“The significance of Christianity and the role it has played in bringing us to where we are today is enshrined in our Constitution. It is that very faith that has provided us with the stability we have needed in order to prosper and become who we are today. Our financial stability is ultimately underpinned by our spiritual stability. If we lose Christianity, we risk descending into social turmoil because the teachings of Jesus Christ lead to stability."

For Kattina Anglin, Chair of the Christian Association, Christianity's role in the Cayman Islands is undeniable.

Christianity is literally embedded in Cayman and has long been a defining force, shaping the character of the community and the values passed from one generation to the next. Our nation's flag and coat of arms bear part of Psalm 24:2: "He hath founded it upon the seas." Through worship, service and fellowship, churches have provided a foundation for compassion, resilience and shared identity. That influence remains a defining part of Cayman's cultural story.

Followers of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, the three Abrahamic faiths, share a common spiritual heritage rooted in the patriarch Abraham and traditions that emphasise peace. In the Cayman Islands, these three faiths also have established congregations with dedicated places of worship, and, in some cases, organisations formally registered with the Cayman Islands General Registry.

Against such backdrop, The Caymanian Journal (TCJ) had been developing a proposed initiative with the working title “Reflection”, intending to dedicate a weekly featured space for faith leaders to contribute perspectives on matters of conscience, community and public life.

The proposed “Reflection” initiative

The sole non-Caymanian staff member of TCJ collectively emailed three faith leaders, on June 18, 2026, namely:

• Imam Nooh Bhana of the Islamic Society Cayman Islands
• Pastor Torrance Bobb, Chairman of the Cayman Ministers' Association (CMA)
• Rabbi Berel Pewzner of the Chabad Cayman Jewish Community Center

In the appendices of this article, a redacted copy of the content of such email is included with the recipient e-mail addresses redacted for privacy, as well as the name of the TCJ employee. As legal constraints at the time of publication, prevent the identification of the TCJ employee named in this report. They are therefore referred to henceforth as "Employee X."

For unknown reasons, the said e-mail sent to the three faith leaders was leaked. Though as the email details, “Reflection” was intended to recognise the role faith communities play in Cayman society and was designed as a platform where faith leaders could contribute regular reflections on matters of conscience, community and public life.

The proposal acknowledged that Christianity has a significant historical presence in the Cayman Islands. Citing data from the international Christian missionary organisation Operation Mobilisation (OM), the invitation acknowledged the substantial following of Christ in Cayman, in stark contrast to those aged 16-34 in the sovereign state (the United Kingdom) where a significant proportion of young people in the UK identify as having no religion.

TCJ outlined that a substantial proportion of the annual publication schedule would be devoted to Christian denominations, inviting the Cayman Islands Ministers Association to potentially assist in liaising with and coordinating contributions from all Christian denominations across the Cayman Islands.

The proposal also stated that contributions from the Jewish and Muslim faith communities would be represented, around significant religious observances.

The invitation said the aim was to provide a respectful platform while maintaining editorial independence.

How the controversy emerged

TCJ became aware that the e-mail sent in June had circulated beyond its intended three recipients after receiving screenshots of WhatsApp correspondence from sources who had received messages referencing its contents.

TCJ has reviewed the material and verified the WhatsApp messages, purported to in part have been sent by Berna Thompson Cummins MBE in both one-to-one correspondence and within a group conversation.

The messages included commentary about Employee X and the proposed initiative.

The circulation of the WhatsApp exchanges prompted TCJ to seek responses from those involved and to establish how the original invitation email entered the public domain.

No individual has accepted responsibility for disclosing the original email.

Messages from Berna Thompson Cummins MBE

Berna Thompson Cummins MBE, a former member of the Legislative Assembly for George Town and a prominent Cayman Islands business and civic figure, became central to the controversy after the WhatsApp messages were reviewed by TCJ.

The messages included statements that Employee X is allegedly “Pakistani” and “trying to shape social changes” and “downplay the centrality of Christianity in Cayman”.

Other messages questioned why “these wicked people” were coming to Cayman, stating: “This should be led by Caymanians only.” and asking: “Come on Don Seymour! Do we need them here?”

TCJ contacted Ms Berna Thompson Cummins MBE via WhatsApp before publication to provide an opportunity to respond.

She was asked where she obtained the invitation email, whether the WhatsApp messages accurately reflected communications sent by her, the basis for conclusions regarding Employee X’s nationality, and whether she was calling for Don Seymour to remove Employee X from their position.

She was also invited to comment on statements that could be interpreted as relating to nationality or ethnicity.

Ms Thompson Cummins responded with an image of Employee X purported to be in Pakistan. TCJ has since verified that such picture is genuine of Employee X on deployment as a journalist. However, TCJ’s investigation into generations of Employee X’s bloodline, reveals no descendants born in Pakistan, over a period superseding the very existence of the formation of the State of Pakistan.

After TCJ confirmed receipt of material from Ms Thompson Cummins and again invited her to answer the questions, including her status as an MBE recipient in the context of this matter, Ms Thompson Cummins replied:

“I have nothing more to say to you.”

When Honours Are Put at Risk

Previous cases demonstrate that honours can be forfeited where conduct is considered to have brought the honours system into disrepute, including cases where no criminal conviction has occurred.

In 2024, musician Wiley had his MBE removed following the Forfeiture Committee process after a series of antisemitic social media posts made in 2020. The government said his conduct had brought the honours system into disrepute.

Also in 2024, businessman Rami Ranger had his CBE removed following findings concerning his conduct towards a journalist and comments described as derogatory towards Pakistanis, among other matters. The forfeiture decision was based on the principle that his conduct had brought the honours system into disrepute rather than following a criminal conviction.

In the Cayman Islands, any questioning rightly or wrongly of the conduct of honour recipients is a matter for the Cabinet Office in London, directly, as opposed to via Governor House.

A spokesperson for the UK Cabinet Office said:

“There is a clear process for stripping individuals of their honours when they bring the honours system into disrepute, which is overseen by the forfeiture committee. The Committee has no time restrictions when making its decisions. If you believe a recipient has brought the honours system into disrepute, information on the forfeiture process is available here https://honours.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/how-to-nominate/forfeiture/”

For context, The Cabinet Office’s response did not refer to any specific individual. TCJ is not suggesting that any honours forfeiture process has been initiated in relation to Ms Thompson Cummins MBE. The UK Cabinet Office’s comments are provided as general background on the honours system.

Faith leaders respond

Imam Nooh Bhana of the Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands confirmed he received the original invitation email.

He stated that he did not share or forward the email to any individual or organisation.

He said he did not know who had disclosed the correspondence and did not wish to accuse anyone or speculate about their intentions.

Imam Bhana said he was disappointed that the email had entered the public domain and that he remained supportive of the proposed initiative, describing it as “a fantastic effort and initiative” by TCJ.

Rabbi Berel Pewzner responded warmly to the original invitation email rather than the later request for comment about the circulation of the correspondence. He did not comment on whether he disclosed the original email.

He thanked Employee X for the e-mail and welcomed the proposal.

The Rabbi said that while Judaism does not proselytise, he would be “happy to contribute occasional reflections based on universal Biblical and Torah values, including themes of purpose, goodness and kindness.”

Rabbi Berel further added his willingness to meet upon returning to Cayman to discuss the proposal further.

Pastor Torrance Bobb did not respond to emails from TCJ.

However, during two telephone conversations this past week, he confirmed that he had not received the original invitation email and requested that it be resent to an alternative address.

After repeated attempts over the course of two days to provide the correspondence by email, Pastor Bobb advised that he would collect printed copies from TCJ's office on July 10. As of the date of this publication, TCJ can confirm that Pastor Bobb had not collected the documents and had not provided any substantive comment on the matter.

TCJ’s Owner Rejects Discrimination Claims

A spokeswoman on behalf of Don Seymour, pulled no punches in response to the questions posed to the proprietor of The Caymanian Journal:

“The background facts to this story reiterate the need for the very existence of The Caymanian Journal and its mission to report without fear or favour. Mr. Seymour is unapologetically pro-Caymanian first and his portfolio on island proudly comply fully with Cayman Islands law, which gives preference in employment to Caymanians, the spouses of Caymanians, Permanent Residents, and those already lawfully resident. Even if the sole non-Caymanian, British employee of The Caymanian Journal was hypothetically Pakistani, Israeli, or a Vatican citizen, we would not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law - and we never will. We oppose discrimination in all its forms. We stand for peace, harmony, and tolerance for the benefit of every resident of these islands. Every hiring decision is made on merit. That is who we are, and it is non-negotiable.”

The unanswered questions

The controversy surrounding “Reflection” has extended far beyond the proposed publication feature itself, raising broader questions about faith, identity and public discourse in the Cayman Islands.

The Caymanian Journal intended for the initiative to provide space for faith communities to contribute to civic conversation while respecting religious freedom and editorial independence.

Yet the key question remains unanswered: who took a private invitation and placed it into the public arena?

Appendix

E-mail sent to the recipients below on June 18, 2026:

Dear Pastor Torrance Bobb, Grace and Peace to you.

Dear Rabbi Berel Pewzner, Shalom.

Dear Imam Nooh Bhana, As-salamu alaykum.

Respected Faith Leaders,

May I introduce myself. My name is [Employee X], and I am the XXX of The Caymanian Journal, a new independent newspaper and digital news platform that will launch this August in the Cayman Islands.

About The Caymanian Journal

The Caymanian Journal is part of the DMS Group, which operates seven radio stations across the Cayman Islands, including Bobo FM, the territory’s official broadcast partner of the BBC World Service.

Our founder, Mr Don Seymour, is a Caymanian entrepreneur and philanthropist with extensive experience in financial services regulation. As a subsidiary of Stingray Media, one of the region’s most influential media organisations, we seek to broaden the scope of public-interest journalism in the Cayman Islands and to sit at the heart of the national conversation. Our mission is to provide trusted reporting and analysis, delivered without fear or favour. Guided by editorial independence and supported by our readers, the Journal advances a philanthropic mission in service of the Cayman Islands. All proceeds generated by the publication will be directed to a charitable foundation supporting community development and opportunity in the Cayman Islands.

Reflection

As we develop TCJ, intent on serving the people of Cayman, I have been surprised to discover that no national publication currently provides a permanent, apolitical platform through which faith leaders can communicate not only with their congregations but also with the wider public.

We note that over 61% of the local population identify as Christian. And yet equally 61% of 16 to 34-year-olds residing in our sovereign state identify with no religion.

In this context, The Caymanian Journal, as an entity dedicated to serving the people of the Cayman Islands, considers it part of its responsibility to provide a platform that reflects and supports the freedom of religion protected within the jurisdiction. We recognise that faith often plays a meaningful role in civic life, helping to shape moral values that encourage service, social responsibility, and care for others.

As a publication committed to the public interest, we believe there is value in offering a respectful space where faith communities can share perspectives on matters of conscience, community, and public life, consistent with the constitutional protection of religious freedom in the Cayman Islands.

I am therefore writing to you with sincerity and respect, recognising that you represent Cayman’s established and formally organised faith communities.

It is our vision to create a dedicated section within our weekly weekend newspaper entitled “Reflection”. This section will be reserved specifically for regular contributions from faith leaders and, in the case of the Christian community, potentially contributors nominated through the Cayman Ministers’ Association.

Given the prominence and historical significance of the Christian faith in the Cayman Islands, it is anticipated that a substantial proportion of the annual publication schedule would be devoted to the various Christian denominations on island. At the same time, we would seek to ensure that contributions from other faith communities are appropriately represented, particularly around significant religious observances and festivals such as Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover, Ramadan, Lent, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas.

In keeping with our values and our strapline, “Fearless. Fair. Independent.,” I have chosen to write to you collectively. This is intended to reflect our commitment to fairness, mutual respect, and transparency from the outset, while maintaining the editorial independence that is fundamental to our publication.

To explore this proposal further, I would be honoured to host the three of you, together, at our headquarters in George Town for an informal meeting at a mutually convenient time. In recognition of the significance of Fridays and Sundays within your respective faith traditions, we would, of course, seek a meeting date that is respectful of those commitments.

In the first instance, I would be grateful if you could kindly reply all to indicate your willingness to participate and your availability during the remainder of June. This will allow us to maintain momentum and begin arranging a suitable meeting.

I very much hope to hear from and meet each of you. It would be a privilege to work together on what I believe could become a meaningful and enduring contribution to Cayman’s civic and spiritual life.

Yours sincerely

Employee X