Dr. Luis M. Luarca, a Cuban, stands alone on the lawn of the Glass House on a hunger strike because of issues relating to human rights and a number of personal issues.
Many people are driving past him and thinking why on earth is he ultimately killing himself when there are lots of people in his position who encounter a lack of respect for simple human rights.
The Cayman Islands, the fifth largest financial centre in the world, whose mother country is the United Kingdom, has on the whole a lack of respect for human rights. I believe it’s not because people go out of their way to disregard human rights, it’s a simple case of we have no idea what human rights are and no time for respect in a ‘dog-eat-dog’ society that Cayman has become, where biggest takes all in the power-hungry echelons of business, government and even within the community.
Some people may think Dr. Luarca is crazy and soon gone and forgotten. What if he were Caymanian? Would we all simply drive by without a thought? I stand and applaud Dr. Luarca for standing up and letting the world know his views.
His views about human rights in Cuba are well known around the world, and his views about human rights in Cayman will become known around the world should Dr. Luarca die in front of the Glass House, the very building that governs the nation.
Even as he makes his point about the lack of respect for human rights in Cayman, he is robbed and attacked by people in the community which only strengthens his case and clearly shows a lack of respect for human rights.
I say to Dr. Luarca, you are a strong person and don’t need to die to prove a point. We are aware of the lack of human rights and need people like you to stand tall in helping the elected Government to do their best to improve human rights for all residents, refugees and visitors.
We have many people falling victim to a lack of human rights but they don’t stand tall, which is understandable. They simply leave the island or change their job if it is work related, if the law allows them too.
That’s the problem with Cayman with its mainly transient work force. There is no real effort to take on board human rights. There’s always someone else who will take their place and the cycle goes on and on.
Dr. Luarca, you can help stop the cycle and offer your services to the Human Rights Committee, not just for yourself but on behalf of everyone who believes in a society that is fair for everyone. I am sure that Government can compromise so suspend your hunger strike – you have made your point for everyone.
People of Cayman: when you pass the Glass House, honk your horn if you believe in a fair society. Because if Dr. Luarca dies, then a part of Cayman dies with him.
Dale Fogis
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