Editorial
Now is the time for Self-Determination
The disquieting news hascome that the UK government is to force its overseas territories,through an order in council, to lift the ban on homosexuality.
This, despite local opposition and against the wishes of deeplyreligious communities.
Here in the Cayman Islands, the timing of this move is an interestingone. It represents a baptism of fire for the new government justbeing installed, following 8th November elections, and will surelybe a test of its ability to handle this long-standing controversialand sensitive issue.
Though the timing may be inconvenient, the UK government's actioncannot be at all surprising, since the possibity of its occurencewas already raised in the 'Partnership for Progress and Prosperity'(White Paper) proposal, as one issue in a broader framework ofhuman rights.
It has been argued, quite eloquently elsewhere in this issue,that Britain's regard for human rights are grounded in its needto adhere, as part of the European Union, to the European Conventionon Human Rights and other international charters. The will ofthe peoples of its territories must therefore take second placeto its own agenda, one that is increasingly not its own, but thatof the European Union.
Interestingly, many a politician in the recent election campaign,used their platform to call for a review of the White Paper andfor open discussion on its provisions with the people of theseislands. The test of their commitment to this campaign promiseis surely now at hand.
It seems clear, that if the newly-elected leaders oppose thismove by the mother country, as many of their constituents do,they owe it to the people to vigorously and vehemently defendtheir position and use every proper and vailable means necessaryto ensure that due regard is given to the people's right to selfdetermination on matters such as these.
It may be that in the past, lip service has been paid to the needfor constitutional advancement and the very notion has been used,at times disingenously, to scare the populace with horror storiesof independence.
Perhaps at this time, the action of the UK government will forcefullydemonstrate that such tactics are no longer viable; that a failureto act decisively for the country's own self- determination, canin the long run lead to impositions, alien or detrimental to thepeople's interest, or at worst poorly timed actions.
As the machinations for lead roles and appointments in the newgovernment take place, it is to be hoped that the central issuesof Cayman's political and economic future will guide the considerationsfor appointment. Now more than ever, the country's interests mustoverride partisan or personal ambitions.