A Dream Deferred
By Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
ARTICULATIONS
AJ:
Because a lot of people out there like to just shove things down the young
people’s throat.
Female:
Fire all the old people so that it won’t be so hard for us to get jobs!
Alexis: Perhaps if young people protested then their voices would be heard.
Solanie:
Children should be asked about what it is they want. They have ideas but
they do not express them because there is no one for them to talk to.
Danielle:
Children need more than just toys and gadgets….
Tameka:
I didn’t want to do this survey today because all the surveys we have done
they are like “ok fill this out! You don’t need to write your name! Fill this
out and you can go back! …they have to actually listen to us…
Girl:
Because I born and raised in the Caribbean blood. Because I'm one great
Caymanian, and nobody can't take that from me.
Emily: So I mean when you have a child they come first. You’re pride would never let
you go to anybody and ask them for food but when you hear a screaming
baby, it doesn’t matter what you gotta’ do.
Trix:
Just affi’ sup'in ‘cause all we living affa’ is promises. They don’t do nothing, they
need to get something going to at least make us believe that they go do
sup'in, because it's very hard sitting down waiting on sup'in for years.
Tricia: If I speak like an American, I am imitating an American. I am not a Caymanian. I
lose myself and that’s one of the things I hate about living in Cayman.
Other than that, I love it. [group laughter]
Acknowledgements
Ms. Katherine Whittaker: Director of Youth Services Unit, for penning the Background to
the Problem section.
Mr. Anthony Ennis, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service,
for possessing the social insight to recognize the need for this study and for encouraging
the interdepartmental corporation needed for its fruition.
Mrs. Annie Rose Scott: Cayman Brac Children and Family Services, and Ms. Tisa Dixon
for organizing the Cayman Brac focus groups and the use of the Creek Development
Centre there.
Ms. Angela Sealy: Acting Director of the CAYS Foundation, for allowing the study team
access to the Girls and Boys Care homes. Ms. Vicki Edwards: of Francis Bodden Girl’s
Home, for consenting to the study and accommodating the research team. Mr. Tony Scott:
of Bonaventure House, for accommodating the study team and consenting to the study of
the boys.
Mr. Dwight Scott, Director of Her Majesty’s Prison Northward, and Mr. Daniel Greaves,
Deputy Director of Her Majesty’s Prison Northward, for allowing the research team
access to Eagle House and Fairbanks Correctional Facilities. Mr. Peter Foster: Lead
Officer of Her Majesty’s Prison Northward, for allowing access to Eagle House and
Fairbanks Correctional Facilities.
Ms. Vicki Hew of Walker’s Law Firm, for volunteering staff at Walkers Attorneys to
transcribe recordings of the focus groups. Ms. Kitty Conolly, of Walkers Attorneys, for
coordinating the volunteer transcribing team.
Mr. William Peguero, Pastor of Frank Sound Church of God, for allowing the study team
to work with his youth group.
Mr. Leon Dilbert, a young community leader, for being the contact person for the youth
of North Side.
The Cayman Islands National Youth Commission for investing funds into the study.
The Lighthouse School for allowing the research team to use their school bus throughout
the duration of the study.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
1
Purpose of the Study
2
Research Question
2
Background to the Cayman Islands
3
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
6
Instrumentation
6
Data Analysis
7
Sampling Design and Participants
7
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
8
Commonwealth / Mixed Organization
Radio Cayman
17
Mixed Teens
24
Fairbanks Female Prison
32
Eagle House Male Prison
39
Francis Bodden Girls Home
46
Bonaventure Boys Home
51
George Hicks – All Boys
57
Young Urban Parents
62
9
Young Rural Parents
66
Religious – All Boys
72
Religious – All Girls
78
Rotorac
98
SUMMARY, RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Study
109
Summary of Results
110
Exodus
CSME
110
111
Caribbean Citizen
Crime
111
111
Education
112
Resentment
112
Marginalization
Unity
113
113
Activities
113
Environment
114
Civic
114
Religion
114
Cultural Awareness
Entrepreneur
114
115
109
Opportunity
Family
115
115
Home Ownership
Government
Apathy
116
116
116
Peculiar Themes to Specific Cohorts
Gender
116
Crime/Death
117
Cayman Brac
116
117
Recommendations
118
APPENDICES
120
Appendix A: Study Instrument
120
Appendix B: Assent Form
121
Appendix C: Consent Form
124
Appendix D: Script of Study
127
Appendix E: Permission Letters for Study
129
Appendix F: CITI Course Completion Form
131
Appendix G: Human Research Curriculum Completion Report
132
1
INTRODUCTION
This qualitative study on the aspirations, visions and dreams of young people in the
Cayman Islands is part of several studies that are simultaneously being replicated
throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It is one component of an inclusive
regional analysis of the situation of Caribbean youth aged 15-29 years of age. The study
is being undertaken by the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development.
The Commission on Youth Development, through a directive by the CARICOM Heads
of Government, was charged to explore and analyze the perceptions of young people
concerning their challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, based on the findings of the
study, the Commission was to provide recommendations to alleviate identified
detrimental factors and also to empower young people in the CARICOM Single Market
Economy (“CSME”).
The construction of a self-actualizing environment for young people in the CSME entails
the acquisition of direct knowledge from those to be affected by such an end. The
research methodology mandates the employ of ‘verbatim’ language in the data collection
and for the analytical processes. Young people, often considered marginalized and
voiceless in quintessence, are encouraged in this study to articulate their views and
perceptions on a spectrum of contemporary issues.
These perceptions are their reality; and the failure to gather, investigate and incorporate
them in policy and program development and implementation delimits the opportunity to
successfully adapt interventions created to address the needs and risks as experienced and
advocated by the young people. The young persons’ perceptions are therefore critical to
the empowerment process and long term sustainable social and economic development.
Inherent in the study design is the cognizance that young people are not indistinguishable.
Assuming that the youth verbalize in unison, contributes to the quandary correlated with
‘one size fits all’ solutions. As a result, sundry focus groups are used. These cohorts
2
enable the different views of young people to be gleaned. The socialization processes,
age, gender, current state of affairs, and geographic location all contribute to a variance in
their perceptions and aspirations. The voices of the unemployed, incarcerated,
institutionalized, young parent, high school student, organized youth, and urban and rural
youth are several of the varying voices heard.
The findings and subsequent analysis provide enlightenment for private and public bodies
associated with youth and their development, positive societal change, domestic and
regional stability and educational purposes.
Purpose of the Study
To facilitate the opportunity for varying young persons aged 15-29 in the Cayman
Islands, as part of a regional Caribbean Analysis of the Situation of Youth Study, to
articulate their aspirations and dreams; and for these voices to be considered instrumental
and integral when developing and implementing sustainable national and regional policy
and programs and remedies within the social, economic and political systems.
Research Question
This study sought to understand the perceptions, aspirations and dreams of young people
in the Caribbean. The guiding and predominant research question was: What are the
aspirations and dreams of young persons in the Caribbean?
3
Background to the Cayman Islands
The purpose of this background to the study is to familiarize the reader with the Cayman
Islands and describe the contextual environment of the participant.
The Cayman Islands are three islands in the western Caribbean which are 480 miles south
of Miami, Florida, 150 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica. The
three are: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman is the largest
being 4 miles wide and 22 miles long and is the most developed, most populated and is
the centre of commerce. Cayman Brac is the second largest being 1.5 miles wide and 12
miles long but has the highest point of all three called ‘The Bluff’ that reaches a height of
140 feet. Little Cayman is the smallest being 1 mile wide and 10 miles long. Cayman
Brac and Little Cayman are within five miles of each other and 80 miles to the northeast
of Grand Cayman.
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. There is a Governor appointed by
the United Kingdom to represent its interest. There is also an elected Legislative
Assembly (“the LA”)'of 15 members who represent the interests of the people living in
the islands. The LA follows the Westminster form of parliamentary procedure and is
made up of: the Lower House, comprised of a Speaker of the House, a Deputy Speaker of
the House, 3 Official Members, and 15 elected members. There is a Cabinet, or Upper
House, which is comprised of: the Governor, the 3 Official Members and 5 Ministers
with portfolio responsibilities, who are selected by peers from the 15 elected members of
the LA. The Cayman Islands is a relatively young nation having been discovered by
Christopher Columbus over 500 years ago. It has been just over 40 years in the making as
a financial centre and major tourist destination.
The Islands is the 5th largest banking centre in the world with $1.5 trillion in banking
liabilities. Being a service industry, a number of support staff is needed; including some
with specific knowledge to support such an industry. According to the 2006 Labour Force
Survey, there were 35,959 persons in the workforce. There were 18,303 Caymanians and
17,656 Non-Caymanians available in the workforce. Of those 18,303 Caymanians,
4
17,621 were employed leaving 682 were unemployed. Of the 17,395 Non-Caymanians,
17,395 were employed while 261 were unemployed. At that time the unemployment rate
was 2.6%.
In 2006 there were 5,493 youth aged 15-24 years within the 43,243 population. Of that
number 3,095 were actually participating within the workforce. Of the registered number
only 2,773 were actually employed. Of the 943 unemployed for 2006, this age group had
the highest number with 319 unemployed persons. The age group just after them, the 2524 year olds, had 119 unemployed persons.
Currently, the population of the Cayman Islands is estimated to be about 54,000. The
population of the Cayman Islands has been steadily increasing over the years but there
has been significant growth over in the past 10 years. Most people live on Grand Cayman
while about 1,200 live on Cayman Brac and 200 live on Little Cayman. Of the 54,000
inhabitants about half are of Caymanian descent while the other half are expatriate
workers on work permits, persons who have qualified for permanent residence with the
ability to live and work freely in the Cayman Islands, or persons who have acquired
Caymanian Status through length of tenure or by a family member having Caymanian
ties. There are over 100 different nationalities living, working or attending tertiary
education in the Cayman Islands.
The relative ease with which this number of nationalities lives together should not be
overlooked. This occurrence speaks to the Christian values that the community adopted
long ago and passed on to their descendants. The easy going personality of Caymanians
should not be misinterpreted. Though polite and peace-loving at the core they are as
determined, intelligent, hard-working, protective, forward thinking, innovative, educated
and competitive as any other progressive people.
The Cayman Islands is a predominantly Christian society and Caymanians are very proud
of their Christian heritage. For many years in an isolated community it was the source of
all activity. Traditionally, social order was maintained through the church being the focal
5
point. One’s accomplishments were recognized there and mentioned before the
community.
In terms of education, primary and secondary education is mandatory and free to all
Caymanians between 5 and 17 years of age. Further assistance is offered to qualified
young Caymanians wishing to pursue further education at the University College of the
Cayman Islands (UCCI), International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI), The
Cayman Islands Law School, St Matthew’s University School of Medicine and St
Matthew’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Those wishing to pursue studies not offered at
UCCI are assisted by government through the Education Council’s scholarship
programme.
6
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Focus groups are guided discussions that provide an opportunity to gather a wealth of
information in a short period of time. It is a sample of homogenous people brought
together to discuss issues, events, and to gather views. Its roots are in the qualitative
paradigm. This research methodology is flexible, non-linear, emergent, and the focusing
and refining is an ongoing process throughout the data collection and data analysis. The
design delineates the possibility of the participant being totally restricted in response
purview. The design is also beneficial because additional insight is gained from the
group’s interaction in response to the questions. In the group the participant is
encouraged to articulate their perceptions and opinions on an issue. This study sought to
understand the aspirations, hopes and concerns of young people and isolate the themes
inherent to these areas.
Focus groups are guided discussions that provide an opportunity to gather a wealth of
information in a short period of time. It is a sample of homogenous people brought
together to discuss issues, events, and to gather views. Its roots are in the qualitative
paradigm. This research methodology is flexible, non-linear, emergent, and the focusing
and refining is an ongoing process throughout the data collection and data analysis. The
design delineates the possibility of the participant being totally restricted in response
purview. The design is also beneficial because additional insight is gained from the
group’s interaction in response to the questions. In the group the participant is
encouraged to articulate their perceptions and opinions on an issue. This study sought to
understand the aspirations, hopes and concerns of young people and isolate the themes
inherent to these areas. Pertinent is this design is the capability to capture the unique and
individualistic perceptions within particular cohort groups.
Instrumentation
The instrument was field tested and exhibited the ability to extrapolate the data required
for analytical purposes. The 11 semi-structured and open-ended questions permitted the
exposure to discussion of the salient identified concerns. The instrument allowed for sub-
7
questions in order to explore and elucidate the participant responses and open areas of
questioning that may not be explained in the structured questions. In an effort to
maximize the instrument potential and prior to engaging in the focus group process, the
facilitator’s external knowledge was bracketed and biases, prejudgments, and prejudices
were suspended during the data collection from the participants. The instrument was used
once during each focus group session during a 1 hour to 2 hour period.
Data Analysis
Detailed descriptions of the issues were required from the participants in order for the
data to be subjected to the necessary qualitative data analysis. This analysis is holistic and
therefore the descriptions were read in their entirety prior to any form of analysis. This
examination allows the researcher to capture the entire picture and make sense of the
data. This initial phase of analysis sought to extract themes that were context-related to a
specific young person population.
Through inductive reasoning and careful scrutinizing of the body of data, the data was
classified into smaller sets of core themes. Once classified, the core themes enabled the
researcher to harness the underlying meanings of the participants’ expressions.
Sampling Design and Participants
A non-probability sampling design was utilized in this study; specifically, criterion
sampling. The criterion sampling approach was appropriate for this study because the
ultimate goal was to obtain very rich and detailed discussions on issues concerning young
persons in the Caribbean. It was a rational choice because it enabled the researcher to
locate and interview a specific and relatively small group of participants who had direct
experience. For the participants to be eligible for the study, they had to meet the
following criteria: the participants must be between 15 years to 29 years of age; must
have been in one of the specific identified population groups; and the participants must be
able to articulate their perceptions of the issues discussed within the groups so the themes
of this could be extrapolated for analysis.
8
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The purpose of this study was to facilitate the opportunity for varying young persons aged
15-29 in the Cayman Islands, as part of a regional Caribbean Analysis of the Situation of
Youth Study, to articulate their aspirations and dreams; and for these voices to be considered
instrumental and integral when developing and implementing sustainable national and
regional policy, programs and remedies within the social, economic and political systems.
The discovered themes in this project were sought to enhance the probability of successfully
developing and creating national and regional programs designed to assist. The study does
not attempt to prove the validity of theory or refute theory. It is a study design to understand
societal concerns as perceived and articulated by young persons. The study facilitates this
marginalized population access to an audience not normally accessible in public forums. The
captured themes simply provide a contextual insight into the social issues as understood by
young persons. The fifteen focus groups that participated in the study are as follows:
1. Commonwealth/Mixed Organization;
2. Radio Cayman;
3. Francis Bodden Girls Home;
4. Bonaventure Boys Home;
5. Fairbanks Female Prison;
6. Eagles House Male Prison;
7. Religious – All Female;
8. Religious – All Male;
9. George Hicks – Secondary All Boys;
10. Rotorac;
11. Rural Young Parents – Cayman Brac;
12. Urban Young Parents – Grand Cayman;
13. Unemployed Rural – Cayman Brac;
14. Rural Mixed - North Side Community; and
15. Mixed Teens.
9
Commonwealth/Mixed Organisation
Name of Participants
Zac
Bren
AJ
Ten Ten
Dee
5 Participants
Age
18
18
22
25
28
Sex
M
F
M
F
F
Captured themes for this cohort:
Marginalization, Political, Education, Poverty, Cultural Awareness, Crime, Unity,
Religion, Civic, Government, Resentment and Family.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Marginalization / Political
Dee:
The political aspirations of our country. Well basically why I am concerned is
because it’s affecting the young people in that we are feeling the strain and
the burden of how the older people, those who are in power or probably
even not, how they are running the country and it reflects on us in that
there’s not much of a Cayman left for us to run with to make better or
whatever.
Education
Ten Ten:
The educational aspirations of the young people today. Well I think the
young people today their not really concerned with expanding or
extending their education once they have left high school. Unless you had
a parent who was driven to assist you to train and channel that focus into
furthering your education, you’re probably concerned with getting a car or
going out to the workforce. Or you know other things that you know,
hinder or handicap you in furthering your education. Education is
important though and we really should push it because, I don’t know, me
myself now personally, I try to push my education and I’m going back to
school.
Bren: I would have to agree with what Dee and Ten Ten said the educational level and
the political aspect.
Poverty
AJ:
The rising poverty level.
10
Cultural Awareness
AJ:
Also with the loss of culture, a lot of our old homes and just things that are part of
our culture are torn down or sold to someone and they turn them into
hotels or condominiums or something of that sort and we are basically just
losing everything that is us.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Crime
AJ:
A peaceful one. The rise in crime here in Cayman.
Zac:
Well I would have to say a safe Caribbean.
Unity
Bren: A respectful Caribbean where the people get along with each other.
AJ:
I will agree with them also like she said, unity. We all come as young to help each
other out in whatever way we can. Stop discriminating against each other.
Basically that’s what I can think about right now, I’m just kind of tired
from work right now.
Religion
Ten Ten:
Well I think the kind of Caribbean that I look forward to living in is a
God-fearing Caribbean. Respectful of each other and fearing God. Living
life in the appropriate way that we should be living life.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Education
Dee:
By being there going to school and everything getting our education
Civic / Unity
Bren: To me it should be about getting young people to meet together to suggest what
should be done about certain issues or whatever. Issues affecting their
community that they need to change or improve.
Dee:
We contribute by our masses are the leaders of tomorrow, so by us being, forming
together to try to unite one another you know. We contribute just by being
11
there and just by trying to forge together whenever we can against
whatever the situation may be.
Cultural Awareness
AJ:
Well how they can is, I would say try to learn about the past of Cayman, the
culture. Learn the old cuisines, how things were made in the old days like
thatch roping. We are known for that. The turtles protect them and so on.
Ten Ten:
I like what AJ says about keeping the culture alive. That is very important
so definitely we want to emphasize about keeping the culture but not only
the culture, I think how young people can contribute is by being obedient.
Conform
AJ:
Young people can contribute is by being obedient. Being respectful of authority.
And believe it or not, it sounds simple but it can be very hard for young
people to do….. If they could be more mature in that sense it could really I
think help in a dramatic way with society on a whole. Then you would
spend less time allotted to do discipline and other stuff and focus more on
pushing forward.
Marginalization
Zac:
I would say young people kind of like, I know a lot of older people who they have
this mindset that they can’t learn things from people who are younger and
it makes it kind of hard for us as young people.
Q#4: What is it like living in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Education
Dee:
The education system is not of the best quality. It could be better. They could
emphasize more, well at least when I was going to school I felt there
wasn’t given enough emphasis on children who had problem areas or
whatever. Persons trying to help them and stuff like that or whatever.
Teachers to me at that time did not feel the need to further help the
students get forward or try and cross the hurdle or whatever the situation
may have been.
Government
Dee:
The political aspect of course is a strain on us as well as we are the future
leaders of Cayman, seeing what the present leaders are doing. It makes it
that we feel ‘why are we concerned?’ in a negative way because they are
making us feel that after they are done there will be no more Cayman left.
12
AJ:
I also hate how they love to emphasize how they are for the youth and stuff like
that but they don’t contribute nothing to the youth. Or if they do anything,
they do at a very minimum and then they can use money to build big
buildings that you don’t need and build bigger roads that you should be
using the money in schools first. Use the money in schools. There are a lot
of families that can hardly pay like school fees and stuff like that.
Resentment
Bren: Not only that but I realize that the government is spending money to bring
foreigners here and they may say that they have the qualifications but how
do you know. Because I am sure that they don’t call to make sure that this
person has qualifications.
AJ:
Well I agree with what she is saying because they [Government] concentrate more
on the tourists and stuff like that here more than the people. The tourists
are gonna’ come and leave, we are gonna’ always be here. This is always
gonna’ be our home they have to remember that.
Dee
Cayman is not for Caymanians anymore basically. Cayman is for foreigners
nowadays. A foreigner can go to a bank and can easily get a loan much
quicker than a Caymanian can. I have seen it. I am now in the stage in my
life where I would like to get my own house and the bank is telling me that
I can’t do that unless I have a certain amount of money coming into the
bank.
Marginalization
Zac:
It’s pretty hard actually. I mean like I guess because we are looked down on a lot.
Like we can’t really express ourselves. And even if we do its not taken
anyway.
Dee:
When I went to some of the meetings and asked questions the ministers are rolling
their eyes and folding their hands like ‘what does she want?’ I am a young
person yes and I have interest in my country and I want to make sure that
my country proceeds and does well and in order for me to do that I need to
make sure that what choices the government is making is right for my
country and the only way I will know that its right is if I ask questions and
if you feel a way when I ask my questions then it makes me feel that you
don’t wanna’ listen to me so why should I bother talking? But I am still
going to open my mouth and I’m still going to talk and if you don’t like it.
13
Education
Bren: Coming out of high school, places want people with 5 to 20 years working
experience and young people don’t have that. And not everybody’s
parents have the money to send them overseas for schooling. Some
people have parents that can afford to send them but not everybody has
that kind of financial means so that they can say ‘oh my child is coming
out of high school next month’ so you know I am sending her to the States
for school or whatever. Not everybody has that kind of money and the
government needs to realize that.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Education
Dee:
The ideal Caribbean youth that I would like to see would be a young person who
has their head on their shoulders, who studies, reads, is interested in the
world prospect and not just the Caribbean because everything that happens
outside the Caribbean as well affects us.
Religion
Dee:
A praying, intellectual young person.
Ten Ten:
I like everything that Dee just said and I think definitely a person who is
God fearing you know, putting God First in their lives.
Civic
AJ:
We also need to remember that they have to be very respectful, involved in their
community. Find out the needs of the people and things like that. Things
that they would have to address.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Education
Dee:
I aspire to finish my education.
Bren: My all time dream is to finish high school and get a Bachelors degree in a career
which I want to pursue in which I haven’t figured out yet.
Zac:
Well I would say first of all to be educated, respected. To be successful in
whatever I do. Get my Masters, PhD etc.
14
Family
Ten Ten:
Zac:
Well personally I wanna’ get married and have 4 children and I want to
raise them right. I want to give them everything that I never had and more.
I want them to be the future leaders of the world.
To have big family.
Civic
AJ:
I want to be like somebody like Jamo [a youth services leader] just helping the
youth doing whatever I can for the community and stuff. You know me
already, all of my free time I am with Jamo, learning things from him and
helping out in whatever projects he may have.
Ten Ten:
I should say my aspirations professionally would be that I want to be an
entrepreneur and then a philanthropist after that because after I make a lot
of money then I would like to know that I have a fixed amount that I can
actually give some away as well to furthering other people in the
community and actually the world at large.
Bren: Also to be a person to help people or younger Caymanians coming up behind me
to get things in life and to do things with their life. Where I now am
struggling to get my life on the road to get it right, whereas I want young
people behind me to have a stable steady road to take.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Education / Employment
Dee:
In the next two or three years to someplace else to get further work experience,
education and international experience.
Ten Ten:
I would like to do my Bachelors and then I’ll probably be contemplating
doing my Masters in whatever it is that I am interested in at the time.
AJ:
Get my MCSE, MCSA, those qualifications and that way I can run a company of
my own.
Zac:
More educated.
AJ:
To advance more in my profession. To become an IT professional.
Bren: I am hoping that I can continue my education at UCCI and working at the same
time or hopefully back in London with my brother pursuing my education.
15
Religion
Ten Ten:
I would have grown spiritually and I am at a higher level of where I need
to be with God and in the church.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated yes.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Yes. For experience or education and then return.
Ten Ten:
Well before I have my children I would like to travel as much as I can.
Certainly in regards to work and learning certain intellectual aspects. I
haven’t been anywhere else and can’t think of anywhere else that’s better
so I guess out of ignorance I would want to say that I would live here but
that’s because I really don’t fit anywhere else, and I like our climate too so
that’s a big plus.
AJ:
Well in regards to, I like to travel so in the future I would like it visit a lot of other
Caribbean countries and other regions but Cayman would still be my
home. I would still be my resident place here. I might go to the US also or
the UK but that is so I can further my education.
Dee:
I would just like to clarify that this is my retirement spot. Trust me, I goin’ have
my house up in East End so I can retire right up there on the bluff. That’s
it. I not going nowhere.
Bren: The only place I would go to and stay for a little while would be England. I am
not a person that has really travelled yet but I would love to. But my
overall place would have to be England because if I was to go back there
and start a family my children would get a bank account from the
government. They get free schooling until they are 18. Transportation is so
much easier. Some of their crime levels are not high depending on where
you live. So I would certainly go there.
Q#10: How many of you have heard about CSME? What are the benefits?
All participants indicated yes.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you make
to improve the quality of life of young people?
16
Education
Ten Ten:
Well that brings us back to what we first discussed. For me, education. I
mean pushing the education of the young people. I don’t know if it means
we have to go out there with picket signs and what not, but just really,
really getting to the bottom of the young people.
Civic
AJ:
Also we need more encouragement for the teens. There are some teens that their
parents don’t really care much about them and in the end they resort to
going into gangs and stuff like that. Just to get some kind of, yeah so you
belong. And that ends up being a problem for society.
Marginalization
Dee:
I feel that there needs to be more people out there who will actually listen. There
are people out there that listens, I am not saying that there not, but you feel
that sometimes it’s just not going anywhere, it’s just not doing anything.
You just have to keep on at it.
AJ:
I would say they should sit down and listen to some of the issues that some of the
young people have because a lot of people out there like to just shove
things down the young people’s throat.
Bren: To me, one way to bring out the voice of the young people is the first time that
they say something, depending on who the person is, because I personally
for one, the people that we have in this Government nowadays, they only
worried about themselves. They are not worried about the young people
and I mean you can go to them and say to them, look them in the eye and
say ‘listen to me I want this and this done’. They not going turn around
and do anything about it.
Radio Cayman
17
Name of Participants
Jojo
Theo
Leah
Jay
Andy
5 Participants
Age
19
18
19
18
16
Sex
F
M
F
M
M
Captured themes for this cohort:
Marginalization, Stereotype, Education, Health, Economy, Cultural Awareness,
Environment, Crime, Unity, Apathy, Civic, Evolving, Resentment and Family.
Q#1: As a young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Resentment
Leah: As a young person what has deeply concerned me with Cayman is our
immigration system and how effective it is to protect Caymanians right
now.
Cultural Awareness
Male: Economic growth and further development and so we see where cultural and
national identity is slowly being lost whether it be here in the Cayman
Islands or worldwide.
Economy
Theo: For me it would be economic growth and how rapid it is. When is enough enough
and when to say no etc.
Crime
Jojo:
The violent behaviour of our young people these days as compared to how it was
in the past.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Unity
Male: I mean I think that there was a lot more togetherness back then where travel was
harder than there is now where things are so much easier, and I think I
would like to see a lot more Caribbean young people come together and be
able to visit each other’s countries and share their experiences. A
Caribbean that is not biased to each other, that wants the greater good of
the Caribbean for us to come together and to work together as one.
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Crime
Jay:
I would like to live in a crime free environment.
Andy: I think I too would love to see a crime free society.
Environment
Jojo:
There is a reggae song that says ‘our land is beautiful the only thing that is
missing is the money’, well now you see that the money is here but it’s
corrupting the beauty. So I’d rather it the way it was before.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Apathy
Theo: For example, I have recently traveled to the Bahamas and learned that 50% of
their high school students don’t graduate. That’s kind of disappointing.
You see a lot of free loaders around and I don’t know if it’s because of
their ‘don’t care’ attitude but its very depressing.
Leah: I think that currently young people are contributing a minimum to society right
now. We’re not doing as much as we could and we’re not doing as much
as we want to be doing. Some of us want to be doing more and don’t have
resources to do it.
Jay:
I think young people contribute both positively and negatively because young
people greatly affect things such as crime and a sense of nationalism
because of, as was said there is a lot of resources here in Cayman and if
young people utilize that then there wouldn’t be a need to always have go
to foreigners. We can use our own local people to strengthen our own
economy.
Jojo:
I think that the contribution of the young people depends on the mind set of them
and if you have a frame of mind that you can’t, then there is nothing that
you can contribute because you mind and your heart isn’t in it. I think that
there is a lot that our young people have to offer but they haven’t been
pushed in the direction to do so.
Andy: The way I see that is that the young people here in our society aren’t, they don’t
have the self sustaining drive to plow into our society and contribute to
any great level. As a matter a fact I see that the students who tend to excel
are normally not natural or not Caymanians per say, and the reason I
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would say that is because the ‘expats’ are coming from different societies
where they see the need to excel.
Q#4: What is it like living in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Marginalization / Stereotype
Andy: I fear we are expected to be lazy and not all that smart and we are ignorant at
times and that’s what the majority of Caymanians are portrayed as. So it’s
kind of hard living up or living down that stereotype.
Jay:
I believe there is a lot of biasness to go around especially in business places a lot
of employers have this outlook that from once you are a Caymanian you
are lazy and you don’t want to work and you have to go and face that and
prove them wrong all the time. You know, older folks in the community
usually look at us as trouble makers or law breakers and that’s a lot of
biasness that we have to work around so we have to be on our “p’s” and
“q’s” at all times in society.
Jojo:
I think that living in the Cayman Islands right now as a young person you go
through certain struggles because like what Jay said, people are biased
against you and here they are not open to change.
Theo: Young people are very easily influenced and any foreign object, they will use that
to their advantage. Thus that’s what the elders portray and see.
Cultural Awareness
Leah: As a young person in Cayman, my biggest thing has been our drowning culture.
That’s what bothers me the most here in Cayman and that’s what I’ve
been having to live with. I just feel that we live in such a multi-cultural
place that it’s hard to try to be fully Caymanian in our society because the
other cultures that are here are very overpowering or, you know, more
embracing. And so you kind of get lost in that or you kind of feel that you
are inferior for trying to embrace your own culture. I’m not gonna’ be rude
to this, I’m not gonna’ be biased to this, but I need to know who I am.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Attributes
Leader, Culturally aware, Ambassador, Role model.
Jojo:
Look like? I don’t think they’re physical appearance really matters because as a
Caribbean person you can be Indian, white, black, whatever it may be,
because that’s how Caribbean people are they are many different
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ethnicities. But on a personal level this person has to be strong minded.
Has a great deal of nationalism, be a leader able to lead people in the right
direction. That’s what you know, I think.
Civic / Leader
Leah: I don’t think that you know we need that stereotypical you know, ‘Oh they have
to look like a bombshell’ to you know, be representing us anywhere else.
In terms of how they should be, I think that it’s kind of hard for us to put
that distinctive you know, ‘you should be this way, this way, this way’,
but I think that that person should understand that their role would be
within or in the public eye and out of the public eye. And they have to
understand that what they are doing they must be selfless about it.
Andy: I think that being a good leader, a ‘visionist’ at the same time. Someone who is
fair and just but also very good at surviving, is what I would say a person
should be.
Cultural Awareness
Andy: Caribbean people are survivors no matter where we go, no matter what we come
across we are survivors and I think the person who should represent the
Caribbean. However, I think they will all agree with me when I say that all
Caribbean people are survivors. We’ve fought it out through rough times
and we have survived.
Male: I think that nationalism plays a big part in it. I think that once a young person has
love for their country, they will carry themselves in a manner that’s decent
and appropriate at all times no matter where they are.
Ambassador
Theo: I would say has to be an ambassador, has to be recognizable, to say ‘Yes that
person is from the Caribbean’.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Evolving
Jojo:
Overtime my dreams and aspirations have changed as far as my career would be.
Theo: For me personally, I have not reached that far as yet. I can’t tell you.
Leah: Well very recently, my dreams and aspirations have changed. I would say that I
am still an aspiring teacher.
21
Civic / Role Model
Theo: I would say for me, to make significance, especially for Caymanians, no
disrespect for other Caribbean nations but, they have their sprinters, they
have their musicians. I just want somebody from Cayman to just do
something great and say I am proud to be Caymanian.
Jay
I also want to be a good role model that other young Caymanian men can look up
to and not feel like hanging out on the street and driving whatsoever car
makes them a man or makes them cool. I want to be a role model and
make a difference.
Jay:
My dreams at this point, I would say to definitely be at the top of whatsoever
accounting firm or bank or any financial institution because I believe that
young people need somebody they can look up to and most of the times
look at these big companies, most of the times it is foreigners that are at
the top.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Education
Andy: Well in the next 5 years I should be graduating from the Norman Manley Law
School in Jamaica and looking for a University in England.
Jay:
Well I see myself having my Bachelors Degree in Accounting and my CPA and
ACCA Certification and at a good level in some accounting firm or bank.
Theo: The next 5 years hopefully I will be able to have my Bachelors in Computer
Science and I guess I would take a little break after that and do a world
tour.
Jojo:
In 5 years I hope to have my Bachelors in whatever career I choose, whether it be
archeology or in the Cayman law system and definitely starting out life as
an adult you know. Taking it one step at a time to get there.
Civic
Leah: In the next 5 years I see myself teaching my own classroom. I also see myself
taking a more ‘out there’ role with the young people, starting some more
after school activities and definitely trying to get our Heritage class at Red
Bay Primary School running as a subject in the school so that our young
people have somewhere where they can gain that nationalism from.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen?
All participants indicated yes.
22
Jojo:
Of course! I mean I personally cannot live anywhere else but in the Caribbean,
that’s just me. If it’s cold, don’t expect me to be there, no. I love my
culture, my way of life in the Caribbean. You won’t find this anywhere
else. That’s why everywhere else calls us Paradise.
Leah: I find myself to be a person of the Caribbean due to the fact that you know, there
is warmth here. Within the Caribbean we share almost a common culture
and I’ll use ‘almost’ because everyone has their distinct flavour but we all
seem to simmer in the same pot, you know, in that way that we can have
our distinctiveness.
Andy: Without a doubt. There is nowhere else in the world that is half as, well I don’t
know how to describe it but, here in the Caribbean is a place that I would
never trade for anything else not another life experience living here.
Jay:
I am a nationalist when it comes to the Caribbean because this is my home and
you can go anywhere else but at the end of the day they can throw you off
but you can always have the Caribbean to come back to and that’s very
important.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Most of the participants indicated no.
Jojo:
I don’t really plan on living anywhere else than the Cayman Islands.
Leah: I have never nor do I believe I will ever plan to live anywhere else but here! This
is my home. This is the place I love. And this is the only place where I
would ever raise my children.
Jay:
Well I was born in Jamaica but I definitely love the Cayman Islands. I really can’t
see myself living anywhere else but right here because to me this is like
the greatest place to live.
Yes
Theo: Well for me, I’ve been told that I can’t keep still so I would probably live other
places.
Q#10: How many have heard about CSME? What are the benefits?
Majority of the participants indicated yes.
Q#11:
If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you
make to improve the quality of life of young people?
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Education
Male: I would definitely say, provide more affordable education to young people
elsewhere in the Caribbean
Leah: I am a very big advocate for technical education schools here in the Cayman
Islands or somewhere I think in the Caribbean. In Cayman we need one
right now. There are many young Caymanians that are not so thrilled
about you know, heading into the banking or the financial world.
Male: Education. I think there are far too many persons who aren’t educated. And while
my comrade might have said that “what use is education if you are dead?”,
I still think it makes some sense whatsoever to at least educate the people.
I mean ignorance is bliss and without knowledge you have no power and
by placing power into the young people’s hands you can change their
lives. So I think more education or we should step up on education in all
aspects.
Health
Theo: For me, it would be health, a more conscious effort on health. Because, no offense
guys, but as much education as you may have, you could dead and then
you can’t do nothing. Lets more concentrate on the health. It surprises me
that the Caribbean is the second highest in AIDS, getting higher in
diabetes as well, stress level, heart attacks at a young age, seizures and
stuff.
Family
Jojo:
Well first of all I would strongly say to advocate a good home life because I
believe that the most influential time on a child’s life is time spent at
home.
Crime
JoJo: I would also ask them to think about the long term effect on the economics in the
country because the less jobs there are the more crime you will have in a
country because if you cant resort to a living with a job then you would
more or less go towards crime, stealing, etc.
Mixed Teens
Name of Participants
Solanie Alvarez
James Geary
Alexis Myrie
Age
15
17
12
Sex
F
M
F
24
Karlie Lovinggood
Danielle Brown
5 Participants
13
11
F
F
Captured themes for this cohort:
Crime, Environment, Cultural Awareness, Modernization, Marginalization,
Apathy, Activities, Education, Religion, Evolving, Professional, Entrepreneur, Civic,
Uncertainty, Material Possessions, Experience, Unity, Evolving, Resentment and
Family.
Q#1: What concerns you as young persons today?
Crime
Karlie: I am scared of being hurt by “crazy and mean people” that I believe are roaming
free.
Solanie:
My concern is the high number of motor vehicle accidents involving
young people in Cayman.
James G:
Our human nature to be wicked. It is so easy to do the wrong thing. For
example, if someone hits you your first reaction is not to turn the other
cheek but to retaliate. Human nature is to protect self above all else
therefore wickedness will never be illuminated.
Alexis: I am concerned for the safety of my mother as well as my own. The general state
of the world does not make me feel any more comfortable either.
Danielle:
I Believe that bad people will always be in this world and that there are
two types of people “sinners” and “believers”. There will always be good
vs. evil, but it is up to the individual to choose.
Danielle:
I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my family. The potential
abuses of technology such as internet stalkers.
Environment
Karlie: I fear all the overdevelopment of the island it could literally sink. I think the land
was not made to withstand all the current and ongoing construction and
infrastructure. Cayman was meant to remain a mostly “grassy place”.
James G:
I’m concerned about global warming as well. Oil drilling and other
destructive activities have lead to the state of the world today with animals
dying and ice caps melting away. We have destroyed our number one
resources.
25
Karlie: I’m scared of global warming and want to enjoy seeing Polar Bears and other
wildlife. Most things are now extinct because of what man has done to
their environment.
Cultural Awareness
Danielle:
Cayman should be focusing on culture and not so much on technology. I
wonder what will happen with all the modernization of the islands.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean would you want to live in?
Cultural Awareness / Modernization
Alexis: I believe that the reason Cayman is building so many things is to cater to the
Americans visiting the Island. I believe that the Americans already have
their own home so Cayman should not be building to accommodate them.
Building should be done for the Caymanians.
Karlie: I want the pieces of history of each country to be retained and for the population
of these countries to know their culture. I know young people who live in
Cayman and yet do not know simple things about its culture such as the
traditional uses of the Silver Thatch Palm tree. I feel that everyone should
know about their own country while being open to the cultures of others.
Danielle:
I want to live somewhere peaceful that has lots of culture to be learnt.
James G:
I believe that our environment has been eroded due to modernization and
think that Cayman is physically looking like the US more and more each
day.
Environment
Karlie: I think that Cayman is overdeveloped. Like there is this open lot by the King Gym
that they cleared of trees and shrubs to make way for the parking lot of a
gym. I want to live in a Caribbean that is not too overdeveloped but still
modern.
James G:
Crime
I have been a guest of a group discussion at a local club called the
Commonwealth Club, and the topic of discussion was the government’s
intention to destroy a group of rare orchids that lay in the path of a
proposed road scheme. I was angered that the government would propose
such a decision. I believe that the rare plants could have been preserved as
a monument of the Cayman Islands that tourist would be interested in
seeing.
26
Danielle:
I believe that children can change Cayman. I do not like it when children
witness adults in Cayman hurt each other. I think that children are the
future and that when adults tell them this it puts pressure on the young
people. It is up to the young people to create change.
Marginalization
Danielle:
The Government does not have the right to push young people aside. They
should listen to what they have to say.
James G:
I think that when the youth realize who they are then they are empowered
to make movements in the present. Without the youth the world would not
survive.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Apathy
Alexis: I don’t not think that young people contribute much to their society but they could
if they tried. I feel that young people don’t really have much of a choice
because they are not allowed to contribute.
Cultural Awareness
Karlie: If they researched the culture of the Cayman Islands even with something as
simple as making local dishes. I believe that we are here to pass
information down from one generation to the next and so should think
about the future. If we do not try to preserve the true Cayman, then it will
be lost.
Alexis: is teaching children how to prepare traditional Caymanian dishes. This she feels is
helping to preserve Caymanian culture.
Marginalization
James G:
I contribute also through singing and dancing and I work with my school
by taking the lead in assembly/devotion time thereby giving the youth a
voice.
Danielle:
By saying that regardless of your personality type, be it outgoing and loud
or quiet and reserved, if you do not speak on your opinions then no one
will know what they are.
27
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person?
Activities
James G:
I think living in Cayman is not very entertaining but is much like living
anywhere else except that in Cayman there are more opportunities and
resources to obtain.
Solanie:
It is “kind of good” to live in Cayman but there is not much to do in terms
of entertainment.
Karlie: I agree with Alexis that there are things to do in Cayman but that the choices are
limited.
Education
James G:
I feel that even though you may have to apply for these scholarships more
than once, the fact is that they are available and can be attained with hard
work and perseverance
Cultural Awareness
Solanie:
Cayman has evolved greatly to the point where one can’t really tell which
things are inherently Caymanian and which are not.
Crime
Danielle:
I see young people “killing off each other”.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Attributes
Educated, religious, visionary, responsible, open-minded and a leader
Alexis: They would be like the average person but they would know where they were
coming from and where they were headed.
Danielle:
They would be church going, modest in dressing, well educated and well
mannered.
Karlie: They would possess a deep personality; be focused; sensible; trustworthy; be real
and not superficial; not easily influenced while being open-minded;
opinionated but humble.
28
Religion
Solanie:
God fearing and giving.
James G:
They should have a personal relationship with God.
Cultural Awareness
Danielle:
They must be knowledgeable of their culture.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Evolving
Solanie:
I am not really wasn’t sure about my aspirations.
Alexis: I am not quite sure of what my aspirations are or where I will be in the next 20
years.
Education
Alexis: I am sure that I will go to college and do something positive.
James G:
I plan to attain a degree in Theology.
Professional / Entrepreneur
Karlie: When I was younger I wanted to be a chef, fashion designer, abstract artist but
now I realize my talent in writing and I want to be a journalist.
Danielle:
I consider my career options to be a chef, singer or cartoonist.
Civic
James G:
I want to work with the youth, I want to get the attention of the youth
through singing and dance. I want to go overseas then return to Cayman
and put together large productions with children.
Religion
James G:
I want to be a full time musician, dancer and minister of the gospel
compiling all of these things to promote Christianity.
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Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Education
James G:
I see myself ahead in my Bachelors and then on to doing my Masters.
Karlie: I hope to graduate from school and on to preparing college applications for
overseas colleges.
Danielle:
I see myself still in school trying to do better.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
Uncertainty
Solanie:
I am not sure I consider myself as a Caribbean citizen. I don’t have much
in common with the rest of the persons participating in the group
discussion. I am just a Cuban.
Yes
James G:
I feel that being Caribbean is a way of life and once you become a part of
that life then you are Caribbean.
Alexis: I feel like I know I am Caribbean but am aware that I have not experienced most
of the things that children permanently living in Cayman have.
Danielle:
I feel that I belong in the Caribbean as it is my home.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but this country? Why? Where would you want
to
live?
No.
James G:
I do not want to live outside of the Cayman Islands. I think people do
because it can be a bit boring. I feel that all the youth in Cayman should
use their talent and give back to the Island by staying here. I plan to get
my education from the US and return to Cayman.
Experience
Karlie: I admit to having had plans in the past to live in the US and be happy there, but
now I have given it more thought and I feel that just like Danielle, I would
get home sick too. Cayman is part of me although I do enjoy traveling.
30
Uncertainty / Experience
Participants who said yes.
Danielle:
I would have to be near to Cayman so I could visit when I wanted to.
Alexis: I want to live somewhere where there aren’t any natural disasters but realizing
that this is not realistic I prefer to live somewhere where the only natural
disasters would be blizzards.
James: I love to travel and believe that if he was not living in Cayman he would most
likely be a missionary traveling the world.
Uncertainty
Solanie:
I am not sure about what will happen to in the next 5 years.
Alexis: I have no clue.
Q#10: How many of you have heard of the CSME?
Only one participant had heard of it.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you make
to improve the quality of life of young people?
Marginalization
Danielle:
Let young people speak their minds. There is too much focus on adults
and what they want.
Material Possessions
Karlie: We are getting too caught up in material possessions. Money cannot buy
happiness.
Alexis: When children get exposed to electronics they spend too much time on them
instead of focusing on their studies and using their brains productively.
Solanie:
There is so much emphasis on money that instead of studying and
preparing for school, young people tend to focus more on gaming and
toys.
Danielle:
Excessive television viewing and game playing has a destructive effect.
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Fairbanks Female Prison
Name of Participants
Tameka
Topaz
2 Participants
Age
23
23
Sex
All Female
Offence
Breach of Trust (theft)
Drug Trafficking
Captured themes for this cohort:
Media, Morals, Marginalization, Education, Activities, Labeling, Cultural
Awareness, Crime, Unity, Civic, Government, Opportunity, Hypocritical,
Entrepreneur, Home Ownership, Resentment, Prison, Abuse of Women and Family.
32
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Media
Topaz:
I would have to say you know the media.
Morals
Topaz: I feel that kids growing up today feel that it’s ok to be practically naked in the
company of men and boys and they think its ok to sleep around and not
take care of themselves and they kind of grow with that mentality.
Crime
Topaz:
.
Tameka:
That it’s ok to live a life of crime
I would say violence and drugs.
Activities
Tameka:
And because the community in Cayman is so small and they don’t have
anything for the youths to do sometimes we get involved with the wrong
company and probably they are involved with drugs.
Government
Tameka:
Just the mere fact that I would honestly say the Government takes no time
to actually consider the youth and what it is that they would like to do.
What it is that they would need to implement.
Activities
Topaz:
They play video games, they watch TV. They see all this stuff going on
because there is nothing to do.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you would you want to live in?
Unity
Topaz: I would have to say one where the whole Caribbean on a whole everybody is just
united, helping out each other. That we can just come back together as one
again you know. And recognize that we are the Caribbean. We are one big
family.
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Tameka:
Well I’m gonna’ have to agree with Topaz. Yeah I would really like for all
the Caribbean countries to be united.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Opportunity
Topaz: Well seeing as though the young people are the future of the world you would
say, they don’t really get a chance, meaning they are not challenged
enough.
Government
Topaz: The Government just don’t care to help out with a scholarship, they turn to drugs.
So I can’t say that they are helping a lot.
Marginalization
Topaz: I mean people tend to ignore them at times. So I can’t say that they are really
helping. If new programs were in effect for them. but the Government
needs to recognize them and look for talent. Look for trades or just look at
them on a whole to see where they want to go in life and help them.
Education / Employment / Labeling
Topaz: Well for one I mean getting out of here, I would hope that society or the
government doesn’t look at me like ‘oh well she was in prison, who cares
about her? She aint’ going nowhere?’, and just come to me and find out
well ‘do you wanna take courses?’. You know, ‘what is your trade?
Cayman itself doesn’t have anything like trade. You know like you have
countries where they, ok if you come out of school or even if you don’t
34
graduate from high school because some people just don’t have the brains
you know so they go and take up a trade. Its like working doing hospitality
is below a Caymanian. Doing carpentry is below a Caymanian. They make
the standards on us high but yet still the education to get these types of
positions are low.
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Environment
Topaz: Well for me it’s a beautiful place. That I am gonna’ comment on. We have
beautiful beaches.
Topaz: Everyone is always friendly but as far as living up to everyone’s expectations
you’re not allowed to make mistakes.
Hypocritical
Tameka:
Well Cayman is, no matter what this my Cayman Islands. I’m a
Caymanian and I love Cayman. At least 90% of Caymanian population is
hypocritical. They judge you by who you hang out with. They judge you
by who your boyfriend or girlfriend is. They judge you by the car you
drive. They judge you by the job you have and it makes it harder for us.
Labeling
Tameka:
That was just all I was hearing. ‘You went to prison, you went to prison,
you went to prison, you went to prison’. Well ok. Give me a try. Give me
a shot. I have changed and now that I’m back again it’s like ‘don’t give
her a chance’. And this is why a lot of the youths in Cayman, when they
talk about re-offending in the Cayman Islands is so high is because
probably, and it’s unfair because that is kind of pushing me back into the
life of crime. Because you are not really giving me a chance to prove and I
not going starve.
Tameka:
They just think that from your in prison you’re illiterate and you’re stupid.
And you have no, you just dumb. That’s the word I can come up with.
Yeah they wouldn’t expect of to use words even as “stigma”.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Drive, resilience, family, respect, congenial, pride
Topaz: They would have to possess the drive and the hunger to want to reach somewhere
in life. To want to be seen not only in the Caribbean but for the rest of the
35
world to look at us. I mean, they would have to possess the willingness to
put aside whatever they feel their family has put them through to make
them feel that they can’t make it. They just have to be strong. To show the
world that we are still here. No matter how small. The Caribbean is here.
Tameka:
Oh well you know manners and respect at the top, top, top. [laughter] A
sense of humor. A good personality. Always smiling. Always keep their
head up no matter what they going through because yeah we from the
Caribbean. We might not be from the United States but guess what? We
all bleed the same blood. Nobody is better than anybody else. The island
might be small but you can come here for vacation every year. Just a great
personality, educated. Have a trade of some sort.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Entrepreneur
Topaz: I wanna be a star as a singer one day you know.
Family
Topaz: I’ve always felt that as a little girl and you know to have a family of my own. I
wanna be a good mother.
Tameka:
Me? The sky is the limit for me. I want to be a great mom like my mom.
Employment
Topaz: …at the same time juggle a job and sing on the side.
Tameka:
I want to model. I wanna be known as Cayman’s first Caymanian best
accountants.
Marginalization / Rehabilitation
Topaz: I just, I wanna be normal. I don’t want to be seen as a criminal. I’ve learnt my
lesson. I want to move on now and I can’t ‘cause there is no options here
at all.
Entrepreneur
Tameka:
Civic
I want to own my own business because I love numbers. I love accounts.
36
Tameka:
I wanna be known as somebody that helped my community. That other
people can come and say well you know she went to prison but she came
out and look at her.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Education
Topaz: I don’t know. In the next 5 years I see myself going to school. I like computers so
I would probably do something with that you know.
Home ownership
Topaz: Basically saving enough to get my house started.
Employment
Topaz: Getting my career going.
Family
Topaz: Probably reuniting with my family.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
Both participants indicated yes.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Both participants indicated yes.
Topaz: Migration? Yeah. I think once I am settled here I am good to go.
Tameka:
You know that where I going right? I going back to my roots.
Q#10: How many of you have heard of CSME? What are the benefits?
None of the participants heard of it.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you give to
make to improve the quality of life of the young people?
Education
37
Tameka:
I would say in Cayman a better education. Because I am not sure if you
are aware of it but our educational system is very lacking. I think they
need to have better education so that we don’t have to always like what
Topaz said, go abroad to widen our horizon. We need to have some kind
of trades. Some kind of trade. Anything whether it’s singing, dancing,
cooking, anything to do with trades.
Topaz: Prisoners ourselves give us a chance you know. Give us more programs,
something to do. We have nothing doing here at all. Internal programs
yeah. When I first came here, the sentencing planning was basically
saying well we will help you get a job and they didn’t. I mean they only
asked me personal questions about family history and if I was exposed to
violence and all that stuff you know. They didn’t help.
Civic
Tameka:
Being more involved with other communities, other countries, not just
being selfish towards your own island but helping out other islands. Ones
that you know that are suffering like Haiti and stuff.
Resentment
Topaz: I think I would have to say, you know we focusing on the youth right now, but
adults with the working industry I mean as a Caymanian you could be
working somewhere for years and don’t get a promotion. Whereas a
foreigner can come and he would get that promotion like that. I would say
just to pay more attention to the adults you know that’s been working for
years. You know so I would like to say just give us Caymanians a chance.
Not to say because we are not fit to work in a certain position why you
would give someone else that promotion. That’s not fair.
Marginalization
Tameka:
I think too that they actually have to listen to the youths. Listen to ‘em.
Sometimes they will be like “all ‘unnu say is you have nothing to do”.
You’re only listening to I say I don’t have nothing to do but you don’t
listen to the rest of what I am saying to you. They should actually listen to
the youth. Have a youth program going on with the MLAs that are about,
go to the schools, if you know you can’t get a bunch of teenagers to come
out willingly to a meeting then. And then probably if you talk the youths
will sit and listen. And then they will probably voice their stuff and tell
you. You have to listen. You have to talk. You have to ask for the
information. You can’t just expect us to just tell you what we want
knowing that you not going listen anyways. We have to know that you can
to do it.
38
Abuse of women
Topaz: You know what I think that’s being ignored here too and I don’t wanna leave this
out. Its abuse against women. A lot of that is happening here every day
nothing is being done about it and people know and we are not getting any
help. I mean there is sexual abuse. I mean sexual abuse is crazy here. It
crazy here and its being ignored.
Topaz:
I mean, I wanna know where are the programs for women who succumb to
domestic abuse. Sexual abuse, abuse from just you know just peer
pressure. You know where are the programs for that? What about
teenagers coming up that raising a child and the father is gone? You know,
what about that? Where are the programs for that?
Eagle House Male Prison
39
Name of Participants
Snoop
Cleve
Josh
Trix
T
5 Participants
Age
23
21
20
18
21
Sex
All Males
Captured themes for this cohort:
Marginalization, Education, Opportunities, Equality, Cultural Awareness, Crime,
Violence, Unity, Entrepreneur, Rehabilitation, Professional, Home Ownership,
Resentment and Family.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Employment
Josh:
Lack of job opportunities.
Trix:
Job opportunities.
Cleve:
Boy I wah’ gah’ say the same thing he say.
Clan:
Lack of job opportunities.
Marginalization
Dan:
What concerns me the most is how the Governor is wasting so much youths live
in jail dah’ wah’ concerns me on these fucked up laws that concerns me.
Josh:
What concerns me is I can’t live by the system that concerns me.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you would you want to live in?
Marginalization
Snoop: The big Caymanians that nah’ been in the system ‘cause you see like me now they
would look at me and say “oh nah’ dah’ ‘um Makeva cousin send him
prison he dangerous” because if you family in some kind a badness dah’
mean you in badness too.
Trix:
Nobody nah’ judging that person they be like “look at him, he so bad he can’t get
a job”. I don’t want to be living in a Cayman people beating round the
bush nah’ ‘fraid to talk to your face and talk behind your back.
40
Opportunities
Male: A Cayman that the Caymanians, the young youths have the same opportunities as
the foreigners.
Male: Yeah give everybody a fair opportunity you understand.
Snoop: Wah’ I was saying was basically to the point wah’ he just said.
Male: A Cayman of equality you understand yeah.
Male: Every body get treated fairly you know. They should run Cayman like Cuba
everybody be treated fairly then.
Violence
Male: Peaceful place, peaceful.
Male: Would want to live in a Cayman that is well balance nobody is fighting against
this person.
Equality
Snoop:
A Caribbean like what he say that make everybody equal.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Employment
Male: I contribute to society because I do electrical work I do electrical calls. Dah’ how
I contribute.
T:
I don’t know I mean usually when I get out of here first of all I try get me a job
and thing and then when I can’t get a job then I go then do my fuckery.
So I see that how I feel I contribute ‘cause I goes out and can’t get a job I
goes out every day looking for a job and they tell the people that own
business d’ thing they tell me shit ‘bout how I lacking experience but if
they really think about it how the fuck I ‘gah’ have experience if they nah’
want give me a job so I can get the experience.
41
Cleve: Boy tell you the truth I nah’ see no way I really contribute to society but ‘um
basically just trying to get a job settle thing you know but ‘um like my boy
say yah’ you nah’ gah’ really get no job these days if you nah’ really gah’
no help or experience and thing.
Civic
Trix:
Well to me if somebody come ask me to help them and stuff the best thing I can
do is just try to help ‘um make sure they already in the best possible way.
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Challenging
Males:
Hard, rough, rough.
Trix:
Went through so much stuff, struggle.
Violence
T:
They want kill people.
Education
Josh: It hard ‘cause with me now I nah’ gah’ no diploma or nothing like that so you
know it only two thing I can do, so it hard, hard to eat, hard to sleep, hard
to get money, hard to do everything.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Leader, educated, empathetic, caring.
Male: Somebody with common sense.
Cleve: Who would want take control.
Male: Somebody who know wah’ they saying you understand.
Josh: Somebody to look out for the young people, look out from the old people ‘cause
that wah’ Kirk Tibbetts and all them doing they looking out for the older
people, people in their 40-50’s.
Education
42
Male: For example before I get sentence to come yah’ right I just finish taking my
current exams and I pass ‘um and I tell the judge say....the whole mental
of the court order was for me to get back in school you understand and the
year I finally make it back to school I done pass my exams I tell the judge
say I show the judge the fucking paper say yeah I pass my exams the bitch
still turn around and give me five and half years yeah you understand after
all dah’ time she gah’ work with me to get back in school and when I
finally made it back in school she said nah’ forget about it and give me
five and half years.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Professional
Male: A master electrician.
Entrepreneur
Male: A billionaire.
Male: Yeah a billionaire.
Rehabilitation
T:
My dreams and my aspirations is this is to be a better person see wah’ I saying or
try to be a better person dah’ wah’ I want to be – see wah’ I saying.
Entrepreneur
Trix:
Some day I wah’ see that my dreams I want make it to be an artist…
Civic
Trix:
… have my own art store help people help young kids help them how to
draw house plan whatever they go on from there and learn more stuff on
their way.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Entrepreneur
T:
Me? How I see myself in the next five years depending on how this country gah’
be running in the next five years see wah’ I saying yeah the Governor,
politics of this country keep fucking up the way they doing I pursify
43
myself the next five years rubbing life for double murder – see what I
saying if they start making changes to benefit us the younger youths then I
pursify seeing myself as owning a business – see wah’ I saying.
Home ownership
Cleve: Where I see myself? Boy I want see myself having a good two houses with big
piece of land with apartments and with consistence way I am right now
tell you the truth.
Entrepreneur / Civic / Family
Trix:
I see myself in the next five years making big investments get back to the
community see myself helping my mummy making places take care my
lil’ brothers and sisters make sure they get somewhere in school by then
they probably be out big man big woman. I’ll probably be an old man
stumbling on stick at least I’ll have large one and stuff.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
Yes
Male: I see myself part of the Caribbean see wah’ I saying, ‘cause I Caymanian,
Caymanian part the Caribbean see wah’ I saying.....
Snoop: For the last twenty three years yeah but I can’t guarantee that I will be part of the
Caribbean for the rest of my life how the thing go in the Caribbean I feel
like I wan’ run ‘way.
Male: For me I was born and raise here don’t plan to leave it but if I do I still see myself
part of the Caribbean ‘cause this my home so there is no further answer to
that.
No
Carston:
I could basically say that not really.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Yes for majority.
Males: Yes!
Male: Why? ‘cause in Cayman, Cayman the opportunities for the youths in Cayman is
limited.
44
Male: Well if anything happen to my people and them yeah I come back and help them
out see wah’ I saying yeah other from that fuck Cayman.
P:
Boy, boy wah’ I say no opportunities and thing small yah’ know.
Trix:
I plan go leave and go back to Tampa but to me I ain’t gah’ end up like my uncle
John. He left he ran away from Cayman and then he came back and now
he living down in the west I ain’t gah’ be like that. I going and I nah’
coming back.
No
Male: Basically all we doing is defending what is naturally ours you understand dah’s
all we doing you understand. We just defending what’s ours we just trying
keep what is ours you understand yeah ‘cause the older people ‘cause all
they doing is sit back and talk ‘ray, ‘ray, blah, blah, blah you understand.
They nah’ standing up when it time for them to stand they be like “I gah’
wait for him stand and then I stand”.
Resentment
Male: Wah’ they doing now is the foreigners coming and pushing the Caymanians out
slowly but surely. Get ‘um out!
Male: They give ‘expats’ jobs before they give Caymanian they be doing from our great,
great, great grand people them you understand. The foreigners come to our
land and they buy us out and when they get where they want they kick us
and treats us like dogs you understand that’s why ‘nuff the youths
nowadays right we so violent if we see a foreigner we would be killing
‘um.
Q#10: How many of you have heard of CSME? What are the benefits?
None.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you
make to improve the quality of life of young people?
Prisons
Josh: I would say ‘um first, first things first, stop building all these prisons and these
places just build and different ‘lil place nah’ like the institution like the
45
CMI understand we don’ need the people we gah’ young boys in prison
for probably and draw of weed and dah’ nah’ make no sense.
Male: Make me give you another example how fucked up this Island is you see they,
they gah’ a new contract to extend this prison to build a bigger prison.
They should build a school. Nah’ even that the hospital, the hospital is
lacking modern equipments see wah’ I saying the equipment they gah’ at
the hospital is back in the days instead of spending money to build a
bigger prison they gah’ build a better hospital.
T:
See wah’ I saying you see if they nah’ want give me the job so I nah’ gah’ no
other choice but go out and break in their house and sell their kids and
thing , crack. I nah’ gah’ no choice so they can’t really blame me.
Francis Bodden Girls Home
Name of Participants
Kizzie Codlyn
Age
14
Sex
All Females
46
Chantel Ebanks
Tamara Smith
Mika Manderson
Briana L Espino
Samantha St-Vic
Brianna Whittaker
Shamika Levy
Sharnelle Silburn
9 Participants
16
16
16
14
13
14
16
16
Captured themes for this cohort:
Freedom/Converse View, Punishment, Environment, Activities, Employment,
Resentment, Marginalization, Education, Crime/Drugs and Entrepreneur .
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Crime / Drugs
Kizzie:
Drugs and sexual predators.
Mika:
Crime.
Tamara:
Sexual predators.
Freedom
Girl:
We gotta’ have time to get breakfast, time to wake up, what we gotta’ do, what
time we hygiene, what time we eat, what time we get ready for school and
what time to go bed.
Kizzie: I am not a early ‘eata and we gotta’ have breakfast like, we can't eat what we love
to eat, we can't go in the kitchen after 9 o'clock and then we gotta’ get up
and spread our bed and when they wake us up it's like about ‘sumting to 7.
Freedom / Converse view
Tamaras:
Punishment
I am real concerned that most of the rules that they have here right here for
us. I just follow the rules and then lead me out of here and I will
understand what I had done been up in here for, so I am just gonna’ follow
by the rules. Some of the rules are kinda’ foolish to me but I'm just gonna’
kinda’ abide with it, it's too late. Then wait until I come outa’ here then I'll
realise that I should nah’ been up in here.
47
Girl:
Sometimes they take away your home visits just for the least little ‘tings, yeah
you just chew a bubble gum and they don't want you to chew a bubble
gum.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Environment
Shamika:
A clean Caribbean, like in Cayman, a little more entertainment.
Sharnelle:
They are building too much hotels and cutting down the trees. Too much
traffic, the roads are making more traffic. Yuh’ see like how they build that
road in Prospect Schools they end it back at the same area that the old road
is going and that brings more traffic.
Activities
Chantel:
Tamara:
A little more entertainment.
Like a bowling alley, yuh’ see like how they have adult clubs you should
have clubs for the teenagers, chucky cheese ‘wid all ‘de pizza and all those
‘liddle ball ‘tings where you gotta’ throw them in the ‘liddle hoop ‘tings to
get ‘liddle presents.
Q#3: (Not audible)
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Activities
Girl:
There isn't many places for teenagers to go, jobs and movies. You can't even go to
the new movies without having a ID or a parent.
Tamaras:
They is a lot of tourist attraction and no entertainment for children.
Employment
Girl:
Not too much jobs, not too much Caymanians, yeah that's true.
Resentment
Kizzie: I can't even go to my own restaurant and I can't find a Caymanian. Yuh’ see how
tourist like Caymanians, how they like the food and everything when
tourist come off the ship and they come in the restaurant sometimes they
be asking where the Caymanians is, how the home style cook fish and this
and that and turtles and all that.
48
Tamara:
Girl:
Most ‘expats’ yeah too much different nationality and yuh’ can’t even find
yuh’ own Caymanian. Yeah, way too much Jamaican.
We need to put our foot down and say this is it, these young children, these
Cayman young children need to put there foot down and make something
in life and stop making them Jamaican, no ‘expats’ take our place.
Sharnelle:
Sometimes it’s hard for Caymanians to get a job around here because them
other foreigna’ people. They don't give Caymanians a chance to get a job.
If you just mess up on ‘sumting they say ‘oh that's it, you're fired’. Yeah
you can't get a job again. They don't give Caymanians a chance, but when
the people comes in with they degrees and all that they get the job. They
nuh’ even do nothing ‘enuh and they get the job. They taking our jobs and
we growing up and we might not even get a job to work, we might go
States. And then States people might say the same thing about
Caymanians.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Attributes
Girl:
A good person, respectful, well educated, well mannered and hard working.
Kizzie: My foster cousin Kira, because she is a lawyer, because she is strong, she is
independent.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
All participants indicated to be free from the Girls Home.
Girl:
My goal is to get outa’ here.
Entrepreneur
Samantha:
I wanna’ be a real estate agent, sell houses.
Education
Kizzie: I don't want to come out of as yet, I want to come out when I graduate because I
don't want to be out there in that world because I know when I get out
there in that world, I won't do good. People go have too much to talk
about you been out there after you been up in here. They go say you
shoulda’ stay up in here because you not doing good. I don't want go out
there then I forget ‘bout school and forget that this. I rather stay up in yah
until I graduate.
Brianna:
When I grow up I wanna’ be a criminologist or forensic scientists and I'm
studying for that because my daddy is from Cuba and he's a policeman and
he's travelling all over and he's in Australia right now and I wanna’ get all
49
my Bachelors and my Doctorate degrees. I wanna’ get a ‘A’ or ‘B’ on my
exams and why I'm here my care-mother she talks to me about my job, my
future career and she tells me that I mustn’t get out ‘off my bones’ for
nobody at all even if they hate me or like me. I must not get out for
nobody and I must not throw away my dreams for no man and I must live
my life right. Try get out of this place, do my best, get my dream job, my
dream career, get my husband, my house, my car, my children and be a
good family and then raise my children up to be good people and tell them
what I learnt from this.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Education
Shamika:
In college if God spears my life I'll be in Ohio.
Briana:
College in New York.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated yes.
Girl:
Because I born and raised in the Caribbean blood. Because I'm one great
Caymanian, and nobody can't take that from me.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Majority of the participants indicated no.
Yes
Female:
Miami.
Female:
I wanna’ be in Egypt.
Q#10: How many of you have heard about CSME? What are the benefits?
None of the participants did.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you
make to improve the quality of life of young people?
Activities / Environment / Drugs
Female:
I would say stop some of the hotels and build up some excitement for the
youths.
50
Tamaras:
I know Cayman small but like on weekends we go to this place, because if
we nuh’ got nothing to do children will be looking at doing drugs and stuff
like that. Keep us from doing drugs, make us be entertained by doing stuff
of Cayman.
Female:
Arcade with dancing, a part for skating, a part for food, drinks and candy
and stuff like that and another part with pool and a next side for games
that would be cool.
Bonaventure Boys Home
Name of Participants
Frost
Dre
Rebel
Baby Rat
Age
14
15
11
17
Sex
All Males
51
CJ
Nab
Smiley
7 Participants
15
17
13
Captured themes for this cohort:
Crime/Death, Government, Boys Home, Crime, Environment, Education, Religion,
Employment, Civic, Unity, Resentment, Entrepreneur and Marginalization.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Crime/ Death
Male: Death.
CJ:
Boy death you know. That what really concerns me the most. I don’t really want
die too young.
Male: I don’t know. It’s just like when I sit down, that just comes to my mind. How you
gone feel when you dead and I try don’t think about it.
CJ:
Yeah, living in Cayman, this hellhole man. I don’t wanna’ live here no more.
People killing people. All the young children, most of the young children
that dying off. Because so much man, they want to kill man over ‘gyal. If
you look at a next man ‘gyal too hard they want kill you for that. You just
talk to her, a man want kill you for that or you just...if you borrow
something and you not bring it back on that day, a man want kill you for
that. All that need stop.
Boys Home
Smiley:
The Boys Home.
Government
Baby Rat:
The Government sometimes. Like what they be doing in the community,
they don’t really help out the young people too much all the time.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Crime
Smiley:
One without violence. Peaceful.
52
Baby Rat:
A cleaner one. And oh yeah to get rid of the ‘cokeheads’. Get rid of ‘em. I
think some of the ‘crackheads’ they need a place like that they can go and
they can get rehab.
Male: Violence you know, less violence.
Rebel: The only thing here is gun shot and car crash or man screaming for their life.
Environment
Male: A cleaner one.
CJ:
Nice and clean.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Education
Rebel: Some people decide to go to school and then get a job.
Male: Well some grab Government scholarships.
Civic
Male: Some of them work with Leo clubs to help people and do that stuff. Like
fundraisers and stuff.
Male: To show us say that we living in one island and we need to work together and
work as a team to making living better still. So that’s how I see it.
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Death
Smiley:
Because half the people you see some of them by the time they 25 they
dead or 24.
Male: Everybody dying in their teenage ages. If they not dying off of a shooting or
something, they dying off cars or bikes.
Male: Boy living in Cayman kinda’ alright yah’ now in a way. Too much violence out
there.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Baby rat:
Yeah role model yeah.
53
Leader
Male: I would say an ideal person would be always on the radio talking or encouraging
people at school preschools. Always dress nice, come from a good family
which most of us don’t come from here in Cayman. But some of them
come from good families and the good things. Go to school and get
scholarship for what they want in life and thing so they get pretty much
what they wanted.
Religion
Male: …you can go to church you can help youths mostly.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Employment
Smiley:
Like dive stuff and thing big time instructor.
Male: Have good job and do not complain about the ‘expats’ taking over our jobs.
Frost: Get a job still and settle down.
Male: Get big time job still, big time ride.
Smiley:
Have my own schooling company and thing man.
Family
Dre:
Have a wife and baby mother on the side same time yah man.
Male: Have a good family.
Resentment
Frost: The Pilipino and the American they coming over here taking over our jobs. I tell
you one thing they taking over Cayman and our young people coming up
behind us will know how to do it the right way ‘cause we nah’ gah’
education most us can’t get a job or excel.
Education
Male: I graduate from school already and want like graduate from college too. Get a
scholarship or something. I want to go away play professional football if I
can make it.
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CJ:
Me? I want to go way ‘um college, but I want to go ‘um mechanic school still and
get my masters and thing so when I come back I can open up my own
business and start employing Caymanian still do wha’ I need to do after
that.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Employment
Male: If I want money even if I gah’ go deal with sell drug and things. I want make my
own money by working for it.
Male: In tourism but a lil’ mechanic thing on the side.
Entrepreneur
Male: Working in tourism still working in tourism take out my own company planning
opening up my own business further down the line.
Male: Scuba diving business. I gah’ be a big time business man still yah know. Anyway,
yeah I gah’ be a big time business man. I nah’ like some man who they
like
nah’ see you for the things. I gah’ work for it.
Rebel: Fixing stuff sir and have my own company.
Death
Dre:
Well, I don’t want to see myself in prison or six feet under.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
Majority yes, but one indicated no.
Male: No. Because most of our Caymanian never really travel through the Caribbean
only to the States. I never heard of none of them. The only Caribbean
country I hear them go to is Jamaica and that’s it.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Yes
Male: Yes
Frost: Probably
55
Male: Barbados.
Dre:
Barbados.
No
Male: No
Dre:
No. I don’t know still because things change still.
Male: Nope. Because we know the Cayman Islands how we go with everything it will
take us a ‘lil while to find out if we in a next state to find out how they do
it say of instance you make a mistake and kill some body and you can get
life or death penalty and you nah’ gah’ get that in Cayman and you can get
way with some stuff here in the Cayman Islands.
Q#10: How many of you heard of CSME?
All participants indicated no.
Male: Nah’ me.
Male: No.
Male: No.
Q#11: If you were to meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you
make
to improve the quality of life of young people ?
Marginalization
Male: I would tell them to listen to wah’ them youths have to say to see if they could
make a change and if they could actually listen to them and they might
have an idea of what you could do.
Dre:
Tell them listen to the young people.
Nav:
Kinda’ the same thing that Baby Rat say but um like go around the place and ask
question and get everybody idea and see what they can do best still and
see wah’ they can do and like what Baby Rat say get an idea of it still.
Education
Dre:
Give us scholarship.
56
CJ:
I would tell them help me get go school get my masters in mechanics and
engineer.
Entrepreneur
CJ:
So I could come back and open up my own business and thing still (balance
inaudible).
Male: Help you to open up business.
George Hicks - All Boys
Name of Participants
Joshua McFarlane
Anthony Berry
Jordan Chisholm
Ahmed Myles
Mikhail McLaughlin
Age
16
17
14
14
18
Sex
All Boys
57
5 Participants
Captured themes for this cohort:
Activities, Employment, Family, Future, Education, Resentment, Home Ownership,
Crime, Apathy, Resentment, Civic, Professional, Entrepreneur, Research on Youth,
Education and Adulthood.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Activities
Josh:
Boring.
Berry:
There are not many things to do here for young people.
Jordan:
I agree. We need more stuff to do.
Ahmed:
Kind of good, but there are too many things that I can’t do at my age.
Mick: Yes I do agree that Cayman is a bit boring, but we live here so we get used to it
and after a while it doesn’t bother us anymore.
Berry: Yes, but we can’t do anything about it, we just have to live with it.
Jordan:There are too many things you can’t do. The island is too small. To me the
opportunities in the states and other places are very different than those in
Cayman.
Employment
Josh:
Jobs.
Future
Berry:
My future.
Family
Mick:
The welfare of my family.
Jordan:
My mom because she is in the States by herself.
Ahmed:
My family.
Education
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Mick:
Education, building my house, and the welfare of my family.
Home Ownership
Mick: The building my house.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Crime
Berry:
Friendly, no crime.
Jordan:
A traditional “back then” Cayman Islands.
Josh:
Peaceful Caribbean; not so many accidents and deaths.
Resentment
Berry:
Cayman should focus on its own people rather than on foreigners.
Ahmed:
Traditional Cayman.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Apathy
Josh: Nothing.
Civic
Ahmed:
Doing projects such as CYC (Commonwealth Youth Service Club).
Jordan:I help out my aunt, and I also want to become a mechanic, so that is a way to help
people out as well.
Berry: When I become an architect I would probably try to build houses for the disabled
persons in the community.
Mick: By owning a business and trying to help out my fellow Caymanian in terms of
employment and other areas.
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
(Inaudible)
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
59
Health conscious, well-mannered, congenial.
Josh:
Healthy.
Berry:
They would have a distinct accent and be courteous.
Jordan:
They would be respectful and have a good attitude.
Josh:
They might have a skin tan too.
Mick: They would probably love music, and be friendly.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Entrepreneur
Josh:
To become a Marine and own a business.
Professional
Berry: Become an architect.
Josh: To become a Marine.
Ahmed:
I want to be a chef too.
Jordan:I would also like to become a chef.
Education
Jordan:Go to college to become a mechanic and maybe design machinery.
Mick: I would like to finish college and go on to own my own business.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Education
Berry: Going to college
Mick: In college abroad pursuing my Master’s Degree
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Jordan:I see myself in college doing my Masters in Mechanics and working
Professional
Josh: In Miami, maybe as a recruit
Adulthood
Ahmed:
I see myself as a young adult
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated yes.
Josh:
Yes, because I live here.
Berry:
I was born here too, so yes.
Jordan:
I was also born here.
Mick: Yes, because after visiting so many Caribbean countries I have realized that we
are all very similar as Caribbean citizens. So to me there is a sense of
belonging no matter where I go within our region.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
No. But only for education or experience.
Jordan:No only for college, and then I’d come back.
Anthony:
To further my education, but I plan to return to Cayman to live.
Mick: I perhaps would live outside Cayman, but I would never leave the Caribbean.
Ahmed:
Yes, L.A. because there are a lot more people there and it would probably
be easier to start a business there.
Josh: Honduras; primarily because of choices I made.
Q#10: How many have heard about CSME? What are the benefits?
None Knew - Most seemed baffled
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you make
to improve the quality of life of young people?
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Research on Youth
Berry:
I think they should do a survey among the Caribbean countries to
find out the concerns of the youth on a whole.
Ahmed:
They should do a census to compare the overall thoughts of the
youth in the Caribbean.
Mick: I hope that the Commission follows through and actually does something with the
findings of the study because many groups before them have done studies
like these and in the end it was a waste of time because nothing became of
it.
Activities
Josh:
They should come up with more activities for kids and teens.
Education
Jordan:
They should focus on education, more supplies, books for the
schools.
Young Urban Parents – Grand Cayman
Name of Participants
Renika
Cindy
Kim
Jodie
LC
Age
18
17
18
17
17
Sex
All Female
62
Simone
6 Participants
18
Captured themes for this cohort:
Activities, Employment, Family, Education, Resentment, Expensive, Opportunities,
Home Ownership, Crime, Apathy and Sports.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Employment
Renika:
You see how hard it is for Caymanians now to get a job. Any kind of job
we see we can’t get for some reason or another.
Crime
LC:
Crime bothers me most.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Expensive
Renika:
…and with our prices and stuff. Gas is going up. Everything going up
though, you can't afford stuff.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Apathy
Renika:
They should volunteer a lot more.
Kim:
They don't share their money and if they do.
LC:
Like volunteer work, they should volunteer.
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Opportunities
Female:
A living hell! There are too many hardships for me.
Activities
Simone:
Boring!
63
Cindy:
Okay.
Jodie:
There is not enough activities here. Only certain places like Movies,
Kings.
Crime
Cindy:
Miss to me, how I think, this not a place to live with all this violence.
Employment
Female:
It's really hard when it comes to the jobs. To me certain place they tell you
that they don't want to hire, them young ones that want the job.
Kim:
They looking for the most qualified person. That that could happen
sometime but, sometimes they should let don't count. They don't have to
be qualified to do certain things, you could just put your mind to it and do
it, filing, you don't have to be qualified to do that.
Q#5: How would describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Activities
Female:
I guess more …..more into things…more, more stuff.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Employment
Female:
I would like to work for the present year.
Female:
I would like to be a Lawyer but. I would like to receive my degree in Law
and stuff but I probably wouldn't end up to be a Lawyer ‘cause, I like
children so maybe I will open my own preschool.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Employment / Education
Female:
Hopefully back to school like finishing what I started. Most likely I will be
back in school. Get a job. You need so many stuff to get a job, only
qualifications and stuff so. That's what I want to further my education.
Jodie:
My main goal is to continue education.
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Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated no.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country?
No. Only if it became not financially feasible to remain here.
Female:
No ‘cause the saying say, ‘they no place like home’, but if I see it getting
too hard I'd probably go overseas.
Female:
I consider the British system.
Q#10: How many have heard of CSME? What are the benefits?
None of the participants had.
Q#11: Have you heard of CARICOM before?
One participant indicated yes.
Q#12: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you make
to improve the quality of life young people?
Employment
Female:
I said chances for us to get a job.
Crime
Female:
The impression is nothing else they going to mind but, I nah’ have a job so
I might as well go smoke, hit.
Activities
Female:
… have a little club where they only under age children could get into and
they not giving them alcohol. I think that club thing, ‘cause most people
love club. Those under age children like going to the clubs.
Sports
Female:
Swimming.
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Crime
Renika:
I don't have to watch my back.
Young Rural Parents – Cayman Brac
Name of Participants
Dominique
Davania
Mekita
Tisa
Tamara
Emily
Age
18
20
22
27
20
19
Sex
F
F
F
F
F
F
66
6 Participants
Captured themes for this cohort:
Activities, Employment, Family, Education, Resentment, Relocation, Home
Ownership, Economy, Crime, Apathy, Civic, Opportunities, Professional,
Entrepreneur, Government, Education and Reality.
Q#1: As a young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Employment
Female:
…and I mean if we have children we don’t have a job and if Social
Services isn’t helping us, there is nothing much that we can do.
Relocation
Tisa:
So I mean just the transition from here to Grand Cayman to get a job so you can
provide for your own child is very expensive.
Education
Dominique:
Well pretty much what she said but right now my concern is I would like
to attend college and the college down here doesn’t offer everything.
Activities
Tisa:
I think in terms of our children, I think we need more things for them to do
growing up.
Q#2: What kind Caribbean would you want to live in?
Opportunities
Female:
We just want to have opportunities. That’s all Cayman Brac needs and
activities for children.
Female:
So we don’t have all these companies like what Grand Cayman needs so
we don’t need all that down here. I mean up here most of the employment
is for young children who have just come out of school. I mean, the admin
building they have one position which is an intern position so as to help
children get a perspective on what kind of environment they have to work
in.
Female:
Bigger, more opportunities.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
67
Apathy
Female:
I stays home and watch TV so I don’t know if I am much help.
Female:
Right now this is the only people who, like us who have children, who
need to do it, that actually have that initiative to go out and try.
Mekita:
Here? Not really. I don’t see it where young people are out there going out
helping the community.
Crime
Tamara:
I don’t see how much outlook they having on anything because I mean
look at the amount of violence they have going on there. We’ve not
exactly been doing very much. We supposed to be the future and yet we’re
in jail. We’re dead. We’re home, unemployed not doing nothing for
ourselves.
Government / Employment
Tamara:
Then again the Government not exactly making it easy for us either
because they are putting jobs out there but they are putting such high
qualifications. They’re not exactly trying to help us in any way to say get
jobs.
Education
Tamara:
At least help us get those qualifications. Because nowadays if you don’t
have a piece of paper stating that you have these qualifications you not got
nothing to do and the job that you can get are paying what? 500 a month?
What are you suppose to do with 500 dollars if you have a child? That
can’t contribute to anything.
Civic
Tisa:
I think volunteering where we can helps. Even if you’re not working. Especially if
you’re not working. I think it’s a good thing to do based on the little that I
have done, I found that personally it’s a good thing. It gives you a feeling
that nobody can give you.
Q#4: What’s it like living in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Economy
68
Female:
Tisa:
It makes life easier up here because I mean up here we don’t have to
worry too much about, like I said, she can get an apartment for 600 a
month up here. Grand Cayman you cant do that.
I think here makes it easier all around because if we look around, there are a lot of
us that don’t work. But we don’t see ‘em sleeping on the street. They not
starving to death and 9 out of 10 of them driving. I don’t think that
Cayman Brac can say that there is one person that is homeless. I mean if
you see ‘em out there, they kinda’ choose to be out there. You don’t see
‘em out there.
Education
Dominique:
Well, it’s much easier than living in Grand Cayman because I have tried to
live there at some point in time. To me, I just think that they should offer
more in college so that we don’t have to go to Cayman because I would
like to further my studies but however the college down here does not
offer everything.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Religious, well-mannered, self-reliant, respect, role model.
Respect
Tisa:
I think it has to start with respecting yourself because if you respect yourself,
you’re gonna’ respect other people.
Role model
Behave yourself and have a job and not be out there speeding, drinking,
smoking. Because I mean looking at people like that, you don’t exactly
think very much of them. I mean not only a Christian wise. Owns their
own home and is making a life for themself, that’s an ideal person. That’s
somebody to look up to.
69
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Reality
Female:
Those completely change when you have children. Those could go down
the drain. It’s all about their dreams. You still got dreams of your own but
it’s just that their’s come first.
Emily: Oh, I forgot about them a long time ago. Only thing I am really worried about
right now I mean I still have my dreams but I keep them to the far back of
my mind. The only thing I am really hoping for is just to keep my job.
That way I can keep feeding my child. So I mean when you have a child
they come first. You’re pride would never let you go to anybody and ask
them for food but when you hear a screaming baby, it doesn’t matter what
you gotta’ do.
Education
Emily:
Before I had a child I wanted to become an architect.
Female:
Well I guess you have to look at it as I mean if I never had (name of
child), by now I would have probably been in college ‘cause I mean
before, I was called from the States by ITT Tech and that was a dream.
Dominique:
Before I had my child right? I actually wanted to become a Pediatrician.
Mekita:
Me? My dream is that I wanna be a midwife or a manager in early
childhood with children. Any field that has anything to do with children
that’s what I want to be.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Home ownership
Female:
Close to owning my own home. My mom doesn’t own hers. I mean when
we were growing up we had to live in apartments and I didn’t mind. We
moved from time to time but that’s one thing I want to do. I want to have
somewhere that I can call home where my son can settle and say that’s his
room.
Dominque:
Own my own house
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Education
Dominique:
Well hopefully still in college trying to apply for my PhD. And well I
hope to also own my own house you know maybe I could work for a year
or so and have my car and continue to raise my child.
Employment
Tisa:
Hopefully, honestly, being completely honest, based on the situation I am in now
in terms of employment, pretty much right where I am and married and
probably with a next child in the next 5 years.
Q#8: Do you think of yourselves as a Caribbean citizen?
The majority of the participants said yes but one and one said maybe.
Dominique:
I just don’t feel like a Caribbean citizen. More Caymanian, not Caribbean.
I think it’s all about connection wise with some of the islands. I mean you
go to certain places and they will down right swear they don’t like that
island because of certain people so I mean.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but the Cayman Islands?
None of the participants planned to leave except for one.
Tisa:
I think I don’t plan to leave but I think given the opportunity I probably would but
its more just an outside experience not that I want to leave.
Demani:
Because like I say, things are better down here and I think it’s a good
place to raise my child or to raise a child. You have a small class with
more individual attention.
Q#10: How many have heard of CSME? What are the benefits?
None of the participants heard of it.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you make
to improve the quality of life of young people?
Employment
Female:
Fire all the old people so that it won’t be so hard for us to get jobs!
Dominique:
I think definitely more job opportunities like what everybody else thinks.
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Opportunities
Tisa:
Young people need things that they can be held accountable for. Even if they
can’t give them a full time job, make activities available that they get
involved. Make some contribution even if it only means sharing
experiences. Where my recommendation to Government is help us by just
giving us things to do. Not paying the bills, not just handing out things…
and my concern is what is gonna’ happen to our children. It has gone
down where, it didn’t start with us, but it has gone down where I can go to
Social Services they gone pay my rent you know. I can go and they gone
pay for daycare, they gone buy my children uniforms. That is our
responsibility and I think Government needs to help.
Female:
Exactly. And if they are wanting us to take over from them, then they have
to be willing to let go.
Education
Dominique:
More educational opportunities. Meaning that offer more things. I glad
they have a college here yeah but offer more things like you know, what
other people want to do.
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Religious - All Boys
Name of Participants
Crispin
Andrew
Amos
Alex
Leo
5 Participants
Age
26
20
18
16
16
Sex
All Males
Captured themes for this cohort: Crime, Responsibility, Marginalization, Lack of
Knowledge, Modernization, Education, Music, Entrepreneur, Unity, Religion, Civic,
Government, Resentment and Family.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Crime
Crispin:
One thing that comes to mind is crime and the way that society is going in
terms of violence and things like that.
Responsibility
Andrew:
Self-esteem and respect.
Lack of Knowledge
Alex: My concern is that certain youth, either in the Cayman Islands, or kids I’ve met
up on have dreams desires and career goals, but don’t know the necessary
steps to take in achieving their goals and dreams.
Apathy
Leo:
The Youth in the Cayman Islands, most of them are negative, and like some of
my friends in prospect that I used to talk to, and if I tried to bring up
positive conversation, they would bring up like “I got my 45” and they
would start talking about guns and things.
Andrew:
It’s like there is no more self respect. It’s like they don’t really care about
how they portrait themselves in certain instances.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
73
Modernization
Crispin:
Definitely in a country that is on par with the world.
Crime
Amos: Basically, what Andrew just said, I’d like to live in a Caribbean that had peace
and people care for each other.
Alex: I listen to the news frequently, and in other Countries, they have an extremely
high rate of crime. And crime rate is preventing a lot of opportunities from
things happening in different countries.
Unity
Leo:
I just want peace between Jamaica and Cayman. I wish we could just come
together and stop arguing.
Role Models
Alex: The youths play a crucial part in their friend’s life, for example, if a child is told
by their parents that what they’re doing is not right, they sometimes think
that ok they’re just saying that because they don’t want it for me, now if a
peer talk to them real, they’re more likely to listen to that other person
more that their parent but they will link to two together and be like oh, it
was right.
Leo:
I go around to my friends and try and talk to tem and try to be positive.
Civic
Amos: I would say for example I walking on the street or driving or something and I see
two young men fighting, and I know that that is wrong, I don’t just pretend
that I don’t see it and go about my business, I stop and try to talk to them
or something like that.
Andrew:
They contribute both good and bad things, and personally I usually just
talk to some friends like. You have a certain bond with them and they
listen.
Q#3: (Inaudible)
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Activities
74
Amos: To me, it’s not really nice. It’s kind of boring because you don’t really have
anything to do.
Leo:
It’s boring! Everyday is exactly the same; you get up and go to school. There is
really nothing to do other than go to the movies and if you’re a Christian,
you can’t go to the movies before you go to church because you need to
prepare.
Alex: It is quite a struggle. For example, children that are still going to school,
everything that is there for a child to do that is fun, for example a sling,
after a while, they start to ban it. So they end up not having anything to do
and they end up having idle hands and they start to think, oh that’s fun, I
get to vandalize someone’s house and run off.
Apathy
Andrew:
I don’t find it boring. I love people so if there are people, I’m cool. I find
that youths intimidate me badly. Its how they talk to you and how they
respond to a simple inoffensive question, they’re pretty intimidating.
Crispin:
I want to touch on what Andrew is saying; I felt the same way about the
youths. Sometimes you do feel that a lot of youth have a certain attitude
and it’s like it’s hard to get past the attitude. Sometimes you want to help
them but they‘re not willing to let you.
Music
Amos: It goes back to the question, what type of Country do you want to live in? I want
to see a network of laws than strains music content and other things that
influence violence and behavior.
Leo:
Amos:
Leo:
The music is very powerful and I try my very hardest to get people to listen to like
Christian Rap and stuff like that and some people listen to it and say “Oh,
it sounds like this it sounds like that”, and it just gets me frustrated
because I spend my night downloading music to give it to someone and
they don’t want it. So the music really influences young people.
I have a brother and no matter what, everyday you hear “Gansta’ for life!”
and sometimes it really hurts me to sit down and hear how he goes on. The
music changes the youth in the country.
I go by the movies and all I hear is gang music. All they talk about is “marrow
and guns”.
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Andrew:
The music affects your subconscious. Most people that I talk to say “Oh, I
don’t listen to the words”, but it’s going into your subconsciousness
without permission from your brain.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Religious, conscious, strong, unbiased, culturally aware, independent, confident.
Andrew:
Of course, you’d want the man to be strong, unbiased, promoting culture
and accepting new things, being progressive in order to fit in things to
come, independent individuals. Loyalty to your country and not
overzealous.
Amos:
Basically, just be yourself, be who you are.
Alex:
Have dreams and know how to achieve those dreams.
Leo:
I see the Caribbean losing sight of God. Caribbean roots are all about Christianity.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Religion/ Entrepreneur
Leo:
I want to be a Christian Producer and an Electronic Engineer.
Amos: I am working towards three things. I want to become an Architect, Computer
Technician and a Preacher.
Alex: I want to be a Chef and eventually own my own restaurant and I’m working
towards playing music, Christian music, playing the guitar and stuff.
Crispin:
Currently I’m involved in music and ministry. I’d like to continue in that.
Also, in the arts, I’d love to do art. Hopefully get involved in using that
somehow. Definitely music and art are my main goals to pursue.
Education
Andrew:
I think I still want to become a sociologist/author. I want to write books
and make movies.
Civic
Andrew:
I love to help people. I want to be in a position where I can just help
people financially. I just want to help people.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
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Religion
Crispin:
It’s hard to say. I can’t really see the future so hopefully I would love to be
doing something in ministry, and connected to music.
Entrepreneur
Amos: In the next five years I see myself living right, running my own business, buying
computer parts and putting them together to sell.
Education
Andrew:
College, University, School still.
Alex: In the next five years career wise, University. And the next five years I’ve set a
goal to be excellent at playing the guitar.
Uncertain
Leo:
I have so many things that I want to do and they’re all different. You have to be
all over the place. I definitely see myself pursuing electronics.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated yes.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Majority indicated no. One said yes.
No / Resentment
Alex: You can’t leave and expect the country to be run by ‘expats’ who don’t know
your culture and some don’t care about your culture. It will die.
No.
Andrew:
I’d live in Cayman.
Crispin:
I don’t have plans to live anywhere else.
Leo:
I don’t think so, I want to travel but I don’t think I’d live anywhere else.
Yes.
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Amos: I just want to be all around. Travel to different countries. I don’t want to live
anywhere specific, I just want to travel and experience different people.
Q#10: How many of you have heard of CSME? What are the benefits?
Majority indicated yes.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you make
to improve the quality of life of young people?
Uncertain
Leo:
It’s not a question you can just answer. You have to really think about it.
Music
Amos: They should put a stop to certain things, like the music and gang members. Try to
build a youth center or something.
Leo:
Trying to block out music that would be chaos. You can’t just go and say stop
playing music.
Andrew:
I agree that something should be implemented to strain the content of
music. The more they hear, the more desensitized they become. They’re
glorifying it.
Crispin:
Not only music, but television. If the government could put a block on
certain things it would be better.
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Religious - All Girls
Name of Participants
Shanika
Jade
Nakeisha
Kerry Ann
Latoya
Narisa
Nakayla
Whitney
Tanelia
Nicola
Sherrian
Kiana
13 Participants
Age
13
15
14
17
20
25
15
17
16
18
15
15
Sex
All Females
Captured themes for this cohort: Crime, Employment, Marginalization,
Professional, Education, Poverty, Cultural Awareness, Unity, Religion, Civic and
Family.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Crime
Shanika:
Jade:
Crime and violence.
The violence on the roads in the streets.
Nakeisha:
Crime and problems.
Kerry Ann:
Because of the crime like you say earlier.
Latoya:
What bothers me the most is that the young people in Cayman, the ones
that get into trouble.
Employment
Narisa:
Kerry Ann:
Education
I think the thing that concerns me the most is the fact that Cayman is
limited in terms of the job opportunities because if you’re not
working in the banking world or something in that section there
isn’t a lot of opportunities out for you.
The resources in Cayman is limited and so the jobs are.
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Narisa: Lack of educational system like for construction workers, for nurses and stuff like
that.
Female:
Kerry Ann:
The education system because not a lot of children are learning in school
they just go to school to like meet up with friends and have fun.
I was saying educational wise here it’s limited.
Family
Kerry Ann:
Jade:
Raising children in Cayman.
Like my family members, I am very concern of them dying.
Unity
Nakayla:
Well I would say the absence of brotherly love in countries.
Employment
Whitney:
Well at this age now I want to work but, then I also want to continue
school but then you know you have some companies that will
allow you to go to school and get experience and you get an
education.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Unity / Cultural Awareness
Nakayla:
I think that if we are one like as we should be a lot of those things as even
though they may not be eradicated it would be much better to cope
with because you will know that you have somebody to lean on.
Nicola:
Every one live like family.
Female:
I second what she said.
Kerry Ann:
I would say a Caribbean where I am proud to say that this is my
culture.
Female:
I would say I want to live in a Caribbean where I am proud to say
it’s my home or I am a part of something bigger.
Crime
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Sherrian:
I would like to live in a Caribbean where I can be myself do not have to
worry about crime rate.
Female:
Caribbean where there is no violence, clean community and helping each
other and getting together with anything in the community.
Whitney:
Where every one can communicate, instead of the violence.
Education
Shanika:
So I guess a Caribbean that has a good educational system that they don’t
have to lose who they are.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Role model
Sherrian:
To say oh she’s a positive influence. I would love to be like her
and I’d try to direct people in the right direction I encourage people
a lot to set your goals higher at school. I counsel the students
around me and I show them the right from wrong. I encourage
them to reach after their goals no matter what the circumstances
are.
Female:
I teach other people to know God and to worship freely.
Whitney:
No matter what, you try to put in something where they feel like they are
somebody. So I would try to make them feel like someone in the
society.
Q#4: What is it like living in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Apathy
Female:
It’s wonderful sometimes, but not all the time, sometimes people can be
very rude. It’s beautiful just to look around and see some teenagers
are actually making something of themselves instead of the ones
that are just throwing their life away with drugs and stuff like that.
Crime
Female:
It’s really hard to strive because looking now trying to see the future I am
wondering what exactly is going to happen. If I plan to have
children here, what is going to happen to my future if I see so
much violence around me?
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Religion
Female:
I kinda’ a live each day knowing that God has given me the opportunity to
really thank him and worship him everyday.
Uncertainty
Narisa:
It’s kinda’ hard trying to figure out who you are and stand for what you
believe and in the midst of everything going on around you.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Ambassador of all cultures, Visionary, Educated, Individuality, Distinctiveness.
Female:
Female:
Someone who has a sound knowledge of the Caribbean and not only
having the knowledge but having the desire to spread the news
about the Caribbean where ever they go. So kinda’ like publicize
the Caribbean. Also think that person that Caribbean youth should
be someone who works with the government to implement certain
things that like better educational system, stuff like that just
representing the Caribbean on a whole other countries that are
united.
Yes an ambassador.
Female:
I think they should carry themselves with pride and that I am from the
Caribbean and that I have an identity and I have a voice and I can
change whatever needs to be changed and really speak out and
want something done.
Female:
Should be able to understand all the different cultures so that whatever
they say it would not offend anybody else.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Uncertain
Female:
So many change dreams pop into my head that I don’t know which to
choose. So I like kinda’ right now confuse of which way I should
go.
Tanelia:
I would like to be a solider, but the prophets say I am going to be an air
hostess. I would like to also be a chef and a soldier.
Professional
Female:
I actually want to be an obstetrician or a pediatrician.
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Education
Female:
After completing my last three years in high school it’s my dream to go to
the University of Oxford and pursue a career in the field of
medicine after which I will become a missionary.
Shanika:
When I finish high school go to university in the states, I can find a good
paying job or continue my business.
Kerry Ann:
I plan to go to art school and also become a musician.
Civic
Tanelia:
Like guiding people on their right path. Like create opportunities for them
and to find out which school they want to go and create something
so not really a counselor but kind a like guiding people
somewhere.
Q#7: Where you see yourself in the next five years?
Religion
Female:
Preaching gospel as well.
Kerry: On a serious note in five years I want to be full time in the ministry.
Female:
Yeah like preaching the gospel.
Education
Female:
In the next five years I would like to go to New York to live to college.
Whitney:
Actually in England studying for my doctor either that or actually training
to be a missionary.
Female:
Still in school.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated yes.
Q#9: How many heard of CSME? What are the benefits?
Majority of participants indicated no.
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Q#10: (Inaudible)
Q#11:
If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you
make to improve the quality of life of young people?
Education / Cultural Awareness
Female:
I think that I would recommend that in the school and education system
that the students experience more of the different cultures within the
Caribbean.
Kerry Ann:
Like things going on. I would say events that have more programmes
where we can get into so we can find out like who we are, where we can
just go out and be able to talk to young people about this and that and
make them try to figure out who they are, what they are about, what’s their
purpose, see if you can impact something in their lives along the way.
Whitney:
What about if they were to have say a student exchange programme where
we go and travel to different Caribbean countries.
Female:
I agree with what she said “exchange” and more programmes too of that
we can know about each other culture and accept each other.
Female:
I would also recommend that they publicize more I know you said it’s
shown on Caribscope and stuff like that but I think that we need more
publicity of what they want to do.
Rural Mixed –North Side Community
Name of Participants
Kitten
Smallie
Bubbles
Age
23
13
17
Sex
F
F
F
84
Wallie
Troy
Bob
A
Fee
Archie
Charlie
10 Participants
23
25
19
20
24
26
25
M
M
M
M
F
M
M
Captured themes for this cohort:
Activities, Employment, Family, Education, Expensive, Resentment, Home
Ownership, Environment, Crime/Drug Abuse, Economy, Apathy, Civic,
Professional, Entrepreneur and Education.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
Employment
Male: How hard it is for young people now a day to get a job.
Fee:
I guess mostly with the jobs and so.
Resentment
Male: They are bringing in expatriates to get the jobs and it leaves the young people of
Cayman without a job.
Male: It’s the truth. Most jobs now a day requires like 4 to 5 years experience and
people coming out of school will not have that kind of experience.
Crime
Kitten: I never really thought about it, the killing I guess, it’s been a lot of that lately.
Smallie:
Speeding and the road accidents.
Expensive
Archie:
Yes, cost of living because everyday more and more children are being
born and we can barely afford it now, imagine what it’s going to be like in
the next 5 to 10 years from now? Those that working now don’t make
enough money to survive now and like I said imagine what its going to be
like in another 5 to 10 years from now.
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Female:
Pregnancy, gas prices, cost of living.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Resentment
Male: Dart? Okay. He’s dominant in Cayman but not necessary the Caribbean.
Environment
Wallie:
Good life. A clean and one.
Smallie:
A clean one that have Hi5.
Crime
Wallie:
No violence, peace.
Employment
Wallie:
Good paying jobs.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Apathy
Male:
They don’t.
Female:
To be honest I don’t do it.
Male: They don’t have enough things going on out there for the young people to
contribute to.
Kitten: I don't know. I think a lot of us just raised to be lazy and don't know how to speak
up for their self. And even if we did have the option to contribute to the
community a lot of us wouldn't ‘cause we're just not raised that way. So I
mean there not much. Yeah that's what I'm saying.
Marginalization
Wallie:It all depends on the choices we have you know, its not too many choices or
options out there, especially North Side because North Side don’t have
anything. We don’t even have a nice supermarket.
Civic
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Smallie:
Participate in community clean ups.
Q#4:
What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Economy
Female:
Hard, very hard. It’s very expensive.
Employment
Female:
If you don’t have 5 or 6 years experience, you could apply for the best job
in this world and they look at you and say “Boy” you don’t have the
experience.
Bubbles:
Hard because I just got out of school recently and every time you go to
look for a job you can’t get a job because they say they want certain years
experience and all of that.
Male:
It’s hard to get a job without the education.
Education
Kitten: Education is not all of that big either. My little boy is only 5 and he’s already
talking about animation and want to draw and make movies and stuff like
that but there’s no way in Cayman you could do that. You will have to
take him overseas to do that.
Q#5: How would describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Role Model, Individualistic, Religious, Respectable, Well-mannered, Integrity,
Empathetic, Not prejudiced.
Archie:
You shouldn’t be a role model, sound no way, look no way, you just got to
be yourself you know, try to stay out of problems, you should try to live
right.
Female:
Work hard, be honest, respectable, well- mannered and stop trying to fight
people down.
Role Model / Civic
Male: Remember you were a youth once and try to put yourself in somebody’s else
shoes and when you see them going through certain struggles and give
them your advice based on your experience rather than judging that person
known that you were that person one day.
Non-judgmental
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Male: You know. They have a lot of people that look back and judge people and say
yeah I would never do that whereas in the back of their mind they have
something up into their closet too that they had shared with that same
person.
Male:
Yeah be real and understand people situation.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspiration?
Employment
Bubbles:
When you sit down and based on everything, it’s so hard. If you do get a
good paying job you could do what you want to do but in the next couple
of days, you’re broke.
Fee:
Well, basically get a nice job.
Male:
Get a good job, good house and settle down.
Entrepreneur
Male:
You need to start your own business to get rich.
Female:
Actually, I just want to start my own business to see if I could get
anywhere.
A:
I want to be a recorder and I’ve already start.
Male:
Boy I don’t know, hopefully to get my own business or something.
Charlie:
Hope to settle down, open my own business.
Role model
Charlie:
Help the younger generation that’s coming up.
Education
Smallie:
I’m waiting to graduate still. Remain crime free.
Male:
I also want to get a car and keep my life straight. No crime.
Fee:
A car, a house and settle down.
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Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Employment
Archie:
Fishing, honest good job.
Family
Archie:
Married and on my own with my family.
Religion
Archie:
Serving the Lord.
Home Ownership
Male:
My own house.
Entrepreneur
Bob:
My own business.
Wallie:
I want to own my own business and relax and don’t worry about a thing.
Education
Female:
Well hopefully college still.
Uncertain
Kitten: That’s a hard one, life’s so unpredictable, its hard you see because you can plan
something in your head but like I said 5 years ago somebody asked me
that and I’m not where I said I am wanted to be. I mean I am half way
there but lots of bumps along the way and a lot of things life thrown at me
that I didn’t expect so I am just going with the flow.
Bubbles:
I don’t have an answer for that one.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated yes.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
Yes
89
Male:
Canada. Yeah. I have ‘nuff family up there.
Male:
You have more say there and you’ll get more benefits.
Archie:
There’s another thing too, women got all of the say here. When you get
into problems and stuff, women have all the say and men don’t have any
say at all.
No
Female:
No plans in leaving Cayman.
Male:
No boy, I couldn’t manage.
Wallie:
Well I have no idea or plans about leaving.
Bob:
Don’t plan to move but if it get any worse that will be something to sit and think
about.
Uncertain
Wallie:To me boy, sometimes you sit down and think about it ‘cause like it all depends
on happened in the past.….and the pass living here, I am not going to lie;
I’ve been in trouble before….and its like when you try and get a police
record they are going to look at that and they will use that to hold
everything against you.
Q#10: How many have heard about CSME? What are the benefits?
One participant indicated he had.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you give
to
improve the quality of life of young people?
90
Marginalization
Male:
Tell them to come, rather than sending us tell them to come themselves.
Male: No but tell them to come, we’re the ones who sit down here and witness what’s
going on and so that they can see for themselves. They need to go out and
observe rather than undercover, rather than saying anything to anybody,
go out and look for yourself, that’s the way I look at it. They’re always
sending other people and sitting behind their desk, no offense to them but
sending the man to do their job and then they get all the credit it. Go out
and do it yourselves, that’s the way I look at it.
Activities / Education
Female:
Give them more choices and more things that the young people are
interested to do. Give us a chance because some people are interested in
doing a certain job and they don’t have the experience or the amount of
years or schooling to do it.
Male: Train them, give the young people options, train them and give them the
education so that they can get the job. Sometimes we’re interest in
something and don’t know anything about it.
Male: Just because you don’t have the education they won’t give you the job or the
chance to see if you could do it or learn it. Give you a training course or
something to see if you’re interested or like it.
Male: To see how interested you are or how well you advance and improve your skill as
you keep moving along.
Smallie:
More computers. I don’t know sir.
Archie:
There’s plenty things you could tell them but first of all they’ve got to
have something for the young people to do, that’s actually why they all
gets into so much trouble. I mean there’s nothing to do. I mean all of
these clubs that’s around here that I can go to because I am old enough but
half of these little children, most of them get out at the age of 16 and it’s
nothing for them to do. They can’t get in there to have a good time so
they’ll find something else to do and then that drops to the point where
there’s nothing to do and then they start breaking this, doing that, so. Just
find something for the young people to do. They don’t want to hire them.
Yeah.
Female:
…regardless if it’s a part time job, I mean allow them to get the first shot.
91
Education
Wallie:
Free education.
Male:
One with free education.
Crime / Drug Abuse
Female:
One that use less alcohol.
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Unemployed Rural – Cayman Brac
Name of Participants
Sisco
JT
Nick
3 Participants
Age
17
18
Sex
All Males
Captured themes for this cohort:
Activities, Employment, Marginalization, Family, Economy, Education,
Resentment, Home Ownership, Crime, Apathy, Civic, Unity, Entrepreneur,
Opportunities, Education and Cultural Awareness.
Q#1: As a young people, what concerns today? Why?
Education
Male: What concerns me is my future by getting into college and fundings of the money
to attend that college that I want to attend.
Male: Just like the recent college built here they don't give you the opportunities that
you want to learn more in like some things.
Economy
Youth:
What concerns me most is the economy.
Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Activities
Youth: In Cayman, I want to see the youth doing more activities instead of getting into
groups and doing bad things, like gangs or something,
Cultural Awareness
John: The kind of Cayman I would wan’ live in is the kind of society that makes
heritage important.
Unity
John: That tries to follow up on contribution more and the kind that works a little harder
to build a culture and community that comes together more.
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Male: Yeah man, just for the youths that came on the island now-a-days kinda’ falls
upon other culture so nowadays it’s just like a mixture of all different
people. I would like to see our own culture.
Education
Male: I'd say ‘hmm that they contribute by either saying that they had school, they
wanna’ attend that school and you don’t have anyone to teach you or don’t
know what they’re doing.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Uncertainty for some of the participants.
Male: Well I try to. Well I don’t need to say try not to. I don't steal or litter the place or
anything like that I just try to keep it clean as possible.
Male:
Hmm, I do really know to tell you the truth.
Q#4: What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Opportunities
Male: It's hard if you know and you don’t have anything to do you’ll just lay around and
watch TV. You know and just be lazy and I see that as a problem in the
future if you do get a job, you’ll get bored of the job and you’ll loose your
opportunity there to go onto something bigger and better in the future.
Male: So you need to have a job to actually build not only a career, but a personality.
Male: We living ‘affa is promises. They don’t do nothing. They need to get something
going to at least make us believe that they go do sup'in, because it's very
hard sitting down waiting on sup'in for years.
Marginalization
Male:
If I could said anything, I agree with what he said enuh, these problems
that we have ‘enuh. If we not listening to the youth, there is not gonna’ be
anything there. Plus ‘enuh they just gonna’ get into trouble in the future.
You might loose your business like the tourism business. You have gangs
here.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
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Intelligent, Congenial, Culturally and environmentally aware, industrious.
Male: I guess pretty intelligent or good. Pretty intelligent, cant really think of too much
ting right now.
Male: Look like a very bright young man wanna’ learn something and very friendly with
a smile and always greeting someone even though he doesn’t know them
he will get to know them, yuh’ kno'.
Male: Well first of all, if you’re from the Caribbean, yuh’ nuh’ really suppose to have no
bad vibes toward you, you’re suppose to be cool, relaxed because when
you really think about the Caribbean you think about relaxing, you think
about cool, chilling out. Yuh’ suppose to have a fun attitude towards them;
you’re supposed to be positive. You’re supposed to wake up every
morning and enjoy the breeze, live through the day, enjoy the sun. Just
have a friendly attitude respect, people respect yuh’ culture, respect your
heritage, respect wha’ the people of your past did to build your culture.
‘Enuh.
Male:
Caribbean people suppose to be hard working.
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Ambassador
Youth: My goals in life is to, move on to, although this is my country, I would like to
move on to another place to spread my country's heritage and everything
to other places. Get us more publicity in the world.
Cultural Awareness
Youth: My dreams and aspirations is kinda’ similar to what he say I would like to travel
to I would like to travel to learn or actually learn more Caribbean cultures.
I would like to see now much they are -similar to ours or how much they
differ to ours. That would actually help me to understand more about how
the Caribbean was built.
Musician
Also I would like to start a career in music. Yuh’ know record my music.
I write songs, I can sing, rap and all kinds of things like that. I would like
to make something outa’ that because that's my biggest talent so I'd like to
make something outa’ it, I might just need the opportunity to get
something started yuh’ no. Once I get the opportunity I will go for it.
95
Employment
Male:
Get a good job.
Family
Male:
To have a decent family.
Home ownership
Male:
Own a nice house.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Education
Male:
5 years from today, well hmmm, I see myself ‘enuh just finishing college,
Employment
Male:
Moving on to a good job.
Male:
Fireman.
Male: Well hopefully it will be a nice job for a good while unless a see something betta’
or different.
Entrepreneur
Male: Even might open my own business ya’ ‘nuh? Graphic designing business or
‘sumting.
JT:
In the next 5 years I plan to be a millionaire, I plan to hmmm open up my own
studio and give young people like me that always wanted a chance to, if
they have a singing talent or a musical talent that always wanted a chance
like me it wouldn't be so hard for them to fight or have to fight for that or
have to go for it, preferably in the Cayman Islands.
Home Ownership
JT:
I plan to have a house, family and everything that I need. I want to be able to
support my family, support myself
Civic
JT:
Contribute to my country, young groups and stuff like that yah’ know.
96
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
All participants indicated yes.
Male: Yes I do, think of myself as ,’enuh a Caribbean person because I was born here I
learnt the heritage of rope making, thatcher, ‘enuh everything so I have put
that into my life so I know that in the future everyting’ come together.
Male:
I have the same feeling.
Male: Yes, Sir because our heritage are nearly all the same and the things we do and
years come if I should have children I would expect the same ting too.
Male: Yeah, I feel I for the Caribbean because hmm I love the ocean, my grandfather
was a fisherman like from the day I was born and as soon as I would walk
that's what I have been doing with him for about 18 – 17 years. I can’t get
rid of that.
Q#9: Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
All participants indicated yes.
Experience / Education/ Cultural Awareness
Male: I plan to live in the future in Canada because ‘enuh I've never seen snow before
and all that but I wan to go a certain college there. I want to learn there
culture and teach them mine also about the culture, about thatch-making.
Male: I would just like to live up there to see what their life like the things they do, the
places they go to differentiate them.
Male: I plan to live a lot of places, other than the Cayman Islands. I mean always plan
be a Caymanian ‘dat where I grew up I will always be a Caymanian
Male: Yeah, yeah like probably the States, probably somewhere in Europe. A lot of
money opportunities in ‘dem places so not only Cayman ‘enuh so I would
like to try that out too sometime in life ‘enuh not right now but once I get
settled down and ting once I really got a career probably when I get close
to retirement or sup'n. I'd like to.
Q#10: How many have heard about CSME? What are the benefits?
97
None of the participants had.
Q#11: If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you make
to improve the life of young people?
Opportunities
Youth: I would tell them ‘enuh give the young people more options more opportunities to
make better themselves to use their talent in the future to expand out in the
world.
Male: Having some kind of program to give these young people something to do or to
give them what they want in the future.
JT:
They would have to give us, the children or youth of the Caribbean more
opportunities.
Male: They need to find out a everybody can do and wha’ everybody waan do and they
need to give them the opportunity to do it, enuuh they need to give dem’
the opportunity to just show how good they is and wha’ they can do.
Employment
Male: Not enough jobs, ‘cause I graduated June gone was a year and I just getting a job
that I actually can work the rest of my life. It took me a year to get a job
and within that time some people would leave. So they, yuh’ have very
little young people staying here is just we just need more jobs and better
things to do.
Businesses
Male: I guess more businesses, more shops and different marketing places and stuff like
that.
Rotorac
Name of Participants
Sophia
Stephanie
Leigh
Yvette
Tricia
Age
27
25
26
24
26
Sex
F
F
F
F
F
98
Sheraim
Nastasja
7 Participants
27
27
F
F
Captured themes for this cohort:
Activities, Employment, Family, Self Actualization, Equilibrium/Gender,
Race/Ethnicity, Opportunities, Development Opportunities, Education,
Expensive/High Cost of Living, Resentment, Stereo Type, Home Ownership, Crime,
Apathy, Responsibility, Civic, Professional, Reintegration, Entrepreneur, Cultural/
Gender Awareness, Identity, National Pride, Education and Cultural Awareness.
Q#1: As young people, what concerns you most today? Why?
Expensive/High Cost of Living
Stephanie:
I think the increase in the cost of living. It not only affects you but it
affects everybody else around you. Everybody is paid at different pay rate
I should say and then, how can I say this, the cost of living doesn’t
increase for a lot of people and then the middle class keeps getting smaller
and more people are going into poverty and the rich will remain rich
unless something happens to them
Nastasja:
Cost of living has increased significantly within a relatively short period
of time.
Leigh: It seems that the younger Caymanians have less drive or may be feel less
motivated and that streams from education.
Employment
Sophia:
Just to add, in terms of like as a young professional I think that one of the
problems facing young people as well is being integrated into the work
force where you have a degree, you have the qualifications but you have a
job, or you are competing with someone else who is applying for the same
job but they have the experience over you.
Apathy
Tricia: Well one thing that concerns me is the lack of interest that young people have in
what is going on in our community and of what is happening in Cayman.
Like for instance like, and I think that you may know more about this than
I do, but the Constitution Modernization which as everybody here knows
is where the Government was trying to modernize the constitution, there
was a serious lack of interest from the young people in terms of the public
meetings.
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Q#2: What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
Cultural Awareness
Nastasja:
When I think Caribbean I think of to be safe where I can picture my kids
outside riding their bicycles like I used to do 20 years ago. A region that
embraces its culture, its identity that’s not lost within the US or the UK or
you know transplanted since we have a lot here.
Unity
Leigh: To join on to that actual thought, when you said what the ideal vision of the
Caribbean is, is that it would actually be “the Caribbean”. Not just a
geographical location but an actual united region and that is definitely
what its not. I know that that is what CARICOM is trying to achieve but
realistically let’s face it that’s not what it is. There is a great deal of
segregation and I would like to see that break down.
Respect
Tricia: I for one would like to see people internationally take us more seriously in terms
of when expatriates come here and they think everything is all flower
pattern shirts and steel drums kind of thing, [laughter]
National Pride
Yvette:And I think that just to add to that Caymanians don’t support fellow Caymanians.
I mean that has always been an issue here.
Q#3: How do young people contribute to society?
Apathy
Leigh: Don’t think they do. But what worries me is that I don’t necessarily agree that all
of them have ambition because based on my experience the ones that seem
to exhibit a desire to achieve something are few and far in between. And
then you have the general group of young people who I think have been so
demotivated and sensitized to believe certain things about themselves that
you kind of worry and wonder well is there any hope of turning this
around.
Apathy / Education
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Nastasja:
Sometimes I don’t think that they do. I can truthfully say that because I am
in HR and I get hundreds literally of applications for one post and 9 out of
10 times the Caymanian is going to fail every test that we put them
through. And it’s like “ok if you can’t do basic addition and subtraction
and those sorts of things, how can I give you the opportunity to do more?”
I mean yes I think that there is a breakdown in the education system but I
would never lay 100% of the responsibility there because I think it’s very
much a combination of things you know. Family structure, home life,
education and all of these other things said before and who we think we
are.
Education
Sheraim:
Ok I would admit there has been some breakdown in the educational
system. I went to public school and even at a young age I could never
understand how could children pass from one grade to the next without
being able to perform at the grade which they are going into.
Leigh: But I mean even at the college, the very base level certificate program that the
college here offers, we have to introduce things like a professional
certificate, how to behave in a professional environment. Now at the most
people, they are entering university college level but we still have to be
trying to ingrain that foundation in them.
Sophia:
Well what I want to add too in terms of what I think Cayman is lacking in
comparison to other Caribbean countries is that you can actually go to a
technical school at a high school level rather than at a post high school
level where I mean like you are a failure within the educational system.
Not everyone is gonna’ be a lawyer, not everyone is gonna’ be an
accountant. Some people are gonna’ be a contractor, construction worker.
Stephanie:
I think that you can have change if there are options and avenues, you will
have change but when everyone is looking at well these are my options
and this is what the grade I am going to be put in, this is the set I am
gonna’ be put in because of what I am limited as, then its gonna’ limit the
hopes and expectations of yourself. So by the time a person is leaving high
school and going off to college or something else, and if they already have
that stigma in their head from the time they are like from 5 until 16, I
mean like those are your major developmental years,
Responsibility
Nastasja:
My only comment to that would be that at what point do people need to
take responsibility for themselves. Because I can’t control everybody’s
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home environment and some of us are more fortunate than others but at
some point, in order for us to become responsible adults, regardless of
your upbringing, you have to decide fro yourself that now is the time for
me to take charge of my life…. When do I decide that this is enough? I
expect better of me and this is how I am going to do it.
Q#4: What is it like living in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
Resentment / Stereotype
Sheraim:
I will touch on the working aspect and I have found in many cases that
most employers, especially even local employers, they just have this
stigma on Caymanians that we don’t have any ambition or we are time
wasters and its more pressure on Caymanians
Home Ownership
Sheraim:
And is also find, just to touch on another topic, with regards to owning
your own home, it’s very difficult and that’s because of the cost of living.
Reintegration
Sophia:
I think what we need, one of my biggest challenges is that, well I wouldn’t
say biggest challenges but, where you go off to school and you return,
some friends yes you can relate but some friends you can’t relate to and
it’s coming back and reintegrating yourself back into society. I find that a
big challenge. For example, my circle of friends have changed
significantly.
Stephanie:
When you look at it I know that especially, how can I say, from high
school and then through from George Hicks, I was friends with a lot of
people, some of them from before I could even spell, and then some we
were just a close bunch of friends form since we were like 12/13 you
know, and recently we decided that we were gonna’ get together at least
once a month and socialize and enjoy each other and then sometimes I am
sitting there around this big table and I cannot relate. I can’t relate what
they want, their desires you know.
Yvette:Another thing too, what I think is an issue, say for instance you go away to school
or even her in island, you get your degree, you get a good paying job, get a
fancy car, doing well for yourself, other people will look down on you and
say “oh well she had a good life” or “oh I can stand her” or you know they
will basically grudge you for the things that you have achieved
Leigh: And I think that it’s linked to that whole saying of “crabs in a bucket” mentality.
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Apathy
Sophia:
Also the fact that certain people are just okay with just being complaisant
and that could be from where you perceive that “ok this as far as I am
going to get”. Some people are like that and that is just how it is here. I
guess I still have the aspirations to do more and I don’t see myself as just
being stick here like this is my only option but I know exactly where I
wanna go in life whether it’s Cayman or elsewhere.
Cultural / Gender Awareness Identity
Sophia:
As a young person I think a big challenge, at least with me, is blending
with say your superiors which in many cases are not from Cayman. There
is that challenge of maintaining your individuality and your identity
because there is already that perceived idea of what this person should be
so you feel sometimes that pressure to not really have to mirror the
person’s personality or mirror their culture but to play the game you do
loose a bit of yourself because to play the game you do have to assimilate
to some extent to become a part of their culture in your world.
Leigh: I find that in certain avenues as a young female in the Caribbean, sometimes when
people ask you what your plans are and your aspirations are solely related
to professional development, career development, its like horrific. “So you
not getting married!?” you know its the same kind of mentality and I find
that funny but I think that when I deal with people who are not Caymanian
in a professional setting and I start discussing that I get a different
response to say “oh well you know I want to go off and I want to study
this”. It’s more encouraging rather than “Oh so you and so and so not
going to have kids and get married and so on”, you know.
Tricia: You know, I mean I don’t know how we are gonna’ overcome it but we need to
get rid of this idea that we have in our head that being Caymanian is a bad
thing, speaking like a Caymanian is a bad thing. It’s not, it’s what makes
me a Caymanian. If I speak like an American, I am imitating an American.
I am not a Caymanian. I lose myself and that’s one of the things I hate
about living in Cayman. Other than that, I love it. [group laughter]
Activities
Stephanie:
We need more things to do as there are too many activities now that
consume nothing but alcohol.
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Tricia: I think that’s the complaint that a lot of Caymanians have but yet we need to take
the initiative to start creating things for us to do and get rid of this thing
that because we don’t have 10, 15 people behind us it not no good.
Q#5: How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
Individuality, Culturally aware, Ambassador, Educated, Conversant.
Identity
Nastasja:
They should have a sense of identity and a sense of self above everything
else. The last thing that I would want to do is have a man that is depicted
as being Caribbean and all he can do is race cars. I mean you want a wellrounded individual and that starts with having a sense of self. A sense of
self of who you are, your worth, your value, your contribution in order to
be able to embrace anything else.
Cultural Awareness
Sophia:
I think as a Caribbean person we need to be more aware of our immediate
surroundings. So I think that that is something important because once you
are aware of it you will also recognize the needs of your sister islands.
You will actually have a greater appreciation and greater sensitivity
towards our sister islands.
Pride
Leigh: Linking to that I think that they need to have a certain level of pride. And when I
say pride I don’t mean only to be proud of themselves and think that ‘oh I
am the best’ but I mean to be an ambassador for their country.
Stephanie:
I think it’s about what she was saying. It’s all about a sense of self you
know. It’s just like you know who you are and what you stand for
Q#6: What are your dreams and aspirations?
Evolving
Nastasja:
I believe that speaking for myself, my dreams and aspirations have
changed over time and as I continue to mature as a person my dreams and
aspirations have changed. I know I am very much career oriented. I don’t
want to be defined and identified by my career.
Self-actualization
Leigh: I guess for me a sense of self-fulfillment. That’s what I will leave it at.
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Equilibrium / Gender
Tricia: I am searching for a way that when that time comes I can achieve that balance
where I can have my career and I can have my family and I don’t have to
choose between the two.
Natasja:
I want to look back and say I have a family and a spouse and we’re not
rich we’re not poor, we’re happy, we’re healthy and my identities are isn’t
tied to my work and my professional life.
Sophia:
I think it’s just to find that balance and I guess my dream is to achieve that
balance. Actually achieve it you know. So I guess that’s my aspiration.
Nastasja:
Now that I think about it a little bit more. I think that in terms of the
personal element my dream and aspiration would be that the person that I
settle down to build a life with accepts me for me that I don’t have to, I
can go to work and put on that façade and wear that mask and walk the
walk and talk the talk, but when I step in the door the person that I am,
regardless of what my temperament is, regardless of what my mood is, it
doesn’t matter, their acceptance of me is complete. So I can just be me.
Sheraim:
Well before, Nastajsa said the last piece I was just gonna’ say to be happy
at the end of the day. You know, no matter what I am doing or where I am,
I want to be happy with another person and happy with myself. And it
takes a lot for that to happen.
Q#7: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Self-actualization
Nastasja:
I think 5 years from now career wise, I would like to be. I don’t think
personally that you will ever tap out like you will ever achieve your full
potential in that you are constantly striving but I would like to be at a point
where I am comfortable and my abilities are respected by my peers.
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Leigh: Not where I am now. [group laughter] no just working where for the past 5 years I
have said I wanted to work but I have just never moved. I have been a bit
complacent and just to see myself moving away from that to actually
achieving my professional goals. That’s where I see myself in 5 years.
Professional / Family / Civic / Gender
Yvette:I have a degree in management and marketing so I hope that I will be employed
for a major marketing firm where I can be exposed to many challenges
and different aspects of the work force where I can actualize my skills and
in addition to that personally of course to marry a rich husband makes no
sense for the two of us to be poor. So that obviously you know to create a
family from that and be well respected in the community. Yeah, as a
woman.
Race/ Ethnicity
Leigh: More so as a person of colour to be politically correct.
Q#8: Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
Participants indicated no.
Stephanie:
Because Caymanians are very much to themselves you know.
Sophia:
I think another reason too why we don’t feel like we are a part of the
Caribbean is because many times what you do hear about other Caribbean
islands is just negative and you have this thing to kind of say well you
know we are different from the Caribbean because our industry is this or
we are this or we are that.
Leigh: You have different policies that you have in terms of immigration and those
things create borders and separation. Again CARICOM is trying to break
down some of those things but can only do so to a certain extent. But what
I find funny is to me, where you see people really identifying as being
Caribbean is when it comes to music or art. Those kinds of cultural things.
That when people band together in the Caribbean. You don’t see it on that
scale or that level in any other area and I just find that interesting.
Leigh: Not here, not while I am here because that, I am a citizen of the Caribbean yes, I
live in the Caribbean, but I do not think that, there is no Caribbean
passport right? For lack of a better visual there. But when I am here and I
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am home and I am living and I am doing my day to day, I do not feel that I
am part of something bigger. I am part of Cayman, that’s where I am.
Nastasja:
That’s for us to do. I will agree with that statement but I think if I had to
define why I struggle to identify myself as Caribbean it would be because
as a generalization I think the Caymanian identity is very much lost in a
lot of other things so for example, a lot of my family is Hispanic. So I
automatically identify with my Spanish heritage because it is very clear, it
is very defined, you know what it’s about.
Yes
Tricia: It’s quite interesting to hear these views because I have always thought of myself
as Caribbean. I find that I have to defend Cayman as being part of the
Caribbean. I have to defend that to the end because we are Caribbean.
Where are we located? I have been to different conferences with
Caribbean youth and they believed that Cayman Islands were a part of
America, aam, hello? [group laughter]
Q#8: Do any of you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Why not?
Majority of the participants indicated yes.
All:
YES!
Sophia:
Well for me it’s more like from a career perspective. As I said before like
you have to assimilate if you want to climb the ladder so basically one of
reason I would live elsewhere than the Cayman Islands is international
experience.
Sophia:
I have also been away for like 10 years so I guess for me like my
developmental years where I was developing who I am were spent abroad.
So I find it quire easy for me now, like I am not that attached to home.
Stephanie:
For business opportunities I would definitely go away. The population in
Cayman is ridiculously small and if you want to expand and to reach to a
certain level then you have to go to a country that has the population and
that’s where I am going to be. But other than that, yeah Cayman will still
be my home but if somebody says to me “Steph pick up and your gonna’
live in this place for the next 20 years” and I can come home in Christmas,
I am fine.
No.
Tricia: I mean like when I went to do my qualification I had the option to stay here,
which I mean, I would only ever be qualified in Cayman, or go aboard to
broaden my qualifications and places where I could practice and when I
got there I said to myself “What were you thinking?”. I can’t live
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anywhere else other than Cayman. I guess, I don’t know, I love my
country to my heart. I don’t think anybody loves Cayman more than me.
But I mean I get terribly home sick even when I even go on like vacations
and what not.
Sheraim:
I would says I would go elsewhere just for a while but I would come back
and it would just be not even based on career but just to go somewhere
else just to see the life. Maybe 3 or 5 years but I know that I would get
homesick and come back.
Q#9: How many have heard of the CSME? What are benefits?
Majority of participants were not really familiar.
Leigh: It’s a Caribbean thing.
Tricia: Caribbean Economy something.
Q#10:
If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations would you
make to improve the quality of life of young people?
Education
Stephanie:
Restructure the education system.
Employment / Opportunities
Sophia:
As I was saying that also can help with job opportunities.
Cultural Awareness
Leigh: I would say in terms of maybe improving the knowledge of other Caribbean
countries and bolstering this whole idea of a Caribbean, making people
feel as if they are citizens of the Caribbean.
Development opportunities
Leigh: Maybe providing more avenues in terms of internships and that sort of and that
kind of experience would be beneficial. Not necessarily providing
employment opportunities but the opportunities for professional
development and learning more about other avenues, other industries,
other countries, maybe that would be an approach to take.
Stephanie:
Making young people in the region more aware of service clubs and the
opportunities that they can gain from joining them. It’s not just about
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community service but its for you as well and I don’t think a lot of young
people are aware of that.
Education
Sheraim:
I would say in terms of people opening a technical training school because
I find that a lot of our young men are not really interested to go off to
college.
Leigh: And there is no need to reinvent the wheel because those things already exist in
the region and if we share the knowledge and share the resources then we
cant loose.
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SUMMARY, RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Study
The purpose pf the study was to explore and capture the aspirations and dreams of young
persons aged 15-29 in the Cayman Islands as part of a regional Caribbean Analysis of the
Situation of Youth Study, to articulate their aspirations and dreams; and for these voices
to be considered instrumental and integral when developing and implementing
sustainable national and regional policy and programs and remedies within the social,
economic and political systems.
The data was collected from conducting 17 focus group sessions across a spectrum of a
diverse youth population. The 45-90 minute focus group interviews facilitated the
opportunity for young persons to articulate their concerns, hopes and dreams in a semistructured format. In essence, they were allowed access to a forum that encouraged their
vocalization on pertinent personal and social issues. There perceptions on these were
critical to the purpose of the study and instrumental for the analysis and subsequent
findings.
The emphasis on the views of these youths is of critical significance and should be
investigated through qualitative enquiry. It is vital to adamantly insist that the voice of
this population, across its inherent cohorts, be heard on the concerns.
The subjective recount of their opinions and insights permitted the delving into their
understanding of current societal dilemmas through the resonations of the extrapolated
themes.
The study research question: What are the aspirations and dreams of young persons in
the Caribbean?, guided the researcher to explore the opinions and perceptions through
the conversational narratives of the participants in order to pursue the themes.
During the examination of the personified themes gleaned from participants in the focus
groups, it became lucid that there were identifiable, cross-sectional similarities that
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existed among the cohorts. These similarities were isolated and expanded upon to provide
the reader with a more cohesive, succinct and comprehensive summary of the data.
Present were findings restricted to individual cohorts. The young person population
cannot be imagined to speak with one voice on all subject matters, at one time. There are
identifiable themes that permeate one cohort more than another. These themes are critical
to the experience of that cohort group. For them, the themes articulate within that cohort
are relevant and applicable to their demographics.
Recommendations were also formulated based on the findings of the study. In some
instances, these recommendations are nationally expansive and are foundational for local/
district application.
Summary of Results
The results of the analysis produced several themes, some of which were interrelated with
other themes but still retained enough characteristics to be considered separate and
autonomous. The autonomous themes were segregated and highlighted in order to
provide the reader with sufficient data to objectively assess the results. Some of the
individual excerpts are part of a larger contextual body of data that coherently steered the
researcher to identify the inherent articulated theme. The instrument, while qualitative in
design and intended methodology, also collected data for quantitative measurement. Such
as measuring the themes of Exodus, CSME and Caribbean Citizen.
Exodus
Most participants in the study indicated they would not leave the islands to live in another
country. If they did, it was only to gain experience or to further educational goals. This
group also indicated they would return home after securing their aims. As part of the
aspiration and dreams, many participants articulated a desire to own a home. This
supports the premise that many participants do not intend to exit the islands permanently.
Those participants that expressed a desire to permanently leave were more inclined to do
so because of family connections in other countries.
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CSME
When the participants were asked if they were aware of CSME, the majority of
participants had not. The participants that did only possessed a vague notion of the idea.
Caribbean Citizen
Most participants viewed themselves as a Caribbean citizen. This was mainly explained
using descriptors connected to geography or the indigenous cultural environment. For
those that did not view themselves as a Caribbean citizen, it was reasoned that the lack of
Caribbean unity and national relationships created their individualistic view.
Crime
Crime is a recurring theme profusely expressed or implied in virtually all the focus
groups. All the varying populations described its reality as they envisioned it. Crime for
many of the participants delimited the acquisition of many of their immediate and lifecourse expectations and achievements.
The actual crime or threat of it in one focus group clearly was the dominant theme.
Death, a particular result of crime for them, was a preoccupation more than any other
gleaned theme.
Crime for many was intrinsically interwoven with other themes. The presence of crime,
whether on the peripheral or saliently evident in their experiences, clearly served no
beneficial purpose. The participants expressed the desire to live in a crime free
environment absent of the violent behaviour of our young people.
Crime and examples of it such as, violence, child and woman abuse, shootings, drugs,
homicide, death by motor vehicles, etc., all resonated within the focus groups. For the
participants, crime was inherently part of their youth and had to be recognized.
Education
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Education, and lack of it, consistently emerged in the focus group discussions. Most
participants recognized the need to attain and value it as a gateway to economic and
social success.
For them, education in some instances is a prerequisite to self-
actualization.
Some participants advocated strongly that the government should provide more funding
for alternate types of educational pursuits for those not wanting to embark on more
traditional academic endeavours. The advocacy for trade schools emerged in several
focus groups. The focus group in Cayman Brac emphasized the need for the satellite
university there to expand its academic offerings to the students.
Education was seen as an avenue for self-improvement for some participants in custodial
environments. It was also seen as a failure for simply perceiving students who lacked the
academic ability through the formal educational system as underachievers. The recipients
of these diplomas were inevitably hurt in the end.
Education had strong links to employment experience, ideal Caribbean youth migration
to another jurisdiction and raising a family. In the latter, educational attainment was
articulated to be suspended and thus deferred for many young mothers in Cayman Brac
because the child caring prohibited their self-actualization in this regard.
Resentment
Resentment is a theme operationalised to describe the feeling for anger of being treated
unfairly in the practice of hiring expatriates instead of Caymanians in the workforce or
allowing expatriates to theoretically ‘run the country’.
Resentment was the major theme in the majority of the focus groups. The participants
articulated their concerns of preferential treatment in hiring inequality in business
practices, the erosion of wildlife escalated by a non-existential assimilation process by
expatriates and a lost sense of indigenous cultural-self due to the dominant exposure with
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individuals foreign to the Islands. The resentment theme is the focal point for many
participants.
Marginalization
Many participants expressed not ‘being normal’. In effect, they feel isolated, neglected
and powerless. In the void of obscurity, they felt their interests were not important. For
those participants, there was no synergistic development because they were not
empowered to be integral in their own development.
Some participants were angered by their status. They describe the feeling of ‘just not
going anywhere’ and of people shoving ‘…things down the young people’s throats’. A
female participant seriously simply said “the government does not have the right to push
young people outside. They should listen to what they have to say.”
Unity
The theme Unity was prevalent as well for many participants. This theme was situational,
national and jointly applied. The participants articulated a desire to form alliances aimed
at transcending differences in order to overcome societal problems. The theme unity
personalized caring. The participants wanted to assist where possible to alleviate any
societal ailments.
Activities
Resounding in participant vocalization was the theme Activities. The majority of focus
group participants decried a lack of activities for social interaction. The continual
expression of ‘boredom’ is present in the narratives. The theme was correlated to
deviance and criminal activity.
With the absence of activities, some participants expressed desire to exit the island
permanently. One participant said “keep us from doing drugs, make us entertained by
doing stuff in Cayman”.
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Environment
Many participants mentioned the erosion or ‘Americanization’ of the physical landscape
of the island was uncontrolled and the cessation of this process was critical in order to
retain some of the national environment. As succinctly said, “I want pieces of history of
each country to be retained and for the population of these countries to know their
cultures.” The modernization of the island was perceived as diametrically opposed to
attaining individual cultural awareness.
Civic
Many participants emphasized their willingness to become involved in activities designed
to benefit society as a whole and individuals personally. This was expressed through
dialogue containing phrases such as , “I go around to my friends and try and talk to them
and try to be positive”, “I wanna be known as somebody that helped my community” and
“I think volunteering where we helping
Religion
Religion as a theme was cross-sectional. It was referenced among several of the subpopulation focus groups and more evident in the religious focus groups. The youths
described the value of a person’s relationship with God, being God-fearing, aspiring to
develop within the church, and the negative impact and influence of secular music on the
moral and ethical benchmarks of the youth.
Cultural Awareness
Many participants called for a resurgence of cultural learning and the reclamation of
being proud of their country. One participant stated “I would try to learn about the past
and keeping the culture alive.” Another participant stated, “…so we are where our
cultural and natural identity is slowly being lost…” A young participant added that “as a
young person in Cayman, my biggest thing has been our droning culture.”
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The theme is also correlated to Unity, Civic Duty, and Resentment themes.
Entrepreneur
Many participants expressed a desire to become proprietors of businesses. This theme
was cross-sectional as well. There was an emphasis on ‘business’ ownership, but few
specific areas exampled.
Opportunity
This is a vague theme, often correlated with the themes of Employment and Resentment.
One participant stated in his narrative, “I would tell them give these young people more
options, more opportunities to make better themselves to use their talent in the future to
expand out in the world.”
The theme, cross-sectionally, appeared to infer a lack of commitment by those in a
position to affect synergistic change for the participants.
Family
This is another cross-sectional theme. The varying populations all referenced it in terms
of caring support systems that aim to keep it intact and an aspiration to start one. Some
statements refer to how crime impacts the family as noted here by a participant who said
“…like my family members, I am very concerned of them dying.” Another stated, “I am
concerned form my safety and the safety of my family.”
One participant indicated the trans-generational significance by saying, “I would strongly
say to advocate a good home life because I believe that the most influential time in a
child’s life is time spent at home.”
Home Ownership
Home ownership has an expansive theme across all the populations. The theme emerged
in response to the instrument at various intervals.
Opportunity
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Government
Government was a recurring theme tacitly held to be accountable for the different
population concerns. Many participants formulated a nexus between government policies
or lack thereof, and what they perceived to be wrong in society.
It was expressed that in terms of education, “they should invest in education, more
supplies, books for the schools.” For marginalization, the comment was made “…how
they are running the country and is reckless on us in that there’s not much of a Cayman
left for us to run…” and “I would honestly say the government takes no time to actually
consider the youth and what it is they would like to do.”
Concerning the themes of Cultural Awareness and the Environment one participant noted
“… so we see where cultural and regional identity is slowly being lost.”
Apathy
Participants across several focus groups expressed the ‘lack of caring’ they witnessed in
interactions with some youths. There is a concern that these youths are not participating
in the social environment in a productive manner. The attitudes displayed by these youths
are aversive and combative to social norms. These youths do not contribute to the
functional societal practices. They are on the peripheral of society and there is an agitated
state.
Peculiar Themes to Specific Cohorts
Gender
The theme gender was evident in the young professional group Rotorac. This group of
tertiary educated females was exposed to the global issues commonly experienced in
patriarchal cultures. Their aspirations and dreams were at times in conflict with what was
expected of them as a societal norm. There is a described tension created by the expectant
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fulfillment of a socialization end which permeates their goal of self-actualization. This
cohort of females seeks equilibrium. Manifest in this equilibrium was a sort of coexistence between who they are and who they are perceived to be. This theme was
particular to this cohort.
Crime/Death
Death and violence resonated among the young males in the Boy’s Home. The theme was
reiterated either directly or peripherally. There was a preoccupation with the theme
throughout much of the narratives. Through vivid examples the young males already
wrote their epitaph. While they referenced some resilience to manage their reality of the
theme, it was nevertheless, a constant in their daily life-course. This theme was peculiar
to this cohort.
Cayman Brac:
The focus groups held on Cayman Brac yielded similar class results as Grand Cayman;
however the theme of relocation was peculiar to this group as well as expenses. The
former theme is correlated to migrating from Cayman Brac to Grand Cayman in pursuit
of better career opportunities and education. One participant stated
that “…the transition from home to Grand Cayman to get a job so you can provide for
your own child is very expensive.” Another stated, “I would like to attend college and the
college down here doesn’t offer everything.”
The latter theme referred to the cost of living there being comparably better than in Grand
Cayman but job opportunities were scarce. Among the female parents focus group, there
was an evident practice of re-prioritizing their aspirations and dreams after their entry
into motherhood. Under the theme Reality, participants referring to their dreams and
aspirations said that “those completely change when you have children. Those go down
the drain. It’s all about their dreams.” Another young mother described her dream as
“…to keep my job. That way I can keep feeding my child. So I mean when you have a
child they come first.”
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The majority of the participants indicated that they desired a career that involved a
tertiary level education, but since the birth of their children, their dream has been
deferred.
Recommendations
1. Many of the youth articulations expressed the concern of not ‘being heard’ or of
experiencing the reality of being ‘labeled’. In essence, they expressed the anxiety
and frustration of this experience and their disquiet about being powerless and
marginalized. At the very minimum, it is imperative that youths are encouraged to
participate in discussions regarding their communities and any long term national
and regional planning.
Participation can be described as allowing their
perceptions on the subject to be voiced.
2. Based on the narratives, a broader development of skill-set programs designed to
meet the needs of the youth in the community is prudent. The development and
implementation of these programs should target the rural areas and serve as
educational out-reach programs. The programs should be held in the local districts
in order to provide development to those populations having difficulty accessing
the higher learning facilities. In essence a type of decentralization of the skill set
programs.
3. As many care and educational providers already exist in the social services
environment, the knowledge of these specific services and their presence are not
known by many youth. The creation of an Information Channel aimed at youth
should be readily available. Care must also be taken to ensure that information is
available and accessible to the youths in general and specifically those in the
lower socioeconomic group. Youth already in families with proper buffers and
low risks factors are more likely to be familiar with the services offered by these
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providers. This undertaking can be subsumed by an existing governmental agency
or a non-governmental agency (NGO).
4. The development of a unitary authority or entity to aid in enabling a cohesive and
structured approach for addressing youth concerns. This approach delineates the
duplication of services provided by many NGOs and governmental agencies. The
demarcation of services provided facilitates in the advancement for the delivery of
specialist quality services focused on the youth; whether it is education, afterschool physical activities, mentoring, youth clubs, among others. Such an
authority can ensure that these services are not subject to district disparity in
service application and provide benchmarks for all existing and future services.
5. Educational classroom instruction specifically designed to promote the regional
awareness of cultural, historical, social, economic and political systems in the
Caribbean. The instruction should be designed not only to inform, but to instill a
sense of pride and honor for the contribution the Caribbean states has and
continues to make in regional and world development.
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APPENDIX A
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
Study Instrument - Focus Group Questions
1. As young people, what concerns you today? Why?
2. What kind of Caribbean do you want to live in?
3. How do young people contribute to society?
4. What is it like to live in the Cayman Islands as a young person today?
5. How would you describe the ideal Caribbean youth?
6. What are your dreams and aspirations?
7. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
8. Do you think of yourself as a Caribbean citizen? Why? Why not?
9. Do you plan to live anywhere else but in this country? Why? Where would you
want to live?
10. How many have heard about CSME? What are the benefits?
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11. If you could meet with the Commission, what recommendations
would you make to improve the quality of life of young people?
APPENDIX B
ASSENT FORM
Comprehensive Assessment of the situation of Caribbean Youth 15-29
_______________________________________________________________________
ASSENT FORM
Study Title: Comprehensive Assessment of the Situation of Caribbean Youth 10-29.
Study Description:
The study seeks to explore and gather information from you
concerning your aspirations and dreams.
Participant Selection: You are eligible and were selected for this study because
you are a Caribbean Youth within the age range of 10-29.
Voluntary Participation:
The study is strictly voluntary and at any time, you
can cease to be involved in it. You have the right to review and withdraw from this study
at any time without any form of repercussion. You will be among 6 to 8 participants that
are selected for the focus group.
Study Approval: The study has been developed and approved for implementation
by the Caricom Community. Your written assent and your guardian’s consent are
required for this research study prior to participating in it.
Benefits: The study may provide you with an understanding of your aspirations,
dreams and goals. Although, there may be no direct benefit for yourselves from this
study, your participation in this study may provide a better understanding of the entire
Caribbean Youth’s aspirations. This understanding may provide pertinent information on
how these hopes and aspirations can be attained by those in a position to do so. The study
may also be useful for the development of programs specifically aimed at educating those
responsible or desiring to assist youth.
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ASSENT FORM
Risks:
All studies have some amount of risk and this study is no exception. This
study entails no physical risk. This study involves you describing your hopes and
aspirations. Some of these experiences may not be favorable and may cause emotional
discomfort. Ms. Katherine Whittaker Director of the Children Services Unit (345-9341127) has agreed to facilitate the reduction of any distress you experience by arranging
for the appropriate care. You must be also be aware that any potentially harmful
information such as child abuse, illegal criminal behavior, or future illegal criminal
behavior that you disclose can be reported as may be mandated by law to the relevant
authorities.
Anonymity: Your name will not be used in this study. A pseudonym of our choice
will be used in its place. Disinterested transcribers from the Cayman Islands will
transcribe the interviews. They will not have access to the assent or consent forms that
contain your identity.
Confidentiality and Limits to Confidentiality: All conversations and
interviews that take place in their raw form will be strictly confidential. No identifying
information will be used to identify you to others aside from the researchers, Dr. Anthony
White and Mr. James Myles. Your signed consent forms will be kept in a locked filing
cabinet at the primary researcher's residence. The taped interviews and notes will kept in
a separate locked filing cabinet in the primary researcher residence as well. The
researchers Dr. Anthony White, Mr. James Myles and disinterested transcribers from the
Cayman Islands will be the only parties who see the raw data and this will be for
analytical purposes. The transcriber will not see the signed consent forms. There will be
no clearly identifying information used in the study. All original notes will destroyed via
incineration after ten years. However, there are limits to confidentiality. This means there
are some information the researcher cannot keep in confidence. For example, if you
disclose you are going to hurt yourself or someone else or if your parents have hurt you,
than appropriate authorities will be contacted. Furthermore, it is highly encouraged that
you do not disclose any illegal activities to the researcher.
Data Collection: In this study, you will be asked to participate in one face to face
focus group interview. The focus group will concentrate on your dreams and aspirations.
The average length will be 90 minutes. You will also be allowed to broach other subjects
concerned with your aspirations. The study is based on what you and your dreams and
hopes. The focus group is a process that requires you to be as candid as possible. You
123
will be asked during the focus group to clarify or expand on prior statements made during
the interview. The interview will be tape recorded.
ASSENT FORM
Dissemination: The study results will also be used for a later publication, future
studies, to assist in a program design and implementation, and for educational purposes.
Authorization: I have read and understand the nature of this study.
I also
understand that by agreeing to participate in this study, I do not receive any extra benefits
or remuneration for myself or another. I understand there will be no repercussion for not
participating in the study or for not continuing in it once I have started. I also understand
I have not waived any legal or human rights. I understand that I can contact Ms.
Katherine Whittaker if I feel any emotional or physical discomfort as a result of the
study. I understand I can contact Dr. Anthony White (345-916-3663) at any time. I agree
to participate in the study. I also understand that if I have any other concerns about my
treatment during this research study; I can contact Tony Scott, the Cay Manager of
Bonaventure Homes or Ms. Brooks of the Francis Bodden Girl’s home. I also understand
that I am permitted to have a copy of the research findings at the conclusion of the
research study.
Who to contact in if you have any concerns about the study:
Dr. Anthony White
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Office: 345-916-3663
Fax: 345-949-2422
Or:
Ms. Katherine Whittaker
Director of Family Service’s unit
345-943-1127
Participants signature
Date
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Guardian’s signature
Date
APPENDIX C
CONSENT FORM
Comprehensive Assessment of the situation of Caribbean Youth 15-29
_______________________________________________________________________
CONSENT FORM
Study Title: Comprehensive Assessment of the Situation of Caribbean Youth 10-29.
Study Description:
The study seeks to explore and gather information from you
concerning your aspirations and dreams.
Participant Selection: You are eligible and were selected for this study because
you are a Caribbean Youth within the age range of 10-29.
Voluntary Participation:
The study is strictly voluntary and at any time, you
can cease to be involved in it. You have the right to review and withdraw from this study
at any time without any form of repercussion. You will be among 6 to 8 participants that
are selected for the focus group.
Study Approval: The study has been developed and approved for implementation
by the Caricom Community. Your written consent and is required for this research study
prior to participating in it.
Benefits: The study may provide you with an understanding of your aspirations,
dreams and goals. Although, there may be no direct benefit for yourselves from this
study, your participation in this study may provide a better understanding of the entire
Caribbean Youth’s aspirations. This understanding may provide pertinent information on
how these hopes and aspirations can be attained by those in a position to do so. The study
may also be useful for the development of programs specifically aimed at educating those
responsible or desiring to assist youth.
125
CONSENT FORM
Risks:
All studies have some amount of risk and this study is no exception. This
study entails no physical risk. This study involves you describing your hopes and
aspirations. Some of these experiences may not be favorable and may cause emotional
discomfort. Ms. Katherine Whittaker Director of the Children Services Unit (345-9341127) has agreed to facilitate the reduction of any distress you experience by arranging
for the appropriate care. You must be also be aware that any potentially harmful
information such as child abuse, illegal criminal behavior, or future illegal criminal
behavior that you disclose can be reported as may be mandated by law to the relevant
authorities.
Anonymity: Your name will not be used in this study. A pseudonym of our choice
will be used in its place. Disinterested transcribers from the Cayman Islands will
transcribe the interviews. They will not have access to the consent forms that contain
your identity.
Confidentiality and Limits to Confidentiality: All conversations and
interviews that take place in their raw form will be strictly confidential. No identifying
information will be used to identify you to others aside from the researchers, Dr. Anthony
White and Mr. James Myles. Your signed consent forms will be kept in a locked filing
cabinet at the primary researcher's residence. The taped interviews and notes will kept in
a separate locked filing cabinet in the primary researcher residence as well. The
researchers Dr. Anthony White, Mr. James Myles and disinterested transcribers from the
Cayman Islands will be the only parties who see the raw data and this will be for
analytical purposes. The transcriber will not see the signed consent forms. There will be
no clearly identifying information used in the study. All original notes will destroyed via
incineration after ten years. However, there are limits to confidentiality. This means there
are some information the researcher cannot keep in confidence. For example, if you
disclose you are going to hurt yourself or someone else or if your parents have hurt you,
than appropriate authorities will be contacted. Furthermore, it is highly encouraged that
you do not disclose any illegal activities to the researcher.
Data Collection: In this study, you will be asked to participate in one face to face
focus group interview. The focus group will concentrate on your dreams and aspirations.
The average length will be 90 minutes. You will also be allowed to broach other subjects
concerned with your aspirations. The study is based on what are your dreams, hopes and
aspirations. The focus group is a process that requires you to be as candid as possible.
126
You will be asked during the focus group to clarify or expand on prior statements made
during the interview. The interview will be tape recorded.
CONSENT FORM
Dissemination: The study results will also be used for a later publication, future
studies, to assist in a program design and implementation, and for educational purposes.
Authorization: I have read and understand the nature of this study.
I also
understand that by agreeing to participate in this study, I do not receive any extra benefits
or remuneration for myself or another. I understand there will be no repercussion for not
participating in the study or for not continuing in it once I have started. I also understand
I have not waived any legal or human rights. I understand that I can contact Ms.
Katherine Whittaker if I feel any emotional or physical discomfort as a result of the
study. I understand I can contact Dr. Anthony White (345-916-3663) at any time. I agree
to participate in the study. I also understand that I am permitted to have a copy of the
research findings at the conclusion of the research study.
Who to contact in if you have any concerns about the study:
Dr. Anthony White
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Office: 345-916-3663
Fax: 345-949-2422
Or:
Ms. Katherine Whittaker
Director of Family Service’s Unit
345-943-1127
Participants signature
Date
127
APPENDIX D
Comprehensive Assessment of the situation of Caribbean Youth 15-29
SCRIPT OF STUDY
______________________________________________________________________
Hello, my name is _______. I am from the Cayman Islands and I attended ______High
School. I have _______children (say something here). I am a single/married/parent. My
children (say something about your children if applicable). I am employed at the _______
for the past _____years.
What I have chosen to contribute to the field of knowledge is a better understanding of
you and your aspirations and dreams. You see there are many studies conducted world
wide and these studies often do not allow the people that participate in them the
opportunity to voice their views. This study will allow you to do so. I want to talk to you
about your aspirations, hopes and dreams. I want you to simply describe your views as
clearly and truthfully as you can.
A study like is important because it provides you the opportunity to express your views. I
simply need to hear your opinions and views. I do not wish for you to tell me something
that will get you in trouble, but I want to know how you feel about your aspirations,
hopes and dreams.
You are eligible and were selected for this study because you are between the ages of 15
years old and 29 years old. In this study, you will be asked to participate in one face to
face interview/focus group with me. The interview will explore your aspirations, dreams
and hopes. The focus group length will be 90 minutes. You will also be allowed to talk
about other subjects concerned with your aspirations, hopes and dreams. The study is
based on your views and so this will be an in-depth focus group process requiring you to
be as candid as possible. You will be asked during the focus group to clarify or expand on
prior statements made during the group session. The interviews will be tape recorded.
The study is strictly voluntary and at any time, you can cease to be involved in it. You
have the right to review and withdraw from this study at any time without any form of
repercussion. You will be among 6 to 8 participants that are selected for the study. The
study has been approved by the Caricom Community. Your written assent is required for
this research study.
128
The study may provide you with an understanding of your aspirations, hopes and dreams.
The study may also provide you with information that will enable you to understand how
you view your aspirations, dreams and hopes. Although, there may be no direct benefit
for you from this study, your participation in this study may provide a better
SCRIPT OF STUDY
understanding of the aspirations, hopes and dreams of all Caribbean youths in similar
environments. This understanding may provide pertinent information on how these
aspirations may be regarded for future studies, juvenile and young person policies and
subsequent responses to youth development. The study may also be useful for the
development of parental, private and government programs specifically aimed at the
development of youth.
All studies have some amount of risk and this study is no exception. This study entails
no physical risk. This study involves you describing your aspirations and dreams. In case
you experience emotional discomfort or have other concerns during this study, Ms.
Katherine Whittaker, Director of the Children Family Unit, has agreed to facilitate a
referral to the relevant authority. You must be also be aware that any potentially harmful
information such as child abuse, illegal criminal behavior, or future illegal criminal
behavior that you disclose can be reported as may be mandated by law to the relevant
authorities.
Your name will not be used in this study. You will choose a pseudonym, or a A.K.A.
name and it will be used in place of your name. Your interviews will be typed by
disinterested transcribers in the Cayman Islands. They will not have access to the assent
or consent forms and so they will not know your names.
All recorded and documented conversations and interviews that take place will be kept as
confidential as possible. Dr. Anthony White, the Research Coordinator for this study, me
and the typist from the Cayman Islands will be the only parties who see the raw data and
this will be for analytical purposes. There will be no clearly identifying information used
in the study. No identifying information will be used to identify you. Your signed assent
forms will be kept in a locked filing cabinet in the Cayman Islands. The taped interviews
and notes will kept in a separate locked filing cabinet. All original notes and forms will
be incinerated after ten years starting from the conclusion of this study.
I must also inform that I need your and your guardian’s signature on the assent form prior
to conducting the study with you.
This study may also be used for a later publication, future studies, to assist in a program
design and implementation, and for educational purposes. You are also allowed a copy if
you desire.
At this time, I will answer any questions that you may have for me.
129
Thank You.
130
APPENDIX
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CITI COURSE COMPLETION FORM
CITI Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative
Human Research Curriculum Completion Report
Printed on Friday, August 15, 2008
Learner: Anthony White
Institution:
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
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APPENDIX F
Human Research Curriculum Completion Report
Printed on Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Learner: Anthony White
Institution:
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
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