Cayman needs public toilets to accommodate families
I have a question in regards to family bathrooms. There are no family bathrooms on islands, and I always see mothers bring their sons in the female bathroom. My husband took our daughter out the other day and had to beg someone to take her to the bathroom because he didn’t want to bring her in the one for males. Any suggestions or advice how to handle this in the future? Or if any public places have considered family bathrooms?
Auntie’s answer: I completely understand your husband’s dilemma and can appreciate his distress in having to ask a stranger to accompany his daughter into the toilet on his behalf. While I admit I haven’t been on the lookout for family bathrooms, I also cannot recall seeing any in Cayman. If I am mistaken, I am happy for someone to write in to correct me.
But that doesn’t really solve the problem because even if there are any family facilities, what are the chances they are where your husband and daughter will be? So, here’s what I suggest: head for the accessible toilets on the island. I realise there aren’t that many around but I think there are enough in the most used family-oriented spots.
As discussed in a previous column (see May anyone use a toilet designated accessible?), if a disabled person is not waiting to use one of those toilets, I think it is perfectly acceptable for others, in your case a father and daughter, to use it. In fact, I have seen toilets in public places in the US, for example, that are marked for families and/or disabled use.
The situation in Cayman will slowly be changing for the better, though. The Department of Planning pointed out that the 2016 Cayman Islands Building Code specifically states that “a family or assisted-use toilet” must be provided in “assembly” (where people gather, such as halls, libraries and cinemas) and retail spaces, where six or more male and female toilets based on occupancy load are required, and in recreational facilities.
Of course, the updated code won’t help for buildings constructed before it went into effect 30 December 2016.
Category: Ask Auntie
A lot of restaurants especially the ones in Camana Bay, only have a single toilet, i.e. no stalls so you can use one of those and lock the door.
Good god. Look in the mens room to see if it’s clean and unoccupied and take her in to a stall. If it’s not, you can surely find a nice lady to take her into the ladies’ or to stand guard while you take her in yourself. When did everybody get so helpless.