EDITORIAL

'Dah Beach Belong To We'

Monday, September 6, 2004

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Reader comments:

• I feel the need to write and tell of my experience with the Westin a year ago. I travel to Cayman on a basis of about every four months, due to the fact that my boyfriend is a local and lives on the island. I have several local friends and stay with a family in one of the Eastern districts. My two adult daughters go with me to visit also.
  
  We decided to go to Seven Mile Beach and check out the Westin and the beach. I had two local children with me, my daughters and my other local friend who was a male. We were in swimwear which was dry and very tasteful. We walked through the lobby of the Westin and around the outside. Beautiful place! When we stood on the beach not far from the building is when we were greeted by security and a very rude male manager of British descent.
  
  The manager said, and I quote, “Before you get too comfortable I’m going to have to ask you to leave, this beach is private!" I was shocked and really upset from the tone in which he spoke to me. I felt what prejudice is all about that day! I felt for my local friends as well. I asked the man if he was always that rude or is that something he picked up in his training. People were staring at us and all I wanted to do at that point was leave.
  
  That situation has bothered me since the day it happened. I am so glad the other couple reported their trouble with the Westin and I hope something is done about it. Let the Westin and every other place built on the shores of Cayman know that you should respect all people, mostly the locals born and raised black or white that live and visit your place of business. Thank you - Debbie Hoerz
  
   
• They could build Jericho wall on the beach, I will be climbing it. This is one true-born Caymanian that they can't run off any beach in Cayman. Grand Cayman, Little Cayman or Cayman Brac - Eye For Culture

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