At his constituency meeting on Thursday evening held at the C3 parking lot on Walkers Road, independent candidate Alric Lindsay outlined several key policy positions aimed at reforming education, streamlining immigration, and balancing environmental protection with economic development in the Cayman Islands.
Lindsay emphasised the need to modernise education by advocating for teacher training on stress detection and mental health management. He proposed ongoing assessments for young people, particularly those at risk, stating it was necessary to “meet young people at their level,” enabling tailored teaching methods that effectively address mental health challenges.
“We need a cultural shift to make it okay to talk about your issues,” Lindsay said, highlighting the importance of openness in discussing mental health.
Addressing workforce integration, Lindsay supported establishing a comprehensive database aligning students’ educational paths with private sector needs. He recommended mandatory training programmes linked directly to work permit renewals. To ensure effectiveness, Lindsay stated: “We would have to amend a section in immigration law… the wording has to be adjusted… to see that there ‘shall’ be a training programme.”
Critiquing proposed changes to immigration regulations by the current government as lacking substance, Lindsay advocated a simplified approach to defining Caymanian status. He argued against categorisation that could divide people, stating: “This is really done to divide people rather than to unite people. My suggestion for immigration is very simple. It’s to keep the process simple.” Lindsay further suggested implementing a lottery system for Permanent Residency and citizenship based on a points system, providing clearer outcomes for applicants.
On crime and justice, Lindsay raised concerns over inadequate police presence to address petty theft and advocated for equitable justice standards between tourists and residents. “We cannot have two different types of justice,” he asserted, highlighting inconsistencies in sentencing for offences such as drug and firearm possession. “If we have a law that says something, we can’t have two different types of justice,” Lindsay added.
On the topic of governance, Lindsay called for parliamentary codes of conduct to be embedded within the constitution to enhance accountability. He explained: “The reason that a code of conduct should be in the constitution… is because the constitution is the highest law in the country.” He also proposed enabling civil servants to participate more actively in political discussions, subject to confidentiality agreements.
On environmental issues, Lindsay opposed unchecked development, particularly in the South Sound Basin, advocating comprehensive stormwater management and stringent environmental assessments.
Lindsay was particularly strong on the subject of gender equality in the civil service, recommending gender sensitivity training, workshops addressing workplace microaggressions, and zero-tolerance policies towards discrimination. He emphasised mentorship programmes and anonymous reporting mechanisms to support female employees, advocating independent oversight to ensure complaints are addressed effectively.
He highlighted the importance of collective action, suggesting women form internal advocacy groups:
“If you try to do it alone, then you will get picked off or your issue won’t get any attention or any traction. So I think women need to form groups within the civil service so they speak as one voice and so the politicians take them seriously.”
Lindsay further proposed comprehensive recycling initiatives to address waste management effectively and recommended regulating utility and interest rates to combat rising living costs. He emphasised exploring food imports from Central America and enhancing local agriculture to strengthen food security.
He closed by stressing the necessity of Caymanian economic participation, highlighting his intention to leverage his legal and financial expertise to propose legislative reforms for greater employment equity. Referencing his experience as chairman of the National Roads Authority, he emphasised the need for MPs to understand government mechanics, adding: “If you do not understand the relationships and you’re going into government thinking that because you have business experience you can run the government, you will fail.”
