“The views or opinions expressed by Sandra Catron are solely her own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of ICCI. This forum is for the purpose of engaging in an educational dialogue among the students and faculty of ICCI and is not open to the public.”

This was the statement released to the media on Tuesday (3) evening by International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) President Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia.

The statement was in connection with a presentation to be presented by local activist Sandra Catron on Wednesday evening at the College on sex offenders.

Originally iNews Cayman and other media houses were under the impression Catron’s presentation was open to the general public and gave it prominent publicity because the subject is very important.

What is even more strange is that the media is banned as well.

“Neither the general public nor the media is invited as Ms Catron’s visit is not a public forum; it is a discussion that will take place within the context of a course that students have enrolled in for the summer quarter,” Garcia confirmed to CNS.

Garcia in her prepared statement cited that the safety of her pupils and staff were of concern in view of the controversial subject and an invitation to the public “could attract people who are not intent in engaging in healthy and constructive dialogue.”

As the media have been included in this, and no other explanation has been given for banning us, I can only conclude that we could be one of these persons who would be so inclined in unhealthy and destructive dialogue!

I am very disappointed as the College went to the top of the class for organising this presentation. This was something that the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service should have done instead of charging Catron. As a public relations exercise their decision is a disaster.

Whilst I won’t go that far with Garcia’s decision it is, however, very disappointing and the reasons given are not exactly convincing.