UDP defines the campaign battle lines

| 26/03/2009

(CNS): Rallying the troops and aiming to recruit more, the battle lines along which the United Democratic Party UDP will fight its campaign have been laid down, and while the entire People’s Progressive Movement will be in the firing line, it is apparent that Ministers Alden McLaughlin and Charles Clifford are the main targets. Opening its political road-show in Bodden Town and not in its heartland of West Bay, the UDP still managed a turn out of around 500 people for itsfirst meeting. (Left: Jonathan Piercy UDP George Town)

With no manifesto yet printed, the first two meetings (Bodden Town on Tuesday and George Town on  Wednesday) were big on rhetoric and political clichés as the new candidates Dwayne Seymour, Mark Scotland, Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden, Jonathan Piercy, Mike Adam and Ellio Solomon took to the party hustings for the first time.

Despite actual, defined policies being thin on the ground, political veteran and party Leader McKeeva Bush did reveal some of the UDP’s political goals that will appear in the anticipated manifesto. Bush spoke of a review of teacher’s salaries; an overhaul of the police service and an economic recovery plan. While the manifesto is still to come, the party ‘tunes’ were playing loud and clear on Tuesday evening. The lyrics of the new UDP song, which has already been recorded, sum up the party’s campaign direction – “Until the UDP get back their full power, we are gonna suffa, gonna have a big feast when the PPM get defeat,” rang out across the Newlands area.   

Endorsed and Introduced by former Education Minister Roy Bodden, Dwayne Seymour in his first political speech said he stood on the hustings with a heavy heart as, although he was excited about running for offices, he saw many challenges ahead. He spoke about offering counselling to poor families and instigating job placement training schemes to get more Caymanians back to work.

Mark Scotland who is on his second attempt to gain a seat with the UDP and came fourth in the last election, beaten out by Osbourne Bodden, accused the PPM of promising miracles but in Bodden Town producing a disappearing act.

Talking about the economic problems, and in particular government debt, Scotland said McKeeva Bushhad rescued Cayman’s finances before and he would do it again. Taking aim at Charles Clifford and the Commission of Enquiry, he said it was disgusting that he was running for office again when he had been found guilty of wrongdoing.

When it was Bush’s turn to take to the podium there was no denying a visible lift in the crowd as he built a vintage ‘Mac’ performance. Lamenting unemployment figures, which he said were at 3500, Bush said the PPM policies had put Caymanians out of work. He said tourism was in the doldrums, crime was out of control and the standard of living was at an historic low. He criticised the leader of government business for comments about planting Cassava, but saved his worst criticisms for Charles Clifford and Alden McLaughlin, whom he accused of building castles and neglecting teachers, as well as ignoring the needs of the financial services industry. Calling on Bodden Towners to vote for Scotland and Seymour, he said, “You only renew a contract if you get good service the first time. If you get worthless lousy service you don’t renew,” he exclaimed.

On Wednesday evening, as the nominations for the general election 2009 closed, even more people gathered outside the UDP HQ in George Town to hear the four new George Town contenders make their pitch. The results in both George Town and Bodden Town are likely to be key to the overall outcome of a future government. With West Bay, East End and the Sister Islands considerably more predictable, the UDP is likely to concentrate its resources on these two districts.

However, this evening the party will be turning its attention tohome as the full eleven members are expected to be warmly welcomed at Beulah’s Yard, North West Point Rd in West Bay at 7:30pm when the four district incumbents start their bid for re-election.

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Category: Election 2009

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  1. PhilipsEbanks says:

    ………..we want integrity and sensible people……….

    We do too and every time we look around our eye come full circle. We can’t find it else were. GO UDP

    • Anonymous says:

      UDP had their shot and blew it. They proved themselves untrustworthy. Next!

  2. Julie says:

    Two bulls in a pen is better than none. Sorry guys take it else where. Time is up. pick a number and step to the back of the line.

    • Anonymous says:

      Figures that a UDP supporter would want "bull" since that is all the UDP gives. The rest of us don’t; we want integrity and sensible people.

  3. Twyla M Vargas says:

    THANKS LAWANDA FOR THOSE KIND REMARKS FOR ME AND JUDY ANN

    I never thought about being a politician.  I spend my time doing two things I love  very much Art and story  book writing.  However I hope you will continue to keep in touch with me, we never know when there is a shower of rain.

  4. Lawanda says:

    Twyla Mae!  Tell us how in the world you did’nt run for Bodden Town???? You are surley the mayor of all districts girl!!!! You tell it like it is! How it is!!! Also when it is!!!!  With that said and done people we need not say no more!!!!  For that’s the bottom line because I said so!!!!Twyla let us know if you are going to run in 2013 for you will definately have my vote!!! You know how to talk and interact with the people!!! You speak whats on your mind!!! You voice your own opinion!  You stand for justice!!! Most of all your very educated!!! Bodden Town had needed someone like you to run not only their district but also their Country!!!  I’m a Jamaican and lived in Cayman for 20 years, you do remind me of my old friend JudyAnn from Bodden Town someone who can speak and relate to the people!!! You both should run together and boy oh boy what a day that will be!!! Because I can tell you everyone knows and love Judy!!! Twyla & Judyann for 2013 what a team!!! Count me in!!!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Aaaahhhh Politics – the games have begun with the lovely banter. If you cant take the heat, get out of the kitchen. This is not for the faint hearted so be prepared for criticism, whether it be constructive or otherwise. Yes, yes, yes – Clifford may be a nice guy but thats not a pre-requisite here. We need people who will work for the benefit of our country ….but anyways you Chuckites need not worry cause I’m a George Town voter.

    I am set on voting for Ellio Solomon, Walling Whittaker and Burns Connolly. Each of them has displayed strong qualities that I believe are needed in taking this country forward.  Mr. Solomon has been a voice of the people and however unfortunate for him to join the UDP, I still think he has more than good intentions. Mr. Whittaker is a highly intelligent individual who is determined in taking the country out of the rut. I believe he will make a great Minister of Labour. Then Burns, you jus gotta love him – my candidate for Tourism Minister. I have met with and heard some of the policies of the latter two and must admit that there aren’t much differences.

     
    My fourth and final vote is up for grabs right now as I haven’t found the others to be very impressive but I guess time will tell.    Hhhmmm play on Cayman.
    • Anonymous says:

      "Mr. Solomon has been a voice of the people and however unfortunate for him to join the UDP, I still think he has more than good intentions".

      You are right about that, but you can’t have two bulls in one pen. This is a political marriage of convenience and its days are numbered. The UDP is not a real political party. As was said by one of its former Ministers, its a personality cult. This would only lead to a clash of egos especially if they are in govt. Ellio has compromised inorder to ‘get ahead’. Not a good sign for his principles.  

  6. Twyla M Vargas says:

    JOHN JOHN AND MARK dont have What?

    Please, there were many politicans back in the day who led this country well and they could hardly read and write.   I am definately not going to critize my Bodden Town young men although I am on independent team..   And I really do not care what anyone say  McKeva Bush is a Good leader’     I know the race is on,  hearts are pounding but lets stick to the issues.  It is nothing about  who has education or  cant speak properly or misspelled a word.    For Pete,s sake focus your mind on the positive, and stop talking nonsence about personal things about people.  It is about getting  the job done by the right man or woman.  Sometimes we can have educated  idiots too. 

    • Anonymous says:

      yes you said this correct "BACK IN THE DAY"

      hello??? we are in the 21st century not "BACK IN THE DAY" we need people that can talk on present issues not back in the day stuff. We have new problems, economic global recessions, local stagflation, new trade agreements, G20, offshore regulation pressures, new pull factors affecting cayman, preasures of eliminating middle class, future shortage of food and water —-JUST LOOK AT THE GLOBAL TRENDS..tell me can Mark and your "JOHN JOHN" handle this??? i think not!!! your right! lets’ stick to the issues, but if the candidates themselves can’t talk to us without reading from a paper how can they hold a conversation on the REAL issues.

  7. Anonymous says:

    A topic can be debated without tearing a persons character down, and you’ll do the same when you’re not pleased with whomever is in the house. Try for once and have a conversation and not argue. If you wish to argue then you should have ran for politics when you had the chance. UDP was in before and the same negative words were thrown at them, so I have to agree with the last post. Damned if they do or don’t but when it comes to this certain minister wife there’s more than meet the eye but that’s for her to deal with. We don’t vote for spouses let’s all stop the fighting cayman!

  8. Anonymous says:

    Go UDP, we need you badly! If it wasn’t for you and your leadership, we would not have had this country back up and running as quickly as we didafter Ivan. We would have starved to death waiting on this PPM government to do anything! UDP made sure our financial services were up and going 1 week after so that we had our incomes passing through this island and restoring faith in us as a top financial institution. Our tourism soon followed with the cruise ships and then eventually our hotels.

    Poor Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are still trying to recover and look at their size compared to ours! UDP LEAD this country back and they will do it again! We desparately need them, as we have not seen the worst of the storm yet to come!

    The ‘independents’ are good people as indiviuals, but we need unity at a time like this. We need people who share the same visions and know what it will take to get it done. We need them to be able to work together and use each of their strenghts in the areas that they all broadly represent. Voting for individuals at this point will do more harm than good, as it will only delay decisions in the long run. I like and appreciate all of you ‘independents’ but we need a unified team right now.

    We NEED UDP!!!!!!!!!!!! Vote Straight Cayman!!!!!!!! We need a voice for our tourism,financial, health care, elderly, youth and musical/arts industries!!! If you all look at the UDP candidates and get to know them and their backgrounds you will see that these very important industries are all covered by experienced individuals on the UDP slate. So stop being closed minded and listen and talk with these people and you too will "come alive"!!!!!

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      UDP is all negativity and trash talk. It has no vision for this country, no solutions to our problems. Full of sound and fury signifying nothing. "Elect us because we’re young!. Elect us because we are new! Elect us because we are not the PPM".  Seriously, what do you guys have to offer the country? Specifics please. Slogans will not do. "I have come alive!". The UDP has a very low estimate of the public’s intelligence, but I can see why judging from the quality of the posts of their supporters on CNS.    

  9. Anonymous says:

    I don’t see any independents out there in georgetown with any credibility.

    Most of these jokers are coming in three months before election, totally disorganized, can’t even talk with any degree of seriousness on national issues such as the economy and basically summing up there whole campaign saying "they will work with anyone" once they get in!?  just put me in!   Sounds like a self serving opportunistic ambition to me. 

    Where were these guys a year ago with their so called plans to fix this nation?  the island is economical crisis.  we need an organized group that actually can do something that have selected young caymanians from every sector of our economy, tourism etc.  One thing is for sure, ppm got to come out!  thje question is what do you replace it with?  A bunch of independents, totally disconnected from one another, clueless as to what each of them are doing in terms of planning and magically they will somehow come together after they are elected and figure out how to fix this country??? 

    gimme a break!  sounds like the ppm all over again! 

    I’m voting straight udp.  I’m not please with every pick on the ticket, but its the best shot.  theycan fix

     

    Jokers.

  10. Anonymous says:

    No one is disputing Mr. Clifford’s abilities. We all know what he can do, we have seen it first hand. We are saying that we do not want to go through it again. He needs to take a break and step down. He might be able to try again later. Go, rest in peace. Spend time with God and the family. We’ll see you around. We live on a very small Island. God speed.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Minister Clifford is a good guy. He can’t win for loosing damned if you don’t. Damned if you do. The majority of these comments appear to be personal and not really providing a solution. Anyone that really knows this young man know he a family man, a home person that enjoys spending time at home and not out womanizing or catering to the bar room. He has kids and these remarks here I feel so hurt for his kids and wife and it saddens me to know that we as Caymanians get such a thrill today pushing our own into the ground and once we have a diaster like Ivan, tails go in between legs and you cry for unity amongst caymanians. As a young Caymanian I am ashamed of reading some of the hate, and at the same time we complain about expats hating.You look in the mirror and get a little respect. Not for anyone as much as for yourself. I hope half of you don’t have any kids, because God so help them with the example you’re setting just by writing such hate

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh, I agree, that Mr. Clifford is a "nice" guy, even though morally bankrupt, I think t hat his kids are nice, and his wife seems a very loyal nice person….but  if he puts himself in the public eye, he is open to critisism. His position is a performance based Ministry and we should stay focused on that. I remember when Mr. Clifford was a police officer..There  was none better…I think that we voted him in past his abilities, is all. Kudos for trying, buddy, it just didn’t work out,,,,

  12. Anonymous says:

    DON’T VOTE STRAIGHT!!!!

    UDP like LIME is trying to sell us a bundle but dont accept this bitter pill. They have not offered any solutions. It’s just more of the same. They had their chance, don’t forget. When we really needed them after the storm, when we had no shelter, no food, no water, no hope ….where was the Big Mac?

    Needless to say, people need hope, they need a new way forward, so the numbers don’t impress me. People only expressed their political right to participate, to listen to what is being offered but shamelessly the UDP came up once again, empty-handed. A very fluffy production.

    There are a few well meaning ones but their combo is far from a deal. Stay far!

    Then there is the PPM. No accountability in finances. No jobs. No future plans. No academic progress for our youth. No Alden – we don’t need pretty building for our children to learn. No Chuckie – you are a sell-out, our ports, our lands, what next? 

    Caymanians, we need change. Its time to show them that we wont settle for foolishness. Give the Independents a chance!!

  13. Anonymous says:

    John John and Mark do not have an educated bone in their body! When will we stop voting clowns in the LA to represent us?

    Come on Bodden Towners – Don’t let them fool us again. PPM & UDP OUT THE DOOR. Clean Sweep. Where’s my wide brim broom?

    They have controlled this island back and forth for over 20 years. Let’s get rid of them. McKeeva is not saying anything new at all. Kurt – poor soul – he tried and he’s not cut out for this at all.

    Time for some up and coming newbies!

  14. Anonymous says:

    People of Cayman I fell in love on Wednesday night. I am a 1st time voter for George Town and was most impressed with the Candidates, Mr. Solomon most of all. I fell in love with the crowd, it was wonderful to be sitting there for the 1st time and feeling the energy created by such a vast amount of people. The persons on stage, the persons on the board of the UDP, all the "who is who" of our society who were backing this excellent slate of persons. As Miss Pearlina said in here speech " I have come alive".

    • Anonymous says:

      To theposter of "People of Cayman I fell in love"….. Poor little naive you!  When castings your vote that will effect us all in the Cayman Islands please remember that all that glitters is not gold.  In Mr. Solomons case not even silverplated!

  15. Anonymous says:

    Been to the BT meeting and throughly loved it. Keep up the good works. We need a change.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Did a story from March 25/26 with many comments disappear?

    CNS: I haven’t deleted any articles but may have moved it to the Election Section. Our search is pretty good too. If you still can’t find it email nicky@caymannewsservice.com

  17. Anonymous says:

    UDP Should stop taking down people’s signs in BT. We see you!!!

  18. Anonymous says:

    None of understand what Mike is doing … except being trapped by McKeeva. McKeeva is no fool and he made his move very early. Right after they got rid of Mike at CAL McKeeva started the ball. I recall and he will use that.

    The UDP had to bring out everyone from all districts last night to make the numbers look good in Bodden Town. Joke Joke barely got an applause and it was obvious that someone else wrote his speech. Poor thing. Mark sounds like he has a speech impediment! What is with that? Again … speech writer.

    The entire slate was there and Jon Piercy BF was seen cruising by checking out the scene. He’s too scared to come out publicly to support Jon because he knows the UDP decision was a [b]VERY VERY POOR ONE![/b]
    Pearlina needs to get rid of that outfit that makes her look like she’s 55. McKeeva must have sent her shopping with Juliana. Good Grief!  Now, onto more substance about her – not that there’s much. She claims the PPM is not in touch with the people. Is she kidding? I mean come on how is she in touch with the people? She had to go back to her childhood to talk about how they grew up poor in order to connect with the people. Instead, let us stay in the present day and committ to some real change. Talk about the hear and now.
    The BT slate made the mistake of having McKeeva speak on the platform. They must not remember how he cost them the election last night? McKeeva has no power outside of WB. Which is exactly where he should stay. He will cost Mark this election yet again.
    Joke Joke does not even stand a chance.  Please people … I crack up everytime I see him.
    Sandra Catron was there handing out flyers by the road side. One thing I must say, that girl has some real balls! I like it very much. She had demonstrated that she’s hardworking and smart. They had traffic coming off the bypass backed up and eventually the police had to come out and direct the traffic. But until then Sandra was out there working the crowd. She has demonstrated that she’s not afraid of hard work. That’s for sure!!
    The race has only begun for these guys but there have been other candidates that have been working a very long time; so don’t be fooled by the sparkling demonstration and bright lights that are seeking to blind you.
    Make the right decision on May 20th!
  19. noname says:

    UDP looking professional? is that the criteria for a vote?? hello? how about their views on education, economy, unemployement , global recession, negative global attention on cayman, trade agreements, constitution, human rights, environment, immigration…the list goes on…i’m more concern about those issues than them looking professional. "Give UDP another chance??"…Hey we did already!!! and look what it has done for us, it has cost this island alot, that our children will pay back for that oh and don’t forget we sold so many cayman status’ for a wopping price of $10!! people let’s just stick to the basics, vote for the individual and what they can do instead of how they look, how they speak or who they are affiliated with.

    • Anonymous says:

      I suggest we all attend meetings for all candidates and listen to what they have to offer. I have attended three meetings in Bodden Town and have not heard any positive solutions just the normal politricks as usual.

      I heard Duane and Mark criticize the Minister for education about wasting all this money on education and thirty minutes later Big Mac said the minister of education says  that I don’t support education but i want to let you know that i voted for those funds. Ok what i want to know if he voted for the funds should he not be held accountable also?

      Mark praised Big Mac about what a great leader he is and then criticized Chuckie saying he should not stand for election and not to vote for him because of the Comission Of Enquiry. Well Big Mac was relieved of his ministerial duties because of the First Cayman fiasco is this criteria for a good leader?

       

    • Anonymous says:

      I was listening to the LA on Friday night (Mar 20, 09) and I heard a Minister saying; how many business people have came to them saying how glad they are that it’s PPM in Government and not UDP because when UDP was the Government they had to pay $3,000 or $5,000 under the table to get anything done…… Is that what the people of Cayman want?  I don’t think so.

      I will continue to vote PPM straight for a better Cayman.

  20. Anonymous says:

    A BETTER way forward.  The ONLy way forward.  UDP all the WAY.

  21. Anonymous says:

    I guess we have 2 choices: continue down the path we have for past 4 years. or change. I am going with change for sure

  22. Anonymous says:

    this bodden towmn meetong was the most impressiove i hev seen in a while, these candidates are fired up and ready fotr leadership. i wish them well. I am actually a new voter in BT and cannot wait to vote for them!

  23. Anonymous says:

    UDP – looking good – Ellio you most certainly have my vote. You are an outstanding young Caymanian with a brillient mind, do not let the nay sayer detract you. You are our candidate for 2009. Keep up the excellent work.

  24. Anonymous says:

    GO UDP.  VOTE STRAIGHT!!!!!

  25. Anonymous says:

    The turnout in GT was great.  Several hundred to be sure.  Where is the PPM – not even out of the starting gates yet?  PPM supporters must be getting very nervous.

  26. Anonymous says:

    one word…

    impressive

  27. Anonymous says:

    These guys are looking very professional. Great start!!

  28. Anonymous says:

    numbers says nothing!!!  most are just curious to see what they are going to say thats why they attend. honestly, no matter how good candidate is if they are UDP. they are under the control of their puppet master (say no names). For GT, i never Knew Pearlina actually had anything to say about politics…???..and she is not the only caymanian that came from humble begginnigs to success, wish her the best though. As for Ellio and his personal assistant (Jonathan piercy), aren’t they the same ones that was against party politics? so, what are they doing in UDP..talking about double edge sword. Mike don’t belong in UDP, he’s better off indepedent as they need him more than he needs them. As for BT, let’s not forget bodden town starts where Spotts ends all the way to breakers so they can talk all they want but need to see the  needs for the entire district. And can’t we get some more EDUCATED CANDIDATES around here?? Election day we’ll see what the people have to say…regardless of my opinion, still give my hats of to the UDP candidates for their courage going up stage and still offering no solutions. 

  29. Anonymous says:

    Hey UDP is not all show and no substance! Give them another chance and they will show you how quick that can finish the job they were hard at work on 4 years ago. That being the destruction of the Cayman Islands

  30. Anonymous says:

    Voting in BT for the 1st time and want to say it was most infrmative to be at the meeting on tuesday night. I was most impressed and the crowd was like no other.  Some was bused in I suppose. I remeber doing the same last election for the PPM as well. Keep up the good works 

  31. Anonymous says:

    Dear Ms. Tyla,

    I want to commend you on your honest and straight forward post always. Thanks for always saying it like it is. God Bless You.

  32. Anonymous says:

    Pearlina Mcgaw was very good in george town last night. heard lots of praises for her. she showed that she came from humble begginings to a successful position today. Smart and I think she would do well as a member of the LA (but I actually can’t vote in GT!). 

  33. Anonymous says:

    The Bodden Town candidates looked very good on tuesday night. There was a large crowd in marion ranking yard and it was very upbeat all the way and well organised. the UDP is definitely out there connecting with the people.

    • Twyla M Vargas says:

      THE BODDEN TOWN CANDIDATES, WOW!!!!!!,

      YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN TO THERESA’S MEETING LAST NIGHT AT THE RANKINE AREA.  NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL PULLING TOGETHER.   PURE GRASSROOT BODDENTOWNERS, BOY O BOY, WAS IT EXCITING TO SEE JUST BODDEN TOWN.  , paper Bodden Townersand home grown Bodden Towners.  WE HAD THEM FROM ONE END OF BODDEN TOWN TO THE NEXT.

      We are just warming up, and the seat will get hotter by the ninute.  We need a seat for  women in Bodden Town.  Take your pick just make sure Theresa gets one.   Nothing wrong with the men, we cant do without them, but this time round we need some flavour, some colour, a woman of  Iron who can lead us, and most of all a woman who we can depend on to see to the needs of this district.  Some of the  smartest people in Bodden Town you will find in Savannah, Northward and Breakers.  So tell me when  they join hands with the CENTRAL BT.  what you think will happen.  A CHANGE.  

      Dont be fooled by those wolves in sheep clothing who want to pay you off with 25 and 50 dollar bills.  It will only make your vote cheap.  Dont be fooled by those who try to disgrace Savannah and Bodden Town people by saying "All we want to do is beg"   How dare them to say such a thing.    How in the world you can make 120,000. thousand dollars a year and think you can pay me 25.00 for christmas present to vote for you.  ""Are you NUTS.""   NO.  we want to see that the people in our district are cared for, and this seaside village stays pretty.   THERESA WILL SEE TO THAT.   I am sure of it.  

      There are many expatriates who are Bodden Towners and do not know where to put and X.  Well I am telling you now,  Be bold and give THERESA a Vote.   You are one of us, and no matter where you come from, and you have received Cayman Status you are a  Bodden Town, Caymanian You know I have always spoken up on issues for this district.   I will not BOW and will not backdown for what I believe in.    i believe in THERESA and I am asking you to Please Give her an X on May 20th. 

      Do not split your vote between parties, do not give thrown away votes.  What will happen is you will have Cats working with rats and birds.  SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET EATEN.  Dont do it.

      When the time is right and the fruits are ripe ask THERESA and her team where to put the two other X.  Hold unto them now for daily life.   We will soon blow the horn.   WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WE NEED A CHANGE, AND WE NEED PEOPLE WHO WILL WORK FOR THE BETTER OF BODDEN TOWN.    Savannah, Breakers, Northward, Newlands, Midland Acres, Frank Sound, prospect, BT Central.  Let us show Cayman, that when we say Change we mean change.  VOTE FOR THERESA  Go For it and be BLESSED.

      • Anonymous says:

         ‘How in the world you can make 120,000. thousand dollars a year and think you can pay me 25.00 for christmas present to vote for you.  ""Are you NUTS".

        Wha’  ‘appen Twyla, you think they should pay more or wha’?

         

  34. Anonymous says:

    This meeting had a huge turn out in george town last night. much needed change seems to be on the way

  35. Anonymous says:

    I wonder if they know that some of the numbers were people from all around the Island and PPM supports……   These were the first meetings for this election and people just want to hear what is going to be said. 

  36. Anonymous says:

    It would lend much more factual impression to your report about the UDP meeting in Bodden Town  about 500 people in attendance if it included the fact that the largest percentage of attendees were people bused in from other districts, namely West Bay and George Town. There were very few from the district of Bodden Town. Also other people in attendance put the number at  approximately 250. Indications are voters will have the last word this time in spite of all the rhetoric.

    • UDP says:

      Fact: There were approximately 230 chairs set out for the public alone, so there couldn’t have only been 250 in attendance as the yard was filled with people standing as well. Yes there were others from each district and this is very important as all of these candidates will be the ones representing the entire islands and it is very important that EVERYONE know who they are, what they are about and feel confident in them. While we live in separate districts, it is now time to put those biasis aside and unite for the greater cause….saving our country! We need a team that supports each other, respects each other, and works together as a UNITED force for the people, ALL the people!

      GO UDP………..our better way and only way forward!!!!!! VOTE STRAIGHT CAYMAN!!!!!!!!!!!

      • SugarBaby says:

        I see the UDP is pushing for us all to vote straight but there is a GREAT FLAW with this. All the incompetent ‘tag-alongers’ of the UDP get a free pass to become the next government and mimic the antics of the previous one. DON’T BE FOOLED CAYMANIANS!! This is just a ploy to continue a system that has failed us. Vote for the individuals that take our concerns, our issues and our needs seriously.

        There are great independent candidates out there who I believe will make a positive change in charting our course and shaping our future.

         

        • Anonymous says:

          Hey, Sugar baby, who is incompetent on the UDP ticket, and why do you say so? I am , as a voter, and mother, thinking about the very serious mess that we are in, and thinking  about the future government…What will it look like…What will it do to get us out of this mess…and who will assemble a government? Who will be leader and minister of this and that? Who will tackle tourism and finance? I honestly and wholeheartedly believe that we must have Mac had the helm fot the time being…. If you don’tthink so, tell me who amongst the candidates can go to Washington, say on June 1st, with the private sector firmly behind him.? Im just asking you to consider it….

  37. Twyla M Vargas says:

    BODDEN TOWN CENTER OF THE ISLAND EYE OF POLITICS.   

          I am back, and read with interest the promises of many candidates for the Bodden Town seat.  The key word is  TRUST.   You know one thing I cannot stand, is these undermining backbiting  two -edge-sword mouth politicians who walk around with a grudge, for personal reason and therefore allowing the needs of their district to suffer. 

    A politician who is sincere for the people and of the people  should not be thin skinned, and that is the reason we have to be very careful who we vote for.  Supporting a person does not necessarily mean that you will vote for them.   Being a persons friend, does not mean you will take him home to sleep with you !!!!!!!

      When voting we must make absolutely sure that the person is not a two edge sword, and will not turn their back on their promises, will not hold grudge because you was not sure of them,  like was done last election.     I support a few members of the UDP team, and If I could vote in George Town, I would certainly vote for Elio and Mike Adams.   They are good Caymanian Men of the soil,  who deserves a chance to run this country.  I dont know the others, so I cannot comment.  Of Course I will always support McKeva Bush and his west Bay Team.  That cant done.   I also cannot find anything bad to say about Kirk Tibbets, He makes a very good Opposition, thats proven, but his baggage is weighing him down.  Only a fool will stay on a sinking ship.

    In Bodden Town district   I may choose to vote for independent persons whom I feel I can trust.  But first we must know what they stand for.  For too long we have voted for three persons in Bodden  Town, and ended up with only one or two of them working together, That is no representation at all.   If you cant talk to me now, WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT YOU, WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR YOU.  

    PROMISES, PROMISES, PROMISES, is what we have been getting in Bodden Town.  Look at us now, we are just another big promise.   We are still in the same position as we were after Ivan.  The social development stinks with cut throat.   Abandoned buildings, Road side overgrown with bush, The HARRY McCoy PARK, unkept,   Drugs being used in abandoned buildings in front of the HARRY McCoY  park .  Police informed, nothing done.  unemployment, welfare of the elderly is frightening, Promises to assist with small busines.  The mission house is accomodated by whom?  No one from the district is invited to anything that takes place.  The Old peoples home,  What?,  A social club>  The Other building alongside of it broken windows and left to wrot.   The old clinic in front of the Post Office, a SORE EYE!!!!!!!!Why, Why, Why, do we have to wait for four years to have these things looked into.

    BODDEN TOWN, BE CAREFUL WHO YOU VOTE FOR.   The Bodden Town ship is sinking, and only fools will stay on a sinking ship.   Also remember, becareful about who is your independent Vote.   If we have independent runners who at the end of the race cannot find themselves agreeing with two others.  Then we are back to square one, of having no representation at all.  Good luck to all, and may the best WOMAN OR MAN WIN,  and of course we need a WOMAN,s touch this time around,    Blessed.

     

  38. MICHAEL EBANKS says:

     

    THE ARTICLE ABOVE STATES  THAT WEST BAY IS THE UDP HEARTLAND, WELL MAYBE FOUR YEARS AGO  THAT CLAIM COULD BE MADE BUT ACCORDING TO WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD, SUCH A CLAIM SHOULD NO LONGER BE ASSERTED!!  MORE APPROPRIATELY, I THINK  THE ARTICLE SHOULD  READ THAT THE UDP REMNANTS LEFT IN WEST BAY ARE TRYING TO RESSURECT WHAT THE WISE CONSTITUENTS OF BODDEN TOWN AND THE REST OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS KILLED FOUR YEARS AGO.

    TIME IS TRULY LONGER THAN ROPE AND MEMORIES DO FADE BUT I PRAY THAT THE CONSTITUENTS OF THESE ISLANDS NEVER FORGET THE COLOSSAL BLOW OF TREASON  DEALT TO US CAYMANIANS BY THE UDP PARTY WHEN THEY WERE IN POWER FROM 2000 TO 2005.

     LED BY THE SAME LEADER OF THE PARTY THAT LEADS THEM  TODAY I WONDER IF THEY THINK WE ARE FOOLS TO ONCE AGIN ELECT TO POWER SUCH A PARTY THAT HAD SUCH WANTON DISREGARD FOR THE SOVEREIGNTY OF CAYMANIANS.

    THE STATUS ISSUE MUST NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!!

     IT IS TRUE THAT THE UDP HAS GOTTEN SOME FRESH  BLOOD TO JOIN THEIR  RANKS, BUT HOW INFLUENCIAL CAN THEY REALLY BE TO THE IDEALS OF  THIS ESTABLISHED PARTY??

    ARE WE REALLY SO NAIVE AS INDIVIDUALS TO NOT REALIZE THAT  IN  THE PARTY  SYSTEM WHAT THE LEADER SAYS GOES, EVEN IF IT IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS?

    PERSONALLY, I WOULD HAVE HAD  MORE RESPECT FOR THE NEW UDP CANDIDATES  IF THEY HAD RAN AS INDEPENDENTS OR EVEN FORMED THEIR OWN THIRD PARTY INSTEAD OF JOINING A PARTY THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED FOUR YEARS AGO. 

    FOR WHAT ITS WORTH, I FIND SUCH AN ACT TO BE UTTERLY DISRESPECTFUL TO THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE OF THESE ISLANDS WHO VOTED AGAINST THEM FOUR YEARS AGO.

      MY FELLOW CAYMANIANS, THE UDP SHOWED US THAT THE PARTY SYSTEM DOESNT WORK,  AND THE PPM HAS PROVEN IT DOESNT WORK.  I IMPLORE YOU TO VOTE WISELY AND NOT VOTE STRAIGHT FOR EITHER PARTY.  IT IS TRULY TIME TO MASH DOWN THIS BABYLON DOLLY HOUSE  THAT WE HAVE CREATED AND CONSIDER SOME OF THE INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES THAT HAVE DECLARED, FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR PEOPLE AND COUNTRY.

     REMEMBER THAT TO CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING AND EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT IS ONE DEFINITION OF INSANITY!

     GOD SPEED

     

     

     

  39. Anonymous says:

    I hope that CNS is planning to report on the Independent candidates pubic meetings as much as the Parties’ meetings.

  40. Anonymous says:

    Show and no Substance – that’s the UDP!

  41. Sher says:

    I crossed the rally last night and I was shocked to see that there were two Cayman Islands flags hanging from the top of the stage…isn’t that against the law?

    I’m sure there was something in the press advising people who had flags on their cars to take them down at night because there was some issue with it?

    Or is it okay for the candidates and already elected officials to do as they please because they are the law makers and breakers too it seems.

    It’s astounding that these are the people who want to be elected to run our country and they can’t seem to grasp the basics of the laws that they themselves put in place…

    Can’t wait for the new officials to come into office to see the havoc they create on our Island paradise!