Officials announce arrival of UK minister

| 18/04/2012

belly (300x200).jpg(CNS): Local government officials confirmed yesterday that the UK’s Foreign Office minister who has responsibility for the overseas territories will be arriving in Cayman for the first time today. Henry Bellingham MP will be here until 21 April meeting with the premier over the relationship with the UK and some of the challenges facing the Cayman Islands at present, officials said. Bellingham is also scheduled to meet the Leader of the Opposition, senior Civil Servants, a cross-section of business people, representatives of Civil Society and members of the public as well as the media.

“I am really looking forward to visiting the Cayman Islands, which I have heard and read so much about,” Bellingham said. “I welcome the opportunity to meet members of the Government and the wider community face to face during my visit, to see the Islands for myself and to learn more about the Cayman Islands and its people.”

According to a government release Bellingham’s programme will include elements focussed on financial services, business development, law enforcement, the environment and disaster management.

The UK Conservative government minister will also be promoting the forthcoming celebrations for the queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

On Thursday evening McKeeva Bush will be hosting a cultural reception at Pedro St.  James for Bellingham where the UK politician is expected to make a speech.

When he leaves Cayman Bellingham will be heading to the British Virgin Islands and then to Barbados.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    The Petitioners for OMOV should ask the FCO to insist that the OMOV Referendum (a Government initiated referendum)  follow the precedent of the previous Government initiated Referendum on the 2009 Cayman Constitution i.e it should only require a majority of the voters taking part in the Referendum to pass; they should start by bringing this to the attention of the visiting Foreign Office representative.

    • anonymous says:

      cc: Mr. HENRY BILLINHAM   UK MINISTER

       

      Dear Ezzard, Allden, Arden and all opposition,

       

       I,m sure you will aggressively and boldly approach Mr. Billingham while he's here,on the subject of this serious threat of explosives imported in Cayman illegally.
      As our representatives I believe It makes sense for you to request that Mr. Billingham order the Comm of police and the governor to inform the public by press release what happened, and who the individual is. If it is a rich developer then we need to name, shame, and run that crazy ballhead out of town.
      We also need to expose the politician or elected official who is allowed to interfere with the investigation.
      MORE IMPORTANTLY
      Mr. Billingham needs to know that we have a weak governor that in ineffective, and not a good steward of our national security for these three islands. We are unsafe under this governor and his governance needs to be called into question as all this corruption, questions and quary is happening on Governor Duncan Taylor's watch. 
      Ezzard and all opposition, please voice the concerns of the people that we are not satisfied with the RCIP results of investigations that result in a bridge to nowhere with too many missing persons and no arrests nor named persons of interest. If the RCIP name persons of interest it will help in the investigation as anywhere else in the world. More people would come forward with clues and leads to the right culprit that needs to be apprehended.
      Mr. Billingham needs to know that we are totally fedup and disaatisfied with this government regime at the very top as they are more of a disservice than support or protection of the people of the Cayman islands and our overall safety..

  2. Anonymous says:

    From what I can gather from his bureaucrat-speak in another publication, he is coming to discuss government accountability, "reforming regulatory framework", and "good international procurement practices". He apparently also wants to discuss "positive contributions" with a cross-section of "civil society", whatever that is….I hope an interpreter is provided. 

  3. Whodatis says:

    @ Dennie and Anon,

    Interesting indeed!

    What is even more interesting is the way in which these issues are swiftly swept under the rug in the UK (and Europe).

    I cannot think of a more damning report – but it appears that even the media is working under a code of "don't rock the boat too much".

    E.g. Q: How many times is the word "corruption" used in the first linked news report? A: Once! And only at the very end when referring to "… a 1925 anti-corruption law."

    In its place terms such as "access to the PM", "misappropriation of funds", "secret corporate lobbying" etc.

    All of the above boils down to the same dirty little thing – corruption.

    This story broke almost a month ago and I kept waiting for it to 'explode' – but to no avail. Instead, the red herring "scandal" of "UK gov't proposes legislation to alloy it to spy on emails and internet users …" was quickly catapulted to the front pages as an effective distraction – which by the way was evenutally deferred to be debated next year. (Do we now see how the game works?)

    At the end of the day – why would the British oppostion parties sincerely criticize or attack the Tories over this scandal? They know the very same goes on in their party and will continue to take place when they eventually take up their post in the British political game of "pass the baby".

    It is all a scam. Labour or Conservative … they're all rotten to the very core and it matters not who is elected to "power". The elected and representative faces of these parties are nothing but spokespersons for the stinking filth in the background.

    I've been saying this from the very beginning, but I am constantly lamabasted as "anti-UK" etc.

    However, here is the evidence as plain as day for all to see.

    What now?

    • Anonymous says:

      I find it interesting that everytime there is mention of any UK diplomat, representative coming here certain people have to bring up corruption of politicians in the UK. Yet these same people can never discuss possibility of corruption here in the Cayman Islands.

      Let's be honest, there is no need to start discussing English politicians with alleged charges but we clearly have a few commentators that will simply use the mention of 'UK' in an article and begin spreading anti-UK sentiments that are so clealr irrelevant. 

      Yes, we all know historically politics from beginning of time will have some corruption amidst the leaders and followers, in all countries….some are just more prevalent, extreme and obvious. 

      I would like to see the commentators with their agenda to influence or provoke with negative comments about the UK, to actually address the negative influences from political parties in their own country. The fact that this is an OBT does not negate the fact that Caymanian citizens and concerned residents should also voice their views about possibility of corruption and injustice here that can be found in any jurisdiction, even if not on same scale.

       

      • Whodatis says:

        Re: "I find it interesting that everytime there is mention of any UK diplomat, representative coming here certain people have to bring up corruption of politicians in the UK. Yet these same people can never discuss possibility of corruption here in the Cayman Islands."

        You have got to be kidding me!

        Certain people are constantly addressing the allegations and suspicions of corruption in the Cayman Islands because primarily, the fate and future of the Cayman Islands is the primary concern of certain people.

        Certain people regard the UK with the disregard that they so rightly deserve in this regard.

        Certain people realize how blatantly obvious is the fact that an organisation that is corrupt to its very core is incapable of advising another on 'good governance'.

        Certain people reject the established protocol of automatic and mandatory "respect" toward a entity on the basis of mere tradition and rhetoric.

        Certain people suspect that your gripe is more of being placed in an undefendable position and acting all 'butt-hurt' as a result.

  4. Anonymous says:

    To: Wed, 04/18/2012 – 12:08.  We do not need any food item from East End. Do not forget that  he is meeting with Arden on Friday.  That should be enough from East End.

  5. Anonymous says:

    T&C here we come, UK Rule on the table. Mr. E, Mr. M's watchout what you ask for guys.

    • snap shot says:

      Mr. Bellingham should take this opportunity to view the stretch of the proposed West Bay Road to be closed and he would see for himself why the Caymanian public is upset. UK citizens are protective of their land and would see to it that not even 1 foot is lost. Mr. Bellingham please see that we keep our road. If not it will show how much the British Government cares for the subjects of this country

      • Anonymous says:

        We are not subjects; we are citizens.

      • Anonymous says:

        Hey snap shot,

        Sorry you won't get far, asking Mr. Bellingham to do a thing like stopping development here.

        England just approved some of their green belt land to develop, and build 75,000 new homes. The green belt is land preserved for, and wasn't to be touched. Do you realise the boost, this will do to England's economy?

        These are people with a  vision…I only hope Mr. Bellingham blesses this alliance with the Dart family. I will be seeing him tonight, and will ask him to speed up the process.

  6. Naya Boy says:

    The long hard hustle Cayman, that all it is we built it up they come to own it and take it with them.What a shame we only have a few people left to stand up now for us. Belligham and his team running the Cayman islands are not here for us thats for sure.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps someone meeting with Mr. Bellingham could ask if he would instruct the Governor to use his Constitutional powers to ensure that the Anti-Corruption agency gets the funding it needs to end at least the most blatant of politial corruption. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Anon 14:15

      Is that all you have to worry about? the Governor to use his Constituational powers to ensure the  Anti-Corruption agency gets funding? what about the small businesses that are hurting in this country, obviously… you are well off.

      The political corruption will take care of  itself, we NEED HELP!

  8. Whodatis says:

    UDP vs PPM vs Independent … we carry on the infighting amongst ourselves but look at the reality – this is the individual in charge.

    How many of you voted for Bellingham?

    He is to us what Barroso and Van Rompuy are to the UK, and as far as I am aware not many Brits voted for either of them as well.

    Ah boy … "Democracy" – don't ya just love it?

    Regardless, seeing that you're now with us Bellingham, ol chap – whatever became of the recent scandal regarding "alleged" (even though we saw it with our own eyes!) corruption at the very top of your political party (Conservatives) and therefore also the very top of the current British government?

    Tories in 'cash for access' scandal: Party treasurer Cruddas forced to resign after 'selling secret meetings with David Cameron for £250,000'

     
     
    Am I now expected to respect the opinion of this individual or the entity he represents?
     
    * I hope people are waking up to the reality of the world we live in.
     
    • Anonymous says:

      Pit Bull, my old friend, can't you come up with something to stymie this silly poster?

      • Tinking Man says:

        While you at it ask Pit bull and Bellingham what the hell happen to them after Ivan that should get you the same response you need?Go sit down

    • Dennie Warren Jr. says:

      Interesting!

    • kopkings8 says:

      lib, lab, con…. dont be fooled, all do the same thing filling their pockets with as much as they can before anyone notices then they live out the rest of their lives on their rich 'earnings'. our governments are no less corrupt than the 'despots' they like to dispose of.

    • Anonymous says:

      I would rather clear my cats litter tray out, than eat with David Cameron.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. Raffaelle says:

    Free cheese is only found in mouse traps Cayman. Nothing happens by chance Cayman. There are those who are now broke looking to capitalize on those they have sworn to destroy. What he needs to do is remove these useless flunkee's who are doing absolutely nothing out here other than fleecing this place of its economic life blood. Thats what he needs reevaluate and our onesided relationship. That's never going to happen though because all is going accorrding  to plan and he is just making ensuring plan is ok. Yes Cayman the sweet talk of the culprits. To you loyal subjects enjoy your massa's party at Pedro Castle

  10. Stiff-Necked Fool says:

    Please people, ask Mr Henry Bellingham MP, to deeply investigate the illegal importation of dynamite into Cayman and a request by someone "high-up" in the Government for Customs to release the shipment and the subsequent attempts to brush it over and keep it quiet. This is a VERY serious issue and cannot go unpunished. The corruption that continues to happen with no consequences has to be stopped by hook or by crook and we don't care if we end up another TCI, aslong as we are put back on a straight and honest road!

  11. Jonas Dwyer says:

    Rule Brittania Cayman ever ever will be its slaves.

  12. Knot S Smart says:

    Welcome Mr. Bellingham!

    We have a few problems that you need to straighten out, and a few people that you need to 'put in their place'. And dont be distracted by anyone who tells you that 'you are on my turf'.

    And oh. Dont forget while you are here to try the stew conch from West Bay, the yam cake from East End, the turtle stew from North Side, and the oxtail from George Town…

    And we apologize that our 'foot-washing sister' from the Brac is on official business in Tonga, straightening out their people…

    • Delia says:

      I would not bother with the local “cuisine” – it was only stuff to eat when there was no other choice.

      • Anonymous says:

        How ignorant. Some of us enjoy it now purely by choice. Delicious!

      • Anonymous says:

        Maybe we should be like the South Pacific islanders or the original Britains and eat people who don't like our food or us….

    • Anonymous says:

      "…stew conch from West Bay, the yam cake from East End, the turtle stew from North Side, and the oxtail from George Town"

      …or any of the above from East End ; )