UDP backbencher accuses opposition leader of assault

| 01/10/2011

(CNS): Friction between a government backbencher and the opposition members spilled over into the back corridors of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday afternoon after an abrupt suspension by the speaker. The fourth elected member for George Town and former talk-show host, Ellio Solomon, has accused the leader of the opposition of assaulting him. During a guest appearance on his former radio talk-show on Friday he said he intended to press charges. The UDP backbencher told current Rooster hosts, Austin Harris and Gilbert McLean, that unless Alden McLaughlin apologised, he would be going to the police about the alleged incident. The leader of the PPM told CNS that he had “assaulted no one” and made no further comment.

An incident supposedly took place in the members’ lunch room during an enforced suspension after Solomon was reportedly insulting opposition members and was continuing a disagreement that had started in the Legislative Assembly chamber itself between him and the PPM member for East End, Arden McLean.

As a result of a ruling by Speaker of the House Mary Lawrence to strike the comments from the official legislative record, CNS cannot reveal the full details of the exchange across the Legislative Assembly floor without risking some form of censure by the speaker.

The argument related to comments that Solomon had made in relation to McLean, which were said “off mike” in the LA earlier this month at a time when the East End member was absent — at the time he was overseas attending to a family medical emergency. The comments made by Solomon had not been recorded in the Hansard, so the accusations made by McLean and the subsequent heated argument, which included the premier berating the speaker, were all struck from the record.

During the enforced suspension it is understood that the increasing animosity on display in the Chamber between government and opposition, which normally subsides once the members are “off stage”, allegedly was continued by the UDP backbencher behind the scenes.

Solomon is developing something of a reputation for pushing parliamentary privilege and the rules of adversarial engagement and legislative procedures further than most. He was recently the subject of an amusing and pointed statement which the speaker allowed Ezzard Miller, the independent member for North Side, to make after Solomon had also made unfounded allegations about Miller’s son.

The veteran parliamentarian took a strip off the novice government member in his statement but also pointed to government members who would "snigger, clap and giggle" as they encouraged Solomon "to flirt withthat line between moral, ethical and common decency" and the "personal vitriolic attacks" he was making during debates.

Read Miller’s full speech below.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Category: Politics

About the Author ()

Comments (217)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Anonymous says:

    You know after hearing CG and Ellio on the radio this morning, where they weere revealing what Mr. McLaughlin supposenly did, I am wondering what was said or done to cause Mr. McLaughlin to act in such a manner? This is, If he did what they said he did.  The Government are the majority in the house, so I am wondering if they are not plotting this to draw Mc. Mclaughlin into wrong action just to damage his credibility.  CG I am very disappointed in you that you will get on radio and revealed what supposenly transpired, when Mr. Mclaughlin, Mr. McLean and Mr. Miller did not revealed any details.  You guys are disgusting and should not had dragged this event out over the radio waves,  Ellio and CG, I think you guys now have to apologise to Mr. McLaughlin and the listening public.  Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. McLean apologised to the listening Public as they saw it fit to do so.  Instead, what you have announced was that you will be having a public meeting on Tuesday night.  What then will you get up on that platform to say?  Drag Mr. McLaughlin's name in the dirt more, just so you can try to tarnish his creditability?  Guys, i beg you, leave this matter alone and work towards finding credibility amongst yourselves. You got less that 2 years to do the right thing for these Islands, do that please and stop trying to change people minds about the credibility of others, especially the PPM leadership.  They are performing much better than all you have, so stop the character assasination ploy and get on with the job of  lawmaking and standing orders.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes Elio, you should be doing something about the continuing, out of control crime spree in Cayman since the UDP got elected. You should be doing something about the humongous utility bills in Cayman since the UDP got elected. You should be doing something about your campaign promises of making Caymanians king in their own castle once more, you should be doing something about unemployment in Cayman and about the Auditor General's reports of corruption in government, and about our island and our heritage being given away in the name of absolutely nothing whatsoever rather than seeking revenge for your own stupidity. You are not being paid your big fat salary to show the entire world how stupid you are Elio. You are being paid to help run our country somewhere besides into the ground. Would you and the honorable Mr. Glidden and the rest of the honorable UDP 'party' please get on with that? Is that really too much to ask from you people?   

  2. Ubelievedat says:

    Ellio, from the moment you ill-manneredly and unprofessionally attacked Alden on Rooster about a year ago, you became the biggest arrogant embarrassment, local and internationally.  With that kind of attitude, no doubt that somebody somewhere in this world would have flattened your bullying arrogrant abusive offensive behavior.

    Its only a shame that we are not living in a country where such behavior warrants public whipping and community service of sweeping the streets in the Town center from 8am til 5pm for 6 months.

  3. Anonymous says:

    I listened to the talk show this morning and I was proud to hear Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Mclean got on the radio and apologised to the public for any wrong doing they were presumed of doing, according to Mr. Solomon's admission on Rooster 101.9 on Friday.  It was amazing and refreshing at the same time, for those 2 gentlemen to Man-Up for anything they may have done to offend others.  It was professional of them not to laundered any dirty laundry on the airwaves and let the officials or Ms. Mary, whomever handle the matters to avoid any scandal.  What was very disturbing to me, was when Ellio's brother decided to call the talk show and tried to dragged Mr. McLaughlin into an argument or a confession that he may havesaid something to Ellio in a threatening manner.  I applaud Austin, Gilbert, Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. McLean for stumping that taunting and perhaps on air argument, before it exploded.  It would appear to me that Ellio on the other hand is spreading rumors, trying to gather support for his childish mannerism and bullyish attitude.  Mr. McLaughlin, please I beg you, do not allow these Government members to berate you and your honourable family name into the dirt.  I have known your family for years, on both sides and I also know that members of the UDP membership have been spreading rumors about your brutality to family members etc etc I ask you kindly to stay strong, as I know its hard, stay honourable, remain the Statesman that you are and avoid any conflicts or arguments with the lower classed men in the assembly.  You are our Country's future leader and I do not wish for you to fall into any trap those bullies may be setting for you.  Only deal with Country matters, do not answer any personal questions from them, do not hang out with them and I beg you do not get trapped by that gang of ignorance.  All they do is spurn hatred and anger in everything and anything they do.  They envy you for your intelligence, so they are jealous.  Be careful at work and at play.  Remember Country first.

  4. Anonymous says:

    "Me and Foolio, down in the school yard" (with apologies to Paul Simon) – come on…. someone had to say it 🙂

  5. Anonymous says:

    John John they all did worst than you.  The whole island crucified you but  what goes around comes around.  PPM wanted to see you gone.  Lol.   LoL.—–Champ Alden Mclaughlin, history only repeats itself. LMAO

    • Anonymous says:

      Alden hardly did worse than John John, there is a major difference between a man defending his mothers honour as well as his own when a foul mouth slanderer says what Foolio said (twice!). I don't know any man who would not react the same way. Alden should only apologise to the country for his behaviour and ONLY if Foolio apologises to the McLaughlin family and Miss Althea's family. I would have hit him and sued him for slander and for insulting the modesty of a woman if he said that about my family.

  6. The Truth says:

    The way I see it you all are making a big mockery of yourselves, you all are making a big mockery of your families and you all are making a big mockery of your Country.   The reason I said that is because now is NOT the time to say one should do this or one should had done that!!!   Cayman people wake up and get your heads out the toilet!!!!   Now  is not the time for these immature Politicians to act irresponible when we have a high crime rate here a gang problem here and five of  our young Caymanian men in their graves.  HELLO???? Now how  can we as a society expect any better morals from our young people when we have the Politicians all acting and behaving violently like a bunch of CHILDREN!!!  Tell me how as we as a society can expect any better from the young people when we have the Police talking down to them?  Tell me how as we as a society can expect any better from our young people when we kick them out of School at the age of 13 or 14?  Tell me how can we as a society can expect any better from our young people when the system dont give them any jobs?  Tell me how can we as a society expect any better from our young people when all we do is lock them up in jail just for smoking a little pot?  HELLO???WE ALL AT ONE POINT IN TIME SMOKE A LITTLE BOB MARLEY SO WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL???Tell me how as we as a society can expect any better from our young people when we fail them or neglect them at home?  Tell me how as we as a society can expect any better from our young people if  they come in here and read your comments to see their parents cheering on the so called great leaders of this Country to do this and to do that to each other!!!   ITS SICKENING AND ITS DISGUSTING!!!   PEOPLE MEND YOUR WAYS AND GET RIGHT WITH GOD!!!  You all must realize that Children do practice what you preach to them…Our Country is falling to pieces and our Children are dying….we as a people and a Country we all need to fix the problem but first we have to fix ourselves and our broken homes sit down and talk to our Children, take time out with them it starts with you!  The Devil is walking you can best believe that!!!

  7. Anonymous says:

    No, it's called patriotism, Frodo 10/03/2011 @ 15:48. Every country enshrines it.

     

    In the UK, top jobs cannot be held by a non-Brit, even if thecandidate was more qualified, just like that American New York supercop that specialised in gangs that didn't get the job in England.  That's the British law.

     

    In the US, Arnold Swarzeneggar cannot run for President because he is not a BORN AMERICAN, and there was a movement trying to get that law changed also so he could run, but it is still the law. That's the American law.

     

    What would you say to the Americans…the same thing? That they are racists and would rather their country sink than let anyone "not native" be in politics? Pretty hypocritical then, huh? 

     

    Look at the investigation they conducted against President Obama because of an alleged complaint that he was NOT a born-American (even though he was born in the American state of Hawaii) just to get him out of office!  Donald Trump (who announced his decision on running for the United States Presidency) PERSONALLY spent millions of his own money trying to force President Obama to provide a copy of his BIRTH CERTIFICATE to the press and the American people, which he ignored.

     

    You don't think that the FBI and the CIA and whomever else needed to know didn't already do that by thoroughly vetting him, a Black man in America, when President Obama showed that he was a serious contender for the Presidency of the United States of America and when he ultimately WON?

     

    You think Caymanians are any different from any other people in any other country for showing our nationalistic pride because we don't want a non-born Caymanian, be it Jamaican or an expat from anywhere else as Premier of the Cayman Islands?

     

    It's practised worldwide and called nationalistic pride!

    • Anonymous says:

      Some of what you describe is not nationalistic pride. It is national chauvinism, bellicose patriotism, and extreme partisanship.

      • Anonymous says:

        …unless of course it is my own country when it is just patriotism.

    • Anonymous says:

      And Australias first PM is born in Wales to Welsh parents

      you have nothing but a stupid argument

      Even the Queen maried Greek so perhaps the next king shouldn't be because he is not a full blood.

      • Anonymous says:

        Bad example about the Queen. She married Prince Philip because he was of royal blood (Prince of Greece and Denmark) and the European royal houses are all related. That is the only blood they are concerned with. The Queen herself has much German ancestry.

        The present PM of Australia is not its first. Perhaps you meant to say first woman PM.  She may have been born in Wales but doubtless she fully identifies as an Australian. Not many Cayman status holders can say that they fully identify as Caymanian. 

      • anonymouse says:

        Australia was first populated by convicts from the UK. Except for the Aborigenes there are no Australian Ancester/

  8. AnonymousSick and Tired of the B...S... says:

    If Yellio’s comments in the LA were indeed abusive, why didn’t the Speaker rule him Out of Order?

    • Anonymous says:

      Because the Speaker was berated by the Premier and is afraid of losing her position. After all it is the best paid one she has had in her life.

  9. Anonymous says:

    I agree with anonymous

  10. Anonymous says:

    Elio used his position on the chat show to shamelessly spout his own propaganda. His so called mission statements were the ranting of a semi educated (and ignorant) spin doctor. He found and ideal position in the company of the other UDP cronies being of the same stupid mentality!

    Now having run out of ways to blame others for the problems of this country and being totally incapable of producing any good results from his "pie in the sky" ramblings he is following the example of our so called premier in paranoid bullying tactics suitable to his mental age of a child.

    Fortunately I for one strongly hope and believe that he will soon be voted out of office and will sink into the obscurity he is so entitled to.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Elio should have "dropped kick" Alden Ha Ha HA LOL!  Alden is suppose to bigger than that – you're a lawyer  – you should have a great come back line! Instead you loose control of yourself and resort to violence!

    – but you know the saying "who the cap fit ………. This is a very bad message that you are sending out to our already troubled youth!

    • Anonymous says:

      Another highly educated UDP supporter…If my translation is correct you seem to think it is OK for Elio to resort to voilence but not Alden. This is a very bad message that you are sending out to our already troubled youth.

    • Anonymous says:

      Erm…..anybody that wasn't there doesn't know what happened.  All hearsay.  Not first time Mr Elio has been in the news for his temper tantrums.

    • Anonymous says:

      And "dropped kick" isn't resorting to violence? Just listen to yourself – fool.

  12. I Care says:

    This is evidence of what is to come, very poor and unexceptable at any level, and more so from or so called leaders. Stop acting like school children , actually this is an insult to compare them to school children , it mre fitted to compare to WILD animals .

    Stop the stupid stupid action and get on with the work we sent you there to do. Cayman please wake up and let us at least try to elect people to make a change in the next election

  13. Yo Mama says:

    In a time when young Caymanians have turned increasingly violent our elected leaders are either committing violence or lying about violence being committed. Either way, it's pathetic.

  14. Don Corleone Sr. says:

    Marl road has it that Mac was the ref and CG the water boy in his (Elio "Mercedezz Benz" Solomon) corner. This is surley a script for RunDown 2012.

    Come on Dave Martins, make a song……  

    • Anonymous says:

      I have my Mercedes Benz, la la la la la.

      And CG and a couple other UDP friends, la la la la la

      Not worried about Aldens right hook, la la la la la

      He'll know when he gets the book, la la la la la

      Not worried about rampant crime la la la la la

      For that silliness I have no time, la la la la la

      We also have it in the Government, la la la la la

      Folks your money is being well spent, la la la la la

      Not worried about unemployment, la la la la la

      My paycheck is my enjoyment, la la la la la

      Not worried about fuel taxes, la la la la la

      Or who's abusing government faxes, la la la la la

      Please wote for me next election, la la la la la

      I promise I'll learn from Alden's rod of correction, la la la la la .

       

       

  15. Anonymous says:

    What happened to all the wonderful things you were going to do to make Caymanians "King in their own Castle" once more Elio? Is THIS what it has come to…really, Elio?

  16. Anonymous says:

    Hellio needs to grow up and get a life!

  17. Anonymous says:

    When baines said on 29/09/2011  there was 13 gangs he should of said there was fithteen instead.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Elio, put on your big boy panties and get back to work.

    One thing that stuck me in Mr Millers letter  is he sent his son to private preschool, private kindergarden, private secondary, private high school. That speaks volumes about the public education system.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Alden "Left Hook" Mclaughlin, naah Alden "The Assassin" Mclaughlin I like that one better.

  20. Anonymous says:

    This is all a SHAME. Here we have our elected memebers… Our so-call LEADERS of this country making a fool of themselves in the eyes of the people.

    Especially at a time like this; how can any of you shake your heads and frown upon our young people who are running around committing crime? Oh, it is because they are jobless? Is it because they are "thugs" that dress in baggy pants and wear bandana's and hold up stupid little signs with their fingers? Maybe becasue they smoke and wear dark shades? Well WAKE UP. Becasue right here in our Government, we have well dressed, supposedly well educated officials and they are NO BRIGHT AND SHINY EXAMPLES!! Everyday they are fighting, and bickering, and totally disreaging the really issues and this courty on a whole. How many of these young men have POSITIVE male figures in their lives to look up to?

    I do not care how angry we get at on another. Violence is not the answer and stupidity is not to blame. We are now living in an almost lawless, laughable island and the only difference I can see between them and the younger boys and the two to five year old kids is a slightly less sense of ignorance.

     

    Every other day I'm reading about a politian going to court, or doing something that they should not. But because its one of them, its a big joke to society and a casue for gossip.

    Why not call them out for who THEY truly are? Alden McLaughlin (Leader of the Opposition/ former Misister of Education)- THUG… Osbourne Bodden (former Bodden Town MLA)- THUG.. Dwayne Seymour (Bodden Town MLA)- THUG… McKeeva Bush (Premier and all the other portfolio's he's responsible for)- THUG…. 

    Thug Motivation 101 is what's being taught in the LA and on the streets.

    Just remember that a suit and tie does not make the MAN. Amd Crime begins with learning, seeing and hearing VIOLENCE.

    All of them need a slap. A slap to get off their asses and get their job done!

    • Anonymous says:

      It's because we elect fools who have no morals and never made it past the 5th grade. I'm exempt since I didn't vote as I saw no1 worthy. Nananabooboo stick ur head in **********

      • Anonymous says:

        Bet you are laughing all your way into obscurity – do you really think that because you didn't vote that you are exempt from dealing with all of the current troubles along with everyone else? If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem. 

  21. Anonymous says:

    alden….the peoples champion….

    • Anonymous says:

      OMG this is a grown MAN…..and publicly asking for an apology.  If he felt that he was assaulted (hope he has witnesses and not from his party only), he should have gone to the police immediately, not a few days later and cry about the assault and how he wants an apology.  EVERYONE this is what we have running our country and you voted them in, cause I surely didnt!!!

      • Anonymous says:

        Quite. He was all big and bad before with a foul mouth full of challenges and now is pretending to be the victim whimpering for police protection.

    • Anonymous says:

      Careful, you'll give somebody a Mac attack.

  22. An on nymus says:

    Elio Solomon, politics aside you were raised by your parents much better then that. They are who we feel sorry for, as they must endure all of this. We know HOW hard they have worked to at least teach you RESPECT and much more. YOU ARE THE ONE WHO SHOULD APOLOGIZE to our once honorable house and maybe then all is not lost. Madam Speaker your actions do not reflect your once opiniated voice. INCREDIBLE WHAT A LITTLE POWER CAN DO and how quick respect for one can be lost forever. Sad. You went in our eyes from an Iron Lady to plain driftwood.

  23. Anonymous says:

    I am not going to take political sides here but if this did happen it is not very becoming of a leader of our country and of a sitting MLA.

    As far as those condoning Alden "allegedly "assaulting Elio, what kind of message does that send to or children or to anyone for that matter?

    The only message I see here is one sent to the gangs. Go ahead and beat each other up, just don't use guns or kill each other, press charges and go to court and hope for the best.

    Does anyone really believe that the gangs see this as a good example for them to follow?

    i think both sides have failed us here. 

  24. Anonymous says:

    Please help us Mr. Tim Ridley we need your leadership, intelligence and honesty.  I don't believe that you will be able to return us to the glory days of the 70's and 80's but you will surely lead us out of the path of destruction, away from the path of murders, criminal activities, the selling off/give away of these islands, one thing for sure I know that you will find the right solution to the immigration problems and will try to perserve as much of Cayman as you can for the next generation.  How about rounding up a few good men of your era and leading the way.  Honestly we need a few good men in this regards.  Thanks and I hope you seriously consider it Cayman needs you. 

    • Anonymous says:

      What about a few good women also?  I say you explore the idea to nominate Jennifer Dilbert to join your team for starters.  She's fresh, innovative and she will stand up for what is right, regardless!

  25. Anonymous says:

    Another conspiracy 🙂 The public will try all the harder to find out what was said BECAUSE it was struck from the record. Did Madame Speaker really want us to find out what was said?????

    Check out the sales of the book Spy Ship released in the late 1980's (about the Gaul, a missing fishing trawler from Hull), the book was banned in the UK and so millions of people bought it, including students who smuggled it into the UK!

  26. Anonymous says:

    Way to go Mr. Alden there is some more in there that need a good  Sapapa rite in the kissa.

  27. Anonymous says:

    And this is what we are paying them their high salaries for? How do you people sleep at night? I wish every person who would cross your path would just tell you exactly how pathetic you are – and that goes for all three of you – Elio, Alden and Mary.

  28. Anonymous says:

    Foolio, you deserve it.  Political fallout or not, Foolio, you need need to go. 

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Isn't this the same person that stormed the radio station a few years back???? LMAO

  29. Caymanian & Used to be proud of it. says:

    CNS please do not stop printing these comments.  I did not even know what had happened in the LA, since I was off the island with my sick child.  Sometimes, I get so embarrased when people who have only heard about the Cayman Islands find out that I am a Caymanian, even though the past 2 1/2 years make me want to hide the fact, and ask me questions about what is happening in my little island.  I used to go on Cayman Islands Promotion Tours telling people in other parts of the globe, how safe, secure and serene our "Islands that Time Forgot" were, but suddenly people in other parts of the world are saying, "Where are you from?" and when I say, they either snigger or  come right out and ask things like if it is true that we are another Caribbean Island like TCI with an elected dictator.  That is bad, but it is the view that a lot of other countries are starting to have about us.  PLEASE, CAYMANIANS, DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES AGAIN IN 2013. WE ARE TOO SMALL AND INSIGNIFICANT TO HAVE THE DIFFERENT PARTIES FIGHTING IN THE ASSEMBLY WHILE THE COUNTRY IS DYING OR BEING SHOT TO DEATH BY THE CRIMINALS.

  30. Anonymous says:

    If this were a movie, we would all be cheering for MLA McLaughlin, hower it is not.  This is the Legislative Assembly, these are the leaders of our country.  In the middle of a crime wave, they should be setting a better example for members of the public.

    As for MLA Elio, wasting the RCIPS time on this when people are out there being killed and armed robbery is a daily occurance… REALLY?  Grow up.  I'm sure someone must have told you before that if you play with a puppy he will lick your mouth. So you got "licked". Lean from it.

    Ms Mary, please do your job and stop requesting the removal of history from the official LA record. Seeing how you claim to love history so much, especially around district heritage day in BT.  No matter if you like it of not, history is history!

    All of you have young family members you need to set a positive example for.  Learn to play nice and honest.

  31. Anonymous says:

    If Tim Ridley wanted to be the next Premier of the Cayman Islands and run for the 2013 election, as a holder of Caymanian Status he could legally do so.  Anonymous, 10/02/2011 08:16, you are wrong to say that only a born Caymanian (not a Caymanian Status holder) can run for election. 

     

    Can you imagine how refreshing and professional this country would be run if Mr. Ridley was our Premier?  Certainly, this continual freak show, embarrassing behaviour of our politicians exhibiting lack of self-control and allegedly tampering with Hansard (which is the official published verbatim report of the proceedings of a parliamentary body) would be a thing of the past…not on his watch would this be allowed.  

     

    According to the law, it states that:

    Qualifications for elected membership of the Legislative Assembly

    61.—(1) Subject to section 62, a person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the
    Legislative Assembly if, and shall not be qualified to be so elected unless—
    (a) he or she is a Caymanian; and
    (b) he or she has attained the age of 21 years; and
    (c) he orshe is, at the date of his or her nomination for election, domiciled and resident in the
    Cayman Islands; and
    (d) he or she is a qualified citizen; and either
    (e) he or she was born in the Cayman Islands, or was born outside the Cayman Islands in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2)(b), has resided in the Cayman Islands for a
    period of not less than seven years immediately preceding the date of his or her
    nomination for election and, subject to subsection (3), the number of days on which he or
    she was absent from the Cayman Islands in that period does not exceed 400; or
    (f) if he or she was born outside the Cayman Islands, has resided in the Cayman Islands for a period or periods amounting to not less than fifteen years out of the twenty years
    immediately preceding the date of his or her nomination for election, and, subject to
    subsection (3), in the seven years immediately preceding the date of his or her nomination
    for election the number of days on which he or she was absent from the Cayman Islands
    does not exceed 400.

     

    (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(d), a qualified citizen is a British overseas territories
    citizen by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands, who either—
    (a) at the date of his or her nomination for election possesses no other citizenship and is
    pursuing no claim to any other citizenship for which he or she may be eligible; or
    (b) was born outside the Cayman Islands, has or had at least one parent or grandparent who was born in the Cayman Islands and is a Caymanian (or if deceased would if alive have been a Caymanian at the date of nomination for election), and who at the date of his or her nomination for election possesses no other citizenship save for any right he or she
    may have to some other citizenship by virtue of his or her birth outside the Cayman
    Islands; 36 and in this subsection the words “other citizenship” do not include British citizenship acquired by virtue of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002(a).

     

    (3) In ascertaining whether a person has been absent from the Cayman Islands for the purposes of subsection (1)(e) or (f), any period of absence by reason of the following shall be disregarded—
    (a) the performance of duty on behalf of the Government;
    (b) attendance as a student at any educational establishment;
    (c) attendance as a patient at any hospital, clinic or other medical institution;
    (d) employment as a seaman aboard an ocean-going vessel; or
    (e) employment as a crew member on any aircraft.

    • Anonymous says:

      No you are wrong, have a read of our constitution, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

      • Anonymous says:

        That was a quote from the Constitution, dimwit.

        • Anonymous says:

          I don't care, somebody please tell me we CANNOT have a Jamaican Premier…!!

          • Anonymous says:

            A Jamaican Premier would sure do a hell of a better job than you all are doing.

            • Anonymous says:

              He most certainly wouldn't because we most definitely are not ever going to have one.

              • Anonymous says:

                You all forget that back in the days, when England never gave two hoots about you, it was Jamaica who helped you, when you were a little mosquito-infested swamp, that Jamaica used to be in charge of your country, taught you how to do things, help you set up your Government systems, immigration, customs, etc etc., did trade with you and supplied you with food so you could eat something other than turtle or fish, Caymanians used to live and work in Jamaica because you had few jobs here, your kids went to schools and university in Jamaica, etc. and Jamaica helped you to grow your nation.   My Caymanian landlord (now a successful developer), said he worked in Jamaica and learnt business there, and took the skills he learnt back to Cayman with him.  So, never say never.  One day, if this global recession does not get better or the 2nd one that is around the corner hits soon – which everyone says will be 100 times worse and longer than the first, you might just be begging for a little "Jamaican" help once more.  Never bite the hand that once fed you, you never know when the day will come when you go back to them begging for help, like the help you gladly took from them after Ivan while the British warship stayed out there in the sea.    

                • Anonymous says:

                  Apparently you've completely forgotten about the thousands and thousands of Jamaicans that have cometo our shores ot earn themselves a decent living and the millions and millions of dollars that have been sent from Cayman to feed their families in Jamaica over the years. That too, doesn't mean that we are ever going to have a Jamaican prime minister in Cayman.

                • Anonymous says:

                  You highly exaggerate the help we received from Jamaica.

                  Often Caymanians seeking work in Jamaica were despised and called names by Jamaicans.

                  I get the distinct feeling that you wish to see Cayman's downfall. Typical.

          • Anonymous says:

            Well, Jamaica's economy has already started recovering from the global recession, their real estate market is still good, and they have tourists flocking their both by air and by cruise ships.   Unlike Cayman which is still down in the dumps and haven't got a clue what to do.  Maybe you do need a "Jamaican" premier to show you how to do it.

    • Want real growth? says:

      Mr. Ridley Go for it!

      Travers you too!

      Successful businessmen of the Cayman Islands you too!

      Cayman needs people who are educated, worldly and have the business sense to run a country effectively.

    • Anonymous says:

      Actually, you are wrong:

      A "qualified person" has to have a least one Caymanian grandparent and then meet the other criteria set out in the extract you have posted.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        How can the poster be wrong? He has quoted from the Constitution.  You seem to be missing the "or" between Section 61(2)(a) and (b).

        • Anonymous says:

          I am a 'she', not a 'he', and I'm also glad you understood my original post.   ðŸ™‚

          • Anonymous says:

            Sorry. I blame it on my legal training where the masculine includes the feminine ;< )  

            • Anonymous says:

              You're forgiven, because I, too, have to blame it on the law for having us embrace this new 'gender equality' thingy! 

               

              Keep up your great contributions and thanks for keeping it REAL!  😀

      • Anonymous says:

        Well, actually, YOU are wrong:  for the purposes of DEFINING A QUALIFIED CITIZEN, you forgot to read the fine print where it says EITHER, OR not the "AND THEN" that you are trying to insert.  EITHER, OR means that you only need to satisfy ONE of the requirements, NOT BOTH, so Mr. Ridley DOES NOT need to have a born Caymanian parent or grandparent to be eligible to run for political office, according to the law.  

         

        THEREFORE, EXPATS WITH CAYMANIAN STATUS (also known as Caymanians) ARE ALLOWED TO RUN FOR PREMIER OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. 

         

        In other words, if a person born in Jamaica came to Cayman to work for many years subsequently acquired Caymanian Status through the thousands of Status Grants approved years ago, and then afterwards married an American but had not yet applied to the American Embassy for citizenship by way of a K-3 visa (Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen), ACCORDING TO THE LAW, they are eligible to run in the 2013 elections.  Our law allows DUAL NATIONAL CITIZENS permission to hold elected office ONLY IF your other citizenship is from the country you were born in.  So, because this person born in Jamaica is now a Caymanian, they can apply and receive their British citizenship and passport through the British Overseas Territories Act 2002(a) AND BECOME THE NEXT 2013 PREMIER OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS!

         

        Sorry, we didn't write the law, we are just required to follow it.

         

         

         

         

        (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(d), a qualified citizen is a British overseas territories
        citizen by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands, who

         

        EITHER—
        (a) at the date of his or her nomination for election possesses no OTHER CITIZENSHIP and is pursuing no claim to any OTHER CITIZENSHIP for which he or she may be eligible;

         

        OR
        (b) was born outside the Cayman Islands, has or had at least one parent or grandparent who was born in the Cayman Islands and is a Caymanian (or if deceased would if alive have been a Caymanian at the date of nomination for election), and who at the date of his or her nomination for election possesses no other citizenship save for any right he or she may have to some other citizenship by virtue of his or her birth outside the Cayman
        Islands;

         

        36 and in this subsection the words “OTHER CITIZENSHIP” do NOT include British citizenship acquired by virtue of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002(a).
         

         

        • Knot S Smart says:

          Well. Can we just make him King?

          But then we need a Queen too. So i nominate Lady Gaga for Queen.

        • Fuzzy says:

          To Anonymous Mon 10/03/11 13:17                                                           Section 61.2 states the requirement to be a "qualified citizen" which is only one of five qualities required to become eligible to be elected to the Cayman Is. Legislative Assembly. In addition to being a qualified citizen a person must   be Caymanian ,and at least 21 years old,and domiciled and resident in the Cayman Is (at time of nomination),and born in the Cayman Is or, if born outside the Cayman Is, has or had a parent or grandparent born in the Cayman is.

        • Anonymous says:

          You are still wrong.

          • Eyes, ears DELIBERATELY covered says:

            Blind because REFUSE to see, not because I'm wrong. 

             

            Quoting the law verbatim that you disagree with, and I'M STILL WRONG?  I'm done!

            • Anonymous says:

              Quite. What is funny is that fuzzy, who obviously has no legal qualifications, is trying argue a legal point with at least one highly experienced lawyer.

            • Anonymous says:

              Good.

      • Anonymous says:

        Amazing that 15 other people agreed with this clown. No doubt they haven't read the Constitution either.  

    • Frodo says:

      Thumbs down just goes to show that Caymanians would rather their island sink to the depths of the ocean then let anyone not "native" be in politics, no matter how much their lifes would be enriched. Sad really sad

      • Anonymous says:

        Anon Mon, 10/03/2011 – 15:48, Can we go live in your country (wherever that may be) & run for elections in your parliament? NOOOOOO! And you would be the very first to object! Would you rather see your country sink to the depths of the ocean than let anyone not "native" be in your countrys politics, no matter how much your life would be enriched? You hypocrite! SAD! REALLY SAD!

    • FUZZY says:

      To Anonymous 10/02/11 23:21          The section of the Constitution that you quote actually states that a person has to be born in the Cayman Is, or if born abroad must have a Caymanian parent or grandparent to be qualified to be elected as an MLA in the Cayman Is.Therefore your argument suggesting otherwise,is contradicted by facts presented by yourself. To paraphrase,Section 61.1states:A person is qualified to be elected to the Cayman Is Legislative Assembly ,if a) he/she is a Caymanian,AND b) has attained the age of 21 years,AND c) is domiciled and resident in the Cayman Is. AND d) is a qualified citizen,AND   e) was born in the Cayman Is or if born outside the Cayman Is ,have one parent or grand parent born in the Cayman Is.Perhaps you are confused by Section 61.2 which  describes qualities of a "qualified Citizen"  and not qualifications to be elected as a MLA.

      • Anonymous says:

        You are fuzzy indeed. I suggest you leave the legal interpretation to people who actually know what they are talking about.   

      • Not That Fuzzy says:

        My Fuzzy Friend, you are confused because you are mixing up the Section 61 (2) definitions with the Section 61 (1) eligibility requirements.  There are FIVE CRITERIA needed for eligibility to run for elected office, of which THE FIRST FOUR ARE MANDATORY ("a" through "d"), meaning you can't get around them…you MUST meet all 4 of these requirements. There are an additional TWO OPTIONS to choose from, of which you only need to meet ONE OF THOSE CRITERIA ("e" OR "f") to become eligible to run for elected office. Get it now?

         

        Section 61 is only comprised of 3 subsections:

        Section 61 (1) lists FOUR MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS ("a" through "d") to become eligible to run for election, and goes on to list TWO ADDITIONAL OPTIONS OF WHICH YOU ONLY NEED TO MEET ONE CRITERIA ("e" OR "f").

        Section 61 (2) defines who the law says is considered a QUALIFIED CITIZEN.

        Section 61 (3) lists FIVE reasons that your time off island WON'T be included in computing the on-island residency and time requirement.

         

        Section (1) is really easy and straight forward. We are told that the first FOUR requirements are mandatory ones, because each of them end with the word "AND", meaning that:

        Number 1: you have to be a Caymanian, AND

        Number 2: you have to be at least 21 years old, AND

        Number 3: you have to live in Cayman, AND

        Number 4: you have to be a QUALIFIED CITIZEN. Okay, that was easy enough.

        Number 5: EITHER-

        you were born in Cayman, OR

        you were born outside of Cayman, but have resided here at least seven years immediately prior, and have not been off the island for more than 400 days.

         

        PERIOD!!! THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO RUN TO BE THE NEXT 2013 PREMIER OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS! THAT IS ALL THE LAW REQUIRES! 

         

        By the way, all Section 61 (2) does is define who a QUALIFIED CITIZEN is, which is a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) by way of a connection with Cayman who EITHER:

        Number 1: has no other citizenship and you are not pursuing any other citizenship (meaning BORN CAYMANIAN), OR

        (here's the EITHER, OR scenario again, don't get confused because it's really simple)

        Number 2: you were NOT BORN IN CAYMAN, but have AT LEAST ONE PARENT OR GRANDPARENT who was born in Cayman AND possesses NO OTHER CITIZENSHIP EXCEPT FROM YOUR BIRTH COUNTRY.

         

        Either way you look at it, being born here or not is NOT what defines you as a British Overseas Territory Citizen…it's the fact that you ARE a BOTC, which can be Status Holder or Born Caymanian..either one.  To challenge an "expat" Status Holder who intends to run for election would lose in court because of the way the law is currently written.  Hope this explanation helps you!

      • Anonymous says:

        "The section of the Constitution that you quote actually states that a person has to be born in the Cayman Is, or if born abroad must have a Caymanian parent or grandparent to be qualified to be elected as an MLA in the Cayman Is".

        No, it does not "actually state" that at all. That is your rather poor interpretation of the section. There is no REQUIREMENT anywhere that an MLA must have been born in Cayman. Contrary to what you state on the of the qualifications be an MLA is to be a qualified citizen (s.61(1)(d)). You may be a qualified citizen if "at the date of (your) nomination for election (you) possess no other citizenship and (are) pursuing no claim to any other citizenship for which (you) may be eligible" (s.61(2)(a)). There is an "or" between s.61(2)(a) and s. 61(2)(b) and so nothing in the latter (Caymanian parent, grandparent etc.) is imported into the qualification requirements if you satisfy s.61(2)(a). It follows that if Mr. X is, say, a born U.S. citizen, acquires BOTCship and Caymanian status, renounces his U.S. citizenship and has no other citizenship, has lived in Cayman for at least 15 of the last 20 years then he is eligible to be elected as an MLA.

         

    • Maybach says:

      These restrictions would never survive a rights challenge.

  32. Anonymous says:

    PPM supports violence.

    Just read these posts and you can expect to see PPM members involved in any of the serious crimes occurring.

    • Anonymous says:

      You are obviously either very desperate or just plain stupid.

    • Anonymous says:

      Hey Alden, it looks like we have some more folks who could use some of your good old fashioned disciplinary action. Can you help us please?

    • An on nymus says:

      Get your facts correct 20:21; the 4th elected member is acting like a bully and thinks he is above the law of reprimend. Cursing and going on in the L.A lunch- break room has finally touched someone button. And as far as PPM being accused of being involved in crimes, I say to you get with the real picture BOBO and we will remember.

  33. Anonymous says:

    The posts here are littered with people advocating and supporting violence by one legislator against another. What a great example for our young people. Is there any wonder that we see so much violence in the greater society? Alden must be proud. With this kind of encouragement what would  the Leader of the Opposition be like if he actually became Premier. His arrogance and bad temper would contaminate the very fabric of our country.  

    • Anonymous says:

      You mean worse than it is ALREADY contaminated, thanks to the UDP and their supporters? Elio has a big, slack, uncouth orifice in his face that SOMEBODY needs to do something about. Alden SHOULD be proud. If you really want to do something about the very fabric of our country just please try voting a little more sensibly come next elections.

    • Anonymous says:

      If someone had called you and your mother whatFoolio called Alden, I'm sure you wouldn't call your response "arrogance and bad temper". Foolio crossed over a line that should never be crossed, especially at work and especially if you want to be seen as a professional. He should publicly apologise to Alden's and Miss Althea's families for his filthy mouth.

      • Anonymous says:

        Hmmm. I wonder if you were in the kitchen and heard first hand what happened? If not then you are a gossiper just like CNS and everyone else who wasn't there. You should all be ashamed of yourselves posting comments such as you are doing. You are all the reason for such hatred and anger that is being instilled in our children. All you have to do is look close to home when a child is having problems and you will find the cause. You all spout and spew hatred and wonder why your child is so full of it themselves.

  34. Caymanian Boat Captain says:

    Cayman's LA will soon be like one of them Asian parliment's……. where physical violence amongst politicians are considered the norm.

    I absolutely love the CNS created posters of Alden and others. I almost fell off my chair with laughter when I saw these most recent ones.

    I bet the Speaker of the House will be extremely pissed about this happening amongst elected members of parliment. Remember the "cow itch"  incident several years ago. However, this was before the present Speaker of the House was in office.  !!!!! 

  35. Anonymous says:

    This is the second occasion in a month that the Speaker appears to have ignored the procedural rules of the LA – the last time was to allow Beloved Leader to give his wastepaper basket performance..What, if any, process is available to the Speaker to effectively alter/rewrite the history of proceedings in the LA. Surely this is something which must attract the attention of the Governor, and the FCO.

  36. Anonymous says:

    I can just imagine Alden gritting his teeth Clint Eastwood style and daring Elio while he is down on the floor:  " Go ahead punk, make my day!"  Alden, huge respect for your big cajones !   Is about time someone put that young whipper snapper back in his place.

  37. Anonymous says:

    The Bible says you must respect your elders and if you don't, you are disrespecting God himself.   Elio only got what he deserved – he is a young punk who can't keep his big mouth shut and while he certainly chat a lot and dish dirt and hurl insults at others, he never expected someone would actually stand up to him.  I guess he is emulating his "great leader".   But sooner or later, bullies get what they deserve.   Alden, my respect for your has risen 100-fold.  Wish there were more like you.  I hope all of UDP hang their heads in shame, for not telling Elio to shut up and stop spouting his nonsensical, insulting remarks against the opposition members.  In fact, they act as if they condone it.  Well, not only has Elio embarrassed himself, but he also makes the rest of you UDP members look like a bunch of twits.   As for Madam Speaker and "whitewashing the records", I won't even waste my breath on that one.   She does not do justice to the very important chair that she occupies.  What a bunch of jokers.  No wonder Cayman is in such a mess and is fast becoming the Wild Wild West, they have no positive role models in the current Government to emulate. 

    • Anonymous9 says:

      Well said.

       

      In fact, when you said, " In fact, they act as if they condone it.", by not speaking up, they ARE condoning it. Kind of like when you are sitting at a nice restaurant and someone's child is running around unchecked. If the parent is allowing this activity, it is telling the child that this is appropriate behavior.

  38. Anonymous says:

    I have only 4 words to say: "He had it coming".

    • Stiffed-Necked Fool says:

      Man these UDP people are sinking into the sewage.

      1st you have the UDP Leader saying that people are committing murder in a conspiracy to bring his Government down, and 2nd you now have Foolio insulting Arden McLean about his sick mother. These 2 incidents are downright insulting and disrespectful to the families involved.

      How low will these XXX sink? Its time for them to go!

  39. Anonymous says:

    Isnt the law that after 72 hrs the allegations can not be reported? Hopefully next election you will not be so gullible to all there promises. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Ladies and gentlemen of the Cayman Islands, I give you your next Attorney General…

  40. NOSTRADAMUS says:

    Nostradamus says do not listen to the PPM blogs about you quoting this and quoting that.  They just do not want you to bring charges against Alden, but the fact is Alden needs to be reported on and charged.  XXXX

    He should have tried that with the Primer, and I am sure there would have been a tussle.

    Elio it is only PPM against you, and I am sure you realize this.  Of course it is only Jealousy because their power to Rat has been cut by the Premier.  Remember George Town voted for you, so concentrate on your people.  Also do not hesitate to tell the Cayman people how Alden Assaulted you, however you do not have to turn the other cheek.  PPM followers are like a party of mad bees, just following the Pepsi.

    • Anonymous says:

      Ellio Solomon is a provoker and self-promoter.  He is the Grima Wormtongue of Cayman.

       

    • Anonymous says:

      I'm sure the George Town people, and the West Bay people, oh and the Bodden Town people, are starting to realize what a huge mistake they made.

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh please. Over half of Cayman agrees with Alden and wants to see UDP out of office. Wake up Nostradamus.

    • An on nymus says:

      NOSTRADAMUS this is one prediction you are wrong about. If you think it's jealousy you can have McKeewa and is want to be enforcer. Don't elect kids to do a man's job.

    • Anonymous says:

      Nostradamus you need to clean that crystal ball you are gazing into and based upon which you are making your false pronouncements – you are seeing things in a distorted fashion.  Wipe it off and you will see things more clearly.  The rest of us are seeing with clear eyes and have come to realize what this ruling Govt is all about. 

  41. Anonymous says:

    Alden you should have punched him out the morning that he so rudely barged in and interrupted the Rooster talk show that you were appearing on as a guest some months ago. If you had chastised him then you wouldn't be having trouble with him now. In case he give you any more trouble check with your friend Aussie he got what you need to use on him.

  42. nauticalone says:

    Can't say Elio (and his leaer) haven't been provoking some unusual response now for some time.

    Both Mac and Elio especially, say the most lengthy BS now for far too long!

     

  43. a naw no mouse says:

    Dah wah yah get! Yah mout too BIG! Try learn some manners!

    And didn't Mac Mac say to someone "a hope he trip-up n bus he mout"?

    Watch wah unna wish fah:)) UDP

     

  44. Anonymous says:

    What the hell is going on? They are fighting on the floor of the house, the premier is berating the speaker, the speaker is whitewashing the record, the witnesses (press) won't even tell us what they saw and heard. How is this different than the Logwood Boyz and the Birchtree Hill gang wars?  Has everyone lost all control of themselves? This is both pathetic and scary.

  45. MER says:

    There is so much more in Cayman for Governemt MLA's to be worrying about than preschool "sandbox" fights! Grow up boy!!! Our court room is filled with cases for robbery, rape and murder, you want to tie officials up for this nonesense?

  46. Anonymous says:

    Maybe the speaker should read this from the LA web site.

     

    The Official Hansard Report of the Cayman Islands is an impartial, accurate and permanent record of parliamentary proceedings — the decisions that were taken, the policies adopted, and the passage of legislation. It is a chronicle of history.

    The Official Hansard Report is often used inside and outside the Legislative Assembly. For example, law firms and courts may make reference to Hansard, particularly if there is ambiguity in legislation.

    Accuracy and impartiality are the hallmarks of Hansard. As Speaker Boothroyd said when opening the Commonwealth Hansard Editors Association Conference in 1996:

    "Behind change lies an unchangeable requirement on you all: the challenge and responsibility to maintain your traditional standards of accuracy and impartiality. That is crucial because accuracy and impartiality are the halmarks of Hansard. Whatever changes come along, parliamentarians – all of us – look to you to hold fast to those guiding principles."

     

    Also I notice there is no FOI links on their web site.

    CNS.Is it possible to FOI the unedited recordings?

    It sounds like you have already been censored.

     

  47. Florence Goring Nozza says:

    At least this time they wern’t hitting a woman!

    Real men with two will throw a knockout punch every now and then.

    • Kung Fu Iguana says:

      Like many of your letters to the press, I would like to thank you for your thoughtful analysis defending our politicians fighting each other.  You truly have that "touch" which resonates with the hearts and minds of well educated people.

  48. Anonymous says:

    Is there an expression 'Thirder world'?

  49. Anonymous says:

    Mr. Elio, If Alden slapped me in the face for no reason I would most definitely have the dignity and self respect and the kahonies to slap him back. Could it possibly be that he actually had a good REASON for putting a Tyson on you? Way to go Alden!

  50. Anonymous says:

    Hey Elio, don't forget to tell the police it was your big, uncontrolled mouth that got you a slap in the face. You expect the public to believe that Alden shot you a good one for no reason whatsoever. Isn't THAT typical UDP. Well, neither the public nor the police nor the judge is going to be stupid enough to believe that. If my guess is correct it is you who needs to apologise to Alden. Foolishness is born in the heart of a child. Perhaps a few more of those will help make a man out of you. Then again maybe not. We can't wait to see you make an idiot of yourself in front of the judge and the Cayman public, just like your friend there from Bodden Town. Congratulations Alden.

    • Anonymous says:

      I am sure by now that Alden is quite accustomed to putting up with Elio's crap.  So, I suspect that Elio was pushing, pushing, pushing, trying to find some smartass thing to say that would get under Alden's skin.  Elio, no doubt, knew what he was doing and must have said something in extraordinarily poor taste (even for him) to get Alden riled enough to consider taking a swing.  I just wish Alden had knocked that young punk out.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        I am told it was vile language involving Alden and his mother in a cuss word.

        • Anonymous says:

          If that is true, I don't know many men who would not hit another man who said that.

        • Anonymous says:

          Four cuss words – think of the worst things you could call a man and his mother. I would have hit him several times.

  51. Like It Is says:

    A commentator below says that observers said "it was just a slap".   How dare anyone minimise physical violence.

    This is a nation where physical abuse of women by men is rampant – often that is "just a slap" when the police get involved.  This is a nation where muggings of tourists are common and pistol whipping of store clerks are weekly issue.

    If there has been ANY illegal physical violence then it is very very serious and if true, not only should there be criminal sanctions but also the politician in question should step down immediately.

    • Anonymous says:

      Would you please ask McKeeva to step down while you're at it. Yes it was "just a slap" that hopefully will have the very positive effect of teaching Mr. Big Mouth a lesson. Alden should be given a raise in pay for that.

    • Anonymous says:

      IF there has been any physical violence. Why is everyone assuming that there was? Do we suddenly believe what Foolio has to say?

  52. Anonymous says:

    Randy Merren when 2013 comes, please do not rehire him on Rooster or you will lose a lot of listeners.  Keep the guys you have on now, if they do not run for Politics, but for God sake, please do not rehire Ellio.  He is too much a trouble maker, everywhere he go and anything he does.  GT'ers please be smart and keep that punk out of our Honourable house.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thanks, we tried to keep him out of the house but due to the fact that pieces of paper were handed out with his name on it, breaking the election law and nothing was done about it, we are stuck with Foolio until 2013.

  53. Anonymous says:

    Now this is classic UDP Politricking.  If they do something for you, they will dig it up later.  In this case, according to Ezzard's letter, they did nothing for his son, so then why did Ellio had to bring that up? Is that not a personal attack on Ezzard?  If Ezzard or Mr. McLean or Mr. McLaughlin pop Ellio somewhere, he deserves it, as he is a Bully hiding in the realm of the UDP Bullish bosum team.  Remember Ezzard and others, there is now a bullying law in the Cayman Islands and that is what these guys literally are.  If Ellio deserves a pop, give it to him the poper way, as we use to on the playing field.  He has a nasty habit and that is him going on Rooster 101.9 on a Friday morning telling pure lies on his fellow born Caymanian Politicians.  He is a radio show host and that is his spin all the time.  Ellio remembers what goes around comes around.  You will one day need Mr. McLaughlin and others, so be civilized please. keep that crap out of the assembly and the public arena.

  54. Polly Picked A Pickled Pepper says:

    How can our politicians fights crime when they are under investigation for corruption or hitting each other?

  55. Flipper says:

    These fools are pathetic.  Fool number one can't keep his mouth shut…  Fool number two doesn't know you can't go walking around boxing people around the head.  Fool number three thinks she can stop the childish behaviour from leaking out by striking everything off the record. 

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree there are two fools but who says you can't walk around boxing people who ask for it?

  56. Anonymous Maximus says:

    QQ some more. Oh sweet salty tears.

  57. Just Commentin' says:

    Awww! Poor wittle Ellio!

    Did dat big bad old Alden huuht your wittle feewings? Tsk, tsk. Did him make you cwy? Did him make you look foolish? My doodness him did, didn't him? Dere, dere now! Don't be so upset and dwy up doze tears pwecious wittle Ellio. Him didn't mean to make you cwy, him just gets a wittle mad sometime and has him wittle tantwums.  And him didn't make you look foolish, no him didn't – you can do that all by you wittle self.

    (But I guess this means you met your wittle match, huh Ellio? What a wuss! Good work, Alden!)

    Ok…now for as for you, "Madame Speak-kah" (as Big Mac calls you): What the hell is striking the statements from the official record going to prove except that your official record is a lie and you are part of the dishonesty? The record should show the unabashed and unadulterated truth of what goes on in the House even if it is not pretty and even if it makes our leaders look like a brood of unruly primary school brats lead by the class dunce. (Ok, the "school brats" analogy might be taking literary license, but the "class dunce" part is an understatement.)

    If the very Hansard or our Parliament is not the whole truth,  then "He hath founded it upon the seas" is tripe; thinking ourselves as a "Christian nation" is tripe; enshrining "Christian values" into the constitution is tripe. All our self-righteouss pretense of collective morality as a people is tripe if even the official record of our governing body is a falsehood. How the hell do we have the gall to offend God and call ourselves a God-fearing people and use a passage from the Bible as a motto if we can't even be faithful and true in our official government reports?  Pure mockery!

    As to the possible physical altercation between Alden and Ellio: Refreshing!  I say give 'em all gloves, turn off the cameras, unplug the microphones, have Madame Speaker don a referee's blouse, lock the doors, and let 'em have at it. May the best team win. At least then we will know our leaders (the survivors) have some balls. I think that CNS should be made the Official Media Reporter for the event.

    XXXX

    • Polly Tricks says:

      The Speaker is a disgrace to Cayman and to the Legislative Assembly.  She is not up to the job.

  58. noname says:

    Elio, Elio, Elio,

    What a shame you are to me, a fellow young Caymanian, who once looked upon you as a humble, considerate, intelligent human being BEFORE you EVER got elected!

    I remember way back when Before you got your MLA Salary, how you strolled with your head down, looking so sincere,trustworthy,humble and approachable….my  was I surely decieved…

    NOW as an elected member you made it quite apparent  shortly after election to the Caymanian Public, that your intent purely  was for personal gain, power and position,

     Clearly you do not care whose toes you step on, or what lies you weave, and everywhere you go, you have this stuck up superficial aire about you that is utterly repulsive and pathetic.

    Well, hopefully for your own sake, if  your claims are true that you do obtain this very public apology from your fellow member of the L.A., as it  surely is a crying shame that someone did follow their minds and sock it to you!

  59. Anonymous says:

    That wha the FOB get! Whether it was a door or a fist is irrelevant, it should have happened a looooong time ago. I can only hope that now the FOP will come down off his imaginary pedestal, that is if he is able to get up off the floor.

  60. Anonymous says:

    If an assault takes place, don't the police do their own investigating and press charges? This business about apologies offered etc. shouldn't normally affect the course of police intervention.

    • Anonymous says:

      If Foolio is so ill mannered to mention Alden and his mom in a cuss word then he needs an assings. Foolio needs to grow up and stop talking! His talk is too cheap and he is not a credit to anything.

    • Anonymous says:

      The police will only start an investigation if a complaint is made. If the complaint is substantiated by the evidence then the police may press charges.  

  61. Anonymous says:

    MLA Solomon was this a power sleep, or a pow wow? eer I mean a power nap.  Looks like what really happened you are looking so comfy you just slid for a moment and fell, while the leader of the opposition tried to help you up.  Now you know MLA Solomon it is not good to press charges against a helping hand.  I will say MLA Solomon  in the green cornor and MLA McLaughlin in the red cornor shake hands and be friends.  You are both fighting for the good of ALL Caymanians, we love you both, you are both true champions.

    • The Beaver says:

      On what planet do they happen to be both true champions???  Certainly not on this one….  The Beaver

      • Anonymous says:

        Oh yes they are. One is a mouth champion, and the other has the world record for winning a fight with a single, landed, knockout punch.

  62. Anonymous says:

    Leave MLA Solomon alone, he was just exercising his democratic rights if you cannot talk, walk and be careful not to trip and fall in the process then you should not walk on hallowed halls expecially in a lunch room where may things can spill and create a trip and fall which will cause one to get a bruise spot.  I don't believe there was any such altercation in the LA.  I would never doubt MLA Solomon but  I believe he was sleep walking at the time and tripped on a banana peel.  

  63. Anonymous says:

    I must say Alden does look swanky in his Rocky get up. Mess with Alden Eye of the Tiger, Tiger Blood.   I also heard that it was a knock out, then again maybe it was a trip and fall.  I don't belive the knock down will stand up in court because no one saw it, oops no CCTV.  In my opinion MLA Solomon just tripped and fell.  In sunday school there was a song, it went some thing like this " watch you mouth, watch you mouth what it speaks for there as father up above looking down in tener love watch your mouth, watch your mouth what it speaks or pow wow!" Trip and fall from God.

  64. Anonymous says:

    Its always about you, isn't Elio? You are the smartest, most effective, most gentlemanly statesman Cayman has ever seen. I'm sure you didn't say anything to cause someone to react in such a way. Every time I hear you on the radio I think of two words "Spin Doctor". That is all you are.

  65. Anonymous says:

    Elio, you had to be licked.You talk so much that you believe your own b.S. You need to know  that you have no credibility. We have been trying to tell you but you are so busy talking about yourself you can't hear us. Only a lick would shut you up, at least temporarily. 

  66. UDP 0 to 2 says:

    Only eighteen months to go, then he will on the street again. I have six votes my wife six and with the family at least eighteen and they 'cant get not a one' now I also have friends to influence. 

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Democracy – Cayman style!!!! Pathetic

      • Anonymous says:

        Agreed. That 21:00 and 10:29 are even talking about ordering family to vote a certain way makes me think Cayman is not ready for democracy at all.

        • anonymous says:

          So you mean to say that you do not try & influence your family (& even friends) to vote for who you think is best? If you do not then something is wrong with you girl. I know for sure I try to influence my family, my friends & even my enemies to vote for the right persons! Is that wrong? NOOOOOO, you dummy.

    • Anonymous says:

      So you control the wotes in your family? Hahaha!

    • Anonymous says:

      Add my family to that and I believe that figure is doubled, not counting the thousands who cant wait for the election and throw these idiots out FOREVER. Influencing is the least of my tasks, its being done for me.

  67. Anonymous says:

    I, for one, don't believe for a minute that the 4th Elected Member for GT would ever (snigger….) lower himself to assult (giggle, giggle) another Honorable Member of our LA.

    As a registered voter in the district of GT, I find it hard to imagine him stooping to "personal vitriolic attacks" (snigger, giggle, snigger).

    My best to you, Mr. Solomon – you have my utmost respect (giggle, giggle, giggle…)

     

  68. Anonymous says:

    Elio getting popped is like CUC getting robbed. We know its wrong, but its hard to sympathize. 

  69. Anonymous says:

    Just grow up, Solomon, you’re acting like a 4 year old. You don’t earn public respect merely by being an MLA, but by what you do and say. On current performance, I’d say it’s another ten years before you gain sufficient maturity for that process even to begin.

  70. A bunch of idiots says:

    They are all idiots and must be removed.  The next election needs new blood.  Can Tim Ridley run for office?  He would make a wonderful Premier!

  71. Geoge Towner says:

    A bunch of jokers.  Is the first I hear of politicians airing all their business and each other business in public. Independent, UDP & PPM seek SELF RESPECT. All of you look like a bunch of idiots!!! Elio, who cares who and when and what was done for Ezzard? AND Ezzard, why did you need to respond? Nobody really cares who sent your child to school. PPM, each of you are very contancarious. Show some love to each other. All of you are very hateful. No wonder the island is so F&%u#c*@Ked up.  Let's work together and get us some jobs. ASSAULT us with jobs!  

    • Anonymous says:

      Boy, you can't have been around here listening to politicians for long. McKeeva Bush slandered Mr. Benson many a time, knowing that he could not be sued for it. By the way, you need to learn to spell.

    • Anonymous says:

      Ezzard please ignore this can't spell idiot and thank you very much for your very much needed and very professional response, regardless of WHOEVER is crying it down in their blatant, blissful ignorance.

  72. Anonymous says:

    IS it that you still have a headache, or you are just thinking about what you shoud not have said to alden. if that is the case bo bo it is too late.   ELIO remember that your life is full of choises, whether they are good or bad. which ever you make will have a consiquence, good or bad. it same that you made a bad one when you used those nasty words to alden.( THAT WA YA GET).   Now come back down to earth and earn some respect , you little fop

  73. Anonymous says:

    Altering the official record of our Legislative Assembly is serious business. I have doubts that it is even within what the law provides if the LA was in official session, but then again what does legality have to do with anything ……………………………

  74. Anonnymous says:

    SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! On our Legislators.  If this is what is happening in the halls of our Parliament, whether "on stage" or otherwise, between members of the Legislature, what can we expect from our youth? SHAME, I say, SHAME!!  On those who make provocative remarks and those who respond with violence!  Listening to the proceedings in the LA is like listening to a bunch of spoiled, ill-mannered children!

  75. Anonymous says:

    As if the police haven't got enough to do, without dealing with schoolground arguments.  Grow up, and gain some respect.  How soft are you.

  76. Anonymous says:

    remember Ellio is one to claim he have degrees that he could'nt produce so i guess grudging someone who has is the best he can do.

    Alden may not have assaulted him but with his mouth blabbering it won't be long before he get a hog wash over his eye as the old folks use to say.

    i suggest he go back to Dog City and remember his roots.

     

  77. Anonymous says:

    The UDP backbencher told current Rooster hosts, Austin Harris andGilbert McLean, that unless Alden McLaughlin apologized, he would be going to the police about the alleged incident.

    That this makes me laugh doesn’t Big E know he is in fact committing a criminal office by saying this, what an idiot…

    Would rather entertaining of the police read this report and in arrested Big E as well..

    So Mr. A could get a $100/200 fine but big E could get 10 years for this statement.

    Oh RCIPS if you need evidence this was said, Rooster records all of the talk shows. Just thought i would assist you in your investigation as you seem to have some problems with evidence collection…

     

    Let the games begin.

    • Anonymous says:

      19.00.  You write: "Would rather entertaining of the police read this report and in arrested Big E as well.",

      Is this just a random concatenation of words, or have I been in a coma since 1862, and the above sentence actually means something in 2011-speak? I tried using 'Google Translate', and it came up with, " Imputs such as this can cause undue stress to Google's brain-care specialists. In future, please refrain from frivolous questions."

      • Anonymous says:

        The rest of us understand what the poster was saying, even if you don't or you pretend not to understand.  Stop being so snotty and critical of others who post comments on CNS – they may not all have the education that you might have, and they might make mistakes, spelling and grammatical errors, etc.,  but they do have enough commonsense, intelligence and spirit to speak out and air their opinions.    Who are you to criticize someone else's writings or speech?  Who appointed you to the position where you feel it is right to mock someone else's writing or to imply that their writings do not make any sense?   Miss Manners ettiquette says that it NO ONE, unless they are a paid teacher or one's own parent, has the right to criticize anyone's writing, grammer, speech etc, in public.   Only if a friend asks you for help e.g. with writing a letter or giving a public speech, then it is acceptable to offer advice or correction.   It is considered boorish, snotty and poor social ettiquette skills to publicly ridicule someone's lack of education which reflect in their manner of speech and writing.   I am highly educated myself, but I don't go around criticizing other people's speech, writing and grammer, and I certainly don't correct people unless they ask me for help.  I am so sick and tired of snotty people who don't contribute to the debate but only write in to mock or correct what others say.   Get down off your snotty pedestal and stick to the point under debate.  If you cannot contribute something valuable to the debate on the topic under consideration i.e. the alleged assault in the LA, then don't bother saying anything.

        • Anonymous says:

          15.54. My playful comments regarding a particular sentence had nothing to do with education or style of writing, but were focussed on one single sentence in an otherwise amusing and perfectly well written comment. The author had simply not read it through before he clicked 'send,' and because of his carelessness, it made no sense.  I was suggesting, in a roundabout and creative way, or so I thought,  that if you write for a public audience, why not read through what you've written a couple of times to edit out the more obvious typos?  I certainly never said I was "highly educated," as you claim to be. Also, I've made many positive  contributions to these pages, and hold some near-records for the highest number of smiley-faces and  thumbs-up given, so in spite of your forceful advice to the contrary, I shall continue contributing, as I hope will you. As for the author of the 'non-sentence', if my response offended you, then I genuinely apologize. It was not meant to. As for 15.54, I can't help noticing there are no typos or errors in your tirade against me, which proves, at the very least, thatyou agree with my main point.

    • Caymanian Boat Captain says:

      Elio the "City Boy" does not commit "Blackmail" as the offence requires a person to make an "unwarranted demand with threats/menace's". A request for an apology for an unlawful act committed by another; on the said person; whom now seeks an apology……. does not commit an offence. 

      If the "City Boy" was demanding money from the "New Cayman Rocky" or for him to resign his position immediately to avoid charges being filed, this would be different.  

       

  78. Name changed by moderator says:

    This story is woefully incomplete and seriously under-reported. Also, linking to Ezzard Miller's comments is extraneous, diversionary, and prejudicial.

    The allegation Mr. Solomon makes is an extremely serious one, namely that he was physically assaulted by the Hon. Alden McLaughlin, Leader of the Opposition. Mr. McLaughlin, as you report, denies he assaulted Mr. Solomon.

    According to one other local news outlet, however, "observers" (i.e. witnesses) "would say nothing more than 'a slapping' had occurred."

    Complete reporting on a story of this significance would mandate that the reporter track down observers/witnesses, interview them, and include their remarks (or their refusal to comment) in the article.

    CNS: Log in please if you are using your real name.

  79. Name changed by moderator says:

    "As a result of a ruling by Speaker of the House Mary Lawrence to strike the comments from the official legislative record, CNS cannot reveal the full details of the exchange across the Legislative Assembly floor without risking some form of censure by the speaker."

    Sorry, what happened to freedom of the press?  Article 10 of the ECHR applies here.  Any censure would be illegal.  The Premier attempting to bully the speaker is something we NEED to know the facts about.  Sadly the speaker is taking YET ANOTHER decision which eventually benefits the UDP. 

    XXXX

     

  80. Anonymous says:

    mmm Elio the God fearing Christian, perhaps you should read Leviticus 19.32:

    Show respect to the elderly, and honor older people. In this way you show respect for your God. I am the LORD.

     

    What a great role model for young Caymanians

  81. Anonymous says:

    What a wet blanket Elio is!

  82. Anonymous says:

    I read Mr Miller's attached rebuttal, and  it's very restrained and remarkably witty, a change from the pedestrian, vitriolic diatribes and narcotic dronings  that usually emanate from the house. Quite the orator! Yes Sir!

    • Anonymous says:

      It's also grammatically correct, which leads one to surmise it wasn't written by Ezzard at all.

      • Anonymous says:

        We most certainly hope you're not thinking it was written by McKeeva.

    • Anonymous says:

      You are so right, and congratulations, Ezzard. Too bad you didn't see fit to slap Eliar…er Elio in the face too. He obviously is not satisfied being only McKeeva's puppet, but has to out do the rest of them by being a little puppy for all of them.

    • Polly Tricks says:

      Are you sure you read it?  It was pompous, self-congratulatory clap-trap.  It sounded like someone playing at being a politician in bad theatre.

  83. Micky Mouse says:

    Hey all you, please leave Ellio alone. He ain't responsible for his actions. But Mr Alden ain't no push over either, yah nah. He has always walked around with his fists shut and ready to punch you out. Alden will remember those good old fists fights at JGHS back in the 1970's he engaged in so MLAs' don't mess with him!

  84. Anonymous says:

    Foolio deserved it! That’s what he get for driinking all of that green fool-aid!

  85. Anonymous says:

    It's like naughty children in the playground.  Pathetic!  What an example to the youth of our country. 

  86. Dred says:

    You go Ezzard.

    If you started a party you would have my vote for sure. I am sure many would follow me on that accord. At least you have the courage to call a spade a spade.

    • Like It Is says:

      Ezzard's speech was pompous self-important drivel.  He could have said what he said in two paragraphs rather than ranting like a badly coached high school debate team.

      • Anonymous says:

        Like it is, thank God that he speaks better and with more eloquence than you write.  Maybe you should let him give you some lessons. 

      • Dred says:

        Sometimes when dealing with ignorant people you need to repeat and over emphasize things because of the attention spand of some of the listeners and obvious readers also.

        I have no issue with the leangth of the remark considering it's importance to him and his family. He deserved all the time he wanted to state the facts since ignorance brought out the stupid comments to begin with.

    • Anonymous says:

      Calling a spade a spade is one thing – how about Ezzard coming up with some of his own policies though – before you think about annointing him emperor? All i hear are crticisms but no solutions.

      • Anonymous9 says:

        Anonymous 21:30 have you not been paying attention? Every time a member of opposition opens their mouth in the LA they are shot down.

        Why don't you sit in a few times and see what it's like so that you have all of the facts.  It is open to the public.

    • Anonymous says:

      Even though Mr. Miller has some good points and concerns for the general Caymanian populace, he needs to stop the flip flopping and playing 'devil’s advocate' politics. For instance he insists that something needs to be addressed and gives a possible solution. Then he takes a different stance when and complains when the issue is addressed along the lines of his solution, that is called 'SELF CONTRADICTION'. You are an intelligent man Mr. Miller, but many of us in the general public are just as intelligent as you with some being even more intelligent.

      You need to stop trying to gain your personal agenda by playing on the fears of the people, and focus on working with your people/supporters/constituents to assist with turning/jump starting this economy for the benefit of ALL and I mean the entire Cayman Islands.

      STOP TRYING TO DEFLATE THE POSITIVE STEPS THIS GOVERNMENT IS MAKING FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE COUNTRY IN THESE PERILOUS/DIFFICULT GLOBAL ECONOMIC TIMES THAT WE ALL HAVE TO FACE AND COPE WITH.

  87. Free speech says:

    What sort of country censures the press reporting what is said in a legislature? Zimbabwe? Venezuela? Cayman?

  88. Anonymous says:

    Does anyone expect anything different from the mostly uneducated bunch of UDP members?

  89. bald spot says:

    That bald spot is where he drop or where the door hit him?

  90. Can't change boy says:

    You can take the boy out of the city but you cant take the city out of the boy.

    You following your leader too closely, even in the immature behaviour.

    You only got a little spanking this time, so take that as a comeuppance and come back down off your dream cloud and remember where you come from!

  91. Anonymous says:

    Come on Alden, we know you are one of those kettles that look all calm and dandy. People beware!  You say McKeeva is a dictator now… wait until you see Alden (if by ignorance you elect him in again for another 4 years)

    • Anonymous says:

      He should've had some Mr Hurry to plaster his xxx with, and I am sure he would be swimming towards the sunset out in Hog Sty Bay.  Elio is compeletly out of his depths and the 8 other donkeys are smiling and edging the smart mule on.  Cover your tracks and don't let others edge you on to say what they wont.  You should be quiet for awhile.

      Stop trying to belitle people who are better equipped and more intelligent than you.  Alden, try and ignore the lillte pip squeek, and remember you can take the pig from the sty but you cannot take the sty from the pig.  So, continue to work hard for the country and may god give you stronger arms to lift Elio to a higher platform.  He is allowed to to say whatever he wants to and thinks he is in charge.  Teach him manners.

  92. A long time coming! says:

    I remember this lickle upstart burst into the Rooster Studio when a show was taking place with the guest being The Hon. Alden McLaughlin. It seems like this time he opened another door which he should not have and ended up with a "shiner".

    Don't go where you don't belong and keep that door closed and it won't damage you!

  93. Stiffed-Necked Fool says:

    Look man, if the man cannot look where he is going, whose fault is it! It is hard sometimes to see a glass door especially when it is just cleaned! Open those eyes and close your mouth Fop and there will be no problem.

  94. Anonymous says:

    I hope Alden did assault Ellio. It's about time he gets his comeuppance. In the terms my grandfather would have used – Ellio is a brash, upstart young punk with more mouth than brains. And now with his nice fat MLA salary – more money than sense. I hope we will see the back of him come 2013. How he got elected in the first place is completely beyond me. And in the last 2 years, what's he done to deserve his MLA salary? Beyond serve as the UDP mouthpiece on the radio?