The Silent Crisis: A Call To End Systemic Misogyny In The Cayman Islands Civil Service
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By A Concerned Civil Servant
The Cayman Islands Civil Service, long considered the backbone of our nation’s governance, is grappling with a festering issue that undermines its integrity and reputation. A toxic culture, often referred to as the “Big Dunce Boys Club” (BDBC), continues to erode the dignity, respect, and opportunities afforded to qualified women who dedicate their lives to public service. This issue cannot be ignored any longer.
For too long, many of us have endured an environment where competence and professionalism are overshadowed by systemic misogyny, retaliation, and degradation.
Women in the civil service, particularly those who dare to excel in their roles or reject inappropriate advances, are labelled as “arrogant” or “difficult” and subjected to bullying, ostracism, or outright punishment.
Those who do not conform to certain unwritten expectations—including acquiescence to sexual advances—are often passed over for promotions or sidelined in their careers.
This culture does not merely impact individual women; it weakens the very foundation of our civil service by discouraging talented, qualified professionals from contributing to national progress. It has created an unspoken glass ceiling that many women have hit—despite years of dedication, hard work, and proven competence.
The silence surrounding this issue is deafening. Many women, myself included, have stayed quiet out of fear of retaliation. Whistleblowing carries a high price when those in power—senior male colleagues entrenched in this toxic culture—control promotions, resources, and professional opportunities.
Female colleagues who have bravely spoken out or resisted inappropriate behaviour have been met with dismissiveness, victim-blaming, or career stagnation.
It is no longer enough to whisper about these injustices in the hallways. We must demand accountability. We must urge Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Governor Jane Owens to address this pervasive issue, not with platitudes but with tangible actions that protect women and ensure fairness in the workplace.
Calls to Action
1. Independent Investigation: We urge the [Media] to investigate allegations of systemic misogyny and abuse of power in the civil service. Whistleblowers must be guaranteed confidentiality and protection from retaliation.
2. Zero-Tolerance Policy: The Deputy Governor and Governor must publicly denounce this toxic culture and implement a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination.
3. Transparent Recruitment and Promotion Processes: Glass ceilings persist because hiring and promotion decisions are often shrouded in bias and favouritism. A transparent, merit-based system is essential to restore trust.
4. Support Systems for Women: Establish confidential reporting mechanisms and counselling services for women affected by workplace harassment or discrimination.
5. Mandatory Training for Civil Servants: Educate all civil servants—especially senior management—on gender equity, unconscious bias, and the ethical standards expected of public servants.
The Cayman Islands Civil Service is meant to reflect the values of fairness, justice, and equality. Yet the current reality is a stark departure from these ideals. Allowing this toxic culture to persist not only diminishes the lives of individual women but tarnishes the reputation of the service as a whole.
Deputy Governor Manderson and Governor Owens, the time for silence has passed. Women in the civil service deserve better than whispers of support or empty promises. We need action. We need justice. And we need it now.
The question remains: Will you be remembered as leaders who allowed this culture to fester or as champions of change who stood up for the rights and dignity of women?
The women of the Cayman Islands civil service are watching. So is the nation.
