Editorial
An ImpressiveForm of Unison
Last Saturday, almost 3000 art lovers calledin on the grounds of the Governor's residence on Seven Mile Beachand were treated to a fabulous exhibition of local art producedby a cosmopolitan assembly of resident artists.
The exhibition 'Art@Governor's House'is the second of such in successive years and was organized bythe National Gallery, under the directorship of Mrs. Leslie Bigelman,MBE, a long time resident who for twenty-plus years has been instrumentalin promoting the arts. The National Gallery's efforts to beautifythe Cayman Islands through public art projects and Mrs. Bigelman'sdedication to training provide great encouragement to local artists.
At this particular time as the Cayman Islandsclambers to maintain its preeminence as a place of peaceful coexistenceof peoples of all callings, race and national origin, it was indeedsatisfying to observe the camaraderie among the artists who themselvesare representative of an international community that now callthese Islands home.
No one can doubt that there has been a noticeableunraveling of the unifying fabric of our society in recent years.
Previously, as early as the early 1970's,there was an annual event organized by the revered Mrs. OliveMiller, MBE, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday. She organizedan International Night, where over 150 residents, some bedeckedin dress representing the various countries from which they came,put on a grand evening of entertainment and culinary delights.
In later years, there has been an attemptby the John Gray High School to resuscitate this event. But, alas,like so many things of value sacrificed at the high altar of 'modernity',such were these attempts of inclusiveness.
Of the 219 persons who recently became Caymanians,several were born in other countries. This is not an unusual occurrencefor other advanced countries, which have rid themselves of xenophobictendencies and, consequently, have engendered successful economies.The leaders (and general public) of these countries understoodthe idea that to become a world-class destination there was aneed for a richer policy of inclusion. Therefore, it is betterfor us to remove our blinders so that we ourselves could not beconsidered by others to be myopic.
As the Cayman Islands continues to develop,especially in terms of attracting international and sophisticatedinvestors and visitors, it is inevitable that there would be manywho may choose to take up residence and would like to feel welcometo participate in so many 'things Caymanian' which have set usapart from our regional neighbours. With this spirit of volunteerism,it therefore behooves the indigenous population, in particularour Government leaders, to signal to those who have at times feltunwanted because of their national origin, that we really wantthem to join our society and not just their money.
On the obverse side of what at times appearsto be a developing impasse of understanding of the administrativestyle and albeit rushed initiatives by the Government of the day,it is incumbent on newcomers to take a more lucid look at currentevents. Long term residents who have come here and done so wellfor themselves must admit that while their lifestyles have grownby economic leaps and bounds, native Caymanians continue to facedifficulties in meeting their own needs not necessarilywants.
Meanwhile, although there is promise bythe present Government Administration that there are significantdevelopment projects in the works and the prognosis by the USgovernment that its recession is abating, there is still an urgentrequirement for a form of 'think tank' comprised of experiencedadvisors who can contribute sound recommendations for the immediate,mid and long term economic and social maturity of these BlessedIsles.
The Cayman Islands gained its reputationas a first-rate jurisdiction in which to conduct business, particularlyin the area of Financial Services - with Tourism as a naturalbenefactor because of the professional services offeredby many who have made Cayman their home. In the process, severalin the local community have and will continue to become qualifiedto maintain our respected standing on the world stage.
The international community who reside hereshould therefore be made to feel welcome at all times. Withoutopposition, their demeanors will relax and with a readiness tosmile, like many of the natives, will reflect the Cayman Islandsas one of if not the safest, most hospitable and successful placesin the world.