Camera catches cop blocking disabled parking slot
(CNS): A serving female police officer has been given "advice and guidance" by her superintendent and the police have offered a public apology after the cop parked outside a coffee shop and blocked a disabled parking spot. The officer, who was in uniform but in an unmarked car, was caught on camera as she entered the local café and left the vehicle she was driving parked right outside the door in a no parking area as well as blocking access to the parking space designated for disabled drivers and passengers. In the wake of a recently launched campaign to name and shame inconsiderate drivers, the cop was snapped on film and the picture was circulated around the island and to the officer’s bosses.
In a statement released Monday afternoon following the distribution of the picture, Superintendent Adrian Seales offered a public apology.
“The RCIPS apologizes to the public for the action of the officer responsible. The officer has been identified given advice and guidance by their superintendent,” he said. “The RCIPS will continue in our support to persons holding disable permits fully recognizing the need in finding designated parking within public spaces. We remain committed in this campaign and heightening awareness and public education.”
The campaign to name and shame inconsiderate drivers continues and organisers are still asking members of the public who see vehicles blocking or parked in disabled slots to take pictures of the vehicles and to send them to the RCIPS. It was started by West Bay parent Chelsea Rivers, who created flyers to place on the windscreens of drivers who have abused disabled spots.
"I realise this is a work in progress (sadly) and that we'll have to build the awareness over time to the point that people actually stop and think about what they're doing. I would hope that the RCIPS would be on board in every way," Rivers said when she saw the picture of the officer. "People should understand that they will be called out in a very public way. With the need and means to keep the public honest, everyone is open to criticism … especially law enforcement officers."
Rivers said this latest picture made her angry that a police officer would feel it is ok to do this but she was heartened that the public is noticing and not afraid to challenge such behaviour.
"The RCIPS needs to know that the public is watching and will do as they do, be it driving and texting/talking or parking in blue spots. There can be no double standards with this," she added. "We are organising ourselves to move to the next level, gearing up for sensitivity training at offices, setting up meetings with the RCIPS and the hospital and working with the government to ensure that the needs of the disabled are considered and met. It's more than just about parking spaces for us, but this is a very important start."
Local community activist and supporter of the campaign, Sandra Catron, added that everyone needs to obey the law.
“We, the residents of the Cayman Islands, believe that everyone should obey the laws of this country – especially those seeking to enforce the laws and garnish our respect. There’s a general move on social media to expose RCIPS officers who break laws and I am personally making sure that the commissioner is made aware of every incident that is brought to my attention.”
Catron said she has particular concerns about police who continue to use their phones while driving, even when it is clearly not an emergency. Although the police are exempt under the law, there is growing support that officers pose just as much threat to road users when using their cell phones casually as any other driver.
Visit The Blue Spot Facebook page, and email TheBlueSpot345@gmail.com with photos of inconsiderate drivers.
Related article:
Mother takes on inconsiderate ‘parkers’
Category: Crime
We need to do something about the hospital parking situation. I got a ticket yesterday for parking in a handicapp space. I am very sorry that I parked there but it was compulsory as I am having serious problems from an accident and I had an appointment to do a cat scan on my hip affects my walking.Also a slip disc tendonitis and arthritis like well. I looked for a security officer to get permission top park there but could not find any at the front and as I had to be there at a specific time I could not look around any longer. I however told at least three of the hospital staff who told me that it should be ok as it would not take long. On rushing back to my car I found a sticker on my car to pay a fine or plead my case in court. I wish that the Officer responsible had taken a few minutes to locate the driver and then when he would have seen the condition of my walking he would have known that I more than qualified for that parking space. Cayman is still small and we the public deserves some courtesy. I have never seen the Hospital parking lot so full as yesterday. My only option was to park where I parked or do without having the cat scan done.
I understand your situation very well. I would suggest you ask your Doctor to give you a form requesting a temp. disabled permit and take it to the licence Dept. They will issue you a disabled card to hang on your mirror – it only cost $5,00,
Yesterday I went to George Town Hospital and as I was walking over from my legal space in the parking lot (there were – surprisingly! – a good number to choose from) a uniformed police officer was pulling into the pick up/drop off area in a marked cruiser.
I assumed he was coming to ticket the cars that were illegally parked in handicapped spaces, since the RCIPS has thankfully been shamed into action by a Facebook campaign. Maybe he would even ask the four or five cars illegally waiting (pulled over to the side of the circle there at the entrance) to either circle around or park in a designated parking space.
Nope, he parked in the middle of the lane there – almost on the crosswalk and completely blocking anyone else from pulling through that area – and went straight into the pharmacy to drop off his prescription.
Quite disappointing.
Commissioner Baines, your men and women in uniform are getting some serious heat. I would advise you to provide some more "advice and guidance" to your staff and order them all to clean up their act. This is not just a public relations shitstorm, it negatively affects confidence in and respect for law enforcement and allows people to take cheap shots at your officers in addition to the ones that are deserved.
The little things matter and people are really getting sick and tired of some of your officers acting like they are above the laws that they enforce. There are many who are already on the straight and narrow, and they should be encouraged to stay there and be examples to their colleagues. If an officer can't get it right, he or she needs to be disciplined or, if necessary, eventually replaced by someone who can.
The fact is, police officers are held to a higher standard due to their noble profession. I respect and am grateful for their service, but they need to understand their responsibility to lead by example and follow all of the laws. Even the little, inconvenient ones that don't seem to really "matter".
Actually my story is a bit different as I met a police officer at the Hospital and he had been sent there to issue tickets for those parking in handicap spots.
She should have parked in a handicap parking spot in the USA without a sticker it would result in a fine of $250.00 enough said. Cayman has become one third world mess and each day it is becoming worst. Where there is no order the law is invalid.
One word describe this Island…Anarchy
blocking handicapped spots! OH NO! whatever are we going to do!?
lol, "each day it is becoming worst"
So is your grammar.
On a serious not now though, i'm glad we're finally doing something about an aspect that we see is wrong in our society. If we can learn to have this kind of proactive attitude about everything then we as a nation will grow.
lol "On a serious not now though,"
OK grammar nazi.
There's a difference between grammar and spelling young one.
Either way, I'm sure even Hitler had a bad day, lmao
WTF?? That whole 1st sentence in 3r paragraph, sounds dumb! Fine example of pot callin kettle black! lol…..
No we need the Middle East version. They cut off hands for thiefs so I guess you lose all your tires.
Seems some persons supporting this officer's breach of the law here, are either police officers also or family members / friends!
Note: There are open spaces two spots away…and Police are supposed to set the correct example! This is NOT the correct example!
She is getting coffee….not attending to a police emergency! She's wrong….period!
I was coming home from the denist with my child, and I happened to be behind a police car. Number 13, to be exact. The driver did not signal for lane changes, nor upon exiting the ALT round-a-bout. Just saying there are different rules (lower standards) for those that should have higher standards.
i would say police cars do not use indicators 95% of the time from my experience….
Not sure police cars have such # identification so maybe a reflection on what Gov Dept it was may be useful. Please don’t recklessly bash RCIPS by jumping on passing bandwagons.!
I was stopped by a Police officer for no seat belt 30 seconds before that I saw him stop without his indicators I told him and he told me it was none ofmy business for that I refuse to pay the ticket, I will be going to court and I will be telling the judge.
I would really like to see the RCIPS use their indicator when navigating a round-a-bout. It is that little stick coming out of the steering column which is about 2 inches away from your hands. Is it legal to take pictures of Police Car navigating the round-a-about and not using an indicator? The Public is watching and if they don't use their indicator, why should the general public. Please commissioner – try to have your officers lead by example when driving on the roads in a normal manner and not under emergency situations. It is such a simple thing to do and gains much respect.
Nothing unusual here. You can often see police and ambulance vehicles parked on yellow lines or right outside the grocery stores while they shop. No doubt they will tell you that they can't be far from their vehicles in case of an emergency. It has nothing to do with them being lazy and out of shape of course. It all went wrong when we took them off the beat I think. Some of the worse driving I have seen is by cops too.
"…far from their vehicles in case of emergency…"
Hmmm an extra 20 feet of sprinting by an in-shape emergency worker is probably under a second.
This is no excuse for unlawful parking.
Question????? How many BLUE SPOT users were lined up waiting on the SPOT ???? And did any BLUE SPOT user use THAT SPOT on that day???? How long did you all sit and watch the SPOT?????Dont get me wrong I respect handicap areas but personally think we have FAR TOO MANY SPOTS RESERVED and not enough BLUE SPOT USERS ON THE ROAD..What some of you should watch is how DARK the SPOT is in back of your head….I surely would like a proper survey done on EVERY SINGLE BLUE SPOT instead of you all driving about looking a law suit or a fight cause trust me I can smell it coming…Then you might end up with a RED SPOT on your head lol lol lol…..
I only wish that I followed my mind to take that picture of the femail officer cruising around without her seatbelt on. Didnt think anyone would take me seriously.. guess I forgot we have a great media source out there. Thanks CNS! I a know better next time, oh yea.
I believe that it is illegal under Cayman law to record someone without their knowledge.Does this apply to audio recordings only ,or does it also apply to video recordings as well? If the answer is yes,then the publishing of such recordings must be illegal as well.I say this because with the introduction of cell phone cameras ,there seems to be a lack of respect for an individual's privacy and a lack of common decency.eg It is rumoured that cell phone pictures (apparently taken at the scene) showing the body of a person killed in a recent cycling accident were being shown around by an individual ,much to the dismay of the victim's family and loved ones.So ,please let's not get so carried away with our new toys that we forget the rights of others.
Fuzzy, what planet do you live on?
Havge you ever heard of something called CCTV?
"I believe that it is illegal under Cayman law to record someone without their knowledge."
———————————————-
That's why the police never release surveillance video of crimes! LOL!
This RCIP officer is not specifically identifiable, you cannot see her face, nor her ID number.
I also believe it is our civic responsibility to record people breaking the laws at every opportunity. I don’t believe there has been a single picture posted on the blue spot face book page that has a persons face or other personally identifying item. The vehicles and the license plates have been recorded. I may be wrong, but I highly doubt it. LoL
not illegal in a public place
TO:Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/09/2013 – 20:42. Are you a lawyer ,or do you just play one on CNS.
She's in public – it's allowed in public. How about her not breaking the law? Now there's a novel idea!
This would be contained in the Cayman Made Up Law (1994 Revision), I forget which section.
To:Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/10/2013 – 02:32. Oh the joy you must feel for so openly displaying the depth of your knowledge.I guess coming out feels good eh.
I see you chose to respond by specifically identifying the source of this mysterious "law". Oh no, you didn't.
Hello she is not parked there!
She is not in the car moving and not in the car. I would call that parked.
What?
She appears to have at least got out of the car. You can call it not parking if you want to but simpley put she took up the handicapp space for a portion of time and she should not have been there for even a second.
As for the previous comment I understand what you are saying about videoing her. This at the very least probably means she could not be charged or maybe thats my interpretation. Either way regardless what the law says what she did was wrong and any other citizen would have been charged and fined accordingly. These kind of incidents sets up a conflict between the public and the Police with the public obviously saying that the police can do as they please.
Is this act within the Bill of Rights Law (posting and circulating a picture without consent)?
About time we start this type of campaign.
I do not agree that "giving guidance" to a Police Officer about breaches of the law is sufficient. Give her a ticket! And name her too!
Hello folks….If you have ever been to this shop you will realize, she is NOT parked in a handicap spot. Nope. She MAY have rolled up to the front door, left her car running, and grabbed a coffee while in the "No parking zone" but this photo is taken just in front of the entrance door…..close and yes, should be warned.
I am a HUGE fan of the new FB page "Blue Spot" and post on there as often as I can. (Well done and yes tickets ARE issued!) but just for selling newspapers, sorry, this is not a legit Blue Spot park job.
Again, I am FOR THE BLUE SPOT and urge a dedicated page on CNS to expand the name and shame. I'm sure even the plainclothes police will take notice.
Do us all a favour and look for THE BLUE SPOT on facebook, download their PDF to print, and put the flyer on any car that parks in a handicap spot. Send photos to RCIP and they WILL ticket the inconsiderate and illegal drivers.
Great campaign! Go Blue!
How is it that the police force (and I use force heavily), are able to ticket an offender if they themselves did not see the offending vehicle/person parking in a handicap spot? I’d like an attorney or an officer of the RCIPS to reply please. Armchair ones need not apply.
Lets hope that the general public gets the same slap on the rist as this officer. Would hate to see the general public being fined when all she got was meeting over coffee with her favourite supervisor…
To;Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/09/2013 – 11:06. As long as it on the "rist" I guess a slap is ok.
So! People have the time to take a picture of a cop parked on a curb blocking a disabled parking spot and send to her bosses, BUT!!!!!! a number of persons saw men in a truck stealing AC units and didn't think to take a picture of that and send to the police.
I'm in no way supporting the cop, just saying making a point.
Clearly the right presons did not witness the AC thieves but they did see ths officer!
I seem to remember seeing some place that the owner said something about this not be Jamaicans but young Caymanians.
Then with no witnesses according to you they arrest a 29 year old man and a 42 year old woman.
Dont know their nationalities but that does not sound like young Caymanians.
By the way I know you said you were not supporting her but understand she is the one that is supposed to be protecting those spots for the real handicapped people to park in. Its like giving the keys to the robber.
I believe it was a Jamaican denying Jamaicans were involved. I look forward to finding out the truth.
Are you sure you read the comment??
How did you manage to get all that information regarding Caymanians vs Jamaicans out of that comment?
Comment also DID NOT say there were no witnesses nor who was arrested!! Only made reference to the fact that witnesses did not take pictures.
Comment is also NOT supporting the cop in anyway. Only made reference to the fact that people were quick to capture this moment and forward to police but people are not capturing crimes in action and forwarding to police.
Prime example would be the Scotia Bank robbery. Those photos came from tourists walking along that street. But yet every other person (teenagers included) have some type of smart phone.
And what does that suggest about the public's faith / relationship witl the Police?
The Police should set the right example!
There is a saying here "do as I say, not as I do"….seems some Police (and others) have taken this saying up as a motto.
The lady did not even parked in teh disable spot. And it was not being blocked either. God god man.,………………….
The picture clearly shows that the front of her car is directly behind a Blue Spot.
Everyone but you can CLEARLY see the disabled spot that she is BLOCKING right in front of her car, dingdong.
God god man! Git yer eyeballschecked. (Oh, did you mean good God?)
Not blocking it? Do you think a diabled person has the time to navigate around her vehicle to get into that designated parking space directly ahead of the police chick's car!
To:Submitted by MEM (not verified) on Tue, 07/09/2013 – 12:33. Take another look and let us know if now see a person and not a chick.
You sir are no doubt part of the problem!
The law has to be changed before persons can post picture of people parking in these disabled area. I can sense several law suits coming this way……. Be careful how pictures are taken of people parking in these area unless a law is passed.
08:35, please explain the concept of lawsuits by the offenders for breaking the law?
Is that you Mac?
Dear Submitted by SSM345 (not verified) on Tue, 07/09/2013 – 16:42. Have you ever heard of evidence not being admissable because it was obtained illegally?Or how about ,two wrongs don't make a right?I think we need to remember that we should not break the law in an effort to show that someone else is.
I have witnessed this same officer park there many times prior to this photo. I have even commentted openly to her, however I see it has had no effect!!!
The officer in question should have been terminated. Also, can someone please explain what “advice and guidance” was given to this officer?
Don't do it again?
Intitlement parking(parking right in front of the door and blocking everyone else) just shows the person for what they are. Disrespectful and unworthy of a place in society.
Entitlement.
I would add inconsiderate. The same applies to people who park at the front door to the supermarket where there are cones to stop the parking and to people who stop in the middle of the road instead of pulling off the road to chat or pick up a person. Obviously very convenient to the drivers but inconsiderate of others who have to maneuver around them.
“unworthy of a place in society.” Would you please explain that last sentence to me. What makes the officer unworthy in our society? What should we do or rather, what would you do if the judgment was in your hands? I’ll await your reply. It should be an interesting read.
Wait a second. …has the gelato place shut down? Crap gonna miss that place when I come back. Thats where another disable parking should be. Quick access to gelato. Hmmmmm. ….
I've noticed police drivers breaking the traffic laws on many an occasion and I'm like thinking "What the heck!" as they fail to indicate when changing lanes and turning, fail to stop at four way stops and junctions with a big "STOP" sign and chat away on their cellphones. Are these jokers in uniforms of the mindset that they are above the law or what? Incredible!
Please, if you are at all in a supervisory position within the RCIP, read the riot act to your officers in regard to their being obligated to obey the laws of the land, and explain in no uncertain terms that they are being observed by a public that demands that they (of all people, for obvious reasons) set the standard, and are increasingly equipped to record any failings and report them to the RCIPas well as the public at large.
Wow…impressive insensitivity and sheer selfishness Miss RCIP officer. I do hope you get the book thrown at you. Especially considering there is an open regular parking space barely two cars away. I hope this involved demotion and not being allowed to drive RCIP vehicles anymore.
Classic! Happens way too often….thank god for the name and shame now occurring. THINK BEFORE YOU PARK SELFISHLY, someone may take a photo and post it online.
we need to start posting pics of cars with illegal window tint too…..
As cars with expired documents!
And cars with illegal licence plate tinting!
Good suggestion, but how would you know whether the tint on a vehicle is legal or not? I have very dark tint on my car specifically approved by law enforcement for a medical condition. Please try so don't post any pictures of any tinted cars unless you know for a fact that the car is illegally tinted. Tanx!
really???..what medical condition?…. I have checked with the cops and they have never approved anybody for illegal tint for 'medical conditions'…..
We're getting off the subject here, but I'll answer your question.
People suffering from:
Certain genetic or systemic diseases such as Lupus erythematosus, Cockayne's and Bloom's syndromes, Pellagra, Protoporphyria or Xeroderma Pigmentosum should be protected from direct sunlight. Other Skin Photosensitivities such as Solar Urticaria and Polymorphous Light Eruption preclude sun exposure as well.
Cataracts cause Dangerous Glare, also Many Drugs can cause Temporary Photosensitivity.
Plus Pharmaceuticals, including some Antibiotics, may cause Photosensitivity. It's advised to check the adverse effects of all drugs you are taking. Not only for sunlight protection, but operating the vehicle!
My sister has had a medical certificate since the 80's that allowed her to have car window tint before tint was even legal here. And she's allowed 'darker' than the legal limit of 35% visible light transmission (VLT). She wears prescription eyeglasses that are as dark as most sunglasses, or almost. Years ago, a lot of people would say to me, "why does your sister wear sunglasses at night or inside?". I'd have to explain why to them. There are others on island as well with extremely light sensitive eyes that require a darker tint than is allowed by law, I'm sure some have amedical certificate for this exception to the law.
The more you know. And now you know.
See: http://is.gd/S5Gmo2
all offenders need to be named and shamed…..where are the names?
It is really amazing that Sandra Catron said that she has particular concerns about police who continue to use their phones while driving even when it is clearly not an emergency.This implies that she is somehow able to know for a fact ,when an officer is sending or receiving an emergency call.How does she do it? Is she eavesdropping on their calls,or is she simply guessing. It certainly is wrong , for example, to assume that an officer is talking on a non emergency call based on the fact that the sirens are not turned on, and the vehicle is not speeding. I am certain that there must exist different protocol for responding to different emergency situations. Just a thought.
Perhaps because there were 2 officers in the car and IF it were police business the non driving officer could have taken the phone call!! Perhaps because they RCIPS has already looked into it and since they no longer issue govt. cell phones they know they can't be calling an officer on their phone but instead now use radios … PERHAPS YOU NEED TO THINKBEFORE OPENING YOUR MOUTH AND INSERTING FOOT??!!!
So, you would prefer that we assume that anytime we see a cop talking on his cellphone with no siren and not speeding that IT IS an emergency? How convenient.
In reply to:Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/09/2013 – 11:18. The answer is that I would prefer that you not assume that it is a non emergency call.
Of course you should assume that if there is no reason to believe it is an emergency.
How about if the Officer is smiling and laughing while talking on the phone?
I could take pictures of most government ministers driving while on their cell phone. Will CNS post those pictures if I provide them?
CNS: Yes.
Why has this officer not been named in this article? She obviously has no respect or regard for the law.
Well that just sucks for the officer. Lesson learned I’m hoping. But let’s not get carried away. Sometimes and not often I might add, disabled/handicap drivers feel, because of their situation, they can do whatever they feel like doing, such as driving too far below the posted speed limit for one, and taking up 2 parking spaces because all of the handicap spots are occupied (I’ve personally seen this happen twice, but I won’t say it’s a problem, yet).
Do I have a right then, as a law abiding citizen to challenge said persons of handicap/disabled body to please drive at a reasonable speed limit or not take 2 spots in a Non-hadicap parking area? If I did challenge, I feel I would be ridiculed for speaking up and would be or should I say, try to be shamed into feeling guilty. I’ll keep my camera handy for, if ever again I see such irresponsible behaviour on the part of a handicap/disabled driver or the person doing to actual driving. My post here is by
no means a criticism of the handicap/disabled, just wanted to share my own frustration on how far some groups would like to push others not in their situation and make the laws bend to their own needs, some selfish I might add. For the most part, I don’t think the above issues are a problem nor would be something we need to worry about.
Right on brother. I bet you wish you were handicapped so that you could park anywhere!
You had to know I would feel compelled to comment, right? I would like to publicly acknowledge being one of those drivers who takes up 2 parking spaces when no disabled spots are available. Would you like to know why? I'll tell you anyway. My son is in a wheelchair and in order to get him out of the vehicle, I need TWO spaces as his specially configured handicap van is side load. This means that the ramp that comes down takes up more than just one spot. The big red and white sign (can't miss it) posted on the window on that side begs people to park no more than 8' away from that door. Do you think anyone pays it any mind? Nope! So that means I CANNOT park in just one spot.
Furthermore, for people who actually need the disabled spaces, it is quite a thing to get in and out of the vehicle. My brother-in-law – a paraplegic – is also in a wheelchair and must pull it alongside the vehicle and lift his body into the vehicle – how does he do that if a car is parked right next to his? You got it – he doesn't. Now imagine it raining. Yeh, pretty crappy!
So while I appreciate your frustration over those damned disabled people who think they are sooooo special because the law thought they needed their own spot to park in, I must tell you how insensitive and wicked your comments are. What I would give for my son to walk. To have a chance at a normal life and not be TOTALLY dependant on people to do everything for him. Do you really think I woke up one day and said, 'hmmm, let me save the blue spots for those damned disabled pests'…?
As for drivers below the limit. Really!? Are you really going to throw that one in the ring? Do you know that people like my son have no upper body control and should I speed along and have to brake suddenly, that he will be propelled forward without the ability to hold himself back??????? No of course you didn't. Because YOU do not have muscular dystrophy and YOU do not know what it is to be helpless and weak and DISABLED. So please Skillpot, before you choose to make the mentally challenged decision to post comments that are fraught with ignorance and stupidity, walk away from your computer….because you have legs that let you…and do something else – like help.
And as for your comment about 'some groups' pushing the law to bend for their needs…What the hell!?!? Are you REALLY thinking that?? Tell me, who protects the needs of the disabled? Obviously not you!!! Are you really so elitist that you think that the world revolves around the healthy? I suppose you support Hitler's desire to cull the population for a special super race too! Oh my God! Let me be so very clear here: This 'group' is made up of children, as well as adults. Children who have no voice and no licence. Children likemy son and my cousin, Jule, and Kent McTaggart's son, Brandon. We don't care what you think about the blue spots because people like you obviously don't care about what we go through on a daily basis. You are so self-involved and inconvenienced by the world of 'groups' who have special needs.
But get used to it Skillpot! Because people like YOU are the reason I am challenging the insensitivity here. The law was in place LONG before I came along and it was put there by concerned and caring HUMANS who understood the need to assist those who cannot assist themselves. This 'group' is made up of the sweetest people with the most enormous capacity for love and tenderness. I would suggest that your 'group' of heartless, cold and inconsiderate people take a step back and realize that this world is made up of all kinds and we are meant to show compassion. Disabled people are people too and just because YOU are not disabled, doesn't mean that they are less important. One day YOU will be in their position, as you are bound to get old and fragile and require special attention – and perhaps the need of a blue spot. I hope that your caregivers are more considerate of your plight that you are of ours.
I am completely offended and so irritated at your post that I will end now before Wendy/Nickyhave to censor my post. Gimme a call sometime so I can take you for a ride with my son on aboard. 525-5632. See what it takes to live a day in HIS life then tell him how much they frustrate you.
Have a flipping heart! My God!
Chelsea Rivers
If CNS would permit me to reply, I kindly thank you in advance.
Thank you for your reply Mrs./Miss Rivers. I'll address some of your comments below.
A.
Submitted by Chelsea Rivers:
You had to know I would feel compelled to comment, right? I would like to publicly acknowledge being one of those drivers who takes up 2 parking spaces when no disabled spots are available. Would you like to know why? I'll tell you anyway. My son is in a wheelchair and in order to get him out of the vehicle, I need TWO spaces as his specially configured handicap van is side load. This means that the ramp that comes down takes up more than just one spot. The big red and white sign (can't miss it) posted on the window on that side begs people to park no more than 8' away from that door. Do you think anyone pays it any mind? Nope! So that means I CANNOT park in just one spot.
Skillpot's reply:
I understand this scenario and do see vans with side-loaded ramps that need a wide clearance to extend properly. This is the exception to the rule however. You need 2 spots or 8 feet for this as you mentioned, I have zero issues with this type of need and encourage you to take as many spots as necessary. For this reason, it is why I said at the beginning of my comment: "Sometimes and not often I might add" and also: "but I won't say it's a problem, yet". Meaning I do recognise there are exceptional cases, but not always and this sometimes lead to 'parking abuse' by the handicap/disabled and/or (the) drivers.
B.
Submitted by Chelsea Rivers:
So while I appreciate your frustration over those damned disabled people who think they are sooooo special because the law thought they needed their own spot to park in, I must tell you how insensitive and wicked your comments are. What I would give for my son to walk. To have a chance at a normal life and not be TOTALLY dependant on people to do everything for him. Do you really think I woke up one day and said, 'hmmm, let me save the blue spots for those damned disabled pests'…?
Skillpot's reply:
I wanted to let people know there's another side to the coin, so to speak. I'd like to add that I never used the words 'damned disabled people' or thought I was 'special'. I'm sorry if my comments came across that way. Insensitivity or being 'wicked' towards handicap/disabled persons certainly was not intended and not meant to be implied.
C.
Submitted by Chelsea Rivers:
As for drivers below the limit. Really!? Are you really going to throw that one in the ring? Do you know that people like my son have no upper body control and should I speed along and have to brake suddenly, that he will be propelled forward without the ability to hold himself back??????? No of course youdidn't. Because YOU do not have muscular dystrophy and YOU do not know what it is to be helpless and weak and DISABLED. So please Skillpot, before you choose to make the mentally challenged decision to post comments that are fraught with ignorance and stupidity, walk away from your computer….because you have legs that let you…and do something else – like help.
Skillpot's reply:
Are seatbelts not the law? I do understand that the standard seatbelts may not work for certain handicap/disabled persons, but I'm sure you do use some sort of supplemental restraint in its place if that's the case? I'd like to point out that braking suddenly is not the only way one can be propelled forward. Examples are, a vehicle hitting you from behind or from the side can also cause sudden, forward or side movement(s). As long as it's a reasonable speed that a handicap/disabled vehicle is travelling at, I have no issues ("driving too far below the posted speed limit").
I'm sorry that you think my posted comments are ignorant and stupid. I certainly think I have the right to comment on issues as such and just like you, can protest/comment and bring to light some of the things I see that are not always fair (as much as possible) treatment, from both sides. I'm a non-handicap/disabled person, but I can assure you I fight fair and will defend the right of any side as long as it's a level playing field.
You can't force people to care, but sometimes special need groups try to shame others into caring. (Please note, I'm not saying this is something you do.) When I do care it's because I want to help, I want to make life as enjoyable for the handicap/disabled/any-needs person(s) or animal(s) as much as possible. Someone that is "fraught with ignorance and stupidity", I believe do not help or care this way. I'm certainly not that type of person. Although you would have no way of knowing this before commenting, I understand why you would think I was an ignorant, stupid person. I hold no enmity towards your comments however.
D.
Submitted by Chelsea Rivers:
And as for your comment about 'some groups' pushing the law to bend for their needs…What thehell!?!? Are you REALLY thinking that?? Tell me, who protects the needs of the disabled? Obviously not you!!! Are you really so elitist that you think that the world revolves around the healthy? I suppose you support Hitler's desire to cull the population for a special super race too! Oh my God! Let me be so very clear here: This 'group' is made up of children, as well as adults. Children who have no voice and no licence. Children like my son and my cousin, Jule, and Kent McTaggart's son, Brandon. We don't care what you think about the blue spots because people like you obviously don't care about what we go through on a daily basis. You are so self-involved and inconvenienced by the world of 'groups' who have special needs.
Skillpot's reply:
I'm not an elitist, you have misunderstood me. I can understand however, as I'm sure you have had it up to your neck in people (not me) abusing the traffic law and taking parking spots designated for the handicap/disabled. I'm feeling your pain after reading your comments. But I still stand behind mine.
"I suppose you support Hitler's desire to cull the population for a special super race too! " – This is now getting silly. To quote your previous comment: "Are you really going to throw that one in the ring?"
I did not say whether I cared for the blue spots or not. But if you must know, I support your cause. However, I feel we all need to be fair in the pursuit of what your Facebook campaign is all about. Your group may not be pushing the law to bend toyour needs, but others in the same situation do, albeit small, I'm sure. It maybe from the sidelines or privately suggested to those in power that 'we need more' etc. I hold the same opinion when it comes to smokers vs non-smokers, gay vs straight, black vs white, immigrants vs 'native borns' and so on and so forth.
Naming and shaming is all well and good, until it comes back to bite you. I suggest you blur the photos that show other vehicles/plates that are not breaking the law and not parked in handicap/disabled spots. Privacy is becoming a greater concern and will continue to escalate in the coming years. Having one's licence plate and vehicle in a photo that includes the offender's vehicle/plate (the focus of the photo) is not something I support. It may seem minuscule now, but could come back and be an issue for you. Food for thought at least.
"You are so self-involved and inconvenienced by the world of 'groups' who have special needs." – Not at all, I'm happy to obliged as needed, I do this more often then not. I'm a compassionate person, but you cannot know this. Again I hold no enmity towards your comments.
E.
Submitted by Chelsea Rivers:
…Gimme a call sometime so I can take you for a ride with my son on aboard. 525-5632. See what it takes to live a day in HIS life then tell him how much they frustrate you.
Skillpot's reply:
I might just call you. If I do, you'll see that I'm a caring, concerned human as well. One who understands "the need to assist those who cannot assist themselves". I belong to no one group, nor am I heartless, cold and inconsiderate. I hope you would see me as an empathetic person. I'll consider your proposal, thank you for that. As I said in my previous post: "I don't think the above issues are a problem nor would be something we need to worry about." – This still stands.
—
If I may, here are some suggestions for you:
First I'd like to mention, at Marquee Plaza, where the police officer blocked access to the handicap/disabled spot has very faded/worn signage. Howdo I know this? On Wednesday afternoon I went to the plaza to inspect the parking and saw for myself, the white squares with the barely visible "International Symbol of Access" (ISA) or Wheelchair Symbol. I then wondered how the comment posted on Tue, 07/09/2013 – 10:59. said: "The picture clearly shows that the front of her car is directly behind a Blue Spot." – Clearly that is not the case in the supplied photo to this story. This is not a fair statement from that poster and could lead to other readers 'adding fuel' to an already high tension debate.
My suggestion is, you should go to the properties that have faded handicap/disabled parking signs (or non at all) and suggest to the owner/manager that a re-paint/relabel/display is warranted for the areas that are not clearly marked or are in an illegible state, as they do wear and fade overtime. I'm sure the Department of Planning will assist you with this if need be as an enforcer. One could say the white squares with the faded/illegible Wheelchair Symbols is an indicator to the drivers that this is a handicap/disabled spot, even though some are not clearly marked or easy to make out from the driver's point of view. At other properties, these designated spot(s) have been painted over because the spot(s) moved to another part of the property for whatever reason and/or were no longer applicable. This is a confusion for some and they may inadvertently park in a spot not clearly marked because of faded signage etc. I don't believe that's the case with the officer in the story however.
Thank you for posting and voicing your concerns and highlighting some points Mrs./Miss Rivers. It's given me some tiny insight into what you and others go through on a daily bases. I feel as long as there's a level playing field (as level as possible) with the law and those that it's made to protect, we can be in agreement. I hope this exchange will open the eyes of others and make them more receptive; 1. Take a minute and consider as to who may park in handicap/disabled spots. 2. What/who the spots are intended for (before thinking of parking/blocking these areas). And finally 3. Anyone on either side of the fence, there's always two sides. One side needs a bit more and I'm all for giving up a bit more, as long as it's within reason and everybody plays fair. That's all.
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." ~ Gandhi
Peace.
Skillpot
The RCIPS doesn't know better, the Jordanian lives by that cafe.
Heck, I've also seen him at Camana Bay, Papermans by the Strand, Papermans by the Midtown….he is like Savoir-Faire, He's EVERYWHERE!!
I was pleasantly surprised to see an RCIPS officer wirting tickets to cars that were abusing the handicapped parking at the hospital this week. I can only hope that this continues.
Now now lets not be too quick to point fingers, they might just be waiting to get their disabled permit. Im sure quite a few could justify their entitlement to one.
Under what category -mentally handicapped ?
She is not PARKED on the disabled parking space, like ordinary people do. She might have been there for 10 seconds.
I have no respect for the rcips, but fair is fair.
It takes more than 10 seconds to open a car door, much less to get in and out of the car and a cafe! She is parked directly in front of the parking spot, therefore if someone needed to park there honestly they could not get in, which makes it just as bad! Not to mention most disable vehicles require space for wheelchair access or retrieval! How would that happen with madam parked in the way!?
She’s parked crapola and you know it. 10seconds!?
There are two empty parking spots in the background she could have used. Instead she chose to inconvenience everyone else by parking at the front door and blocking the handicap spot.
Eventually, the powers that be in Cayman will no longer be above the law.
Slowly it is coming to pass. Keep the photos coming.
It seems Mrs. Rivers’ plight has again triggered action by the RCIPS. Just today I was at Kirk Market and was so pleased to see an officer writing someone a ticket for parking illegally in a disabled spot. I couldnt help but think that had this occurred just a few months ago, the officer MAY have walked across this without notice. Well done to all for their efforts in stopping these unnecessary and disgusting breaches of the law!
“disgusting breaches of the law!” That’s a bit over the top now, isn’t it?
Killing someone or robbing someone is disgusting. Perhaps when this happens, I’d like to see you comment about it. Otherwise you make it sounds as if a horrible, terrible crime was committed. A breach of the traffic law, yes, despicable, for sure.
It is the acceptance of the 'little' breaches of law that leads to a lawless society and the larger breaches of law or the horrible terrrible crime you refer to. We need a zero tolerance approach.
I didn't say there should be acceptance to this issue/law. Don't try to twist my words please. I objected to the strong word used, disgusting. The proper context is what I have a problem with.
"You see, he knew his own laws just as other people so often know the laws: by words, not by effects. They take a meaning, and get to be very vivid, when you come to apply them to yourself." – A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.