Stuart Jack

Farewell to the Cayman Islands

Mariko and I depart Cayman today. This is the last entry in my governor’s blog.

I hope that the readers of this blog in Cayman have learned something about a governor’s job and been stimulated to think about some of this country’s issues; and those readers further afield have learned something about these wonderful islands. I thank you for your attention.

We leave with a love for this country and its people and with a clear professional conscience.                                                                                                                 

I have been a public servant for 38 years and I have tried never to forget that public service is just that – serving the public and the national interest, not one’s own. It’s all about people.     

Cayman has some great people. The older generation worked hard and did much to make these islands the prosperous and comfortable place they are. Some of their old fashioned courtesy and sense of community may be disappearing but it is, I believe, still to a good extent recoverable. Unlike some other countries the young people generally are still courteous though some now take a lot for granted and some are influenced by imported cultures that can undermine the values and peace of these islands.                     

My greatest regret is that not more was done during my time to address the problems facing Cayman’s young people. But a governor can only do so much. The elected government, whose thunder he must be careful not to steal and who have to find the resources, and the community itself have got to make the real effort. Likewise on the environment and sustainable development. I expanded on my wishes for these islands in my previous blog entry, so will say no more today.                                   

During my working career to date I have been through some tough situations and dealt with some high profile issues – from the Cold War in Communist Soviet Union to organised crime in post-Communist Russia, from trade disputes with Japan to the problems of post-war Iraq. But no job has been as challenging or responsible as Governor of the Cayman Islands. That has included helping to achieve a good new Constitution and to steer the country through the threats and realities of hurricanes and the suspicions and realities of corruption or unethical behaviour in small pockets of the public service.                   

Some things developed in unexpected ways and some mistakes were made in matters for which I accept overall responsibility. But I remain firmly of the view that I did what I had to do. I believe that when more of the story can be told more people will understand that.     

This governor was not in the blind eye business. I did not turn a blind eye to alleged wrong-doing if – an important if – there was prima facie evidence and authoritative legal advice that called for allegations to be investigated. But I never went fishing for problems and if there was public confrontation it was the choice of others for their own reasons.    

Above all I hope Mari and I are remembered as people who cared – for the elderly, the disabled, the disadvantaged, for the majority of decent people, and for the youth and future of these beautiful islands. And for all three islands.     

We take away many memories. Our happiest are of friendly people and of new experiences. Mariko made a bit of a stir at our farewell reception when she played the steel pan. I did not take away a new hobby – my latest attempt at thatch rope-making was a disaster (not that I would have found much Cayman thatch in the London suburbs)  – but I do leave with more girth as a result of these islands’ good food.        

Among our pleasantest memories, certainly of those I captured on my camera, are the views from Seven Mile Beach, especially at sunset. Even if there is a cloud or two in the sky these islands remain beautiful. The clouds add interest…. and a reminder that life is complicated but with patience can get better. I wish these islands, their people, and anyone reading this the best of health and prosperity and ultimately a future with not too many but just enough clouds.

       Sunset on Seven Mile Beach

Posted at 17:25 02 December 2009 by Stuart Jack  |  Comments[0]