Chamber requests Florida law enforcement

HE the Governor, Bruce Dinwiddy	Joseph Hew, Chamber President

Friday,  April 15, 2005

In light of gang violence in recent weeks, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, (CICC) has requested the Governor seek immediate assistance from law enforcement officials in Florida.

“Our membership feels very strongly about the recent crime wave and its effects on our social and economic environment,” said Chamber President Joseph Hew. “And we applaud the recruiting steps taken by our police department.

“However, we would like to see more immediate action taken such as consulting with the Miami and Dade police departments to work with and train our officers, because they have specialized units for gang warfare, with more experience and are more equipped to know what drives gangs.

“We also see that certain type of groups and influences are more from North America and the Caribbean. While, we are sure the experts from the UK are highly skilled, we would like to see experts closer to our region work with our police department since they would be more equipped to handle what we have here.”

The Chamber submitted a letter to His Excellency the Governor on 7 April, outlining concerns over the recent violent crime surge and requesting immediate assistance from law enforcement officials in Florida or a similar region, that have similar expertise in policing drug-related activities on 7 April. 

In recent weeks, there have been a series of organized, drug-related gang activities using sophisticated illegal weapons, contributing to a pattern of crime, which could adversely impact all businesses and residents.

Additionally, the Chamber requested a complete assessment of specific resources, techniques and protocols that can address the recent gang activities.

The letter stated: “There is a great deal at stake if properly focused action is not taken swiftly to address this problem.” It further called for “decisive action to counteract the flagrant show of force by these organized warring gangs who currently seem to disregard and disrespect local law enforcement.”

“For many years we have been aware of the increasing seriousness of crime in our communities. Many of our members have reported an increase in armed hold-ups, break-ins, thefts and burglaries. We believe it is now time to fully review the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, (RCIPS) and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that local law enforcement officials have the necessary training, procedures and resources to take a hard stance against all forms of crime, including the importation and use of illegal substances and weapons.”

Mr Hew explained the letter is a positive request to support the Police Department. Additionally, he encouraged all residents to get involved by providing information about crimes to ‘Cayman Crime Stoppers’ at 800-TIPS (800-8477). 

Over the years, the Chamber has participated in several crime and fraud prevention initiatives including the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman’s Gun Buyback and Ceasefire programmes that removed hundreds of unlicensed firearms from the streets. 

Another programme, ‘Put Drugs Out of Business’, assisted the Drugs Squad with paying informants for information that led to the confiscating of over $30 million worth of illegal drugs and weapons as well as counterfeit currency and they have also worked on property identification initiatives. Just before Ivan, the Chamber donated pens and florescent lights to help identify counterfeit money. 

“The Chamber is committed to protecting the local community and ultimately the economy,” added Mr Hew.

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