UK sending military personnel to Cayman
(CNS): The British government is sending nine members of the armed forces and three other military officials to the Cayman Island for an extended period. As he announced the arrival of this military team on Monday, Governor Martyn Roper said they were coming to support the territory during the COVID-19 pandemic and as we approach the hurricane season. He said they will be assisting with security, planning and logistics.
Although he stated that he did not have any major concerns about security here, which he described as stable, Roper said the arrival of this military delegation was “a welcome precautionary move so that we have some people from the UK here to assist us on security”. It also signalled political support from Britain for the territories, the governor added.
The armed forces and their civilian colleagues will arrive on the British Airways air-bridge charter next week, along with a small number of Caymanians who are still in the UK and wish to return home. Also on the flight will be a batch of extraction kits to help boost the coronavirus testing numbers here.
The flight will arrive Tuesday evening, 28 April. The next day (Wednesday 29 April) it will leave with more people currently in the Cayman Islands who want to travel to the UK. Details of how people here can purchase tickets will be revealed in the coming days.
The governor said that the military personnel and all returning residents arriving on this flight will be in quarantine for the first two weeks and will be working via Zoom meetings in order to familiarise themselves with officials here.
Roper said the decision by the UK to send this defence team was part of the UK’s response and commitment to the overseas territories. However, Cayman is only the second territory where the UK has confirmed it is sending a defence team, having sent an advisory team to the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier this month.
Asked exactly what the personnel will do once they are released from quarantine, the governor said they would help with planning, assessments, sourcing medical supplies and hurricane preparedness, as well as supporting Cayman’s new defence regiment by mentoring some of the recruits.
“So it’s simply a precaution to help make sure we can deal with any eventuality that we might face,” he added.
While potential security problems seem to be behind the arrival of this military team, over the last few weeks during his appearances at the daily briefings, Commissioner Derek Byrne has consistently stated that the crime situation in Cayman is very stable.
With the exception of a recent spate of commercial burglaries, for which a suspect has been arrested, CoP Brne has also noted the general adherence to the curfews every night. The breach of soft curfew by five dirt bike riders during the first weekend of April, the ‘beach binge’ on Good Friday and a cockfight ring bust this weekend are the worst of Cayman’s crimes over the last three weeks.
Even domestic violence, which has spiked in many other countries during lockdowns, has shown no increase here, which has surprised the officers at the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), who had prepared for a surge in this type of incident during curfews.
See the full press briefing below, set to start where the governor discusses the evacuation flights:
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Category: Local News
Minimum Basic Income
Justification
The reason was that the ruling class, favoring financial and social stability over having the lumpen proletariat trying to rip their heads from their necks at every opportunity, opted to have the baseline standard of living one where no one starved, or was without shelter, or died of easily preventable diseases or went bankrupt if they had a heart attack or lost a job, or both.
Hello.
For those that are thinking the main reason for bringing the military here is because the upper class are worried about the “natives” I am sorry to kill your argument but it’s not the “natives” the government is worried about.
For one thing the reason the beaches became closed is not because the “natives” were ignoring the rules governing the beaches, it was closed because the upper class people were gathering in groups of two, with coolers full of alchohol, on the beach saying they were “exercising”. 2 persons became a group of 30 groups of 2 partying.
Next was the debacle of South Sound where these same people were driving from Tim Buk Too just to “Exercise”. Yet again a group of 2 persons became a group of 30 groups of 2 socializing. So the make exercise from the house door only mandatory.
Drive on South Sound road any evening now and you still see these fine and upright citizens “Exercising” aka socializing.
The military is NOT FOR THE NATIVES, but for these upper class persons who dont think they need to follow the rules and IF it gets any stricter here they will be the first to riot because they cant socialize. The Govt knows where the problems will come from. These upper class people who are always expecting to get their way at any cost .
In any case the ONLY PEOPLE who have to fear these military people are the ones who KNOW they will buck against the rules because they can not get their way.
12.05 am Well, being lower class you won’t have to worry then.
….. this “class” thing with the English….from Upstairs Downstairs to Downton Abbey (or what ever it’s called)….thank God, it’s irrelevant to me.
I find it hilarious that some here are certain that crime and looting are certain to happen here in Cayman as a result of this crisis. I wonder if they would be just as certain if they lived in Jersey? Or Guernsey? Or Gibraltar? Would these same commenters be so comfortable with having British troops patrol their streets if they lived in those other British dependent territories? Please. The people calling for this heavy handed step are doing so out of their bigoted view of the “natives”. If the majority of the population looked like them, they wouldn’t be so convinced that crime and looting are inevitable and that protection by troops is necessary!
3.02pm Sorry, you can’t have it both ways. Like it or leave it. Independence has always been an option.
Anything on the Cubans arriving to assist in the Health Care? Checks would be going much faster. They have some very brilliant Health Care workers there. Look at the family of four here that acquired residence, they are most professional and the General Public are so happy with their performance. In fact we should have been looking for Health Care Providers from more than mainly one Country. Competition is very good and it brings out the best in us. Looking forward to hearing from the Minister a report on their arrival. Also some of the folks who have contracted the Corona whilst under isolation are complaining about the assistance given to them. We know that these people are very caring people whilst not only being professional.
@3:35 pm. What the heck are you talking about? Are they sending troops to Jersey? No, they are not. Are they sending troops to Guernsey? No, they are not. Then why the hell are they sending troops here and not those islands? What is so different about the population of this island, compared to those islands, that we “need” to have troops sent in and those islands don’t? Exactly.
Jersey and Guernsey do not get hit with massive hurricanes. The big one is coming. Get ready.
They are scouting the place in case it goes to shit and troops are needed. Reading the comments, one realizes troops could indeed be needed.
Correct 4:19. Like all societies we have our bat shit crazies here and I would be glad of some extra security judging by the lunacy of some posts. But nine soldiers will not do it. That’s what makes Roy Bodden’s idiotic rants so pathetic. You would think the British had a gunboat offshore with all its guns trained on just the born Caymanians onshore.
@5:09 pm. Roy’s comments seem crazy to you from your privileged point of view. The implication that the Cayman Islands “needs” military protection is insulting to Caymanians. If UK was sending military assistance to ALL British overseas territories as a response to COVID, that would be different. But to send the military here, and only here, well that just smacks of something else now doesn’t it?
No. It smacks of that Cayman gets silly in a crisis! Did you see it after Ivan. I gladly welcome added help.
No it does not, 8:32. In any case they are also going to Turks and Caicos. I’m not the poster @5:09 btw.
I think this will be a platform from them to work from for all the Caribbean so relax
When I posted my initial statements I only mentioned men and that was with qualification. I did NOT mention nationality or race as neither entered my mind. You immediately played the race / nationality card which shows your bigotry! I’m a dark skinned male Caymanian!
My questions is how can one of the worst effected countries who’s irresponsible response to COVID -19 has now lead to sadly numerous deaths of its own UK citizens, Who doesn’t have enough PPE to protect its own health care frontline workers, can now send advisors out to OT’s to do what??? Those naval resources would be best be utilized like the USN Comfort in the UK or are we picking up the TAB for this too Mr Premier???? The other scenario is WHY when the US southern command has deployed adequate resources in this theatre operations.
why are you so angry?
ungrateful people. UK has always been there for us.
We need to starting taking the advice of our own Caymanians – remember ……we built these islands with common sense, honesty and integrity – with no outside help. Stop relying on these so called consultants that are nothing but opportunist – they could care less about us! The most of them are corrupted. Good life and a holiday on us is their mission… and most never leave!!!! Damn we got a mess.
“With no outside help”? Christ Jesus on his cross! I knew the education system was bad but not that bad. You are either ignorant or deluded or both.
“Jesus Christ on the cross “- who came to help Cayman??? They all came/come for for their own economic reason. TIU. End of subject!
Just curious, but are you completely ignoring history?
10:37, the post at 10:08 must be a troll. I refuse to believe there is any Caymanian that stupid.
You jokin 10:08? Are you really going to take advice from your Cayman Minister of Health and your Cayman Minister of Education? We obviously need help in these 2 sectors and I have no problems bringing in outsiders to assist us.
Outside help to help us deal with THE DUMP would really be helpful too as we obviously do not have the expertise on this dinky island.
We also need a government that takes the advice of the consultants. That has been a large part of the problem in the past.
Agree. I think after this Jon jon will join the Ministry. He might be in the wrong seat.
Halleluuulaaaa. Jeez.
Hmm, how do you think you’d be doing without Dr Lee???
Like anyone else Dr Lee is getting paid (very well). No favors. He is appreciated – I have not problem with good people, but I have a big problem with unappreciative users and abusers.
4.39pm Dr Lee earns a fraction of what the Speaker is getting and he hasn’t been assaulting women.
Dr Lee has earned a raise, we can all agree on that. If the strategy he has recommended for us works, he will be due an MBE too.
MLAs?
Thank God for Alden and our Very good Governor at this time. Alden has won my greatest respect. Some of the others would not get any place for the stupid arguing.
Gosh . Even that little statement you could not get correct. It is ‘couldn’t care less’. If they could care less as you stated, well, just mooted your claim. Common sense is lost on some folks. But, then again, I couldn’t care less. Touche.
We are facing a a disastrous national threat – I don’t know if many Caymanians understand this. I am all for theBritish Advisory Committee, if the main mission is repatriation!!!! I know that they have tones of experience in this area. I see this as our biggest threat at the moment. And I beg their assistance.
Now when it comes to hurricane and the virus I really don’t think they have any More experience than we do.
Mr . Premier please get on board with you as many CAYMANIANS as you can. (Good Caymanians of which we Have many).
About hurricanes, the people of Bahamas said the same thing before the big one hit.
After the big one hit they cried out for days for help until the Americans came to assist.
Not sure we have the experience here to deal with the big hurricane which is coming.
HMS Mounts Bay spent a month helping out in Abaco and Grand Bahama
Totally not needed Cayman and what for to siphon off our money with their exorbitant expenses but this our fault we keep advertising all this wealth and boasting how self sufficient we are and paying our own way and for others. Constantly buying their secondhand crap and logistical programs. When are envy of all and their jewel of Caribbean and so arrogant about it. What is of a greater concern is these draconian measures and laws now in place stripping local people of their rights and taking it further now by collectively punishing us for a totally out of control and over populated migrant workforce who outnumber locals at least 3 to one. Which by the way is our fault due to lazy and greed based immigration policies. We have in essence created this protecting their interest scenario to justify their presence.Stop complaining please because when others point out this idiotic expansion population foolishness being propagated by both greedy government officials and a$$#@%! Self serving politicians some said nothing .We have learned nothing from Hurricane Ivan when British authorized and protected FCO officials went around to town hall and relief shelters searching for British citizens to be evacuated off island and some folks held up their fool fool EU passports and were blatantly ignored and left to face the harsh reality and foreign hoard looting and robbing and raping people we kept quiet and said nothing about what happened here even the deaths and devastation were minimized by government. Yes Cayman test kits Learjets and the UK and The Wing and a Prayer??
So, not meant to be a racist comment, but rather something I find curious. In most other countries, the system goes from green, to yellow, to amber, to orange and then to red, except for the British, where black is the worst state of being. What is the logic there? I have never really associated black with danger, red is something universally understood. Maybe they should consider revising the system after all this is said and done.
Ever heard of a black book? A blacklist?
Or Black is beautiful. ?
Your comment is not racist at all. Actually quite the opposite. But societal stigma has you apologising ahead of yourself. Just incase someone is offended.
Glad you brought this up because I too was a little baffled at the colour coding.
There is actually a bit of logic behind it, The traffic light system works up to Red. Red is seen as danger (Red the colour of blood, etc) The next step up is black (the colour of darkness and death. Black is quite often used in disaster management – even for the untrained, you’re hardly going to see the colour state black and think, oh, that’s good then! 🙂
Indeed – red and black are also often seen together as warning colours in nature
Egg-Zackly! I would have thought they get to Brown, the crap colour, before Black… jus sayin’
The British are coming! The British are coming!
God Bless The Queen.
At last! Bring some decent internet speeds with you please.
You are either with the wrong provider or have a cheap plan. Spend a bit more and you will get all the speed you want. I get 100 Mbps and all Flow TV channels for $160 (though that was a special deal, but widely advertised and available for several weeks if not two months or more). If changing provider or plan to get faster speed is not an option then you must not be wired for fibre and that must be rare now as fibre rollout by multiple companies started years ago. You would have to be located somewhere unusual. I lived in London until 2011 right in the centre of the city near to the world’s first phone exchange, and 8 Mbps was the most I could get. I hope that has improved, but even if it has, is it 12.5 times faster like I am enjoying in Cayman now?
Point is: do you really think the internet available (not yours, but what is available) is slow? If so, what would you expect it to be (genuinely want to know how Cayman measures up)?
Silent acquiescence in the face of tyranny is no better than outright agreement.
The natives are getting restless. Release the hounds!
We will soon have large numbers of unemployed men (I say men as they are the more likely to become aggressive) who will have no income, and if I judge the generosity of most landlords correctly, will have no home. Crime rates will soar as these people both expat and Caymanian will be forced into crime to sustain themselves. The CIG have been clever in closing down the money transfer establishments as that means the expat portion of this group will have money for a little longer. Allowing access to pension money will also slow down the process but unless people are allowed to earn a living the scenario I put forward will happen. And you wonder why the Government are brining in some troops?
Nobody is ever “forced into crime”. Everything is a choice, and there are always choices broader than we initially see. Before you tell me what I would do to feed my family if I were homeless, I’ve been there. I am sharing, and I’m not the only one. We have resources to feed people, and all of us need to fill in the gaps.
If a person has a criminal mind, they will seek situations/people to exploit, and as things devolve, they may feel more bold. Part of pulling together in this difficult times is keeping a sharp eye toward criminal activity.
Be safe.
He could have started transition to normal life instead. Yet he chooses suppression based on his irrational thoughts and believes.
He chooses to waste millions on purchasing tests with no capabilities to conduct testing. The purchased tests would eventually go bad as strict storage and handling requirements won’t be achieved.
Every state has made small steps toward economic recovery and to prevent mental breakdowns among people. Neither state has eradicated the virus. They plan to adjust those steps as they go, monitoring the situation hourly.
I don’t support armed protests. But 2 of their banners have caught my attention:
“I don’t want to kill your grandma, I want to give my child a future.“
“Your health doesn’t precedes mine”
Since you’re clearly selfish, what if you had to chose between “your” grandma and being inconvenienced for another month or two? What would you chose then?
If this doesn’t turn around soon it will turn violent, period. Too many people have no money, no ability to go home, no end in sight. Hence armed troops. Don’t be fooled about their purpose here.
To CNS:
I would like to commend CNS (as an avid politically opposed fierce critic of CNS now, and in the past), and I would like to recognize CNS for their exceptional contribution as public media in providing us the ability to comment on very serious matters, probably now more than ever, irrespective of political disagreements.
It should also be recognized that CNS has also been asking the more relevant and tough (necessary) questions at the press briefings.
More importantly and also to their credit, they have been right to defend and in expressing their position & policy toward posting controversial viewer comments. They are (and the only ones in my observation), the only outlet to protect a medium which provides the ability for the average person to comment anonymously without fear of political retribution. They have done so consistently, they have stuck to their standards and major kudos to you.
I would like to extend CNS sincere appreciation.
Sincere thanks to all of you CNS.
Me too. Thanks guys.
@ Anonymous says 21/04/2020 at 11:15 pm – unfortunately it’s also become a hotbed for hatred and bigoted, racist, far right, conspiracy comments. Not all but certainly a high percentage.
Yes me too. They are the ONLY source of independent news in the Cayman Islands.
@ Anonymous 21/04/2020 at 11:15 pm – unfortunately it’s also become a hotbed of hatred and racist, bigoted, ignorant comments. Not all of them but certainly a high percentage.
Everyone who disagrees with you is racist, bigoted and ignorant. So much name calling is the unfortunate thing.
only 9 of them not really enough to take over the islands let’s be supportive of this
There are some times when being a British Colony is a wonderful insurance policy. Particularly in times of national crisis.
In fact, when I see the performance of the Minister of Heath and the Minister of Education I think it would be good to have direct rule for a few years, to get us back on the right track. We have fallen off the track and somehow need to get back on it.
Yes of course you would 8:01am where British colonial interest supersede everything and everyone else sounds wonderful eh?? As you may recall you fought two major wars and removed several dictators for the same very thing.
12.12am In your case ignorance is bliss.
JA Roy Bodden the Royal palms hotel burnt down in 1988 so you have something mixed up and people must not forget this is a British territory after all , so they have all right to be here regardless of the motive
Did it burn down or was it burnt down?
Insurance job
Was there a large insurance claim?
We need to wake up. Shops duplicating products on the shelves to look full, unemployment rising – all leads down a very slippery slope I’m afraid and doesn’t take a genius to work it out. Crime and looting increases on the way. The hurricane preparedness excuse is dog muck – the military usually come for a week mid hurricane season. Drink a tone of Heineken, play a few games of rugby then do the same in other Caribbean islands before returning to the UK claiming they’ve worked really hard.
I think that we should have a little more respect for the “Governor” and our “Mother Land”…we are very fortunate that we are a British Dependent Territory…don’t worry Mr. Roper, Cayman is supportive. A Caymanian.
Just imagine if we had gone with Jamaica when they went independent in the 60s.
All you guys with massive chips on shoulders remember that.
So it seems the FCO has started the contingency planning for dealing with a catastrophic break down of the security situation, but our Premier doesn’t have the beginnings of a plan for even emerging from lock down. Whilst he is awaiting 2 clear weeks of zero community transmission before beginning to lighten the lock down and re open business, the FCO is putting boots on the ground to deal with the contingency planning for a complete break down of social order.
That’s the dumbest thing yet. Is there anyone left who has any faith in this government. If Alden is re-elected after this arrogant show of stupidity, I’ll be shocked.
His term ends next year and cannot serve mire than two terms!!
only for Premier..he can continue to run as a regular member..unfortunately no term limits on that..
Thank you for educating me on that point, I didn’t realize there were term limits here. I guess that explains why he’s so arrogant and could care less who he offends, bankrupts or otherwise hurts, since he has nothing to lose. What a horrible person… Let this mess be his legacy.
McKeeva cumin back. Mark my words.
UK needs them more than we do. A recent quote called UK “an embarrassment to Europe”.. and “a lion being led by a donkey”.
4.25pm So what’s the quote on the current state of the E.U.?.
Excellent job Governor and Premier !
An extraction kit? What is that, may I ask?
Extracts and purifies RNA from the saliva & epithelial cells in the swab sample so it can be replicated by the PCR machine
Why is it being replicated? Asking for a friend.
Send this link to your friend, or yourself
https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Polymerase-Chain-Reaction-Fact-Sheet
This is just a normal precaution. Nine soldiers aren’t going to make much difference security-wise, but it gives the UK military direct reporting in the region in case further assistance is needed. Which is most likely to mean medical supplies, infrastructure, airlifts, decision-making assistance, etc and is most likely to be needed in some less stable nearby countries and not actually in Cayman.
Either that, or everything is about to go Tango Unicorn and they’re here to kick-ass and protect the governor, which would be way more exciting. Unfortunately this is not that kind of apocalypse.
Lol!
So now we need the military to help with logistics?? We needed more people to tell our government people to tell THE people to stay home. We already can’t go anywhere (-_-)!
…They SENT the ARMY we are definitely @#$%ed!
Relax your dramatics
This is a bunch of BS. Head of the police force is a white European. The Governor is a white European. But most of the rank and file police are black Caribbean and the population is predominantly “black” (or what they consider to be black, because to them anything that isn’t white…). This smells like the typical historically misguided fear of lawless dark skinned men running rampant. Clearly, the majority of us cannot be trusted to continue to be law abiding citizens in the time of crisis.
You are clearly a black racist.
I myself woukd welcome these people since the come from an educated and more socially developed society.
We have no education system to speak of, so anybody with a developed brain is welcome.
And we need it because we caymanians are not that educated.
You are clearly a regular old racist. I don’t care what your skin colour is. Eff off back to where you came from. Can’t? Then calm yourself down and act like a decent human being while you’re here.
@4:55 pm Right. The legacy of white Europeans around the globe has been one of peaceful inclusion, throughout history. And I’m the racist for pointing this out. Right. Got it.
9.08pm The legacy of the white European in Cayman is clear for all to see. You should thank God and them for Cayman becoming the most successful economy in the Caribbean.
Read Settlers.
You are a disgusting, degenerate RACIST
When the uk needed a conference centre turned into an intensive care hospital in a week they called in the army. If we have a hurricane in the middle of this situation it”s muppets like you that will be demanding UK assistance, and guess what, now we might even get it.
@8:21 pm, I suggest you read Roy Bodden’s comments below before you start praising the UK for their “assistance”.
A hospital with no nurses !
3:19
Please stop your exploitation of either racist or anti-racist attitudes in the audience. Pick up a book and go read please.
@ 8:44 pm. Which book would you suggest I read? Surely not the history books used to teach in schools? History is written by the conquerors, so those books are a little one-sided, you don’t think?
Using the race card because you’re probably useless and bitter about it.
3.19pm Please tell me what type of person constitutes 95% of the Northward population.
@3:45 pm ?? Um….type of person? Mouth breathers? Bi-pedaled? Walmart shoppers? Oh, I know, Amazon members! No? Netflix members? Presbyterian?
Fool.
12.18pm You are the fool.Try skin tone.
I listened ” dropped jawed ” as Governor, Martyn Roper made the announcement of the impending arrival of a contingent of British military officers with three civilians among them. One rationalization for such a visit is ostensibly to help with hurricane preparation. Hurricane preparation in a time of COVID-19… Give me a break! . This announcement smacks of nineteenth century colonialism and could be out of the playbook of Kipling or Curzon or some other like minded colonial.
I remain at a loss to see the necessity of this mission, since by the most recent briefing from Commissioner Byrne there is, (nor has there been since the curfews), any threat to the peace, order and good governance in these islands. The history of such intervention in the recent past in these islands, has according to my recollection, been far from ideal . Consider in the mid -1990’s when an influx of Cuban refugees came within a hair’s breadth of overwhelming Caymanian society. Our social control forces did a commendable job until the then Governor, against the advice of his elected Cabinet insisted on yielding to the demands of the Cuban exile seekers to exercise “their right to demonstrate” and released them from the tight lock down. At that point, our brave policemen and prison officers seemed like they were about to lose control . Fifty police officers were recruited from the United Kingdom. The effectiveness of this contingent, ostensibly recruited, to bring relief gave as much trouble as the Cuban exile seekers, who seemed hell bent on going to the United States. The British police officers, lost in this exotic paradise (the Cayman Islands) spent an inordinate amount of time indulging themselves at the then Royal Palms Hotel. Such was the break down that a few had to be shipped home prematurely. After approximately two months, the remainder returned from whence they came, leaving the society stuck with a five million dollar bill (the cost of their recruitment ) plus the expense of accommodating the Cuban troublemakers, who thank God, eventually left our shores. But alas, this is always the story in Paradise and the Plantation.
Fast forward to Hurricane Ivan and what did the Cayman Islands receive from Great Britain ? Not much by way of concrete assistance, and what little that was, came grudgingly and at the eleventh and three quarter hour. May I remind our readers that as proud Caymanian’s we have never been grant aided.
As a frontier society, Caymanian’s have throughout the history of devastating hurricanes and other challenges, looked to heaven and their own ingenuity and experience. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, my colleague, Gilbert McLean, the then Minister of Health brought in a team of psychologists and mental health specialists from Canada to assist our people through the stress and upset. As Minister of Education, I procured, for gratis, the services of a Counselling Psychologist, Dr. Jerome Brodlie, a gentleman whom I met prior to coming in to politics. Dr. Brodlie, gave counselling sessions and workshops for our teachers and front line education staff. These two interventions greatly assisted our people in navigating those stressful times.
Can someone explain to me why at this time we are importing a contingent of military men and their civilian minders rather than bolstering our mental health counselling and ancillary services?
I have gone on record previously as stating that we should be preparing for an increasing number of stress disorders. This is not conjecture on my part, rather it is the opinion of psychiatrists, mental health experts and international pundits. COVID -19 is going to change the world, and by inference the Cayman Islands, in ways not previously experienced. There will be ” a new normal ” and in the most ideal of circumstances social behaviour among other things will be profoundly affected. Heaven forbid, that we in these islands should become so narcissistic, so disruptive, so greedy and so ignorant that we sacrifice social distancing and staying at home and abiding by the curfews for the opportunity ” to hear the cash register ring “, or for some other senseless indulgence “. or, that we should look to some military contingent for relief.
No ! This is not the time to bring a contingent of military officers …rather this is the time to set up mental health counselling, parental assistance programs financial counselling and ancillary services . This is the time to ensure that the aftermath of this pandemic is not as costly as the pandemic itself.
J.A Roy Bodden
Spot on Roy..I’m sorry but this does not send a good message no matter what the government says…I noticed Alden seemed uncomfortable when this came up and had nothing to say on the matter…
We have been taking care of ourselves with hurricanes for years and all the British have ever done for us was give us some blue tarpaulins which I am sure they billed us for later at a premium..
Will the Governor say who is footing the bill for these 12 people? If it’s us, we know exactly why they are here…
Let the fleecing begin..
Just think. If the MLAs (all Caymanian and always will be) had thought of that instead of throwing $9,000,000 at promoting the port nonsense, we could have had at least the beginnings of a mental health project, parental counselling et al. Hey ho….
J.A Roy Bodden
You are kidding, right??
To quote you: “Can someone explain to me why at this time we are importing a contingent of military men and their civilian minders rather than bolstering our mental health counselling and ancillary services?”
Ummmm, does it really matter if it is right now during a pandemic? Seriously..
The school system failed long ago. Racial tension is at full volume. The divide between wealth and poverty has continued on a widening path while crime has blossomed over the last 5 or 6 years. Drugs and guns float to these shores everyday and you are asking why now? Mental Health and ancillary services would be great but the basics cannot even addressed.
You should be asking: where have you been?
The uk navy ship was the first thing on the island after hurricane ivan and a very welcome sight to see it after the horrendous hurricane seeing as looting looked like it was starting. They then assisted getting the airport up and running so that we could start evacuating people. Seemed pretty helpful to me and a useful ally to have.
9:55, Some people like Mr. Bodden have very short memories. 2004 really was not too long ago, but I remember the British navy ship and the help they provided.
You are a big liar! Did nothing said they were tired from Grenada! HMS Derek Haines you mean that who held this place together one Tarp and Salt tablets
Exactly right. Now let us extrapolate to a hypothetical future hurricane aftermath here. Coronavirus spread will still be a concern. Do we already have people that can work with those on the UK Navy ship that have also been quarantined? Yes! We do! Just knowing they are here might cut down on some of the crime in that situation.
Remember, after Ivan was when the armed robberies bloomed.
First thing haahahahaha yes they took the Crying governor offshore to eat and dine while roving bands of looters ran amuck on our streets if not for Derek Haines putting together what was left of the RCIP abandoned by it leadership to try and get it under control . Yes you lying prat is that why they were apologizing for after. You sic bro and so is the 19 other idiots giving you the thumps up
It was not a foreign chief of police who abandoned his post, remember that.
Nice rewriting of history there. They came with blankets and water-purification tablets (useless in heat and salt water) and refused to assist with security. They will do better in future, but for God’s sake do not celebrate their post Ivan participation.
Not exactly the same as my recollection. I seem to recall Big Mac spurning help from the Royal Navy, from an expat who used his own money to fly to the U.S. and fly back with a jet full of supplies, and from several Honduranian fishing boats (although one of them apparently helped the Brac).
Remember? How he told the world we were okay, when our own people were homeless and so hungry that they fled to the Brac to live with kin that would feed them?
I remember. Bush wouldn’t allow their help. I’m not certain why they didn’t insist. Probably something about self-determination and honour.
Spot on BZ. Then when it was all too late and we were on the way to recovery Mac, Gilbert and Roy and company brought in James Lee Witt and Co from the States and wasted millions of dollars paying them to tell us what we already knew and were doing and just inserted ten more layers of useless bureaucracy into the situation. Roy, Mac, Gilbert and all those in that government should sit their backsides down and be quiet. They have nothing to teach us.
And this guy authored one of the books that would-be permanent residents need to learn by rote to regurgitate in a test that the average caymanian would fail. What did the UK ever do for us, eh? It’s embarrassing.
Accusing the governor of behaving like a 19th century colonialist for bringing in ten military personnel is something of a cheap shot – and one that I suspect isn’t going to age well over the next few weeks when an increasing cohort of the island continue to ignore the instruction of the elected premier and his commissioner of police to stay indoors and not assemble in groups.
At that point I’d rather have ten squaddies here keeping order than 50 RCIPS officers who still don’t seem to have understood that I can exercise six days a week, not three.
Pastor Alfredo
Pastor Alfredo????? Is that all you can complain about??? Do you really think you could do a better job? You are just another typical ex-pat (full of jealously), also in my books you are just another economic immigrant. If you had life better in your country you would not be here. So depart ASAP. People like you are making it very difficult for our Government.
I’m actually surprised CNS continues to allow this kind of hyperbole to be posted in the comments section, and I’m the last person who would ordinarily call for censorship of opinion…
…but come on. Re-read your post.
Do I think I could do a better job? Than who? The Governor? Absolutely not? Mr Bodden? I’ve no idea. I’ve never written a book on the history of the Cayman Islands so he’s got me hands down there. On the other hand I’ve never accused the Governor of being like “Kipling or Curzon” for bringing in some experience to offer support in what are likely to be pretty tough times very quickly. So let’s say we’re about even.
A typical expat full of jealousy? I’m not sure what I’m accused of being jealous of here? The ability of one man to call another a colonialist? No, I’m not jealous of that. I’m not jealous of his book either, having tried and failed to read more than a couple of chapters of it.
I’m just another economic migrant? Yes, you have me bang to rights here. Me and every other expat on island. And probably most of the Caymanians too, no matter how far back you go. Virtually every soul on this earth is either an economic migrant or descended from someone who has been one within the past century or so. I take umbrage with the “just” though.
If I had a better life in my country I would not be here? That’s correct. See above.
So depart ASAP? Not sure which direction your logic took here. Feel free to reply.
People like me are making it very difficult for the government? OK, this is the one that really grates. The irony is that CIG are actually a fairly large burden on me but that’s for another time. I’m not burden in any way, shape or form on CIG. I’m many, many times over a net contributor to society in Cayman for a variety of reasons which I see no reason to go into on a public forum. I can say with full confidence that, in my own very small way, Cayman is a better place for my and my family’s presence here and I fully intend to do all I can to promote and cultivate a recovery – whatever that looks like -for everyone on island, Caymanian or not. Even you.
This website is a fantastic resource to express opinion, engage in debate and lobby for change. Let’s not let it descend into the kind of valueless nonsense demonstrated in the post above mine.
Pastor Alfredo
My only stress disorder comes on when reading Roy’s chip on shoulder anti British books and comments. As for Gilbert McLean and his Canadian experts, the less said about the huge expense with disastrous outcomes Mr McLean’s foreign chief executive officers and politically appointed board members in the HSA brought about, the better.
Mr Bodden,
You surely have a colonial chip on your shoulder, why don’t you agitate for independence. As far as aid is concerned you forget the early days when all you had was swamp. Who paid for the construction of the airport, our first road network, the Cadastral Survey which gave you all certified title to your property, and many other projects.
During Ivan it was the policy of your own Government to downplay the hurricane and resist aid to avoid impacting the tourist industry.
Your account of the Cuban crisis is an insult to the British police and a distortion wrought by what I suspect is an inferiority complex when you consider that a large part of these Islands’ success is attributable to them remaining a British Colony and benefiting from a large pool of highly qualified and experienced expatriates.
Rather than get upset at the military contingent that have been brought here to help, and hurling insults at your country’s British heritage,you would be better off addressing all the shortcomings of your present government.
Well said, 1:43. To see the size of Mr Bodden’s chip and inferiority complex, you just need to read his political book rants. Don’t forget, too, that he was a Minister in that government, headed by McKeeva Bush, that as you rightly say downplayed the hurricane and resisted aid and prevented reporters coming in.
More people in society will die or be destroyed as a result of the economic and psychological consequences of this pandemic, than the people that actually contracted the virus.
Will it really be worth it?
Watch what happens with the second wave of Covid-19.
This society is really a case study. This same UK governor worked very hard to put together a CAYMAN regiment recently. Totally staffed and made up of caymanians for the benefit of caymanians and all who reside here. There was outrage and conspiracy theories abound. So now in the face of a world pandemic and most societies globally teetering on the edge of social breakdown, the UK has decided to send people to assist us in keeping control and the community functioning. There is outrage and conspiracy theories. Just shows that most people don’t really know what they want.
I swear people here just complain for the sake of complaining. If the Governor didn’t secure this assistance and something bad happened then everyone would complain about that. You just can’t please certain people. All they care about is who is paying for it as if it will be them.
Find answers in the condescending tone of Premier’s speeches. Fighting the very people he allegedly wants to save creates an explosive situation. Calling them names and disregarding legitimate concerns would only lead to confrontations.
I am particularly interested in the three “other military officials”. Military officials, but not actually in the military. I see. Ministry of Defence perhaps? But why would you deploy MoD here. None of this makes obvious sense, which makes you wonder what the real reason is because you would think that the UK has bigger issues to worry about than the training of a non existent Cayman Regiment or for hurricane planning – certainly never saw this before season started before. Guess you are not going to get an answer to that question Wendy.
Find answers in the condescending tone of Premier’s speeches. Fighting the very people he allegedly wants to save creates an explosive situation. Calling them names and disregarding legitimate concerns would only lead to confrontations.
Who are paying their wages an expenses If U K is sending them we hope UK is paying
Not you.
4:33
Your taxes are…oh wait, no that cannot be right.
They are scouts. If troops are needed, it helps to have scouts already on the scene.
Good. This hopefully will stop copycat protests of those being invited by Trump and Republican operatives in the US who want the economy back to where it was by November at any cost.
Can you just please leave?
Will they be quarantined for 14 days?
R e a d the article.
Go and buy reading glasses!
Opticians are non essential
There are none so blind as those who cannot see.
Good news!
Yes, can they please locate and arrest anyone known to have beaten up bar managers? The police appear incapable of doing so.
Governor Roper you were for the most part doing fine. The only thing this move has done for me is flag your confidence of the situation especially with the poor justification for implementing the action considering the other related facts presented during the press briefing and therefore bringing the suggestion of distraction for alternative concerns rather steadfast assistance. There’s surely a better course to move this along for all things Cayman.
Does it hurt to have extra help?
Why would we need military personnel on the streets of Cayman unless the government is concerned about public insurrection? What do they know? Are they preparing for civil unrest when they tell us we will not be aloud out of our homes for the next year? When the food supply stops? Prepare yourselves Cayman…Wake Up!
Call us back when there are 5,000+ unemployed foreign nationals with no family, housing, money or food roaming our streets. At present rates, I’d give it about 6 weeks, unless we can persuade certain governments to let our planes land with their citizens.
Maybe just preparing for the worst? I don’t know, but it’s definitely not hurricane preparedness or mentoring the Cayman regiment.
Exactly!! There is more to this than we are being told. Not good.
You have go to be kidding me. What do we need UK military for when we have our own Police Force? To assist with security?? Security from what exactly? Are the natives running rampant in the streets? What, are we not civilized enough to control ourselves during a crisis? I believe that this whole idea of a Cayman “military regiment” was intended from the start to be a way to control the increasingly vocal young Caymanian population. Period. That old Caymanian habit of sitting silently is going away with the newer generations of Caymanians. This addition of UK military to the existing “regiment” was planned from the start, and the COVID crisis is simply being used an excuse to get them in here. Having UK military here will only bolster the Government and the UK to do whatever it pleases, without fear of protest by Caymanians. Mark my words Caymanians. Whatever the UK has planned for us (most likely as a result of their own arrogant Brexit fiasco!), this is the first step for them to control us.
What are we, a bunch of jungle bunnies that need to be controlled by our UK masters? This should be seen as an outrage by every Caymanian.
You do realize that its collectively the Cayman’s Islands choice to remain British all this time right ? No downing street intervention required. In 2018 Mr. Eric Bush was on a roadshow in UK leading a campaign to strengthen our relationship and search for long lost “ancestors” in Cornwall ! And quite contrary to your long winded post, every time the idea arises for independence, let alone a serious contemplation of sovereignty such as the Falklands Islands referendum on this in 2013, the first people to shoot the idea down are, you guessed it Caymanians. So what do you want, do you even know ?
Certainly London would be very happy to let the Cayman Islands have their independence. The virus and BREXIT is in the process of wiping out the U.K. economy.
A troop of Girl Scouts could deal with the ‘nothing but’ vocal Caymanian youth.
They’d have to get out of bed first, then feed themselves, check their social media, massage their ego’s, and then actually say something original for a change.
No Bobo, there’s no conspiracy, just experts doing the job they’re trained to do in times of crisis. But living in the delusional Cayman bubble with absolutely no clue about the real world, that must be hard to grasp.
Bull, I really like your description of yourself in your last para., so apt!. But get one thing through your racist head, the U.K. does not need a “first step”, it always has controlled you and always will, until you lead your fellow bunnies to independence.
Unless these military personnel are trained in how to test us for covid as well as bringing more equipment needed to test, I don’t see what they are coming for.
Meanwhile, more people are dying from road accidents but not from Covid on Cayman.
This is outrageous, we need doctors, not the military
How do you know they’re not military medics to boot?
What we need doctors for?
We have more than enough doctors in the island. No one is on a ventilator.
Move along folks. Nothing to see here.
12:03
Actually, you need an education system
unnecessary to say the least and will only heighten tensions in the community.
pretty sure this has been requested by the commissioner who is way out of his depth as he tries to shut down society to protect his garbage police force.
It is necessary because people are starting to complain to much about the leaders and the decisions they are making. So if we act up they can declare marshal law and use military force to deal with us. Next will be to suspend elections as the Premier needs to retain his power. Watch your step Cayman as big brother is watching!
Mother is watching
She told me I’d go blind. Yet here I am.
12.03pm What garbage, it’s your own Premier who is shutting down society, the Commissioner only complies with his dictates and takes the blame as with the beaches.
forget the military guv, bring in top economic experts because no-plan-alden is leading this place into economic oblivion.
Why is the performance benchmark during a soft or hard curfew to keep crime “stable”? Shouldn’t we expect there to be a higher ambition, and dramatic drop to near-zero crime when there is an overwhelming show of policing force in the community? How are there businesses getting robbed two or more times on successive evenings if the police know about the first break in, and aren’t including those problem areas in their subsequent patrols? Are there any patrols happening?!? Who would be out and about to know other than the police and criminals!?! Aiming to keep crime “stable” sows distrust in the competency of the effort.
This is great news. There are times when I am happy we are still a colony.
No thanks to independence Ezzard.
Just wait till we get hit with a big hurricane later this year. A big one is coming. The Atlantic waters are currently at record high temperatures for April. A very bad sign for the Caribbean. Fact we are a colony gives me some comfort but not that much.
Is this truly a “just in case” measure or was something else discussed between yourself, Kenny, and Alden?
Maybe they can help us with those lawless, fruity dirtbike riders.
I for one welcome the idea of nine soldiers out and about in Cayman, marching, doing their manoeuvres, in those smart uniforms, tight pants. Just make sure they’re all male, single, fit and ready for battle! Some of us have been shut up far too long, have watched everything on Netflix twice and waiting in vain for a Harlequin delivery from Amazon!
Well, unless they are an SF team here to protect the governor, think you are going to find they are staff officers doing contingency and logistics planning rather than beefcake. And if they are coming strapped we better start worrying about why they are needed.
Sounds like you need some new toys or at least more batteries for the ones you have now.
@11:32…Best thing I’ve read in days 😂
Something is up..This is the first time since Ivan that the UK had boots on the ground here…
Are we expecting an uprising?
No, we are expecting a very big hurricane.
Yup and her name is Covida.
Don’t be sexist, it’s Covido
No, her name is Ivanka. The “stable genius” insisted on naming the hurricanes this year after his family members.
Things about to get worst
More worsterer than you knows.
Not true they were here not too long ago doing military excercises. Wake up bro
The trust factor in the Governor and Government just plummeted to zero. This measure is clearly unnecessary if the Commissioner of Police and others have been truthful and forthcoming to the public.
Flying persons a dozen individuals here now, from one of the worst affected areas globally, to spend 14 days in isolation, just in case we need them is asinine at best, and dangerous at worst.
I guess the old adage of “when all you are is a hammer, everything looks like a nail” applies here. Is military aid the only trick in the UK’s toolbox? clearly, our Island would benefit more from economic aid (for the mounting numbers of unemployed) and technological aid (to expand testing capability).
Instead, they send 12 blokes which the Governor himself seems uncertain as to how they will be deployed. Come on folks, get real.
De big hurricane soon cum.
Things that make you go hmmmmm……
11.31am So you would be happy with money from the British taxpayer, what have you done for Britain except whine and complain about your relationship.
HMCI, RCIPS, CICC, CIFS et al make way?
That can only mean CIG make way and contiturional powers of Gov in effect?
Otherwise, they need to make legislations?
Can’t properly train our Cayman Regiment right now so these troops will have to fill in for a while🙂
Roper knows shit is about to get real. The people have had enough of the oppression.
Well, he’s going to need a bloody battalion.
Nah – a decent rifle (or marine) company would be more than enough. Mounts Bay could easily carry 2 companies, and the Governors “air bridge” could put a rifle company on the ground here with small arms in short order. 12 staff is more than enough to handle the logistics and contingency planning for that (whilst being way too many people to simply give the Governor and COP a bit of a hand with medical logistics or mentoring the 9! part trained Cayman Regiment officers). And 2 months prior to the start of hurricane system looks a tad early for hurricane planning. Looks the FCO is not fully convinced that things might not go state “Black” – as the COP put it today. Not sure whether to be bloody worried they think it necessary or relieved that if it all goes pear shaped there is a plan in place!
Keyboard warriors of Cayman unite. You have nothing to lose but your internet.
9.26pm. 👍🏽 I am praying 🙏🙏
“…help with planning, assessments, sourcing medical supplies and hurricane preparedness..”
I thought this is what 3,000 something CIG employees should be doing.
Dream on 11:14.
That’s because it has nothing to do with the last 2 items, and everything to do with the first. And the planning is to support the security situation if it the alert state described by the COP changes. Put bluntly, they are here to work out what pre planning, logistics deployment and warning orders are need in order to be able to deploy sufficient troops and/or logistical assistance – probably also military. And what would our civilian civil service know about any of that?
You’d think right?
Great, more interfering from the UK minders.
immature and irresponsible shiftless folks sometimes need minders!
I propose you go home with them, you shiftless chappie.
Wish the U.K. minders would do something about the Minister of Health and Minister of Education. Terrible wallowing in mediocrity at the Minister level.
If you, 8.22am is a Caymanian? Why did/don’t you step up to the plate???? And if you are an expat STFU and get the first plane Out of here!!!!
9:56, After you have lived here 20 years and have made a contribution to this society, you have a right to speak your mind Bobo. Particularly when one has been involved in the education and health sector.
Sorry to say the law does not allow me to step up to the political plate.