THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a Jamaican citizen working in Cayman since March 2005. I have noticed some basic differences why this society works and mine doesn't. Not that Cayman doesn't have its challenges or that it is a perfect society.
One of the main things I have noticed is that whatever the Government does, it's in the interest of the people and in turn, the people back the Government in whatever decisions they take.
Let's look at the controversial visa that has been imposed on 112 countries including Jamaica. At the moment, Jamaicans are the only group crying foul right now because Jamaicans stand to lose more than any other group. Cayman provides an opportunity for a lot of ordinary Jamaicans to work and make a lot of money which they wouldn't dream of making in their home country.
There are some very noticeable good things I see in Cayman. Cayman's police force is respected by all Caymanians and immigrants alike. For speeding, the fine is CI$500.00 (a deterrent non-negotiable). On Fridays all clubs close at 2:00 a.m. sharp (regardless if the vibes nice or not). On Saturdays all partying stops at 12:00 a.m. because Sundays are observed as the Holy Day. If there is a fight and the police are called, they are on the scene as quickly as possible to make the necessary arrests.
NO DANCING ON SUNDAY
Christmas and New Year's Day falls on a Sunday this year and the government says the 'no dancing on Sunday' law will be enforced meaning that those on the island will have no fanfare when the clock strikes 12:00 a.m. on New Year's Eve, and I could go on and on, but these examples are readily called to mind.
One thing that really strikes me in relation to Jamaica is at 2:00 a.m. and at 12:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays respectively in Cayman, people at public events or at clubs just start leaving the venues in an orderly manner 10 minutes before closing. What that says to me is that Caymanians respect the law and those who are passing through have to follow suit.
Now that for me is order which Jamaica is really lacking. We are able to bribe the police when we are wrong; we beg a little more time when the music should be turned off; we can throw garbage from the windows of our vehicles into the streets; we can obstruct traffic to talk to a friend; our ministers can waste taxpayers' money out of 'youthful exuberance'; our Government can give thugs contracts, and so on. These are some of the things we continue to do in Jamaica to our own detriment.
I think, for what it is worth, that every leader in Jamaica should take a leaf out of Mayor McKenzie's book. It's the first time I can remember in Jamaica a politician who says something and does it, without fear or favour.
The only way Jamaica can move forward as a society is if the Government leads from the front and ensures that the law is maintained, regardless of who you are.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL RICKETTS
mikeyrick@yahoo.com;
mikeyrick@hotmail.com
Visual Communicator/Graphic Designer
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands,
BWI
