2016 Chamber Council
Police Commissioner David Baines recently announced his imminent resignation, planning to depart his current role at the end of May 2016. Baines has served as Commissioner since 2009, and his departure date will see him leave his post with approximately one year left on his contract.
The Chamber Council continues to pledge our support and confidence in our police service, and we maintain the belief that they are fully committed to their roles of protecting and serving the community and keeping our islands safe. The Chamber Council, however, believes that with the change in command comes an opportunity for reflection and improvement of the service.
In furtherance of this we believe it is appropriate and necessary, prior to his departure, for Commissioner Baines to prepare a full report detailing the difficulties within the police service. This should specifically address any issues impacting the police services’ ability to perform its functions. The report should also address any recommendations to address the issues identified.
The Chamber would further request that the incoming Commissioner, also conduct a review of the police service. Once this assessment has been undertaken, the incoming commissioner should prepare a plan of action to improve the ability of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) to protect and serve the people of the Cayman Islands. To the extent that the plan requires any legislative or Government support that should be identified.
The Chamber Council requests that these reports and plan of action be made public so that both the challenges facing the police service and the proposed solutions are known.
We are aware that, for reasons of national security, it may be that not all findings and aspects of these reports can be released or explained publicly. However, the Chamber believes it is appropriate, in so far as possible, for the public to be informed. This will help ensure that the issues facing the RCIPS are addressed and that the appropriate support from the public and private sector can be provided.
The recent trends of violent crime, particularly with the use of firearms and selected enforcement of our laws, cannot and should not be tolerated in the Cayman Islands. We believe the time has come for decisive action to address this and other criminal activity. The Chamber confirms that it will continue to provide any and all assistance to the police when required.