PNA won’t all back Mac
(CNS): Both Cline Glidden and Mark Scotland have said their position regarding the former premier has not changed and, as a result, they will not help the UDP leader form a government if they are returned to the Legislative Assembly next week. Dwayne Seymour has said that, should he be asked by McKeeva Bush to help him form a government if he were re-elected, he would have to hold a meeting with his constituents to gauge their opinion. The question was asked of the three Cabinet members present at last Thursday’s press briefing, when both Rolston Anglin and Juliana O’Connor-Connolly were absent. So far, the only other non-PPM candidates to publicly declare they would not support Bush are the two independents from the eastern districts and Charles Clifford running in Bodden Town.
In a previous press briefing the current premier stated that, should she be the one MLA that could give the UDP a majority, she, like Seymour, would consult her constituents before making a decision to support a new UDP administration, given her part in the ousting of Bush last December.
Rolston Anglin has not yet directly addressed the question. However, his recent performance on the hustings would suggest that going back to the UDP fold would prove considerably more difficult for the deputy premier than it would O’Connor-Connolly as she has made few criticisms and said very little about the performance of her former party boss.
The PNA Cabinet has always stated that Bush should have voluntarily stepped aside after his arrest until he had dealt with his legal matters as they believed the country would be damaged with such a cloud of suspicion over its leader. After his refusal to leave office, despite the gravity of the situation, the five former members of the UDP joined forces with the opposition benches and ousted Bush from government. Since then, Bush has been charged with 11 criminal counts, including theft and abuse of office.
However, the former leader is still running for office in the 2013 national poll at the helm of a reformed UDP, fielding twelve candidates and still looking like he could get as many as seven seats. If the remaining 11 are then divided between the PNA, independents and the PPM, Bush, like the opposition leader, will be looking to cobble together an administration. In such circumstances it is not inconceivable that Bush would be ready to forgive and forget the actions of his former colleagues and again court their support.
Anglin, Glidden, Scotland, Seymour and O’Connor-Connolly are all obvious targets for the former premier but with the exception of O’Connor-Connolly and possibly Seymour, the rest appear to have burned their UDP bridges.
Scotland said that he had demonstrated his position when he asked the then premier to step down in December. “My position remains the same,” he said Thursday, adding that his support for Bush was lost then.
Glidden also stated that he would not back Bush in government as he had made a decision that for him to remain in post was not in best interests of the country after he had been arrested, regardless of guilt or innocence. Glidden said this was because he chose the Cayman Islands over friendship.
“Since then nothing has happened to improve the situation as he has now been charged and will go to court after the election," he said. If I made a decision in December after his arrest now he has been charged it is obvious that nothing would change my mind that would make me support him being premier before he is cleared of these charges. I will not go back to the position that I found unacceptable last year because of the election," Glidden added.
Aware that the five members of the PNA are not in a position to form the next government and are now essential lumped into the independent group, the three men told the press last Thursday that they still hoped to be part of a coalition which is why they had used the term ‘alliance’ in their team’s name and pointed to the C4C as their potential allies.
“The five of us can’t form a government by ourselves and we hope to be in a coalition and who becomes the premier will be decided after the election,” Scotland said, as he pointed to what he described as the strong foundation and experience of the PNA. He said the coalition candidates don’t have any experience in government but the mix between the two groups would serve the country well. “We all feel we have experience and will be an asset to another grouping especially a group with lesser experience.”
Although denying that they were in formal talks with the coalition candidates about the strategy or the formation of the next government, it was clear that the PNA want to be returned with five C4C candidates, who they hope will then hand the PNA cabinet the reins of power.
“There have been no discussions about strategy but we have had talks with all members and accepted that there will be a coalition or an alliance after May 22nd,” Glidden said. “If I have been elected I commit to forming the best government possible,” he added.
Last week the two independent candidates, Ezzard Miller (NS) and Arden McLean (EE), both categorically stated that they would not assist the UDP to form a government even if Bush is not premier or even in the Cabinet. Miller said he would not support a government with even a single UDP member in it.
Charles Clifford, who is running on an independent platform in Bodden Town, has also stated emphatically that he would not help Bush or any UDP or former UDP members to form a government.
So far, when asked, however, none of the C4C candidates or other independents have ruled out working with the former premier or the UDP. Despite asking several of the coalition and other independents, of those that have answered CNS none have said 'no' to the idea of forming a government with Bush as premier.
Bush will still be hoping for a clean majority for the UDP when the final result comes in on 23 May, but with his declining fortunes, seeking support from outside his party could prove difficult. However, with so many coalition and independent candidates still on the fence about offering him support, a UDP coalition is still possible, even with some PNA candidates refusing to back him.
Vote in CNS poll: At this election, how will you be voting?
Category: Politics
Anyone who will run with Mr Bush knowing what he has done and knowing the repetitional damages he has and may still cause our island, is an idiot and will have forever damaged my respect for them and I will not now or at any time in the future support them in there business or political aspirations.
Nasty pieces of work.
Are Mark and Joke Joke still running together in Bodden Town?
I was most surprised to listen to Rayal Bodden speaking at Dr Tomlinsons Party, then again tonight on the radio. What a fine young man. I tell you that UDP certainly have some very good people running.
Anyone associated with UDP HAS TO GO!!
Not sure why they WOULD be after trying to shove mckeeva's and dart's garbage down the Bodden Towner's throats.
Mckeeva better be happy only the bayers can vote him in or out because if it was up to the whole island voting for that choice he would’ve been out along time ago…..pls wake up bayers
I hope you are right, but there is an important point to be made here. West Bayers will almost certainly re-elect Bush, but it is the election of enough other MLA’s island wide who support Bush that would return him to power.
If Caymanians do not want Bush to return to power, the situation is clear. Do not vote for any candidate who would support Bush in forming the new government. Given that so very few of them have any idea of what they are doing, there is nothing to be lost and much to be gained from keeping the decision of who to vote for that simple – do not vote for any candidate who will support Bush.
If Bush is behind a development that could create jobs, I don't care what you say. I voting Bush! It is time we stop looking at the person and focus on the issues.
Wrong on 2 counts!
One – When the individual cannot be trusted, and only blindly loyal supporters believe Bush can trusted, it is necessary to look at the person.
Two – Focusing on the issues requires an assessment of performance on those issues so far. Again only blindly loyal Bush supporters can possibly assess Bush’s performance on key issues over the last 4 years as anything other than complete failure.
My comment is not directed it you – if you are for Bush you are lost cause as far as I am concerned. My comment is for those who do not want to see Bush returned but who may consider voting for a candidate who is prepared to support Bush. My position is simple – don’t!
You mean you haven't heard Bush is going on a very long vacation?
Let’s face it good people…..BOTH parties will NOT get the majority needed to form the next Cabinet. As such, it goes without saying that the government of the next 4 years will be a coalition.
What would be good to see is the following composition for the cabinet, provided of course that they are successful…..
Roy
Rolston
Arden
Alden
Moses
CG or Chuckie
Mark
Leave big Mck to bite his finger nails on the opposition bench.
Dwayne Seymore would need to hold a meeting with his constituents to decide whether to back Mac or not.
Dwayne are you for real? You can’t think for yourself? Let me give you a hint – the forever Honourable is charged with some 10+ counts of corruption. Maybe he should focus on those legal battles first?
However, please feel free to call a referendum if you still feel torn. But my gut feel is that you won’t be in a position to have to make that decision. Do you know what I mean? If you don’t know what I mean, here’s another hint – start looking for another job!
A government is only as good or bad as the people they represent. The past government was a joke. Rampant corruption, theft, incompetence, and pride. What has changed?
I sure hope Caymanians wise up and recognize that change is needed. Mr. Bush doesn't represent Caymanians well, It depresses me when he speaks!!! Could these islands be headed down the same path as Turks and Caicos?
I
We are all coke heads man and missing a few screws too. UDP and PNA has done this country many many hard and It would be shameful to look my son in his eyes and said that I voted for any of them.. You are all the same, no better than the other..
Keep running with them and see how you too will fell it in the next three years.. I will be on the ship but I will have the respect of knowing that I did not vote for them..
12:14 – A friend of mine that lives in West Bay once said to me. "Friend we trying to get them out but it is the uneducated Bayers that vote them back in".
So sad, I really hope that the WB voters will wake up and see what is happening for them.
The $50 dollars here and there just can't work.
West Bay voters go out on Election Day and send a clear message that say "No more, no more".
West Bay voters show everyone on Election Day that West Bay do have a smart bunch…
Please for Cayman sake..
The West Bayers that are illiterate and ignorant or those who gain from his schemes along with the Jamaican status holders are the ones who will help put McKeeva back in power. The drawback of democracy is that the ignorant and crooked are given the same voting rights as the intelligent and honest.
Ain't that the truth…and tell me how do people, any people, go on beileving that sh!t??? WHen time and time again, they are proved wrong. Almost a lemming mentality..
Unfortunately in West Bay, the stupid people outnumber the smart. Its a sad fact
C4C=UDP This makes it very clear that Roy, Winston, Jude, Sharon, Mervin, Tara, Jacqueline are only UDP dressed in C4C clothes.
It's very telling that the article says the, "only other non-PPM candidates to publicly declare they would not support Bush are the two independents from the eastern districts and Charles Clifford running in Bodden Town"
If Roy, Winston, Jude, Sharon, Mervin, Tara and Jacqueline aren't willing to form a government with McKeeva then they would have said that.
So basically, there are two groups running to form a government:
1. PPM candidates, Ezzard, Arden, Chuckie, Mark and CG
2. McKeeva, UDP Candidates, Juliana, Rolston, Dwayne, and Roy, Winston, Jude, Sharon, Mervin, Tara and Jacqueline
If you don't want another 4 years of UDP then you better vote ONLY for candidates from the #1 group!
More nonsense from the PPM blogging machine. The Independents said that last night at their meeting which was broadcast on TV. They offered No support for McKeeva, Alden or Ms. Julie as Premier.
Cleverly stated by C4C but that really means nothing. The question is, 'Will they form a government with McKeeva?'
Because, any government that McKeeva is part of, he will dominate, he's already stated he doesn't want to be the Premier. So that no-nothing rhetoric about not supporting him as Premier is worthless!
Come clean Winston, Jude, Roy, Tara, Mervin, Sharon, Jacqueline …. answer the question… 'Will you form a government with McKeeva?'
And yet these very highly inteligent people appears to be ready to run a country not as a party and without a premier.
Trust me when they get in the house they will have to vote one way or the other but for sure you will see their true colours and if that colour is UDP God help us.
Simply put after we get the 18 candidates, the independents are not all on the same page so whatever their vote is will be the build one side up or another. Guess what most have dealings with Mac.
Written by another clairvoyant on ganja…hello, earth calling 16.09, you can stop now, nobody believes your propaganda when you are high nor even when not…you would do well in totalitarian regimes as information minister…can dream up all you like then..
Ezzard, Arden and Chuckie…….the men from the east ! Solid, unshakable, couragous and fearless representatives !!! That would be a great start to the formation of the next Government as the Election results begin to come in on Election night.
I wouldnt be surprised if one politician dosent kill another for that PREMIER position.
PNA cannot be trusted.
I can't wait till I see less of seymour.
PNA/UDP Pack your bags, you better start planning what you are going to do with a 50% pay cut!
Last time I got fired I didn’t get no paycheck at all.
You will remember that, days after McKeeva was arrested, a few now-C4C candidates were calling for him to step down in light of the arrest for the sake of the country.
Let us ask them now, Jude, Roy, Winston, Sharon, Jackie, Mervin, and Tara, will you support a UDP government returning to power?
If you are elected to the LA, you will have a vote as to who becomes Premier, so you need to say whether or not or maybe you would support Mac for the next premier of Cayman, while he is still awaiting trial for the ELEVEN theft and fraud charges. Anything other than a "No" is a Yes in my eyes.
If you vote for politicians who promised to give you goodies at some else's expense then you have no right to complain when they take your money and give it to someone else, including themselves. It would appear that it makes no difference who you vote for, as certain parties are really just one big party representing 2% of the people.
Words before an election <> actions after an election.
Vote carefully.
shame on these 2 guys! mac worked hard and they were there ALL THE WAY ! BUT we dont have to worry, "Pleasse Not Again" party will NEVER get back in !!
Did the independents say they would work with the PNA/Udp lite….?
Say it ain't so, and to think I was considering voting for a couple of them…Ho well , back to straight PPM
PPM = Politicians Progressive Movement … what happened to the "people" during their spending spree??? Oh well to the Independents
The people benefitted from the resulting infrastructure – schools, roads and govt. admin bldg., the workers benefitted from the employment at the construction sites when no other construction was happening. Next question.
Bernie
Wally
Jonathon
Rayal
Theresa
Chris Saunders (who ever you are)
Renard
Velma
Do you guys have no shame…and imagine I had respect for most you you before you guys jumped on a sinking ship that was abandoned by the majority…what does that say about you guys/ladies…opportunist??…so tell the public what is the plan if by some freak disaster UDP wins..and Mac is premier again…a country with a premier twice removed from power again running the country because of the likes greed…disgusting…
If CG, Mark, Dwayne think they can trust Juliana and Rolston they better think again much less McKeeva.
I say Ezzard & Arden should have been able to run for BT, NS & EE. I see no other credible candidates (other than Chuckie) for our eastern districts.
Ezzard and Arden are running for North Side and East End respectively. Bodden Town has people who are decent, honest, hard-working, dependable, intelligent and with unquestionable character, who can represent us in the Legislative Assembly. They are not hiding behind any bricks or afraid to show their faces, nor are there a part of a corrupt clan.
The PPM demitted office 4 years ago and they were not charged with corruption, nor were there any shady deals cut by either one of them. What say yea of the present government? Our country is resting on the railroad track and the train is about to make the crossing, rescue it by putting your X in the right place. Not another 4 years of suppression.
And we all know who you are!!
I agree with this….
Once n udp always a udp! Caymanians have seen through your years of lies!
10th generation Braca
Well Roy Mc & Stefan B have come out to pledge they will NOT join a party and only serve us the people. That is good enought for me!
No more party politricks. They spent $900 million dollars in 8 years so WHY would anyone vote for these money wasting PARTY fools????
The days of the PARTY are over, we demand financial audits and sensible spending by people who will not be swayed by Big Mac and his empty promises.
You guys really are lost.
The independents show no loyalty to anything or anyone not even to their fellow independents hence the reason they are called independents.
What they should have called themselves is the house of confusion.
They appearently are suggesting that they will support no party and no premeir. Guess what guys we will have a premeir and a group will form to run the Government. It appears as if you guys uif elected will do nothing more than hamper progress in the house.
Party politics are not all bad. And there is a distinct difference between the parties.
When the PPM was running the show. They messed up but in the end it was a joint decision.
John John and Mark both suggest that the UDP was Macs way or the highway. If Mac was making the right calls we would all be praising him but more often than not it was his own financial gain that drove the deals.
C4C and UDP and PNA…..All the Same VOTE PPM stra8….its the only sure way a NO BUSH RULE in 2013.
yeah right… last time we vote straight, we got a party that didnt listen to the people and didnt handle the money right. Sorry I going to mix my votes. PNA will be among them.
Its a shame they didnt take this position in 2009 when ever sensible voter knew what a return the UDP Rule meant. DO NOT TRUST THEM.
To me this shows that PNA are not a single party, but rather a gathering of people just out to get power at any cost..they seem unable to agree about UDP and Mac, which means they are quite capable of flip flopping at any time.
Cayman does not need that right now. I still think Caymans best bet is independents to control much smaller party factions and eventually do away with them, leaving hopefully the best brains to run Cayman…
Ju Ju will go with anyone, just as long as she is in power. But God help us cause five months is enough of her power.
Anyone who isn't willing to say categorically that they will have nothing to do with McKeeva after everyything he did to the country should not receive one single vote. It is as ridiculous as a bank CEO refusing to rule out appointing Bernie Madoff as his compliance officer.
How in this world can anybody on the face of this earth with a brain in their head and with a single iota of concern for themselves and their children and their fellowman and their country possibly back mckeeva in the present circumstances and after all we have been through with this man not only for the past four years but for the past twenty years is completely and totally and absolutely beyond me. Dwayne Seymour already stands about as much chance as a snowball in hell of warming a seat for Bodden Town for another four years and I sincerely hope his public acknowledgement that he would even consider 'helping' mckeeva completely finishes it XXXX.
Unfortunately the people that vote for Mac in WB have been completely brain washed and are too dependent on him to vote for anyone else. Hopefully this number has been significantly reduced in recent times and that there are enough sensible people in WB to vote for better candidates. If not, this could be sorted out in the not so distant future with a bye-election where Mac, and others, are not an option.
Yes it is a shame that there are some many "ducks" in West Bay taht are willing to follow "Papa Duck" Bush.
True but also remember that they are also those who follow the money and the promise of more and also those who are as uneducated and greedy as the one they follow, believe me these promises have already been made
"…bye-election…"
I like the typo. It is very close to a "bye-bye election" for Mac & co.
pna are a joke…..
shame on anybody who votes for them….unfortunatly braccers don't feel shame and they will vote juju back…..
SOME Braccas!!!!!
PNA slogan "you can count on us to do the right thing" . Did Anglin do that the night he drove drunk with a woman he claims not to know. He crashed his car, lied repeatedly to police. Wasted Court time by pleading not guilty. So many he times he did not do what an honourable man would have done.
anon 1347 they do the right thing but it takes them 3 years and 8 months to get started. And many are wondering if they had a chance to do it all over if they would repeat putting Mac back in and supporting his policies. Maybe Mac has another bus to put them under or hey maybe an upgrade.
Lavvy is going to have to pray hard for ju ju to get back in power cause no body is going to trust her. Macks supporters dont want nothing with her. Guess she will even go with PPM just to have power. But we want our blue eye boy Mo Mo to be our Premier this time cause he is coming in FIRST.
They better worry more about getting elected first. The only two I see occupying the Southeast corner are Arden and Ezzard.
I would think that the better candidates are the ones who say to the public – my personal conviction does not allow me to support Mac – so dont vote for me if you expect me to go against my own beliefs.
Do not elect anyone whose moral compass allows them to do a 360 degree turn in 30 seconds…
Or even a 180 degree turn…