Editorial: A careful return to ‘normal’

Anyone analysing the decision making and leadership style of the Premier would agree that he often errs on the side of caution and appears to give deep contemplation before determining what action to take.

This has been magnified by his management of the Coronavirus pandemic on the Cayman Islands. A notable exception was his decision to close the beaches. It would be reasonable based on observing him in the press conference that he announced the measure that he appeared to do so out of frustration.

Questions have persisted throughout the shutdown, even though he was shown to have an enviable approval rating in an unscientific poll by another media house. But the methodical deliberation appears to have been part of his stewardship of authorities with the decision-making process to return life to normal.

A phased in approach has started to be rolled out to return the Cayman Islands to “life as normal”. As expected, Little Cayman was the first to have restrictions lifted, with Cayman Brac in tow. Even in Grand Cayman, more and more businesses are starting to resume operations.

This process could be akin to watching paint dry for some, as others itch to get back out and about as they did prior to mid-March. However, we urge our readers and other members of the Cayman community to also be very thoughtful in their approach, regardless of any public requirements.

As places like New Zealand have exhibited, ridding your country of this deadly virus can be achieved with clear, thoughtful processes. While New Zealand’s leadership have been gaining praise, we should not overlook the careful path to returning relative normalcy in the Cayman Islands.