United wemust stand
Too often in this day and age the youth are not too interested in the political affairs of their country—which presents a problem, especially in the Cayman Islands. It is usually the case that they think politics does not concern them when in actuality government actions encompass the entire population.
For some, going out and having a laugh may seem to be the pinnacle of their agenda, in contrast to the minority that wish to take a stand on the issues that indeed affect us all. I’m not saying young people shouldn’t enjoy their adolescence but they should at the very least exercise their voice and their opinions. It is too frequent that I hear young Caymanians complaining about the political situation, however, these are also the ones who are eligible to vote but do not vote asa part of their respective electorate.
For the youths who are reading this Viewpoint, I would like to suggest some reasons as to why you should vote in these upcoming general elections on May 22nd:
- The time is right—and by that I am inferring that an entirely new field of independent candidates has joined the political arena. These candidates are autonomous thinkers who use their conscience when making decisions and do not collectively decide an outcome based on the agenda of other politicians—contrary to the existing political parties.
- Your vote does count. You could make a difference. Your right to vote could be the difference between electing a promising government hereafter this election and electing one which fails to serve its country.
- Many youths complain about not being able to make entry into the workforce due to there being many foreign professionals which can bargain lower wages here in Cayman. The only solution to this is to be heard so that the elected members of your district can rectify this problem. Whether its immigration reform or diversification of the national economy, you must vote and make that voice of yours be heard or else nothing can be accomplished.
- Cayman’s infrastructure is in desperate need of a development and expansion. You may think this has nothing to do with you but when you take into account that tourism is a key industry to these islands, the development and economic potential of the current Port and Airport could be further maximised. Amelioration of any infrastructure carries a multiplier effect: more visitors will surely strengthen the economy.
- Lastly, this is your home. The current economic situation shouldn’t be the reason you have to move elsewhere and leave your island behind only for visiting. Only united can the politicians of the future acknowledge us. Remaining quiet is the easiest way to be forgotten.
I believe firmly that as a collective, we the youth of the Cayman Islands, must stand as one united unit. Twenty-years down the line I want to be living in a Cayman that I can enjoy, and a Cayman that my children can enjoy as well. We shouldn’t remain quiet until we think we’ve matured to an age where it finally matters to us. Politics makes business tick. Politics is what can make this island better, or make this island worse.
You choose.
Category: Viewpoint
Thank for you all comments, whether they were positive or negative. I may write more Viewpoints down the line as I'm really hoping to give more ideas from a young Caymanian's perspective. Thank you again.
Kudos to you.
I am not sure all your points are particularly clearly made and there are some I disagree with you on.
However.
1 you took the time to express your views rationaly and without resorting to sweeping divisive ranting as so many do
2 Better still you have clearly then also sat back and listened to (read) what others think of your Viewpoint and you have the good grace to accept that those who differ wuth you are entitled to – you do not disregard them because you disagree with them.
Again then I do not fully agree with you but I fully repect and applaud you. Come on Cayman… Follow the example.
It is refreshing to see a young person commenting on politics. Thank you for your post.
…..divided we fall, one and all….
I wish adults can learn from young people. Adults always have their heads in the clouds. Young people are more down-to-earth. When they start a party, it is all about celebrating life, goodwill, free boose, and sex.. yeah baby! But when you hear adults joining a party, its about dividing Cayman, revenge, illwill, vote for me and you get this free refrigerator, and exploitation. CayStudent ….. I'll take a rain check any day to be with the young. Their government is themselves, rebellion, and creativity! :))
It is so refreshing to read a post referring to "young people" instead of "the youth" which in my mind dehumanises the subject. So carry on: "young people' instead of "youth".
Too late I say – Cayman has fallen off the cliff already. There is no parachute and no chance of turning back.
It isn't too late – this is now the perfect opportunity to get things back on track. We have new candidates running for government, new possibilities for elected officials who seem to have a more intelligent outlook on our island and its future.
Pie in the sky, pie in the sky!
If everyone had your 'pie in the sky' attitude towards attempts to better our country then we truly would be lost. There should always be some goal to work towards, whether they are lofty or not. What isthat saying? "If you shoot for the stars you may end up on the rooftop, but if you shoot for the rooftop you may end up in the mud."
Who wants to turn back – we are looking forward! So cheer up and you might find something positive in your life!
This is so great to see and know how are younger generations think. This is all about the next generation and ifthis beloved country will be able to survive. This young Caymanian has vision and country at heart!!
All the piece says is that voting is quite important and young people should do it. Hardly earth-shattering perception is it?
Despite it not being an 'earth-shattering perception', the lack of participation in elections from young people could make the difference between having Bush and his cronies back in power, or having someone who knows how to balance a budget. It does affect you, and you should care about that.
I don't see what people find funny about this comment!
Election day is awful because the bars are closed.
Well, you sure took him/her seriously!
If I was allowed to drink on the day off that is election day upon promising not to vote, I would always pick the day at the beach with some brewskis over voting for these jumped-up candidates. Instead I have to buy the booze in the night before and not vote instead.
Continue being part of the problem instead of part of the solution.
Do you think I care? I have no obligation to be "part of the solution" especially when that statement is meaningless cliche.
It's pretty obvious that you don't care but the young person who posted this article does care about their country and is willing to try to do something about it.
It can be as valid a political action (or inaction, more accurately) not to vote as to vote. For example you might find all the candidates unworthy, or simply be declining to neutralise someone else’s vote.
You missed my point. Of course you can make a statement by not voting but to talk about drinking beers as being more important smacks of self interest to me.
Keep the bars open on election day. That way we might at least see some of the candidates in their true coloursin their “natural environment”