Local leaders are urging the community to come together for 2023.
Both Premier Wayne Panton and Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart, in their official New Year’s messages, called for a “shared vision” for Cayman, bolstered by collaboration across the community.
“The input of people from all walks of life is essential to charting one Cayman, a Cayman that is unified, thriving and sustainable. In shaping our shared vision, and for that matter, in all our dealings, we must be able to discuss topics, exchange ideas and debate issues in a way that is reasoned and reasonable,” Panton said in his message, released on Monday.
McTaggart, in his message, shared in the premier’s hope for the spirit of unity and fellowship in the community.
“As we face the challenges ahead, we must not lose that sense of togetherness, for it is what our country is built upon,” he said, adding that also goes for politics.
“One of the unfortunate things about Westminster-style politics is that it casts elected politicians as ‘Government’ and ‘Opposition.’ It creates a necessarily adversarial relationship but is also potentially destructive if we let it. We must not let that happen,” he said, adding that the Progressives will work with the PACT government, while also holding them to account.
Panton also pointed to the need for fellowship in leadership.
“We must be able to have differing opinions without attacking and eroding the character of each other. We must be willing to listen to each other to truly see and understand the opposing side. As adults, particularly as leaders, we must remain calm and respectful of each other no matter how much we disagree. It is only through discussion, reason and logic, listening with our head and our heart, that we can bring forth the best in each other,” he added.
He said government will look to continue to “focus on sustainability and sustainable development” going forwards.
Challenges ahead
Both leaders outlined the choppy waters that lie ahead – from the spike in crime to the economic challenges presented by the rising cost-of-living.
McTaggart called on the community to do its part in the fight against crime.
“The increased spate of armed robberies has created fear in the hearts of small businesses and regular citizens. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has committed to doing more to deal with the escalation. But the RCIPS also need your help to prevent these crimes and to arrest and jail the individuals responsible,” he urged.
As he looked ahead, Panton expressed confidence in the islands’ future.
“As Caymanians we are a resourceful people. We are innovative and industrious. Whatever challenges 2023 may bring our way – be they economic, social, technological or environmental – I am confident that we can and we will get through them together,” he said.
Meanwhile Governor Martyn Roper, in a post on his official Facebook page, joined McTaggart’s call for the community to partner with police to fight crime.
He lauded acting Police Commissioner Kurt Walton and his team for some “excellent Police work over the holiday period”.
“RCIPS have an excellent track record of arresting those responsible for serious crime and disrupting the activities of these criminal groups, and I welcome the good progress they have made in identifying those committing the recent armed robberies. I know this has caused great concern across our Islands over the last few months. I appeal to the community once more to come forward with any information they have,” Roper said.
Roper reminded that a substantial award is being offered by Crime Stoppers to those who come forward with information to help the police catch and convict those behind the robberies.
In December, government and Crime Stoppers announced an offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders involved in the recent spate of armed robberies on Grand Cayman.
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