COMMENTARY

Cayman - Political Independence

Tuesday,  February 8, 2006

When I was a little boy growing up and attending elementary school, teachers and special guest speakers would say “you all are the next generation, you are the future!”

If I was to take those past educators literally then the future is here - the future is now.

The time has finally arrived for my generation to take lead, of course with God almighty as our guide and the good counsel of our older Caymanian philosophers.

For too long the “I” word has been an inauspicious word to most in our society.

When I say the “I” word I am referring to the word independence. I think and have always been of the opinion that this move for us as a country (3 island nation) would be an exemplary one. I realize it is nothing to rush into blindly or uninformed, however, we Caymanian people need to be aware that independence is coming soon; my generation and our children will see it come to pass.

My children will bring their children up in a Cayman that would have already been Independent for a good while.

Independence is not a bad word. There comes a time when children grow up and become adults and should leave the house of their parents. It is biblical: “Father may have, Mother may have, but blessed is the child that haveth his own.”

We cannot live the rest of our lives under the roof of our parents - when we grow up it is our responsibility to maturely hold our own. I am of the opinion that a colony must break free one day as well. There comes a time when every island, country, or land becomes aware and reaches of age.

I believe Cayman has reached the point of political maturity. If not now, when? We need to believe more in ourselves as a people. Why do we doubt our fellow Caymanian instead of supporting him, believing in him and lifting him up? Why? Why so much division?

Because there are people in our society (Caymanians and Expats) who we allow to divide us. There are those in our society who rejoice in our division, they rejoice that we don’t speak with one common unified voice. This needs to stop.

Churches (denominations) divided, the family divided, social clubs divided, the Caymanian society is divided.

This depresses me. As a people, embracing everyone to whom it may concern, are we ready to unite, fly our own national flag, sing our own national anthem and be proud to call ourselves ‘Caymanian’ in a politically independent nation called the Cayman Islands?

I answered “yes” a long time ago, but something tells me there might be some reservations on your part. Time will tell. Stop looking at countries that you perceive as having failed as a direct result of political independence.

These countries, in my opinion after doing some research, have failed not because of independence but rather because of dirty, corrupt politicians and political leaders not knowing how to manage the country’s affairs and crime etc.

Caymanians are not stupid. And no we are not lazy. Over time we have educated ourselves and I have every trust in my people, and yes in Caymanians running this country effectively and prosperously for all the people. In the not too distant future I hope to see many things starting to fall into place as a result of good hard planning by my people.

Life in an Independent Cayman

Wouldn’t it be nice when the day comes to call one of our very own ‘Your Excellency’? Well fellow Caymanians, the day will come when Cayman will appoint a Governor/ Governor General who is Caymanian, by birth and heritage.

Our flag will change as would be expected. We would have and fly our very own flag. Say goodbye to the Union Jack, with all due respect. You see my people, until we believe in and respect ourselves no other developed country will.

Independence brings about a sense of national pride and patriotism, trust me on this one. Let us “Caymanianize” the entire country. It’s sad but it is true what I am about to say. I know of true born Caymanians who have been so successful and gained so much wealth that they’ve forgotten who they are. They have lost their identity, they’ve forgotten from whence they came. Now that’s a sad situation and an even sadder, pathetic state to be in.

I know other Caribbean people, North Americans, and Europeans that have lived here for many years - and they’ll tell you they are Caymanian at heart, not by paper, but by and at heart; and trust me, I know the ones who are genuine. It’s just something about them that’s distinctly Caymanian. And then I know some true born Caymanians from West Bay, East End and Spot Bay who I classify as expatriates, because that’s how they act.

Do you know of any Caymanians (native, born & bred) who thinks and comes across like he/she is a visitor or a foreigner? They choose to separate themselves from us, they are true conformists to social stratification. I would like to see all Caymanians living together as one, be it you have $2.6 billion in your bank account or $0.26 cents. Whether you drive a BMW or you simply ride a bike.

Our national Song would officially become Our National anthem. At Current, we sing “God Save the Queen’ as our national anthem, this would no doubt change. Becoming independent does not mean we completely cut all ties with the mother country. We would be members of the Commonwealth. It is only then that we would receive visit after visit from her Majesty or the next in line to the throne. Jamaica (our big sister) has been independent since 1962, we remain a crown colony, I bet you my last dollar the Queen has made more visits there than she has made to her very own British dependent Cayman Islands.

My fellow Caymanians, as members of the Commonwealth, if we should need to be backed in the event of war of after a terrible hurricane, England and other member states would come to our assistance.

As a people, it is time we (Caymanians) control our affairs, both internal and external. Positions will be filled by Caymanians i.e. Governor, Chief Secretary, Attorney General, Auditor General, MLAs, Ministers of Government, Leader of Government Business, Permanent Secretaries, Head of Departments, Civil Service, The Judiciary etc, etc.

If these positions are not filled by trained, educated, qualified Caymanians and instead filled by persons from countries that will control the world in the future i.e. Chinese and Indians, then never mind. Forget I even wrote this letter. Let us instead remain (forever) a crown colony of the mother country. If Caymanians are not ready to take the stand and take back what is rightfully ours-then never mind! I might as well just continue to passively remain a second or third class citizen in the land of my birth. What will we tell our children?

Caymanians, let us take the stand!

Both political parties are adamantly against independence. In the past I have spoken to both leaders regarding the subject. However, of the two leaders, one was open to considering it, seriously. I think I’ll stick by his side.

“The fight has begun, Cayman for Caymanians!”

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