A Facebook group planning to protest against the proposed expat payroll tax at West Bay tonight have rescheduled their demonstration until Monday, citing intimidation and threats.
Founder of the group Caymanians and Expats United Against Taxation, Nick Pitman, posted on Facebook Tuesday: “Due to the rising number of distractions from the issue at hand and the disturbing number of personal attacks on myself and others in this group, as well as the rising number of civil servants emailing me to say they are being threatened if they attend, as well as the very real risk of intimidation and violence if we go to West Bay, we must put safety first and move our meeting to George Town, outside the Courts and Legislative Assembly, Monday at 5:15pm.”
Several members of the group had shown up for a meeting on Monday in Red Bay which Premier McKeeva Bush cancelled at short notice. Mr. Bush rescheduled that meeting for tonight [Wednesday, 1 August] at 7.30pm at John A Cumber school hall. The group said on Monday they planned to protest at that meeting, but decided late Tuesday afternoon to organise a separate protest and not go to West Bay after all.
In his posting, Mr. Pitman told supporters: “Your attendance is more important than ever as you are leading the progression of Cayman politics and taking power from the old guard and back to the people.”
He added: “Bring your friends, placards, banners, and a nice non-aggressive attitude. No shouting, smiles and refreshments are welcome. Let us show our united front, we are not swayed by threats or slander. Let's show how much we love Cayman, and how we feel after rollover, this is killing this beautiful place we call home, hurting the very people Mr Bush claims to protect.”
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