Christian gives up on 2013 political aspirations

| 05/04/2013

slidepic1.jpg(CNS): Although he believes that he still has a case on which to base a challenge to his disqualification by the Elections Office, Richard Christian has thrown in the towel on his election bid for 2013. The Bodden Town hopeful, who had planned to run alongside the incumbent minority government on the new People’s National Alliance ticket, said he was advised that a challenge would be “both lengthy and costly” and, as he was not in a financial position to meet a hefty legal bill, he had  no other option but to withdraw his candidacy. His colleagues in the PNA said Thursday that they were disappointed but had to respect the decision by the Elections Office. Christian said he, too, respected the official decision to disqualify him but he did not agree with it.

"I feel that the country needs clarification on what the intent is, for section 61 (2) (b) and 62 (1) (a) of the constitution,” he said. “I appeal to our legislators and legal community to help resolve this question, as it affects many Caymanians who had to travel to the US in the 60’s and 70’s for work or medical reasons and had children there.”

With the country demanding more accountable politicians, Christian said he took full responsibility for what he described as a “technical and complex oversight and the controversy that arose”, as he apologized to his supporters, his PNA colleagues and the country. Christian said he was not ruling out running in 2017 but in the meantime he would continue to play his part in the community.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    The point is he is still a US citizen, passport or not.That means he could be subpoened to testify in the US with regards to any dealing in cabinet secret or not. He would be oblidged to appear and tell the truth or face jail. Truth and politics is an oxymoron so best have the law in place,

  2. Anonymous says:

    Did he quit his other job?

  3. Anonymous says:

    So, an Independent could figure it out, even making the front page of the paper, but UDP Lite still can't figure out that rules is rules. Milk & Carrots.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Can Cline and Moses now please swear affidavits that they are not US citizens?  I am sure these good men would have no problem doing this if that were true.

    • Anonymous says:

      It’s not whether you’re a US citizen its whether you did something as an adult to show loyalty to that country – like renewing a passport. Pretty sure Moses satisfies that. Cline now…not so sure!

    • Anonymous says:

      I am not sure about Cline, but I am pretty sure Moses "expatriated" (gave up his American citizenship) several years ago.  Besides, he was born in the USA and had citizenship by birth-right, not by oath/naturalisation. So what about Cline?

      • Anonymous says:

        I hope your right in the first point. On the second point it really does not matter how he acquired citizenship if he continues to hold a US passport.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Not every disappointment is a misfortune. You serve best in the community and with our young generation. You have a lot of great qualities that may not be suited for a politics and can be utilize greatly in other areas. All the best and I am sure that God will guide you to meet your full potential where he wants you to be

     

    • Anonymous says:

      “Not every disappointment……” You are absolutely right. Richard, God is working His plan and He will put you where He wants you to be. You have much to offer. May God continue to bless you and your family.

  6. Anonymous says:

    It seems clear enough to me but I agree that it would be useful for the AG to make a statement concerning this as the TCI AG did.