(CMR) The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is coming under increasing scrutiny for announcing it was expanding its recent recruitment efforts to widen the criteria to include non-Caymanian residents despite having received 82 “suitable applications” already.
Last week Thursday, August 9, the RCIPS indicted it was extending the recruitment deadline by two weeks and:
“the RCIPS will continue accepting applications from Caymanians and those with the right to work with no restrictions, but will expand the criteria to also allow those legally resident in the Islands for four years or more to apply.”
The outcry in the community was almost immediate after this announcement by the Commissioner of Police, Derek Byrne. In fact, Members of the Opposition have issued a statement rejecting this recruitment expansion and states that it is in contravention of a long-standing policy to limit eligibility to Caymanians and permanent residents. They have asked for Acting Governor Franz Manderson to intervene.
“Once again, the Government is making it difficult for Caymanians to secure employment in their own country,”
Mr. Miller said, adding:
“We reject the Commissioner’s rationale that transient groups in the community should have representation in the police force, particularly in view of the role of cultural awareness and knowledge in maintaining public safety and effective policing.”
“We see no reason why this action would be necessary, given that they already have ‘82 suitable’ applicants for a class that is normally around 12 or 15,”
Mr. Miller observed.
The topic has also be discussed on local talk shows with most Caymanians sharing Miller's sentiment that there is no need for expansion. Some noted that other government enforcement agencies such as Customs and the Department of Immigration have no issues successfully recruiting Caymanians only.
CMR obtained a contract of employment offer from the RCIPS to Mr. Timothy McGowan in the UK which was sent via email late last year. In that letter, it is clear that this is a basic entry-level position as a police constable. Additionally, the foreign person receives housing allowances and relocation benefits – an additional cost to the RCIPS which locals would not incur. Many argue that this is added costs that the RCIPS could be saving.
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