Police Commissioner Kurt Walton spoke to the rising level of gang-related crime in Grand Cayman on Friday, and in particular, in West Bay, by appealing to anyone involved and the community at large.
“I would like to issue a reminder to the young men involved: This type of violence will only end in one of two ways: With you in jail or dead,” he said Friday, 26 Jan.
His statement came following a shooting on Finch Drive early the same morning, which resulted in a man being taken to hospital with a bullet wound to the stomach.
A statement from Governor Jane Owen said the incident “appears to be a retaliatory action” for the shooting murder of Travis Ebanks, 29, off King Road on 21 Jan.
Walton said he is “aware of an increase in gang tensions” across the island, with the shooting in West Bay the latest result.
“I’m sure no one who experienced the spate of tit-for-tat killings which occurred here in September 2011 needs to be reminded of what can occur when these tensions reach a tipping point,” he said.
Targeted operations
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service senior command team met Friday morning to develop a coordinated response, the police commissioner said.
It focused on “disrupting the activities of those persons involved, preventing further incidents from occurring, and arresting and prosecuting those who commit these crimes”.
Walton explained it will involve targeted police operations and increased armed patrols.
“I want to reassure the public that we remain committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on these islands, and are working to rapidly contain the situation,” he said.
He appealed to anyone in the community who may have information about persons involved, whether an acquaintance, friend or family member.
“Come forward and provide whatever information you may have, no matter how small. You may just be saving the life of someone you care about,” the commissioner said.
A community effort
Walton asked for the public’s cooperation as police operations continue.
“As always, let us all come together as a community to do what we can to preserve the safety of our home for everyone within it,” the police chief said.
In her statement the same day, Governor Owen said the latest violent incidents are a serious concern.
“Violence of any kind puts at risk the safety and security we value so highly in the Cayman Islands,” she said.
“I wish to reassure the people of the Cayman Islands that the full might of the RCIPS, led ably by Commissioner Kurt Walton, has been deployed in solving these cases and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
She urged the public to support police with any information they might have “however small” to contribute to their investigations.
“It is the responsibility of all of us to work together to keep our islands safe,” she said.
Anyone with information on either of the shootings can call West Bay CID on 949-3999.Anonymous tips can be provided directly to police on the confidential tip line at 949-7777, or though the RCIPS website.Tips can also be submitted anonymously on the Cayman Crime Stoppers website.
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