UK should hand police over to Cayman government
Premier Alden McLaughlin speaking on Radio Cayman Monday, 11 April 2016
(CNS): The premier believes the United Kingdom would be better off and the Cayman Islands would be further ahead if the Foreign and Commonwealth Office relinquished control of national security and the management of the police service to the Cayman government via a police authority. Speaking on Radio Cayman, Alden McLaughlin said the current arrangement was not working and has become extremely political, even though the politicians have no say at all in the management of the RCIPS. He also criticised the National Security Council, which, he said, was not functioning as it was envisaged during the 2009 constitutional talks.
“The UK are crazy having responsibility here for national security … It would be far better if the people could hold me or another elected member responsible,” the premier said, noting that over the last decade or so Cayman had hounded four police commissioners out of office because the post has “become so political”.
The premier was speaking about the current arrangements within the constitution regarding the police and crime during his appearance Monday on Radio Cayman’s morning show, For the Record, with Orrett Connor.
In light of the recent resignation of Police Commissioner David Baines, the perceived rise in crime and the pressure from the opposition for an entire review of the police service, McLaughlin raised his concerns about the motion that was filed by the opposition members calling for a no confidence debate in the RCIPS. He said he supported a review of the governance and management structure of the service but thought the motion was irresponsible as it was seeking a declaration that parliament has no confidence in all of the police officers, which was wrong.
Talking about the best way to address the police management, McLaughlin said he still believed, as he had during the talks with the UK over the 2009 constitution, that Cayman needed a local police authority to take control locally. He said that during those talks the idea was discussed with the UK, but with Opposition Leader Mckeeva Bush and his UDP team at the time opposed to it, the UK would not agree and retained the responsibility of national security with the governor.
The only local responsibility for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is its budget, which is in the hands of the home affairs ministry, now led by McLaughlin. The creation of a National Security Council was supposed to give the elected arm more say in policy, but noting that everything to do with police policy remains with the governor, McLaughlin said the NSC did not “function the way it should”.
However, he said the public still looks to the politicians for answers, even though they are not responsible and can do very little to influence what happens with the police.
“The construct does not work and the UK would be well advised to agree to allow a police authority,” he said. “Cayman, the UK and the governor will all be better off if we had a police authority responsible for the police service and the commissioner, instead of the post being line managed by the governor.”
Concerned that it will become increasingly difficult to fill the post of commissioner because of the strength of public feeling that there should be more local control over the police, he said that management of the police had become a “poisoned chalice” but one that he would take on noentheless, as it “was critical to Cayman”. He pointed out that Cayman had enjoyed a long, peaceful history and when one heard of three armed robberies in one weekend, “those things are chilling”.
Welcoming the discussion and debate, which is now expected to take place in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, 28 April, McLaughlin said he was happy to debate the issues but was concerned that the motion as it stands now, which calls for a declaration of no confidence in the entire police service, will not improve what is already a difficult situation.
Then who would arrest the politicians?
Maybe the current structure is the reason why we have never been able to get to the truth behind Operation Tempura.
Here is a story (or conspiracy theory if you wish)
You can’t handle the truth!
Notice the lack of calls for accountability?
The silence regarding the alleged accusations about the Judiciary?
Let me guess, they were expecting the fault to fall neatly at the feet of British folks? Sorry but if you don’t start assessing your own “new” Caymanians and natives who refuse to stand up to them, independence with this group in charge will be rough ride, and not in a fun way.
And to persons who don’t think it will be worse than Jamaica, think again, and it’s not even their fault.
But the majority of people here now are Jamaicans, period, then we have the scared, intimidated locals seeking some connection, but difference is,
the wannbe masters here didn’t create loyalty to Cayman flag so all the Jamaicans here will continue to bring in their culture including loyalty to the other ‘white’ wannbe masters (those with Ja’can accent, you know easier to fool them) and yes it will get worse.
Islands like Barbados went independent BUT majority of Bajans were of that nationality even if majority were African descent but they went independent as a united people not like here a group of nationals with majority confused and those who did become Caymanian most seem reluctant to embrace it
Maybe there is a need for two levels of policing services, one for internal security (controlled by a body the Government appoints or has some control of), one for ‘other’ security (controlled by the FCO/Governor)?
There are already two levels, the token person capable of dealing with anything and the other four who stand, text and observe.
Alden, the opposition members, and many others fail to understand the actual demographics of the Cayman Islands electorate – their job to know. About 5000/18000 (27%) are the voters pre-date 2000 and this tiny minority seem to shape policy, another 3000 (16%) were added in 2003 via the irrevocable Cabinet “Status Grants” – majority of whom had resided in Cayman for 20+ yrs and genuinely deserved to be Caymanian – and the bulk of voters, 10,000 or so (55%) brand new Caymanians comprised of those that qualified through the lengthy merit-based process after 2003, including “birth” Caymanians who turned 18 and/or registered to vote comparatively recently. That’s 18,270 people in total, all equally Caymanian, indivisible.
NEWS FLASH: The majority of these voters DO NOT CARE about the nationality of the next commissioner, so long as that person does their job and reigns in the anarchy. We need someone who will engage their officers to get out there and enforce ALL of our laws, not just the historical samplings. That’s what we want. We do not need any power shifts – there is no conspiracy. Getting out there is the problem. Easily remedied.
I totally agree! It’s not a problem of authority, It’s a problem of strategy.
This would be a total disaster, there is so much pettiness amongst the politicians as it is. when It comes down to it there seems to be no respect for authority in any shape and form.
The Cabinet status grants are not irrevocable. Please stop spreading that falsehood.
They are all irrevocable now. Article 8 rights alone make them permanent.
No less irrevocable than any other status grant.
Absolutely they are to all intents and purposes irrevocable because they happened 13 years ago.
In most cases I agree – but the ongoing contention that they have always been irrevocable is simply untrue.
The Cabinet status grants ARE irrevocable. This is not a falsehood
Read section 28 of the Immigration Law!
“Well, it’s politics time again.” – Buju Banton
Big Shout out to Alden who has clearly lost all of his marbles now. As one of those who has arduously help the removal of capable Caymanians mann that really sweet of you? I agree with one thing though when we had a working functioning balance Police force with real police officers from other jurisdictions the FCO seem to stop at nothing to create a very unstable situation that we have found ourselves in now by claiming to stop corruption by importing it from elsewhere and promoting its local henchmen.
Hilarious! You want the police to be run by Caymanians. Which Caymanians are those, Perhaps they should only come from the 10,000 Caymanians around in 1970? The big push to ensure Caymanians are at the helm come hell or high water tells me there is an election not far off. I dread to think what the next year is going to bring.
SMH. You make it sound so absurd. Imagine that right, Caymanians actually leading in their own Country. WOW, shocking right?
You been here from the 1970’s? If so, then you should know better than to spout that crap!
Oh but it’s not your country, this isn’t a sovereign nation, it’s a territory of the United Kingdom. So, when it comes to spouting crap you seem to have the upper hand.
Also, the reason why the police service is such a mess is due to the quality of local commanders and their sub standard junior ranks.
The RCIPS lost their best chance at retaining control of law and order when local officers made it so damn hard for UK, US and Canadian officers to maintain their dignity whilst being subjected to intolerable working conditions. They in turn gave up on Cayman and returned home leaving the cheaper option of Caribbean recruitment to take hold.
If you want a professional police service then recruit professionals not wannabes from 3rd world nations whose only interest is to escape the appalling conditions in their home countries. Then, get some expert commanders from the UK to sort out the dreadful chain of command right down to sergeant level and the sub standard policing that has taken hold due to their lack of control and supervision.
Baines isn’t a miracle worker, he could only work within the confines of his existing manpower, most of whom are lazy and incompetent.
Go ahead, take control, but be warned that if you think it’s bad now, wait until the real source of incompetence is given control, then you’ll have something to whine about.
I’m not he “whiner” hunny….you are.
You sound afraid that if we do gain control you would no longer be at the helm of the wheel. Boo who! Cry me a damn river….
Harmony my dear delusional poster, you appear to be under the impression that the UK population actually cares if Cayman stays or goes. Most don’t want the burden of an embarrassing former tax haven hanging around their necks and would rather not pay for your defence or diplomatic services. They would rather put that money into their own defence and well being by paying down the deficit.
Clearly you believe in your own importance far more than the British people do, you obviously believe that you are so vital to British interests that we wouldn’t cast you adrift so as to save some kind of past colonial face. Wrong, those days are past and those who wish to go can, they just have to force a vote on the matter and get a majority decision.
But that’s the kicker, you can’t and you won’t, so live with it and just keep whining.
I am sure that you will want to give it back or pay someone to come and turn the wheel for you just as quick!
Hey 7:11 pm,all we have had is so called Chief experts from the UK, who not only learned to swim when they came here, but are also known to be great imbibers, oh it’s the sun Chippi that makes me thirsty nah!. Seriously we have been there done that. We have also had our small share of locals who didn’t make the cut, so what’s the solution, a gathering of all local high ranking police officers who will sit with members of the LA and decide what is the next step. Our MLAS know nothing about policing therefore should be able to rely on the acquired knowledge ( which we have paid for) and expertise available and formulate the way forward. If the officers are part of the the process then they can be held accountable and it will empower them to do the job in an acceptable and efficient manner. The Guvs intervention is not needed people, we have good officers that need to be empowered.
You are right. It would be shocking if the local population actually took responsibility for something.
Yes and until leaders he shown the capability of showing actual responsibility, they should never be handed MORE responsibilities. .
Yeah ! Put a English man and his cronnies in charge of the Jamaica Police Force, Security (King Fish), French man in charge of the USA security ! Wha ! never happen bobo ! Only in Cayman
We do not need a Caymanian CoP!! Hopefully that will NOT happen!! We need a CAPABLE CoP, preferably BRITISH!! But ultimately, one who can lead RCIPS to earn the trust and respect of our society at large and deliver a higher success rate in fighting crime – the former attributes being critical to the latter!. That means someone who can transform the RCIPS into a capable, corruption-free and socially interactive organization. No matter if he comes from Mars!!
Rather than Mars or some municipality in rural UK, we should recruit from the “International Association of Chiefs of Police”. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, or train someone green into the role. http://www.iacp.org
I like that
Lol ,,, you can try! The word is out there unfortunately, the post would not be looked on as a paradise posting!
After doing some research on the job and its last few holders a lot of those you seek will decide against crossing the ocean for a load of abuse from politicians who, at best, would be Parish Councillors in the UK.
Oh please shut up. They will come if only for the tax free salarymen last two or three COP were all Brits, tell me what did they do?
Really? One only lasted less than 24 hours on the island before throwing his cards in and flying out of here.
Two others were temporary and knew there was an end in sight.
The tax free salary and policing paradise suddenly doesn’t seem that appealing to anyone.
Any capable COP will ultimately do his research regardless where they come from.
Once the position is recognized as the “poisoned chalice” that it is, that is where the difficulties lie.
The only way that the position can be made attractive is by throwing more and more salary and perks at it. That is when you realize you are back to square one as people then apply for the wrong reasons.
I think this is being increasingly looked as a Cayman problem and this will require a Cayman solution for once.
You may not have a choice!
“Cayman had hounded four CoPs out of office in the past 10 years” according to our sitting Premier. Shame on him!! An appalling choice of words seeing as how, within the same time frame, crime has soared. Aren’t we entitled to a better standard of public safety and isn’t RCIPS, under the leadership of the CoP, not under the responsibility to deliver same?
Therefore, if RCIPS has not performed to the desired standards and its successive CoPs failed to achieve same, why is it termed “hounding out of office” if the majority of residents have been dissatisfied and expressed their views?? That is not “hounding” that is expecting or demanding better policing!!
All has to happen is that a CAPABLE CoP delivers; and he/she cannot be deemed capable if they do not show it!! Not presenting arrogance and excuses like Baines has consistently done!!!
The Premier is taking this “bold” stance only to try to convince the voting populace that he cares about crime fighting. Ha! Where has his voice been all this time? This opinion (“advance”) will be rejected by the UK and will be seen locally for what it is. LIP SERVICE!!
8.50am you obviously have no understanding of what has been taking place ref. the “last four C.O.Ps” There is a hell of a lot that either is not public knowledge, or, is simply not understood by the average member of the public. Your Hon. Premier has spoken honestly and factually, and I for one am very happy to hear him finally take a stand on this issue. The Brits have generally spent their effort trying to totally recreate the RCIP in the image of the very disfunctional UK Police Service, instead of confronting the growing violent crime problem head on and operationally. Something has to change, as the control of the RCIP by the Governor’s Office/FCO has been a disgracefu,l and for them, embarrassing, failure, and it is time for a massive dose of accountability to the Caymanian public for RESULTS in crime fighting (NOT “management” as certain folks like to call it!! LOL.
Jamaican constabulary should take over the running of the RCIPS.
After all, they have sorted the crime problem out in Jamaica.
Just let me sell my house first.
Don’t think so, they might just get what they asking for again. Local Cop who will get thrown into the political hogwash that we have created. Revolution is on de way.
Well since the COP announced his resignation a number of senior officers are or have also resigned. Be careful what you wish for as the top three officers of the RCIPS will all be Caymanian and will be running the show
…and we know that to be Caymanian is to be incompetent. That is the subtext there, right? That is the sort of bigotry that we face in our own islands. They cannot possibly do a worse job than Baines.
Thank you 8:14am.
Thank you!!!!!!
Maybe you are right. Either way, I am not hanging around to find out.
Did you consider that the additional resignation(s) might be because the Gov’s Office maybe plan to recruit in UK again!! LOL. When will this end?
I say get rid of the premier and the mla’s all together. Let the uk run all aspects of this island.
Some people open their mouths before they think
What a fool. Like there isn’t enough corruption here. There is no way in hell there would possibly be anything other than mayhem on this island. There would be no law.
Will people be so fool to vote for this individual again??? Say it ain’t possible.
Yes, because we know the RCIPS has been free of corruption under Police Commissioners appointed by the UK.
OMG! It just shows you how out of touch he is with reality. No accountability and no responsibility, a lot of talk, smokes and mirrors by the Governments of the last 10 plus years, but yeah – let’s have the little enforcement of law which is remaining be handed over to local Government. Sure…………
The FCO should hand the service over along with anything else they can gather up. Play the National anthem for the last time whilst the new flag gets hoisted. Sail off into the sunset and let Cayman sort its own problems out for once.
That will be the civil war then!
Bring it on! Plan for Independence should have been set in place (incase needed) 30 years ago!
If they remember to turn up on time, get off the phone, find their way back from lunch, don’t go sick or if their mummies will allow them to go as its not a job for a Caymanian, send a Jamaican instead.
If the UK leaves this place will be worse than Jamaica, you all know it, which is why we are not independent now. Only a less worse version will take place if the police are handed over to the CIG. Alden complains about the politicization of the police – but what will happen when you officially hand it over to the politicians – have we forgotten that one of our MLAs just a few months ago frothed at the mouth and talked about homosexuals sucking out babies’ brains? You seriously want to hand the police over to these people? Are you crazy? No matter how stuck-up they are, I’d rather keep the police run by the British. You all whine about a few stupid incidents (and by the way, these are mostly incidents in which the “victims” are NOT so innocent) — just wait until you hand the police officially over to the politicians, get ready for the REAL MESS. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
So what are you saying the two kids were not innocent?
Judging from some comments over the last few weeks I think it’s about time for the UK government to weigh anchor and step away from Cayman altogether. After all if the blogs and talk shows are putting this forward as the majority view it must be correct.
So let’s hand control of the whole country, its economy, it’s banking industry, tourism over to the MLA’s.
And let’s withdraw the right to a British passport, any funding and put an end to the tax havens throughout the world, which I believe is on its way after the reaction to the Panama papers.
And let’s see what happens.
I think it would be interesting to watch the social and economic changes in Cayman and its perception throughout the region.
We made the Cayman Islands what they are. In the days when we had mosquitoes sand flies and was crime free, we survived and lived life. So what would make you think we wouldn’t survive otherwise? The U.K. Government is not paying or way nor are they contributing to our existence.
The UK has backstopped the profligate credit line of our last three regimes, with their full faith and credit – perceived by global credit agencies to be worth considerably more than that of the Cayman Islands on its own – without which, our Aa3 debt would become immediately downgraded and debts callable. Our debt load went from credit surplus’ in 1990’s to 7.5% in 2000 to >24.5% of GDP by 2010 (Alden’s School Project v1.0), and as of 2014, was still 19.5%. The UK controls our credit line, and hence owns our cajones.
@10:18 – I’ll tell you why you won’t survive, Caymanians nowadays do not have the attitude, strength, morals, ambition and work ethics as your forefathers did. But keep up the attitude and you’ll soon have your chance to prove me wrong.
Oh really, then let it withdraw your credit guarantees, diplomatic services and national security. Let’s watch as you are buried under an uncontrollable national debt and become a satellite of every other failed Caribbean ‘state’. Watch as the international community moves to safer territories and takes their tourism, financial services and expertise with them.
I just can’t wait to see how you propose to defend yourself against the drug barons and their unlimited reserves of cash and violence. How many able bodied men do you think you can raise to defend yourselves, 2000? And how many do you think will be on the first plane out of here if the crap hits the fan?
Or maybe you could mobilise the cadet corps to save your arses.
In the days you recount there weren’t any serious threats nor were there international financial services, (the people who really made the Cayman Islands what they are) so your point is worthless. Times have moved on and you simply can’t turn the clock back without causing catastrophic social and economic failure.
I am sure that this not true.
Whilst there were hardships back home like every other island nation dependent on remittances, most were trying to gain a living by under cutting unionized seamen on bulk carrying ships.
The real boom to this place was the growing nationalistic and political posturing by Lyndon pydling in the Bahamas.
This firmly planted the Independence of the Bahamas in his lap with very little deliberation by the UK and even less by the departing financial industry.
Couple this with tourism, real estate, diving and health tourism, you haven’t been responsible for a great deal.
I am sure you would survive though.
Give it a go if you sure
The Cayman Islands are no longer a “haven from taxes”, and haven’t been for years.
So the Caymans have companies that own the IP rights of major brands and then fleece onshore governments of corporate taxation revenue through dodgy transfer pricing structures and it is not a tax haven? And what about the fraud and corruption facilitated by tax havens like Cayman?
There are Mind and Management tests and thick volumes of international case law, are you saying that those don’t exist or are somehow flawed or incorrectly enforced by these permissive onshore revenue agencies? If that’s the case, explain how that can be a Cayman Islands problem?
Which funding are you referring too? Hahaha The only funding the British know about, is funding British interests. I think even the Queen laughed when you said that. Hahaha. The fact that you think it is interesting to see Cayman’s supposed demise demonstrates your mentality. What are you afraid of? That we may be even more successfull or that you won’t be able to live with seeing us fail? It seems more plausible that you fear your life being negatively affected in some way.
Please tell us all how you intend to finance anything without private money or get international loans without a credit rating or guarantor such as the UK.
No please, tell us precisely how you will be successful without any form of industrial manufacturing, international financial services or natural resources.
Basically you produce nothing worthy of mention, finances are transient and can simply be moved to another jurisdiction, after all most companies are registered here in name only. Tourism is dependant on a stable society and economy, neither of which are likely without employment, which is wholly dependent on work permits and foreign labour.
The truth is that the CI are already bankrupt, you have no money of your own, certainly not enough to run a defence force or an international diplomatic service, let alone build the infrastructure needed to be an independent nation.
No sir, you have everything to be afraid of, you just don’t have what it takes to survive and are better off under the umbrella of the U.K. Or you could always prove us wrong and force a vote, we won’t stop you.
Anyone remember when immigration more or less functioned? Guess what, the Governor was in charge. Guess who is responsible now.
Alden Demagogue McLaughlin!
Security is a national issue and thus for the UK not the local authority.
except “national” here means the Cayman Islands, not the UK.
No, because the UK is the sovereign entity and the ONLY national interest is the UK’s interest. Cayman is just a tiny region.
This is not a nation state, it is a territory of the U.K. The only national interest is the UK.
the entire police service needs to be from europe or north america…..
That would be cool, Russian police are the best in Europe, around 10-15 ex KGB agents would do the trick here in Cayman
Experience dictates that the UK is not competent to manage the police force as it believes the best man for the job must always come from the UK and they must all be of a very similar ethic background. Meanwhile, the national dish of England is chicken tikka masala (if you want to know if cronyism still exist…man let me show you dis)
Remember a few years ago when they said police force should be diverse and represent the people of the islands. We have 3,000+ Americans but unlikely to have one on the force and 4,000 or more Canadians and again likely none on the force.
We do have about 13,000 Jamaican and likely have about 200 on the force. Maybe 100 Caymanian’s to represent 25,000.00
The first problem we have to recognise is when you pay peanuts you get monkeys. The Government should have control over the standards (e.g. qualifications) required to become a police officer. They should go ahead and pass the police standards law 2016 requiring standards by 2020. This should require that the officers meet standards and are trained at institutions in the first world. In return, a salary of about 70,000.00 should be paid to these officers. And a better work environment for the current good officers.
These officers should ideally have bachelors degrees in criminology or law from highly rated institutions or have military education, experience and training.
Alden and the CIG should have some control over who is appointed noting that in many US jurisdictions (yes the US is a leader in law enforcement ask FIFA and the Cayman Gun Smugglers) have elected local police chiefs and actually catch criminals and know the laws that they are enforcing.
The UK police have not solved /caught local criminals unless it involves a crime happening that effects them directly or botch attempts at Mr. Bush and Arresting Judges. I can’t believe how anyone could still think it is logical to support the governor and the FCO.
Alden is right on one point…while the CIG might not (now) be best placed to do this Cayman and its people need to have some democracy and say in our community. While we might be use to the USA helping us find our criminals and enforcing our laws we cannot expect the same from the UK.
It is time we attempt to own our security by democracy; In Cayman you already own your own security by default because the police force is not at a high level of competence (ask the North Side people_
Wake up. I don’t think it can get much worse. We have low paid Caribbean security guards policing our streets directed by people who seem to be on vacation looking some sun, sea and sand. Baines was a boss for hitting the criminals with his jeep but that is ordinary business for our police bosses in the US.
Anyways. I vote for a police authority with board members that are appointed by Kenneth Dart (USA product) until we as a people can grow up and see that the UK RCIPS isn’t a bed of roses that we are making it out to be. UK RCIPS in cayman is failing…governor should just be a position in the UK that if a national disaster/war happens they take over other than that they just stay in the UK in the FCO behind some desk no need for the pomp in 2016 we can rent out that house for weddings to help pay for our new police force.
Mr. Machete under bed
There are only 100 Caymanian Police? Is this because you can’t have a criminal record to be a police officer?
Only 100 because the pay is so poor meanwhile exceptionally qualified Caymanians are overseas working top dollar
And that nonsensical, ignorant rant is exactly why you cannot be trusted to run the RCIPS. I’ve never read a bigger load of self indulgent crap on this site for a while.
You really want a US style militarised police service that appears to be more than a little trigger happy, especially towards people of colour?
Good luck with that, but be warned, there’s a very good reason why cops behave the way they do in the US, it’s because the fabric of their society has been virtually destroyed and they are just defending themselves from the anarchy that prevails across the nation. It’s a kill or be killed mentality that is not welcome on a UK territory, especially this one.
So get back in front of your tv and dream on stupid.
Bet Rolston wishes it had been that way, back in the day
Mac would have loved it even more !
That’s one of the funniest things I’ve heard the a Premier say……
I was thinking the same thing… There is NO Enforcement anywhere in government.
not a good idea, there will be even more corruption and so call Politian will look to have influence over the Police. The Police needs to stay under the Governor. Maybe have a civilian body to have impute and some sort of oversight but not full control . just saying
Because CIGs track record in ensuring effective public service from the authorities and the civil service is so good we can have absolute confidence that things could only get better if RCIPS was added to their mandate.
Here it comes, the thin wedge. Get ready people.
Man losing the plot. Sure, let’s give McKeeva Bush control of National Security. Numbskull.
We won’t have to worry about that happening in the future.
Alden Alden Alden!!! You are so naive and to an extend crazy. Who would spy for the FCO if that happens? About the motion you are the irresponsible one, you should be shame of your self to suggest that the helm of RCIPS should remain you are so shameless. I pray 2017 comes quickly and we see the back of you and your ppm poor excuse for a government. Finally ask your ministers to stop getting people fired from their jobs and taking food from their mouths. Oh sorry I forgot this is motto of poor people mistake