Burger King local franchise operator Mark Anthony has expressed distress over Saturday’s incident in which a lit firework was thrown into the West Bay Road location of the popular fast food outlet.
“The cost… is massive. And it’s not just financial. People were hurt, terrified and there could have been graver consequences,” Anthony, in an emailed response to Cayman Compass queries about the incident, said Friday.
The incident, which appeared to be involve a group of young people, is now the subject of a police investigation, the RCIPS has confirmed.
Anthony has since posted a $500 reward for information on the group of individuals responsible.
He lamented that the “thoughtlessness” demonstrated by those involved has had an impact on both his team member and guests.
“We’re a restaurant that serves our community in a very meaningful way. Our guests come to our establishment because they can count on value and consistency in a clean and safe environment. The impact of this harmful and negligent act resulted in two guests sustaining burns, team members having to now be on guard and afraid,” he said.
Attacks taken ‘very seriously’
Police, in response to Compass queries, said, shortly after 8:20pm on Saturday, 7 January, officers responded to a report that “what appeared to be a group of young persons” had thrown a lit firework into the fast food restaurant on West Bay Road, which then detonated.
One person at the location experienced difficulty breathing as a result of the discharge of the firework, and fainted, police said.
That individual was transported by ambulance to the Cayman Islands Hospital for treatment and was subsequently discharged.
Video posted to the Cayman Wastes Instagram page after the firework was thrown showed the blast rock the windows of the fast food outlet.
Another short clip of the aftermath, which was shared with the Compass, showed the interior smoke-filled and people covering their mouths and running.
Anthony said what happened Saturday has triggered a response from many people in Cayman.
“In addition to the emails, calls, social media responses, I received messages from individuals in the community who were horrified by this. The community has rallied around… and has been so gracious and supportive,” he said.
He said this incident will not be forgotten.
“We take attacks on our employees, guests and establishment very seriously and will not let this go,” he said.
However, he added, that it is now in the “police’s hands to take action”.
The RCIPS has said the matter is currently “under full investigation, with a view to locating those involved”.
Anyone with information can provide anonymous tips directly to the RCIPS via the confidential tip line at 949-7777, or via the police website.
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Do not know if you are familiar with the Broken Window Theory: In criminology, the broken windows theory states that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. The theory suggests that policing methods that target minor crimes such as vandalism, loitering, public drinking, jaywalking, and fare evasion help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness.
It may not be popular, or politically expedient, especially for those career politicians who continue to pander to certain demographics, BUT we need to get tough and serious about Law and Order in these small Islands. IF not, we may be the next country whose citizens are leaving en masse to find another country to live in! These young people, and/or their parents or guardians must be arrested or at least interviewed on this serious matter. Where some sort of social inquiry or other intervention is needed, then do that without delay. Simultaneously, where prosecution towards incarceration or other effective “attitude adjustment’ is needed, let us please do that pronto too. Are our young people rebelling? Are our young people under the influence of marijuana, as a step up from hard liquor…even before the Government pursues the liberal policy of decriminalizing marijuana? Are our young people ono some harder substances than we know? Has the Covid-19 lockdowns or Vaccine resulted in some sort of mental instability!!??
Whatever it is, it is unacceptable to the majority of decent law-abiding citizens and residents of these Islands.
Sorry, I am not very good at “molly coddling”.