Masked OPW Man Vs Care Bear: Protest Meme Posted By Save Castletown Gate Group Sparks Criticism

The image in question, shared to the group’s Facebook and Instagram stories on May 19, 2025, appears to portray the OPW in a "sinister or mocking light", according to some locals who contacted Kfm.

A cartoon image shared on social media by the Save Castletown Gate Protectors has sparked backlash, with some people who contacted Kfm saying it does not help relationships on the ground with OPW staff.

The image in question, shared to the group’s Facebook and Instagram stories on May 19, 2025, appears to portray the OPW in a "sinister or mocking light", according to some locals.

It shows a care bear with the word communities on its chest, while the OPW is portrayed as an angry masked man sneaking up on it. 

The man is wearing an OPW branded hat.

While the group has claimed the cartoon was intended as satire directed at senior decision-makers, critics say it has had a "demoralising" effect on both local staff and management.

“It may not be the group’s intention, but when your employer is publicly depicted as threatening, it feels deeply personal,” said one person who did not want to be named.

They said the image goes beyond community advocacy and that it veers into the territory of "intimidation disguised as satire.”

Another critic said OPW workers, many of whom live in the local community, are “individuals doing their jobs” and deserve the same respect afforded to others.

“Imagery like this paints all staff with the same negative brush,” a local said.

In response, a spokesperson for the Save Castletown Gate Protectors defended the cartoon, describing it as a “care bear image” meant to represent broader frustrations with government decisions.

The group denied any intent to cause harm or target individual OPW staff.

“It’s not personal. We have never attacked staff,” Susan Clampett from the group said. “The image reflects decisions made at higher levels - it’s not aimed at workers on the ground.”

She criticised OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran for what they described as a lack of "genuine engagement" with the local community.

She said Minister Moran is focused on dividing the community "instead of working with us."

“Respect is a two-way street," she said.

While protestors have repeatedly called for compromise and community involvement, they say their concerns have been dismissed.

A rally is taking place this Saturday outside Castletown House.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend in a bid to send a message to the OPW Minister that, despite his assertion on national radio that the House is open, it remains closed to the public.

Groups said there has been "very little movement" since meeting with Minister Moran recently.