The Last Word

Diversity is alive and well we must celebrate it

by Barrie Quappe
Host/producer for "Cayman Crosstalk with Barrie Quappe" on Rooster 101.9FM

Friday, August 27, 2004

Having the true privilege to talk with people of the Cayman Islands every week day is an ongoing education and a wonderful way to experience first-hand our living, breathing diversity in cultures, viewpoints and ethics.

Cayman has enjoyed a history of peace while many different nationalities come, go and some stay. Before television and popular music from other countries came here, we truly did not know who was a celebrity‚ and we spent time listening and talking to each other.

Our success story has not been without a price, that being the loss of regular communication between the nationalities that have come to enjoy the job opportunities and share their expertise in our ongoing success.

Add to this the mix of foreign media, increasing exposures to prejudices and racism the world over, and we can clearly see indicators that our peace‚ has been compromised.

While some doomsday folks may be tempted to say we have lost our proverbial touch, I say it doesn’t have to be so.

Yes, we are diverse and yes, we talk less between different cultural groups.

However, if we make the effort to understand how our predecessors got along, we can deliberately celebrate our diversity and maintain our famous Cayman peace.

Now, don’t think I am in la-la land and ignorant of the struggles or the recent increase in crime. I simply believe that if we the people want to turn the tide, we can. The bottom line is we must try.

Listen to others. Why do they feel Caymanians are lazy? Why to they think Canadians are unfeeling and why do they think Americans are all bad?

When we listen, we then may be able to explain the opposing side and increase understanding. It doesn’t mean we will change people, and anyway, who wants to?

Variety is the very essence of life. What is does mean, is that we can increase tolerance and respect for each other even if we don’t always agree.

One thing we can agree on is that the Cayman Islands has been a wonderful place to live and those of us who call it home never want to lose that.

Contact Barrie Quappe “Newstalk” radio show, Rooster 101.9FM. E-mail barriequappe@hurleysgroup.com  

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