Police to investigate online political bullying

HE Governor Martyn Rope issued a firm warning on Monday urging restraint in the tone of debate following the inconclusive outcome of the elections.

In calling for respect during the wait for the next government to be formed, Mr Roper also announced that the police will be looking into allegations of online bullying in the current political climate.

Emotions have been running high amongst some supporters since no bloc has been able to confirm and sustain a coalition majority to form the next government.

Since the individual constituency results were announced late Wednesday, allegiances have been shifting amidst high-stakes intensive negotiations.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Roper acknowledged that “the process of forming a Government is always a tense time,” and said that he recognised that “there is uncertainty at the moment.”

However, the Governor pointed out that “since the General Election I have been concerned and saddened to see the way in which some people in our community have behaved, particularly in various online fora towards our elected representatives.”

Mr Roper said, “The tone and content of some posts has been unpleasant and, some may say, bullying.”

Because of that, he said the police have been instructed to investigate this matter.

“I have asked the Police Commissioner to conduct an urgent review of this content to see if it breaks our laws and going forwards to monitor this matter very closely.”

Mr Roper stressed that “Online harassment is not CaymanKind. It is not the Cayman Islands that I have come to admire and respect.

“I therefore urge everyone to remain calm and be patient. The democratic process must be allowed to play itself out.”

The Governor said, “We are lucky that on these islands we all enjoy the right to freedom of speech and expression but I ask everyone to exercise this in a respectful way.”