One local philanthropist has pledged a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people behind the violent homophobic attack on two men at the Strand complex last week.
The donor said he was driven to take a stand for the community and he is hoping witnesses come forward with information to convict the perpetrators.
“We cannot let hate crime get a hold in Cayman. We must immediately stamp it out. We don’t really have hate crime incidences and we certainly don’t want that to become a part of life in Cayman,” the philanthropist told the Cayman Compass on Monday in a telephone interview.
He said he was “absolutely shocked” by the incident and that “there was no need for it.”
The violent incident occurred shortly before 12:20am on 3 Jan.
Two men were injured, with one sustaining a broken nose after they were assaulted in the carpark of The Strand complex on West Bay Road.
Police believe it was a homophobic attack.
According to the police report, the two men, who were in a vehicle at the carpark at the time, were approached by two other men who made homophobic remarks towards them, and then assaulted them, kicking and punching them repeatedly.
Both of the victims were transported to hospital by emergency services, where they were treated for their injuries and later released. No arrests have been made.
The business owner contended that such an attack may have been inevitable given the public outcry leading up to the Civil Partnership Law, as change often brings some backlash.
“It’s a shame to say it, but yes… it’s inevitable. But we as a community have to stand up against it and cannot allow it to happen… please contact Crime Stoppers. We would be delighted to catch these [perpetrators] and give this money away,” he added.
The business owner said he has filed the documentation with Cayman Crime Stoppers to post the $10,000 reward offering.
Sebastien Guilbard, Cayman Crime Stoppers chairman, confirmed he was contacted about the anonymous donation and welcomed the assistance.
“We will accept the pledge, which will be added to the Crime Stoppers reward,” he said.
Once determined by the Board, the final reward figure will be advertised, he said, and shared via social media.
Noel Cayasso-Smith, founder of the Cayman LGBTQ Foundation, condemned the attack, stressing that it showed the need for a local law against hate crimes.
He is set to meet with Governor Martyn Roper on Wednesday to discuss the attack and proposed law changes to the Penal Code. He is also set to meet with Premier Wayne Panton on the issue as well.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Barrow, who is overseeing the investigation, said last week that “this type of violence is inexcusable and has no place in our community. We are working with urgency to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice, and we appeal for anyone with any information to come forward”.
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