Mac disputes opposition job
(CNS): McKeeva Bush suggested on Thursday that he should be the leader of the opposition, given that he leads a group of four, as does the PPM leader. Speaking for the first time in the country’s parliament since his government was removed from office via a no confidence motion in December, the former premier found his voice in the chamber again after remaining silent at the last meeting. Bush goaded the PPM leader, Alden McLaughlin, whom he described as the member who was “purporting to be the leader of the opposition,” following McLaughlin’s criticism of him for his failure to consult on legislative amendment. McLaughlin implied it was Bush’s fault that legislators were having to deal with eleventh hour emergency bills for the offshore sector.
While the former premier’s seat may have changed it was very clear that his opinion of the opposition leader had not. Speaking from his new position on the opposition benches he claimed that McLaughlin should not have the audacity to criticise what he did as the financial services minister after the opposition leader had got Cayman on the OECD grey list when he had responsibility for the sector while in government.
Bush questioned whether McLaughlin had the right to be the official leader of the opposition as he only led four members in the same way that Bush now led the four remaining UDP members in the Legislative Assembly. “I don’t know if he is the leader of the opposition or whether I am, as I have four members,” the former premier and first elected member for West Bay said.
The opposition leader who was addressed as such by the speaker said in a later debate that the issue raised by Bush was a constitutional matter. McLaughlin said the proceedings couldn’t go on when a question remained over who was actually the leader of the opposition. He pointed to section 68 of the constitution where it defines the opposition leader as essentially the person who commanded the most support from a combination of members outside of the government. He implied that he was that person and was therefore not in an unconstitutional position. However, he invited anyone who believed he was to read the document.
The speaker noted that she had received nothing from the governor, whose remit it was to appoint that position, to suggest that the current opposition leader wasn’t in the role constitutionally.
The row regarding who was the real opposition leader came about during the debate on one of three pieces of emergency legislation. The bills relating to Cayman’s offshore sector were brought by Rolston Anglin in his new position as the minister for financial services. Alden McLaughlin pointed out that the amendments were a result of the previous premier’s failure to properly consult with the offshore sector. Although he said the opposition was supporting the bills, the legislators ought not to have found themselves rushing legislation through the House to meet an important OECD deadline of 21 January.
He said there had been a clamour of representations to the governor’s office when the original amendment laws were passed last August, objecting to the bills and berating the lack of consultation. He pointed out that Cayman was in danger of falling foul of the latest OECD peer review if the laws weren’t amended with haste, and the jurisdiction could fall short of meeting regulatory global compliance standards.
“I would have expected that the former premier, the first elected member and who had responsibility for these, would have taken the opportunity to explain what went wrong,” McLaughlin said. In response, Bush angrily denied that anything had gone wrong and began goading the opposition leader about his job.
He said he had not planned to speak on the issues regarding the amendments to the financial services laws but as the third elected member for George Town had used the opportunity to take him to task for something he didn’t do, he was going to speak. Bush said that despite saying he was going to be consolatory he wasn’t going to be berated and allow people to tell lies on him. “When it comes to legislation that was needed in this country I followed my advisors,” he said pointing to the financial services secretariat and financial councils he had set up. He denied being at fault over the emergency legislation and stated that his record in office spoke for itself, as he was the one who had restored confidence to the industry. He said that despite everyone ‘running to the governor about everything’, the good he had done for the country and his record in office could not be erased.
He said the person purporting to be the opposition leader should be the last one to get up and talk about problems with financial services legislation, adding that it was McLaughlin who had previously caused Cayman to be on the OECD grey list. He said that when he was premier he was forced to travel extensively to get Cayman off it, and he had been “criticized, cussed and blamed,” as he improved Cayman’s standing in the financial world while his predecessor had lost the country business. “And he has audacity to come here this afternoon to try to chastise me,” he added.
Bush said that as far as he understood there had been lots of consultation but people would always complain. He said that with what else that was going on, he did not know everything about who had approached the governor to say what, but they appeared to have gone to him about everything else, hinting at his arrest before Christmas and his stated position that the governor is behind the conspiracy against him.
Bush was bailed in December by police and is expected to be questioned further in connection with several criminal investigations in February.
Category: Politics
Mr.Bush, please stop making a fool of yourself and retire from public life. You need to concentrate on your upcoming trial and face up to the possibility of being imprisioned at Northwood if the allegations against you are proved in court. You were removed from office for good reason. Try and act like a mature adult for a change. Your histrionics are impressing nobody who has any sense.
I do believe that if Mack goes to prison he will be carrying others with him.
"He denied being at fault over the emergency legislation and stated that his record in office spoke for itself, as he was the one who had restored confidence to the industry. He said that despite everyone ‘running to the governor about everything’, the good he had done for the country and his record in office could not be erased".
Nothing changes:
Mac denies being at fault.
His record certainly speaks for itself (the first and worst Premier).
Sadly, his record in office could not be erased.
Now he's talking to himself! Or is that one vote you Foolio?
Love the "Connor was nuttin in Mobile" comments 🙂
Oh, is it just me or does the speaker of the LA seem always ready to pounce…er.."correct" Alden, Ezzard, Arden and others (not that they may not need it at times) but she allows Mac to say and do whatever he feels?
Seems the next position in the LA that urgently needs a change is that of the speaker!
Absolutely – there have been far too many incidents in the LA which have appeared questionable.
Note to the Republic!! It’s time for him to go……there has been enough damage done!!
The last time I saw Mac as angry as he was on TV last night was when Charles Clifford turned the country against him in 2005 and caused his and the UDP's election defeat.
Mac was fuming last night. He is a man that cannot survive without power. I wonder how much different Alden is ? I sense not much different other than educationally wise.
"A drowning man, will cling to a straw"! Well Mac sinking, and fast, but he still holding on to that straw as he don't want to give up on the POWER he had and give up that priviledged lifestyle! Poor soul, but if I was near him I would pull the straw from him and make him see the reality – he done sink!
You don’t need to wonder. Alden and the Progressive have not been in power since the last election. Whether you agree with their positions or not, Alden and the other Progressives in and the out of the LA have conducted themselves with dignity and decorum. Contrast that to McKeeva in and out of power!
Let’s work together for a better Cayman with Real Leaders.
Mac's behaviour reminds me of King Louie from the Jungle Book song.
Mac reached the top and had to stop.
Alden, Mac wants to be like you-ooo-ooo.
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JDzlhW3XTM
Take this as a compliment.
Mac kinda looks like King Louie, too…
The gall of this fool! Such a clown. This made me laugh so hard I nearly choked! He knows no shame.
Why does the Speaker allow MacHighjinks to create these side-shows to waste everyone's time? She should have corrected him instantly and moved on.
The Governor has not changed the Leader of the Opposition and it appears that everyone knows this except Mac (and maybe Foolio). Mac has zero credibility left and is just grasping for straws like the desperate man that his is.
We should all ignore him and get on with the business of the country done to get our economy moving again.
Why you ask? She’s a Mckeeva appointee!
Miss Mary he is just crying out for any kind of title that he can have before his name, please bestow on him "Dishonourable leader of Nuttin" and he will shut up. Nothing suits him better and it will make him happy. By the way, has Ms Julie moved to west Bay? Why I'm asking is because there is a sign on a house in Boltins Avenue that says, "Premiers' Residence".
Don’t worry Mac. According to the Government website facts page you are still Premier!
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481287&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Why wouldn’t it surprise me if you are still pulling the same salary as before to got booted?
Lighten up – the Leader of the Opposition post pays better than the post of former Premier. Who knows may be the real estate consulting business is not so profitable when a person is no longer in control. If that is the case mayby it isrough having to get by on a few tens of thousands per month with an election coming. Gift giving is expensive.
Like that crazy ex that just won’t go away…
Why are not seeing more discussion regarding his travel and "personal days" CNS published that he spent over 400 days of his term globe-trotting. That's more than the leaders of USA, Canada, China, etc.!! We still don't know how much all of that travel cost. Why is he even allowed back into the LA building?? When someone is fired from a firm–they can't go in the next day and sit back at their desk!!
The goverment left in place until May are clones of Mac! How can the voting people of Cayman be OK with a deputy premier who pled guilty to drunk driving/driving under the influence xxxxxxx. What kind of message does this send to the young Caymanians since he is still the Minister of Education?? There an old saying in business "it all comes down from the top" Well, when the top is corrupt and committs crime–it's no wonder why younger people follow suit–especially when they can keep their jobs and not face punishment for their actions. The Governor should have called for immediate elections and not let Mac's cronies stay in power. I hope the people of Cayman really take a hard look at the persons running for office and make sure they are educated, experienced and law-abiding.
I agree with your post except for the part that says:
"The Governor should have called for immediate elections and not let Mac's cronies stay in power".
If the Governor had called for immediate elections, (ten weeks is the legal minimum), Mac would have remained Premier until then.
The Governor did exactly what was needed at the time.
If he was leader of the opposition could he still keep his "Premier's Residence" sign in front of his West Bay home. Maybe he would have two; the Premier one and an Opposition one.
Mac, I might be wrong but I think you become leader of the opposition by forming a party and winning the second highest number of votes, not by destroying theparty that won the highest number of votes, getting arrested and turning the entire country south of West Bay against you!
South or East? 🙂 Either way, I agree with the rest of your comment.
I agree with one correction: the UDP won the highest number of MLA’s, but the Progreesives/PPM won the highest number of votes nationally.
Not just south of West Bay, a good portion of West Bay too.
This man really need to just shut up and go home. Hopefully he is only still in government because the next elecetion hasn't arrived yet and when it does, i pray that the people from the republic see what a mess he has made of this country with his currupt ways and look past the new Whirlpool appliance. What a joke.
Really Leader of Opposition ! Oh I’m sure you would like that. The very sound of your voice makes us nauseated. Do us all a favour and Stay Out of politics. We are now aware of what you have become and we have had enough of your self servIng arrogance while disgracing the Cayman and WE the people. Your day will come. Heard of Karma ? I honestly would like you to not even be in the house ever again. Try farming or I hear they have a special on one way tickey to China going cheap and yes we could help you with such a purchase and take Foolio with you. Sick and tired of listening to your so negative comments. Admit it your done and thanks for nothinhg for WE the People who have difficulties for feeding our families. AMF.
Mac continues his psychotic need to be in power some how some way.
How does it feel to be a no body now keke? The higher you are the harder you will fall!
You better start pan handling from now you & foolio for lawyer fees lol!
Braca
Actually, this tempest in a teapot is good for the country.
The more they argue about this silly ego stuff, the less damage they can do to the country through legislation.
Spew on McKeeva.
It is terribly sad that bush cannot see that like the “Alpha Male” in a wolf pack who no longer has the authority to justify his position, he has been driven out, and no matter how much he howls – nobody is listening….
Mac the alpha male – have you had a good look at his very clean hands?
Now that one is really funny…
Thats right Mac tell them how it go!! You got my vote come may!!
Sorry Mac, you'll never get elected on one sickntired wote.
One of my prep-school teachers in the UK sixty odd years ago used an expression which perfectly suits this ignorant man – ” Empty vessels make the most sound “
There's always one!
Mr. Bush – You crossed the floor. In a parliamentary democracy in the Westminster system you took a serious step: You walked away, you changed allegiance. But you walked away from your own party of which you were the leader. You are, as far as anyone is aware, the only politician ever to formally throw a tantrum and storm out on yourself!
We now have a situation where you have somehow put yourself in opposition against your own government, your own policies and your own stinking xxxx shambles that you created. And you want to be the leader of the opposition? -Opposition to what? to yourself? Students of political science will read about this for decades to come. I believe, and hope, that we are finally at the dawn of political maturity in these islands – will they even believe in years to come that someone like you ever got to power in the first place?
. The Premier suffered a vote of No confidence, brought by the Oppostion and supported by his then loyal colleagues. If they did not stand with him, what else could he do other thanfollow the correct posture and one which he took was to cross the floor, or is that hard for you to underestand. On the question of The Leader of the Opposition, this subject is indeed one which the framers of the constitution could be be kicked on, but should not be as one cannot anticipate all possible events that can occurr in a growing community.
So you crossed the floor, engage brain before putting your hands on the key board, before you get arrested for stupidi.
Wrong. Mac crossed the floor before the vote was held. He could have chosen to keep his party together and support the new govt.
There is nothing wrong with the constitution's provisions re appointment of the leader of the opposition.
If stupidity was a crime, both you and Mac would be doing life without the chance of parole.
The problem is ALdon has never been to Mobile what does that make him????????
The Leader of the Opposition?
LIke connor in MObile a" nuting/nobody"
After hs pay cut, he now wants the Leader of the Opposition pay check
Guy is unbelievable
and brought confidence in the FS industry? it was Bush that tried to tax FS industry expats without any consultation or thought about the ramiifications, it was Bush that increased the size of the civil service, while all advise was to rein in the spending, he then wasted money on Cohen, KLF and his other dodgy deals. He effectively doubled fees on the FS industry and WP's almost destroying the FS sector, while torism is at a new low and he attempts to shut down one of the main hotels on the island all because of his mate's loss of face
Bush has been the WORST thing that ever happened to Cayman including Ivan!
I like Big Mac. Big Mac is an honest politician – that is what his lawyer says. Big Mac lost his title and wants another one. Titles are important to him. When I lost my reading ribbon I also cried. Mac wants to be the Leader of Opposition but Bad Boy McLaughlin opposes him. I do not like Bad Boy McLaughlin. I heard he is a bully. He slaps peoples. Men don't slap peoples – gurls do. Gurls also scratch – they are mean. BBM is mean. I wonder if BBM scratches. He is blustery and full of hot, puffy air. Big Mac is not. Big Mac is filled by doodoo. Lots of it. That's what my daddy says. I like doodoo, so I like Big Mac.
You are still growing up. Seems like you have not learnt to potty train
Mac wants to be Leader of the Opposition because it pays more than he is currently receiving, and Ellio's appeals on his behalf have fallen on deaf ears and empty pockets.
Mac needs to take down the "Premier's Residence" sign from in front of his West Bay compound.
And the fence, guard house, security! Or at least have Mac reimburse govt
and in install it in Cell Bock Z in Northward!
Just put EX in front of it.
4 am tonight. Bring your black felt tip marker. See you there.
He should keep it up and add "FIRST" to it. You will never be able to take that from him you haters.
You mean worst right?
Yes, but it takes something away from Cayman to have to admit that. It makes us look stupid as a people.
,,,and have to put it back up soon
…at Northward.
Bwoyyyyy….. if my daddy was still around, he would have tied a rope around it and dragged it down the street.
Connor was nothing in mobile for the record. anyone that doesn’t know the old saying , sorry to hear that Mac.
Um….the Governor just reappointed the government…as he didn’t see it fit to change the Opposition Leader or Deputy Opposition Leader at that time, I think we know where he stands on this issue.
CNS,what's up with the small print.Really hard on my poor old eyes.
CNS Note: Don't know….but i think i fixed it…..
You fixed it CNS, thanks.
If McKeeva Bush wants to be the Leader of Opposition, let him try to claim the minority majority by bringing Arden McLean or Ezzard Miller into his fold. Until he can do that, he needs to shut the hell up! In fact, I’m positive the large majority of residents would love to never hear another word from the mouth of McKeeva Bush.
This is life imitating art, right?
Go to get back into power to keep the brown envelopes coming in order to keep the bad guys away. Got behind once and it wasn't pretty.
Looking forward to the movie that exposes everything that no one is willing to talk about.
Cayman Twisted
Mac needs to understand that he is now the same thing that Connor was in Mobile…
Do not worry Al, he will not be around for much longer, & no one can legislate from Northward!
Nuttin?
Does anyone know if the tissue transplant legislation was voted on today?
I miss Marius too.
"When it comes to legislation that was needed in this country I followed my advisors,” he said pointing to the financial services secretariat and financial councils he had set up. He denied being at fault over the emergency legislation and stated that his record in office spoke for itself, as he was the one who had restored confidence to the industry."
Well as someone in the FS Industry let me tell you Mr Bush that you have done absolutely NOTHING to restore confidence in the industry. To the contrary, you have crippled it with fees and merely taken credit for anything positive that came from extensive work by others in the industry who have fought tooth and nail to try and maintain confidence and encourage businesses and investors to stay here. Many prospective investors have gone elsewhere because they found the cost of doing business here excessive.
agreed 100%. the first thing this govt should consider doing is reducing some of the ridiculous fees. Then why not give us all a break and reduce the duty on fuel PLLLLLEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEE!
"Many prospective investors have gone elsewhere because they found the cost of doing business here excessive."
Mr. Bush this is a true statement, you and your developer cronies like Ken and Bob Dart and Mike Ryan are sponging off of the financial industry fees and hard workign Caymanians because the developers do not pay their way becasue you give them all kinds of duty and fee waivers.
All that Dart is doing what a developer needs to do to develop a property for his own benefit, and of course in some instances to corrupt the minds of some with "free" events – opium for the masses to control / buy their minds.
Tell us their names and then well belive you. IF you dont then well know its the old age trying to fight GOvernments into submission to get your way. Dat gwan stop soon bredren, Take warning, respect ya fella man as you should,
Mac go home and lie down. Your time is up and you have shown that you can't lead anyone out of a wet paper bag.
Was he duly elected by the voters in the district of West Bay?
Who me, Not Me $$$$$$$$$$ ?????????
Oh it's your advisors fault now.
No not me, who me, not me it's them.
Why blame me for getting just about everything
wong.
Cayman Islands wake up you all may not be asleep
but most of you have been drowsey for far too long.
It"s time to put These Islands 1st., FIRST.
SHUT UP !!!
Reading this sounds like an argument I overheard between two children in a sandbox last week, except that the words are bigger. Do these two children not have something better to contribute to the Legislative Assembly?
You took the words right outa my mouth!
You mean the big words?:)
I have to disagree. I saw nothing childish in McLaughlin's comments.
Im taking my licks like a man Mac now you take yours…. What goes around comes around, Memba dat!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to Third-World politics.
My sympathies go out to all the Caymanians and ex-pat residents of the islands who are being embarrassed by these childish antics.
“Finding his voice again” …. Lord I know he gave you millions, but I will do my best to match those funds if you will please, please silence him.
McKeeva Please sit down xxxx You are done! You are NOT the Premier and you are NOT the leader of the Opposition. You actually are nothing and your 15 minutes of fame on the clock actually ran out a few weeks ago so go home and watch Cayman forge ahead without you on TV. Am I clear?
No sah! Is he really that power hungry?