By Alric Lindsay
Today, April 10, 2026, Rickie Joiner Alvarado was sentenced by Justice Richards to a total of 63 months (five years and three months) imprisonment a street robbery of a tourist and a series of robberies and burglaries.
Alvarado pleaded guilty to one count of robbery which occurred on March 16, 2024 on Mary Street, Georgetown. Reportedly, he approached a tourist, punched him in the face at least twice, wrestled him to the ground, and stole his wallet containing cash and credit cards. The victim sustained facial injuries including swelling and bruises. DNA from a T-shirt left at the scene and CCTV footage linked Alvarado to the crime.
In addition, Justice Richards with the following:
**Attempted burglary and damage to property at the National Trust of the Cayman Islands
**Two counts of burglary at Rackhams Restaurant & Bar, where items including alcohol, cigarettes, a T-shirt, and water were stolen
**Burglary at the Humane Society, stealing a tip jar with approximately $70 in coins
**Attempted theft at Plaza Venecia, during which Alvarado was confronted inside a vehicle and brandished scissors
**Burglary at Reflections Hemp and Tobacco store, stealing cash and vape pens
**Burglary at a private garage, stealing a bicycle
**Burglary at Pobo Jebs Restaurant and Bar, stealing cash, whiskey, and cigarettes, with damage to a glass window
**Common assault on a prison officer at HMP Northward, by throwing a bucket of dirty water (containing bleach and pine salt) at the officer
During the sentencing, Alvarado acknowledged his longstanding drug addiction. He expressed remorse, apologising particularly to his mother for disappointing her and stating that he had made many bad decisions driven by his dependency on drugs. He told the court he realised the impact of his actions only recently and thanked Justice Richards for helping him understand that his lifestyle was unsustainable.
Alvarado, who migrated to the Cayman Islands years ago, noted that he has spent much of his time on the island in prison, describing it as “not going to be my second time” and expressing a strong desire to avoid further incarceration. He committed to participating in rehabilitation programmes while in custody to address his addictions and make positive changes.
Justice Richards emphasised the need for deterrent sentencing to protect the public and urged Alvarado to engage fully with available rehabilitative interventions in prison. Time already served on remand will be deducted from the 63-month sentence.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offending linked to substance abuse in the Cayman Islands.
