SDR: Rash of murders strikes Grand Cayman's West Bay

[AggieDiver]

I really hope that the authorities go into attack mode and try to take out the gangs at their roots instead of just making a couple of token arrests to give the appearance that the problem is taken care of. Bonaire should be a glaring example to the rest of the Caribbean islands about how not to deal with a crime problem. Bonaire's police force has steadfastly refused to deal with the theft problem on the island for many years, and I can't count the number of people I have talked to that won't go there because of it. Over time, the criminals have gotten bolder and have moved from simple thefts from untended vehicles to breaking into occupied hotels and condos during the night. I feel it is only a matter of time before the level of violence escalates as well.

The Caymans have been the escape for divers looking for world class diving without 3rd world crime levels. If the authorities on Grand Cayman allow their criminal element to fester the way Bonaire has, they will no longer have a built in advantage in luring high end dive travellers. When that happens, people will start to realize it isn't worth paying the super high prices if they have to deal with the same level of crime found everywhere else.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Another shooting. Another youngster dead. This time in the George Town district.

 

[koozemani]

It's unfortunate about the robberies, but I see targeted gang on gang murders as a self cleaning oven.

I have yet to visit the Caymans, but I would like to thank all the posters for keeping everyone abreast of the news.

 

[SeaHorse81]

I am very saddened to learn of all this; I had no idea GC was trending in this direction because I haven't been there in ten years. I have thought it would be nice to return some day, but wondered if I'd ever be able to because the prices have just gotten too high for me. It sounds like it's becoming too costly in other ways as well.

I had hoped to dive Big Tunnels again someday, but I guess not. :frown:

 

[billinwilliamston]

Another shooting. Another youngster dead. This time in the George Town district.

I know a lot of very good people who live there, both Caymanians and ex-pats, and hope and pray for safety for all. Last I knew, there was a great deal of sentiment on the island that this kind of crime is over the heads of the RCIP. I sincerely hope those with that opinion are wrong.

 

[AggieDiver]

It's unfortunate about the robberies, but I see targeted gang on gang murders as a self cleaning oven.

To a point you are correct, but it also ends with the worst and most violent as the survivors. That type of survival of the brutal environment breeds criminals with no fear and no value for any life other than their own.

 

[Rhone Man]

It's unfortunate about the robberies, but I see targeted gang on gang murders as a self cleaning oven.

I don't think there is much to suggest that gang violence eventually snuffs itself out. It is hard to have sympathy with slain gang members, but there will always be more friends and relatives willing to step up and try and avenge them.

But I think every Caribbean country has flare ups of gang violence from time to time. Usually the community reimposes order eventually as the revulsion grows. I don't think Cayman is going to descend into a Jamaica or a Trinidad just yet...

 

[chibracdiver]

There is a fundamental lack of respect for the police and it shows it's ugly head everytime a crime is committed. Robberies are now happening in broad daylight as the perps do not fear authority. Hell, the RCIPS can't even carry a weapon. They have to call in a special unit for that. Dart private security force on the island is armed but the police are not. That needs to change IMMEDIATELY!!

They need to bring in some help from the UK. Those who have been trained in dealing with gang related problems know how to handle this. Crack a couple skulls open and these punks will stop their behavior. The morgue or the prison, and recently the morgue has been winning. Cayman might also want to dump the illustrious premier bush. All this guy has done is line his and his cronies pockets with Dart $$$. No concern for his own people, no concern for the future.

 

[gypsyjim]

I don't think there is much to suggest that gang violence eventually snuffs itself out. It is hard to have sympathy with slain gang members, but there will always be more friends and relatives willing to step up and try and avenge them.

But I think every Caribbean country has flare ups of gang violence from time to time. Usually the community reimposes order eventually as the revulsion grows. I don't think Cayman is going to descend into a Jamaica or a Trinidad just yet...

IMO: It seems that gang on gang violence only leads to more violence, and such violence seldom stays within the gangs. Once killing becomes the norm, it quickly becomes evident that family, friends, and other innocents make easier targets than armed opponents. Once one has killed the first time it gets a lot easier to do so again, and again, and negative consequences of killing anyone become less and less important.

 

[Jersey]

On GC as I write. Had not heard about the latest incident. Strolling G-town yesterday, Morgans Harbor on Sunday afternoon. Will not be heading to Pappagallo this trip based on events. Hoping it doesn't turn into a Dom Rep or Jam where you are not safe to leave your resort. Sorry, but I'm a firm believer in the rights allowing me to arm myself against those wishing to relieve me of my property. Gang on gang violence too often crosses over and involves innocent bystanders. As with most small communities, the locals know the trouble, but no one speaks up for fear of reprisals. Still not as bad a Philadelphia where a recent weekened saw 30 shootings, resulting in 7 deaths. Again, the locals know the troublemakers but remain silent. Until they stand up and turn in the cousin, newphew, brother, whomever, nothing will change.