Premier seeks public thoughts on local honours

| 05/03/2010

(CNS): Royal gongs from the UK will no longer be the only honour that can be bestowed upon Caymanians once the Legislative Assembly passes a bill to introduce a new system of awards from the premier’s office. Public input is now sought on the appropriate criteria for the honours which will give recognition to people in the community left out of the UK system. Presenting the draft bill McKeeva Bush said royal honours were limited and the local government had no control over was given those accolades. He said there was a “persistent unsatisfying sense that deserving people are left out,” of those awards and he wanted to find a way to address that.

Bush explained that it would not be him that would decide and give out the awards but the honours would be bestowed from the office of the premier and he said government was encouraging “vigorous public critique” of the draft bill in order to ensure that the mechanics as well as the criteria worked properly to honour those who were deserving.

“Let us have your view, people of the Cayman Islands. Let us have the well informed input that is out there in our civil, cultural and church organizations regarding the appropriate criteria for these awards,” the premier said in the Legislative Assembly last week.

He said an award system such as this could act as a possible antidote to the social poisons feeding the  so—called gun culture. “It is in the absence of adequate tools for socialization, for strengthening of affect between man and society: it is the vacuum created by the lack of positive social approbation that gangs develop and strengthen,” Bush observed.

He said as well as acting to prevent crime and catch criminals the community must create ways of preventing alienation from social norms and encourage positive achievement. The premier suggested that Caymanians had to learn to “big each other up “other wise we were investing in the tools of social degradation.

Bush explained that it was proposed that the awards would be bestowed on those who were engaged in different endeavours and services in the civil and artistic arenas as well as ecclesiastical and uniformed services. He said awardees would be chosen by a committee of fair minded people and the office planned to consult with the leader of the opposition on the awards as well.  

Bush explained that the goal was to give due recognition to selfless and sometime self sacrificing efforts by persons in our midst that add to the quality of life in the Caymanian community.

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  1. anonymous says:

    McKeeva how about giving that award to the TURTLES???

  2. Anonymous says:

    You are out of a job or at a minimum you have just learned that youwill need to take a pay cut. Your kids are struggling n school left, right and center due to a poor education system. You are unable to rent out that little apartment you bought 5 years ago as an investment (having saved hard for the last 15 years!) as the rental market is completed flooded. When you get home at the end of the day, you will discover that you house has been broken into (and you can consider yourself lucky that you weren’t home at the time)! Then you get a phone call from your daughter. She has just been mugged while walking down West Bay Road.

    But then, the clouds shift and the sky opens and the bright sunlight comes through once again – you just discovered that the Premier’s Award that you recently received is still there. Untouched, in its full glory. A smile comes over you and a warm feeling fills yourfrom inside. Life is good again!

  3. peter milburn says:

    What better Award(Reward)than the CI Badge of Honour.Its as local as one can get and the many deserving recipients and future ones I am sure are very happy with the stutus quo.Lets concentrate on making Cayman a better place for all but in a much more constructive way.

  4. Common Sense says:

     

    I agree with the posters.  More awards are absolute nonsense and a waste of time and resources.

     

    There are so many public committees that we probably need a new committee to consider and make recommendations to government on how to control formation of new committees and an approach disband all unnecessary public committees.

     

    Now, can someone tell me why not one of our 15 members of parliament has tabled a motion to amend the firearms law to life for possession or use on an unlicensed firearm? The whole community has been crying out loud for this. Perhaps this has already been tabled and I stand corrected if it has, but to my knowledge, it has not.

     

    However, why should I be surprised? It took them approximately 10 years from the time that the green iguanas were identified as becoming problem, to table an amendment to the law to deal with the problem.

     

    Our politicians seem to have lots of time to propose laws and amendments that deal with nonsense such as clamping wheels but they can’t seem to find the time to deal with issues that are threatening the future of the country

     

    Did I read somewhere that there is a proposal to increase the number of parliament members because 15 is not enough to handle the workload?

     

    Absolutely ridiculous!

    • Anonymous says:

      It’s in the new Constitution that the number of MLAs will increase to 18. The Electoral Boundary Commission has to first determine where the additional three seats will go, and then there will have to be an election for the additional three to be filled (either a by-election or waiting till the next general election).

  5. whodatis says:

    Wow.

    As a young Caymanian who despises the "Queen’s awards" – I find it quite disheartening to see the overall negative response to such a proposal.

    What is even more discouraging is that a lot of the points and fears being raised and discussed here are quite likely to come to reality.

    I have never considered the idea from this perspective – I simply wanted us Caymanians to have the opportunity to highlight the outstanding individuals in our community on our own terms.

    I guess this comes with the territory of having a small population.

    • whodatis says:

      Aye…!!

      Why so many thumbs downs on my comment??

      When properly understood I am essentially agreeing with the general opinion of the room.

      So … is it because I reject Elizabeth’s supposed almighty award of recognition?

      If so, unna better give me a lot more thumbs downs – because that woman means diddly squat to me.

      :o)

       

       

  6. backstroke says:

    I wish all this bashing would stop, one really cant get the gist of what you all mean here like the writer of 9;36 "beg to differ"  who are you trying to bash, the UDP or the PPM, cause  if  I remember correctly it was the PPM gov. who handled Paloma’s disaster funds, so is it just that you all hate McKeeva so much that you will blame all troubles on him.  I didnt vote for the man but common sense has to prevail also.

    I too beleive that as a government "ANY GOVERNMENT" they should honor more of the real heroes,real caymanians, how can  someone who has committed crimes,lied lower than a rug, get MBE,OBE,  what ever, its all about who choose these people and you all know how that happens, so be it a Cayman badge of honour or what ever, honor your people.Be happy that we still have thedesire to do so.

     

  7. Ping-Pong says:

    Dont be fooled now. The Mac is trying to put a smoke screen in the minds of the Caymanian people from Chuks Walk about "March" in March 2010

  8. Anonymous says:

    Mr. Premier – what this country clearly needs is a referendum to remove you from office if you cannot get your act together within the next few days. With all that is going on you want to create some new award that you can give your buddies – and to add that to the expenses you expect us to pay for? Have you completely lost your wits or has that new wall you have had built around your house at great expense to us the taxpayers completely removed you from the reality that is facing this country.

    Here is my suggestion to get you back onto track offered in all seriousness by a person who used to support you. Rather than polluting the legislative time table with your ridiculous Premier’s award bill, get off your bottom and introduce legislation that goes after criminals and stop the ridiculous %(*&$#! about.

    In all seriousness, not a single voter that I have talked to today can actually believe that you are so out of touch with the wishes of the people. We want you to pass laws to keep our children safe and to remove the criminals from our streets. We want you to ensure that once the criminal scum are convicted, that they spend their time in a prison rather than a spa. Your the one who votes the funds for that spa Mr. Premier – it is your fault it if remains a spa. Get your act together Mr. Premier. You are looking completely incompetent these days.   

  9. Anonymous says:

    You want public input? how about I tell you publicly where you can go and input your award?

    • Anonymous says:

      Your own hate will eventually consume you….

    • Ms.Annie says:

      Honourable Premier, HONORyour country, step down and take your governemnt with you.  Then further HONOUR your country by having your entire government return the monies tehy were paid to take care of this country.  Your government has failed to deliver.  Then sir, you will be given the biggest award,  the RESPECT of 15 thousand Caymanians.

  10. Wake me when it's over says:

    “Let us have your view, people of the Cayman Islands. Let us have the well informed input that is out there in our civil, cultural and church organizations regarding the appropriate criteria for these awards,” the premier said.

    WE’RE TRYING TO GIVE YOU OUR INPUT!!!!!

    This isn’t a Game show and you are not THE HOST!

     

    We’re dying out here!!!!  Literally!!!!

    The economy is in a shambles!!!   People are getting mugged!!!

    and robbed!!! and shot!!!!

    We aren’t interested in awards right now!!!

    doesn’t he get that yet???

     

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      In lieu of washing machines, turtle meat, etc, you will get awards.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Well I certainly won’t be voting for McKeeva to get one of these Awards!

    And its nice that he wants the people’s feedback on such important issues, given the current state of affairs here (sarcasm.. before I my response is misconstrued)!

  12. Ex-Lobsta Hunta - till Decemba says:

    We, the people of the Cayman Islands wish to grant our first Premier, Hon. McKeeva Bush, with the very first award in 2010 for putting such an immense effort and passion into passing this Bill. We have put great thought into this award and could not think of a more worthy individual that could deserve such an honor. 

    It is with great pleasure to now present you with this award for being the most confused politician in Cayman Islands history.   
     
    "The Fool-Fool Award" 
  13. Anonymous says:

    Well, this is progress.  We now have a Premier who believes his wants and needs are of "premier" importance to everyone in the Cayman Islands.  Hardly.

    We need to get back to having a Leader, who leads government in the efficient and effective conducting of government business.  Here’s one vote for the return to the "old days" of not-so-long-ago.

  14. Anonymous says:

    This is exactly why the Cayman Badge Of Honour was introduced about 8 years ago.  Talk about re-inventing the wheel.

    What’s next on his list – a post office in George Town? A statue of Jim Bodden?

    • Pending says:

      No the "Badge of Honour" will be totally different from "The Premier’s Badge of Honour", which everyone will be able to receive come the next Elections, if you tick the right box.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Isn’t that what the Certificate and Badge of Honour is all about – a local award decided upon by local government….?

  16. Anonymous says:

    I have never known a more self-congratulatory and self-important society as here in Cayman!  There are so many awards and ceremonies here for one thing or another, does there really need to be anymore???  It’s getting ridiculous!

    Modesty is the best quality!

    "Nothing is more amiable than true modesty, and nothing more contemptible than the false”

  17. Anonymous says:

    Dont we already have way too many awards for people who have little or no real meaningful impact????

     

    How about we focus on achieving real positive social impact on education for all, crime, the environment, waste management, etc before we focus on more ways to pat ourselves on the back?

     

  18. Anonymous says:

    For sale to the highest bidders !

    Let be consistent.  Why change the UDP moto now ?

  19. Anonymous says:

     So this will mean an excuse for more drinks , dinners and opportunity to spend cash – 

     

  20. Anonymous says:

    Maybe the honours could be sold to pay for the Premier’s new home improvements and personal travel preferences?

  21. Anonymous says:

    I fully support the idea of providing local public recognition of deserving individuals. Unfortunately I simply cannot see that this Premier will be able to resist the potential temptations associated with politicising the awards.  The only way to avoid this is to prohibit awards to politicians, political party officials and those who bankroll political parties.

    Sadly even with a prohibition applied to party cronies, given what is going on these days, the potential criteria for awards from the Premier’s Office might include, possession of green clothing and no red clothing, displays of blind obedience, an absence of critical thought and a distain for the rule of law. The list of possibilities is very long.    

  22. George Towner says:

    With all the current problems that surround us is this the best way for the LOGB to spend his time? I am sure that all the hard working persons that deserve any honours would prefer he try sort out the nations problems. Moreover in my experience such deserving persons are quite happy not to be singled out for honours as they are too modest.

  23. Anonymous says:

    Oh Please! Not content with handing out govt cash personally, he wants to be the man personally responsible for giving out ta new "Cayman Badge of Mediocrity". There already is the Cayman Badge of Honour – why isn’t that enough? Or does he want to make the awards financially beneficial as well?

    The number of UK gongs on the Cayman Islands has already risen to ludicrous proportions – just about every MLA has at least an OBE – for what? Self-less devotion to public duty?

    It’s just more scheming to increase his personal influence and favour- calling – that’s all this amounts to. You’d think he had more pressing politics on his agenda. This man just doesn’t see how transparent these ideas of his are.

  24. Anonymous says:

    I differ with the Premiers on quoting that that there will be a fair minded comittee to deal with the awards. I JUST HOPE THAT THE COMITTEE WILL BE MOR FAIR THAN THE COMITTEES THAT DEALT WITH THE PALOMA FUNDS AND GIVE AWAYS, AND OTHER SUCH LIKE BOARDS AND COMITTEES.

  25. Anonymous says:

    I SAY NO TO THIS DECISION, THIS TOO WILL BE GIVEN FOR VOTES. As it is now these awards dosent have any credibility. People in the Community who are doing a good job should be paid well. I havent heard of Fosters , Kirks , nor Hurleys cashing any of these awards.

  26. March Forth says:

    Oh Lord, that’s all we need. More uncles and aunties nominating their nieces and nephews for meaningless awards. What a complete and utter waste of time and resources.

    I bet the first "honoree" has already been selected.

    • Anonymous says:

      The real deserving people I am sure will be forgotten unless they are from the Political party. Such people like MISS BEULAH MC FIELD  should be top of the list in fact she deserves a much higher award. There are not alot of deservingfolks because most people do whatever they have to do for their own interest with no heart in it. Have you seen the press over the years with some folks giving donations, well it amazes me how some poor sufferers are used with the Press taking their pictures and the donor passing them a cheque. This is very humiliating, whether it is Residence wanted from this or fame, and even a promotion in some instances or what have you this is totally wrong. I can only imagine that some of the big Political fans will qualiy in this case.