Bush takes five to Jamaica for PM’s swearing-in

| 05/01/2012

portia-swear-in.jpg(CNS): The Cayman Islands premier is leading a delegation of Cayman officials that will be among the 10,000 guests invited to watch Portia Simpson-Miller sworn in as Jamaica’s prime minister this afternoon. The ceremony is scheduled for 4pm Thursday afternoon, when the leader of the PNP will be sworn into office following her party’s landslide victory at last week’s general election. According to the Jamaica Observer, there will be six representatives from the Cayman Islands including McKeeva Bush in attendance but CNS has been unable to confirm the details with local officials regarding who the five people accompanying him are or if the visit will include any other engagements.

The ceremony is expected to be a sober affair with horns and other noise makers banned.

"There are two themes for the inauguration, sobriety and national unity," Inauguration Committee chairman Phillip Paulwell told the press in Jamaica yesterday about the ceremony which will take place at Kings House. "We are going to be insisting on order and discipline."

As well as the Cayman Islands six person delegation, officials from the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Cuba headed by a vice president, prime ministers from around the Caribbean, representatives from the Diaspora, officials of the United States Congress, and members of the local business, political, academic and other communities are among the 10,000 guests invited.

Simpson Miller has reportedly mandated that the cost of the ceremony and function be kept to a minimum. "Before the elections, there was an inter-ministerial team that was planning a swearing-in ceremony and they had established a budget of $4.2 million (J$),” Paulwell said. “The prime minister-designate wanted to cut that to $2.9 million. We only settled at $3.3 million because procurement was done before and contracts committed to. But not a cent more, she has insisted."

He added that the reception will only be for the visiting heads and for no more than forty people.

Simpson Miller served as prime minister for 530 days between March 2006 and September 2007 when she lost that general election to Bruce Golding's JLP.

"This time it is different from when I was first sworn in. The first time was from the delegates of the People's National Party. This time, I am going with the mandate of the majority of the Jamaican people who voted in the elections," Simpson Miller told the press this week.

Simpson Miller, whose PNP won 42 of the 63 parliamentary seats on 29 December, is expected to begin revealing the Cabinet posts on Friday and the transition committee chair Dr Omar Davies said the party was on target to have a fully functional government up and running by next week. A former minister of finance and planning in the last PNP administration, Davis said if he could choose his post he would be in charge of “public cleansing”, not a wish to head up the country’s garbage department but to address corruption in the public service.

Go to Jamaica Observer

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Am just wondering if the JLP had won would you Mr. Bush and your party of five would have attend??  I would love to know your answer and I will be waiting for your answer.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I don't have a problem with any Premier going to Jamaica for this occasion. We have very close ties with Jamaica. However, set an example and go by yourself for a day and attempt to show this country that you know how to cut costs. IF you know how to cut costs.

  3. The lone harangued rides again. says:

    Did I miss the G5 pickup at the airport ?

  4. Anonymous says:

    I thought we were broke???????????

  5. Anonymous says:

    Anyone wants to bet that no other Caribbean island sent a 5-man delegation to this ceremony?   Perhaps this trip included a further visit / discussion with their new-found Chinese friends, Elio's presence certainly suggests this.  Of course, with their inability to give a press-briefing of the trip in advance, with details of the delegation, trip and nature of meetings / discussions to be conducted with any party during the trip, we are only left in the dark wondering.  When will Cayman wake up and tell these public officials that they work for us and should report to us before they go flying off on our money?

  6. Anonymous says:

    CNS I am sure the premier did not just go to jamaica for the swearing in ceremony.  Why don't you get all the details before publishes such a one sided headline!! I am sure there are other business meeting the official party is there for!!  This is why there are lawsuits going on now because of these one sided stories and comments that are being allowed under the democracy and free speech umbrella!!

     

    CNS: Are you suggesting that there are lawsuits filed because someone doesn't like the way the news is presented?

  7. anonymous says:

    I am sure Ellio is there to review their "e-government systems" and not really partake in the party!

  8. EYE WITNESS says:

    SEVER COLONIAL LINKS is what she said. She knows what is holding her country back. Some people just can't see the Forest for the Trees but she does. God Bless her.

  9. Anonymous says:

    'ministerial councillor for housing and e-government, Cayman Islands Ellio Solomon'?????

    A wha? A who?

    I gueaa you get new titles when you travel overseas? (even if it is just 45 minutes Southeast)

    LMAO!

    • Anonymous says:

      You obviously do not keep up with the times. Mr. Solomon is ministerial council for housing, e-government, e-business and now ministerial council for the port project. In my country that is equivalent to a junior minister. And in my country we would be proud to have someone like him to represent us. Someone who obviously cares for his people and is always trying to get what is best for them. Keep up the good work Mr. Solomon. May God continue to bless you and walk with you.

  10. John-the-Baptist says:

    Time for healing

  11. Anonymous says:

    Come on McKeeva tighten your damned belt mo! Can't you see that people are sick and tired of reading about you and your cronies jetting around the planet? You could have gone to this with one other person and come back the same day.  Instead you took an entourage of 5 and no-one would be surprised if you're all staying on for a week in a 5 star resort.  Wake up!

  12. Anonymous says:

    It Is a shame when we live in a time where we do not have respect for our Leaders. The premiere is the leader of the Cayman Islands and it is not all the time people should be so critical of his movements.

    Yes! I am sure that times are very challenging, but the same people who are always bashing him if given the chance to be premiere then we would see some of you creating more distruction than what you are complaining about now.

    God Bless our Leaders and cause His face to shine upon them!

    • So.....? says:

      What are you saying, ? he is the lesser of two evils? Ooohh now I feel better..

      I wonder if some of his biggest supporters actually listen to themselves?

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Caymanians need to show more respect for each other. We already have the expats bashing us. Time to stand together as one and stop this foolishness of pulling down each other every opportunity we get.

    • Anonymous says:

      Respect needs to be earned.

  13. Anonymous says:

    PLease do not loose sight that the Premiers ancestors are from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.  The Premier's grandfather is a jamaican.  Therefore his visit to the land of his forefathers is very fitting.

    • Anonymous says:

      Not on company time!

    • Anonymous says:

      My forefathers came from St. Elizabeth.  I need a vacation.  Think my department will pay for me to go to visit my forefathers?

    • Just Sayin' says:

      In Cayman we do not have forefathers. Generally it is more than that.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Just a few short weeks ago the premier was quoted as saying 'cash is King'   I think it was a misquote and probably should have been 'MB is king'.  How an you expect the civil service to tighten spending when it obviously does not seem to appy to the premier.  No one could convince me that this trip is nothing but a pleasure jaunt.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Why send people to the swearing in ceremony? Why not just send a card?

     

    Cost of trip…..$20,000 ++++???? (probably 5 star accomodation).

     

    Cost of a card (a nice one plus postage) ….. $5.00.

     

    Will the personal visit to Jamaica by the UDP politicians benefit Cayman? Auditor General, please evaluate the "value for money" here.

     

    No wonder we are in such a financial mess.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thats about 35K U.S dollars, its not that much considering….

      • Anonymous says:

        "its not that much considering…."

         

        This is the mindset that has led to government financial mismanagement throughout the entire world.

         

        Politicians find it very easy to be generous (especially to themselves) with other people's money.

         

        $35K here. $35K there. It adds up to some serious coin.

  16. Anonymous says:

    3.3 million for a party.

    How many poor Jamaicans can eat from that for a year.

    It appears Jamaica is the same disgusting country as this little rock.

    Corruption and greed all over.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Except you need to divide that figure by 100 (exchange rate) and factor that the bill is being picked up by 3.6 million people that equals 0.009166 cents per tax payer.

      If Cayman's swearing in for a Premier of 50,000 people only costed CI$33,000 (the equivalent value of the Portia's swearing in) I would have been happy.

      Just saying, good to keep things in perspective before you go around criticizing.

    • A REALIST says:

      That is Jamaican dollars and equates to CI 33,000.00 genius. Considering that it catered to 10,000 people that is value for money.

      I seem to remember a Hero's Day event a few years ago costing nearly CI 750,000.00 where not 500 people attended.

  17. Anonymous says:

    McKeeva probably didn't like what she had to say:

    In her inaugural address as Prime Minister of Jamaica, Simpson Miller said her administration will not engage in a blame game but will present the facts to the people based on vigorous analysis.

    She also said her administration will take seriously, its responsibilities to right the wrongs, build trust and restore hope.

    “Jamaica must remain for all, a quality brand which gives citizens from all walks of life an opportunity” she said.

    Simpson Miller also noted that Jamaicans were expecting accountability from her Government and pledged that her administration will be consultative, cordial and committed to cutting out corruption.

  18. Anonymous says:

    You know how much he loves his Jamaicans, especially when they are voting for him, driving him around, cooking his food, and guarding his house.

    • suga says:

      I also like Jamaicans –  i have one that has taken care of my son, she cooks my meals, she does not drive though, I also have one that takes care of my 83 year old grand mother she does nto drive either but she cooks and cleans the fesis from my grand mother.

      I do not vote for a party i mix up my votes – and Mckeeva well he aint my favorite person – but can i ask is it right to really deal with the Jamaicans like that?

      I like them matter of fact I spent my high school years in Jamaica I attend their high school and guess what i learned from living their at a tender age. I learned that competitiveness strives in their contry as ther are patty sellers with masters degress yes beleive it they are also educated.

      I learned that in Cayman my life was easy and i had no competitive skills ior uges due tot he easiness provided for me.

      So i say to you I hope that for your sake you dont have to go to any other country and for your sake which Jamaican has done you wrong? are they all alike? and then again they say all caymaninasre are lazy I wonder if this is tru about you and I.

      what never ceases to amaze me about my own people is their willinienss to be nicer to a foreinger thatn theya re to their own and my people are forever better than other people god has made.

      Caymanians extint form being nice to each other  – hate to see each other succeeed and always pointing a finger yet our own years are fulla glass stones.

      I am thankfurl for the Jamaicna i have to cook guess what she wants her job and guess what else Mckleeva has nto given her any status and guess what else I too love a Jamaican.

      Have a great day!

       

       

       

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Sorry Suga, Jamaican high schools did not produce your poor spelling. And it's not just the typical typos.

      • Anonymous says:

        Unfortunately, you did not seem to learn how to spellor punctuate while at high school in Jamaica….

    • Anonymous says:

      A Caymanian drives the Premier's vehicle.

  19. Mac Daddy says:

    Hope dem ga weeza.

  20. Anonymous says:

    According to today's Jamaica Observer, The Premier and Mr. Ellio Solomon are in Jamaica.

    Story can be found on http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Cayman-premier-here-for-swearing-in-ceremony_10504016

     

    • Anonymous says:

      OMG! This is ridiculous! Anyway, I thought he was JLP? I suppose there is always a price!

    • Solomon Grundy says:

      Surely you don’t mean the same Ellio Solomon of Caypolitics fame? What happened to that website anyhow? I forget.

      • Anonymous says:

        Elliot started the blogging in this country. When blogging was not even cool. Caymanians did not even know what blogging was at the time. Thanks to innovative ideas like his we now have sites like CNS. Only goes to show that a little forward thinking can get this country very far. Keep up the goodwork Mr. Solomon. Don’t listen to the negative remarks people just hate it when other persons succeed in this country. I might be what some may call a ” Johnny- come -lately” but this country could use a few more like you.

    • Anonymous says:

      In spite of the possibility they were ambushed, why were these guys not prepared for the photo-op? The Premier looks like a rumpled casino patron, and Elio the unshaven jean-clad hipster side-kick.

      If Elio is, on the other hand,  going all Brad Pitt on us, we can only encourage him to wear one of those douche-bag toques to cover the 1986 flat-top.

      C'mon lads, this is not a Stag Party. You are on Official Business. Where is the Protocol Officer?

    • Anonymous says:

      Heelio look like he frighten! Just sayin … lol

      • Anonymous says:

        Looks like he is waaaaay out of his depth, check out the jeans too and Mac rumpled pants. Anyone know who else went to this party and spent our money?

    • Anonymous says:

      Let us hope that the Councillor dresses better for the actual ceremony. Was he not the person that had to be reprimanded for dressing poorly with another Polo Shirt when he was a reporter covering the LA from Caypolitics some years ago? This time he has on jeans and it is a more serious event.  Look at how the professional Jamaican ladies dress man. We can say what we want but some of our people can learn a lot from them especially when it comes to protocol.

      • Anonymous says:

        It never ceases to amaze me the insolence of the caymanian people. I suppose if your government officials had dressed to the nines it would have been another issue as well. This Island will never develop much beyond the small minded people living in it. Always hating.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Time for Peace.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Bush is always with his drag net.   He has started the year with travel and no good results.  What can we do to make 2012 a better year than 2011?  Mow/chop the Bush.

    • Theo says:

      You know what the negative comments here are from the nothing to do, reprehensive,irritable,deadbeat,incongruos,malicious,divise and destructive and cannot say anything good bunch of nowhereans.

  23. Anonymous says:

    I see Ellio – Wonderful, Councillor, eGod Almighty…..

    http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Cayman-premier-here-for-swearing-in-ceremony_10504016

     

  24. Anonymous says:

    How come we only hear about this stuff when it's in the foreign press?

  25. A REALIST says:

    Dont hate the player……………..

  26. Stiff-Necked Fool says:

    I know it would not be long!

    Got to get in bed with those in power so jump from JLP to PNP.

    My my, this man never ceases to amaze me. I mean if he had just kept quiet and not let us know how deep his allegence was with Bruce Golding, then we might not think it disgusting now to be "brown-nosing" Portia Simpson-Miller!

    I quess he will be telling the PM that he loved her along!

    • Anonymous says:

      It is simply called international relations. If you don't understand this, then please keep quiet. Not only the big countries have to practice it, us smaller ones need to as well.Or are you one of those who thinks that the world beginsand ends in the Cayman Islands?

  27. Anonymous says:

    Did they all come here when McKeeva was sworn in? Didnt think so, more money wasted as usual.

    Or perhaps a cover story to go visit the Chiney man dem.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes they came here for Mckeeva's swearing in,Jamaica sent a representative and so did the BVI and others!

    • anonymous says:

      Premier of British Virgin Island came to Bush's installation of Premier if I remember correctly as well as a delegation from Jamaica.

      • Anonymous says:

        I sure that their trip to Cayman was announced through the local press. It wasn’t keep secret as if they were doing something untoward. It’s not so much what Mac does, but how he goes about it. When you sneak around, people naturally assume you are trying to hide something. Most politicians would bend over backward for a photo-op and a write up in the paper.

      • Anonymous says:

        Did that delegation include the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister?

        • Anonymous says:

          As I recall it Audley Shaw was here from the JLP who was in power.

    • Dr. Crab says:

      Were you at the swearing in ceremony of  the Hon. Mr. Bush ?? I do not think so or else you would not have made that statement. Sorry Bro try something else.