A petition is now circulating titled, ‘Protect Cayman from Potential Threats’, that calls on the premier, Cabinet, and all authorities involved to conduct a full, comprehensive and transparent investigation into the implications of the proposed construction of a mosque in the Cayman Islands.
The petition was started on Change.org on 22 April and states: “We are proud Caymanians representing a group of fellow islanders concerned about the proposed construction of a Muslim mosque in our beautiful Cayman Islands.”
It further states: “We consider this audacity to setup camp on our shores as an attack against our Christian principles and values, as passed down to us from our forefathers.”
The petition goes on to warn of perceived threats presented by Cayman’s Muslim community.
Imam Nooh Bhana said the Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands recent move to a larger location “is solely intended to better serve the needs of our community as our previous premises had become insufficient in terms of space and parking.”
Bhana said there were no plans to build a mosque with a dome and minarets, and the original plan to build on a piece of land on Smith Road had changed. The society has instead purchased two units in an existing building at Palm Grove, across the road from its land on Smith Road, which will now be used for parking.
“We wish to emphasise that this move is not intended to rival any other places of worship on the island … [and] to build a large stand-out mosque. The Cayman Islands is home to a diverse and respectful religious landscape, and we value the spirit of harmony and coexistence that defines our community.”
He said the congregation reflects the diversity of Cayman society, comprising professionals from the financial services sector as well as the hospitality industry and more.
“The Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands has been an established and peaceful part of the community for over two decades, serving as a place of worship, reflection and engagement for Muslims living and working across the islands … The community remains committed to making a positive and constructive contribution to Cayman’s social and economic landscape.”
He added: “The Islamic Centre maintains an open and inclusive approach by hosting open invitation events, welcoming members of the public to visit and having an open-door policy. One of these events saw the former governor attend and express his appreciation for the organisation. It also actively participates in a range of not-for-profit and charitable initiatives across the islands, supporting causes that promote community wellbeing and social cohesion.”
The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009 is clear that every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to manifest that belief “in community with others and in public or in private.” At the same time, the Constitution recognises Cayman’s distinct history and its predominantly Christian values.
Bhana said the Islamic Centre promotes the values of peace, mutual respect and community cohesion, and remains dedicated to contributing positively to the Cayman Islands.
“We preach complete tolerance for all faiths and backgrounds and teach to treat all humans as one family.
“The Islamic Society also is committed to following the laws and constitution set in the Cayman Islands. As a faith-based organisation, we hold unwavering respect for the rule of the law and the rights of those who live in Cayman.”
The Ministers’ Association weighs in
Chairman of the Cayman Ministers’ Association Pastor Torrance Bobb said “People have a right to worship, that is a God-given right. God has given us the freedom of choice. While we don’t agree with any other religious practices apart from biblical Christianity, we are not opposed to any other religion.”
Pastor Bobb added that freedom to worship was enshrined in the law, but it was contingent upon respect for others as well. “It cannot try to impose itself on our society and our people. People have concerns, because in several countries and communities where Islam has a strong foothold, they sometimes seek to try to eradicate and prevent others from practicing their religion and their form of belief.”
He added, “There are examples of this type of Islamic extremism in several European countries, in Australia and even in the Caribbean with the 1990 coup in Trinidad, so while people have religious freedom in Cayman, that cannot lead to intolerance of Christianity or any other religions, or result in public safety threats.”
Through 1 May, 250 people had placed their signatures on the document.
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Don’t go down that road Cayman, you have a good thing going. Don’t ruin a good thing by putting in a mosque
Where can I get a copy of the petition….so I can tear it to shreds!
We invite people of other cultures into our islands to work for us but want to restrict their rights to worship?? At least one mosque already exists (for years) in a strip mall in GT, yet we panic when that congregation wants to build a dedicated structure?
A synagogue has existed in the Brac for over 30 years, was there any petition to block that? Churches exist here of almost every “Christian” denomination….jump up, lay down, pass-the-kutchie, etc, yet no petition against those.
We have created our multicultural society, we have to live with (in) it.
Freedom for recognized religion!
I agree with the Ministers Association on this. Freedom to practice one’s religion or to not practice any religion, should be protected. This right is for ALL religions / persons!
Let’s just call this what it is: Islamophobia. Islam is one of the three Abrahamic faiths, along with Christianity and Judaism. There are many Muslims living and working in the Cayman Islands. This is simply a plan to build a larger worship space than the small one in George Town. It’s their constitutional right to practice their religion freely.
Finally, the Minister’s Association does not speak for all Christians in the Cayman Islands. This Christian is not at all concerned about extremism being a consequence of the mosque/worship space being built.
We need to preserve our cultural identity while staying consistent with equal rights under the law.
While all religions in the Cayman Islands have the right to gather and establish places of worship, there should be reasonable limits to protect the country’s Christian heritage and social cohesion.
Specifically, three measures could be considered:
1. Restricting external religious representatives such as imams from participating in schools, prisons, or youth programs, particularly those involving vulnerable groups like special needs children.
2. Prohibiting canvassing or active proselytizing directed at Caymanians
3. Implementing appropriate oversight of organized religious events, similar to regulatory approaches used in countries like the UAE and Singapore, to ensure that no harmful or extremist messaging is promoted.
While freedom of worship is a constitutional right, it does not necessarily extend to efforts that may significantly influence or alter Caymanian cultural and social traditions, and it is within the government’s role to define and enforce such boundaries.
Tightening rules around behavior would be a good start.