President Paul Byles and members of the Chamber Council’s Executive Committee met with Commissioner of Police, Mr. Derek Byrne, at the end of February.

CEO, Wil Pineau and Secretary, Roz Griffiths joined President Byles to discuss the Chamber’s Advocacy Agenda & Action Plan (AA&AP).

Released to the general public at the 2018 Legislative Luncheon in January, the AA&AP documents the Chamber’s goals and efforts for the next three years in areas such as Education, Employment & Workforce Development; Economic Growth & Diversification; Regulatory Efficiencies; and Community Development.

During the meeting with Mr. Byrne, the Executive Committee focussed primarily on Community Development, specifically the reintroduction of Neighbourhood Watch groups in each district. The group also discussed the Chamber’s support of the police awards programme to recognise the outstanding law enforcers in the community, the establishment of a rewards system to assist police in obtaining confidential information leading to convictions, and the advocating for increased policing presence on roads and streets.

“The Cayman Islands has a vibrant and welcoming community, and it’s important that we maintain that feeling for our residents and visitors,” said President Paul Byles.

“In recent months we have seen headlines in the newspaper showing a rise in crime, and we need to buck that trend to ensure people in our community and those visiting on vacation feel safe.”

“The Chamber will take an active role in supporting the work of the RCIPS and Commissioner Derek Byrne, but it’s important that we all take action in assisting them. It is no easy task, but when we work together we can achieve positive results,” he added.

The Executive Committee’s meeting with Mr. Derek Byrne follows meetings with Leader of the Opposition, Ezzard Miller. The Committee has also been engaged in talks with Minister of Commerce, Joseph ‘Joey’ Hew about key points from the AA&AP.

If you have any information that will assist the RCIPS in making arrests and convictions, please contact Cayman Crime Stoppers on 800-TIPS (800-8477).