Body found on cruise ship
Posted on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 14:45 in Headline News
(CNS): Udpated Friday 8:00pm - Police have named Jason McDonald, of New York City, as the cruise ship passenger who died on board the Liberty of the Seas on Thursday 21 January, and have confirmed, following a post mortem examination earlier today, Friday 22 January, that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. About 12.47pm on Thursday police were informed that the body of 37-year-old was found within his cabin on board the cruise ship, which was moored in George Town harbour.
Police explained that the ship's departure was delayed yesterday evening as the investigation continued but the body has now been brought ashore and the enquiry is under the Cayman Islands jurisdiction.
The ship's call had already raised some controversy even before its arrival yesterday carrying over 2,000 passengers. The cruise ship had been chartered by a tour operator catering exclusively to gay tourism. Pastor Bob Thompson, the chair of the Cayman Ministers Association, had said that the organisation had raised its objections to the ship calling on the Cayman Islands with the premier. On each occasion that a ship carrying passengers from the gay community has docked in Cayman the association has objected, and the minister said the position had not changed.
Email this pageViewpoints
Comment Policy
The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of CNS or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by CNS. Read more
Recent Comments
- That's great, now get me
21 hours 46 min ago - Renowned for being frugal,
21 hours 55 min ago - We need a leader that cares.
22 hours 15 min ago - Cayman has always held women
22 hours 17 min ago - So do I...... deal with Big
22 hours 18 min ago - The cost of living just
22 hours 27 min ago - When I get my three months
22 hours 30 min ago - I believe she did predict
22 hours 31 min ago - Interesting point, stamp duty
22 hours 46 min ago - '....culture of graft...'
22 hours 55 min ago
Latest Classifieds
- Little Cayman White Sandy Beach Lot
- Jurors not needed
- Nanny/Domestic Helper needed July 2012
- Nanny/Domestic Helper needed July 2012
- computer repair
- AFFORDABLE LOT FOR SALE
- GREAT DEAL $700.00 P.M. - FURNISHED 1 ONE BEDROOM APT- LOWER VALLEY - 3 MINUTES FROM COUNTRYSIDE
- Medical Students Rental
- .3545 acre for $60K, valued $77K
- Apt for rent $700
Search
Join Our Mailing List
Follow CNS via ...
Facebook Twitter RSS
Comments
My condolences to the family
My condolences to the family and friends of this young man. What a terrible thing to happen on holiday. To all the gay haters - please stop. Have some respect and compassion for this man's family and friends. There are plenty of gay people in Cayman - some are our family members. They are no different from anyone else. Because of the attitude of many people, they suffer terribly. They are human beings and we are called to love our neighbours. I'm not gay and I know the Bible says its a sin but then so are a lot of other things which we are all guilty of. The only way any of us receive forgiveness for our sin is through Jesus. God hates all sin, yes, gossip, adultery, incest, stealing, etc. etc. The only sin free person who ever lived on this planet was Jesus and he associated with "sinners" not the well to do, upper classes. He had compassion, which we as Christians are also supposed to have in order to draw more people to Jesus. May God bless this man's family and friends and give them strength and comfort during this terrible time.
Jason was my friend. Gay or
Jason was my friend. Gay or not, he was a good person and leaves behind grieving friends and loved ones who will miss him with their every breath. No matter what your stance is regarding sexual identity, respect that we've lost a very important person in our lives. He was from my hometown and he made high school funnier and brighter and he cared deeply for his friends. Please don't trash that because you can't agree about a very private and none of your business part of him.
People havent you realized
People havent you realized that cayman is always left BEHIND?
because of people and thier close minded selfs, because of the politicians who say what they need to say to get into power or stay in power, (example being. shame on Mackeeva, he faught againts human rights yet will allow a "gay cruise ship" to come here only to collect thier money. he says he is a man of god, need i need to remind him of what happend when jesus went into the temple? what he is doing isnt much different!!!!!!!!!! BECAUSE OF THESE CHURCHES WHO DO EXACTLY WHAT THEY SPEAK OF ON A SUNDAY, JUDGE PEOPLE. (HINT: GO TO CHURCH, ITS AMAZING RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SERVICE YOU CAN HEAR POEPLE GOSSPING ABOUT SOMEONE WHO IS IN FRONT OF THEM!!!!!!!!!! PEOPLE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS> wake up! before its too late to catch up with the rest of the world! ITS DISGUSTING THAT THE PRESS AND CAYMAN WILL ASSUME THIS IS MURDER JUST BECAUSE THIS POOR MAN WAS GAY AND HAS DIED! DONT GAY PEOPLE DIE OF NATURAL CAUSES OR DISEASES SAME AS STRAIGHT PEOPLE? A MOTHER JUST HAD HER HEART TORN FROM HER, A FATHER IS LOSING HIS MIND, THIS MAN PARTNER IS HEART BROKEN, WHERE IS THE COMPASSION OF THESE ISLANDS??????
I AM A PROUD GAY CAYMANIAN. when will you people stop hating? cayman we are still the same people you know/grew up with, your friends, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, etc. what i find amazing is, it seems like now a days the only ones that are always seemed full of love is the GAYS! AND IF THAT IS THE CASE WILL WE ALL GO TO HEAVEN THEN?
Cayman what pisses me off is the fact that you can go home and be around someone who does drugs yet you cant be in our presence, im not judging anyone..... but stop and think about it!
Doesn't everyone realize
Doesn't everyone realize these stories are published because they get a rise out of everyone? These infammatory stories are published because they get people to read the papers and click on the websites.
Look, I am doing it right now.... So are you!!!
I dont really think most people on this island care one way or another what other people do in their private lives.
A man lost his life yesterday, I send my condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
I'm sorry... I'm a Caymanian
I'm sorry... I'm a Caymanian straight from BT .. I have to same shame on my Cayman people.. want me to tell you why ehh?.. Caymanians bragg bout how Cayman is a Christian community and just about everybody christians (pleasssee) .. If u big time christian WHY judge people on their actions or what they are? ... you hear this sayng "ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME" .. leave that to GOD and dont take it upon to judge people.... Everybody will be accoutable for their actions.. YOU just make sure u good with the lord cuz it'll be YOU alone and not a group standing infront of him....
I dont agree with the whole men n men n woman n woman .. but who am i to judge?
It is not true that "Cayman
It is not true that "Cayman is a Christian community". Cayman is full of hatefulness and intolerance, and not the love and acceptance that Christianity stands for.
The CMA is the worst of the worst of the haters -what hypocrites! May they burn in hell for eternity for their blasphemy in associating God's name with such sinful hatred.
The person who passed away
The person who passed away yesterday was my friend. He was a good person, and he did not deserve to leave us so young. And yes, he has an adoring mother and lots of friends and family who love him dearly and are all sick with grief over this. Your sensitivity is appreciated during our time of mournng.
I hope that all the
I hope that all the commentators read this one and reflect.
People die on cruise ships
People die on cruise ships all the time and the ships carry coffins because they have to deal with these incidents reglularly. Many of the passengers on these trips are infirm or have medical conditions. They choose this form of vacation because it caters to their needs, both medically and physically.
It is procedure in the Cayman Islands to involve the Police in any sudden death, be it from natural or suspiscous circumstances. If the person on the ship died at sea or within the Cayman Islands it would be routine for the RCIP to inspect the scene where the person died. I doubt if this is the first time the RCIP has had to do this. It seems that in this instance it is newsworthy because of one demographic group on board the ship.
I agree with the last couple
I agree with the last couple of posts. Most straight men are not bothered by gays at all - why should they be? But when I hear some men rant about how much they hate gays I often end up questioning their sexuality -Methinks he doth protest too much!
I am a hetro-sexual LGBT
I am a hetro-sexual LGBT supporter!
These people are no different than any of us. Why are they targeted? They are living human beings, they have families, they work, they eat, and breathe.
For the poster that said this is a sign from God. Shame on you! How dare you make such prophecy!
How about the assumption that this man, died of natural causes, like MANY cruise ship passengers or visitors have done in Cayman waters.
Have the stuff going on around the world recently taught you any humanity? So, many tragic situations has taken lives from us, so early this year. And all you can do is slander is there was a All - Gay Cruise in port?
Really, get a LIFE! and look deep within your heart. And think about how insensitive you are to the world around you. Making comments or prophecies, like you never had a situation where someone called you names, or slandered you for your beliefs or choices.
Oh, wait I am doing that right now, aren't I? But, I guess your situation is SO different because being Gay, Lesbian. Bi Sexual or Trangendered is like a disease right??
I wonder how some would re act, if they're was an HIV + Cruise in port.
Definately a disease, just
Definately a disease, just one of many that God put on this earth.
What is the disease, which
What is the disease, which God put on this earth, that you reference in your posting: Homosexuality or Homophobia? Your post was unclear.
Incidentally, you misspelled 'definitely', but I realize that may also be the result of a disease.
The only disease is your
The only disease is your negativity. Ignorant moron.
homophobes are often in the
homophobes are often in the closet.
Ladies take a close look at your man.
If he's a homophobe and likes some strange tings then he should probably be on that cruise.
I must say some of you
I must say some of you posters, especially the homophobic incubated caymanians.. Some of you very people on this post are gay or as one poster said - BI! And believe me cayman has them in all categories and nationalities... There is no in betweens, you are or your not. They are amongst our politicians, police force, hospitals, banks, hotels, our brother or sister, mother or father, niece nephew, son maybe daughter we are all connected somehow, they are everywhere. And some of the very people we work, play or talk to everyday and for some the very person you are married to. This is reality. And I've come to realize alot of people here just cant handle the "Truth".
So, live and let live, because when the Lord comes only God can judge them.
It really surprises me of the
It really surprises me of the small mindness and hatred in some people. it really does. although why it does is anyones guess! i really should not be surprised.
I am honestly surprised that this hasn't been picked up globally. Only yesterday I had a debate with someone (yes both of us are Caymanians) about this matter.
The words rapists and murderers were brought up. A man has died, already I see people updating their facebook statuses saying he was murdered. No news reports that I have seen have confirmed this. He was a man, someones partner, someones child, possibly someones father. Have some damn respect people. a man died. he DIED. it's a sad time, and instead of hate mongering and gay-bashing, you should be respecting the dead, sending condolences to his family at this horrible time.
I cannot understand, and I probably never will understand, what it is that people have against homosexuals. if you don't like it, then ignore it! Because quite frankly it isn't any of your business.
Cayman is a beautiful island, it'd be a shame for it to be labelled a country who hates Gays. The way that it's going, that's what's going to happen. When I read peoples homophobic comments, it makes me ashamed to call Cayman my home. Whatever happened to being a welcoming nation? being proud of our islands beauty and sharing it with others? showing the world that cayman is a great place to visit?
The Cayman Islans Penal Code
The Cayman Islans Penal Code does not outlaw sexual relationship between consenting adults in the cayman Islands. If it is done in public, it is a conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and thus outlawed by the Code. "Likely to cause beach of the peace" beause ordinary people might attack them.To be fussing over something that your Legislators put into law is foolish. Get on to your MLA and lobby them to change the law rather than to engage in the daily hate-mongering on this site. Pray for them . They are human beings like you.
Did you ever read about the womwn that was caught in adultry and brought to Jesus? Some advocated stoning her to death under the Law of Moses. Jesus told them that if any of them were without sin they should cast the first stone. They did not reply but slowly walked away and i guess in small numbers at a time.How many of you christians out there are commiting adultry in secret? or probably your pastors or decons or some other officials in your church? You be the Judge. What I i notice is that some professing christian behave that the sin of sexual impropriety is greater than any other sins. Why do you latch on to this sin alone? What about when you covet you neighbours goods, or abuse, or under- pay your helpers, or discriminate against people on religious , ethnic, national origin, or cultural or other grounds? Go ahead now if you still want to spit the asp of anger.
We are labeled "everything"
We are labeled "everything" in Cayman because we are so small and everything comes to light.
But we are the same as everywhere else. There are Gays and Gay Bashers, murderers, thieves, bad drivers, racisim, bad youth, drunk drivers, cheaters, liars etc in Cayman, Canada, England, USA, Jamaica, Trinidad...... and everywhere else you can think of.
In the bigger countries, you can distance yourself from anything you hate and pretend it does not exist. But in Cayman it's all right in front of you every day. Nowhere to hide.
So all of you "SHUT THE HELL UP" and stop putting Cayman down
We have our idiots just like every other country on this planet does
I noticed the Compass had the
I noticed the Compass had the headline "Body found on Gay Cruise Ship". It is an amazing headline, because I believe that it shows the intolerance and insensitivity of the Cayman Islands to have such a headline in one of ht major newspapers.
Would it not have sufficed to say "Body found on Cruise Ship". I mean really, adding the word "Gay" shows their is no regard for humanity in my opinion. As some posters have mentioned, this was someone son, child and loved one. You would think Cayman as a whole would have a little class.
Many cruises have a theme, be
Many cruises have a theme, be it gay, card playing, cougar (older women chasing younger men), elderly etc, but that is just a segment of the boat.
Much of the boat is often not the "theme" but rather random people that sign up for a cruise that hits the ports they want and the dates they want on the ship they want.
I have posted on this site
I have posted on this site before and will continue to do so as the last time. I checked this was a free country. To ALL YOU SO CALLED CHRISTIANS who go to your so called places of WORSHIP, and 6 days of the week who can't speak to those people in these islands that you know. I CALL YOU so CALLED CHRISTIANS. I am not here to judge, but let GOD be the JUDGE of all of us. WE know not what took place on the cruise ship so lets not assume, call names or JUDGE. LAST TIME I checked GOD created eveyone of us equal. I AS A PROUD GAY CAYMANIAN am sadden to see all these comments. We all live on Grand Cayman and call it home, and if I am correct we have our own gay community here. We don't BOTHER ANYONE so leave us THE F*** ALONE. We don't bother you straight people do we? I wouldn't waste my time, half of your men are BI anyhow.
We as a GAY community don't walk the streets holding hands nor kissing in public. So ask me the question, how come so many MARRIEDE MEN on this island live behind closed doors. If the pastors and so called CHRISTIANS would love to dare check the members in there churches, what a shock they would have. PLEASE for once lets LIVE and LET LIVE. REMEMBER what just took place on MODAY morning at around 9:23 AM. If you have forgotten 5.9 EARTHQUAKE. LETS not forget who is in CONTROL and lets not JUDGE. People of Grand Cayman, learn to stop hating and start loving.
Thank you kindly.
A PROUD GAY CAYMANIAN. AND remember I spoke out when the WHITE PAPER was passed to the then Minister . LIVE AND LET LIVE.
Chet, I don't know you, or
Chet, I don't know you, or anything about you, but if you are who you say you are, and that you are 'confessing' to be gay, then you are truly one of the bravest people I have experienced since being here. It is a sad commentary on your island that it should be so unusual, but given circumstances as they are, I would happily, and publicly, shake your hand and congratulate you for your candidness and bravery. I come from another country where one's sexuality is one's own choice, and is of no issue whatsoever to anyone else. Each to their own, and live and let live. I really can't state this enough. It is easy for ignorance or religion to excuse the hateful and cowardly comments on here, but you Sir, are EXACTLY the sort of progressive and aware Caymanian that this ailing nation needs. I loudly and publicly applaud you for your strength of character, although I say again, it really shouldn't be something to recognise, it should be allowed to be the norm... Why am I posting anonimously? Because I do not have the 'caymanian card' on my side, and I am aware enough to know that standing up and doing the right thing makes you a target here. while I am happy to be a target, I cannot do the right thing here if I am no longer actually here.
Given what some of the 'Cayman National Heroes' have been nominated to that title for, in my opinion you are absolutely made of the 'right stuff' to take that title and to take this country forward and banish it's bigotted and backward ways forever.
Proud of you! Finally someone
Proud of you! Finally someone honest!!
Well said Chet O. Ebanks!
Well said Chet O. Ebanks! Respect yourself! Good for you!
Chettie Ms. A would be so
Chettie Ms. A would be so proud of you too
Cayman is loaded with fags,
Cayman is loaded with fags, lesbos, christians, killers, priest, politictians, developers, employers, employees, weed heads, coke heads, bad drivers, bad divers, smokers, bad spellers,know it all people and I'm somewhere in deh.
I share your list and will
I share your list and will add: disgusting, dishonest, greedy, narcissistic, demanding, gutless, Anonymous writers, thankful writers, sober, peacemakers, kind, generous, open-hearted, naive, self-destructive, open-minded, gullible, honest, law abiding, hard working, courteous, helpful, intelligent, caring, giving, warm, visonaries, patriotic, fair, non-judgemental. And like you I am somewhere between your list and mine.
and that's just in West Bay!!
and that's just in West Bay!!
Damn lol you must be God are
Damn lol you must be God are you God? Lets see you take over that saying when Judgement day comes lol. If I was to ever judge you I would say that you must be one of the weed heads lol. Guess which one I am?
the gay illiterate one?? just
the gay illiterate one?? just guessin...
You should know after the
You should know after the other night or have you forgotten me already???
Didn't know ships could be
Didn't know ships could be gay? Who is the gay cruise ship's boyfriend?
Condolences to the family.
No wonder we have an obesity
No wonder we have an obesity problem - people sit on their tushes & post comments of a repetitive theme all day/week/month long. Go run on the beach while it's still gorgeous....
TO ALL YOU IDIOTS WHO THINK
TO ALL YOU IDIOTS WHO THINK THE DEAD PERSON ON THE SHIP IS A SIGN FROM GOD: What then do you think whenever one of the tourists dies while snorkeling or diving in the sea? Is that a sign also? A lot more of those deaths have taken place, I noticed. God, please save us from idiots.
to CNS. may we (I) have some
to CNS. may we (I) have some guidelines as to what is, and what is not, acceptable to post on your website. I have posted recently, some absolutely classic posts (even though I say so myself) and it is interesting that the post about XXXXX was allowed, and yet the post about XXXXXX. Can you give us a clue please, so that the meat of the posts with something constructive to say (like the gay protests being illegal) are not dropped because of one contentious comment?
Thanks.
CNS: I'm guessing that the comment that was allowed was one of the zillion in the debate on the "Homophobia" Viewpoint. To be honest, after the first katrillion I probably wasn't paying attention 100%. Your comment about PB was very funny, but you can see how the individual might have found it offensive. Here's our comment policy. And here's my email if you want to discuss further.
Thanks Nicky, and I
Thanks Nicky, and I appreciate your point of view and am happy for comments to be moderated BUT only if it protects you, the CNS network. To be honest, I don't give a flying duck if one particular individual, or body or individuals, who spout illegal and offensive, divisive, offensive, prejudicial, discriminatory crap in the name of religion finds my post offensive, in fact, I want him to feel the same things as his targets feel.I want thesde types of 'public figures' to be banished from this country to allow us to progress and not be the 'backward' island we are now. Is there any merit in making posters verify their identities to allow free speech to protect you the network from any liability? Just for the interest of the readers, can you say how many posts you get a day? Can any of us volunteer to assist with the moderation if we are vetted/screened properly?
I appreciate this is an anonimous post, but if a postive reply is posted, I will contact you directly...
Yours is a fantastic news service, andIi for one would like to support and assist you.
CNS: There is the legal aspect and we have to protect CNS, because there surely are people who would like to see us shut down, but there is also the issue of what makes this comment board work. I try to make it fair for all points of view, even those I strongly disagree with, and in order to do that I have to have rules that apply to everyone. As it is, there are plently of people who think that I am not strict enough and should delete a lot of comments that I allow.
If we made posters verify their identities it would kill the comments instantly - the guarantee of anonymity is a major factor in the success of the CNS comments - and it wouldn't protect us legally either. The number of comments varies but it is hundreds every day. That is a very kind offer to help moderate but this is something that we have to do ourselves. Just by continuing to participate you are supporting us and if anyone wants to help, just spreading the word about CNS and signing up for our email flash is greatly appreciated.
And compliments about the site are always a boost for us. Thanks for that!
CNS - so you disallowed a
CNS - so you disallowed a comment by the above poster because "the individual my have found it offensive" but you post comments which can only be described as hate speech, which you know that not just one but many will find offensive? I'm all for a free exchange of views but there surely shoud be some limits.
CNS: There are and I delete a fair few comments (you should see the ones I delete), and if people email me or comment that a particular post is too offensive, I will look at it again. However, there are issues that do need to be discussed in this community and this is the only platform where all sections of society feel that they have a voice. Sometimes (not always) it is more effective to post a comment and have ten people respond that it is offensive that to just delete it and let that viewpoint fester. That doesn't include ad hominem attacks on individuals. Read the Comment Policy and Moderating the comments.
I knew that the ignorant
I knew that the ignorant masses would be in here proudly displaying their stupidity for all to see.......
So now I guess this week's
So now I guess this week's discussion 'fad' is how everything revolves around God's work. C'mon ppl, save the religious points of view for your family get-togethers. While on here I think we should focus more on becoming better informed about current events and Cayman life and less time trying to convert everyone else... and that goes both ways.
I'm sure by now we all realize religious discussions bring forth strong emotions and will go so far off topic that no one even remembers what the headline was.
6For many shall come in my
6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
7And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
8For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
9But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Mark: 13
For all you non-believers =)
Thanks for the Bible
A description of so many
A description of so many periods in history and so many times to come.
WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE the
WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE the police has to investigate the cause of death, since cayman was the first call of port,or was the body discovered in cayman waters. i hope that some of these people that call them pastors would give the gay people some respect .first i will say to them that they must pray for them. we must love them but not thier doing. he that is without sin cast the first stone. do these pastors know how many gay people come to church, if you find that a member of your congreation was gay would you ask him to leave the church, or would you pray for them. pastors i am asking you to TRY and get some of your church goers to give thier life to GOD and thi might bring more people to god. ( LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOUR SELF) not what the sin that they commit
The person probably died from
The person probably died from fear of coming to this Gay hating country.
It will be interesting to know the cause of death. Unfortunately the RCIPS can not be relied upon to determine that with any degree of credibility.
Perhaps you should take up
Perhaps you should take up some form of outdoor hobby. This passive-aggressive ish can't be healthy for you.
My comment is for that
My comment is for that so-called Christian "A sign from God if ever...."
I don't think you read that huge Bible you carry under your arm on Sundays when you go stand in a church and convince yourself that you will go to heaven after you have judged, condemned and spoken such words of hate.
You do not love and therefore you cannot know God. You certainly do not know your Bible you religious biggot.
Here's something for you to read since that unread Bible that is displayed on your coffee table obviously serves no purpose other than to console your evil heart.
" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' – Matthew 22:37-39
PS. If you need guidance as to who your "brother" is it is 'that' person who died on that ship.
They need to solve the Crime
They need to solve the Crime here first Hahahahahahahaaha remeber all we need is a Open mind!!!!!!!! to solve DE CRIME
i think christiantity should
i think christiantity should be banned as well religion in general...there is nothing beyond us, we are creatures of evolution, we were not created by a false abstract being...
As I believe (and therefore I
As I believe (and therefore I am) a "true" christian I am thankful that you have and can freely express your own opinion and understanding of this magnificent world and this thing we all call life. Respect.
Post new comment