US delegation visits Cayman

A delegation from the US Embassy Kingston arrived in Grand Cayman last week to meet with Cayman Islands officials and US citizens.  

“While this is my first official visit here as ambassador, we pledge to make our visits here every six months to be sure that Cayman understands and realises the importance that we hold to our consular responsibilities for the Islands here,” US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater said. 

Official visits 

Ms Bridgewater, along with Consul General David Stone and other US Department of State officials, paid courtesy calls to Premier McKeeva Bush, Gov. Duncan Taylor, Deputy Gov. Franz Manderson, Chief Immigration Officer Linda Evans and other officials. 

“We had an opportunity to talk about ways to enhance law enforcement activities and security issues in terms of how our embassy in Kingston can work collaboratively with the authorities here on training to enhance the capacities of Caymanian officials,” Ms Bridgewater said. 

For example, she said the problem of fraudulent documents remains a primary concern. 

Last fall, a website maintained by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs warned of Jamaican gang activity spreading to Cayman: “In recent year[s], the Cayman Islands have experienced an increase in criminal activity involving Jamaican gangs, including gang and drug-related shootings”, according to the site. 

Currently the website refers to “gang-related criminal activity” but no longer specifically mentions Jamaican gangs. 

Ms Bridgewater and Ms Stone said they did not know where the information about Jamaican gangs in Cayman came from or why it appeared on the website last fall. 

In response to a question about the US’ position on Chinese companies being involved in massive infrastructure projects in Jamaica and the proposed cruise berthing facility in Cayman, Ms Bridgewater echoed sentiments expressed by UK authorities – meaning, that the nationality of the companies is not a concern, although fairness and transparency is. 

“Clearly the US has trade relations with China, but we only hope that US companies will have equal opportunity and equal chance to get in there and bid on these infrastructure projects and other opportunities,” Ms Bridgewater said. 

She added, “Of course, whatever’s happening bilaterally, we just hope that all those relationships are transparent and that there’s an even playing field for everyone who wants to get a piece of the action.” 

Town hall 

On Wednesday, the US delegation appeared before US citizens at a ‘town hall meeting’ at the Marriott Beach Resort. The US officials introduced themselves to US citizens and gave information on topics such as Social Security benefits and how to vote in this year’s US elections. 

Members of the press were not allowed to attend the town hall meeting. 

Mr. Stone said, “The town hall meeting is a chance for the ambassador and her staff to hear directly from American citizens, and many of the American citizens of course want to discuss personal issues, so it’s just to help protect everyone’s privacy.” 

Ms Bridgewater said, “It’s sort of like a family gathering, and we wouldn’t want the press to be there to hear perhaps sensitive issues that would be raised by our citizens.” 

Ms Bridgewater said that the press would be welcome to attend town hall meetings on subjects concerning US policy issues, as opposed to citizens’ personal issues. 

Mr. Stone said US citizens are encouraged to register with the Kingston embassy in order to keep up-to-date on consular affairs.