Public demonstration is a form of freedom of expression, and the Caymanian Compass supports peaceful and legal demonstrations.
Take for example, the demonstration that took place last Saturday in East End, when hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds and political leanings peacefully protested the proposed East End Seaport project. This is, in many ways, democracy at its best.
Similarly, we really don’t have an issue with the United Democratic Party’s event on Saturday, which was really a political rally.
However, when it comes to demonstrations like the march through the streets of George Town that occurred yesterday, we wonder if this tactic – usually one of last resort – is really a proportional response.
For one, this demonstration really wasn’t protesting any one thing in particular, but a host of government proposals. As such, it was really an anti-government demonstration against at democratically elected administration.
In addition, the demonstration was designed to create dramatic and disruptive effect, taking place at noon on a workday through the busy streets of George Town.
Although this kind of political stunt is seemingly becoming commonplace in our dysfunctional party system, we urge people to consider the possible consequences.
World events this year have been rife with anti-government demonstrations, many of which have led to violence and death. It’s true the situations in the Middle East bear little resemblance to the situation here, but the stakes and tensions are rising in Cayman and a little spark could ignite a powder keg. If a public demonstration were to turn violent – which is always a risk – the damage it could do to Cayman’s reputation and ability to attract investors is immeasurable.
Tuesday’s demonstration organisers asked the politically-charged question ‘What is your heritage worth?’ We would ask a different question: ‘What is our stability worth?’ We urge everyone who might take part in such a demonstration to carefully consider if they should do so, and if they do, to use extreme caution to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful.
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How can you pose this question in the context of the peaceful match that took place.
Cayman and it’s people have been called apathetic to the point of laziness.
Now when they begin to call on the government to do what they were elected to do listen to the peoples wishes. You ask that we use extreme caution?
Our very stability is at risk if we do NOT stand up and question the complete lack of regard and respect this current government has for the people and the country on a whole.
The question should be Does the Current Government Believe Their Policies Are Worth the Stability Of The Country?
Should the Government Stay it’s Current Course of action in regards to development in Light of the Public’s Strong Reactions?
Why is the Government NOT Addressing the Concerns of The Country?
Why Are The Two Political Parties Playing Politics with the Peoples Concerns?
Why is Our Premier and His Party Using Bribing Tactics Saturdays Rally (Job’s ) as a political tool in their bag of tricks?
In light of one company’s drive bid to buy up local businesses and thus create an anti-competition business market in Cayman, why hasn’t the government sought to implement ANTI-TRUST LAWS?
Is this because it would interfere with the Governments own agenda when it comes to Public/Private Partnership?
These are hard questions that should be asked and editorializes. The people have had enough of these patronizing and shifty little games being played by the government. Haven’t you had enough? Aren’t you tired of NOT having your questions answered?
Well put it this way. 4 years ago, even though a roll over policy was in effect. It wasn’t enforced. We hardly had any unemployment
Almost 2 years ago, the government started to apply the roll over policy, vigorously. Now there is rampant unemployment.
Gee. Do we need to recruit a math consultant for that one?
It’s ironic that on a day where the Cayman Compass is announcing to the world that our Premier is being investigated for corruption, the editor believes a peaceful march threatens our stability.
Thank you for your valued paper. I am surprised that you would consider a protest in East End more appropriates than a protest in George Town, that seeks to bring immediate attention to the general public, numerous ill conceived decisions that the current government have made, although it seems most decisions were conceived by the Premier alone and some, are policy, that have not yet been presented to the cabinet for consideration.
A country’s stability depends much more on the administration of justice and executive management, than the prosecution of criminal demonstrators, if they choose to break the law, as you suggest it is so easy to do.
Cayman’s image would have certainly been enhanced by Tuesday’s demonstration, as no doubt many people are questioning just how the Government arrives at so many questionable projects, that will no doubt have devastating complications, which, yes, sadly will harm our stability. Yet as these projects leaves a lasting impression on peoples minds, there seems to be no relevant public debate on the projects. Many people would have been pleased to see that a lot of grass root peole the one demonstrating yesterday cherish stability, the same stability that you and I equally cherish.
With reference to the other letter I see in this paper, it seems that we have forgotten that the people have a right to demonstrate, as did many Caymanians did in 1970’s and 1980’s and through thos demonstrations positve changes have come about.
Demonstrations have proven effective in bringing to the attention of the public, the gravity of many wrong decisions various governments have made over the years. Long may the people have that right to a legal demonstration, just as your paper should have the right to freedom of speech.
Thanks