Have officials on the Cayman Islands truly learned their lesson?
Departement of Tourism director Pilar Bush recently apologized after coppers detained American Aaron Chandler for kissing his boy friend in public, a story Queerty broke last Friday. Today, however, we hear that Tourism Minister Charles Clifford describes Chandler’s act as “offensive.”
The Minister presided over a town hall meeting Monday night and told his constituents that while he and others found Chandler’s gay ways distasteful, he can’t do anything about it:
All of us in this room and most people in Cayman would agree that what happened in that incident at Royal Palms was offensive to most people in Cayman.
…
The issue of being offensive to most people in Cayman is one thing. The issue for the legal department to determine is whether or not an offense was committed and it seems there were serious questions about that issue.
Chandler told us earlier this week that there’s still debate as to whether a law against public gay affection even exists. That’s where authorities should start their investigation.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Z.
just don’t go there!
http://www.ilovezeren.com
erik11
Yeah, I’d say the best approach is let them lose their Gay $$$ and that will speak loudest of all. This is completely out of line by any tourism community.
Shabaka
I hope anyone and everyone with the slightest intention of going down there is listening. Our gays ways are offensive to them and SO SHOULD our $$$!!!
Ted B. (Charging Rhino)
There really isn’t any island in the Carribean that’s gay-friendly…even the Dutch ABC Islands are dicey. And the Bahamas are just as bad as Jamaica these days.
Carlos
There is an alternative to not going to Cayman or any other place. Save the making out for when you are in private.
I only say that because there are many places all over the world where public displays of gay affection could result in an adverse reaction from people who see it. While the strong arm of the law may not always been involved, violence can even happen here in the US.
I am not going to limit my exposure and enjoyment of the world by small-minded bigots. I will just choose to know where and when I can get down with my man.
Theresa
First of all that was a public place and NOT everyone want to see two men kissing; do that in the private of your own home….they were warned twice and still they come to people’s country and disrespect there culture; that was wrong!!!!! If it was some other country, they would be KILLED; gun shot in they face; so they should be very thankful that’s all they got…..the moral of the story is; don’t think you can go anywhere in the world and do what u do at home or as you please. It JUST doesn’t work like that. Not here and not everywhere in the world.
churchill-y
Carlos , not everyone is in a rush to hurry back to the closet as you are!
I’m not even going to respond to non fully develop
brains like Theresa .
Yes erik11 your suggestion is part of the approach to take with these subhumas but it’s also important to inform others, I read on a previous post that I guy from canada along with others “hand out pamphlets outside travel agencies warning travellers about what a dangerous bigoted crime ridden place it is.”
Most importantly is to put England on the spot and like others have said make them accountable for their overseas territory.
Len
Theresa, what a breathtaking bit of idiocy your response was.
If there is a law against any couples, straight or gay, kisssing in a public place, your argument might bear some weight. But I’ve heard nothing to suggest that.
EdWoody
You know what, Theresa is not a raging idiot. She’s telling the truth. Do we like Muslim fundamentalists coming to Western countries and murdering their own daughters as an “honour killing” because they refuse to marry who their fathers tell them to? Of course we don’t. It may be fine in their culture, but it is not fine in ours.
So why the hell should we expect the opposite not to hold true? The idea that there’s one rule for them and another for us is the height of arrogant Americentrism.
IF same-sex PDAs are illegal in that country, then if you indulge in same, you are breaking the law and can expect to be treated as such. That is simple, clear, unambiguous.
The only question is whether it is actually illegal or not, and that the authorities should enforce their own rules if it is not.
Our response should not be to stamp our feet like a child throwing a tantrum, but to use the “almighty dollar” to express our displeasure by not going.
churchill-y
Len, your trying to reason with lifeforms like Theresa and EdWoody that don’t understand logic. They would love nothing more to throw some sand on the matter by saying don’t like it here then don’t come. I said once and I’ll say it again THE CAYMANS ARE NOT A COUNTRY per se but a TERRITORY OVERSEAD by GREAT BRITAIN and that’s why this matter should not be resolved by just not going there but by contacting the british so that they can take action on the matter.
marc
Wow! Hitler has been reincarnated and this time he came back as a woman (I assume) named Theresa! Can anyone out there imagine what it must be like to have someone like her in their life? I wonder if she has children or anything. What kind of person uses references such as “gun shot in they face”. Theresa, you are one sad, angry soul.
Carlos
And I am sure the British are scampering to make sure you enjoy your vacation. Let us know when the Queen calls you back.
michael
Ed, kissing and killing are two different things and your using the them to make a compairson is absurd. And your comment that killing someone for religious purposes may be fine in their country is also insane, its not fine. Some of us see the entire human race as deserving of the same human rights Its not right to kill someone because of a religious infraction, not here, not anywhere. Its not right to arrest someone for an act of public affection afforded to everyone else. Not here, not anywhere and speaking out about it is not childish or an exercise in “foot stomping”. And Theresa, I have a feeling your just a to far gone to bother with, may you eventually find some kind of peace in your life.
churchill-y
Hurry! Hurry! Carlos BEFORE THE CLOSET DOOR closes and leave those of us who refuse not to leave in fear talk to the “Queen”.
Theresa
Yes people should be treated equally which means anyone who breaks the law or the culture of the islands should be held responsible for their actions.
Lol this is so funny!!!!! thanks Edwood……let me get 1 thing clear I DO NOT have a problem with people who want 2 date the same sex, what I have a problem with is disrespectfulness of there action, people have to see that there is a difference in culture among many things here and not because your country accept gays and gives gay rights does not mean that Cayman Islands has to as no country is ruler of the world and it also doesn’t mean that they are right, they were told more then once by two different people to stop, but yet they still continue, that telling me right there that they had NO respect for the people around them and the country . I am not going to argue that gay is wrong or right but as far as Cayman sees it, it is not to be done in public and anyone visiting here should respect that. If I was to go to the US or any where in the world to visit and walked around naked on the street I would be arrested for it and do you think anyone there would be sympathetic because my country accepts it? Of course Cayman doesn’t accept running around naked but just trying to make a point and let me also make something else clear CAYMAN IS NOT THE ONLY COUNTEY THAT FEELS THIS WAY…… THIS IS WHY I MADE THAT STATEMENT ABOUT THEY WOULD GET KILLED AND GET GUN SHOT IN THERE FACE it was only to let you know that our country doesn’t take these things lightly and I’m sure not everyone in your country or there’s accept gay’s rights ever…..so keep with the name calling this is reality……HAVE A BLESS AND WONDERFUL DAY
John Santos
Let me guess, Theresa, you were one of the people who complaigned to the police. What’s wrong, sunshine, unhappy that they have each other and you have no one? Since you state that you have no problem with gay people, then what was your problem? Perhaps white people? White Americans coming to your backwards island and not follwing your anti-gay rules? Was this your way of getting back at whitey?
churchill-y
I said it twice and I’m going to say it again
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS ARE A BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY
What happen to Mr.Chandler and his boyfriend is not the fault of APES like
Theresa.
The fault lies in The U.K.
Jaroslaw
Theresa, I was with you until your comment on #15. If you don’t have a problem with Gay people dating, then light kissing shouldn’t be a problem either. Gay people should refrain from various activities out of respect for that country or its people? You made more sense when you said in certain places Gays could be hurt or killed for such behavior, which is true. I do a lot of shopping and guys kiss their girlfriends all the time. Stopping in the middle of walking down an aisle while shopping to kiss someone seems a bit of showing off (as opposed to kissing while dancing, and having fun socially) but whatever the rule is it should be enforced equally.
And I certainly do not feel by using common sense and not wanting to be harrassed or killed or by pointing out there are very and many many intolerant places right here in the USA is cause to accuse me or anyone else of “running back to the closet.” Get your own self killed or beaten up if you want to. I am out to my family, out at work and wear a pride pin every day. But because I might not hold my boyfriend’s hand everywhere and at all times or kiss him whenever I’m in the closet? NOT.
Theresa
I understand where you’re coming from so this is not directed to you, Jaroslaw.
I initially posted an impromptu response, but for those who think I’m illiterate, allow me to clarify. I can keep going on with this back and forth but I won’t, so this is my final say…… You are disregarding my initial point, my problem was the LACK OF RESPECT that these people had for their surroundings. (RESPECT IS THE KEY HERE)……ya’ll can say what you want, fueling a never ending argument, but on a serious note you just can’t step out and be bold like that everywhere. Not everywhere it is acceptable and you certainly might not be given a warning, as they were asked nicely to refrain from doing what they were doing. I am simply trying to emphasize that you guys have to BE CAREFUL of where choose to make public displays of affection because not everywhere will act in accordance with your beliefs. I’m just throwing this out there for those of you who think you’re brave and can do this anywhere, BE CAREFUL Have you guys ever stopped to think that maybe the reason why the cop arrested this man was for his own safety ??…I think NOT. I’m not disputing that they shouldn’t have their rights, should be respected and treated equally but not everywhere sees it like that. All I was trying to say with my previous comment was that I can name numerous countries that would have killed them in a heart beat. Murder would not be a solution however, the fact of the matter is that some countries are likely to deal with gay public display of affection in that manner. I agree that it would be is wrong but realty is that the world is a mean and harsh place and people don’t accept things they consider wrong. LEVITCUS 20:13 read that, I’m not here to judge anyone, that is GOD’S work to do.
As I said before and I will say again, I personally don’t have a problem with the same sex dating BUT WHAT I DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IS….RESPECT, RESPECT,RESPECT, which is one thing you should have when you visit another country, that is what ya’ll fail to realize. The population of the Cayman Islands consists of many people from various cultural backgrounds and a large percentage of our population is ex-pats. Once again this same spineless, brainless, lonely, antiquated APE has no problems with gay/bi-sexual, lesbians. Its is narrow-minded to assume that just because I reside in the Caribbean that I am black and that I am angry at whites. Save the racial talk for Martin Luther King please because this is not a racial matter!! RESPECT IS UNIVERSAL AND MULTICULTURAL!! How would u feel if I addressed you as, queers, fags, homos or in our dialect fassys or batty-men?? NOOOO, I welcome you fairy chasing , sex in the city watching , make-up wearing , “like OMG†saying people it’s just that this is a community of people who does not like to SEE the PDA because of our cultural background and religion and that’s just the way cookie crumbles love-muffins. I was just trying to help you, SEROIUSLY!!!
And for you little people who are saying lets take our gay money elsewhere, love-muffins, there are millions of people who spend their money here along with gays who have no problem with respecting the culture! Not only do we thrive on tourism but we are one of the largest financial centers in the world…Google it!!! So take it elsewhere if you please but like I said not all other countries that are even open to gays having their rights, just remember those other countries may act without warning, which may not have a pleasant outcome!
I really feel sorry for u guys because ya’ll will not be accepted 100% anywhere in the world and that’s just the truth, I hate to break it to YOU but the truth is the truth….. This is my last response so I’m just throwing everything out there for you guys to eat it up like the pack of hyenas that some of you portrayed yourselves as.
The chat’s been fun, toodles love muffins Peace out!!!!!
dave miller
Sorry gentle men Teresa is absolutely right . They are a lot of gay born people on the island and they have respect.So if you don’t want to show that respect keep your money. There’s not that many places in the sea and sun that excepts that disrespect. By the way no matter what the law will ever say . IT will never change “respect”
dfrw
Don’t go there. It’s that simple. People listen when money talks.
W
There are many gays people in the Cayman Islands but it is always hush-hush. It may be known that they are gay but it would never be in open conversation. Cayman is still anti-gay but it is slowly changing. I wouldn’t recommend very flamboyant gay people or gays that want to prove a point to come down for a few more years though. It will get better but please don’t come down and try to cram the issue down Caymanians’ throats. It only breeds more hatred in them. They will come to their senses soon enough. And then you can enjoy the beautiful reefs here in peace.
John Santos
Teresa, for someone who bleats about respsect, you have very little for the right of people to enjoy their vacations as they want. You are advocating two sets of rules–one for straights and another for gays. Until there is a law on the books that says same sex people cannot kiss in public because it is disrectful, your point is moot. And as you pointed out, if the majority of your popultion are ex-pats, why should a minority of anti-gay islanders decide who may, or may not kiss? As far as being a large financial center, that is because you are an offshore tax haven for people hiding their money from their own governments. People don’t invest in the Cayman banks because they love your country, it’s because your leaders allow illegal offshore accounts. Your an island facilitates crime and tax evasion. Your island has been built on the winfalls of criminal activity. Why are you peoud of that? Lastly, you say it’s ignorant to assume you’re black, yet you write, “How would u feel if I addressed you as,
queers, fags, homos or in our dialect fassys or batty-men??” ANd then this, “people who does not like to SEE the PDA because of our cultural background” Our dialect? Our cultural background? If you’re an non-black, why is it our dialect and not “their” dialect? Now, what proof do you have that Mr. Chandler was “asked nicely” to refrain from kissing? Were you there? Did you witness the altercation? Also, by calling out Lev. you have demonstrated your bias against gays, contary to what you have claimed and clearly that is where your opinion is coming from. Your not concerned about “protecting” gays, you want to cram your religious beleifs down the throats of vacationers
Equilibruim
I agree with Theresa’s argument. Allow me to shed light on what she tried to spell out for you, Mr. Santos. She was simply trying to say that the cultures in the Cayman Islands are diverse and Caymanians may be the minority. However, it would be stereotypical to believe that all Caymanians dislike gays or feel so strongly towards them. Every individual has their own thoughts, feelings, likes and dislikes. Some of those feelings are highly influenced by where they are from and their cultural backgrounds. You have to take into consideration the majority of ex-pats who also dislike PDA by gays and the gay people who reside there and still respect the culture of the Cayman Islands. How does that famous saying go? “When in Rome, do as the Romans doâ€.
For every action there is a reaction, whether good or bad, it’s just the facts of life. I’m sure if people felt strongly about preserving the environment where you’re from and a group of visitors chose to go there and do as they pleased it would be an issue. Regardless if there is no laws in place, it still will create a negative effect just because of what you believe in.
Also, I gather that the reason she referred to it as “our culture†is because she resides there. Cayman is made up of people from all corners of the globe and there are white, black, Spanish, Irish, Dutch, English etc mixed Caymanians. The fact is, color is not of importance, being Caymanian is still a part of her heritage. So that shouldn’t have been an issue.
The objective is not to cram religion down vacationers throats, if that was the case there would be people handing out Bible tracts at customs and on the ports, and attaching them to every receipt! It’s just a matter of being courteous to others, as you would like to be done to you.
I saw that you had some previous points Mr. Santos but now it seems that you are better off when you do not elaborate. Just look at the bigger picture
dave miller
dear john santos New York is the money laundering capital of the world you had one money laundering crime that made the newspaper a couple of years ago where russians laundered 10 billion dollars through the bank of new york are you saying that the united states gov’t is corrupt or didn’t want to catch them? RESPECT man. Money laundering is still going on today in 35 offshore financial institutions around the worldnothing that comes from other countries as a us dollar always goes back to the USA . the US always knows what went on. By the way all the money laundered through the cayman island hasn’t reached 1 billion dollars in 40 years. Stay on the subject “respect”
Theresa
Thank you Mr. Miller and Equilibrium for showing us that there are competent people out there who are capable of staying on subject and understand the whole concept. Mr. Miller, your research and statistics are quite impressive!
John Santos
“are you saying that the united states gov’t is corrupt or didn’t want to catch them?”
Nope. The US and Canadian governments attack money laundering and tax evasion rabidly. Banks in North America do not facilitate the process of hiding assets in order to avoid paying taxes, like the Cayman islands do.
“Stay on the subject respect”
I give respect when it is earned and deserved. I will not allow any person to dictate how I should live my life, no matter who, or what they think they are. All the people who bleat about respect have very little for anyone else, including themselves. Respect my space and I’ll respect yours. Stop sticking your nose in everyone elses business and mind yourself, Mr. Miller
John Santos
“However, it would be stereotypical to believe that all Caymanians dislike gays or feel so strongly towards them.”
It’s not a steretype if it’s true. As evidenced by Teresa’s espounding on Leviticus, her argument is religion based–because a certain group bases their dislike of LGBTQ’s on their religion, then all visiting LGBTQ’s and no doubt all the local LGBTQ’s, must obey their religious based bias. The Cayman’s are a British colony, not a theocracy.
“I’m sure if people felt strongly about preserving the environment where you’re from and a group of visitors chose to go there and do as they pleased it would be an issue.”
Huh…funny you should mention that, since here in Toronto there have been some high profile shootings commited by immigrant islanders. No one speaks to the police, or tries to stop the violence because they believe since it’s happening to them, they should deal with it. And of course it’s racist to point out the colour of the killers, but not so the colour of the victims. Well it’s not just happening to them. Too many innocent bystanders have been murdered by their hands. Google the name Jane Creba. I suppose “when in Rome,” only applies to LGBTQ’s visitng their islands.
“Also, I gather that the reason she referred to it as ‘our culture’ is because she resides there.”
She has yet to specify.
“The fact is, color is not of importance, being Caymanian is still a part of her heritage. So that shouldn’t have been an issue.”
Are you so sure? three instances–that we know of–white gay men have been harrased while visiting island nations. Mr. Chandler and previously Ryan Smith and Richard Jefferson in St. Maarten, (search this site for details of that attack.)
“It’s just a matter of being courteous to others, as you
would like to be done to you.”
How is it being courteous to twice harass two people on a dance floor and then arrest–without any formal charges–one of those people? When I have a disgreement with someone, I don’t have them hauled of to prison on trumped up charges based on laws that aren’t on the books.
“Just look at the bigger picture”
Sure, avoid these backwards, anti-gay islands like the plague. Take our money to friendly nations and piont out when ever possible the homophobia and anti-gay attitude of these places
John Santos
Teresa, I thought you weren’t going to respond to this post anymore? If we cannot trust your word on something as simple as that, why should we believe anything you’ve written?
If you’re going to continue posting, atleast have the courtesy to answer the questions I asked you.
John Santos
Expounding, not espounding.
dave miller
john i’ve lived in the US 14 years . So You can tell your lies to those who don’t know better. The US govt has been hiding money through companies here for a long time government officials have been making money through here since the vietnam war. Thy country is not greater ,they can just hide more money because there bigger.The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked 15 Defense and State Department Contractors for information about any foreign entities they may have in tax-friendly countries. The request followed a meeting with representatives from KBR Inc., which had over 6 billion in gov’t contracts in 2006 alone. thats just one and there are many more that have been here including bill clinton who made a lot of money from our banking system . You need to read more about the country you live in. As my father would always tell me people always like to throw stones at other people windows but forget there windows are bigger.
dave miller
Oh john i forgot to tell you . Did you know why there are so many foreigners here? The average income is 50,000 per year on this little island. There is a law that allows US and Canadians to make 80,000 US or its equivalent if they work outside of there country per year. Thats per person, wow wow isn’t that great! But guess what john you won’t get that job if you don’t respect the Apes, the ignorants, or any other nasty names you want to call us. That means if you didn’t know it, you never read your own tax information booklet. ever
John Santos
“john i’ve lived in the US 14 years .”
And I was born and raised in Boston, MA and lived there until I moved to Canada at the age of 28.
“The US govt has been hiding money through companies here for a long time government officials have been making money through here since the vietnam war.”
Yes, because your government facilitated those activities. It’s not like America snuck in the backdoor and buried their money in a filed. The Caymans made it easy for them to hide money in your banks.
I stated in my reply to Teresa, that the Caymans built itself on illegal activity:
“With the rise in international narcotics trafficking, the Cayman Government entered into the Narcotics Agreement of 1984 and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty of 1986 with the United States in order to reduce the use of its facilities for money laundering operations. In June 2000, The Cayman Islands was listed by multilateral organizations as a tax haven and a non-cooperative territory in fighting money laundering.”
You said you wanted me to stick to the topic, Mr. Miller.
As I would say, those who throw mud usually have dirty hands
John Santos
“Thats per person, wow wow isn’t that great!”
No. I make considerably more here and even though I pay taxes on my income, I keep a large enough amount that I live comfortably in a FIRST WORLD country. That is great. I don’t have to live in some backwards, religion obsessed, anti-gay, bigoted hole.
“But guess what john you won’t get that job if you don’t respect
the Apes, the ignorants, or any other nasty names you want to call us.”
And you won’t get to tap into my financial acuity if you refuse to leave me alone and insist on craming your religion based homophobia down my throat
Theresa
Santos….Satan…whatever,
I’m from the sunny 345 and proud!!
Quote this….Mr. Miller know his sh!t, and all do is chase it (literally)!!
Mr. Miller, how about we link up at Sunset House for a drink and leave the poor unfortunate soul to find a new hobby like rearranging his underwear according to designer and color. Equilibrium, if you’re in the area you’re welcome to join!
Mr. Miller you have way more points than Santos will ever have pointed toed heels lol
Mr Santa….Carlos Santana….Santa Maria (which suits you by the way), I’m getting a kick out of you! It’s been a good read but girlfrrrriiieeennd, I gotta go! Snap*, Snap*
John Santos
“This is my last response…”
And yet she keeps posting.
“Mr. Miller know his sh!t, and all do is chase it (literally)”
I don’t remember chasing you, Teresa.
“Mr. Miller, how about we link up at Sunset House…”
Is this where you spend your evenings harassing gay tourists and having them jailed?
Teresa, your childishness notwithstanding, I’m more woman than you’ll ever be and more man than you could ever get.
John Santos
Here are two posts from a Cayman blogger who knows all too well the anti-gay attitude of the Cayman islands:
http://cayblogger.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/wholesale-hatre.html
http://cayblogger.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/we-hate-homos-.html
scott
wow. teresa totally came out as the bigot and homophobe that she pretended not be, in the end there.
cursing and using sterotypes to try and deride gay people. That’s very christian. *rolls eyes* What a hypocrite.
dave miller
teresa sounds great i’m usually at beach club on sundays swimming till 2 pm seeya
scott
teresa sounded somewhat like she had a point but showed her true colors in the end. teresa sounds like a great big homophobe, christian, high on her horse, looking down on peeps, pretending to be respectful of others.
have fun with the hypocrite, i’m sure she’ll stab you in the back in the end.
John Santos
Scott, you’ve hit the nail on the head. That’s how it usually is with pious people: Claim to be fine with LGBTQ’s while trashing us and then when their bigotry is challenged their true colors appear. I’m sure Dave and Teresa will have a blast harassing gay tourists and using their bible and “culture” as an excuse to do so.
scott
And the other thing that occurred to me was how she constantly stressed “respectful”, with the do as the romans do when in rome or something similar to that. And yet she made sure to come to a Queer site and started being DISrespectful to the community that comes to this site. She’s just a step away from picketing at a gay person’s funeral.
What a lovely human being she is. Again, I say hypocrite and I think Jesus would be disappointed.
Aaron Chandler
I have read several comments on here which have said things about me varying from what I did being a set-up planned by me; to saying the incident was my fault since I did not stop after being asked by the RCIPF officer to stop; to saying I was insensitive to the officer and to the other patrons of the Royal Palms.
My response to those letters:
1) Regarding it being a set-up — it was absolutely not a set-up; I was behaving the same way I would have been behaving in the U.S. I was also behaving considerably less suggestively or “offensively” than many folks in the Batabano parade. To date, to my knowledge, no one has ever been arrested as a result of that parade.
2) Regarding it being my fault that I did not stop after the officer told me to and me being insensitive to the officer — the officer MADE UP A LAW that does not exist anymore simply to detain me because of his own bigoted ideas of what is appropriate and what is not; the cop ILLEGALLY made up a law and lied to me. Who was being insensitive?
3) Regarding me being insensitive to the other patrons — it seemed as if the vast majority of the patrons were either okay with or actively supported what my boyfriend, Kevin, and I were doing. In fact, about two dozen people cheered and applauded at the courage — some would call it machismo — we displayed as we kissed one last time.
If the Morals Police want to return to the practice of criminalizing something as innocent as kissing and dancing (with all clothing on, mind you), what’s up next for criminalization? Two men or two women holding hands? Two men or two women giving each other a quick peck on the cheek? Two men or two women simply being around each other? Please.
kenneth
Cayman my ass.
Steve London
The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory shored up by the British monarch, the British government and British tax payers money.
I am disgusted that the British goverment has not imposed equality laws on these people, too backward to introduce them themselves.
If these people want to continue to enjoy the protections that alignment with the UK provides them, they need to start aligning a few of their laws on equality more closely with ours here in the UK.
Stephen (also London)
Oh, my God, I’ve just read a few of Teresa’s postings. You talk about respect Teresa, but it’s about time those of you living a life of riley out in the Cayman’s started to show a little respect for the people in the UK bankrolling your 365 days a year holiday in the sun.
For those in the UK without the common decency to show courtesy to others, we have equality laws to ensure that they do. I’m staggered at the stupidity of those living in the Cayman’s hooting from the roof about their right to be ignorant and discriminatory to who ever they choose, because they are ‘different’ and that this is somehow something to be celebrated.
It can only be that your lust for prejudice has slipped the eye of the British government and now because of your arrogant indignation at being challenged for it, more and more attention is being focussed on your primitive ways. Not long now I’m sure before the British government with pick you up by the scruffs of your bigoted little necks and drop kick you into the 21st century.
Dayna
ta everyone writin i am from the cayman islands and all yuh ppl should shut up bout this island.. We have our beliefs n culture n we do not think that gays or waeva should be kissin up n ting.. n for yuh information batabano is our culture so all yuh ppl talkin bout how ppl should be arrested fuh the “offensive” behaviour should shut up because it is OUR CULTURE.. not yours!!!! so please.. HUSH NUH
Steve London
Sorry Dayna, you seem to fail to understand that its not YOUR culture at all – you are entirely British owned and you need to start respecting the laws of this land.
Dayna
waeva.. clearly u some ignorant english. and we have OUR OWN culture.. unlike u guys.
M
Point to note while the Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory it has been given full control of it’s judiciary. They are allowed to make any law they wish within reason. It is in the nature of the average Caymanian to be welcoming and friendly to all. However, this friendliness does not extend to instances where they feel culturally disrespected. It is a well known fact that Cayman is comprised of a highly religious population, they are not cruel in their religion or violent as other places have been. It is a simple matter truly of meeting half way, Cayman is happy to welcome visitors to their shores, in as much as visitors are willing to respect the inclincations of Caymanians.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If as a guest you went to a person’s home who was very opposed to drinking, you wouldn’t pop out a bottle in front of them and drink…it’s rude particularly when you have the foreknowledge of their dislike. In the same way while Caymanians have no problem with people choosing their sexualities in general, they do have a problem with being witness to something that makes them uncomfortable. Cayman will not condemn you for being gay in the privacy of your own relationship. They will however, take extreme exception to shows of public affection which make them uncomfortable. It is only reasonable in a world were so many cultures and people’s are vying for respect and understanding that people be able to meet halfway.
However, it seems odd to me that a gay person or gay supporter, knowing full well how hard gays have fought for the right to be who they are regardless of what other people think, would respect the right of other people to live their lives as they wish. THe gay movement is not about ” dropkicking bigots into the 21st century”, that statement wields all of the same hate sentiment that I have viewed towards gays themselves in the past. It is impossible to demand respect if you will not respect in return. Nothing in life is perfect. You cannot walk the streets of the Cayman Islands and be openly gay and expect it to be comfortable. Cayman is as it has been for 300 years. It is not the right of any man woman or child to uproot a culture so viscerally. It is within your right to demand a respect of your right to choose, but it is not within any man’s right to force the outcome or expression of that choice upon a person unwilling to be a party to it.
Bring your partner to Cayman enjoy yourself, vacation enjoy the friendliness intrinsic to the people, but remember to respect their sensibilities whilst you do so. Rights go both ways, as does respect. That is my opinion, no more no less, just a point of view.