STATEMENT OF THE CAYMAN MINISTERS’ ASSOCIATION
The Cayman Ministers' Association joins the wider community in
expressing outrage over the upsurge in crime that has been such a
scourge to our peace-loving Cayman Islands. As an Association our
membership is actively involved in private ministry and support to many
of the families in our community whose lives are directly affected by
these disturbing and distressing crimes. The church community
remains committed to the socialization and resocialization of youth and
others in community through its programmes; we are also committed to
continuous prayer for our entire community, that God will give us
wisdom, guidance and direction as we seek to bring about effective and
positive change. While we have spoken out from our
pulpits and through our media programmes on these important topics, we
recognize that current circumstances demand increased action and
therefore add our voice alongside of others who continue to express
concern and call for change. We therefore appeal to all members of our
community to consider the following statements and consider how you can
get involved and make a positive difference.
1.Those who invade the privacy and security of others have given in to
cowardice and selfishness. They are not to be admired, but rather
shunned by all until they give themselves up to the authorities. Any
friend, knowing associate, family member or supporter of every last one
of them shares in their cowardice and culpability until they give them
in or report them or any information to the police or to Crimestoppers
at 800-8477.
2.Those who are courageous enough to give themselves up to the
authorities and have a desire to make restitution should be given every
assistance to do so. Then and only then should they be restored to any
affection from their associates or family members, or assured of the
forgiveness of the wider community.
3.We call upon the whole community to pray constantly to the Lord for
the necessary change of heart by the small number of persons and their
supporters who have disrupted the community, until there is indeed the
desired change.
4.We call upon the community and the authorities to exercise greater
vigilance on insisting upon the good order of students in all our
schools in matters of behaviour, academic and vocational striving, and
dress both in and outside the school campuses.
5.We call upon the parents and guardians of our families to regain
control over and the respect of every family member, and to seek
assistance from the wider community when that becomes necessary.
6.We call upon the authorities to institute curfews and states of
emergency whenever necessary to restore the tranquillity of the
community, without fear of unpopularity from any quarter.
7.We call for the churches and associated persons to provide ministries
of forgiveness and restoration to those who have made admission and
amends to the best of their ability.
8.The Pastors of the CMA continue to make themselves available to
minister to all who desire to experience the life changing power of the
gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
May the Lord of all history guide and protect all that He has “founded upon the seas”.
CAYMAN MINISTERS' ASSOCIATION
19 March 2010