Editorial
Heard on the Marl Road
Too often, too many matters of fact go unreportedand are discussed on 'The Marl Road' the proverbial localmode, or choice of communication because of the lack of transparencyand complacency and fear.
Hither to Cayman Net News' appearanceon the local media scene, there appeared to be a preference toallow rumours to persist, leading to a persistence of furtherspeculation. And this is particularly so when it comes to mattersin connection with Government and in some cases privately heldand public companies.
One could very well ask then, why shouldit not be the concern of 'inquiring minds' to get news of matterswhich will affect their day-to-day lives. Often, the entitiesthat hold the key to the facts do not readily make public announcements.This then compels such facts to be contorted.
Is it their call as to when they shoulddo so? We don't think so, unless the matters in question are ofnational security.
The difficulty with this type of approach,in several instances, is that there are many willing professionalsin the public who are kept in the dark when they can offer anabundance of advice in just about any situation affecting Cayman.Unwisely, they are either ignored or not permitted to contributebecause of their national origin or political preference.
This country continues to mirror so manythings of our big brother to the North. If this continues to bethe case and it will because of our proximity thenwe should take a leaf out of that form of Government whereby theDemocratic process allows bipartisan contribution to any decision,which affects their country.
Should the advice of proven businessmen and professionals be soughtout and accepted, there could be far more orderly economic andsocial growth. Those who are aware of important facts, and notsharing them with the public could make or break the community'sspirit.
In this light, in an effort to create aplatform so that there will be a far more efficient and expeditiousway in which to communicate among all who call the Cayman Islandshome, while promoting the necessity of transparency in our strugglingeconomy - Cayman Net News will be launching a column dedicatedto 'executive summaries' of matters which we have become awarethat should be of interest and, in some cases, concern to thepopulace.
Because in several instances we are unableor face unwillingness by others to confirm matters, which thepublic has the right to know, this column will be appropriatelyentitled: "Heard on the Marl Road".
Every effort will be put into tracking downcorroboration of matters brought to our attention and all itemswill be subject to due diligence before considered for publication.Therefore, it will be pointless for contributors to submit tous items that are just simply rumours. We will pursue and requirefacts to substantiate all reports. However, we will certainlynot be a vehicle to entertain matters of people's personal affairs-- and items considered to be sheer gossip.
We feel that there is room for this typeof column, because, hopefully it will promote transparency andaccountability to initiatives proffered to the populace by publicand private sector leaders. We also believe that these reportscould go a long way in promoting the good order of the CaymanIslands.
We urge you, dear readers, to thereforecontact us with solid news leads for 'Heard on the Marl Road'if you think the public has a right to know. As a rule, we willprotect our contributors' right to privacy. However, we will requireproof of identity before we publish any items suggested.
Cayman Net Newsis committed to be your ultimate news source for 'All ThingsCaymanian'. So let us keep it going together