DoT boss assures tourists Cayman is safe
Rosa Harris, Cayman Islands Director of Tourism
(CNS): Director of the Department of Tourism Rosa Harris has issued a formal statement following the robbery of an elderly couple visiting their holiday home in North Side and their helper on Monday evening. “This unfortunate incident is contrary to the usual Caymankind experience of our valued guests as the Cayman Islands has a reputation for being a safe, family-friendly destination,” she said.
The couple, who own a property at the So Serene complex near Rum Point and, according to local sources, have been visiting Cayman for many years, were robbed and assaulted while sitting on their beach-side porch.
While by no means the first serious crime perpetrated against visitors to Cayman, it has clearly caused concern for the DoT. In the era of instant communication, such bad news travels fast.
In the first statement she has made as DoT director regarding crime on the islands where tourists are the victims, Harris said the department takes the welfare of all those who live, work and vacation in the destination seriously.
“DoT will continue to work alongside the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service to ensure all visitors to the Cayman Islands have the best possible experience,” she said Tuesday following the news of the knifepoint robbery.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is aware of the investigation into the assault on guests in the Cayman Islands. DOT will continue to work alongside the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service to ensure all visitors to the Cayman Islands have the best possible experience.
What ever happened to those security cameras that Mr Miller put up? Do they work or just another waste of money. No work, no vote. We’ll, I guess they found work.
Cayman so safe? Try walking on eastern avenue or by the George Town police anytime after 2 am on any given day and see what happens to you. So sorry this has happened to the hands that feeds us but this has been going on for years to locals without any repercussions to the criminals.
Offer a $20,000 reward and our North Siders will soon reveal his identity.
This island has just about morfed into a very nasty, ugly and greedy feral pig. Thank you Ms. Harris for putting lipstick on it.
Having known these dear people for many years I cannot legally put into words the actions I would take if this animal is identified to me.
I have no doubt that many on NS will know the identity of this parasite and it will only be a matter of time before justice catches up with him.
But unfortunately the problems on NS go much deeper than just this incident and our ever vocal MLA knows it but persists in blaming expats for his failure and that of his fellow countrymen to get control of his feral constituents. He needs to understand that by dehumanising those on WP’s and disregarding those who own property on much of his district, he is exposing them to the Stone Age mindset that believes foreigners are the root cause of all evil on the Cayman Islands.
In effect, they are fair game. This is all too noticeable when this despicable crime has met with a wall of silence from our brave member.
Muggers, robbers, poachers, drug dealers, drunks and junkies are all too prolific in this small community, and it has nothing to do with employment, it has to do with education and ignorance.
Believe me, if a modern thinking, progressive young politician from the district was allowed to run this small community instead of a bigoted old dinosaur, (with the consent of ALL who live here) things would change and equality would be the new world instead of divisiveness.
Sorry Cayman, but it’s gone, the way we were our living in the past. We need to accept our new lives. So saying that what’s next? Gates into areas where tourists live is first. Next security guards that will allow you access to tourist residence area. It’s happening now so why deny the inevitable? Move with the times Cayman.
Of course, we could pretend it’s not happening and wait until something serious happens then try and fix it? But maybe it will be a drug addict who is really mad at the world for not giving them their fix and they will kill someone instead.
A tragedy…finding out who it happened to, although it should not happen to anyone, released my regard of CaymanKind Spirit.
What planet is the DOT on? Cayman is no longer safe, let alone to tourists. Open us up to a law suit stating Tourists are safe in the Cayman Islands. The locals aren’t safe….home invasions, people getting mugged and stabbed, rapes, the crimes that are not reported…..need i say more.
This press release would have been effective had it had; superimposed in the background; a snapshot of these thugs being flogged in the public square!
Of course the flogging would have to be carried out by our very effective RCIPS which has yet to solve this crime.
But then again, Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau always solves his crimes unexpectedly!
This crime should never have happened, foremost. Greed, poverty, disrespect, addiction, crime seems to be forefront…..and embraced. Is using for selfish gain a motto, throughout this country?
No George, no. A public flogging is appropriate for an Islamic country like Saudi Arabia, but not in a territory which is “founded on Christian principles (or did you forget this?). However I do agree that if this sub-human specimen is ever apprehended, after due legal process he should be severely punished.
Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
What do you people really want from the lady?
Those that know anything about her will know that behind the scenes she is 100% on top of this matter.
Keep your head up Rosa. Love to see you at the helm!
– Who
She didn’t need to say anything. If for whatever reason these public officials feel they have to say something along with a picture in the press at least tell the truth. Everyone knows Cayman is not as safe as it used to be.
Yes.
Apparently neither is Paris, or London, or California, or Jakarta … I think you get the point.
All are tourism magnets with resulting booming economies.
– Who
But none of them make stupid declarations as we do. I have been to all of those cities and don’t expect to be safe without excercising caution. I do however expect to be safe sitting on my own porch in Cayman minding my own business. Sadly this is not the case anymore. Get my point?
Whether one declares or ignores a situation pretty much results in the same existing reality.
However, the difference in this instance is that the risk is acknowledged.
– Who
You obviously don’t get it.
Put it this way, I don’t expect to have my head hacked off, be shot with military grade automatic machine guns, or be blown to pieces while on vacation.
Sadly neither did many now deceased visitors and residents in the aforementioned locations.
– Who
Seems to me you are one of those people that always has the last word, so be my guest. It is difficult to present cogent arguments when the counter argument is tangential at best.
If you compare to Paris or London, please compare numbers per capita. You might see that crime here is outrageous compared to Paris or London.
Having lived in both Cayman and London I can unreservedly declare that Cayman is the safer of the two. If the numbers speak otherwise it is clearly because the majority of crime in London goes unreported. I have seen it with my own eyes.
As far Paris, out of the 3 times I’ve been there, there were attempts to pickpocket me on 2 of those visits. When i compare to Cayman the difference is 0. So, yeah. Granted not a forensic analysis but as the unfortunate victims of this crime would surely agree, sometimes personal experiences are what truly matter.
As for London, I (and friends) was the intended victim of so many petty crimes, thefts, assaults and burglaries it’s impossible to recount.
Anyway. I think the point is made..for those with open minds of course.
Crime has definitely increased, however it is unfortunate the way certain people / groups attempt to absolve themselves from the equation that results in said crime. All residents are actively contributing to our general state of affairs.
Since we’re throwing out stats, percentages and estimations, I will end with the following;
Fact: The lower the percentage of Caymanians in Cayman the higher the rate of crime.
Cayman is relatively safer than those countries mentioned. 30 years ago I can remember the compass had a column dedicated to the police report it was about two inches long. The point is Cayman is not safe anymore so it is stupid to say it is, compared with Cayman a few years back. Comparing with big cities is a disproportionate comparison. Our whole population is only the size of a small village or town elsewhere.
I agree, to compare Cayman to major cities is silly, however, it is always the mantra of my opposition here on CNS as they spew bile about “statistics..per capita …ratio…etc”.
Nothing but a bunch of sour-grapes haters actually.
– Who
Dear Who,
It is your kind of divisive and nationalistic dialogue that contributes to the envious, dehumanising, anti foreigner mindset that encourages those with even less intellect than yourself to behave in such a disgusting manner.
You will undoubtedly spew out some pathetic excuse for the behaviour of your countrymen and you will almost certainly deny your complicity in their parasitic actions and attitudes. But those of us who have spent many years watching this once calm and beautiful place turn in on itself and those who contribute most to its wealth, you are just as bad.
Your narcissistic tendency to parade as a local voice of the people, a wise sage whose whose opinion should be valued, a commentator on colonialism and the suffering of ‘his’ people and an apologist for incompetence is there for all to see. Unfortunately those who actually believe the bile you peddle aren’t bright enough to discriminate between fact and fiction, they believe the self entitled crap that you and many others feed them, and then often act on it.
Sadly, it isn’t enough to just ignore you, you need confronting and an alternative commentary offered in its place.
Whether you agree or not, people such as you promote divisiveness and envy, you are the enemy of all because you have the capacity to know better.
Wow, poster. I don’t know whose submissions you have been so keenly following, but I can assure you they aren’t mine.
Granted each person interprets things according to individual perspective, biases and sensitivities, however, you have taken your view of Whodatis on quite a tangent there.
Although I do invite you to provide quoted snippets of my postings to support your assertions.
That being said, even if you were correct in your analysis of Whodatis, I strongly doubt the criminals running around the island found inspiration from clicking on to CNS, reading my posts, and going into the community mentally armed with my dangerous philosophy. Quite an entertaining theory you have conjured up though – kudos!
If there is anything I wish to strongly address about your post is the suggestion that I am some sorrowful, “woe is me”, blame everyone else, type of individual. Quite the contrary actually.
I always stand for accountability, responsibility, self-respect, national pride and a sense of self. I understand how that may rub certain people, often outsiders, the wrong way but to them I say “tough nouggies”. (On the occasions where I do make reference to specific entities / groups, I always back it up by highlighting the failure on the part of our successive governments and therefore Caymanians as a collective.)
In fact, the aforementioned qualities are often the catalysts for the oft alarming opposition that I receive on this forum. I am acutely aware that MANY frown upon such a mindset existing within Caymanians.
Anyway, all of the above is for naught in terms of changing your strong opinion of Whodatis, so I will sign off now.
Take care and I look forward to useful dialogue in the future.
– Whodatis
(In case anyone missed it.)
🙂
P.S. May I remind you and the room, that EVERY society has callous and disgusting criminals that carry out shameful acts against the most vulnerable in their respective societies. It would be interesting to hear theories for why this is the case in those instances.
Maybe the American and British variants of such lowlifes have stumbled upon Whodatis’ postings as well??
Classic narcissist, refers to himself in the third person. I rest my case.
Yes, the creator of Whodatis’ anonymous online persona directs Whodatis to refer to Whodatis in the 3rd person.
Clearly a narcissist :-p
– Whodatis
Lol, ah boy…you guys make my day every day!
As Director of Tourism she should say something but that wishy washy response just added insult to injury. Unfortunate? Really? Is that the best that the DOT local PR team and its handsomely paid international PR agencies could come up with?
It is more than ‘unfortunate’ Mrs. Harris and what would have been more appropriate in your statement are words such as intolerable and unacceptable. Perhaps you could have given the assurance that you have met with the RCIPS to request that every available resource is deployed to apprehend the perpetrator and renew the appeal for anyone in the public who might have information about who committed this heinous crime to come forward. Heck, you could even have offered a monetary reward though crime stoppers to show how seriously this is being taken. But if all you are willing to say is it’s ‘unfortunate’ then I agree, it would have been best for you to say nothing at all.
She got a Crystal Ball to verify their safety. How foolish.
I wonder if she would say that if it was her that was punched in the face and robbed?
This is a perfect example of tourism spin. In the face of reality keep saying the same thing regardless of the truth.
On the dive boat I regularly warn tourists about going out after dark. Unlike this DoT person I have a conscience and do not want to see a tourist robbed, mugged or worse.
Where is Jaesha Hendrix?
What possible reason is there to reveal and broadcast the victim’s address? Bad enough they went through this horror, now we victimize all the unit holders in that complex, and stigmatize that entire neighbourhood?!? Not helpful.
Private home
Its safe…until its not, and then we will let you know…so why worry…
DOT is a pure waste of our Caymanians tax dollars. It only takes a few more incidents like this one on visitors and tourist to Grand Cayman and it will ruin the island. Stop playing a mouse and cat game DOT and RCIPS. Make your presence seen and known. Once the safety of our visitors and tourist can no longer be guranteed it will all be over for The Cayman Islands. No amount of tv ads can ever bring the visitors or tourist back. Then all hotels and condos, restaurants, coffe shops etc, will cease to operate and 7 Mile Beach, George Town and all its duty free stores and the eastern districts of Grand Cayman will become ghost areas.
Well that’s ok then. I’m sure the senior citizen that was punched in the face feels much better. What a stupid thing to say and who buy’s that marketing spin crap anyway?
Of course that is what she will say. That is what she is paid to say.
This is just something that needs to be said but in actuality there is a reasonable chance of becoming a victim of a property crime that could possibly escalate to an attack on oneself or another person regardless of being a tourist or resident. Millions of dollars are spent a year both publically and privately on Law Enforcement and Security. Things are getting worse. The lack of proffesionlism in both arenas speaks and credits the crime rate here.
This is absurd the nice quit North Side Rum Point communities are where the thugs seem to thrive these days…breaking and entering…drug runners coming ashore.There is a lack of Police in this area nearest station is Bodden Town, 30 minutes away, and they hesitate to do anything until the act is done and the perp is gone! After all why bring mace to a gunfight. You are safer in the states where cops are cops and this type of crime is dealt with, without hesitation.
I wonder what the response time was on the call to the RCIPS on report of the crime? To be fair to them, with Bodden Town the closest station, I’d think 20 minutes. In the U.S. you could expect 5 minutes or less, as there will be a cruiser on every other square mile. It may well be time to station a permanent police unit at North Side?
FYI the nearest Police station to Rum Point is North side Police station not BT
9:46 North Side has a building with RCIPS on it but you could hardly call it a police ‘station’.
Mr Harris when these sort of horrific crime against the elder, who is some time helpless to protect themselves, don’t take a soft approach to the issue, nip it in the bud and don’t let it get out of control . This is your turf now . Put the pressure on the police department to have this crime solved. We should have got the news that those Iphones were found by 9: am this morning.
Thanks for this article CNS I always enjoy the funnies. Adds to the comical state of affairs the way these islands are run.
Sadly, this just demonstrates why DoT is a complete waste of public money because inane comments like this always backfire. Next time there’s an incident involving a tourist this quote will simply be used against us as evidence that the islands aren’t taking the problem seriously.
Potential tourists, DO NOT believe this marketing spin. The whole “Caymankind” thing is bogus and muggings and attacks on tourists are becoming increasingly common.
Treason!!
Remove this comment CNS. Future toutist: Welcome!
You want to censor the truth in favor of profit? Caymankind?
No I do not want the truth censored. It is horrible what has happened..but on the same note, compared to other countries this would not make news as it is a norm. So why post a warning to stop coming to Cayman and bring such publicity to the country. Cayman is still a safe place to live and visit. My Caymankind heart will always defend my country, just as you would yours or should to this one if you are from here.
I have lived in another country most of my life and I would never consider leaving again. It is a great place to raise kids and I feel a whole lot safer here. Could never get my expat wife to leave and return to her first world country that is also a wonderful place to live.
Cayman still the best destination! Safe and beautiful.
If you want to compare to other countries, compare per capita, not absolute numbers
Strange how the right to free speech is quoted so often for issues here but when it is something that no one wants to hear, fundamental rights soon go!
Don’t do it, CNS! I don’t want the toutist to come!
We don’t want touts here. Thank you. Tourists yes, touts definitely not.