Letter to the Editor
Another perspective on theSunday cruise ban
I would like to give another perspectiveon the current Sunday cruise ban controversy. As a Seventh DayAdventist (SDA) Christian, I feel that it is a direct infringementon freedom of choice to legislate laws that determine when, andif, someone can carry out business on days that some call religious.
This island has over 2,500 SDA Christians, and I am certain thata SDA has never requested the government to make laws that prohibitpeople from carrying out business on Saturday. Saturday is theday that we, as SDAs, hold as Holy and according to the Biblerecords, Jesus and his disciples also kept Saturday the Sabbathday as an example for us.
Freedom of religion is a right that is to be granted to ALL, andto remove that right by legislating days of business is wrong,and is very unfair. When the Sunday ban was brought in, I wroteto the government of the day and voiced my concerns and viewson this law, but received no response. I am pleased to see thatour new government is not afraid to face issues and do thingsthat are right for all, not just for certain faiths or groups.
It is hypocritical to think that government should ban cruiseships from coming here on Sundays and businesses cannot open toserve passengers, but at the same time, Owen Roberts Airport operatesas normal, restaurants are open for business, bars operate andserve alcoholic beverages and many other businesses operate asusual. However, cruise ships are not allowed to come, thus themerchants that want to open on Sundays to serve this industryand benefit from it cannot operate.
I respect other people's views and religious convictions and askthat others respect all religious views. If people of other faithsthat are supporting the Sunday ban do not feel that it is notright to do business on Sundays, then they can use their freedomof choice and remain closed on Sundays.
Please remember that when Jesus walked on this earth, he neverforced anyone to follow him, but made himself available to allmankind to be their Saviour and King. See Revelation 3:20.
As for preserving Caymanian heritage and God-fearing culture,I am in total agreement with that; however, it is wrong to legislatereligious beliefs as a part of that heritage, but allow each personand family to choose what tradition they want to follow.
The part of Caymanian heritage that needs to be reinforced atthis time is respect for each person's freedom of religion andfreedom of choice.
In closing, I would like to say that I support the removal ofthe Sunday ban and commend the government for this bold move.
Gene Thompson