Here’s food for thought sure to give somebody indigestion: Why don’t we stop denying and actively resisting the intellectual diversity that exists in the Cayman Islands and embrace it instead? Cayman is presented to the world as ultra-Christian, ultra-conservative and purely capitalistic in both thought and deed. Any suggestions to the contrary usually are ignored or mocked. But the reality is that the Cayman Islands is far from the society of singular thought some would have us believe. While fundamentalist Christianity certainly is a prominent and potent feature of the culture and Caymanian politics is a liberal-free zone, that’s not the entire story. Yet outsiders would never know the true mixed flavour of Caymanian thought based on the public face presented by our government, business leaders and the media.
This may shock some people, but it needs to be said: there are gay people in the Cayman Islands right now and some of them are even married. Right or wrong, there are people in the Cayman Islands who have legitimate objections to blind allegiance to capitalism and worry about its exploitive nature and the fate of those it inevitably leaves behind. Some Caymanians do not believe that morality is the exclusive domain of religion and in some cases religion promotes immoral behaviour. Here’s a news flash: Not every Caymanian is a Christian and not every Caymanian Christian is a fundamentalist. Believe it or not, there are bona fide “born” Caymanians who are Muslims, for example, and more than a few are atheists. It should not have to be mentioned, but it does: there are many Caymanians who believe women are fully human and should not be restricted or discouraged in anyway. They do not see women as the “helpmates” or obedient followers of men. Again, it’s sad that it qualifies as noteworthy, but there also are many Caymanians who think it is cruel and ineffective to inflict violence on children under the guise of discipline. The list goes on. There are many views and ideals that exist below the radar in Cayman society.
Added to this hidden Caymanian diversity are the thousands of people in the Cayman Islands on work permits. Drawn from all over the world, these people make Cayman even more of a collection of contrasting ideas. Given this reality, it is remarkable that the overpowering image of a politically ultra-conservative and fundamentalist Christian society persists. What is really going on is that those in power perpetuate this illusion to suit their personal tastes and dreams; reality and fairness be damned.
Let’s set aside for the moment, debates about who may have the better belief or worldview and instead think about how unfortunate it is that the real Cayman—the one made up of many different faces—is lost behind a monotone mask. The fact is, too many Caymanians are invisible, too many ideas and convictions spoken about in private circles only. This is not in our best interest. Diversity and openness are often messy but they are a source of great strength and vitality, well worth the hassles that come with the territory. In my opinion, the Cayman Islands currently suffers many of the burdens of diversity without enjoying enough of its rewards. Cayman would be better off—and more honest—if all views were recognized and voiced freely.
If, as I suspect is the case, those who hold the bulk of economic, political and religious power cannot stomach the thought of sharing the entire Cayman Islands with alternative ideas expressed openly, then maybe a portion, say one of the three islands, could be rezoned as a refuge or reservation for those who are something other than extreme conservatives and fundamentalists. Wouldn’t it make for a wonderful experiment? How would a Cayman Island (singular) fare in comparison if it was fully committed to human rights, equality, secular governance and schools, nonviolence against children, as well as science- and evidence-based decision making by government leaders? Would it sink into the sea or would it soar? It would be fascinating to see.
Okay, I know, this has gone beyond crazy talk. We can’t even get sufficient conservation legislation to save the crabs and trees, so it’s unlikely that liberal Caymanians would ever get their own island. I have never liked separation and segregation anyway. I just hope that the Cayman Islands finds the wisdom and courage to one day open up and embrace what it already is: a beautiful mix of many faces, many voices and—most important—many different thoughts.
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