(CMR) A motion for the sale of “Pepper Spray” for self-defense and personal protection was accepted in Parliament on Thursday following a brief heated exchange between Premier Wayne Panton and former premier Sir Alden McLaughlin.
The motion was moved by the Elected Member for George Town West, David Wight, and seconded by the Elected Member for Red Bay, McLaughlin.
The motion, which was extensively presented around the protection of women, was largely supported by elected members, with 16 voting in favor; however, Premier Panton, who did not support the motion, raised some concerns about the legalization of pepper spray in the Cayman Islands.
Panton, in his contribution to the debate, said while he cares about the safety of women, legalizing pepper spray may not be the way to go. He also said there has not been an increase in attacks against females to warrant the legalization of pepper spray.
He pointed to the negative effects the use of pepper spray may have, such as getting into the wrong hands. Panton said the police have also expressed concerns about the legalization of pepper spray. He suggested a device with an alarm of a high decibel may be better as it will also notify others when someone is facing a threat.
Panton questioned what message legalizing pepper spray would be sending about “safety in our jurisdiction.”
“It's not a simple solution.., I don't believe it is a clear solution,” he stated.
McLaughlin described Panton's views as “unmitigated dribble,” which resulted in the Premier standing to respond while McLaughlin was on the floor.
McLaughlin said it is not a panacea, but the innocent should be given a measure of self-defense.
Meantime, Barbara Conolly, in her support of the motion, said some women were already carrying pepper spray to help them feel safer.
She said it was a far safer weapon for self-defense and could also be helpful for security guards to use in carrying out their duties.
Jay Ebanks, who also supported the motion, said if someone's life is threatened, having a pepper spray could give that person a fighting chance.
Minister of Health Sabrina Turner, while acknowledging that without the proper legislative framework, pepper spray could fall into the hands of those with ill intent, said it should be given a chance.
“We have to understand that fear is mounting among our people, especially our females,” she said, adding that she wished Cayman was not in a position to have to debate this motion.
Wight, speaking on crime in the Cayman Islands, said, “We cannot accept that our hands are tied; we cannot sit idly by as Cayman's reputation as one of the safest places in the world to live, to do business is put in jeopardy.”
He explained that giving individuals access to pepper spray could help to prevent an attack as an attacker may fear it will be used. Also if a person is attacked, then they can use it, making persons feel much safer.
The motion proposes that the importation and sale of pepper spray be restricted; sale would be available through licensed pharmacies and drug stores. Purchase would be restricted by age and any other factors the Government deems appropriate, Wight explained. He also stated that training would be necessary.
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