Mac pulls no punches

| 15/01/2010

(CNS): Welcoming the new governor to the Cayman Islands, the premier wasted no time in telling him that he was now on “my home ground” after their recent meeting in London. Pulling few punches in his first public address to the new representative from the UK, McKeeva Bush said that Duncan Taylor would soon find that he believed in straight talk without falling out. He told the governor that he had arrived in challenging times when the credibility of his office was in question and he would face a tough test as it was a testing time for all. But the premier said the new governor would find Cayman had robust institutions as well as skilled, welcoming, people.

Before he delivered his full address, Bush drew attention to the grief in the community over the loss of five people at sea, which he said was the largest maritime loss of life in Cayman since the 1940s.

Welcoming Taylor on behalf of the Cayman people, he said the new governor would find them hospitable and prepared to offer the benefit of the doubt. However, Bush outlined the many challenges facing the islands and the need for the Governor’s Office to cooperate and build the relationship back between the UK and Cayman. The premier told Taylor that the good news was he could look forward to working with a government that was supported by a motivated and skilled population. He said the last time he was in London things had improved as the UK had realized it “should not ride us like a donkey”.

Bush took the time to address a number of current key political areas, including the legal aid dispute, and he said the country’s lawyers had to start contributing towards the cost or legal representation. He spoke about the possibility of government funding public students to go to private school instead of building another school in West Bay, and the pressing issue of crime, which he said was of major concern. “We can no longer claim to be a crime free society,” he said, despite the fact that the majority was peace loving and respected the rule of law. The premier promised that his government would vote money to fight crime but the administrating power had to recognize the need to send a strong message to the criminal element.

He warned the governor that the Cayman Islands was small, where rumours could be powerful and he should expect people to come running to his office and twist things.

At the close of what was a lengthy address he told Taylor; “Me and you need to talk.”

In response Taylor said he was well aware he had a great deal to learn and he approached the task with enthusiasm and recognized his role was to serve not to rule. Listening, he said, would be one of his first tasks, so he intended to make visiting all the districts a priority. He explained his vision was one of partnership and cooperation with the elected government and his key objectives were to promote a positive relationship between the UK and the Cayman Islands, to ensure effective operation of the new Constitution and effective delivery of the services under his area of responsibility, particularly security, and to promote good governance. “This phrase does not always get good press, but it should,” he said.

Check back to CNS over the weekend for more details of the governor’s arrival, his comments and those of the premier during the swearing in ceremony.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    How you know PPM bankrupted the Government, when the books were not balanced in 5 years?  The problem lies with your Financial Secretary and you are right…UDP don’t know how to fix it, they only know how to spend it. The current FS don’t know how to balance it, either. 

    • Lachlan MacTavish says:

       Forget ……PPM…UDP….who cares…..get the accounts current. This is no way to run "the 5th/6th….9th whatever it is, tax juristriction in THE WORLD".

      If our leaders endorse loose accounting what would be the reason…..any true leader of the country would DEMAND proper accounting.

  2. O'Really says:

    Mr. Legge, XXXX

    Most of the negative posts here do not address the issue of whether or not Bush and the new Governor will establish a working relationship going forward. They address the tone and content of Bush’s welcoming ( not exactly the right word in my view ) speech and criticise him for this, maybe in unflattering terms, but that’s free speech. 

    And on the topic of free speech, it is an indictment of Cayman that most of the posters here, myself included, do not feel free to express views contrary to the powers that be, without fear of reprisal. Of course, if all I ever did was produce magazines full of adverts and photos of Cayman’s elite sampling the latest offering from Jacques Scott, I’d be happy to use my real name too, but unfortunately I like to comment on real issues affecting Cayman and it’s not always pretty.

    • Anonymous says:

      Ouchh! O’Really you sting a bit hard.  

    • Capitalism- A Love Story says:

      I like the photos of the cocktail parties and swimming pools.  It gives me something to strive for.

  3. Anonymous says:

    You know what Cayman??? If you was to compare Kurt to McKeeva, you would have to be blinded by $$$$$$’s or Greed not to see the BIG difference.  Kurt is a man with morals, gentleness, educated, analyical, classy and respectability.  Mckeeva is a man with some morals when he wants to display it, uneducated, bullyish antics, scare mongering,Politricking, non analytical  skills and mostly disrespectful.  McKeeva has no respect for the systems  in place, he is always moving the goal post to achieve his agenda and to accomodate the rich, he has a good heart, but can easily be lead by the dangle of $$$$$money. That get rich attitude and damn to the stupid Caymanians who is always looking for his favours.  Kurt should had been included in the welcoming party and the Governor would had seen the difference. Kurt would had put differences aside, just for this event and concentrated on welcoming the Governor . I am not involved in any of the PPM or UDP rhetoric, but it is clear to see that the Cayman Islands has chosen the wrong leader.  The opposition leader may have been slow to react on certain issues, but he was ethical, analytical and was not easily controlled by money. There you have it Cayman, especially West Bayers….you have chosen a leader that will quickly overwhelm our society with Indians, like in Trinidad. He will quickly allow us to go Independent, he is NOT transparent, as there are a lot of closed doors deals going on, you may soon never have a 7 miles Beach, watch and see Gray list vs White list…lots of Companies moving out, unemployment and elimination of the middle class.  Rich and poor only.  Sorry Cayman your choice!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      ppm bankrupted cayman and udp have not got the intelligence and ability to fix it……

      direct rule from london for 2 years would do the trick

      • Anonymous says:

        As much as I think direct rule from London is an indictment on our capability to manage our internal affairs, I find that I must agree, even if grudgingly.

        There is far too much mismanagement and victimisation. The crime situation is horrendously out of control and there is questionable conduct in many quarters.

        Drastic action is required

      • Anonymous says:

        Correction! PPM did not bankrupt Cayman, you must have forgotten about the Global Recession and how the other countries in the world was impacted by it. Remember Cayman is not immune to Global Financial Problems and I 100% agree with you that UDP does not have the intelligence and ability to fix it, but Macburger with his fries said he could and look now 7 months later we are still in financial problems.

        Recession takes months and even years to settle and what Macburger did was increase the revenue across the board during the time of a recession, now my friend that is not wise that is foolish and that is something that PPM would not have done. By the way PPM would have find other ways by cutting cost because that’s the only way to come out of a recession, because the consumer can spend more in which would greatly help the economy not like Macburger who stop the consumers from spending, run away investors and killing the economy even more which we are now going to experience and financial depression because of mac stupid increase.

        And to end this lengthy reply, a direct rule from London would be a good thing.

  4. David R. Legge says:

    Obviously I cannot respond to every point made in every posting, but I do think a couple of observations might be in order.

    First, I do not represent Premier Bush in any fashion, public relations or otherwise. In an earlier post, I simply wanted to share with the readers of CNS information that was contrary to the thrust of most of the opinions being expressed in this discussion.

    Second, I was at the Pedro St. James event Friday evening and observed Governor Taylor, his wife Marie-Beatrice, and their son Max sitting side by side with Mr. Bush and his wife Kerry, and together as a group, appearing to enjoy each other’s company and the on-stage entertainment. Other than perhaps on this forum, I do not believe there is any discord between these two leaders (there may be in the future; I’m not naive), but for now I take both gentlemen at their word that they want to work constructively together.

    Third, I am increasingly concerned about the incivility of the comments that are being posted on this forum. As a writer, editor, publisher, and author, I have worked in the media for more than 40 years, and I have an unassailable record of fighting (including in the courts) for "free speech" and "freedom of the press."

    However, with the right of free speech (and I do believe it is a right, not a privilege) goes a modicum of responsibility, and that responsibility is severely diluted when correspondents are not required to associate their names with their comments. The seriousness of this forum is being diminished by anonymous postings, the use of sometimes offensive identities ("Gastric Bypass" comes to mind), factual inaccuracies, and comments that too often cross the legal border into slander and libel.

    Cayman News Service, which I publicly applaud in the upcoming issue of my publication, Grand Cayman Magazine, is providing a much-needed venue for serious debate on many of the serious issues that face this country.

    I would hope that the moderators of this forum—and those that post to it—would engage in that debate in an elevated and civil manner.

     

    • Anonymous3 says:

      I have seen a lot worse comments on overseas forums.

      • Joe Bananas says:

        And your point is? Find a sinner to justifie your sin.  Lots of that going around in Cayman.  For most of us this doesn’t work.  There are lots of reasons for doing the wrong thing but not any good ones.  Please try again.

        Those of you in Goverment leadership please read this at least once. 

    • Lachlan MacTavish says:

       David….I to believe passionately in freedom of speech. Both of us have paid for "putting our name to everything". I don’t agree with "anonymous" but understand it. There is still to much bullying and retribution in our country IF you don’t agree with certain people. I also believe that the majority of Caymanians can filter out the written garbage easily. Just check out the THUMBS UP/DOWN. All the best…..Lachlan

    • Frequent Flyer says:

      "appearing to enjoy each other’s company and the on-stage entertainment"

      So, they should be sitting there with scowls on their face if they weren’t ?? Do you realize how silly a statement all that is?  Do you think we are really that stupid?

      If everything , and I mean everything, that McK said has been taken out of context and by the number of people on this news site along with his many other buffoonish speeches, he needs to learn to say what he means instead of acting like a hillbilly.

      That was the embarrassment of the Bush in the states. Acting like an uneducated hick.

      When you hold the highest public office in the land, it helps to be well educated and socially adept.

       

       

    • I didn't say that it wasn't me says:




      Actually, I agree with you on some of your points Mr. Legge, but the ability to post anonymously I agree with.  It would also be nice if people felt it weren’t necessary to do so.  I can understand your supporting freedom of speech and that is commendable.  But, please keep in mind in upholding freedom of speech you are more than likely speaking from a position of someone who has status or residency.  This puts you in a different category than a great number of people on island, and in fact you seem to take it for granted everyone is in the same position.  But there are rules and there are rules, and a great many are dependent on work permits. Hoping you understand.  You will find many posts, especially those critical of a position held by government with a name included are from true blood "residents".  And also someone who works in the public sector and wishes to make a comment vis a vis the same feels it would safer to do so anonymously.  So CNS’s allowing it does have advantages, and part of that is the reason for it’s astounding popularity.  It does, however, as you stated, leave room for less-than- objective comments.   You will also find often when someone begins to vent for the sake of it, or becomes abusive, they are put in line by the other posters, or ignored as the thread moves on to something more relevant.  That is one of the uncomfortable things about freedom of speech.  People say things.  We also have the freedom not to listen to them.

      More to the point though, and I believe what is behind the success and support of CNS, as opposed to print media, is the ability to have a conversation with others about a similar topic.  You see we are not just being fed news with it’s attendant editorial stance which is sometimes slanted, and sometimes wavering towards censorship.  There is active participation.  The only cenorship being that of vulgar language.  And feedback because if I personally happen to be upset about an issue and no one else seems to be, it makes me re-examine why or get over it.  Both are healthy moves.

      Lastly, if something like CNS came into existence and no one posted.  I think we’d have things far worse to worry about: fear and apathy.

    • Anonymous says:

      Mr. Legge, you have put your name out there with what many of us believe were very silly comments. You are entitled to your opinion, but when you make such stupid remarks like saying you believe that the majority of people are overreacting to the threatening comments made by Bush in his welcoming speech for the new Governor, then please accept that we will let you know what we feel about your ridiculous comments. Now, because there is a backlash against your silly comments, you are suddenly asking CNS to carefully monitor postings to the site. And you say that you saw the New Governor & the Premier at Pedro castle enjoying each others company? WOW Mr. Legge! What did you expect? A mud wrestling fight? Is that how little you think of the Premier? You expected the Premier to act unfriendly, rude, insulting or threatening at the function at Pedro castle? Surely you think a little more of Mr. Bush than that, or has it gotten so bad, as far as Mr. Bush is concerned, that you expected some "rough & tumble" action? MY, MY, MY!!! But even you Mr. Legge should know that the two of them being friendly with each other, in the company of their wives, does not mean that they are suddenly the best of friends, & that the insults & threats made by Mr. Bush towards the new Governor & the UK government have been forgotten or forgiven by the Governor or Britain. Please do not make that dreadful mistake Mr. Legge.

    • Gastric Bypass says:

      Overly negative concerns you say?  If I were overly negative I would take those remarks about “freedom of the press” followed by “comments that too often cross the legal border into slander and libel” to be a veiled threat to CNS to stop people from posting anonymously.

       
      The UDP has a history of withholding advertising money from publications that do not see things the way they do. That is established fact, available in Government Directives for all to see, and I’m sure the Premier is not pleased with most of what is written about him on this site.
       
      As a forty year veteran of the fourth estate I’m sure Mr. Legge knows the history of the Hundred Flowers Campaign where Mao encouraged his critics to voice their opposition openly, and once they were identified he locked then away.
       
      Whilst I do not believe that Mr. Legge is compensated in any way for his positive views of Mr. Bush, we also know that the Ritz Carlton quite often is willing to give meeting rooms to the government for “free”.
       
      Mr. Legge will learn soon enough that getting Mr. Bush to take his calls and getting Mr. Bush to listen to him are two completely different matters, and that’s a pity. After reading Mr. Legge’s article on Sheldon Brown in the Grand Cayman Magazine I believe that I am in love with the man. Given what he had to work with there compared with Mac’s long history as a champion of the downtrodden, I believe with the right amount of money he could turn Macdinejad into the next Peron.
      • NOFavours says:

        Oh Gastric Bypass- you are a diamond in the rough! Could not have said it better.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Mr. Legge, Who are you?  You are everywhere, the schools projects and the Premier vs the Governor.  Are you trying to save Grace for our Premier? its too late and you cannot corral the Bull, he has already been let loose.  Keep quiet!! you cannot control that XXXX man. Keep out of this fight!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      there were people complaining before May ’09 that the PPM government was overspending on new schools & new roads. I wonder if the majority of those people would rather a government spending money on projects that should have been done 20 to 25 years before & KNOWING where our money was going, or a government embarrassing our country the way the premier has been doing for the past 7 months, while overspending on himself! The welcoming speech by the premier on Friday was the latest in a series of colossal embarrassments by the premier & the UDP government since the May ’09 election. I know the rest of the world is laughing at us. If it wasn’t so painful I’d be laughing too!

    • Lachlan MacTavish says:

      Have to disagree 17;54……there are many sides to the story. And we all have a right to express our side as we see it.

  6. David R. Legge says:

    If I may add a bit of context (and temperance) to this thread, I think Premier Bush’s remarks are being interpreted overly negatively. In fact, I have spoken to Mr. Bush privately, and I don’t think he would mind my telling you that he looks forward to working closely, and cooperatively, with our new Governor. In fact, he is optimistic that they can forge a good working relationship with each other.

    I have also met Governor Duncanand his wife Marie-Beatrice, and my initial view is that they are warm, intelligent, gracious, and (thankfully!) have a sense of humor. He, too, has already spoken publicly about his desire to work with our new Premier for the betterment of these islands.

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Context??? Since when is a purely subject view such as this ever provide anything remotely like objective context. The context was provided by the speech itself.

      As a purely academic and hypothetical question, how many socio-paths get personalised PR service and at what price?

    • Gastric Bypass says:

      First a chef, and next his own personal spin doctor? How much more can we afford?

      A simple apology to the Governor and people of the Cayman Islands would go a long ways towards a better working relationship. Why don’t you suggest that to him in your next conversation? My mother always said "good manners are free, so there is no excuse for not having them".

      I submitted a post earlier in which I speculated that XXXXXXXXXX, but I guess CNS found the details in it a bit too graphic.

      CNS: Yes.

    • Anonymous says:

      Once upon a time, in a land far far away of course, there was a paid apologist with the ability to convince the simple minded that context could be invented and re-invented, for the right price of course.  The apologist lived in the Kingdom of "Let’s hope we can fool enough of the people every 4 years" – a strange name for a kingdom I know, but then the king who’s actions gave rise to the kingdom’s name was prone to strange outbursts.

      One day, after an unusually nasty and unpopular public rant, the king called for the apologist and demanded that the apologist cast a spell over the kingdom which would make all the people give up their common sense and develop warm and fuzzy thoughts toward the king. The apologist, wearing his finest ascot to impress the king, pronounced that he would do as the king commanded. The apologist proceeded to his chambers wherein lay his magic machine. The apologist sat before it and began to type his spell, "If I ……..

    • Anonymous says:

      I will ask the question again & try to tone it down a bit this time!

      Mr. Legge, do you honestly expect us to believe those words? Whether or not Mckeeva Bush told you such stupidness is not my problem. What I would like you or Mckeeva Bush to tell us is if it is true that he "looks forward to working closely, and cooperatively, with our new Governor" do you think that his "welcoming" speech was going about it the right way?

      If Mckeeva Bush honestly had plans to "work closely" with the new Governor, don’t you believe that it would have been much better for him to actually WELCOME the new Governor with a proper Caymanian welcome instead of making threats towards him & the UK government? Don’t you think that this has gotten their working relationship off to a shaky start? I do! If in time the Governor does things that Mckeeva Bush disapproves of, then that is the right time to make threats & demands, not during his welcome, don’t you think?

      Mr. Legge, you can put it however you wish to, but you cannot change the fact that 99% of the writers on this forum are not overly negatively interpreting the "welcoming" words of Mckeeva Bush to our new Governor! We allsee it as it truly is, which is veiled threats & definitely not very welcoming. So, as a previous poster said, you can twist it how you want, but Mckeeva Bush’s speech to the new Governor was not appropriate!

  7. Mozzie Fodder says:

    McKeeva Bush’s mandate is McKeeva Bush first, everyone else dead last.

  8. Anonymous says:

    How embarrasing once again! The Premier’s speech was so stupid, I wonder how Rolston, Mark and Mike feels when they have to sit and listen to these stupid and ignorant speeches made by their leader.  They must regret that they have to sit there and unable to hang their heads.  Take it, that’s who you choice to follow.  Can’t some-one PLEASE write some appropriate speeches for XXXX!!

    • McDinejhad says:

      "You shut up!" – a classic

      "All unna shudda stay where unna come from…clogging up the infrastructure" – prophecy

    • Anonymous says:

      Rolston, Mark, Mike & all the other UDP cronies have to go with whatever he dishes out no matter how they feel. Do you not know of the arrangement?

  9. Anonymous says:

    Sorry Mr. Governor

    Welcome to the world of McChavez our dictator

    How Cayman has changed. Instead of welcoming the new Governor graciously and with respect, we have a fool for a leader who is an absolute embarassment to our country, very similar to Chavez. He is a bullying tyrant both without class oreducation and it clearly shows. Cayman, this is the person you chose to represent you. Displays like this, is how we will be seen or perceived on the world stage.

    Welcome to the dictatorship of one man who is out of control. Cayman this is what you voted for and this will be the beginning of what you will now have to live with, all the destruction and damage he will do as he takes us down the same path as so many other Caribbean countries.

    • Lachlan MacTavish says:

      The thumbs UP / DOWN function and the polls are very interesting and important. If you scan them all, related to the very important issues of our country, it seems that the majority of residents disagree with the cabinet in power.  This would make anyone wonder, what if our system was a non district but island wide system. Who would our leaders be and which directions would we be moving in right now.

      • Joe Bananas says:

        You are right of course to state that the majority seems to disagree with the cabinet in power.  And it very much seems that they should disagree given what leaders are doing and even more important what they are not. However could it be that most voters are afraid of retaliation for standing up for their rights.  Speaking up anonymously can show what a person feels is right but for them not to show it publicly maybe shows what they think they can get away with without harm to themselves or their families or their business.  Cayman never had a good human rights history and the latest effort showed more against than for it.  What effort it took to draft it is now already being degraded by who has been given the jobs of compliance.

        Great that the people of Cayman can enjoy free speech to a point but it would be a better place for all if they could enjoy the right of the leaders to have to listen to them.

      • Anonymous says:

        Also keep in mind you don’t need to be naturalized to cast your opinion on CNS, unlike the ballot. And from what I can see, it’s a damn shame because generally speaking, there is a great deal of personal concern for the welfare of these islands from a large number of people who have little to no say in its future.

        Then again, ignoring those who cannot vote, there would probably be a much different government in power if island-wide elections were held rather than voting on a district-by-district basis.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Mr. Taylor, I hope before you came here you were warned that we had an idiot of a Premier here, who has threathened the previous Governor and the Auditor General on the day he officially became a Premier.  I hope Mr. Jack , Mr. Duguay and Mr. Bryant has warned you before, on what to expect from an uneducated, free spending, bullyish, out of control, idiotic person who is heading our Government now.  We the people of these Islands ask you kindly to please do not let go of us, please do not allow us to go independent, please do not allow the Premier to brain wash you with his stupid ideas and please curve his out of control spendings.  Let him come up with that sustainable budget and make sure all our financials are up to date, before agreeing on anymore of his exotic trips and new ventures. Make sure that the people of these islands benefits first, before the Premier and his rich buddies does, it is so unfair to the people.  Please Mr. Taylor clip the Premier wings, before he soars too high. Let him know who is in charge from the get go.  He is out of control and dangerous to these Islands.  Bring the Real Estate taxes for those Estates valued KYD 1mio and over. Stop taxing the poor people and the Banks before they all pull out, hence job losses. Last but not least, Mr. Taylor, we the people of these beautiful Islands welcomes you, feel at home here and don’t let the Premier scared tactics disallows you from doing your job in partnership with the people and services of these Islands.  Let not one man ruin our relationship with mother.  If you have to overthrow him to do so, you will make a lot of us happy. Save us Mr. Taylor and keep reading these blogs, these are the voices of the people. May God give you the strength and reserve to fight this battle on hand and help the disidents of these Islands.

  11. Anonymous says:

    is this man a premier or primer  , how in the world any body with good sence could give a welcoming speach like that to the governor.i do not know is advising him or writing his speaches , but they are cut from the same cloth.  i hope that some of supporters would look at his speaches before he open his big mouth.. do you all know that the BIBLE says that a FOOL is known by the multitude of his words.  now the primer (as some westbayers) calls him fits in here very well..  i just hope that the govt do not let this man lead him around. he said that he come to serve not rule    you need to rule mc chavez with a big stick(iorn wood) probly

  12. L.O.C.B (Leader of Civil Business) says:

    To the Moderator of CNS.

    It would be so VALUABLE and CONSTRUCTIVE to somehow have the new Governor copied or to invite him to read the statements/opinions on this blog. I firmly believe that he MUST have a CLEAR understanding of what he WILL be up against and that he will have to "Slap McKeeva into line very quickly" and "let him know who’s boss" in order for "a positive relationship between the UK and the Cayman Islands, to ensure effective operation of the new Constitution and effective delivery of the services under his area of responsibility" is to happen.

    Governor Taylor, we welcome you as Governor of the Cayman Islands (not to have a dictator kinetically in the making to deal with). We NEED to be RESCUED from this man!!! Save our country.

    Yours truly,

    L.O.C.B

    • Frequent Flyer says:

      F.Y.I  This is not a blog. This is a news service, you know, like an online newspaper…

      Or maybe I’m the one that is mistaken CNS?? Are you a blog?

      CNS: Well, we like to be called an ‘online newspaper’ (or, since that’s a bit of a misnomer, ‘online news source’) because the bulk of our content consists of original news articles, but we are also a ‘news blog’ because of the interactive nature of the site – the comments provide opinion but also at times a greater understanding of current affairs.

      The term ‘blog’, which generally means an online diary, gets a bad rap because of the millions of blogs on the internet, of which all but a very few are self-indulgent and extremely dull. (There are notable exceptions to this.) However, a lot of online news sites have their journalists write blogs about their work, which are posted on their website, some of which are very good.

      I hope that clears things up.

      • Anon says:

        I would have thought a more accurate description would be to call this an online news source with a public forum for members of the public to comment on the news articles posted or discuss questions or public interest.  I’d hardly call it a blog as the posts being made can hardly be described as diary entries! 

        CNS: Well, I think the lexicon is still in the making but some would call it a ‘news blog’ – which is not the same as a ‘blog’ and a bit more catchy than ‘an online news source with a public forum for members of the public to comment on the news articles posted or discuss questions or public interest’. However, it makes no difference to us.

  13. L.O.C.B (Leader of Civil Business) says:




    My God! I have never seen so many people who have their eyes WIDE open and have brains that are able to decipher all of what they have seen (read/hear as well) and to have made such accurate observations and such accurate statements made here about this BLATANT, tyrannically tactical,kinetically propelled, soon-to-be DICTATOR  we have as Premier.

    WELL DONE GUYS!!! EXCELLENT! Couldn’t have said it any better. I could DEFINATELY say MORE though.

    WOW!!! I am sooo excited to know that there are many people and HOPEFULLY many more that that can see the BIG BOLD ‘writing on the wall’.

    NEXT STEP??  People… I say it’s time to start the Crusade… the imminent Diplomatic Revolution (to start with). PEOPLE… we have to STOP this TYRANT dead in his tracks to TRY to PRESERVE what is left of this once hopeful country! Please… I make my PLEA.

    Yours Truly,

     L.O.C.B

  14. CI Future Hope says:

    What many of those submitting comments fail to accept is that we have entered a new era in our history.  We have a hostile UK Labour government hand picking a representative to carry out their mandate/mission for the Cayman Islands. (Sorry Wendy, I disagree with your ‘viewpoint’).

    Mr. Taylor- beyond smiling and shaking hands with the natives and his countrymen amongst us- is here to serve the interests of the UK Government first,  Cayman- a very distant second and Caymanians dead last.

    McKeeva knows this.  In Mac’s mind, his mandate is Caymanians first, Cayman second, and "her Majesty and her heirs" dead last – and I can live quite happily with this scenario.

    Sure Mac doesn’t have alot of diplomacy and finesse.  What do you really expect?  That’s not what got him where he is today.  Ironically, many of you same critics would just as quickly mocked  McKeeva if he tried to put on some pantomime playing the meek little lamb rolling out the green welcome carpet.

    While I agree with Peter Milburn that it would have been nice if McKeeva had bowled a nicer ball, he’s not focussed on window dressing and wanted to deliver a simple message nice and raw. 

    There is a real battle going on for the very soul of this country and our autonomy (note not independence).  We have every right to stake a claim to our democratic right to rule our country within the confines of the constitution ascented to us by England and Mac knows that is under threat.

    There are many cynics who believe that the UK should waltz in here and establish direct rule- because many of them stand to directly benefit.  And to the timid Caymanians still afraid to ruffle massa’s feathers, just remember that massa has rules he must play by too- something Massa Jack clearly forgot.  I don’t mind Mac sending that message across for all to hear.  Remember the Governor only comes to the LA 5 times during his tenure here.

    So don’t be fooled by the new man in the suit…he’s just the same old wine in a new albeit ‘nicer’ skin.

    (and I am definitely not UDP…can’t you see how intelligently my comments are put together?)

    • Anon says:

      With all due respect, I tend to dislike people like yourself who put the horse before the cart and cast judgment on people before you have any evidence or facts to back it up.  Give the new  Gov a chanc, I for one don’t believe he’s another blithering idiot like the Jack(Ass) that preceded him, and I am not going to judge him on the actions of his predecessors.  If it turns out to be true, I’ll be the first to back you up but give the guy a chance to settle in and get familiar with his surroundings.

      With all due respect, as much as I was all for Bush getting in, I have lost all respect for him and consider him not only an embarrassment to the country but also a financial and logistical danger.  If anyone brings ruin to the country it will be Bush.

      • CI Future Hope says:

        Well I am sorry if you dislike me for having an opinion.  That’s rather immature.  You don’t know me. 

        I have no grouse with Duncan Taylor.  Sure, he is probably going to do a good job of being nicer and more courteous than his predecessor, but those of you blinded by ignorance, denial or figments of your imagination seem to forget that he is here to do a job as Governor.  That job is to manage the UK’s interests here. 

        Those interests clash more and more with ours as a people and a country, whether you are born here or work here. 

        He is really not the decision maker.  Those decisions are made by some Labour Party pricks busy pointing fingers across the globe trying to dig themselves out of a hole.  Taylor’s a civil servant working off of political orders.

        The UK’s approach threatens our livelihood and this is the dude in charge on the ground.

        Why should I be stupid enough to think that Taylor is going to ‘give us a chance’.  What benefit should I give him?  He is being paid big bucks to screw us over…

        • O'Really says:

          This is a definition of prejudice: " An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts." I don’t believe the original poster objects to you have an opinion. The objection is much more likely based on your obvious compliance with the definition of prejudice.

          I have a second objection which is that you subscribe to a paranoid conspiracy theory. Must be time to bring out the Chagos Island reference, surely.

          The UK is scheduled to hold it’s general election in June and there is every chance that Labour will not be re-elected. I would hate the real world to intrude on your fantasy, so you may want to start researching your objections to the next government now. Or you could go with your tried and tested prejudice.

          • Anon says:

            Yes I am the original poster and thankyou O’Really for interpreting my post so accurately.

            I dislike prejudice in any form, and a prejudiced view is what I was reading as you correctly pointed out. 

            CI Future hope: Your post is laugable.  You say I don’t know you to dislike your (prejudiced) opinion and then in the sentence you (who don’t know me) call me immature… hilarious.

            I am very well aware of the UK legal and political structure and who pulls who’s strings there.  Not only am I aware, but I have qualifications in this field.  I am also very well aware that the UK, contrary to your view, are not out on a mission to destroy or cast Cayman out in the cold.  It is in the UK’s interests to see Cayman thrive and I for one believe that with the proper co-operation, Taylor could really make a positive difference for Cayman.

            I for one find your prejudice immature, hence my dislike.  I’m sorry but with prejudice there is no hope and no future. 

            This:

            Why should I be stupid enough to think that Taylor is going to ‘give us a chance’.  What benefit should I give him?  He is being paid big bucks to screw us over…

            is prejudice in its purest form.  Why don’t you ask Barbados how much he screwed them over before coming here?  I think you’ll find if anything, Taylor made a very positive contribution during his term there, and given the chance, could do the same here.

        • hope not says:

          Thankyou for your immature and factless opinion.

  15. whodatis says:

    Hmmm…I can only assume there is more to this "relationship" (McKeeva & Taylor) than meets the eye. Perhaps there is a history of which we the general public is unaware?

    In any event – has McKeeva never heard of "playing fool to catch wise?"

    Anyway…bring out the popcorn, kick up our feet and let’s see what happens shall we?

  16. Joe Average says:

    Our Premier was obviously trying to make a point, but the point may have been he has suddenly realized he was buffaloed when he went on a signing binge all over the world. I’m sure he was convinced at the beginning it would bring co-operation from the financial powers involved, but he was mistaken.  Global financial networks play hardball, and he entered this realm completely unprepared and ill-equipped. And, unfortunately, without bringing into the conversation the stake holders in our own financial services industry.  This was a fatal mistake, as the pre-emptive signing did not have as it’s companion anything similar to "what’s in it for us if I sign this?"  The results were we did manage to remove ourselves from a fictious grey list.  Only to find competitors picking up the spoils as rapidly as companies pulled out.  It may also have been a concession to the FCO. To prove something to them and allow it to sign-off on financing for the fiscal year. However that came with conditions.  Becsause he ventured into the mellee of global finance without any financial background, he was taken, much like you or I would be in the company of card sharks.  The follow-up world tour of financial markets, after confessing (bad idea) Cayman was in dire straits financially, must have bemused many. As so far we have not seen an in-pouring of capital, rather just the opposite with an exodus. The future and stability of our economy can not be left to spiritual messaging, or seat-of-the-pants decisions. It gives the appearance that we’re lost.  I would not propose to do brain surgery because I’m not a brain surgeon in the same way the Premier should not make vital economic decisions without at least some training in hardball negotiations.  It’s too late to play tough guy with a provocative speech to the Governor.  What we need is quiet thinking, consultation, firm policy, negotiating talent for the benefit of all Cayman, and DAMAGE CONTROL.

    • Anonymous says:

      Excellent post. It is good to know that some people understand.

    • Frequent Flyer says:

      It wouldn’t let me click on the thumbs up button… But Joe Average, this was so very well said.

      Thank you

      CNS: Sorry about that. Refresh the page and try again – let me know if you still have problems.

  17. Anonymous says:

    I guess our Premier had a highly condimented lunch before going to greet the new Governor. he was surely behaving like someone who has just chewed on some fire.

    I think it is about time that someone attempt to explain to him that if he continues to threaten the British Governments representatives he will end up like the Premier of Turks and Caicos, elected by the people but deflected by the United kingdom.

    I suppose its difficult to train a spoiled child after they have attained the middle adult age and the only way to handle them is to discipline them forcefully.

    Keep it up Mack, it just may come back to haunt you.

  18. Class says:

    Mac has shown he has no class.  What an embarrassment to Cayman his speech was.  He thinks is so clever, but sitting in that audience I was not alone in feeling uncomfortable at the hubris of this fool.  Stapled his stomach because he has no will power?  He should have stapled his mouth to stop this nonsense coming out.

  19. Anonymous says:

    how do you recognize a fool?  when he opens his mouth…

    • Anonymous says:

      I would love to know when the West Bay voters will accept what the rest of Cayman knows? When will the West Bay voters start to think about Cayman & our future rather than themselves. When will the West Bay voters finally think of country before self?
      After seeing the embarrassment & shame that this man causes to our country, I simply cannot comprehend why the West Bay voters keep making the same mistake. I have to wonder if it has anything to do with money. What else can it be?
      This man has become an embarrassment to Cayman, & the "welcoming" speech he gave on Friday was devastating & distressing. How much lower can he go? Who in their right mind openly & publicly threatens the UK government? Is there a hidden agenda involved in these horrific actions? ummmmmmm, I wonder!

    • Anonymous says:

      I would like to welcome Mr. Duncan Taylor to Cayman as our new Governor.
      I would also like to beg Mr. Taylor to not judge all Caymanians by his impressions of our premier. As Mr. Taylor will find out in time Cayman is made up of very nice & friendly people, so please Mr. Taylor "do not judge a book (the Cayman people) by its cover (Mckeeva Bush)"!

  20. Anonymous says:

    Incompetent buffoon.

  21. Cassava Cake says:

    MacBurger is a shame and a disgrace to our islands… not a nice warm Cayman welcome at all he’s always so savage.. Should’ve made KT do the welcome speech!

    Welcome Mr Taylor i have good feelings about you…hope you tame him and put him in his place

    Tink we in trouble now?! let’s go independent and Mcburger and his fries have direct rule over us… we b in a mess.  The UK is not our enemy MacBurger is, remember Chris Bryant had to tell him selling gov’t assests is not a good idea!

    • Anonymous says:

      Mckeeva Bush & his udp wimps made such a fuss & noise when the PPM had a ceremony at Pedro Castle to launch the new constitution saying it cost too much (& that was in a time when there was no world recession). How can Bush justify to the Cayman public holding a big welcoming party for the new governor (whom I found to be a really nice man) at Pedro Castle in a time of terrible recession & especially at time when Bush himself "claims" that the country is broke? Is this hypocricy or what? Wouldn’t a simple swearing in ceremony at the Legislative Assembly as usual have sufficed? This man is a hypocrite & he has to G.O.!!!! (before it’s too late). He is driving us on the path to independence, & if we think things are bad now, just wait ’till that day comes!

      • Anonymous says:

        In reply to 15:26. Why don’t you shut your big empty mouth up. Whose campaign trail you’re on.  Stop the bickering. If anybody (anybody) thought that you could run the country they would have voted for you. Stop the slandering. You make yourself sound like a big fool.  Leave the business of the government to the government to run. Shame on you to even mention a remark in regards to the Governor’s reception.  When in the h– you  came from?  I am sure where ever it was, it must be next to no where, and if you are  Caymanian, BY PAPER, OR BY GRANDFATHER, OR JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE BORN HERE BY YOUR MOM MARRYING A FOREIGNER still shame on you too.  Despite the bickering, back-stabbing, razors drawing against who and who, just remember that we the people of Cayman Islands strives to make everyone fell welcome.  Stop the bickering abount money.

        Don’t we the people of the land have enough to worry about? think of Hatti, think of the poor ones lost at sea and their families. Lend a hand ans SHUT YOUR BIG MOUTH UP.

        True blooded,holdharted Caymanians are still around. So all you who think that you can get rid of our warm hospitality then you got a big surprise coming.

        WELCOME GOVERNOR, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR EFFORTS , AND INCLUDING YOURS AND MR. BUSH’S EFFORTS TOGETHER THAT WE MAY ALL ENJOY OUR LAND AND LIVE A HAPPY AND PEACEFUL LIFE.

        • Frequent Flyer says:

          Talk about shutting up a big mouth… You just sound like a plain old fool.

          This is an open forum that everyone can have their say and their opinion, just like you have yours and that cns has allowed you to be published. Kind of a shame really, in your case. Someone needs to take the keyboard away from you.

        • Anonymous says:

          Anonymous Sat. 1/16/2010 – 20.17, do you really understand what you are saying because I sure as hell don’t and I am sure the person you are replying to does not either. It doesn’t make any sense at all.

    • Lachlan MacTavish says:

      Welcome Mr. Taylor. I am sure that you were well prepared for your arrival. You will find now that you are "on the ground" that the vaste majority of ALL Caymanians from the latest citizens to the oldest families "of the soil" are courteous, warm, welcoming and work towards stability and harmony for all.

      Good luck and enjoy your stay here. It can be a wonderful place and experience.

      Lachlan MacTavish 

  22. Peter Milburn says:

    Just wanted to say welcome to our new Governor and ask that Caymanians and residents alike give him time to settle in and get a good handle on what is happening here first hand.Our Premier didnt exactly make him  feel completely welcome but again used some of the same words that were used at the swearing in ceremony of our Constitution day.As I said then I will say now please Mr.Premier show the kind side of you that I know is in there somewhere and be more tolerant when speaking publicly.With time cayman will get back on its feet so lets all show more tolerance with one another.for after all we ALL have to live here and bear the same burdens.

  23. Anonymous says:

    How much more MOnEEEEEEY$$$$$$$$$ Mckeeewa. How much money everytime there is problem the public has to pay these bills. It is sure easy to commit our money since you ain’t paying it back. What do they want this time? A submarine????? A satellite??? A SPACESHIP????? oh how about this;  Get the Auditor General to do a value for money report on the RCIPS.

  24. Joe Bananas says:

    Big Mac once again open mouth and prove that Grand Cayman is a little island with a lot of fools.  Robust institutions as well as skilled, welcoming people as if he won’t see all the evidence to the contrary.  As if Cayman didn’t show the last Governor Their skill at being welcoming.  We can no longer claim to be a crime free society,"he said, despite the fact that the majority was peace loving and respected the rule of law.  At least he got the first part right.  As to the second part only a true fool could say that after living on Cayman for a short time.  He then promised that HIS goverment would vote (as in procure from the working people) MORE money tHAT THEY DON’T HAVE and can’t make themselves to fight crime and everyone got a good laugh at his Strong message to the criminals of Cayman. Ya mon crime went up faster after that one.

      My message to the new Governor; Let facts be truth and not words, if you are here for the benefit of the people you will have to fight the Goverment.  Be prepared to take over a Goverment full of corrruption and debt when the truth comes out.  Good luck.  Your going to need it.

  25. Anonymous says:

    "Bush took the time to address a number of current key political areas, including the legal aid dispute, and he said the country’s lawyers had to start contributing towards the cost or legal representation".

    What Mr. Bush needs to understand is that the only group of residents who actually do contribute to the cost of legal representation is lawyers. When a lawyer agrees to provide legal aid at 1/4-1/3 of his normal hourly rate he is contributing 3/4-2/3 of his time. It is high time this was appreciated. Legal Aid is not a lawyers’ problem, it is society’s problem. There are many employed in other sectors of the economy who make a great deal of money and contribute nothing, or next to nothing. The real estate brokers have a had a free ride for many years. They make 7% commission on multi-million dollar real estate transactions and do very little for it.

    This is ill-conceived rhetoric.        

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you, we have a world class idot at the helm! Just hope you we can weather the storm called McKeeva.

  26. Anonymous says:

    go there mac tell him how run things round here!

  27. Anonymous says:

    Welcome Mr. Taylor. Hope you and the Auditor General will work real close together to keep all checks and balances controlled. Watch every step the Premier makes and do not yield to his bullying tactics.  Please also ensure that the school projects are completed for our children sake and before the Hurricane season, as we need shelters.  Monitor closely what the Premier is doing, with his open door policies, where he is possibly allowing rougue investors into these islands.  Please Mr. Taylor keep a close eye on our Premier and others. The real people of the Cayman Islands welcomes you to these Islands, without threats. May God Bless you and May God continue to Bless these Cayman Islands.

  28. Anonymous says:

    It is not clear from this article whether McKeeva dealt with what will become his administration’s biggest problem: the state of Gov’t’s finances and the need TO CUT SPENDING.

    If we want to avoid a confrontation with London, we need to tackle Government spending much more aggressively. Failure to do this will result in the need to raise taxes and arguments with London. The ball lies in the elected Gov’t’s court.

     

  29. Afraid to Strap on a Pair Also says:

    Did Mac return to ‘his home ground?’  I hadn’t heard of this.

  30. sllab says:

    If I was the British goverment I’d tell Cayman to **** off. As an a American I can’t understand why Britain just don’t wash their hands of Cayman and let Bush get on with it! 

    • Twyla Vargas says:

      Dog has no business in Puss fight.  Go and tell that to Obama.

    • Anon Caymanian from up in the East. says:

      You really want to know why Mr. American, it’s because Bush doesn’t represent the people, he represents "a few people".

      In any case I am certain before the UK washes it’s hands, MB will be way way up on Mars or some where else. You got to remember we are at point now in the relationship where the UK is more willing listen, but not to a nut-head like t

      Does he realize that when he threatens the governor, (Knock Heads) this is consider a threat to her majesty?

      Leave the fool alone he going no where, soon he’ll be off the political scene here in cayman.

      Keep it up MB, you digging your own political grave.

  31. Anonymous says:

    Those of us overseas are wondering what happened to those of you over there in C I  vowing that you would use this opportunity of the governor’s Swearing in to protest, demonstrate peacefully with picketing signs sending clear messages for the return of Derek Haines. Did this happen? I’ve seen nothing in CNS  was that all talk? If so, don’t expect any respect from Big Mac & co. CNS  did they show up with signs or was it all talk tell us please.

    • Anon says:

      I’m starting to think a demonstration to evict Bush woulda been a better idea!

  32. StillgoingStrong says:

    What we need is a “Cayman-UK partnership” in running our country. If we ran our own country without the UK, that would be Independence, and tell me, are we transparent enough to be Independent??? I think not!  Independence would give opportunity for “some” in government to do what they feel like, especially, behind close doors.

    Also, we can’t allow the UK to run us like any district in the UK!  That would be Integration (by of complete British Rule). We have a heritage and culture to protect, so we don’t need UK’s rule over us! Our Island would be swamped by British immigrants, and our properties would be sold away to foreigners. So… for our self-determination, this is a no no!

    Further, we cannot allow things to be as they are right now!

    Therefore, the best option for Cayman, is where we are inpartnership with the UK. If such partnership of rule does not work in our favor, then Independence would be a risky option. But God forbid that we reach to that point in our history!  We have to be like our “Old Caymanians” who decided to remained with the UK when tensions where high for us to go Independent with Jamaica. We have to fight for “partnership” and “fair agreements” and pray for our political leaders so that our “voices may be heard” and we are fairly represented before Parliament. It is this mutual respect that we need for our children’s sake!

    So we have two options:  Make it work or take the “risk” of going Independent.

     
    • Anonymous says:

      ‘we have a heritage and culture’…….. really?….care to elaborate?

      • Jane says:

        hmmm…

        Looks like you would prefer Integration – as if we never existed

        • StillgoingStrong says:

          Do you think that the English want us to remain “unique” in our culture and way of life; or…

          to become more like them?

          I don’t think many of them give a damn about our native traditions as much as their own!

           

      • Anonymous says:

        You arrogant and offensive p***k.

        I feel like giving you a lick roun unna head with a wampa, making you back some sand,  an sendin unna straight to bed without any rundown for supper.

        Then you might understand heritage and culture is not all plum accents and cucumber sandwiches.

        And I am not even from here. No wonder some English people are still called limey around here.

         

         

        • Anonymous says:

          i ain’t english, boy

        • O'Really says:

          While it’s possible that the comment you object to was written by an Englishman, there is no way to tell for sure. What is certain though, is the prejudice in your comment towards the English. Is this any better than prejudice shown in the original comment? Not in my book.

          • Anonymous says:

            Actually O’Really, I am both white AND English. 

            I could be wrong but there is a tone to the initial and offensive post which I find to be typical of a small but culturally distinct number of my fellow countrymen, particularly those in the "colonies".  I note the denial of the original poster to the suggestion he is English, but he could be lying or he could be telling the truth. It would be good of him to tell us where he is from. Wherever he is from, he is however certainly racist – finding it neccessary to refer to me as "boy" – a sickening phrase I had hoped was long ago extinguished in that context. 

             I am sorry if you find that having chosen to make the Cayman Islands my home, and having been so warmly received by their people, I have gone a little "too bush" for your liking. I do however recommend it. It is both culturally rewarding and greatly improves quality of life.

            I am grateful I do not work for the FCO. They would post me elsewhere before I go entirely native. 

             

        • Culture Vulture says:

          Cayman is the Bermuda Triangle of culture.  There is none. 

        • Anonymous says:

          Spot the racist.

          Why on earth do you think the poster is English?

          But I can tell your’re very cultured

        • Mozzie Fodder says:

          Limey n. Slang, pl., -eys.

          1. A British sailor.
          2. An English person.

          [Short for lime juicer (from the use of lime juice on British warships in order to prevent scurvy).]

          Hmmmm not sure if Limey is an insult – I’d rather not have scurvy if that’s alright with you….. I’m off to have some cucumber sandwiches – please cut the crusts off for me.

          • Anonymous says:

            Correct – in its origins – but not in the distictly Caymanian context in which the term was being used. Let’s call it a culturally distinct term.

    • Anonymous says:




      I find the issue of culture and heritage very interesting as a concept of how some people believe it’s important for the governance of a country, to protect its culture. I don’t believe it is important; a culture should be able to survive without the protection of a government. If it needs a power in place to protect its survival it might already be doomed anyway – it is something that comes from the people and community at large, or not. South Africa has an extreme history of government changes, we all know that. One way of looking at that country is that the initial powers were concerned with the preservation of their own way of life, culture. First it was the English and thereafter it was the Afrikaners, both governments were a disaster. It was only once the minds were opened to the possibility of ruling a country based on mutual understanding and tolerance, did it have a chance of building something solid. Btw, I’m under no illusion of what South Africa went through and is still going through to maintain a peaceful and stable governing power.  Culture is something that changes constantly, ask any older Caymanian what things were like 10, 20 or 30 years ago. In some ways the culture was better and other ways it was worse, but definitely different. Every country faces that problem, especially with technology infiltrating our lives on every level and with more and more people immigrating between countries. And you know what, it is not a bad thing, as a matter of fact, it is very exciting and Cayman will still end up with a very unique and special culture, we may just not know what the end product is.

  33. Someone tell him to stop says:

    Sounds like a great start.  Sort of like slamming your date’s hand in the car door.  Then telling them it was their fault.  For being clumsy.  No…this will not go well.

  34. Good luck! says:

    Good luck Governor, let Mac know who is boss as soon as possible.

  35. gene hunt says:

    Oh Spare me…. "Chairman of the parish council McKoova Bash said to the incoming neighbourhood watch captain that ‘you’re in my small parish now, and all church roof repairs and flower arranging duties, not to mention the hoodies in the bus shelter and the best kept village award are my responsibility’….

    Stop this rediculous posturing Bush, you are dealing with a career diplomat, skilled, intelligent and someone who actually finished high school and represents the very patient nation that has protected and kept your parish afloat for hundreds of years. Small towns the world over have more people, less crime, bigger budgets and more respect for their leaders. Grow up.

     

    Queue abuse…

    • ruttering says:

      Fantastic stuff Gene! The Premier of CI has less responsibility than the mayor of Borchester. Who does he think he is?

  36. Anonymous says:

    WHAT A SHAME & SCANDAL! Is this the best we have to offer as a Premier? The world is watching & they must be laughing!!

  37. Anonymous says:

    It is my humble opinion that the premier is getting out of hand. If I had any doubts before, Fridays events have removed them. Friday was to be a day of Pomp & Pageantry for the swearing in of the new Governor. Mr. Bush turned it sour with his veiled threats. Do I hear "INDEPENDENCE"????

    I found the new Governor to be a very nice gentleman, very polite & very friendly. What a stark contrast to our premier! What an embarassment! Do I hear "INDEPENDENCE"??? Just what Mr. Bush wants I fear.

  38. Anonymous says:

    The "Independent plan" continues. This man just won’t stop until he is Prime Minister unless we, the right thinking people of Cayman do the right thing!

    • Anonymous says:

      How quickly could all the offices in GT be emptied?  We will find out if Mac ever asks for more power.

  39. Anonymous says:

    please save us duncan….. bring in direct rule….

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree with that sentiment.  TCI was in the same position as we find ourselves now.  See what happened to them.  Please, Your Excellency, do not even consider us for independence.  Those people pushing for that in a round-about way need to sit back and consider what is going to happen when taxes have to be imposed on the Caymanian people.  We can barely manage to survive without direct taxation now.  What happens when we no longer have the stability of being a British Crown Colony.  We have only one natural resource and that is our 7-Mile Beach and the tax-free status.  Cut out the tax-free situation and prices will go even higher and the tourists will no longer come.  Then where will we be.

      There are worst things than having the islands go back under the direct rule of our mother country.  The other alternative brings terror to my mind.  My family (my husband and daughters) are all Americans.  If necessary we can move back to the US.  Right now we pay a certain amount of taxes to the US.  I don’t.  I am Caymanian born and used to be very proud of it.  Not so much anymore.

  40. This will be fun says:

    If the new Governor doesn’t slap Bush into line very quickly (within the week) then it will be clear that the UK wants the Cayman Islands to have independence as soon as possible and is also the signal for foreign disinvestment to happen even quicker.

  41. Anon says:

    Well, that was embarrassing. I hope that cameras were not filming audience reaction. I was there and I saw several highly placed officers laughing openly at our beloved Premier. I think it was to hide their unease and discomfort.

    So there may be no new schools built in West Bay but instead children will attend private schools at government expense. This means that no longer willmany students from West Bay attend a public school as most parents will apply for government funding believing, erroneously, that private schools always provide a better education.

    What will happen to the primary schools and John Gray as numbers slide? The private schools will be oversubscribed and will have to introduce some form of selection but using what criteria? 

    Has Mr Bush discussed this idea with Mr Anglin? I doubt it. It seems to me that he probably came up with the idea while sitting in the back of his chauffeur driven car on his way to the ceremony this afternoon.

    This is not the first time that our Leader has spouted a policy statement based on what seems to be a spontaneous whim. His strange ideas don’t stay here and it has to stop. Officials in the UK will have read his speech by now and Duncan Taylor must be wondering what on earth he has let himself in for.

  42. Anonymous says:

    How uncouth can one get. This is not becomming of a political leader, & most certainly not the words of a friendly Caymanian! These are the words & actions of a dictator.

    Believe me folks, we must take these words seriously. The best way to get a person or a country to discard you as a friend or partner is to insult them. The best way for a Caymanian leader to get the UK government to insist on our independence is to threaten them or their representative!

    The best way for Mckeeva Bush to get independence from the UK & then blame the UK is to threaten their representative, our new Governor. After the UK have insisted that we go independent because of "our" threats, Mckeeva Bush can then come back to the Cayman people & tell us that it was not his doing but it was the UK government that made us go independent. This was anything but a warm Caymanian welcome for our new Governor! How pitiful! Cayman, we have been warned by the threatening "welcoming" words by Mckeeva Bush to the new Governor. BEWARE! The dictator has spoken!

  43. Anon says:

    Well it seems to me from this article that our new Gov has a lot more diplomacy and tact than our Premier does…

  44. Anonymous says:

    Typical uncooth bully!