PPM reveals last man
(CNS): The opposition party has reached its full target of fifteen candidates that PPM Leader Alden McLaughlin had promised the PPM would field in this year’s race for office. The announcement that Dalkeith Bothwell was joining the West Bay platform means the Progressives are contesting all four seats in the district recently described by McLaughlin as “fortress McKeeva”. Bothwell was revealed as the PPM’s fourth man in West Bay and the fifteenth candidate on the national slate at the Progressive conference on Saturday, where some 500 people went to hear what the PPM would be promising on the campaign trail.
Fielding the largest group of candidates in the general election on 22 May, the PPM said from the get-go they would not offer up candidates to challenge former PPM member Arden McLean in East End or the incumbent in North Side, Ezzard Miller, as they were happy to work with both those popular candidates, who are expected to be returned to the LA.
The party also said that it would not field a second candidate in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, where the party’s deputy leader, Moses Kirkconnell, is currently the first elected representative for the district and expected to be returned again with a significant majority.
However, McLaughlin had committed to contest every seat in the three larger districts. As a result, fourteen men and one woman were formally presented to the party faithful at a well-attended and upbeat conference at the Family Life Centre on Saturday.
Bothwell has been a member of the PPM since its inception and was instrumental in establishing the first West Bay branch office for the party recently. He ran for office in the district in 2005 with the West Bay Alliance, a group of candidates associated with the PPM but that fell short of being full party members — a tactic which the Progressives believe was a mistake as the PPM won every seat it contested that year. Bothwell polled just over 28% of the vote in the 2005 and was absent from the race in 2009.
Despite the chain of events since former premier McKeeva Bush’s arrest in December, the 11 charges which were later laid against him, as well as the split in the UDP, the West Bay fight will still be a tough one for the Progressives. Nevertheless, the opposition is hoping that, given all of the current circumstances, it can break the hold which the UDP has had on the district since its formation and Bush’s own seemingly unwavering popularity for many years.
Bush and his West Bay candidates — incumbent Captain Eugene Ebanks, and recently confirmed new candidates Bernie Bush and Velma Powery — are facing a potential split vote with current cabinet ministers Roslton Anglin and Cline Glidden, who are planning to run as a new separate team in opposition to the UDP.
The PPM candidates are also facing a split vote. The two C4C candidates and at least one other independent on the ticket are likely to take some of Bush’s opposition votes, resulting in a split that will go in the UDP leader’s favour. As a result, breaking "Fortress McKeeva" will still prove a difficult challenge for the PPM.
However, all of the candidates received a boost on Saturday with an endorsement from Norman Bodden, who supported the UDP during the 2009 election. But this time the former minister, who served twelve years as a member of the Legislative Assembly, commended the Progressive platform as he encouraged everyone to use their democratic vote at this election.
Along with the presentation of the fifteen Progressive candidates and the settlement of the party executive and administrative issues, McLaughlin delivered a speech setting out the broad based policies of the PPM if the party is returned as the next government, as well as the primary focus of restoring confidence and integrity to government.
Check back to CNS later for more from McLaughlin’s presentation.
Category: Politics
Dear PPM,
Saw this quote and wanted to share!
"People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election".
I could not help but think of ya'll. Fits unna to a T.
A Caymanian and non-supporter of the PPM.
So many votes, so few people worth voting for, so many people getting elected for so few people voting.
Here is our selection:-
8 pieces spicy
3 regular
2 BBQ
2 fries
1 coleslaw
1 liter of fizz
Oh and for dessert we’ll eat the receipt.
Thanks and this is to “go”.
I like Dalkeith. He has been a part of his community forever. I respect that. From emergency situations, to local football games. He was there. Thats what we should be aware of when voting, to look for people who really care to be associated with their roots. Forget the accolades and degrees. What we need is not just paper intelligent, but physically involved leaders who really know the constituents they are asking for votes from. I have seen a few heads popping out of their comfort zones looking for support. And AGAIN there they are, with the smiles, reassurances and bull caca promises of “I’ll help if you elect me”. Which by the way makes me ponder the thought, what happens when I tell them “I didn’t vote for you”. What? Your going to outcast me from the district?? Humble thyselves candidates and maybe you’ll get more respect from the powerful majority of regular people who rule this game. And please speak things which don’t contradict what we know is not the way you live or what you truly advocate. We will know the difference and this election you risk being embarrassingly exposed. Especially with the ease of blog postings on social media it could affect more than just you, it could affect your kin folks too. So keep it open and honest cuz this election will take courage. But again, I feel Dalkeith is a good choice. He never just showed back up to help out, he was always was there extending a helping hand. And also he is an avid campaigner who has been studying and learning the ropes from his mentors. Well seasoned candidate. I wish him victory this go around. We need old school leadership like he’s.
I have never voted PPM or UDP, rather for individuals with a mind of their own (not sheep). But, sorry PPM, simply having less accusations of corruption does not make you the best option.
PPM accelerated the economic down turn, UDP accomplished next to nothing and was an embarrassment, why should I not vote for C4C or independent candidates? Truly, these are proven professionals and business people, they wouldreally have to try hard to do a worse job than either of the established parties.
Because C4C is controlled by the same old UDP supporters.
Professionals and business people don’t necessarily make good representatives of the people. Can you really imagine Jude relating to the people? They live in ivory towers and have little understanding of the issues the common man faces. “Let them eat cake”.
correct. Like how one person who declared weeks ago is still trying to be west bayerish and finally started talking to people she didn't even speak to in years. they want to be known as a local now. election should be in april when the rainy weather brings out crabs like them. try and sit down about care for us. if they care so much where they been all these years we needed them? So dont be fooled by them using big words we want big action.
She is actually about the best of the C4C group.
There is a world of difference between the PPM and the UDP when it comes to honesty and integrity and not simply a matter of having "less accusations of corruption". As for accelerating the downturn that is pure nonsense. If the PPM had not stimulated the economy with its projects we would have been in far deeper recession with higher unemployment. Ask yourself what the Obama Administration did when it came to power in the recession. Did it cut spending, or did it bail out the auto industry and major banks?
C$C? Don't me me laugh. Some of those are simply opportunists. Take Winston Connolly for example he was right in the middle of the UDP camp discussing running with them in 2009. Notice that his focus is now on criticising the PPM, not the UDP although it is the UDP that has been in govt. for the past 4 years. I have no doubt he would side with McKeeva to form a govt. if elected. Don't be fooled, my people. If they have even a whiff of UDP DO NOT vote for them. If they have only resigned from the UDP in the last few months forget them.
Can you imagine the humiliation this country will face if they put McKeeva back as premier when his criminal trial is on its way?
Some are sheep in wolves clothing, beware, I saw what I didn't want to see and didn't understand what I should've.
Dalkeith will make a good MLA. He is fearless and loves his district and people. He has my family vote for sure. I also like Ray – solid person with good ideas for really helping West Bayers. Woody and Capn Bryan are fighters who willfight in he trenches with Dally and Ray for al Caymanians. Its time for a Progressive West Bay MLA. UDP have been a disapointment and I aint voting for any Caymanians for Cash candidates.
Lets go Tara!!!
Lets go Mervin!!!
Lets go Woody!!!
Lets go Capt Bryan!!!
Yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!
Yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!
‘Captain’ Bryan and Kenny G-string = 2 reasons not to give the PPM a single vote
as a west bayer I have to say I only know 2 of these people woody and bryan. the other 2 must have been hiding out. Wow must be election time so welcome to our district. FAKES.
West Bayers I beg yah, change those croonies you have in the Government now. You must have learnt your lessons by now. Do not be fooled any longer, make that CHANGE. Vote PPM.
McKeeva relax now and give someone else a chance. You have done enough damage to these Islands. You have made enough money, Please sit down now and shut up. Your style of politricking is no longer wanted in these Islands. Take it easy now man!
Why is it that politicians and hopefuls that join the race are more friendly and outgoing to the man on the street during election time? I have encountered four hopefuls and 2 incumbents lately and they were all over me likes flies on a dead iguana. Why can’t they behave this way all the time? I guess I know the answer to that! If all politicians behaved that way during the four years they were in power wouldn’t that be nice. If they stopped to give you the time of day all the time then they would be more endearing to their electorate. I’m only saying!
As a proud PPM member & supporter from the beginnig I was very pleased, overjoyed, with the great success of our annual Conference on Saturday night, & I am very proud of the team of candidates assembled for the May elections. However I am VERY DISAPPOINTED with the childish antics in two instances & the utter digraceful vindictive & dictatorial acts in another, by the so called C4C. Believe me, if this is the type of dirty, childish & vindictive behaviour of a party, sorry, group, that wants to govern our country then we do not want them. I know it is easy for mouth to say anything without backing it up, but they know of the especially terrible vindictive actthat they supported this past weekend. The financially backed disruption of the Progressives GT meeting on Thursday night was BAD, & the paid planting of C4C flyers on all the vehicles in the parking lot of the Family Life Centre at our annual Conference was childish & stupid, but the vindictive act & threat to one of our member's future & livelihood is as disgusting & low an act as is possible, & as bad a threat as any threat given by a politician ever in Cayman's political history. We do not need these types of people running our country, & it may not be all of their candidates involved, but the acts are still done by the C4C of which they are "endorsed"!! I was told by a high ranking C4C member & "backer" that the disrupting of our PPM meetings is "like what my brother, best friend & I used to do" at political meetings so we must accept it. I told him that yes I agree that we used to disrupt polical meetings in the 1980's when we were young & immature, but what we did when we were young & immature in the 80's the C4C is doing in 2013 & it is being supported & paid for by big, mature people with supposedly plenty of cash to throw away. (We were NEVER ever paid to do anything disruptive, we were NEVER paid to do anything wrong, & we NEVER paid anyone to do anthing wrong either). These acts by grown & supposedly mature people is sad. I suggest that the C4C concentrate on their own "party" & the candidates they endorse & pay less attention to the success & popularity of the Progressives candidates. They could, however look & learn at the professional way in which the Progressives & our candidates conduct themselves, not only at yard "greet & meet" gatherings, but at the success of events like our annual Conference & life in general. Stop acting like your former colleagues, the UDP, because you should see where that got them. Try BEHAVE nah!
Christopher Wight
PROUD member & supporter of the Progressives (PPM)
I thought it was bad enough that all this poliTRICKS by the Coalition for Cayman is going on, but it is very disheartening to see that there are 29 people who support the uncouth & sickening behavior, or lack there of, of some of their people by putting thumbs down to this distressing post. Come on C4C you are making yourselves look ridiculous & power hungry, it is not doing you any good to continue on this way. Your group is looking bad, you should be above that. The antics are bad & the support of it is equally so. Is this what you are asking the Cayman people to support? I hope not.
As a West Bay voter, I'm not impresed by the bickering + the blind 'vote-splitting' instead of a focused approach by all!
Im saving my "X" for Mr. Curvell!
I made it my business to visit both party conventions on Saturday & it was like "night & day" and "chalk & cheese"! If I have to vote judging on the production & presentation on the respective conventions then my mind is made up. The PPM are far & above a much more organized & professional outfit than the pathetic UDP. Add the question of corruption rampant within, then have I have no hesitation on voting for the PPM, & please don't mention that other group, party, organization, whatever, because they simply cannot make up their mind.
The PPM and UDP parties are failing to lead the blind up the garden path.People are starting to realise that govt by the accepted two party system is a farce.The PPM and UDP are power bases and we pretend we elect representatives to parliament.Whoever the PPM or the UDP are they have hijacked our parliament.They virtually control entry to parliament and take power in turn.Media is concerned about them like they are institutions of our democracy.In theory we should have better govt without them.
Understood. Just like the "merchant class" has formed the C4C so that they can have the power. They walk like , Talk like and smell like a party. They just will not admit it. So now where does that leave us?
So you prefer the "we're not a party, no matter what the election law says" party or a true independent who will have to make a deal with someone to help form a government?
Listen……whether C4C is a party or not doesn’t bother many voters as we are all too happy to have an alternative to the PPM and UDP. Both parties have failed this country miserably and there will be no different after May 22 if either team retained majority. So Cayman, you have an alternative, use your vote wisely.
Not all of us are ready for group that will deceive us about their true identity. They have lost integrity in my book.
We do have an alternative now yes. So I agree use your vote WISELY and don’t vote red or green but vote for leadership
I like your “in heory we should have better government”. Facts are facts – the UDP have been untrustworthy. ihe PPM implemented freedom of information and in 2005 changed the way that Governments aproached accountability – for the better I would add. There is a Party that has kept their
promises and that was the PPM Govnment. I will vote PPM/ Progressives in May. No UDP since they have been a faailure. No C4C since I cant really see what they are about and cannot see who is the puppet,asters and financiers. They are lying to me and I dont trust liers. Simple.
I will vote PPM in West Bay.
Trying to tie the PPM and UDP together? ah boy its amateur hour.
Excellent speech from The Progressive's Party leader, with good ideas and ways to improve the conditins of these Islands. I am a PPM supporter but I must say this was the best speech I have heard Mr. Alden give for a long time. Here is a man of Integrity, accountability and well educated and truly have these Islands at heart, for love of country and a better way forward. The guest speaker was very inspirational and his story of his life was so touching, it brought tears to my eyes. God guide these Progressives and give them all the success they deserve.
What Ideas, all i heard we're more empty promises but no ideas of how to implement them. They may as well have said vote for us and we will make every Caymainian rich,,
Learn to spell.
Learn some manners
OK.Please learn to spell.
Haaaa! Now that was a cool reply! LOVE it!
There were Policies stated and not just empty promises. You must have been at the UDP conference. Every one there heard important issues with specific positions and policies put forward. What specific, rather than vaue, positions are you hearing from the C4c? None that I can see. The udp, whatevere form they take, may put forwrd solutions but They cannot be believed in my view.
Good work Alden and the Progressives. You will have my votes. At least I will know ahead of time what your policies are and who wil be the leader. I like what I have seen and heard so far.
I dont want UDP leadership and the c4c are refusing to say who will be the leader if they win and also who will be making decisions beind the scenes.
I see Frank McField was in court, again, today.
What is with these Political parties:
PPM has Kenneth
UDP has Mac (and Rolston until he got boot)
And Frank well, he starting to live up in court house.
What a joke none of the ppm candidates can win and deserve to win a seat in West Bay
If they don't because they won't buy your vote, that's OK.
Dalkeith? Really I thought PPM supported him in the last election he he lost…They must be desperate. If I was a betting man i would bet on a horse that had at least won a race or at least had the ability to win one..
Not impressed!
Dalkeith did not run in the last election. Do you really expect the PPM to support the UDP or "UDP in denial" candidates who have won the last four elections? Really?
Still waiting for solutions from Alden and the PPM(Poor People Mistake).
You need to listen but you obviously don't. A lot of very sensible solutions were proposed by the PPM members, exec and MLA's and were spoken of by Alden. I guess you want your cronies back in West Bay so that you get your fridge. Keep drinking the green kool aid.
After 4 years of the C4C inspired UDP government lots more poor people this year to vote PPM
Here we go West Bay!
You have the chance you have been waiting on to finally get some great representation from a real team of honest, intelligent, capable and compassionate people – the Progressives.
Dont be fooled by the nonsense that you will lose this or that – you only stand to gain for you, your district and the Country!
The PPM gave you more in their four years without any representation in West Bay than you have had for 28 years under the control of Mr Bush. You need to think about who can really deliver for you and it wont be anyone that will possibily be leaderless in short order.
Thank you for providing the most amusement of the day!! Have not seen anything so funny since Mac said he was innocent.
how about revealing some definitive policies???
14 men and 1 woman? Well by golly they sure made a gender equality effort and showed us they are not part of the old boy network….not….nope sorry PPM and U D P my six votes go to none of you. Oh and by the way how was the West Bay Alliance group different than C4C? Uhm candidates not really a party but supporting a party or endorsed by a party huh not much difference? Mr.Norman you have my complete respect but in this case I can’t agree with a PPM line up especially in GT. Oh please just give us a slate of no party candidates the top 8 get in (Brac, LC, NS, EE, BT, GT, WB , Savannah/ Newlands) and they are the council then any candidate who wants to be Premier (Mayor in my book) you run on a separate ticket, everyone casts two votes one for a council member one for Mayor oops sorry, Premier and away we go, no more ministries with sub ministries and departments and sub departments just department heads headed up by educated people qualified for the posts….sigh I live in a dream world I suppose.
Many of us women were approached to run with the PPM. It is more difficult for a working woman with a family than it is for a man, particularly if she is a single parent. Some of us will run next time when our children are older but make no mistake, the PPM wanted more women to run, especially in West Bay.
While appreciating your comment what about the other districts? Are you telling me all the districts did not have women the PPM could have put forth including NS and EE? Sorry that boat does not float. I will not put up with 4 years of PPM treating everyone like the are stupid and ignoring the private sector and abuse of power any more than I will put up with UDP madness we have been under. Party Politics do not work in any jurisdiction let alone our small country as much as I am not happy with all choices of independents on the slate in my district at least I can use my votes to send a signal of no more party politics. I still say a simplified one person one vote system with the top however number of representatives we need (and you will never convince me we need more than a dozen, probably less) getting in and a separate vote for the seat of Premier is a much better way to go. But clearly by the posts on here and the thumbs down to anyone who opposes PPM in this article (just like in articles on UDP) we prefer to fight like cats in a bag for our favorite party of the moment instead of voting on individuals and their qualifications and stances.
It was really low class that C4C had flyers put on all the cars at the Progressives conference. I wonder if C4C did the same at the UDP gathering?
How is it low class to put out flyers on cars. is it because ppm and C4C are finally working together to get rid of all the udp clowns? I hope it is for the sake of cayman
I wish you were right. But its more C4C trying to keep PPM out so that C4C can form the next government with their old friends the UDP.
Funny how anything pro or con C$C always gets a quick dozen or so thumbs up or down depending on the subject matter.
C$C you a on coffee break? Quick with your 12-15 thumbs down.
You can't tuck a fridge under a wiper blade!!
I believe that is called littering.
You may call it "low class" more educated people call it "guerilla marketing".
I call it disresectful. They also came by a PPM meeting and started handing out tshirts and flyers to those in attendance. Low class and disrespectul. But what do you expect from people looking to buy the election.
I call it desperate!
Was it a coupon for cash?? If so I need several
It's a bit presumptuous to assume that people that attend regional meetings have alreadycast their votes. Let's hope that those few that are concerned enough to actually show up and attend these meetings are also open minded enough to make their own decisions at the ballot box using the information they have gathered themselves. A flyer on a window can be read or discarded – that's neither here nor there, but if they damaged your car putting it there, then that's a whole different problem.