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Reader comments:
- I finally sat down last night to read the newspaper
after a long day at the office, getting dinner on the table and putting the
kids to sleep – a typical day for many working moms. After reading the
letter published by a Mrs. Patricia Bryan-Rodriguez in the Compass of
Tuesday, May 18th, I was awakened.
Here is another vibrant woman with enough courage, love and enthusiasm to
lead and take a stand against “deadbeat parents.” These “deadbeat parents”
are prevalent around the world and right here at home.
But before we go any further, let us ask ourselves who are ”deadbeat
parents” and how can they be identified? Is it a person who suddenly
disappears or runs off after the birth of the child, (after the divorce); is
it the person who occasionally pays child support or is it the person we
constantly have to remind what the child needs are to be nourished, to
attend school, to be told that they are still loved no matter what the
circumstances? The list is endless.
I was married and had a child. Not only were we obligated to raise our child
in a safe and loving environment, we were to support the child both
emotionally and financially. The only difference is, the father (the ex)
forgot a few things along the way – his financial obligations. So, off we
went to court and he was ordered to pay a substantial amount for years of
overdue child support. I had the judge’s ruling, the guidance of our
attorneys, the support of our families, but it made no difference. He
continued to make sporadic payments – barely enough to feed, clothed and
shelter a child. By the time we attended the third hearing, and against the
advice of my attorney, I was resolved that this would be my last appearance.
That was 18 years ago and my child is now an adult.
Everyday we read about the modernisation of telecommunications and our
heading into the 21st century. Yet some of our laws remain so 18th century,
so primitive and outdated for this rapidly developing nation. Whilst we have
several supporting units to turn to for temporary assistance, we need to
find permanent, effective solutions.
So here we are today, an election year where there will be ample
opportunities for the incumbents and newcomers to spread news of what
they’ve accomplished and what their future plans are for our islands. So
before they promise to pave 100 roads with miniature roundabouts or issue
another 3,000 “pay as you come status grants,” please readdress these
issues: stringent legislation for deadbeat parents, domestic violence, child
abuse, incest/rape, etc. Tell us what other plans are in place to: improve
and expand our schools, provision for more teachers/teachers aides, better
wages for teachers, nurses, etc. and most importantly how can we, UDP/PPM
supporters, work together to rejuvenate the values of FAMILY LIFE.
By addressing some of these issues, our voter’s registration could climb
even higher and they may just get that vote they’re looking for. And please,
do not make promises one cannot keep, because we’re only 5 months away from
the “big day” and I have something they may need – a little plastic card
that I can’t leave home without - my voter’s registration card.
For the deadbeat parents: before reaching into your pockets to pay for the
next trip to Cuba/Las Vegas; for the cases of beer or bottles of rum; for
the shopping spree/romantic rendezvous in Miami, ask yourselves – where are
my children; is there enough food in the refrigerator/cupboards; do their
shoes/clothes still fit, are the insurance premiums and school fees paid;
are they sad or lonely – have I told them lately how much I love them?
And if you cannot honestly answer these questions, then turn around, walk
out that door straight into the Court House to make your child support
payments, then dial your children’s number and awake them to a “new
beginning.”
I remain - A proud mother, staunch supporter and registered voter
- I had cause to go to the walk-in clinic at the
George Town Hospital the other day for the first time and I just wanted to
share my experience with your readers and ask a simple question at the end.
I got there shortly after 8:30am and ended up on the list with about 15
people on the list before me so I asked about how long the wait would be. I
was nicely told that you can expect about 15 minutes for each patient, at
which time my eyes got bigger and I said "so we're looking at about three
hours?" Well, I was assured that it wouldn't take that long because they had
two doctors in the clinic, so this would mean more like an hour & a half. So
with a smile and a thank you I took a seat and patiently waited... and
waited... and waited... and waited and I was finally called three and a half
hours later! I could not believe it.
My question is this: did I just go on a bad day or is the clinic usually
that bad and does anyone happen to know how this compares to other walk-in
clinics outside of the Cayman Islands? - Constantly Thinking
- I recently attended the Hospital and had to
endure a long wait. I expected it, though, as I have been going to the
Hospital for all my medical care for a long time. As I am an uninsurable,
Government free treatment and now, CINICO, only applies to the Government
service. I consider the fact that CINICO limits their clients to the
Government Hospital as submitting their clients to inferior health care.
The lengthy wait at all Government facilities (Dental clinic is notorious!)
can be avoided if staff were to cut back on frequent breaks and chat
sessions. Have more doctors working to get the patients seen quicker.
Then, while I was there, the nurse allowed 2 patients who came in after me
to be seen before me… because they were children. I took pity on the kids,
yes, but I was in need of treatment too.
The Government Health Service is atrocious… poor service and long waits.
Then they have the nerve to send a bill! I only wish I could afford to go
elsewhere - Observer
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