Cayman Net Readers' Forum
Discussion Topics

March 2004

All postings during the month (most recent at the top):

• The true meaning of poetry, with help from Ovid
  • I am most anxious to submit my comments on Don Ryan's story on "poetry" in Cayman Net News. He has been my "mentor" in Latin by e-mail for some years, since we belong to the same organization, Familia Sancti Hieronymi, which promotes the use of the Latin language. Don is a true scholar and shares his knowledge. I love to receive his e-mails that enrich my cultural life. I honestly did not know some of the details he includes in this story. I hope other readers of Cayman Net News will find it equally fascinating. There is a true meaning to the word poetry, as he explains so well - Sophie Jakowska, Ph.D. (Biol.) (a retired biology professor and enthusiast of Lois Blumenthal's work in protecting bats on Grand Cayman)
• Cayman Islands remains a safe place to live
  • If the Cayman Islands are as safe as RCIP says, why are detailed crime statistics kept secret from the public by RCIP? Also I would guess that it is safer to reside in the Cayman Islands than to visit, as I think much of the worst crime of late appears to be committed against temporary residents and tourists - Anonymous
• Work begins on Little Cayman Airport
  • It will indeed be a "Happy Day" when the new Little Cayman Airport is completed, because where the planes (including private planes) have been landing (Edward Bodden Airfield) is "Private Property". It is also encouraging that Mr. Carl McCoy's company has the contract to start the work. We hope this is not just an "Election Promise", and that work will continue until the Airport is opened - a long-prayed-for day - Anonymous
• Make Friends
  • Hi, really I don't speak very well English but I try. I'm student in Cuba, and my interest is to meet peoples, be friends and try to know their cultures and make exchanges on that way. Thank you - Lamine
    • Editor’s note: If any of our readers would like to contact Lamine, we will be happy to pass on letters or e-mails. Send them to us at PO Box 10707 APO or caymanet@candw.ky
• CayPolitics Stalled
  • Thank you for this informational article in response to enquiries. CayPolitics is an important tool in our right to expression, as Caymanians; (even if we don't have a Bill of Rights). I greatly appreciate the new Cayman Net Forum, for it affords the opportunity to respond to the individual news items as it/they concern us. Indeed I feel there is room for both forums, and wish Mr. Solomon every blessing as he, like Mr. Seales, is faithful to the art of Journalism. May God give us all strength to persevere and stand tall in the face of those who try to destroy our freedom and love of our homeland - Makes the Heart Sad
  • While I respect Mr. Solomon and his journalistic integrity, the nature of his publication, which is mainly commentary from members of the public, is too easily dominated by a few bigots who use his website as a platform for their ultra nationalistic views. To be quite honest I have stopped reading it because of disgust and boredom. The views expressed there over the last year or so have largely been expressions of racism and hatred for some of our closest geographic neighbours. I for one am relieved that the website has stalled or maybe it was intentionally temporarily discontinued by Mr. Solomon himself to allow things to cool down. He has lost a large number of moderate readers and contributors because of contributors like "cool breeze" and the like - Relieved
• There's Plenty To Do In Grand Cayman
  • Everything you mention in the above article is true about ANY large city. What this Island needs more of is something for adults to do with their children. A water park or theme park would be great. Forget the Turtle Farm - that is a waste of money. Friends of mine were just visiting and were at Stingray City and were disgusted with the amount of boats there. At least Cardinal D's it still making an attempt for the children as run down as it is - Andy McAlpine
• Prep School expansion
  • Why did the Head Mistress not thank the parents that are being forced to pay an extra $200 per term for the expansion as well? - Anonymous
• Unemployment Down
  • Recently, we heard first hand reports of the lay offs at the Ritz Carlton site. This was disturbing to say the least. However, even more disturbing than the Ritz layoffs are the mass redundancies that are taking place without the public being aware of it. These redundancies are shrouded in silence. This silence is deeply disturbing... read more... - Direct Current
• Not enough for kids to do?
  • Your question is, "What is your goal?". A most thought provoking question. Well, I strive to take my child to church, spend time with him as you most aptly commented on and I speak to him as to his ideas on things. I, we, my husband and I get his input. Thanks for this awareness building for the community and readers elsewhere. The other day, my son, who plays in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, said he wanted to know how to really shine his leather shoes. I taught him how to do this. The fine details, the minutia of life will not come by osmosis. We have to take time to teach our children things and pass on intangible values to them - Helen Lerner, Orlando
• Cayman Still The Safest
  • For the past four years I have been visiting your lovely island. What brought me to the Cayman Islands in the first place was the fact that I was looking for a sunny destination that was SAFE. I went on the Internet, asked many questions on where to stay and what to do and checked out the U.S. travel warnings. With all my research complete I flew down and could not believe how clean the island was, how friendly the people were and how SAFE I felt every where and at every hour (even sitting alone to have a cocktail at happy hour). I rave at how you can walk a beach at sunrise or have a drink at sunset and meet, greet and not be bothered by people yelling out car windows, hassling you on the beach to buy things, or "harassing you all night at a bar". Cayman Island is such a relaxing and comfortable vacation that I now travel down there 3 times a year to find peace of mind. I now call Cayman "home away from home", but secretly know that I could never walk outside after dark or alone on a beach where I live and feel completely comfortable like I do down there in Cayman. As a side note, on my first trip - as I was heading to the airport to return home - I realized that I left a very expensive camera on a chair at the hotel lobby. I asked if the taxi could turn around so I could see if by chance it would still be there (all the time doubting it would be). The taxi driver turned around even though he was right at the airport and told me not to worry that it would still be there. I had all faith restored when we arrived back at the hotel and my camera was sitting right there in the chair where I left it and then the taxi driver would not accept any extra money for the taxi fare for the double trip. To this day, I repeat this story to people and the reply is always the same that "the camera would not have been there if it wasn't Cayman islands and the taxi driver would not have been so hospitable" I tipped him well and I "tip my hat" to the Cayman Islands - Traveler
  • Since crime statistics have not been submitted to Interpol for years, how can anyone be sure that the government is not altering crime statistics in Cayman? For example, the U.S. State department web site states that rape and sexual assault are likely "under-reported", etc. in Cayman. Also, there is much more crime in Cayman than most U.S. municipalities of 40,000 residents - that is a fact. Calling Cayman safe perpetuates a myth in my opinion - Anonymous
  • As a former resident of Cayman and I also worked as a prison Officer at HMP Northward for two years, I would agree that Cayman is indeed a safe place to live. I look at what is happening in my own town of Shrewsbury (England), which was a safe place to live only a few years ago. Juvenile crime is on the increase; our prisons are at bursting point… what is the answer? As I remember most of the crime committed in Cayman was aquisical, (to feed a drug dependency) or gang related, the prison was full most of the time. Cayman needs to educate their young, have a zero tolerance on juvenile crime, set up a DTO (Detention Training Order), ASBO (Anti Social Behaviour Orders) and insure the offender learns from the experience. This can sometimes be achieved by the offenders visiting the prison for a day to show them the stark reality of what prison life is about. I am in charge of a unit containing 202 Juvenile offenders 15 to 17, which also locks up 500 young offenders 18 to 21. This is what you have to look forward to if you do not tackle juvenile crime. Lastly, I would be interested to hear from anyone that remembers me from my time in Cayman. Good luck with your fight to keep Cayman safe - John Newby
    • Editor's note:  If any readers would like to contact Mr Newby, send us an e-mail and we will be happy to pass it on to him.
• C&W Issued New Deadline By ICTA
  • That is an interesting statement by the Minister for ICTA - that they want to be sure C&W "don't engage in anti-competitive behaviour". Businesses have been doing that in the Cayman Islands forever - so they can keep other people from making a living - and actually C&W have provided a service for many years. I doubt it was profitable at the start because of all the infrastructure they had to put in. In any case - I believe that "Anti-competitive behaviour" is something we have seen amongst the politicians a lot lately, so the Minister's statement was "calling the kettle black" - Anonymous
• Responsible Commentary
  • Barlow should praise God everyday that he can live peacefully here on our glorious islands because if he were in any other Caribbean country, the natives would have already run him off, or worse. If we let the flood gates open by not challenging this decision (Cabinet allowing nearly 3,000 status grants, without scrutiny) why would the Cayman Islands be any different in the future from whatever country Barlow left behind to come here? Many thousands of Caymanians are rejoicing that the CBA is standing up to this issue. It was illegal and wrong - Anonymous
• Dolphin Battle Heats Up Again
  • I hope that the Keep them Wild continues and is successful. The Caymans is a lovely place and doesn't need this type of attraction. We visit Grand Cayman often from our home in Indiana USA - Fred Denman
  • I am afraid that the South Sound crowd are getting restless and don't have anything to do. Leave these Caymanian businessmen alone. Do these people think that their wealth gives them the right to tell us what is and what is not good for Cayman? They have made it, and now they don't want the locals (the word Caymanian is a relic of the past) to have a share of the pie. Attractions are sorely needed, this proposal is wholesome and will be well controlled, and I have full trust in the developers. Would Lady Austin please go back to South Sound and restore the trees and roads that they destroyed several years ago - Prepare for Your Future
  • As a yearly visitor to your wonderful island I want to know where I can sign up! To have captive dolphins for the amusement of tourists is reprehensible to say the least. To introduce them where they are not part of the ecosystem is doubly bad. If the tourists need something to gawk at let them go to the island jail and poke sticks at the humans. They deserve to be treated like animals and dolphins need to be left alone in their own environment, wild and free - Daniel Gless, Rockford, Michigan
• West Bay Dock
  • It is apparent that government is still intent on building a dock for cruise ship tenders in West Bay. The existing dock was built over the objection of the Department of the Environment due to the potential adverse impact on the reef system and fishing in West Bay, now they propose a huge dock together with high speed tenders daily driving through and disrupting the sensitive reef system. This is a poorly planned project, which could destroy Cayman's most precious asset, the environment. If these reefs and the fishery are damaged, there will be no reason for visitors to come to the Island in the future. A comprehensive environmental assessment must be completed, public comments received, and the public must have substantial information and input into this potential disaster before any final decision is made - James Hynes
• Serious Issues
  • Given the freedom to express one's views, opinions and maybe some raw facts, please allow me to express and share the following and challenge any repercussions imposed by certain members of government... read more  Power to the people - One Smart Citizen
• Response To Gordon Barlow's Letter Compass 22-Mar-2004
  • In response to Gordon Barlow's Letter in the Caymanian Compass 22, March 2004 - "Counter Action Call Issued".  Barlow, I think you need to see this whole issue through the eyes of one Caymanian astounded by this case and angered by your attitude in this matter... read more  Thanks for reading - One Angered Citizen
• On The Cricket Pitch: Structure and stability need to start at the top
  • I think the writer has got right there is inconsistency. If there is inconsistency in selecting regional teams obviously it will influence the selection policy at the West Indies level - Clarence O Bazil
• Election Changes Proposed for 2004
  • I would like to see them enact a change in the elections procedure allowing Caymanians who have homes and property in the Cayman Islands, but who are living abroad most of the time, to be allowed to vote by Absentee ballot. At the present time, they can't vote because they are not residing in the Cayman Islands full time. I care very much about my homeland, I am a born Caymanian, I own and maintain a home there, and own other property. I should be registered as a voter and allowed to vote by absentee ballot, the same as the United States allows its citizens living in the Cayman Islands to vote by absentee ballot. It tears me up when I see what is happening in my beloved homeland, and I have no say in the voting box - Naomi Oyog
  • I stridently object to any suggestion of mandatory registration (or, even worse in the future, voting). As a past voter, if I am suddenly required to register, I will deliberately not vote this year or, more likely, spoil my ballot. Voting is my right and my privilege. It is not the Government's job to make me vote, or even register to vote - JAB
• Tourist Robbed At Gunpoint
  • This crime wave is absolutely outrageous! What is it going to take to win back the old peaceful Cayman? - Dax
  • And the madness continues...? Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce's web site still promises "a safe and hassle free vacation anywhere on the Island.", even though they said they would change it at my request....promises, promises - H. Thompson
  • It is a real shame that the image of Cayman is being marred by the increasing incidence of violent crime. Cayman has always billed itself as a safe place to visit and to live. As someone who visited the island and then went on to purchase a property I can tell you that part of my decision to do so was predicated on the island's admirable safety record. I hope that the appropriate authorities are taking this issue seriously. I can think of few things that would be more detrimental to the Cayman economy, and to the enjoyment of those who live there, than the proliferation of violent crime. This trend needs to be assessed and the root causes of it vigorously addressed - Bruce McWilliams
  • Obviously no location is immune to crime. Yet when it happens within a stone's throw from a police station, in the Cayman Islands, the world has to take notice. Thankfully no one was hurt - Andy
• Humane Society dinner raises $40,000
  • They should hold a "crime fighting" dinner - H. Thompson
• Cayman Net News Reporter Stabbed
  • I am Jackie Mahon's youngest sister, and i was extremely upset to hear about what happened to my sister! I truly hope you find that guy, because he does not deserve to be walking the streets!!!.... He is dangerous, and should be put away!!!!!!!!! Please do all you can to find him!!! Thank you - Jessie Mahon
  • Jackie, Hopefully you and Rob will quickly recover from this terrifying experience. We are all thinking of you both.  Uncle Philip and all your Duffy family in Ireland - Philip Duffy
  • I am friend of the Mahon's. I have never met Jackie personally (although I did see her on the networks here years ago) but know her sister and Mother quite well. They are honest and respectful. I was very upset to read the article about Jackie and angered that this has happened to the nicest people. I hope they find the people responsible for this cowardly act and bring them to justice - Les Lem
• Cayman Islands Delegation To Hong Kong
  • Hogwash!! Just another excuse for a free trip with all the trimmings. The Cayman Islands are an Elite Business Center. Try as they might, Japan can't get away from the junky reputation they acquired through their "Made in Japan" products. We are unique and don't need to copy ANY country - Anonymous
• Gallery sets the record straight
  • It seems as thought there may still be some confusion regarding the location of the National Gallery. The Gallery is not located in Harbour Centre, it is HARBOUR PLACE, which is located on South Church Street, George Town. Kind regards and warm wishes - Holton Hunter
• Ports Deal Signed
  • Can you please tell us where this is located in Georgetown?  - Vicki Jacobovitz
    • Editor's note - The new port facility will be located just north of and adjoining the existing cargo finger pier in George Town, at a site encompassing the Old Fort Building
• Job Classifieds
  • Hi, I'm based in London. I find fantastic to be able to read your newspaper on line. I just noticed that there are so few job classifieds. Is there any other way to find a job in the Cayman Islands? - Sandra Gennai
• College accepting students
  • Does the college have a website?  I am interested in attending there........thx  - Nikki
    • Editor's note - You can find the ICCI website here: http://cayman.com.ky/pub/icci/ 
• Offshore Alert Publisher Responds
  • A government, the nature of which has existed for far too long in Cayman, that operates under a veil of secrecy and arrogance only perpetuates the belief that those in whom the power is far too concentrated are corrupt. Not only does power corrupt but power protected by a lack of transparency thrives  - Anonymous
• Teens need to be careful while using the Internet
  • Its a great topic which I think calls for all and sundry concern  - John
• Cayman Net News website
  • A rose to whoever designed the Net News website. It doesn't have all those dancing irritating flashy graphics, and it is very easy to use, easy to read, easy to navigate. The archive format is so direct; it's much superior to what even the Trinidad Express uses.  In fact, I sent a note to the editor of the Guyana paper Stabroek News that he should take a look at the NETNEWS website as a good model to follow.  People get caught up with applying all these technology gimmicks that only create clutter - Dave 
• CBA Files Status Proceedings
  • It's unfortunate that the CBA has to resort to this, to challenging the act of granting status to so many people in what would seem to be a very affirming process; that is, the granting of status to deserving applicants. Somehow with the UDP's lumping together all applications, some deserving, some not, it had made the whole process distasteful. Also it has divided Caymanians on the granting of status issue. This process should have been left in the hands of the Immigration Dept; after all, these are the people that normally make the decision that someone has met the criteria for status. I think it might be in the best interest of the Islands, if the statuses were looked at a second time. Maybe they could eliminate the undeserving and keep the ones that are legitimate. Maybe this would go along way in rectifying the problem - Derrick Powell
• Girl released from hospital
  • I called the newspaper on Thursday, the 11th to give the details of this accident about Calli Camenzind from Omaha, Nebraska before we left at 1:00 p.m. for home. The information obviously did not make it to the right people to have the article corrected. The taxi van was left unattended in neutral with no parking brake on, so the taxi rolled into traffic hitting a white car, which caused the taxi van to continue rolling towards our family that was waiting to cross the street. My husband pushed me out of the way but could not reach Calli or Aron. Aron was able to jump the fence in time. Calli jumped up onto the fence but her left foot was caught between the van and the fence. Her foot was not broken but tore the skin back on the top with other deep cuts and bruises to the foot and both legs. This was our first port on our 7 day cruise and were unable reach the ship at the next port. We just went home because Calli would not have been able to enjoy the rest of her vacation with stitches in her foot and leg  - Pamela Camenzind
• More non-stop flights to Orlando
  • I am so happy to hear about the new flights to Orlando but disappointed consideration was not given to allow for return flights to be scheduled allowing continued travel to the Brac and Little Cayman. I hope this situation will be addressed soon since Orlando is such a popular destination - Ketron Brown
• Daily news
  • I read the Net News everyday and am grateful for this info from home - Peter van der Bol
• C&W Rates Probed
  • The "stalling tactics" of the ICTA and the Minister of PCDA&IT are out of line. They would extend the "study? of the calculations" for a long time to give the competition time to kill-off C&W. The ICTA, Minister of PCDA&IT and the public need to remember that C&W not only hires Caymanians, they have and do educate and train Caymanians, and they gave us telephone service when no one else was interested. The competition have caused them to reduce their rates, which is not a bad thing, but C&W should not be bound up so that they cannot continue to serve the Cayman Islands. - Sad Heart
  • C&W have the same stranglehold here in Guernsey in the Channel Islands.  Their latest bright idea is to increase line rental charges to most customers but to reduce them by £12.00 a quarter to people on States benefit, i.e. unmarried mothers. It is a disgrace and these people should be put out of business - Christine Lejean
• Visionary wants to rekindle Christian education
  • For more help in this area, check www.thegenevaschool.com for Classical Christian Education in Orlando, Florida. Also, more teachings on combating post modernism and its effects on our culture would be a good addition to any community  - Helen Lerner, Orlando, FL
  • I was one of your classmates at CCFNI in 1998. I am from Haiti but presently I am living in Salvador. I just want to encourage you and congratulate you through your good work. May God bless you and protect you. If you want to get in touch with me my email address is bienbojm@yahoo.com or teddy599@hotmail. And my phone number is 503 759 1128 - Theodore Bienvenu Baise
• Smoking In Public Places
  • I agree that it is high time this issue was addressed. My daughter and I are both allergic to cigarette smoke and it is very disturbing when we try to eat at a restaurant and someone at a nearby table lights up a cigarette. If someone makes the decision to smoke, then he/she should at the same time make the decision to smoke where and when it is being inhaled by him/her only. I made the decision not to smoke yet I often find myself inhaling someone else's second-hand smoke  - L. A. Ebanks
• Ritz Now Seeks 1,000 Permits
  • I fail to see how bringing in so many outside workers benefits the Cayman economy, except for the granting of the work permits, most of the money earned on this job will be sent off the Island to benefit the Canadian economy.  It seems to me some of the these positions should go to local tradesmen, at least we know they will be spending some of these funds in Cayman on goods and services.  With the turmoil in Cayman today with expats competing with locals for jobs you would think someone was looking out for Cayman's best interest  - Derrick Powell
• Vanessa will be voice of the Olympics
  • Her going is actually more impressive than the athletes going, in my opinion - Jon
  • Caymanians in the U.S.A. will want to be watching for our Caymanian Athletes - Richard N. Parson
• Digicel Launches With Flair
  • So who is the cheapest cell phone service provider now that we have competition? - Anon