I have lived here in the Cayman Islands 30 plus years

Never have I seen such a backlash of emotions ranging from disbelief to outrage from every corner of the Cayman community.

Never have I seen the country so united (except during the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan) against any proposal any government has proposed.

Never have I seen every organisation, association or groups come together in, not only voicing condemnation with written and public statements, but actually coming forth with alternative proposals to the government’s.

Never have I seen the Cayman Islands make headlines all over the world heralding a government’s proposal with much derision and warning.

Never have I seen a government do so much damage to this country’s stability in such a short space of time

Never have I seen a government that agrees in writing (as has been publicly stated by the group involved) to a press statement that briefly made the country breathe a sigh of relief saying the government’s outrageous proposal was now off the table, only for the same government to issue their press statement saying almost the opposite. The group had “jumped the gun” was included in the message.

Never have I seen or heard a premier or prime minister of any country make so many rude remarks publicly about top officials of other countries* including one representing HM the Queen of England.

Never have I seen scenes anywhere in this country as I did last Wednesday (1) at a public meeting where the minority opinion group and government supporters did their utmost, with the approval of the premier, to shout down anyone else who tried to ask sensible questions.

Never have I seen a man so confused, so worried, so upset and so weary as I did over the weekend.  I had looked in the mirror.

*see our story from Bernews – “Cayman Premier’s ‘Open Letter’ to Paula Cox”