Rules bent for ‘escapee’ teen in isolation
(CNS): A teenager who was supposed to be in a secure government facility, having already breached COVID-19 isolation protocols last weekend, has breached them again, this time from his own home. Officials said in a press release that he broke the rules for a second time Friday evening and that the case was under police investigation. However, the release said he had been returned to his home rather than government quarantine “due to the unique circumstances”.
The young adult, who is from the Red Bay area, has recently returned to Cayman from school overseas. Last Sunday he escaped from a secure government facility and made his way home. But instead of being returned to the government quarantine, the teenager was allowed to remain at home, from where he apparently escaped this time by climbing out of an upstairs window using bed sheets, according to social media postings.
Officials described the breach as brief and that he had been returned home the same evening.
“Due to unique circumstances the Medical Officer of Health permitted the individual to complete the mandatory isolation period at home with family, under 24-hour security. Surveillance has now been further stepped up and the traveller is being supported at the property,” Travel Cayman Director Dr Tasha Ebanks-Garcia said.
“Not all traveller cases are the same and due to the unique circumstances of this individual’s case the team worked closely with the family in support of the decision on where to isolate. The public’s safety is our number one priority at the forefront of all our decisions,” she added, but did not reveal what the special circumstances might be.
Public Health said that contact tracing has been completed and they claimed there was no cause for public health concern.
However, officials have not revealed whether or not the boy had received a negative test on arrival or not. His younger sister had suggested in a video posted on social media that “my brother has COVID”, as she asked the community to look out for him after he had “jumped out of the window” of the room where he had been in quarantine.
The Royal Cayman Island Police Service (RCIPS) noted that this is an ongoing investigation and a file would be sent to prosecutors for them to consider charges.
Category: Crime, Health, Medical Health, Police
One rule of law for those lucky or devious enough to work for the CIG tribe and a different rule of law for all others including Non CIG fed Caymanians. We get it. We got it and will continue to get it.
Enough of this bull sh., he is 19 and away in school by himself without mama, so he is old enough and sound enough to take responsibility of his actions of staying in isolation at home for 2 weeks , fine him 20,000 (10,000 for each case) and one month in jail (without having a record so he can go back to school) and learn from his mistakes at the same time. And hopeful becoming good man in society
Not sure you can imprison someone and not record a conviction.
What is being done with respect to contact tracing? This is an absolute disgrace. There should be consequences. A 19-year old who attends overseas school is an ADULT. Gimmie a break with all the “but he’s just a child” nonsense.
This absolute B… S… I have been stuck here working long hours and yes I am thankful for my job, but as a non-senior civil servant, I have been advised that going home for Christmas is not essential travel. However, “senior” colleagues can go on BA to go home because their travel is essential but travelling regionally is not. AND now this “man”child has put us all at risk ! When de mark buss an story come out monkey know which tree to climb
Which rule was bent?
Never comment without the facts.
All this hatred and anger based on assumptions! Why won’t you refocus on Speaker instead by attending organized protests? Oh, no, you’re afraid of his retaliation? The teenager is much easier target for your uncontrolled rage. Aren’t you supposed to be wiser with age? I bet most of you are older than 60.
If he is old enough and responsible enough to be away at school, he should understand the quarantine instructions that were given to him.
Unless he was away at some special school for kids with some form of disability this is all just a load of crap.
Zero accountability these days.
stop calling him a kid, he is a man. Make him face the responsibilities like one.
Has Mckeeva been put in quarantine for 2 weeks after he was shaking hands with a plane full of Colombians whilst wearing his mask below his chin?
His dumbass is the gift that keeps on giving!
“whilst wearing his mask below his chin”…Austin, is that you?? 🙂
Soothing advice for mad America . [And Cayman]
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/08/a-closer-look-at-americas-pandemic-fueled-anger/
If this kid can’t handle quarantine, he’s probably not going to like the 2 years prison guidance very much. The ACC should already be investigating these bewildering 2nd and 3rd chances, given who the mother is. It reeks of preferential interference.
I remember being held accountable from an early age to teach me how to take responsibility for my actions. But then again I wasn’t a Caymanian in Cayman.
That’s below the belt. Most of us Caymanians take responsibility for our actions – there are always a few who don’t in every society.
OK, then why do you keep electing corrupt, unprofessional politicians over, and over, and over again??????????????????????????
Like your boys Justin Trudeau or Boris Johnson, or Donald Trump?
Seems the lot of them fit the same Bill. So electing bad politicians is clearly not limited to Cayman.
nonsense….just look at cig or the civil service…no firings…no accountability…no resignations…despite widespread incompetence and failings.
Truly unfair comment. Some of us Caymanians were very strongly disciplined when we were young, not like what you are seeing these days where parents acting like friends to their kids versus being an actual parent. Im 47 years old and I still know if talk back to my parents or any other elder for that matter, Im gonna get licks! Not that I would do it because we were taught there were consequences from we started to walk and talk.
I went to sea working on ships at 17 , I was responsible to do a job an I did it well. If I did not take responsible I would have been fired, 10 years later is was chief engineer.
Why should I have concern for the general population if I was infected with covid and, the government can’t do their one job of enforcing the isolation with penalties to the individuals who break quarantine that increase the risk of the virus spreading through the community?
You need to give your head a wobble and see if it starts working properly.
The rules are always blurred and enhanced and made flexible for those in power.who will never admit they are wrong and will never have to say it because it means they will have to be accountable and responsible for their action or inaction. Cayman Islands government 2020! If We keep voting the same way and for same old players we will keep getting the same old political game and outcomes?? The problem is our lives now are being put on the line!
Everyone on this post needs to grow a set and research the virus you idiots it’s all a political smoke screen. Its not a real pandemic! Quit being scared little girls and trying to justify your ignorance by blaming Everyone else. Start thinking for yourselves. Look at facts look at facts. Look at facts. Not what you are told! Don’t listen to me look for your selves. You bunch of ignorant cowards
It’s interesting the glee with which the nationality of the Canadian and American idiots was reported but no mention of this man’s. Presumably his special treatment by the police means he’s related to someone connected?
Yes, his mother is senior HR in the Cayman government.
It’s Time tinkle toes super spreader to be put in a facility that prohibits his lickle ras from endangering others and those talking about this 19 year old as if he is some child like individual who must encourage to continue his careless behavior need their heads examine. As for you 5:30 and 5:51am why don’t you volunteers yourself to watch this lickle prick endangering yourselves and your family since you can remember what it was to be teenager.Stop talking absolute rubbish and get your head out of your @$$. This only takes one idiot and it appears we have quite a few in Government and returning residents who believe they are and exception to the rules. Even His own little sister appears to have more sense than him and understands the consequences! Too Bad Dr Garcia Ebanks and her chief officer Mary Rodriquez are so out of touch with reality and caught up with their own image and status and drinking Moses Kool Aid flavored concoction at Travel and infect Cayman they don’t seem to get it either and are just as incompetent as the deputy premier. A Ci$20,000 from all concern including the security dingbat will make it all better Cayman and take some of the edge off the threat this menace to society poses to the Cayman. Lock him up lock him up!!
Is anyone actually paying for the wristbands etc.. and will CIG now Bill this young man for the additional costs of security Caymanian or not.
just wait for the ‘mental health’ card to be played…
7;24 oh it already is, just scroll down a little further.
Ah, the sweet smell of entitlement in the morning…..
CIG, no exceptions. Severe fine and criminal conviction recorded please.
There is clearly a level of incompetence and mismanagement going on here that needs to be addressed. It is time for some accountability within Travel Cayman, the HSA and government leadership.
Unless the individual in question is suffering with severe mental health issue he needs to be in the secure government quarantine facilities under close observation by dedicated security officer’s. If the individual is mentally challenged he needs to be at the hospital under close supervision by trained mental health professionals and security officers.
“If the individual is mentally challenged he needs to be at the hospital under close supervision by trained mental health professionals and security officers”
You think the hospital has the facilities for this?
It does have a ward for that, but it has to be kept COVID-free. I don’t know what they do if you have COVID and you need detention under the Mental Health Law. They must have somewhere else in the hospital set up for those purposes.
Pathetic. Bet if I’d done that I’d be slapped with a 10k fine and Northward! What a disgusting example of “leadership”. “Dr” Ebanks Garcia should be ashamed of herself and CIG needs to grow a pair.
CNS, can you ask why we have not had a Government Briefing in months?
Alden getting up in the Parliament and making a statement where he cannot be asked question reminds me of the sham meetings they did during their road show for the Port.
Alden is doing the Caymanian thing and is just going to milk his last days in power. No changes, no plans to reopen, no rocking the leaky boat. Anyone surprised? There will be no changes to the islands slow decline into economic disaster until someone new is elected to do so. Plan accordingly. If you don’t have a job in government you might just want to pack it up and return in about 10 years when things get back to normal.
His sister says on Tik Tok he has Covid 19 and Dr. Garcia says the public has nothing to worry about…
Hmmm.I”m going with the sister on this one because I have come to learn that this so called “Dr.” Garcia has limited knowledge if not any knowledge in health care or security..
Can anyone tell me what qualifies her to make these statements? What is her medical and law enforcement experience?
It’s time for her to step away and have someone more competent and qualified to ensure that the majority of the people on this island are protected.
“Dr” Garcia is not a medical doctor.
She is “Dr.” as in Bush, Pierson, Lawrence and Steve , plus a few others who obtained these honors from Cornflakes College.
Frank, Dalton….the list goes on. Highest per capita rate of “Dr’s” on the planet no doubt.
Atleast we know that Dr.Frank Mcfield has a Doctorate Degree,which he had to earn.no freebee there.
And what if he actually had COVID-19, and during one of his escapes infected someone who subsequently died – what excuse would his mother and his so called doctor give the family of the dead person.
From things I have seen, people are saying that he was not only at the gym, but out at the bars too. Cotton club is one name that keeps popping up. He clearly does not care about anyone or anything and needs to be punished to the fullest extend of the law. It is unbelievable that these people in quarantine who have broken our safety protocols are given a slap on the wrist.
Well. Clearly the law DOES NOT have to be followed and IS NOT enforced as it is SUPPOSED TO BE.
That being said and crystal clear the next issue is the fact that if he is in fact positive for COVID and he transmits the virus to someone who dies as a result of his thoughtlessness then it would be safe to say that he knew there was a probability that he might cause the death of someone and he did not care.
So my feelings and reaction is that since the LAWS DO NOT HAVE TO BE OBEYED AND THEY ARE NOT ENFORCED, expect a slap on the wrist and home sentencing XXXX
I know what I would want to say to his mother and his so called doctor if during one of his escapes he infected a member of my family who subsequently died…….. and I am sure a lot of other people would feel the same way.
“The public’s safety is our number one priority“. Is mental and physical safety of the teenager a priority since he is a member of public? Or those who condemn him in the comments too old to remember what it is like to be a teenager or parents of a teenager?
Public health first. That’s like saying a madman with an AK47 but be given priority over everyone else. If he has mental health issues they should have had a plan for that before he arrived. However, I can say with certainty that ADHD is not a mental disability that prevents him from following the rules like everyone else.
7:06, I completely agree. As someone with ADHD myself, this is absolutely no excuse for not being able to adhere to safety protocols. In fact, it actually angers me that this is what they are using to excuse his irresponsible behavior. If he is so incapable of following rules, he should have stayed wherever he was, period. His mother and “Dr.” Garcia should be ashamed of themselves. If anything happens to anyone in our community because of their negligence and his combined ignorance. I hope they sue them ALL.
Who said he has a mental condition?
Who said he doesn’t?
Unfortunately, unless you have a child with physical or mental issues you can never have empathy for these situations. I don’t think this has anything to do with the mother being a civil servant and everything to do with the child unique circumstances.
The article says the man is an adult, not a child. Irrespective, if he’s old enough and mentally and physically capable to go to University abroad I’m struggling to understand why he can’t complete 2 weeks quarantine.
Which are?
He is 19, that makes him an adult in the eyes of the law.
Thanks Sherlock
This teenager is reported to have intentionally endangered lives, and the ability of thousands of young persons to go to school. They are old enough to face legal consequences. Indeed, they agreed to various consequences as part of being allowed in.
If, due to emotional or other issues they are unable to be responsible enough to keep the rest of the community safe, then they sadly need to be cared for under circumstances that do not risk the lives, livelihoods and educations of others.
He’s 19. He’s an adult, who has been living without his parents overseas. And the terms of quarantine were well known before returning. And guess what – having breached quarantine he is then shown the compassion you talk of by being allowed to complete. It at home, and he escapes from there,despite knowing the serious of it – there was a security guard outside for heavens sake. There is either a mental health issue or a complete disregard for others. Absent some explanation of the special circumstances I suspect the latter.
The teenager’s mental and physical safety is so important that he should be allowed to roam the streets of Cayman potentially infecting unsuspecting members of the public with a dangerous virus. Oh he’s just a teenager. Does that sound right? What are you on?…
He’s an adult, not a kid. Can’t have it both ways just because he’s still in school and a mama’s boy when it suits him
Have you people lost your minds or just lacking humanity? How could you be so cruel to a teenager, a child in essence, knowing nothing about him or the circumstances of the incidents?
Do you know how many teenagers committed suicides since February?
Shame on you, unkind Caymanians!
I have lost my mind or my humanity. I just don’t want my elderly parents or myself being infected and dying from covid because some teenage can’t stay his backside home for two weeks. I live one street over from this fool. He better not come near my yard.
Get a clue..It’s you that has lost your mind..
I can see his house from mine, even closer the little pr!ck.
Actually, I’d appreciate if you enlightened us to how many. I know this is a serious matter. One which has been forgotten due to the rampant fear of a disease which rarely even requires hospitalization.
You are an id..t!
No. Do you?
I am glad someone pointed this out. Yes we are all concerned for the safety of everyone but we should stop jumping to conclusions and judging before we understand what the true issue is. If you all want to comment why don’t you on the light skinned “visitor” who was allowed to enter for a damn jet ski function and breached quarantine then got a damn slap on the wrist as always happens to those people. Bet if she was Jamaican, Honduran, other Spanish, Filipino or majority national (hate the term minority as it is also a false label) you would have heard a blazing outcry. Caymanians I thought this Pandemic as well as Ivan had taught us humility and how to be better people but clearly we have regressed to the selfish, inconsiderate, foreign brain-waehed mentality we adopted. Sad.
What the hell does color of skin have to do with it. I couldn’t give a rats behind if he/she was white, brown, yellow, pink or blue or if he/she is Caymanin or not.
This virus does not spread by the color of your skin. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Skylar Mack should have been fined the maximum and deported. This guy should be fined the maximum amount and given the maximum jail sentence.
We cannot afford to be tolerant to anyone who chooses to intentionally go out into the public and spread this horrible disease. It is time that we get our act together and set a good example so that these instances do do not continue.
and please stop with the color of skin, Caymanian vs expat crap..People tired of hearing that crap now. We wouldn’t even be discussing that if Travel Cayman and the useless Judges on this island would do their job properly.
He should have to pay for the additional security cost. Hope he does not get any vulnerable peraon sick who then dies. It is the same if he drinks and drive and kills someone. He is 19. He is an adult. He has no respect for the rest of us. He does not care. He is just selfish. So sad.
And how about the 65000 people here whose livelihoods and life’s were put at risk. For someone who at 19 is no longer a child.
This is what most in Cayman have become. It’s okay to die of anything but Covid. In fact, one can wish others death, as long as it is not by covid?
Oh stfu and stop condoning ignorant behavior. Chalking it up to mental health, EVERYONE has been affect this year in some way but we are still able to act like responsible citizens and do what is right.
There is nothing unkind about wanting accountability and safety of our community. You would be singing a different tune if he infects a member of your family.
19 is old enough to know better! He may be a young adult, however he is an adult nonetheless and should be treated as so.
Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand…
Impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on mental health of children and adolescents: A narrative review with recommendations
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7444649/
“COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has brought about a sense of fear and anxiety around the globe. This phenomenon has led to short term as well as long term psychosocial and mental health implications for children and adolescents”
The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence
https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30460-8/fulltext
“Most reviewed studies reported negative psychological effects including post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion, and anger. ”
Safeguarding ADHD Youth Against Depression in the Age of COVID https://www.additudemag.com/feeling-depressed-adhd-youth-quarantine/
Boo bloody hoo. He clearly knows he’s doing wrong, but does it anyway. Stop mollycoddling him.
Do you know the facts?
Yes, I do know the facts and I know that an adult who skips quarantine to go party at Cotton Club deserves to be punished with at least a sizeable fine and more likely a custodial sentence
I wrote the “boo bloody hoo” post. I suggest that if you want us to treat this young man with the sympathy you seem to think he deserves, you enlighten us as to your “facts”. Otherwise, at the risk of repeating myself, you’re just a trolling mollycoddler.
Stop making excuses for ignorance and disobedience.
Deportation order!
The person is Caymanian can’t be deported.
What generation? Half or full?
Heh!
A bigoted idiot writes…
There are Caymanian tiers now?
No, but there are many young people here who are treated as Caymanian even though they are not. The problem is particularly bad in relation to the children of some civil servants as they are not subject to the same stringent monitoring as the children of work permit holders.
bs. foreigners buy whatever they want. Status..7mile beach..100k boats..100kcars..million doolar homes..buildings..companies..attorneys. film crew prime example without dealing naming ‘residents’
Always have been.
Are you sure?
Put him. In jail. Two years and $20k . 10k for each breach. Govt should have a pair. I’ should not have to lose a loved one because some teenager’s mother is ‘important’. Nor should I have to lose Christmas sales for some entitled moron.
By what account is the mother so “important”? Would you please enlighten us.
The love of money has been our downfalls since 1993. Doubt your parents went anywhere near this child. God forbid you or yours commit an infraction.
LOCK HIM UP!!!
just another day in wonderland….where a cig press release leaves more questions than answers…
My guess would be a drug problem.
One of the unexpected consequences of 14 day quarantine is that those with alcohol or drug problems are forced into a literal rehab as a result. Once the authorities realise this, perhaps additional measures can be taken such as drug tests, etc.
This may be true, and a valid point. However, being a child of a senior civil servant seems to help you get off scott free as well.
Reminds me of a certain Minister and his wife and the donkey.
On a full moon.
The sooner we get community spread out of the way the better. It is inevitable people!
Thank you for so eloquently describing the desire of so many in the foreign dominated tourism sector who have scant regard and even callous disregard for Cayman and all things Caymanian.
Actually, many in the “foreign dominated tourism sector” are waiting for reasonable standards to return safely – for your health as well as ours.
Stop bashing those who wish to return with ample health considerations for safe travel.
Yet, we remain with no community spread despite your enthusiasm.
Lock his self entitled ass up, now!!!
“24-hour security.” Right. Similar to the security he escaped from? Perhaps that was only the 20-hour security special.
This regulated gradual opening isn’t going to work if everyone incoming doesn’t comply with the protocols. It’s just that simple.
I think we have good plans in place. We appear to be somewhat weak in enforcement and judicial sentencing.
Security guy was stationed at front of the house, the criminal could have easily gone out the side onto Domino Street, then the back way onto Mahogany or Mangrove Ave without being spotted. Could of been sipping on a nice rum and coke in Da Station in about 14 minutes.
Oh, and how do you know all this??? Or are you just spreading false blame?
This whole isolation thing is a joke. If they would fine them 10,000 or 2 years in jail, it would not be anyone breaking the quarantine rules. But in Cayman who you are or who knows you makes or brakes the rules. Corruption running wild. Meantime the good folks of Cayman could be put In Danger with Covid getting in the community.
Very well said 3.05 , you speak for the majority who cannot understand why the penalties are not enforced, in the face of grave danger to all of us.
The penalties are not enforced
As the perpetrators are citizens and their children. CIG will not prosecute its own!
But hey, let’s blame everything on expats, who… oh yea, are NOT HERE!!!!!
Skylar Mack is not Caymanian and she got off with community service..I don’t get your point??
Lock his ass up!!
Tired of all these people putting us at risk and every body pussyfooting around the seriousness of what could happen if they start spreading Covid 19 around Cayman.
When is someone going to get some thick skin and start setting an example?
An example should have been set with the jet ski bimbo and local boyfriend, but now it’s a free for all if they can do it so can I.
Jail is the answer.
deport him if he is an expat or if he is a Caymanian then take his passport away so he can’t leave ever again
For what? A virus that many don’t even know they have? Has this guy tested negative or positive? People who think all laws are just and for the good of majority need to step back 200 years. The fact is the laws are made for those in power. And as you can all see, those in power have no problems applying them selectively. People need to start asking why this is so, if the lawmakers truly believed 800 would die had they not acted. Would “our” 2 deaths have occurred without Covid? How many hungry and unemployed? How many divorces? How much stress has been created? What illnesses stemming from stress are to come? Look at the negative effects on schooling. All of these things will haunt us for years to come. Seems many have forgotten history, lived for 2020 without any thought of future consequences.
The judges have already set the precedents. The Parliament or Cabinet needs to put in place stricter laws so that these good for nothing judges cannot use the law to suit those who the deem privileged.
Who is paying for all of this extra security and don’t give me the crap the person breaching quarantine is, we all not that is not true? If these security officers were any good he should not have been able to escape.
Why aren’t some heads rolling for all of these instances? I am so sick and tired of our corrupt and inept government.
Dr. Garcia needs to go. This is not a time for sympathy and special circumstances. This is not a boy, he is 19 years old and in university. He knows better! He is an adult and if he wants to continue this the Police needs to lock his ass up and I am not talking about a quarantine facility..Real jail! Northward in an isolation cell.
I understand that his mother is a senior civil servant so pulling strings were obviously done.
Doesn’t Dr. Garcia realize that if she and the judges continue to condone these incidents that we are more than likely to soon have community spread. I don’t know about her but I want to spend my Christmas with my family and not in another lock down because of her incompetence.
This is not a joke anymore. Alden, John John or whoever is in charge needs to take this situation seriously and replace Dr. Garcia with someone that is not compromised and “sympathetic” with someone that know law enforcement and how to manage these facilities.
So far these have been the repercussions for breaching that we know of..
Multiple breaches and destruction of government property..$1000 each.
Multiple breaches and destruction of government property.
$2600 for quarantine facilities and 40 hours of community service.
Two escapes from quarantine..
Hire more security at our expense.
Allow breacher to go back to his comfy home to quarantine.
How doesn’t the government not see the incompetence and lack of care and seriousness for the majority of people living on this island? Ridiculous!
Fed up with all these self addressed “Drs.” Who hide their ordinary incompetence behind their Bible school titles.
“Dr.” Tasha Ebanks-Garcia does not seem to have control over Travel Cayman or the monitoring and securing of persons in isolation. Is this responsibility over her head??
May I ask why –
1. There are over 1500 people in quarantine or self-isolation and increasing?? Clearly too many to manage properly!
2. There have been at least 5 breaches involving 4 persons in the last two weeks!! What is being done to address the lapses in security and who is being held accountable?
3. I have a friend who completes isolation today (subject to covid test done yesterday). Over the past 15 days NO ONE from Travel Cayman or any other Government agency ever checked on her. Why not?
But already rewarded for her performance! Imagine that.
Since this little pecker likes to play “escape” – at least make it more challenging by sending him to Northwood prison for 6 months and fine the parents 100k.
The amount of death and destruction makes this a no nonlaughing matter.
Thank you USA, Pfizer and President Trump with Operation Warpspeed for getting the vaccine so soon. Never forget China is to blame for the coronavirus
Operation Warpspeed. What a cretinous name. God save us from such misleading, headline-grabbing nonsense.
Why fine the parents? He is not a child he is 19 years old and legally an adult. Let him pay his own fine
Ah yes, Northwood Prison, so named because they built it north of a pile of wood.
As long as the unique and special circumstances have nothing to do with family connections…
Yeah right.
Unique situation being his mum is in the civil service. What an absolute joke and two fingers up at everyone else who can abide by such simple rules
If that is the reason then THAT is corruption. I sincerely hope that is not the reason, but I don’t suppose we would ever find out.
Knowing “of” him, he has pretty complex health needs and not high power family connections.
These complex health needs require him to allegedly visit Cotton club?