Editorial
Further ChallengesAhead
The Cayman Islands did not escape - andis still smarting from the tumultuous events of 2001: weatheringthe US and world-wide recession; self-imposed and external pressureson the two pillars of the economy, the tourism and financial industries;the fallout from September 11 terrorist attacks on our most importanttrading partner, the United States of America; the damage causedby Hurricane Michelle; a change of Ministers in the ExecutiveCouncil and a new Leader of Government Business; further bleedingof the Government Treasury by Cayman Airways; the unavoidableheavy tax package to balance an already bloated budget; and apotpourri of others that only a strong nation could survive.
And that is what we have done.
After all is said and done, here in theCayman Islands we are still so much better off than many othersin the region, the Western hemisphere. In fact dare we say, theentire world. This is the safest place when one considers personalnecessities. Families, residents and visitors can still walk andtravel our roads and beaches without the fear of harassment. Safetyhas become a priority, and we have to thank the leadership andofficers of the very diligent Royal Cayman Islands Police, supportedby Government, which continues to extol the obligation of lawand order.
There continues to be near zero tolerancefor scofflaws of any activity, which dare to threaten the standardsto which all who live here, investors, and visitors have becomeaccustomed. Ours is not a usual destination. It is distinct inthe sense that many will choose security of person and possessionsover a loose society whose traditions and standards attempt toderail our non-confrontational approach.
To maintain these blessings will requiretolerance by the public at large that there may be matters anddecisions meted out by the powers-that-be that may be unpalatable.It is with this in mind that Government must bear in mind thatan informed public will be responsive in most cases in apositive way if they are included; and this is necessaryif changes are to be effected.
The brouhahas raised by many over indispensabledecisions made by Government can be avoided if the people areeducated by any form of impending legislation. In this regard,there are many issues to be considered as early as possible inthe New Year; primary among these must be settling of a new lawon the still outstanding issues of immigration.
The dye is cast on some of the changes whichwill come about: liberalization of telephone services from theprevious monopoly; some banks will downgrade their 'A' Class Licensesto a 'B' category; there will be a new Education agenda includingthe necessity of a new high school for the Eastern District; developmenton the downtown port facility will begin; the national flag carrier,Cayman Airways is under a stricter mandate to be self-sufficient;the Civil Service will no longer be subjected to further growth;and a multitude of other initiatives the majority of whichwill be sponsored by Government will push the envelope tothe point that many will have to realize that It is not businessas usual!
These and other challenges will help tocompel the Cayman Islands to face the stark reality that the NewYear will not just be a year to lick the wounds of 2001 and hopefor survival. That is not good enough. We must strive to win:win back the confidence that many have had in us for decades.
To do this, we require partners who areprepared to go the distance with and ahead of us in every actof adversity, for eventful triumph. Therefore, although some ofthe changes over the past year may have appeared to be adversarial;let us think of them as necessary acts of retooling to make theCayman machinery work to its optimum to meet the demands whichwill be made of our future.