Friday, 4 February 2000| Updated at 8:55 PM |

FRIDAY COMMENTARY

Some GovernmentOfficials have expressed dismay that this medium carried newsof the recent increase in reported crimes
Claims of "sensationalism" ... and "such news shouldnot be reported on the internet (to the world)" have beenforcefully expressed by some officials and residents followingpublishing of a rash of criminal activity. In the meantime, althoughthe local media did carry the same news - some of these very officials- and residents too, have confirmed that they too are quite concernedabout what seems to be an upsurge in antisocial bahaviour in normallyCayman's 'good order' society.

What was reported by this medium in an earlierreport as 'attempted bank robberies' has been criticized, becausethe preferred term of "attempted bank break-ins" shouldhave been used. The fact still remains that, the five attemptsare five too many. And the claim that such criminal activity happenseveryday elsewhere is quite 'alien' to the Cayman Islands. Itmay not be possible to prevent this upsurge in disorderly andcriminal behavior, because of imported and beamed- in influences.However, it is up to everyone who lives here to act responsiblyby speaking up ... whenever the opportunities arise.

When one complaining official was remindedthat sufficient warnings went unheeded -- and thereafter confirmedby professionals brought in and subsequently confirmed that theupheaval at Northward Prison "had to happen" becauseof years and years of ignoring the truth ... one official whocomplained about our report, went on to say that he was aware... like so many others in responsible positions that there weremany things not right in that institution.

The same official went on to say: "AlthoughI knew that there was quite a lot which could have been done toimprove the conditions ... (at the prison) I could not say much...because of my standing (Government) Orders". This certainlymust beg the obvious observation: Even officials in responsiblepositions have fear of speaking up ... even when they have a convictionthat all is not well... and many could end up being hurt, socially... and physically.

Although quite small in numbers - much lessthan one for every 150 residents - (not including tourists andCayman's advancing population) the RCIP .... is still quite stretchedbecause of the duties they (still) have in maintaining order atthe Prison and an increasing population. Furthermore, it is recognisedthat the Service has a dedicated contingent of men and women,who continue to do the best they can ... in spite of being sounder strength. Just like Northward, this is a very serious observationmust not be overlooked, before it is too late.

'The silent majority' in our paradise, whoare quite quick to criticise the systems by which they are governed,... or as they often claim "lack" of such ... whichcontinue to create the obvious increase in reported lawlessness.In one report put out as a Press Release put by the CommunityRelations Department of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service,last Monday morning (31 January) of the nine items listed, sixof (66 percent) were thefts or malicious damage related to automobiles.

Needless to say, this medium has not beenforwarded any Police Reports for the past few days. It has beensince learnt, that "it is obvious why Cayman Net News isnot sent Press Releases over the last few days".

Meanwhile, other local media continue toreceive Press Releases issued with reports made by (to) the Police.