Taylor bids fond farewell
(CNS): Duncan Taylor departed the Cayman Islands on Wednesday evening bound for Mexico armed with a cow cod, courtesy of the commissioner of police, following a round of farewells to the island and its people after three and a half years in post as the governor. Following Taylor’s departure, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson will be at the helm, keeping Cayman on the good governance course that Taylor believes the islands are on, until the arrival in September of Helen Kilpatrick, Cayman’s next governor and the first woman assigned to the post. Taylor inspected the police guard, thearm of the RCIPS that is assigned for his protection, for the last time before he and his wife, Marie-Beatrice, left on 7 August.
During the governor’s farewell reception last Friday, Premier Alden McLaughlin said he had seen many governors come and go but Taylor “was one of the good ones”, as he was presented with a beautifully crafted cat boat made from conch shell and Cayman mahogany by local artist, Luelan Bodden. (Right: The Taylors, Luelan Bodden and Alden McLaughlin
Among the other gifts Taylor picked up was a framed photograph of his first inspection of the RCIPS and a cow cod, both given to him by Police Commissioner David Baines, who said he might need a big stick in Mexico since the RCIPS wouldn’t be there to watch out for him. Having consulted with the new culture minister, Osbourne ’Ozzie’ Bodden, who was acquitted of assault charges in 2011 following an allegation that he had used one on an unruly customer at his liquor store in Bodden Town, Baines assured the governor it was the genuine article as he handed him the dried bull’s penis.
Delighted with his gifts, Taylor said he and his wife were sad to leave the islands and their “many good friends”.
On 6 August the governor had also bid farewell to the members of the Chamber of Commerce at a reception held at the Ritz Carlton. Chamber President ChrisDuggan said Taylor had played a critical role and had unhesitatingly made the right decisions for the betterment of the Cayman Islands, even while facing “unwarranted, unacceptable and unjustified criticism from a few”, referring to the public attacks from the former premier, McKeeva Bush. The Chamber president expressed solid support for Taylor’s decisions and thanked the governor for “proving his mettle”.
The governor said he was grateful to those that had supported him during difficult times and added, “The Cayman Islands, in my view, is a very good place now; the mood is very positive and we have a good economic situation.”
He said the governor’s efforts should be to promote good governance and to ensure proper procedures were in place, resulting in a fair and transparent process. To attract business people to the Cayman Islands, it was vital for the rule of law to prevail, he said.
“If the Cayman Islands' is reputed to be a bastion of good governance and real integrity, people will be queuing up to do business here,” he said.
Adding to the gifts the Taylors will be taking away with them, Duggan handed over a set of three commemorative plates depicting scenes in Caymanian life.
Category: Politics
A tasteless gift, but no doubt Baines put a good deal of thought and effort into it.
Would that he expended a similar level of initiative and energy on his own job.
Firstly, I thought the "cow" was the FEMALE of the species so I am surprised that SHE had a penis.
I really wonder what was the message contained in this act? Of all the items ever confiscated by the police, this is what he chose to give to him? Oh well, I guess that story must have been told many times aroud the bar. If one of us had presented it then I might say the subtle message was, " you're a *i#k or a piece of @h*# of something. but coming from his own compatriot, I bet he was making fun of the "natives".
I thought a cow cod was illegal in these islands? Obviously it is not or has been removed from the list of banned weapons. So this means I can also now go out and get one for self-defence in the event of a robber coming into my house eh. What is good for the goose is surely good enough for the gander, and I expect to see them now sold at the downtown craft market to the tourists soon. What a new export trade we are going to have soon.
A cow cod would make an ideal present for ALL incoming Governors as long as we keep electing people like McKeeva. One swipe across his face the first time he opens his mouth and you have nothing but smooth sailing for the next three years.
What a totally inappropriate gift and for the Commissioner of Police to publically state that he conferred with the Minister of Culture knowing full well the history of that implement, is an insult not only to the office of Culture but also to the people of these islands. The tone of that gift is disgusting and I wonder, if we were in another jurisdiction such as the UK, if a high ranking official like the Comissioner of Police would be so loose, informal and outrageously unprofessional with their choice of parting gift for a head of government… But I suppose we are just a little colony for which such amusement is appropriate.
Chill dude
His Excellency carried himself with dignity and grace during his tenure here and two things bothered me as an attendee last Friday night at this friendly farewell.
1.) The Master of Cermonies and the Governor asked that people not photo the informal event so that people could relax and be themselves and what do we see?!? Photos on CNS! Shame on you. (CNS Note: the photos you see here were supplied by Government Information Services.) Also,some rude guests continued to phtograph and video the humorous presentations as well. This is a shameful disregard of a kind host's request (CNS, you need to adhere to etiquette when requested.) (CNS note: we did. You need to stop jumping to conclusions.) Also, now we have the focus on a silly gift instead of a gracious send-off. At least you could have mentioned the fabulous and funny song created by Vicki Wheaton (Living next door to Duncan).
2.) The Commissioner of Police has not covered himself in glory by offering such a nasty gift, but what also was NOT reported was the lovely framed and formal gift from the CoP to His Excellency of the first day he arrived and inspected the Police force. It was a prestigious present and deserved some print along with your celeb-type rag reporting. (CNS note: It's generally a good idea to read an article before you criticise it. See paragraph 3.)
Sorry CNS, it was a fitting farewell and we have not seen many Governors open their home up as often as Mr & Mrs Taylordid and if we want this warmth and welcome to continue we will need the press to show the respect it deserves. (CNS note: apology accepted.)
I was pleased to attend with my spouse and will alsways remember that evening as the nicest time I was invited to Government house in the past 20 years! I can only hope the new Governor is as gracious and thank the UK for sending us such sincere and intelligent people. Thank you for serving our community.
What a dope! Take no notice, CNS. The song was silly and the gift was hilarious.
You can't swing a cow cod on this island without hitting Vicki Wheaton booming into a mic like someone asked her to.
Thanks Gov for Standing up that that tyrant, McKeeva!
Less ona forget, the Governors that come to this counytr are just here to maintain the status quo of the archaic Monarchy called United KIngdom. It will do us well to review our Colonial Masters history and how they were and still are renown for subterfuge and dividing and conquering as we have seen through the last two Governors and the costs they have caused to incurr including their room and boar and other luxuries..
If the new Premier is saying that he is going to maintain a good relationship with the UK, he should understand that if this means that he is going to continue bending forward or backwards( picture it vividly people) for their interests and forgetting the interests of the Cayman islands, then he also should know, that there an ever rgowing number of people who will not stand for this. an d another ting.
You clearly know nothing about the British system of government or the present-day attitude of the British people to colonisation – probably best to hush up
knot s smart i am sure it was used before, at least by the bull that owned it at one time , or maybe by Ozzie.
He should have used this cow cod to put a whipping on the past ministers for making a mess of this country
I wrote to HE (His Excellency) the Governor on two separate occasions, July 6 and 8, 2011 regarding my wrongful conviction by the former Chief Magistrate Ramsay-Hale, the actions of the Attorney General and Crown Prosecutor John Masters. I received no reply from HE. At or around the same time I forwarded a complaint to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission about the former Chief Magistrate. I received no response from them either. In a follow-up email (September 2011) to the JLSC complaint, I received a response from Ms. D. Bodden (Manager, Commissions Secretariat) which advised that she spoke to the Governor's office, that some sort of mix-up in communications must have occurred, and that they would "endeavour to have a response" in the near future. None came. I waited a bit longer (another year), and on August 3rd, 2012, I wrote to the HE the Governor again, to advise that I had not received an answer to any of my correspondence. On August 6, 2012 I received confirmation from HE's personal assistant that my correspondence was again forwarded to HE. On November 4, 2012 I wrote again to the office of HE and asked if HE intended to reply to my letters. On November 6, 2012 I received a reply from HE's assistant advising me that HE is aware that a response is overdue, that HE is unable to repond at this time, butthat he would get back to me as soon as HE is able. Two years later and I am still waiting. I wonder if I ought to have expected more from HE than from the former government of the Cayman Islands.
Marius Voiculescu
Sorry to read of your worries.
It is very interesting to have an actual review of Taylor apart from the rhetorical ” he was better than sliced bread” drone-like posts.
In any event, I wouldn’t take it too personally if I were you. You see, the FCO sent Taylor on a specific mission to rock the boat and to remove the democratically elected government / premier – even if it meant the 60,000 other Caymanians and expats had to suffer.
I guess finding the time to respond to your serious issue was not his priority.
Cayman suffered BECAUSE of McKeeva's removal? LOL. McKeeva's govt. was removed by our own elected representatives including the majority of his own party in the LA. You know Ihad not figured you for a dyed in the wool, Kool Aid drinking McKeevarite before now.
Caymanians only suffered at Mac's hands, not the governors. And mac almost got a full term as Premier until his own party turned on him, not the governor. And I am kind of hoping Caymanians turn on you too, with your twisted mind-funny how this is the only forum we hear your thoughts-not in public meetings…you cant say this in public because you will be hanged by your own.
Thank you for the feedback. In life I have found that it's never all that serious of an issue until it happens to you. As far as my particular case is concerned (ultimately), when the assistant of an important government official states something, I take "them" by their word… By the way, I'm not blaming the assistant by any means; she was only relaying the message(s); and she was always cordial and helpful while doing so. Thank you again for your feedback.
Marius Voiculescu
(Sigh)
I wish people would try to understand my posts before replying.
I am not saying that Cayman suffered because of Bush’s removal.
If you don’t know or can’t figure out to what I am referring then quite frankly you have no place in this discussion.
I have a life and refuse to elaborate on the most basic of issues as it regards the McKeeva vs. UK situation.
Furthermore, to do so would be an insult to the individual directly concernd in this thread.
Stop the hate … open your eyes – and brains.
If you cannot express yourself clearly you have no business starting a discussion in the first place.
Of course Marius, you only give the version you want us to hear..no details about alleged crime or circumstances which you feel exonerate you. It may be that the governor had access to the file and saw nothing he could do to help. I am not here to judge you, everyone makes mistakes and few people like the consequences, however that is why we have a system. I presume you appealed through the proper legal channels?
CNS: Marius' case has been well publicised. He was acquitted on appeal.
Apologies Marius…missed the story somehow
No problem whatsoever – it happens. Have a good weekend.
Marius Voiculescu
1. When I have some time, I'll publish all details where I feel that the Chief Magistrate erred glaringly (in fact, I believe that she convicted me despite having had to know that I was innocent) as well as details where I feel that the AG went far beyond his mandate.
2. I don't "feel" that certain details exonerate me – they have exonerated me…
3. All you have to do is google my name for further details – you can decide on your own…
Lastly, I said nothing about the governor helping me. What I stated are the simple facts – I contacted HE's office multiple times (more than 2 years ago); I was told that he would eventually reply; HE did not reply. Draw your own conclusions…
Marius Voiculescu
Soon come bro i too called Ms Bodden about a matter only to get a call from some other lady name Mrs Wright who gave me a right telling off. I wouldn't hold your breath on that one?
Lordy lordy try leave this alone before a PPM mole gets exposed!
Hello. Re. Ms. Bodden – When I contacted her office after not having heard back from the Chairman of the JLSC, Ms. Bodden advised that she spoke to the governor's office and that some sort of mix-up in communications must have occurred – that they would "endeavour to have a response" in the near future. Ms. Bodden was very helpful, cordial and always responded to my queries – it was the Chairman of the JLSC and HE the Governor who did not reply. I hope this clarifies what I stated earlier. As far as not holding my breath, haven't done so for a long, long time. 🙂 Thanks and all the best.
Marius Voiculescu
Commissions Secretariat don't make me laugh, I hope it aint confidential?
Deborah Bodden | Manager | Commissions Secretariat | P.O. Box 391 |
George Town | KY1-1106 | Grand Cayman | T +1 345 244 3687 | F +1 345 945 8649
Nooo, he didn't!! Please tell me that the CoP didn't take Ozzie's Cow Cod outta the evidence lockup and give it to our departing Gov'nr! Seriously, Bainesy, a COW COD?!! He going to MEXICO! You might as well had given him a fly swat! Why didn't you give him one of your the H&K MP5s with some extra clips and a bullet-proof vest?! That would make more sense! But, I guess the Cow Cod was intended to be symbolic – the challenge is figuring out what it really means…
It's meant to be a conversation piece for the Governor for his guests in Mexico where he can fondly recall his time in Cayman in vivid detail.
Disgusting. A dried bull's penis. What a parting gift.
I agree – we should have fried it – much tastier
Really?? This "gift" from the CoP goes to show the contempt with which he holds the people and culture of this country..this was nothing more than a joke to remind Taylor of the backwards country people he is leaving…Baines, you are a disgrace…
Diplomats pick up quirky tokens of their time in foreign service throughout their careers. It's one of the perks of the job that by the time you retire, your house is full of weird and wonderful things that remind you of the countries you've experienced, all with stories to go with them. He will have received the gift in that tradition and no contempt was meant.
Get a damn sense of humour!!! Somebody could earn a fortune selling them at the craft market on the harbour front – any offers??? Cayman cow cod souvenirs!!!! I would but don't have any cows::))
IF this "gift" had come from Ossie, who happend to be sitting in the front row when this was presented to Taylor, I would have said you might be right..but it wasn't..it came from Baines..and when it was presented, Ossie looked extremely uncomfortable..So, in my opinion, NO, it wasn't a token gift of the local culture…it was meant as a joke upon the people and culture of the Cayman Islands from the CoP…so I stand by my first statement..Baines holds the people and culture of this country in contmept as see us as nothing more than a joke to be told in un-mixed company..don't forget, this was Supposed to be a PRIVATE event..this was never mean to be made public…but thanks to GIS, we now all know..
I hope da wa nah Ozzie cow cod they gone and give way. caz I have ozzie on speed dial just in case I eva need him. Thinking about it, I woner if the police comish gave one away if they might not have a stack of them waiting to amend the laws to have the police men carry them as weapons. and why the commish did not allow mr ozzie to present the Gov with it.? What a photo shot we lost.
Good luck Mr. Taylor. May the Lord above bless you and your family.
Wasthe Cow Cod purchased from our friend the Wizzard of Oz ?
I guess he was pretty happy to get out of this mess?
Remember that quote " jumping from the frying pan into the fire" have a great time in Mexico —
He should be pretty happy about what he has accomplished and sure he will miss the entertainment of the past few years, feet washing greeting and all:)
Why don't you do the same?
and into a worse one? I must say if it came to a choice between Mexico and Cayman, I know which one I'd choose!
Unfortunately he left Cayman in the same state he found it, in the lonely position of neutral run by favortism, nepotism, cronyism, whereyou know corruption is still alive and well in society because the self righteous truly believe the end justifies the means. Where a father and son can sit on a board and some see absolutely nothing wrong with. Where retired individuals who were incharge of the civil service and have willfuly and maliciously destroyed people and their careers can be re appointed to commisions who are set up to fairly act on or judge civil servants. Commissions run by their mistresses all because some people carried out others secret agenda a clear reward for the wicked. Thats the Cayman we are still left with how truly sad?
Hopefully we have reached a turning point, there will always be something wrong with everywhere, everyone and everything. Try and be positive and change things – let's try and look forward – you too can make a difference, if you try!
Hey, Herr (ex)Diktater is no longer running wild with the credit cards, and charges have been laid, so there's progress in that! Of course it's not perfect, but he came when it was rock bottom, and I mean the last thing under the last layer of sludge at the very bottom of the sea… coming up a little bit from there is reason for saying thanks.
I disagree with everything but the Commissions that run by their mistresses … Im in dire need of one – call 9490-94931, aka. cow itchy cod :))>)
Here! Here! Well said!
9:43, you have a problem, bobo. Seek professional help.
I agree with you 09:43 about the sad state we are in, however, needless to say this is something that needs to be changed by "we the people" not a governor. All of what you have said is thanks to the PPM not Governor Taylor. The prior mess was thanks to UDP, not the Governor. One only has to look at the appointments to the various Boards, Commissions etc and, yes, we see more of the same. I understand that the Chairmanship of the Central Planning Authority has remained the same as well, headed by the merchant class with direct conflict of interest. It is the reality, albeit a sad one.
Rubbish 09.43..if he had not been here Mac would have done even more crazy things. Thank God the Governor was able to stop the worst of it. That is a victory in itself.
Coming from Cayman and going to Mexico!
Mexico is one of the most dangerous places in the world! Hope he has well trained security.
No worries … he needs a cow cod trainer from Bodden Town to put dem in place!
A sad day. Looking forward to the next Governor and think now she has a solid and stable base with which to move forward and attract that business to Cayman
Get out of the sun!
Provided that business is not tax haven business.
14.10..most business long ago realised that there is now little tax benefit to doing business in the Cayman islands, if you are doing business properly. It is the fringes that need cutting down on, and that is happening. However there are other major advantages in being here for skills, knowledge etc. Cayman has a lot to offer.
Yes, 09:28, and hopefully she will come with a fine tuned female intuition along with her obvious intelligence, to weed out the corruption, backstabbing and general two-faced souls that will surround her. AND, quickly identify those close to her that she should not trust! I wish Ms. Kilpatrick the best of luck and God's protection.
the head of lorna's gas station must be very jealous to see the governah walk away with a bigger cod than his! :))>
I trust the CoP did his home work and won't get the Governor locked up in Mexico having entered the country with an offensive weapon. Oh I forgot, the authorities do flog many of their citizens down there for being unruly. Being the British Ambassador, he has Diplomatic Immunity so there is no need for concern.
Personally, I think Governor Taylor did a good job in the Cayman Islands during his term in office. In particular, I'm happy that he put that "loud mouth" under the tree with a strong leach around his neck, so he dosen't do any more damage to the country.
Do you really believe that Gov. Taylor took that with him. Please give him a little more credit than that. How the heck would he explain that to British Costoms- he is actually going to Britain before heading to Mexico. Some might find it funny but personally I think it is insulting and expected much better from our chief of police.
Sense of humour, sense of humour!!!! It was a brilliant gift. He will treasure that for a long time!!!As for customs…err….diplomat….
Nice present to remind the Gov of the wacky world he had to live in for a few years.
Think he enjoyed 'nearly' every minute of it!!
My question is – was this cow cod new or had it been used before…
The cow used it
You mean the bull used it on the cow.
It taste like chicken.