwhile, we can visit safer places inhabited by smarter humanbeings.
First of all I must apoligize to the tourist, thank God the idots didn’t do anymore damage than what was done. I saw this coming to fruit for a while now and its finally here. All I have to say is start saving your money Caymanians you will need it to leave this crime ridden island soon. And on a more positive note where are those greedy money sucking politicans. They should try and for once start doing their jobs. Mr. Bush, and the rest of the house what are you all going to do. Oh let me answer that for you NOTHING as always, cause your getting a big fat salary every month, while drugs, crime and criminals room the streets of Grand Cayman, you all should spend a few years in Northward yourselves all of you and you call yourselves leaders hHA HA HA. You are a disgrace to these islands.
what do you expect from a place that gets rid of educated, hardworking, honest, dedicated professionals after 7 years……
then again, the way things are going…maybe the people getting rolled over are the lucky ones….
I could not agree more!!! You are spot on and more and more people realize what you say is true,
I’m already gone, having preemptively departed to deal with the rollover on my own terms. I’m happy to have my family away from the violence of Grand Cayman, but I’m very sad that Cayman has destroyed itself.
It was a nice territory while it lasted. I do feel that I got to see the twilight of the golden age of Cayman prior to the fall. It wasn’t as grandiose as being in Rome before the fall of that empire, but it was nice to see Cayman in it’s golden age before it was gone. I’ll always treasure the memories, and I regret that it’s no longer there for others to share.
And you were saying "Wait until a tourist is attacked or robbed"…
Last one off’s a rotten egg.
That includes you Caymanians too. No reason to stay for anyone anymore.
Coming so soon after the now confirmed attack on the tourist on Seven Mile Beach, my God what has this little island become? While I fully support our police force, this does not prevent me from wondering if despite all their best efforts we have the kind of police presence we need in these dire times. This is not a criticism of our officers at all, please understand, but rather perhaps an organizational query, over which our officers may have little individual or collective control. Whatever, something needs to be done, and immediately, to restore the security we once enjoyed. Please, if you don’t already, pray daily for our country. Thank you.
I remember just last year my wife and I sitting on that same beach alone around 2:00 in the afternoon just enjoying the view. We both said to each other, this is Paradise and it happens to be right down the road from where I sunk my retirement money into buying land in hopes of building us a home to enjoy in our later years, what a waste, now all I can think of is how It’s scary to say that that could have been us, and it most likely would have been worse because I am not one to give up money so quickly.
I just for the life of me I cannot understand how things can go down so fast, and it’s incredible how fast the crime rate is escalating. This is all due to a lack of adequate policing of the island. Crooks are becoming more blatant simply because they know they can get away with this type of stuff and other potential crooks see that everyone else is getting away with it so they figure they can too. They are obviously just cruising the island looking for victims and I’m sure tourists seem like easy pickings especially when there’s no cops to help or a court system that will put them away for a long time.
I see district MLA’s complaining about new Ports, New Hospitals and upward development of the island, but have yet to see one of them demand a stronger police presence to protect what the Cayman Islands lifestyle issupposed to be, safe. People follow windbag MLA’s complaining that development is a threat to Cayman Culture, yet Crime is your biggest problem and I see none of them rallying a cry for more protection from the RCIPS who clearly cannot handle the current growing crime rate on the island.
What a crying shame. Just out of curiosity I went to several Travel Websites and looked for Comments about the Cayman Islands. I was surprised to see how many people recommend avoiding the Cayman Islands do to Safety Concerns ad they have the nerve to say Tourism is up, doesn’t sound like it will be until crime is down. Here are few Examples of what potential tourist see when they search the web to see if it safe in the Cayman islands.
Fodors.com
Sept 15, 2010
There is NO destination that is totally safe. Unfortunately there was recently a report of a tourist being robbed along West Bay Rd in the heart of Seven Mile Beach.
Oct 20, 2010
The crime plague that has been troubling many formerly “crime free” (no place is crime free I know of) has expanded its reach to Grand Cayman. Armed man robs hotel guests on Seven Mile Beach in the heart of the tourist area.
Travelosity.com
Oct 10, 2010
The recent robbery at Grand Cayman Beach Suites shows the danger that is now obvious in the Cayman Islands. Crime has escalated over the last two years to levels that threaten the foundations of the island and the community. Murders and violence in Cayman are out of control.
There is another aspect to the breakdown of the society here. The lack of policing is one side but the other is the breakdown of social values. The lack of proper parenting of these 3 young men and the lack of values the young people have been taught is a huge problem.
Children raised by foreign helpers who have no power or authority to discipline the children creates young people who believe they can do anything. Teachers who are unable to discipline students further reinforce this message and if by some miracle a young person is caught by the police the parents usually the mother protect the child from appropriate consequences. Look at all the examples where children get into trouble even to killing someone with a car and seem to get off.
This is the other side of the coin there is no village raising children here there is no one.
The answer is simple. Mr. Bush waved his magic wand and destroyed the country by doing away with the strigent immigration laws that kept Cayman civil for so many years. The Cayman islands were once an oasis in the Carribean crime and violence were seldom heard of. When Mr. Bush lowered the immigration standards and opened the gates for thousands of people from third world countrys to enter Cayman he did two things. He created a voting block to keep him in office shich was his primary concern and at the same time he brought a huge criminal element into the country the likes of which the police had never had to deal with in the past. I first came to the Cayman Islands 12 years ago and it was one of the best places I had ever visited in my life. I’m sad to say I will not be returning and my heart breaks for the wonderful natives of Cayman that are having to endure the crime and violence because of a power grab by one man. It’s shameful.
So your saying that these "kids" are an immigrations problem? They and their wonderfully hard working parents like many of the Criminals on Cayman are people that immigration let in? last time I checked it wasn’t the Immigants that were murdering,robbing, mugging and stealing from Caymanians. It was persons with last names like XXXX. See the problem? Bush has waved his "magic wand" against crime and all that happened was a new wall around his home and the best personal protection the publics purse could by him period. Hence no crime for him and more for everyone else. Its just weird that anyone would blame the crime on Cayman on non-Caymanians when the facts are right there for all to see.
OMG! Its finally happening. Cayman is not becoming anymore, they have arrived on Destruction Street and our Politicians are doing nothing to secure our tourist and residents. Cayman this is a sad sad day and time in the Cayman Islands. Word will spread and they will stop coming. Banks will pull out, companies will not feel safe doing business here anymore, all because of idleness, greediness and stupidness. Doomsday is here folks!!
As a tourist, I read this last night. I told a friend, who told a friend, who told a friend. We all travel to GC at least once a year. We are all not sure we want to continue with our travels to GC. It is becoming scary. No, the crime rate is not as high where we live and we are not sure we want to travel to an area that we all loved where the crime rate has risen to this extreme. It no longer sounds like we are safe on the beach???? at the restaurants??? gas stations??? walking the 7M strip???
sad.sad.sad!!!
20:09 Mr or Mrs Tourist who read the story last night, and told a friend,n who told a friend, who told a friend. You should be ashamed of yourself, as we would say here in Cayman “A real news backer” Mr tourist please tell me where in the world you do not have these types of crime?
And not sure you want to continue your travel to Grand Cayman?
I say how heartless and inconsiderate. Were you robbed? If not, then why would you want to finish smear the Island so badly by telling a friend, who told a friend, who told a friend. I am wondering if this visitor had lost their wallet with all their money, and it was found on the beach and returned or taken to the police station in tact, would you have quickly told a friend, to tell a friend who told a friend. I dont think so. We love the tourist and visitors to our shores and try our best to treat them well, but Mr or Ms. Tourist, who told a friend, to tell a friend, who told a friend you should feel guilty of being, as we say a” news backer” Now I am going to tell you a story, which I hope you will understand what took place.
Once upon a time there was a humble pastor who preached at a little village church on a hill. One of his church members who could not help her self being a news backer and trouble maker told a story about the humble pastor which was not true. The pastor heard about it, but because of his humble forgiving nature, did not question the lady and still treated her well. Feeling guilty one day, the lady confessed to the pastor what she had done and asked to be forgiven. The pastor told her of course God will forgive you if you ask him, but I need you to do a favour for me that both of us can feel ok about what you did. Gladly, the lady agreed. He said go and bring me a basket of feathers. Glady she obeyed. Then he said one last favour. Take the feathers to the top of the hill by the church and scatter them off the hillside. Gladly she did. Then he said please gather them now and bring them back to me. “But Pastor, she replied, that is impossible” I know, he replied. So Mr or Ms Tourist, can you gather your feathers from your friend who told a friend to tell a friend who told a friend? I dont think so.
In all fairness, it is clear from the tourist blogs and word of mouth that our tourists, have, in fact, promoted the safety of our islands for us in the past. There are many messages on Tripadvisor alone in which one tourist reassures another that Grand Cayman is a safe place to visit — and the responses suggest that many have based their decision to visit on advice and reports from other travelers. It is a little unrealistic to suppose that friends would allow friends to travel here without making them aware of potential dangers — to whom, after all, do they have the most pressing obligation? Not to Cayman, but to the friends they know and love. Your story about the feathers is not really an apt comparison, since in it, the feathers are symbolic of a story that was not true. In Cayman today, the stories are, unfortunately, true, and the "feathers" are being spread not by the tourists who simply disperse them, but by the thugs who abuse those same tourists and by the society that continues to allow it.
10:13 Please understand that many Caymanians including myself are concerned and saddened by what took place. That is not something we feel good about. However, my response is to the person telling a friend to tell a friend to tell a friend.
Many Caymanians have been robbed in the United States and elswhere. I myself have been robbed in USA, but I never one day tell anyone that they should not visit USA or that I would not consider going back there.
Honestly, things have changed in Cayman. I have lived here long enough to know when, and why, but there are so many people who sup from the same cup with us, yet want to see the cup broken. I have travelled many places including living in USA and honestly speaking Cayman still is the safest. You might not like my feather story, but I am sure if it was not interesting you would not have read it and commented. I do hope the persons who robbed the tourist is found but I also which that those who sup with us will keep the cup in one piece.
I did like your story; it is poignant and sweet. I just don’t think it applies to this situation.
Also, we can’t assume that when people pass on a true story, they want to see Cayman "broken." People pass on news here in the same way, on the marl road. There are many people around the world who love (or have loved) Cayman and have an interest in what happens here. It is only natural that they will pass on a story like this; that is human nature and there is little point trying to squelch it. The solution would be to fix Cayman’s crime problem, not blame people for talking about things that really do happen here.
We are all concerned about Cayman’s future, especially those of us who "sup from the same cup" as Caymanians. This is my home too, for better or for worse, and I would very much like the world of Cayman to return to its once peaceful state. However, I don’t see much point in trying to pretend things haven’t happened, or in assuming that those who talk about them openly are doing so for malicious reasons. The person upon whom this violence was perpetrated, and who originally broadcast the news on Tripadvisor, is a longtime and very positive ambassador for Cayman, and he has every right to tell others of his experiences here, good and bad.
I have certainly seen many, many letters to the editor in the Compass from guests who have lost wallets and other valuables on the beach, only to have them returned untouched, as I’m sure you have. I have no doubt that those people shared the good news with friends and family too; in fact I know they have. There have even been positive postings in support of Cayman’s safety on the very Tripadvisor thread in which this incident was published. We have to accept the views and opinions of outsiders when they are true, and in this case, they simply are.
It is such a sad thing that most of us do not know of some sinster things taking place here with reports. But it is best for the police to tell. Or will CNS report the suspicions. However I will say thank God for Insurance.
I fell in love with Cayman the second I got off of the plane and was greeted by a wonderful man that was working in the airport. A smile came upon my face and didn’t leave for the whole week. I felt amazing in Cayman. Safe and secure. My mom and I walked all over Georgetown without any feeling of threat. We actually had to ask someone where we could find Tortuga’s because we wanted a patty. The employee walked with us to the place so we could get our patty’s. Not once did I feel threatened or scared. We went to Hell and also had a great time, I did make a wrong turn and ended up in a not so nice area but was not afraid at all. I turned around and left. I stayed on the East End at the Reef. I walked for miles at night, in the dark, with no one in sight except some men who were fishing (and left their garbage on the beach that I picked up the next night). Not once was I scared that they would hurt me in any way and honestly, it is pretty desolate in the area I was walking. All alone!! I would not do that in my home state! This was in January ’10. Since then, all I read about is the senseless crimes that are taking place and amazed that most crimes are going unsolved. Cayman is small! Solving should be easy! I am coming back to Cayman in April, but have to say I am a little unnerved about it. I am travelling with my daughter and we love to go off the beaten path to sightsee but now I will always have in the back of my head that someone could be watching, waiting, preying!! It is so sad because a year ago I never had that feeling at all. Cayman seems to be getting a lot of harm done to it by thugs. And these thugs have family, and the family probably knows what they are doing and won’t tell on them. Get these criminals and quickly! I truly believe if you hurt someone once and get away with it, you will do it again and again. And then you have the "career criminal". Peace Cayman!
As a Caymanian to all, let help stop the crime. just about everyone has a phone with a camera in them.Use it. let put cameras everwhere so they hide no more.
I was hesitant when booking my vacation but then decided I was being silly. Now, my trip is booked and news like this hits the internet. And another story about a young man stabbed on SMB… Why don’t they understand they will ruin their island? It’s so sad and unnecessary.
Ok Mr. Tourist, where will you go? I’m an American who moved to Grand Cayman 16 years ago and am also saddened by our recent crimes against tourists, but WHERE else to go? My family and I travel over 20,000 miles a year and I’ve not seen a crime free place yet. You can always enjoy Little Cayman I suppose.
I’m sorry to see this too. I really think this would be a small group of people who are out of control and only with the public’s help will we catch these criminals.
You’re right that few places on earth are crime free, if any. The problem for Cayman is that our only draw is that image of peaceful relaxation we see so often in our advertisements. If a tourist can’t feel safe sitting on the beach in broad daylight, there aren’t many other reasons left to travel here. Peace has a tendency to be destroyed by violent theft…
People may go to other places for adventure and excitement, and they may be willing to accept a certain amount of danger in return for a thrill, but we don’t offer much in the way of thrills here, unless you count trying to cross West Bay Road at lunchtime. We simply can’t afford this kind of thing.
On the other hand, maybe we should hand out superhero costumes at the airport and market Cayman as a destination where anyone can have the thrill of fighting crime!
The difference between GC & the U.S. is that usually you can warn someone to "stay away from certain blocks or out of certain cities or neighborhoods" if one wants to avoid crime in the U.S. There has not been one home invasion, stabbing, rape, murder in my neighborhood and I have lived here for 6 years. I do not even believe there has been a car theft. In the city about 15 minutes away, I could not say the same. Would I tell a tourist to go to that city? No! Would I? Yes, as I know the streets to avoid.
In GC, it seems like no where is safe anymore and that is what makes it scary. And yes, I have promoted GC as a wonderful holiday for the past 15 years and now I will promote it as a place where crime has become a daily event. I would not send any of my friends/family there without them knowing to be very vigilant at all times- day and night in all areas…beaches, restaurants, walking, driving, hotels, clubs etc. There are wonderful people in GC and I am not taking that away from the island, but crime is out of control. The locals even agree so not sure why this is even an issue. I have many friends in GC and their habits have changed. The truth is what it is. sad. sad. sad. Hopefully things will change.
ssshhhhh…Do you hear that? That’s the last nail being inserted into our already buried coffin
Crooks are committing blatant crimes not because people are afraid to report them BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO FEAR, NO REVERENCE AND NO RESPECT FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MR. BAINES WHO IS TAKING ALL THIS LIGHTLY AND IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DEAL WITH THESE TYPE OF CRIMINALS.
Even the Governor and the L.a. including the premier all seems to take itl lightly too as they are either well guarded and don’t care about the rest of us or they UNDERESTIMATE THIS NEW BREED OF CRIMINALS WHO WILL ONE DAY COME AFTER THEM TOO! IT WILL BE TOO LATE THEN TO ACT, the time is now to call in some special forces to get rid and round up these criminals, put them away for good, deport those who are foreign and have Cayman Status stripping them of Cayman Status by REVOKING IT, they do not belong here. Foreign and Cayman gunmen need to be out of our way permanently.
Remedy:Prison and DEPORTATION for Status holders and AND PRISON FOR LIFE to the Caymanians.
Governor, if you are worthy of respect then you need to stop playing English pals with Mr. Baines and get a commissioner in that seat that can protect you as well as the rest of us. Its time you act as governor and take some responsibility for what is happening to our country since the both of you have been here along with our lame duck L.A . Cayman is getting a stink name since this new regime. Show us that you are not a part of it by MAKING CHANGES AT THE TOP EVEN IF IT MEANS FIRING YOUR OWN ENGLISH COUNTRY MAN!
TOO MUCH BAD PUBLICITY for a little country that has only two major Industries Investment Banking and Tourism! We need your help you have been quiet too long. While you are at it Bring back our Cayman Police that have been laid off for nothing so that crime can decrease the way it was when they were in control of the criminals, unlike under Baines leadership of RCIP the criminals are OUT OF CONTROL, why because Mr. Baines unlike Derek Haines DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE CULTURE IN THIS REGION, and therefore will not accomplish anything here! Its plain to see the WRITING IS ON THE WALL! Amnesty for criminals and their evil acts has been created by this incompetent regime. Please bring it to an end.
A very foolish and selfish crime to commit.
To any other person / people planning to engage in such activity:
You are biting the hand that feeds you to such a degree that you will cry bloody tears of regret in the end. Believe that.
LEAVE THE TOURISTS ALONE!
Seriously, if you MUST rob and burgle – limit your shameful and spineless attacks to us fellow Caymanians and residents … I am begging you.
Damn fools!
* Attn. Govt / RCIPS / Relevant agencies:
I hope they have gotten your attention this time. The message is clear. This country is in trouble and standing at the cliff’s edge. We need to address these issues as vigorously as all others.
(Kudos to the RCIPS’ performance in the aftermath of this particular case. The victims appear to have been very impressed with their professionalism. However, it must be noted that ‘after-care’ always comes AFTER the crime.)
This in only the beginning of a long, dark age for Cayman. The murderS+ of a tourist during a mugging is only a matter of time. And for once there will be total agreement between Caymanians and expats as both will be fleeing the island in droves.
Are stun guns allowed on Grand Cayman. I need more than a dive knife.
As an FYI, Testudo (the victim and blog author) is a "Destination Expert" for the Cayman Islands on Tripadvisor and so a prominent ambassador for our islands.
He has, in fact, already posted a link to his blog post on the Tripadvisor Cayman forum : http://bit.ly/ezhEJY
A mugging in broad daylight on a beach ? Not very "CaymanKind".
No kidding, Tom. I’m remembering our Trip Advisor destination expert lunch at Kaibo. Who would have thought we would be having this discussion?
Moron’s! Attacking tourists now? These idiots are ruining our country where tourist used to feel safe. Are we going to be the next Jamaica? But these thugs probably aren’t even Caymanian so what do they care, and if they are, shame on them for destroying their own country’s future and thus their own!
It is morans like you why we cannot solve crime in this country always pointing fingers at someone else other than our own; I an quite certian that you know the old saying "when you point one finger at someone remember four more is pointing back at you". Why everything has to compare to Jamaica, we try very hard to iminitate North America – we do you here tourist getting mugged in Jamaica, atleast those criminals in Jamaica knows that tourism is there bread and butter and say away. Our little wanna be punks run wild trying at everything, cause they know they have persons like you in the community who will quickly jump up and hide them by accusing someone else. It is time we grow, take responsibility for ourselves and leave Jamaica out of our issues. At least Jamaica is catching their criminals when they commit a crimes; an islands with a population of over 3 million, police are able to make an arrest within few hours; but on an island with around 50,000 people, police can’t even get the name of a suspect, let alone make an arrest, again because people like you have them looking for a needle in a haystock.
Ah, in an island with 50,000 people and soon to be 140 CCTVs, the police can now catch, without difficulty, the ….. witnesses!
the next Jamaica? have you seen the 2010 ratings and awards that Jamaica received for tourism ? They seem to be doing quite well in the area of tourism.
Check your facts I will say this much, Jamaicans are not no where near our worst enemies in Cayman. Anyone who thinks that they are, they are simply barking up the wrong tree. The poor Jamaicans like us Caymanians, have to settle for second best, and if war broke out tomorrow in Cayman I am sure the Jamaicans would stand by our side. So sad but we will learn the hard way one of these days.
I wonder what other crimes the RCIPS is hiding from the public? smh
Go East! (and get mugged by friendly east end teen thugs…)
The government can encourage the building of all the big hotels and cruise berths they want. If this keeps up, the tourists will continue to stay away. Get a grip, Cayman, before these thugs steal away your livelihood. This episode is all over Trip Advisor, widely read by repeat visitors and newcomers alike. Bad, bad news for Cayman.
We used to live in the Cayman Islands, and loved living there. All the Caymanians were especially wonderful people. One of the things we loved the most was the fact that we felt very safe there, unlike where we lived in the US. We have visited every year since, and thought we would retire there. What a fabulous serene place to retire. We looked at real estate, made offers that were not accepted. Well, things do happen for a reason although we don’t always know why at the time. Now, we wouldn’t invest on Cayman for anything seeing how it is going there. Violence, agression, robberies of decent people, including tourists. Cayman better get it together, and soon!
You’re preaching to the choir, Ma’am.
That’s It! It’s Over! There is no hope for this island…Good Luck I’m moving to Cairo!
So who got fingerprinted and swabbed?
The 17 mil surplus will soon disappear with compensating for the lack of tourists now this is out. Whoever is responsible for homeland security (always debatable amongst themselves) needs to get something out that demonstrates pro-active action instead of the usual re-active and no game plan in line. It’s becoming truly pathetic. .
Great work RCIPS on the handling of the crime . Congratulations on the timely response. Also great job with the descriptions and being so forth coming with the information.
What do you mean congratulations? It was on a tourist blogsite. Talk about public relations nightmare. The bad guys are still out there. At best the police reacted.
I am positive the Bodden Town Police will have them crooks in no time.
Oh They may catch them, but the courts will free them quickly after a short timeout or slap on the hand. After which they will laugh, walk away and start looking for their next victim.
you have got to be kidding… all they do is arrive to a crime scene after criminals are gone and generic description of anybody… Hah, Hah,
why not to block all roads that lead out of the crime locations….for starters…that would be called..being proactive, or at least doing something to actually catch those thugs. Does anybody at RCIPs actually knows how to CATCH criminals?
Congrats CNS.
why aren’t therepolice patrols and cctv on the beaches?
Don’t blame the police. Unemployment, poor parenting and poor education systems are to blame.
What about improved immigration screening? There are a few unemployed expats on this island looking for job too you know.
Poor Immigration Screening???? Where are we going to send the criminals who are Caymanian. Who is to say these robbers were expats???? Did they leave their passports?
well, it is their JOB, for which they get paid out of public pocket. The police force plays a vital role in the maintenance of law and order in society. It is a source of moral strength, confidence and happiness to all individuals who seek to live a good life in society. Do you have confidence in RCIP? Is it source of your moral strength?
Dont blame the police!! I agree with that, but your other excuses such as unemployment is no excuse, now the poor parenting and poor schooling I can agree with but the unemployment in teens is no excuse to rob and beat up on any one. When are we going to face the facts that there is a lot of lazy people out there that have no intentions of finding work, and we need to not allow them disturb and destroy the only thing that we have left as a way of living, the tourist. When all the bleeding hearts that think that they have the right to encourage this type of behaviour sit back and allow it to take place, then they should be the ones to support these thugs.
uh-oh
Interesting that the police tried to keep this quiet
Recipe for one remedy that I wish could be used:
Take one or more miscreant youths, tie to post in very public place, apply cat-o-nine-tails repeatedly in the traditional manner until exceedingly well done. Thenrepeat every week until the desired result is obtained.
No mention of the mugging at the Royal Watler yesterday. Tourists taking pictures, mugger runs off with the ladies bag while she was taking pictures of her family. I guess this was an isolated area too!!!
CNS, please confirm if there was a reported mugging at the cruise terminal.
Here is an idea…for all of those unemployed (after receiving Christmas clean-up check$$$) register to be public foot patrol.
As an employer, if I saw an applicant who was unemployed, but spent their days walking the beaches, wearing a "Cayman Abassador T-Shirt" I would think this person was using their time wisely and would put them on my next to hire list.
Hellllooooo ERD??? (Employment Relations) you have hundreds of BORED people…maybe this is a positive idea for you.
Make our unemployed masses feel GOOD about themselves and control crime at the same time.
What THE F#$@!!!! I cant believe this happened. I want to appologize to those tourist on behalf of the entire Cayman islands. I’m also begging the RCIP to find the houdlums and make an example of them.
Who are these people anyway?
you may also want to apologize to the tourist for your use of the word F#$@.
What a bloody shame. God please help these Cayman Islands. This will surely send our tourism further down the tube now. We need to pray that God will help the police find thes criminals.
God helps those who help themselves
Well I think it has to be someone from East End/North Side area because people do not just hang around in a secluded place waiting to rob people. They must have been walking, riding or driving around in the area, which they are probably comfortable in, looking to make trouble. That is like someone sitting on the beach at Barkers getting robbed by someone from another area of the island…highly doubtful!!!
This is another event that is just making the internet.
I do not remember hearing about this one before.
http://www.elon.edu/pendulum/Story.aspx?id=4782
We do not need this if our tourism is to survive.
Well its started. The thieves have figured out that maybe the tourists have money and expensive camera’s, blackberry’s etc. Several posters over a year ago said this was coming. We know about the 7MB episode and now this one. Probably others we don’t know about. This would be a great time for the well compensated elected officials to band together and attack crime in Cayman. When will you do that ?
Nice going Cayman. No point in building a cruise port, no one will come here.
14:49…..unfortunately you are wrong. They will build the cruise port and the cruise tourists will come, but, Cayman has achieved The Bahamas and JA status where the cruise directors and staff will tell the tourists, Cayman is "safe" but stay in town.
This is such a frustrating issue for all good Caymanians who are spending their hard earned dollars on a Government that has the ability to tackle the crime issue but won’t.
Awesome news. It just keeps getting better.
What on earth are these young men doing robbing tourists or anyone for that matter? What an absolute shame this is.
Let’s hope CNN does not get wind of this. Soon enough they will be issuing travel warnings for the Cayman Islands….as unbelievable as that sounds.
These punks are a bunch of wannabe gangsters. Pehaps we should ship them to Detroit and see how well they do against real gansters in the projects. Even the tourists in Detroit carry guns. Guaranteed they would be on the next Delta flight back to Cayman begging for a job at the Ritz cleaning rooms.
Get an education, get a job and get a life you losers!
Abandon ship, abandon ship!
Hey Mac, please remember that the Captain always goes down with said ship.