Demo banned from LA steps

| 29/06/2011

(CNS): Hundreds of protestors came out on Tuesday morning to march through George Town to send a message to government about their concerns over development proposals and the way the premier is handling them. However, the planned final destination of the Legislative Assembly steps was altered at the last minute when the opposition leader said the speaker of the House had objected to the MLAs and the activist group leaders addressing the crowd from that spot. Police barriers were erected along the pavement forcing the protestors into the road and as a result the political and group representatives made their addresses from a truck bed parked in front of the LA.

The PPM members and the MLA from North Side all pointed out in their addresses to the crowd that the Legislative Assembly was the people’s House and they should not be prevented from using it. However, McLaughlin told CNS that he had exchanged various letters with the speaker who said she was not happy about the demonstration coming to the LA. The PPM leader said she led him to believe that she had issues regarding her personal safety and that the organisers should have asked her permission. As a result she had forbidden the members of the LA and the people from speaking on the steps or using the pavement in front of the building.

It did not, however, prevent the rally from continuing as the demonstrators waved a variety of placards, boards and banners, carrying slogans such as “More trees and less bush” or “No means No Mr premier” and “Fowl cut teeth today Bubo” alongside “Say no to the big hole” and protests over government project proposals.

The march left the cricket ground around noon and walked up Elgin Avenue for a stop at the new government building, where Denise Miller, the leader of the Young Progressives, led the crowd as they called for McKeeva Bush to resign and asked the ministers to join them on the march to the LA. Although no one left the government offices as the marchers made their way to the country’s parliament, their ranks were swelled by many people who left their offices during the lunch break to join the protest.

MC’d by the PPM member for East End, Arden McLean, some of the people who took the opportunity to articulate the concerns of the crowd outside the parliament building included the former tourism minister Charles Clifford, Chairman of the Concerned Citizens Group Alice Mae Coe, Captain Bryan Ebanks the founder of SaveCayman, and former West Bay election candidate Paul Rivers, as well as the MLAs.

When the opposition leader took to the truck bed he said he had written to the premier and invited him to come and listen to what the people had to say but he didn’t see him. McLaughlin added that the people had gathered because they were all concerned about the direction the country was taking under the leadership of “Mr Bush and his merry band the UDP”. He revealed that the heavy equipment operators had not turned up because the premier had bought their absence with the promise of future work or intimidated them with the threat of no work if they came.

However, close to 500 people had braved the hot sun and possible recriminations to show their concerns. “You have come out to make very clear to them that no matter how much they offer or how much they threaten there are still people in this country who are ready to stand up and say no Mr Bush no, we have had enough,” he said.

McLaughlin added that the country was only half way through the UDP term but it probably couldn’t survive another two years.

“The protest cannot end today … we must continue to make out voices heard until those who live in the government administration building … understand that this country is not for sale,” the PPM leader told the crowd.

Ezzard Miller said he biggest problem everyone at the rally had was “W.McKeeva Bush, ‘cos we can’t move him!” he yelled, as the crowd cheered. The North side MLA pointed out that the opposition leader’s motion of no confidence wasn’t going anywhere because they could not get it on the agenda because the premier was in charge of that agenda. “The man is premier, minister of tourism, minister of development, chairman of Business Committee, chairman of Finance Committee – nobody can do that many jobs good!” Miller said as he led the crowd in a chant of “McKeeva must go!” He called on the UDP members to move the premier as they were the only people that could do it.

McLean, who emphasised his commitment to doing whatever it took to stop the East End port, said that the people engaging in peaceful demonstrations about their concerns were not the reason why investors were being driven away, as the premier had suggested on a number of occasions. “We are not running away the investors,” he said. “Everybody is holding their hands out for their piece of the pie, that is what is running the investors away,” Mclean added as he drew the peaceful demonstration to an end.

See video clips of protest march

Vote in the CNS poll: Did the protest march (28 June) accomplish anything?

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  1. Anonymous says:

    People who attended could only stay for a short time, so they were coming and going.  During a working day it is very difficult for workers to leave work and fully participate.  Caymanians have to excercise their rights and to free speech and whatever it takes to survive.

    The letter that Truman Bodden and John McLean had in the Compass only showed their bias. When the shoe is on the other foot it hurts, dont it!  They should keep their mouths shut.  When they were in the LA, what did they do to help Teir own?  Tell how many poor caymanians were given assistance or received scholarships or had property given to them by the government of the day.  Wake up and smell the roses, the trees are still blooming.

     

  2. Anonymous says:

    The time has come

  3. Anonymous says:

    I totally agree with the letter written by Mr. Truman Bodden and Mr. John Mclean in todays Caymanian Compass.  It was just featured on TVJ news and they very seldom mention anything about Cayman on their news unless its major, so you know that’s not often.

     

    It did not look good, and I cannot believe that people are falling for this same party who was there before and borrowed so much money that the UK had to step in??? Are you all really that gullible?  How do they know what to do now, but didn’t know when they were in power before?

     

    They, The PPM implemented the roll over that was passed by the government before, and they agreed to. By so doing ran the people who invested years in the country and spent thousands of dollars, in businesses in Cayman, to bring in people who was looking to scrape and had nothing to spend.

     

    As I saw online news that they now want the rollover reversed and had the nerve to say that the other Government passed, neglecting to admit that they brought it in to be used in 2006. If you doubt me lookup the rollover policy in Cayman Compass Archives.

     

    Being mendacious (misleading)  to score political points is very unbecoming and I really credit the majority of the Caymanian people with more memory and sense than to fall for that, (I hope).  PLEASE do not say I am UDP I’m not, I’m Caymanian and I HATE party politics, as it’s too divisive.

     

    People please don’t be fooled again,  if you want change wait and find some independents to vote for.

     

    Mind how you all give hungry man, your food to carry!! Remember you all gave them the food before and they threw it away or ate it.

     

    God Bless you and may God bless The Cayman Islands

  4. 4th CLASS CITIZEN says:

    Mac is toxic to our very being. Let's rid our selfs of this pest.

  5. Anonymous says:

    OH MS MARY.   For many years the bodden town people rejected you at the polls. i myself wondered why they would not give you a chance at  the polls , i now  know that the bodden town people knew what they were doing.  you are a big disappointment to women in this country. i cannot wait to see you vacate OUR seat.  you are a real puppet for the premier

  6. Ubelievedat says:

    Madam Speaker – FYI

    Under the Human Rights of the UK and under the Human Rights of the 2009 Cayman Islands Constitution, the RIGHTLY TO FREELY GATHER IN A PUBLIC PLACE is a RIGHT.

    FYI – The LA building is a public place!

    Madam Speaker and all others of the same belief, God help you the day when I no longer have a mortgage to pay and I am financially sufficient because not only will I STAND on the steps of the LA but will STAND to elect the FIRST WOMAN GOVT and WOE be onto you and the likes of you!!!

    Madam Speaker, please tell me which LAW, that is higher than our Consititution, states that the public "CANNOT STAND" on the steps of the LA.

    XXX

  7. Anonymous says:

    And the police wonder why the citizens of this country don't particularly care for them?

    • Anonymous says:

      Sorry but the police need their paychecks too and they have to take orders to collect that. Only one person in this world ie to blame for this, my people, and it's not Ms. Mary either. Please, let's put the blame where it's due folks.

       

  8. A Glimmer of Hope says:

    I am very proud to have participated in the march yesterday and ready to do it again, hopefully soon.  I don't understand all the hoop-la about how the watching world will perceive us.  The watching world stoop up and cheered on the people of Libya, Syria and Egypt!! The watching  world were wondering when the Cayman people would stand up and speak up. Now we have stood up, spoken up and the world is taking note and saying "Good Job- Keep it up.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Are you seriously comparing Cayman to Syria and Egypt?  Have you no shame?

      Cayman is one of the wealthiest countries on earth where even the poorest people enjoy a dignified life style along with freedom of religion, speech, public gathering and most importantly, the right to vote. 

      You may not have agreed with your countrymen – but they voted from Mac and the UDP in large numbers.

      In places like Syria and Egypt, 95% of the population lives in despair and cannot even provide security and comfort to their family.  They have no freedoms and no ability to change their government.

      You don't have to love the Cayman government, but cut out the garbage.

  9. Anonymous says:

    This is unbelieveable. The very same people that take so much pride in calling themselves the UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY in Cayman first decided to stage a 'foul cut teeth' protest rather than listen to concerns of the Caymanian people in a civil manner, then they ban those same people from the steps of the LA building, (as if it were THEIR building), when those concerns were brought to their doorstep in a civil manner, now it is rumored that companies and individuals were threatened against publicly supporting the concerns of our Caymanian people. This is truly disgraceful. There are hundreds if not thousands of uniformed people in banks and offices in Cayman who would certainly have supported this most worthy cause in any true democracy in this world. I hope these people will have the guts, in their own interests and in the interest of their country and it's people, to STAND UP and REVEAL how they were treated to the whole world. In the very same breath the UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY has apparently fired half the Port Authority Board for acting entirely in their capacity to STAND UP and defend what is right for the Cayman Islands and it's people. I hope the Caymanian people, including and especially whatever may be left of the UDP supporters in Cayman, are looking and listening and understanding what is happening to our islands and our people at the whims of a full fledged dictator with very little if anything more than a primary school education.    

  10. Joe B says:

    Finally!  The people themselves have taken the first step in taking back their own country from the from those who have used its resources only for their own good.  The many among you who have benifited and continue to benifit from the public purse will fight you with lies.  But that is all they have.  Cayman has unlimited potential to become a great place to live, to work, to grow up in.  Courage and strenght to keep fighting for that future to all of the brave people who will take a stand against the many who must fall for this to happen.  This Cayman of the future is worth fighting for.

  11. Anonymous says:

    just a few radicals trying to make the country look bad!

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you for not accusing them of trying to make McKeeva look bad, idiot.

    • noname says:

      Since when does peaceful protesting equal "radicals"?

      How else do you propose the people take a stance?

  12. Anonymous says:

    It has been stated over and over again that joining this march did not mean one would align themselves with the PPM, but people just can't help it and make it a party issue.

    I was there not because I support the PPM, but I dislike the way the current government flip/flops on their decision, seemingly is rushing into some shady deals without proper background checks, can find funds for projects that they think will get them votes,  and has a complete disregard for anything or anyone who does not agree with them, no matter how valid someone elses input or views may be. To me this is getting too close to a dictatorship scenario.

    Now, for all the ones that run their mouth on a daily basis and complain about the current government and overall situation on this Island, but prefer to sit in the AC instead of spending one hour in the "heat", I am so glad you all were not born during the days when women had to fight for their right to vote, or when people had to fight for the abandonment of slavery because if back then so many people could not have been bothered to take a stand, women would still be second class citizens and slavery would have likely continued forever.

  13. Jacky boatside from oldbush says:

    Run-DMC says it best Mary Mary why ya buggiiinng Mary Mary we need ya hugginnggg sadly political power attracts those who should be denied it. Bodden voters told this lady over 7 times NO! hell we even elect John John instead!

  14. Anonymous says:

    What was supposd to be a peacful march just became a political march for the PPM. I thought this was for people who did not agree with the projects being proposed. Certainly did not seem like that

  15. M says:

    I didn't understand too well the protest.  What actually were we protesting about?  There were some projects that I supported. Yet people told me to join them because if you oppose one project that was enough reason to protest. But then again when I saw the 200 to 300 protesters in town, and who they were protesting with, Alden, Ezzard, and Arden, I realized this was all about them and their policies – not about what I individually stood for. I was relieved that I was not amongst them.

    All to learn that Alden, Ezzard, and Arden leading out the Protest, portrayed the protesters on their side and for their policies, and I know that wasn't true. Some were there just opposing the East End Sea Port project. I am an Indepedent thinker and I thought why should I be amongst them if I am going to be misrepresented in the process by a mix crowd.

    It is like you want to protest the right to have prayer in school, but 90% of the protesters that showed up, are also protesting the right to teach homosexuality in the schools, would you join them? I can only see how Alden, Ezzard, and Arden, clever politicians, used Independent thinkers to advance themselves.

    But as an Independent I know this Bible saying, "be not unequally yoked." I take that to also mean in politics.

    • Afraid to Strap on a Pair Also says:

      What have you done to advance yourself, M?

      • peaceful protest man says:

        M needs to learn to have an open mind and start reading. He may find out why he is such a loser!

    • Anonymous says:

      so not one of those issues was enough for you to take a stand? Please please stop trying to make this out to be a Arden. Alden or Miller thing. It is a Caymanian thing! How much does it take for people to take a stand or to have a conviction???? 

  16. Anonymous says:

    So I guess that it is possible for a small person to fit in de Big Man pocket.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Its a disgrace that elderly people resting on the sidewalk near the LA building were moved by the Police.  Why?  They were simply trying to rest.  It took great effort and courage on their part to be there and it was extremely hot.  These are the type of Police we have to deal with.  They have no respect for the people and this is a big part of the reason why the people do not trust them or have respect.  It seemed that the elderly were the easiest people to pick on.  There are some police who seem to delight in provoking our young people and those least able to defend themselves.  I know this is not all Police and that we do have some excellent officers.  Perhaps next time there is this type of event, police with better people skills will be deployed to keep law and order.  

  18. Anonymous says:

    Sooner or later McKeeva will be brought back to planet Earth, with a very loud thump, I'm afraid, and Mary Lawrence and the rest of the UDP with him. Clearly,the Legislative Assembly building is THEIR building and does not belong to the people of the Cayman Islands. THAT is what the UDP is all about, people, owning and controlling everything in sight, Including the lives of the Caymanian people forever. IT IS GOING TO STOP.   

  19. Anonymous says:

    Clearly the speaker is correct. The LA cannot be used for political demonstrations, never has and never should be. If you all remember when the Premier was sworn in Ms Mary had that done in the road in front as well not on the steps of the LA. Alden et al would know that.

    CNS should verify if permission was requested for this and exactly what the response was. I for one would like to know. There might even be a standing order in LA dealing with this which Alden, Arden and Ezzard should know about. Sounds like pure And nasty politrics to me.

    Regarding the numbers cited in the story, yes there was less than 200 persons there in front of LA. Possibly another 40 to 50 onlookers. It is easy to count from the photographs. This march really achieved nothing but bad press for the islands. Thanks organizers.

    • Anonymous says:

      I was there. 200 marchers + about 200 who joined in front of the LA. I was not marching but standing with the people who marched and I was protesting! Along with the majority of the 200 or so people who joined the marchers in front of the LA. There were about 40 or 50 people standing way on the out skirts who may have simply been on lookers. 

      It was a great success.  I was very proud of the people of Cayman yesterday. The quality of people there spoke for itself. Caymanians, new Caymanians, and residents who really care about this country. Many familiar faces of people I highly respect. It confirmed my conviction that the majority of people in Cayman who really care about Cayman and not just thier pocket book, know these projects are bad for Cayman (EE quary, North Sound channel, 7MB road, oil refinery). The crowd was small, but we know that for every one of us there were many who feel the same but were too afraid to show up. I was also back and forth on whether it was wise to attend (my job in mind). And in any case, 400 people demonstrating outside of the LA is as big a crowd as there has ever been in front of the LA!  

      400 people protesting at the Legislative Assembly for the environment and the people of Cayman. 

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Ms. Mary evidently had a good idea what McKeeva was all about from the time she swore him in.

  20. Anonymous says:

    This march did not accomplish anything other than to get lots of people upset and angry at each other.

    Atleast the meeting on last Saturday provided temporary jobs for greedy heavy equipment operators (garrison politics).  It seems as the mantra for politics now is to keep them hungry, angry and give them a morsel to keep the hunger at bay for for a little while, and let the angry remain so that they will kill each other and politics will prevail.  Grand Cayman is now on a slippery slope and God help us all. 

    • ... says:

      So they all have jobs now?  Is this what you are saying?  They went to Macs rally on Saturday and he gave them all jobs?  LMAO!

      • Anonymous says:

        Macs rally was nothing but barbequed Dart ribs and chicken. Just as the Lord fed the multitude with 2 loaves and five fishes, so will Mack feed all those heavy equipment operators that showed up at his rally. I can recall seeing many of those same faces when the Scrap metal money was distributed. So encouraging was that that most are now in the Scrap Metal business as well as heavy equipment.

  21. Anonymous says:

    I was shocked at how few persons participated, to tell you the truth. This seemed more like a political rally than a popular expression of public sentiment. And having the leader of the opposition posed off on the flat bed of a truck barking at the crowd, I mean, this was almost comical. When we can improve the calibre of our representatives, I'll feel a lot better. Mr.McLaughlin has yet to convince me that he has what it takes to run this country, and I just can't get the extravagance of his "vision" for Cayman's educational future out of my mind. What self-serving foolishness, even lunacy. The prospect of his being in a position to put any more "visions" into effect, well I shudder at the thought, as I'll wager quite a few other independent voters might. I want an alternative to Mr.Bush and the UDP that I can feel confidence in, and Mr.Mclaughlin, in my view, does not fulfil that want by a long measure. Want my vote? Quit on the theatrics and  put forth some viable and sound proposals to generate jobs for Caymanians as your number one priority. Then maybe I'll start getting interested.

  22. Anonymous says:

    500 people?  So only one in ten PPM voters showed up?

    • Anonymous says:

      Would you please confirm that was 90 percent of the UDP supporters left in Cayman showing up on Saturday?

    • M says:

      More accurately, it was less than 300 people. The CayCompass estimated about 200. I guess alot of people who were Independent thinkers did not join because they didn't want to be associated with who was leading the protesters – Alden, Ezzard, Arden. I have my reasons too.

    • Anonymous says:

      Eleven words typed? That is your community involvement?

  23. Anonymous says:

    little kingston

  24. Anonymous says:

    Mary Lawrence should be ashamed of herself! Fowl did grow teeth today and Mac and his croonies know it too! Watch out Mac – this is just the beginning. Sensible Caymanians are fed up with your crap and not willing to just take it anymore!

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes of course they know it. Why on Earth else, apart frpm public display of a dog's territorial rights attitude, (as if they OWN the LA steps), would they forbid these people from the LA steps? Desperation at work, folks.

  25. Anonymous says:

    All Cayman politicians are showing their immaturity. England is watching.

    • IRON CLAD says:

      Correct… England IS watching but JUST that… 'WATCHING'… They are watching the Cayman Islands FALL to it's DEMISE and DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. Ever noticed with ALL the POLITICAL ABUSE Mac is doing and His Excellency had said NOT A SINGLE WORD? Ever noticed with the LEVEL of CRIME we have and His Excellency said very little on the subject and The Commissioner has shown LITTLE INTEREST in tackling it head on? Perhaps the 'Conspiracy' to let Cayman FALL to it's demise.

      These Politicians are for ONCE showing their MANHOOD and some CARE for PEOPLE/COUNTRY, how about YOU? What are you doing FOR COUNTRY???

       

      IRON CLAD as ever

  26. Anonymous says:

    Puppet?

     

     

  27. Caymanian waiting to hear positives says:

    Mr Miller, your comments were not geared for the good of the Cayman people, but sounded like a personal attack toward the Premier. When you arrive on having positive advise, answers towards a sound economy, at that point talk to the Cayman people. Many Cayman business people are upset, since any protest "march" gives negative business feed-back to any local and potential foreign investor. Keep up those "marches" there are many other Islands with huge potentials.

  28. peaceful protest man says:

    The people that protested today are true patriots and island lovers. They should be honoured. Too many people on this island will fall for anything as they never take a stand. I love those demonstrators, they are heroes!

  29. Kent says:

    I am proud to say that my family and I all happy to put our names and faces to the thoughts and words that pass through our minds and mouths.

     

    It is our GOD given right to have our opinion as free men, so don't let anyone or thing deny what is divinely yours, not denomination nor dictator!

  30. Lachlan MacTavish says:

    Congrats to all that stood up and expressed that they do not agree with Mr. Bush and where he wants to lead our country. Winning an election does give anyone a blank check for 4 years. There is accountability and transparency for the tax payers that goes along with the 5 star salary and benefits. 

    I am disappointed with The Speaker and her stand about the march. Her safety was not an issue, what a foolish stand. What a spin or deflection move. IMHO the speaker should be objection and I do not believe that is the case.

    I learned in the very early 1970's that all Caymanians were able to voice their own opinions under the sea grape tree or in front of the post office and there was respect. Then the era of intimidation, control, threats and retaliation was started by self serving politicians. There was a time where people could object and peacefully march to the Glass house or the Assembly building and their voice and stand was respected. Now we have politricks trying to stop freedom of expression.

    Press on opposition and press on the people that support positive change for Cayman.

    Lachlan MacTavish

    • Anonymous says:

      Remember when Julie ran the people out of the LA and called them strangers, perhaps Ms Mary was copying from her.

       

  31. Anonymous says:

    U people disgust me, as caymanians u are all acting like a bunch of premodonnas, not even understanding what you are marching for, or even the severity of the cause……have a brain and think for yourself, stop following the masses that can’t even follow themselves, what you have done here today is an embarrassment to this country.

    • Kent says:

      if you have half a back bone, post your name and contact me anytime as I will be happy to enlighten you as to how much I understand and why I was marching. 

      Don't you dare dismiss this march as ignorance, or classify it as an embarrassment to the country, as the "jackassery" that our leadership is carrying on with is the true embarrassment.

      Those who are willing to put face and name to opinion are to be held on high, as they are willing to risk all for what they believe is right!

      Shame on you!

      • C-mon 2 the Bone and Proud of It says:

        Thank you Kent for participating in the March on Tuesday, thank you for being my "big brother" in this situation, I was their in mind and spirit, as I am one of those who couldn't be seen there, I thank all of you who were able to stand up and be counted. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, May God continue to bless you and yours.    

    • Anonymous says:

      We won't bother to comment on What McKeeva is doing.

    • Stiff-Necked Fool says:

      I hope you are referring to the demonstrtors that turned up on Saturday afternoon at the 7 mile beach BoBo.

    • Lachlan MacTavish says:

      Congrats CNS and all the concerned Caymanians and residents that post here. You can see the increase in the UDP Bush supporters posts on CNS. They have finally figured out that there is a very strong movement concerned about their country. You can also see that the UDP posts lack substance i.e. the anonymous 19:25 post. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Another illiterate UDP post. What on earth is "premodonna"? LOL. The bell is tolling.

    • Anonymous says:

      Coming from you I think I will take that as a compliment.

    • Anonymous says:

      i understood full well what I was there for … to stop this country being destroyed by greed and to try to ensure that something will be left for the youth coming up and future generations. Also, because I want honest, ethical government who do not give or accept bribes, who truly care about Cayman and its people.  No, I'm not a born Caymanian.  I'm a Brit with status who has been here many years andcalls Cayman home.  I was proud to see Caymanians stand up for what they believe is right.  I was proud to see the young, old and in between do the same thing.  We were not there for political purposes but because we care about what is happening and we want the environment protected for our children.  This is obviously way beyond anything you can understand because there is nothing in it for us.  We are not doing it for greed.  We really want something left here for future generations. We want to see all the new graduates who are not going off to college, be able to find jobs and be given opportunities to advance in their chosen career paths through hard work and dedication – not through cronyism! 

    • IRON CLAD says:

      @21:21… YOU ARE NOTHING SHY OF A FOOL!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      lost! clueless! Asleep! that's all I can say! wake up and smell the stench surrounding this govt!

    • Bai says:

      While 'u' may be disgusted in 'premodonnas' like myself, I know that I was out there yesterday not to support any politician, not to display any misguided rage, nor was I following the masses. 

      I went out there because I have a dream that one day little Caymanian boys and little Caymanian girls may grow up with an ability to stand for their beliefs, to seek for a balanced and wise solution that may nurture their country and their people, and, hopefully, that they are blessed with a grasp of their native tongue, the English language- in its untarnished form.

      I believe I am not the only one that looks forward to a bright tomorrow.

  32. Anonymous says:

    As a young Caymanian, I was very dissapointed to see a particular sign that had been made in order to protest. I am all for freedom of speech and the desire to be apart of the changes of our Islands. But it was shameful to see a picture of a sign that read, "How did we get surrounded by one Idiot??!" I now understand why youngsters feel as though they can speak any way they feel and address adults with such disrespect, it is because parents, members of societies, and people said to do good will, address issues childishly and without regard for Protocol, so to speak. You cannot possibly believe that you are setting a good example for your fellow Caymanians by writing signs such as these. Cayman used to be a country of Respect, where is your respect for the Leader of your Country? Even if you disagree with him, you should still show respect. The young people of this country are not being taught to have Respect for their elders or superiors, there is a right and a wrong way of doing things, and that sign was plain wrong. It shows the country, world and your youngsters that you have no regard for authority; and when that mentality sneaks up and takes over Cayman is in for a dilema we are not equipped to handle.

    You talk about being proud! How about being proud of your culture? how about your colloquial terms? Dont these all define us to be Caymanian? Last time I checked 'Darlin' was a colloquial term of endearment.

    One more thing, I heard that the theme song for this campaigne is "Get up, Stand up" by Bob Marley, which although is extremely popular and fitting for this protest, it is not fitting for a Christian Island, listen carefully to those words and you will find that within those inspiring words it also speaks against God, claiming that he is only just a man.

    • Kent says:

      respect is something earned, and the term "Honorable" although given as soon as the vote is counted, is also one that is earned, and it is a mokery of the term "Honorable" and those who deserve it, when a person or persons that act otherwise get to have such an high respectable title. 

      IMO the "Honorable"Mr. Bush has disrespected Cayman and Caymanians for years and the sign that you quoted was right on the spot.

      Honor begets honor

      Respect begets respect

      You can fill in the rest.

      Regards.

    • Anonymous says:

      …yet it is fitting for a Christian island to sell everything it has for the almighty dollar?

      Respect is earned but Mac is trying to force it down people’s throats. There is so much more to life young one that you must still understand before you enter it.

    • bradley says:

      With the respect part, I agree with you there 100%. But why did you have to touch on Bob Marley with your religious rhetoric? Does not God have many manifestations?  Is not one time in the Bible, God is a father, then a son, then a dove, then the Holy Spirit, et cetera?  Must God be portrayed the way you were raised to see him?  Can God not be seen as also a Mother? Does not God have hundreds of different names?  Are we not One Humanity? 

      Stop talking foolishness!

    • Anonymous says:

      I'm not sure what you're thinking, but you have got to get over your passive ignorance. Cayman is falling apart all around you and you want people to set an example for children by handling McKeeva with "Respect"? It's noble to advocate respect, but it's also silly to believe that McKeeva and the UDP will return that favor. Of course we shouldn't sink to that level just to compete with them, we have to fight fight fire with sand, not Care Bears.

      Also, don't you think that we should show our children that they don't have to tolerate the insanity of greedy politicians by voicing our feelings in the public foruum? Everything they're doing to us is way past disrespect and you want us to send them a love note. Where is your head?

      Forget about the Bob Marley music. Most people only care about the chorus when they're using music for a theme, so the lyrics are irrelevant. As for what the lyrics say about God, that's also irrelevant as well, because even though we have a predominantly Christian society here, you can't impose religion on everybody. It's about give and take, and we're not willing to take it anymore from those who only want to be in power so that they can oppress Caymanians and exploit expats for their own personal gain.

  33. Anonymous says:

    Who does Mary Lawrence think she is? That is NOT her house! It is the people's House! What would have led her to have concern for her personal safety? If she was that concerned she could have stayed home in her Bodden Town bush. But she might have been safer in the Legislative Assembly building.

    To deny our elected leaders the right to use the steps of our Legislative Assembly is totally absurd. The truth is she was afraid of McDredge or McQuarry or McChino whatever his name is, who more than likely told her to do it. She is just another one of his pawns.

    And to add insult to injury the Police even prohibited the use of the public sidewalk, which is part of the public road. What are we coming to? Our very freedom is at risk it now appears.

    Mary, just remember that that, like McGamble you are NOT there forever and just let us hope that your tenure there is short-lived. The nerve of her to think that her permission should have been obtained!!! Who does she think she is???

  34. Anonymous says:

    What a surprise!

  35. Whodatis says:

    The march was a success when one considers the history and nature of Caymanian politics.

    We must understand that Caymanians have not had much reason to protest against anything (actually, we have but that is for another day) for the past few decades.

    A protest / march is an extremely foreign concept for the vast majority of Caymanians today therefore, the numbers should not be viewed as a shortcoming but instead as evidence that the political conscience of the people has been awakened.

    Many thanks to all of those that came out! You have become pioneers today.

    All the best Cayman.

  36. Anonymous says:

    Yeah!!!! Cayman is not for sale but does anyone want a Big Mac and Fries, their free, we'll even throw in a shake, name your flavor. Please don't pass up this offer take them now !!

  37. Albert Venn Ebanks says:

    The Speaker by her recent conduct has consistently indicated that she is way out of her depth and either too close to the Government or painfully naive.  From barring challenging MLA's in the Chamber with the protection of privilege to this edict interfering with peaceful and democratic protest there has been a pattern of behaviour that has shown her to be utterly inadequate.

    We are entering very very choppy waters, especially when Stangate blows up.  The Speaker is a liability.

    • anonymous says:

      Alden, Ezzard, Arden and Chuckie. I think its time for you to report to the people after digging into the constitution and the local laws on the books;If indeed the Speaker has violated the rights of the people.

      The next step is to have it heard in court; setting presidence for future demonstrations, and possible penalties against the Speaker responsible for intercepting the original local of the peaceful demonstration.  I.E. On the L.A. steps -v-s  in the streets facing the L.A.

      I'd like to see a case filed "THE PEOPLE -VS- THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

      The ACLU files cases on behalf of the people every day. so why can't the Constitutional Committee along with the opposition members engineer a case against The Speaker of the house who was only taking orders from the premier.

      If you don't take legal measures, this is a test by the elected government and the Speaker to craft some real stringent rules and regulations against the people next time around.  Mark my words, they're testing you to see just how serious you are and if you will let them get away with violating your democratic rights.

      We don't need a Minister of Police in the Cabinet either, Big Mac will send him out to arrest his opponents. Who's bright idea was this anyway, is it to save his behind? How is Ceasar going to arrest ceasar if ceasar is found to be corrupted. How is that going to work?
      Alden, Ezzard, I'm confused, explain please.

       

  38. Anonymous says:

    Now what I would like to knowis who side is ezzard  miller on.  he is just a deceiver.  Independent?  yea, my right foot. Well North Side have a PPM leader.Look out Joey Ebanks you don't  stand a chance again, because PPM has just gain their seat back in North Side. I told ya  you  were  wasting  your   time. haha.  ezzard  is  like  any other,  power strickened,  

    • Anonymous!!!!!! says:

      Look out Joey?    Well if thats what the UDP is bringing to north side to take out Hezzard they betta come with more than fridgerator, stove, washer/dryer and trips to miami like the PPM did wid him.

      We need MEN, REAL MEN or WOMEN to run this side of the country. We sick of the fool fool way things are going. Mr Hezzard you need to pay attention to us the people, and forget about Alden, Arden. Stand up on your own and be better.  Fight the house for us north siders against the way the government is treating us, not allowing us to have anything. Thats what you need to do. We do not need to betreated like step children by thegovernment.

  39. Anonymous says:

    Poor old Ms Mary. She hasn't had a job for 40 years but now that Mac has given her one with a huge salary and pension provision she doesn't know how to cope. "Issues regarding her personal safety"? Is this the extremely combative Mary Lawrence who with her husband the late James Lawrence, was dishing it out left right and centre to the Unity Team some years back by scurrilous "newspapers" like the The Voice? And is it true she gets the Sergeant at Arms to accompany her to places to protect her security?

    • Anonymous says:

      I pray to almighty God that Ms. Mary will find the guts and the brains to walk away from this sewer, and thereby ensure herself of her ONLY chance of fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a part of a democratic government in our beautiful country, the government that will surely follow just as soon as McKeeva is finished burying himself and the rest of the UDP along with him. God help us. 

  40. Anonymous says:

    Today, I can truly feel proud to be a caymanian. We have always been ppl who talked about issues but never did anything about it but that was changed today with the march. We have nothing to feel ashamed of cayman, they were counting on us to do nothing but we showed them. Cayman its time to stop letting this man make us feel embrassed by his representation locally and overseas!!! He has such intelligent ppl on his govt but yet they stand by and do nothing. Shame on u rolston and CJ!! Why is it that only saturday they were interested in helping ppl with jobs they have been in for 2 years!! He shouldnt have to register ppl for jobs his minister of labour should know who needs work if he was doing his job!! Also why would they want to register ppl everyone according to mac are little ppunks and rolston say caymanians are unemployable!! What a joke job registration. He couldnt face the ppl today cause he dont have any answers to give us at least not ones we will believe, cause we cant be bought!! Good job caymanians keep it up!!!

  41. nauticalone says:

    Thanks to all who showed up! I was one of the almost five hundred.

    And more will be organised as needed!

    Transparency and Accountability must become the norm!

    The next weeks and months will be telling!

  42. Anonymous says:

    Only ppm supporter i see the and was't much people

    • Anonymous says:

      It is just like someone who ran in one of our Elections and did not get a seat that time but later. He said I did not get enoughto win but just look at the quality of people that supported me. It was pleasantly surprising to see so many people of quality that normally you would not see in a demonstration out there today. That tells me a story.

    • Anonymous says:

      Would you please learn to write a proper sentence?

  43. The Lone Haranguer says:

    I was wondering what angle CNS would take to make the Goverment look bad. Well done yet another succesfull critic.

    Pretty pathetic turn out no?? Less than 100 in the march and less than 200 at the LA. Is the hard core going soft ? Perhaps even they are begining to reilise that things are going to get really ugly is we do not get some things going.

    • Anonymous says:

      I think you need to go back to school to learn to count Star, as your figures are way off but typical udp, BLIND & JEALOUS!

    • Anonymous says:

      For some the lies have become the truth.  They are lost.

      Thankfully most people still want the truth enough to actually get off their butts and do something about it.  The days of telling lies and haveing them belived are comeing to an end Lone Haranguar.

      • Anonymous says:

        I cannot help but notice that the comments made by those in favour of the current Premier and his actions are very poorly written.

        I have also noticed that those who appear to be against the actions of the Premier are erudite and precise in their missives.

        This would indicate that those for the Premier are less educated than those against.

        Just a thought……..

         

        • Anonymous says:

          That's way, way more than just a thought. It's a very unfortunate reality in our country.