I’ve never felt compelled to write a letter to the editor of any newspaper. I’m an artist — a sculptor, a painter, and a creator of visual arts.
My passion is my art, and my joy comes from the creation of that art. I accept that art is a personal expression, and everyone has different tastes and you certainly can’t please everyone. An artist creates and the public judges.
This letter would not have been written if I had just been left alone to create my art. However, on the island of Cayman Brac, this doesn’t seem to be possible.
I first came to Cayman Brac in 1985 and fell in love with it. I knew I had found the island where I could create my dream — an underwater dive site called “The Lost City of Atlantis.” I picked a nice spot off the north shore of Cayman Brac and in the years of 2004 and 2005 started my dream. It was my ongoing project throughout 2006 and 2007. This dive site was recognized in all the popular dive magazines worldwide, and by CNN, NBC, CBS, and the list goes on.
With all my own time, labor and money, I created a tourist attraction for Cayman Brac that became famous and brought hundreds — perhaps thousands — of divers to this small island to spend their money. It was my gift to the island. Sadly, many did not accept this gift gracefully, and I was practically crucified in the beginning by many local people and some people in government. With each phase of the project, I was up against criticism and had to fight to continue my creation. I could not believe I had to fight to give away money!
After what happened when I created Atlantis, I should not be surprised with the reaction to my current art project. I own some land on the south side of Cayman Brac which I bought in good faith and after doing all my necessary due diligence. When I submitted the house plans to build (the house was pre-sold), I was told the land was designated LPP — Land for Public Purposes. I appealed this decision, since there was absolutely no way I could have discovered that when I purchased it.
I waited four years for the tribunal hearing, only to be told that the LPP label would remain, and I could not build on it. So, I’ve decided to use the land to create some of my art, and let the public enjoy it.
The art I’m creating is based on the book of the Bible called “Revelations.” I used that theme to draw attention to the state of our world today, and what I believe is coming soon. This has caused an absolute uproar on this island. A pastor has visited me who told me other pastors were upset by one of the sculptures because they thought it represented some sort of voodoo, or as they say in Cayman, “Obeah.”
I told him it was my opinion that if “men of God” were concerned about obeah, it makes me wonder how strong is their faith in God? This art was clearly based on the Bible, and they apparently needed to study their Bible more.
The latest thing that happened provoked me to write this letter. I know the Cayman Islands government can’t arrest me for this art.
The Cayman Islands Constitution that came into force on Nov. 6, 2009, clearly states in Part I, Section 11(1): “No person shall be hindered by government in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression, which includes freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas … without interference.”
However, I’ve recently been told they will find some way to prosecute me by finding a little-known law to support the removal of my art. In other words, they will be harassing me and causing trouble for me simply because they don’t like my art. I ask you, is this fair?
I felt it was time to speak out about my experience in Cayman Brac, to hopefully shed light on some of the harassment and bullying that continues to go on here.
The day I was granted Caymanian status in September 2003 by the Honorable McKeeva Bush (to whom I will always remain loyal), I never felt more proud to be part of my new country. I never dreamed that years later I would become so disillusioned.
With my current health issues, I’ve recently been told my days are numbered. Knowing this, all I want is to spend these days at my lovely home in Cayman Brac creating my art. I want to continue to leave a legacy behind for this island. In the time I have left, I want to be left alone to live a simple, peaceful, comfortable life. Is that too much to ask?
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Dear Bracers; It is a RARE day when you are gifted with the presence of a TRUE artist who will move all obstacles in his/her path and create something unique. If you do NOT like it, DONT look at it! I Personally know Foots, or Ron, to his friends, and find him to be a warm, loving, concerned individual who ONLY WANTS to be left alone to enjoy his days. QUESTION: How far does Ron need go to find a place where he can express himself?? Antarctica?? The issue of property values is laughable as the flood of buyers is overwhelming the Airport EACH DAY, Correct?
BRAVO FOOTS! Seems like your artistic piece has really PISSED OFF the neighbors caused them to reflect somewhat on there centers, or lack thereof. Something to do on Brac other than dive all day! or BEER all day! Ron, you need a break. Come to San Francisco and RECHARGE your creative batteries! When you return to the Brac you can continue your creative work with MUCH MORE GUSTO! Bracers do not realize the gift of a TRUE ARTIST in residence (?) Do you have any others?? I don’t think so! The South Side of the Brac is FULL of WAVES. Ron is just one big wave, so to speak. Bracers are a different lot, so get over it, huh? Maybe more Tourist will show up instead of the trickle you are currently enjoying, because chewing on each other is beneath your uniqueness. Amen!