Who will be Cayman’s next top cop?
(CNS): As the RCIPS embarks on another recruitment drive to find Caymanians to walk the beat, the question of when a Caymanian will return to the top spot as commissioner of police (CoP) is also on the minds of the community. The first and only local police commissioner was Buel Braggs, who retired from the RCIPS in September 2005 after only two years in post. He was followed by a string of UK commissioners, starting with Stuart Kernohan, who was eventually sacked as a result of the infamous Operation Tempura.
RCIPS Training and Development Manager Inspector Kevin Ashworth, Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ennis, Commissioner David Baines and Chief Superintendent Kurt Walton
During Tempura, a long and ultimately futile investigation into police corruption, two acting CoPs, David George and James Smith, both from the UK, led the organization through the turbulent times of the internal probe, which also saw Rudy Dixon, the Caymanian deputy commissioner who many had believed would have been the next top cop, booted out of the service after he was charged, though he was later exonerated.
David Baines was given the permanent post in 2009 after an open international recruitment process and his contracted was renewed last year. However, Baines has said that he will step down in 2017.
In today’s CNS video report Kenneth Bryan investigates the preparations in place to see who will fill the CoP’s boots two years from now. Talking to the current commissioner, the governor, a former senior officer and others, he sets out to see whether or not there really is a plan for a local to take on one of the country’s most important posts.
Cayman has been blessed with a string of excellent Commissioners from the UK. It makes sense too continue in the same vein.
whomever it is I hope they don’t allow paperwork to disappear like it does now
and I hope they require new officers to be able to write English not jamjibberish
There are definitely two outstanding Caymanian senior officers in the RCIPS that have been groomed over many years to take the position. Both need to be exposed to the politics and they need time in the deputy positions to finish off their preparations. Secondments to a UK force for six months would broaden their horizons, then a year in a deputy position would do it. So open up the deputy positions in the next year and give them a good chance at competing for the top position.
Who are the Caymanians that are nearly ready? It’s obvious…….they are leagues ahead of their competition in the RCIPS.
Going to the UK would ‘broaden their horizons’ yet we hear complaints about the UK? Let me guess….. you have a Jamaican in mind but we have to train them versus just bringing a British officer from the start? What a mess we’re in!!
Obviously certain people did not take the time to read my post properly as I did say the “perhaps there are other factors at play” which clearly there are such as unwillingness to act. For anyone to jump to the conclusion that I am racist clearly does not understand racism. I was simply seeking an explanation as to why the officer who was more experienced and happens to be of darker complexion was not closer in line? I do appreciate people who answered my question without jumping to outlandish conclusion.
Why would you care whether the person was black or white, male or female, Caymanian or not or indeed driftwood. Surely what matters is a police force with integrity, respect and accountability and definitely one that is incorruptible.
Surely you want the best person for the job? That may well be Kurt Walton, but I think he would also welcome to compete against the best and be selected on ability and knowledge. Only issue I would have is that Kurt is committed, a genuine top performing Caymanian, and once he were in the role if selected, the countries bloggers and commentators will turn on him – because nothing makes them happy.
Why not want the most qualified person in the position no matter their color or nationality? After listening to the report (which was excellent) it sounds like, at this point, only one caymanian would be qualified. Two years left for others to go get qualified if they are interested in the position Besides that one course, what are the other qualifications?
Kirky can do it.
Nobody works the beat harder, that’s for sure.
As it is British territory, this job should be going to a Brit if at all possible.
troll
Which I take you mean to include British Overseas Territories Citizens of the Cayman Islands?
Is there such a thing?
Hmmm! let’s see; Mr. Ennis has made it clear publicly in the past that he does not want the top post as it involves too much interference politically. Has he changed his mind? Perhaps someone should ask him again! Mr. Walton, well know one really knows because when you ask him of his interest in the job he is too full of humility and simply says, “whatever is to be will be and that he has never been motivated by promotion, but rather the safety of the Cayman Islands”. In my opinion, either of these two men could run the RCIPS, but I have to say the man who quietly has been at the forefront of crime fighting over the past 20 years has been my friend Kurt from solving major cases whilst in CID to seizing large shipments of drugs & firearms whilst in the marine & drugs squad (just Google for yourself). But again, I stress, either men could be worthy of the job with further development. Perhaps Marlon would consider putting his hat in the ring!
Excellent report by Kenneth. I do think that a Caymanian should be next in line to take the post of Commisioner of Police. Caymanians should be afforded the opportunity to advance to the highest station of all facets of their own community regardless of complexion, religion or background. Does anyone else find it strange that the higher ranking Caymanian police of a darker complexion was not sent on the course needed for advancement? Is it just me perhaps? There is a possibly that there are other factors in play but that was one which stood out to me. Perhaps it’s just coincidence but logically why wouldn’t the higher ranking officer be closer to assuming the post than the lower ranking one?
It stood out to you because you are a racist who can not judge people based on their performance. If somebody like you ever held a management position, through a series of firing and hiring the whole colour of your staff would change to fit your sense of fairness which would be racists to the core.
Yes they can prove their worth just like after Ivan.
Really hope its a Caymanian just so that he/she can take all the blame for the ills of your society. Remember though that on such a small island it will be impossible for that person to be impartial just like the politicians. Sigh!
An absolutely brilliant piece by Kenneth! CNS are at another level with this type of reporting and hard hitting questions for the power brokers who are not accustomed to the press demanding answers.
A Caymanian Commissioner??? Not today BOBO…we had one he left with no notice…to this day we still don’t know what happened!!
Yes we do, 4:43. But CNS will not print it and maybe they are right.
As far as I recall David Thursfield was the first Caymanian Commissioner as he was given Cayman Status then Mr. Buel Braggs took over before he “retired”.
No, 11:28, Mr Thursfield was a very pleasant, very English Commissioner who got his Status in the Gold Rush. Mr Braggs was the first real/ born/ indigenous/ multi generational Caymanian Commissioner until he retired after two years. Stop trying to be mischievous.
Please someone explain why “retired” is used here.
“Retired” with quote marks is the civil service term for the Governor, in the days before the PSML, getting rid of senior born Caymanian civil servants who are incompetent and not up to the job they were appointed to and have to be gotten rid of for the sake of the country but without insulting them or Caymanians in general. They are gotten rid of but get pension and all the other benefits. I would give you a full list of the last 25 years but CNS would probably not print the names. It’s embarrassing.
. Mr Anonymous posted 9/415 @4.43 You commented NOT today BOBO but I say WHY NOT TODAY BOBO. Because Yes we do have professional and capable Caymanians to fill this position and one of them need o be given the opportunity to fill this position without prejudice. If you are a Caymanian .I would encourage you to be kind and supporting of your own people. If you are not a Caymanian, then I say stay our of our business.
like you have professional and capable Caymanians in Government leadership positions? That kind?
You are fond of the bobo term. Perhaps you could explain what it actually is and perhaps some times vary your attacks.
An outstanding report presented by a Caymanian. We should consider placing Caymanian women in higher positions in the police force and break up the boys club. Caymanian women need more stability and a police department that they can rely upon for protection. Just a point to ponder…..
Sandra Catron / Hill should be applying for one of the new recruit positions, then slowly work her way up through the ranks. She would be good in the police force I think.
Name one.
Except they must speak ‘Caymanian’ not ‘Jamaican’! Ha ha!
If by Boys Club you mean the lodge, I am 100% behind you. The lodge was driven out of UK policing for extremely good reasons