The stark honesty of Mr. David Rich’s comments is very refreshing and I appreciate his frankness.
I have restrained myself from entering the discussion on immigration matters to this point.
However, in light of this clear and frank statement, I write to express my unequivocal support of some matters and identify what causes me unease.
I wish to state first of all that my family does not consider itself to be a victim of the Government’s policy.
The leadership of our church appreciated the choice we made when immigration issues came to the fore in 2003. They also understood that what I discerned as a shift in my vocation would ultimately lead my family away from these shores. It is mere coincidence that the process we are currently undertaking matches the timing of a letter.
Secondly, I wish to express my support for the rollover policy and the principle of population control that under girds it. I however have deep concern and unease about the targeting of people and the inherent injustices enshrined in this action.
No one likes to be targeted be it real or perceived. I have equal unease about some of the language of this debate, carried out in the various media, which has been characterized by vitriol, anger, bitterness and rhetoric from all sides, with an absence of graciousness and focus on principles.
There is also the use of language and phrases that are dehumanizing. Let us not forget that we are talking about people, flesh and blood, and they have feelings.
I challenge the Government to take full responsibility for changing the tone of this conversation.
We must learn to be passionate in our conversation without being offensive and devoid of graciousness. All that currently is, exists because of a gracious God.
We must not deny some realities, which are intrinsic to the need for the principle of population control in a small nation. Firstly the land mass of any country limits the size of its population.
Secondly infrastructure, its development and the efficient maintenance of such are directly related to how population growth is controlled or planned for.
Thirdly small nation states like Cayman will always have legitimate concerns about the size of its native population in relation to expatriates.
These factors for me are sufficient to devise a just and fair immigration policy that ensures some control. Thus the term limits within the current policy which creates a level playing field for all has my unequivocal support.
However the government must know that a policy that does not have a clear and strictly maintained development plan for the local populace will only do damage.
There must be a plan that analyzes the needs of the economy and matches this with the educational development of people. This, I suspect, is either not in place or is not being maintained as it should be.
Anything less is mere sowing in the wind and the rhetoric that targets others becomes only a tool of national misdevelopment in the long run.
I also have unease and concern with respect to the apparent targeting of one nationality. This is clear in the statements made and in the new points system associated with the matter of permanent residency.
There can be no justice in any system that denies midstream the right of residence to individuals, whatever their nationality that has made this land their home for 15 or more years. Such targeting, be it through rhetoric, policy or any other form raises shadows of deeper moral issues.
The government has every right and would be irresponsible if it does not seek to address the issues of population control in a small nation as this. But the government must exercise due diligence to ensure that there is dignity and justice accorded to people in the process.
My final word is to the Jamaican population resident in these Islands. I invite you to take note o f the words of reggae artiste, Everton Blender, in his song Lift up your head.
The first line reads ‘Lift up your head and hold it up high’ and the remainder of the song speaks to the determination to achieve with integrity in the midst of struggle.
Struggle with integrity has been the lot of many Jamaicans although there are Jamaicans who would act in ways to destroy this image. Maintain your strong work ethic with commitment as you seek to achieve your goals. Give the best of yourselves as you have done up to this point, anything less is a denial of who you are. When the time for departure comes leave with grace, dignity and pride knowing that you have done your best and received in turn from your tenure in Cayman.
God’s Blessings to all who reside here
Rev. Randolph S. Turner
East End, Grand Cayman
Related Videos
