Dear Editor,
Growing up in the Cayman Islands in the 1990s, my friends and I walked to Smith Cove, jumped off the dock at Eden Rock and made our way home from school without a parent in sight. That freedom felt ordinary. It reflected a community built on trust, where safety was assumed.
That world is harder to find today. The reasons are complex, but one trend deserves our attention.
Recent reporting shows an increase in sexual offence cases alongside a rise in child safeguarding referrals. Officials note this reflects greater awareness and willingness to come forward. That is progress.
But reporting alone is not justice.
For families, what matters is what happens next. Many cases take months to move forward, and not all result in charges. That waiting period is filled with uncertainty, and over time it can deepen trauma and weaken confidence in the system.
This is not a call for rushed justice. Due process, strong evidence and protecting victims’ confidentiality must remain non-negotiable. But urgency and accountability must be part of that same standard.
There are practical steps forward.
Greater transparency around timelines would help families understand what to expect. Stronger coordination between police, child protection services and prosecutors can reduce delays. Dedicated resources and specialised training are essential as caseloads grow. And when cases fall short, accountability must lead to visible improvement.
Support for victims must also extend beyond the courtroom. Counseling and community support are essential to recovery and to rebuilding trust.
The Cayman Islands has made progress in encouraging survivors to come forward. Now we must ensure the system is ready to respond.
Because when a child finds the courage to speak, the system must be ready to act effectively and without unnecessary delay.
Lizbeth Grant Viales
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