By now, people should realize that they're not above the law. And that includes 18-year-old Skylar Mack, a premed student who broke strict quarantine rules to meet with her boyfriend, 24-year-old Cayman Islands resident Vanjae Ramgeet. Both were charged after Skylar failed to adhere to the strict 14-day COVID-19 isolation period that's set in place for travelers.
Skylar is now spending two months in jail for the violation, initially faced with four months. While it may still seem like a lot, it should serve as a warning to all others who feel the need to skip out on the laws set by the local government. Because COVID-19 can often show up as asymptomatic in individuals, it's hard to tell who has it and who doesn't without a test. Numbers are high right now since people aren't following the rules. Having been enrolled as a premed student, Skylar should have known better.
Skylar Mack had traveled to the Cayman Islands on November 27. She went to visit her boyfriend, Vanjae Ramgeet. When she left the States and when she arrived on the island, she tested negative for COVID-19. However, she ditched her government-mandated period of quarantine by going to a jet ski event that Vanjae was racing in. To control the spread of COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands, the government has been monitoring quarantines with an electronic device.
While Skylar was out at the event, she left her electronic device at her hotel — knowing it would pick up on the fact that she had gone out. Initially, the couple were sentenced to 40 hours of community service and a $2,600 fine. But a prosecutor felt as if this was way too lenient — and really, it was.
Traveling itself holds risks, especially from a foreign country. This is such a big issue that something like a ski competition shouldn't have caused her to break the law. It was also reported that Skylar showed up at the event without a mask on. Prior to her arrival at the Cayman Islands, things were finally starting to get under control. And that's all due to the government's strict rules.
In order to truly get a handle on this, everyone needs to do their part. While these rules may seem overbearing, they're making a big difference, preventing deaths and keeping hospitals from getting overwhelmed. Skylar's family recently spoke to some news outlets to explain how she's been doing since she was put in jail.
"She cries, she wants to come home," grandmother Jeanne Mack told Today about the Mercer University student. "She knows she made a mistake. She owns up to that, but she's pretty hysterical right now." Being so far into the pandemic, it seems like a tough mistake to make — especially for someone hoping to one day join the medical field.
"It's not like her to make this kind of a mistake," her grandmother continued. "She knows she screwed up. She knows she should have to pay for it." The government had changed the rules before the couple attended the event, but even before, the punishment was always strict. Prior to, those who failed to quarantine faced up to a year in jail and/or a fine of $1,000. Now it's a sentence of up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. So in a way, they did go easy on Skylar by initially giving her four months.
The Cayman Islands Court of Appeal reduced the prison sentence right before Christmas to two months, which is more manageable, yet something that Skylar likely still doesn't want to hear. "Ms. Mack and Mr. Ramgeet continue to express remorse for their actions and ask for the forgiveness of the people of the Cayman Islands," said their attorney, Jonathan Hughes.
Not only was it a matter of public safety, it was also a matter of respect. When Americans enter other countries, they should know that rules and regulations may be different. Skylar is a legal adult who traveled to see her boyfriend in the midst of a pandemic — reading up on the rules should have been part of the routine, especially as her boyfriend lives there.
When issuing the sentence on December 15, Judge Roger Chapple noted that their violation showed "selfishness and arrogance." In total, Skylar was at the event, unmasked, for seven hours. Her grandmother has tried to help by writing letters to President Donald Trump — but it seems as if those may be unanswered for now.
Curious about the electronic bracelet given to Skylar? It's actually a genius idea, and one of the reasons why the Cayman Islands quarantines are so strict. Visitors who come by get a smart wristband that connects to an app called Stay Safe Cayman.
Skylar was told to use the app to log where she was quarantining. That way, the government would know whether or not she left the location. She was not supposed to officially leave that spot until providing a negative test from her 15th day there. But she broke quarantine early, leaving the bracelet at home. Even getting to see her boyfriend should have been a privilege, as many people have been separated from loved ones all year.
Skylar's relatives are currently in Atlanta, Georgia. Together, they've been trying to figure out a plan and gather records about her character to try to lessen the sentence even more. "I'll do everything to get you home, and when I get you here, I’m going to kick your butt," Jeanne said, per The Baltimore Sun. "We're not saying, 'poor, innocent Skylar.' We're simply saying the punishment does not meet the crime."
Skylar likely had no idea that one bad decision would make her a nationally known name. But at least it's a reminder to all that actions have consequences. While the Cayman Islands may have been a bit strict with its sentencing, it's also important to know that the territory is doing everything it can to protect its residents — even Skylar's boyfriend.
This is a really big moment in time. While relief is on the way, there'll still be so many deaths between now and full implementation of the vaccines that could have been preventable. Before you act, try to think about how your actions will affect those around you. By working together, we can one day put all of this behind us. But that means following the rules set up by the government.
