Caymanians Unite At West Bay Dock To Protest Dive Operator’s “Riff Raff” Comments
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By Alric Lindsay
Last week, social media posts from Indigo Divers Grand Cayman sparked controversy as some citizens interpreted the messages as “anti-Caymanian.” While Deputy Premier Kenneth Bryan and MP Andre Ebanks reportedly attempted to squash the issues with the dive operator, the social media posts gained further traction and resulted in more frustration. This led to approximately 100 people showing up at the Indigo Divers site today, Saturday, January 25, 2025, to protest.
The social media posts
Regarding the social media posts, one referred to a “new gate designed to keep the riff raff out, and the fishermen off our dock!”
A separate post said, “Continuing our theme of keeping the RiffRaff out…!!”
Some Caymanians considered the comments to reference them, sparking outrage.
To exacerbate matters, images surfaced of one of the Indigo Divers business operators painted in what appeared to be “blackface” or a costume mimicking an Arawak or other indigenous natives of some sort.
A show of solidarity
Responding with images of their own today, protesters carried signs reading “Enough Is Enough,” “Ain’t No Riff Raff Round Ya,” and “If We Are Riff Raff, Why Are You Here? Caymanian Proud.”
Another message read:
With the media present, some protesters also gave interviews, sharing their feelings and voicing their frustrations, calling for something to be done by MPs so that, in the future, this type of situation does not recur.
Regarding MPs, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks of West Bay Central, Andre Ebanks of West Bay South and Sabrina Turner of Prospect were present and interacted with the protesters. In addition, aspiring candidates turned out, including Jermaine Ebanks-Hurlston, Leon Gould, Julie Hunter, Rolston Anglin (a former Minister of Education seeking re-election in April 2025) and Osbourne Bodden (a former member of Parliament).
Katherine Ebanks-Wilks (in green) speeks to protesters
Julie Hunter (centre), aspiring West Bay West candidate, shares her views with the media
Rolston Anglin (red cap), former Minister of Education, discusses issues with a protester
Osbourne Bodden (right), a former member of Parliament and aspiring candidate, speaks to a West Bay protester
Jermaine Ebanks-Hurlston (white cap) interacts with attendees
The presence of current MPs and aspiring candidates added a layer of political significance to the protest, signalling that the issues raised were not just local grievances but matters that could influence upcoming elections.
Seeking outcomes
While today’s protest served as a clear message that the Caymanian community will not tolerate disrespect that some Caymanians felt from the diver operator’s social media posts, it is hoped that this will not be a stand-alone issue.
Instead, it is hoped that Caymanians will unite and show their strong voices on other issues, including crime, the state of education levels, the high cost of living, the state of healthcare, the environment, public transportation, and immigration, to name a few. By taking a united approach to all key issues, strengthening ties within the Caymanian community, and demanding accountability from politicians, some real change may happen in the country’s best interests. Perhaps, soon.
