Port tender to face scrutiny
(CNS): Auditor General Dan Duguay has confirmed that he will be undertaking an audit of the tendering process for the development of the cruise berthing facilities in George Town. Although no official announcement has yet been made on who will be awarded the contract to develop the controversial facility using private sector cash, Duguay says the process by which the bids have been invited, analysed and will ultimately be selected has raised some concerns. As a result, he said, his office will be looking into how the tender was conducted and why the CTC appears to have been by-passed.
Although this development will be a private finance initiative, claims by the leader of government business and the port chairman that the government will still own the port facility suggest that the process by which a developer was selected should still have gone through the Central Tendering Committee and not a specially appointed political committee.
Speaking to CNS, Duguay said that questions raised in the public domain, through media articles and calls to the talk shows, have indicated that the usual tendering process regarding government contracts of over $250,000 may have been by-passed. “There have been concerns about how this development, which is a government asset, has been tendered,” Duguay said when asked by CNS if he intended to examine the situation regarding the port.
“I would like to understand how this whole process has worked, what has actually happened and introduce some transparency into the process so we will be starting to gather information about how it was tendered as soon as possible.”
The auditor general acknowledged that, while this project is reportedly not using public funds, it is still a public asset and how decisions were made about who will develop it, as well as the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’, are still subject to public scrutiny.
“The financing arrangements of a government project should not affect how the decision on who will be awarded the contract is made. Who finances it is not important. The facility, we are being told, is still going to be owned by government,” Duguay explained, adding that given the size of this development it would be expected that the Central Tenders Committee would be involved.
Probably one of the largest developments undertaken by the government in recent years, Duguay said it was an audit that his office should be concerned with and he believed it would be a priority. “It is not unusual for the AG’s office to examine the process by which important government contracts are awarded,” he added.
The details of the proposed cruise facility development have not yet been fully revealed. However, Port Authority Chair Stefan Baraud told CNS this week that the goal had been to finance theproject without using government funds. As a result, a special committee was established headed by Baraud to seek out potential bids from contractors who were not just able to build but could pay for it too.
The committee included Woody Foster and backbench United Democratic Party MLAs Cline Glidden, Ellio Solomon, Dwayne Seymour and Captain Eugene Ebanks. Thirteen bids were reportedly received and examined by the committee, which whittled down the bids to four potential contractors. These have been submitted to Cabinet to enable government to pick the developer. Baraud said the committee made their decision using a scorecard to evaluate the proposals.
There has, however, been wide speculation from the start that the Dart Group would be the developer selected, in partnership with a local consortium of contractors and heavy equipment operators, who will construct the land side of the project, which will include a new retail centre and a land reclamation project. The decision is now expected to be made public on Wednesday.
Category: Headline News
UDP
Don’t waste time worrying about the Auditor General’s reports; Joey didn’t worry about it, the Governor didn’t worry it (Tempura) etcetera.
Just get on with business, and turn the economy around – real people are hurting (PPM & UK surrogates don’t count)
That’s right UDP, this nonsense about the law and accountability is just a nuisance getting in the way of business.
"You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?"
Is it any wonder that there is an eruption of lawlessness in the country when the govt. of the country is lawless?
God help us all.
I’m trying to follow this. For one thing, the Auditor General reporting on the financial activities of government is absolutely essential because he can not cook the figures. And under the law he has access to them and can understand them and query them if neccessary. Therefore, we don’t receive any other form of correct information without the involvement of an Auditor General.
Secondly, the Berthing Facility and onshore development will, in reality, be constructed on publicly owned land and water. Is there a purchase involved because of that aspect, what has government considered the proposed purchase price for this sale? It is an extremely valuable piece of real estate. Is the proposal for it to be given over gratis? If so, why?
The point is that Government is giving away an opportunity! Whether or not the Government will be spending cash or not, the fact remains that Government will be giving away an opportunity that rightfully should follow the lawful process of the Central Tenders Committee. This process represent the exercise of democracy.
Least we forget, we are all integral to this process (this includes Mac). Remember Nixon’s famous comment, ‘it’s not illegal when the President does it’. As history has shown us, Nixon was rudely reminded that he was only part of a process and he was brought down for failing to follow the rules.
These rules are there for a reason! The protect us from the likes of those who would like to run roughshod over the Country!
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (Who guards the guardians?).
The English translation of Plato’s ‘Republic’ can be found on project Gutenberg. see http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1497/1497-h/1497-h.htm
This is also very useful reading for all of us who want to see a fair and transparent government here in Cayman.
Oh dear. Plato didn’t write this. He was Greek. It’s Latin. I f anyone’s interested I’ll tell them the source of the quote. Then I’ll get another life.
When and how was it decided that developing the port in the manner now envisaged is in the long term best interests of Caymanians and residents alike?
I ask this question in all sincerity because it seems to me now that the issue has changed from whether it should be built to whether the process by which it will be built is legitimate.
I must have missed something and look forward to clarification from someone.
We need to be aware that there are certain conditions favorable for political corruption in the Cayman Islands: Like –
1. Selling Cayman-owned properties to (people) of influence;
2. Privatization;
3. Government licenses needed to conduct business, e.g., import licenses, encourages bribing and kickbacks
The use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain is a great temptation. Lack of transparency is also a factor that needs to be considered.
You forgot .
4. The ability of the premier to sue anyone that gets in his way.(In the old days they would just say "off with his head")
If the threat was only to sue we would not have any cause for concern provided we keep an independent judiciary.
This is not a bid. The government is not “purchasing anything”….it is merely allowing a private investor to build something that will benefit the country…not unlike a hotel investment.
The likely the source of funds will come from the Cruise Industry, renters and the private investors rather than the government.
The last Government ‘chose” to make anagreement with Atlantic Star without any bids or even public notice so I am not sure what the politics is all about here.
The UK is hoping that we get no investment in the country so we have to go to direct taxation. Let us ensure we are not helping them achieve that goal.
1. The last govt. did not make a legally binding agreement with Atlantic Star, merely a memorandum of understanding. There was no breach of procedure. Funny, you are quick to point that there there were no bids in that case but are contending that this is not a bid in this case.
2. "…it is merely allowing a private investor to build something that will benefit the country…not unlike a hotel investment".
Er… not quite. A port is a gateway into the country which will be owned and to some extent controlled by a foreign entity. It is not in any way analogous to building a hotel.
Actually the government will be giving up the $ it receives for each passenger coming to Cayman, which is a huge amount of revenue to lose.
What will Cayman government get from all the cruise tourism then?
This is going to cost Cayman in the near and in the future, lets not kid ourselves that they are building the dock for free and out of kindness.
How is Atlantic Star doing these days anyways?
Let me get this straight, because maybe I’m a little slow. You invite people to give an Expression of Interest in September 2009 for a $150M project. (Keep in mind that an Expression of Interest is merely a preliminary document announcing just that – your expression to apply for the job). At the beginning of November 2009 you are in a position to announce who wins the contract?? That’s less than 6 weeks due diligence for a $150M project?No candidates were given interviews (not officially), no candidates were allowed to conduct on-site inspections, no candidates were allowed to make in person presentations to the Port Authority. A project of this magnitude would take no less than 6 months, usually 12 months, to properly vet and assess potential candidates. This is a joke. The candidate was selected a looooong time ago. They don’t even at least try to make it look legit. A message to all Caymanians. You have a beautiful country with a great heritage. But let me warn you, you are on a slipperly slope to something very different if you allow foolishness to prevail. You only need to look at Turks & Caicos right now.
Dart enterprises is the only local company able to put up $150 to $200 million to build the new cruise port. The rest of local bidders are fronting give it to Dart he is committed to the cayman islands . I hope Mr Dan Dugauy will investigate the fronting for the port contact as its not legal in Cayman then find out who is fronting for tom jones etc . keep tieing Mac’s foot and we will all starve . fast tracking all projects is needed now. follow the leader
Dart again? With all due respect sir, Dart is not the only source of funds available to this country. Neither does their construction company have the specialist dredging and marine equipment or know how to complete the marine works on this project which forms the major portion of the scope. Dart will either subcontract or joint venture with international firms which have this capability, while completing the land works with their forces,
Any reputable contractor in Cayman can do exactly the same thing. I was unaware that subcontracting specialist works or entering Joint Ventures was considered fronting and illegal. If it is, I guess Dart will be fronting also.
While Camana Bay is a impressive facility, I suspect Caymanians would like to see some spead in the wealth rather than just giving everything to Dart.
We seem to have skipped the Environmental Impact Study!! Can the Auditor also look into how it is possible to go to directly to tendering with out the Environmental Impact Study? Have we been handing out ‘chance’ and ‘community chests’ cards in this game on ‘monopoly’?
Who guards the guardians?
I not surprised to see tha Mac opposes this scrutiny from the Auditor General. Mac appears to believe that Cabinet are the ‘guardians’ of these Islands and have that when their actions should not be questioned. However, at least as far back as Cicero (106-43BC), the question has been asked; ‘who guards the guardians?’. To this the answer must be that, the overall process must serve to ‘guard the guardians.’ This includes the Auditor General doing his job as well as we, the concerned Caymanian remaining vigilant in ‘guarding our guards.’
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? The phrase actually comes from the Satires of Juvenal in the first century but also a question actually asked by Plato regarding his work on morality and the government. The Auditor General no doubt fulfills a role as do all auditors. But whom I might ask guards us from the auditors? The AG is employed by the Cayman Government so the argument is circular! Keep up the good work Dan. You will surely overcome.
Keep up the good work Mr Duguay! Mac seems to forget that we are all part of a system and must all obey the rules. Without your diligent efforts Mac and his cronies would continue to run roughtshod over the country. Well done!!
OMG!!! Thankfully I read these threads for amusement and not because of any purported factual content. I have been reading and listening very carefully about everything relating to this upcoming announcement of the cruise berthing facility, and nowhere was it ever reported that a $25 passenger fee would be directed to fund the cruise berthing project. Further more your passenger fee/head tax seemed extremely high so I took the liberty of doing real investigating and what I found was the passenger fees being paid are significantly less than your reported $25, and cannot be earmarked for any other project. The fee was more like US$11. On the point of the retail development; once again I did a little investigating and I found a copy of the EOI which says, the Cayman Islands government will control all retail and port facilities. Lets stop jumping to conclusions and wait to hear what Dan the man will have to say along with the Governor when they meet in Cabinet.
This is 21st Century modern and proactive way of auditing. There is no need to do an audit 4-5 years after the event and issue a report which won’t serve anyone. By doing the audit as soon as an event has occurred, the public gets to know what happened and whether there was a value for them and the government has acted for their best interest. Then the government also has an opportunity to correct any mistakes and take whatever actions to avoid further losses. It serves a whole lot of good for the country. No one should get panicked about this audit. Let’s assist the AG to finish his work and see the results. My only advice to anyone who is facing an audit is to assist the auditor and welcome that person. If you genuinely believe you have not done anything wrong, you shouldn’t worry about any inquiry. Today, it is only the current Auditor General who has the constitutional power as well as the willingness to take whatever actions he feels necessary to protect the people’s wealth in this country. I think the caymanian people have enormous trust on this gentleman and they are grateful to him.
Thanks for another great article pertaining to the Cruise Ship Dock. You bring to light a couple of very important points which I believe you need to address directly in your editorials.
1. Your article states, "Mr. Baraud said the committee made their decision using a scorecard to evaluate the proposals."
We your readers need to know more about this "scorecard" and who composed it and what criteria did they use in composing it and if they are willing to make the "scorecard" public and if not why not. Answers to these questions would go a long way in getting to the root of who is behind all this project and why. The scorecard and its’ implications should also be of interest to the Auditor General for his current investigation. Hopefully you have contacts or the ability to contact him directly.
2. It is said over and over again in your articles and others in the media that this dock is not costing the government any money.
It can be easily shown that it is costing the Government. They say the dock is being paid for by the $25.00 fee per passenger directly to the developer. Therefore that is $25.00 per passenger that the government won’t be receiving. Doing quick math shows that at this rate and given the number of passengers that arrive here, the One Hundred and Fifty Million Dollars will be paid back in 10 to 12 years. That’s money this struggling economy cannot afford to give up to private enterprise. And no one has addressed the issue of insurance. There is liability, hurricane, and other forms of insurance which will no doubt have huge premiums. Would you ask someone on your next interview how much that will cost annually and who is going to pay it? We must assume that the developer will also be paying for lighting and any other utility costs involved in the day to day operation of the facility along with repairs and maintainence.
Government currently receives the $25.00 per passenger fee from the cruise ships. If that money is diverted to pay the private developer / owner of the dock then it is indeed costing the government. This fact needs to be shown to Mr. Bush, Mr. Baraud and the public.
Further more, it has been stated that the developer plans to build retail shops along with the dock. How is this going to help the existing retailers in town whose lives depend on cruise ship trade. This plan almost sounds monopolistic and beneficial to a select few and harmful to many not to mention the ecological toll that we will see.
I will leave you with the following thought. This test was once on a billboard near the Airport years ago and seems very fitting today.
Rotary Four-Way Test: For Rotary, The Four-Way Test is the cornerstone of all action. It has been for years, and it will be in the future. Of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The test is one of the hallmarks of Rotary. Since it was developed in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who later became RI president, it has never ceased to be relevant. Its four brief questions are not based on culture or religion. Instead, they are a simple checklist for ethical behavior. They transcend generations and national borders. Pertaining to Cayman cruise ship docking piers:
1. Probably not. 2. No. 3. No. 4. No
Based on the above results the project should be aborted and those who proposed it in the first place should be watched carefully in the future pertaining to decision making that affects us in any way.
With The auditor General, Mr. Dan Duguay, confirming that he will be undertaking an audit of the tendering process for the development of the Cruise Berthing Facilities, I feel he has in effect signed his Dismissal papers as we all know what happens when you show any slight opposition to McChavez. Mr. Duguay has shown that he favors no one or Party as he has audited anyone or anything that looks suspicious, but this time he has dared to question McChavez and we will all see that Mr. Duguay will no longer be employed as The Auditor General. Its a sad state of affairs but when you have someone like McChavez as Leader (and worse when he is Premier) there will be no freedom of speech as Mr. Desmond Seales found out the hard way. Cayman be warned, worse times are ahead even if there are a few UDP cronies out there trying to fool you otherwise!
Does anyone really realize what a critical financial state Cayman is in or do we just oppose for the sake of opposing? There is an urgent need to generate money into the economy right now and especially the construction industry which is completely flat. The new facility will do this. Only extremely large, experienced and financially strong companies could even have submitted Expressions of Interest on this mega-project and I’m talking about large on a global scale.
This is not like building a patty shop on the corner. Since the design stage will be completed first, it should be fairly obvious that site work cannot and will not commence until full working drawings and financial negotiations are completed. This can only take place after detailed environmental impact and oceanographic studies and discussions with Government and the Port Authority have taken place.
This preliminary design stage can be lengthy and very expensive, a cost which the government would have had to bear were they to follow traditional tender methods. I believe we all know Cayman just does not have the money to pay for this right now and so it is quite normal to include this in a design/build contract – it’s done all over the world. Especially now that the AG is involved, I have to be confident that the most qualified group will be chosen based on the Expressions of Interest and their contract will include all environmental and financial protections required to ensure the Caymanian people get the best possible facility, at the best price and in the shortest possible time; especially as time is now of the essence as far as the cruise ship operators are concerned. That is why Antigua, St. Kitts and Jamaica (to name a few) are building similar facilities.
We voted in this government in May because we were unhappy with the previous administration, so lets consider them innocent until proven guilty and wait to see what transpires. Suppose we find out that Central Tenders have vetted the proposals and provided their recommendations and the AG approves the process, what will we all say then? At least this proposal has the facility remaining in the hands of the people of Cayman unlike the last one which was about to hand both it and the cargo facility to the Saudis.
The government said that is a free port. Ok. But what is the short to long term cost on the environement? It’s not Dart or the Cruise Ship Companies that will pay the bill at the end of the day. It’s the future of Cayman that we are talking about here! Why do we need a port bigger than the island?????
To accomodate tourists that will soon go to Cuba????
Another piece in the jigsaw puzzle soon to fall into place. It is being said overseas that "Dart now finally owns his Caribbean Island which is run by a willing local." Wake Up Cayman!!!
In the event that the Auditor General finds incorrect/criminal/questionable practices taking place in the bidding process or otherwise, does anyone know what has to be done to hold people accountable?
Do these auditor general reports hold any legal culpability or is it just about plastering potential wrongdoing over the international media?
If there are laws to hold wrongdoers accountable lets use them.
If not, lets close down the Auditor General’s office as it serves no purpose until such laws are passed and enforced.
No one, absolutely NO ONE can convince me or Cayman that it is right or proper for McChavez to ignore the CTC (which was put there to do exactly what McChavez is trying to run from) & give the decision to a self appointed (DICTATORIAL act) committee packed full of yes men & udp cronies/lackies! Hahaha, oooops I should be crying, WHAT ON EARTH DO WE EXPECT THESE "YES-WIMPS" TO DO BUT OBEY THEIR MASTER’S ORDERS? McChavez might as of completely ignored any committee & made the decision himself, because THAT IS WHAT THIS FARSE AMOUNTS TO!
If the AG has a basis to suspect criminal wrongdoing he refers the matter to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.
His office is serving a tremendous function as it brings a hitherto unknown level of transparency and accountability. The fact that misdeeds can be brought to light through this mechanism is a strong incentive to avoid doing them in the first place. It certainly makes no sense to suggest closing down the AG’s office.
The big question is whether the police will do their job and effectively investigate matters which are referred to them. They have been poor at this in the past.
Very well said!
The fact that no one in powerful and political positions in Cayman has ever been brought up on charges much less convicted goes a long way to increase the levels of mistrust. It’s like the elephant in the room that scarcely anyone speaks of.
There have been, and continues to be, numerous instances where white collar crime or other corruption happens and all the people ever hear (when we hear anything) at all, is "the Police are investigating". Meanwhile we continue to increase sentences and make new laws to target our youth mainly. In effect telling our youth one thing, while doing the opposite. And then we are surprised when much of the youth, especially those that feel disenfranchised, rebel.
And the fact that ALL our Political Leaders have known of the room for corruption and NONE have ensured REAL laws with real teeth, only adds to the mistrust. It seems that no one in real power are prepared to do the right thing…wonder why?…kickbacks anyone?
More soon come…na lookin well 🙁
Well, let me see:
The Auditor General found that Joey Ebanks got an interest free mortgage totalling $65k without proper permission, and a $6,500 bar tab that had been written off. – Nothing done about that.
The Commission of Enquiry found Charles Clifford took confidential information. Nothing happened about that. In fact PPM endorsed him all the more.
So I guess the answer is the Auditor General is nothing more than hot air, and rightly so – he’s not elected.
In the UK the House of Lords had its power taken away because it was an unlected body – whereas the House of Commons had its power expanded because it was elected by the People.
In Cayman the UK – the unelected dictatorship – seems to be expanding its influence, and the influence of our electedleaders seems to be shrinking.
Giving the Chairmanship of a Statutory Board to a young inexperienced person is like giving your Porsche to a 17 year old.
They will stretch it to its limit or die trying.
Giving the Chairmanship of a Statutory Board to a young inexperienced person and instructing them to do things with it irrespective of the consequences is what we now face with the Port situation.
It is obvious that the present chairman of the Port Authority was given the Post with instructions to develop it quickly and at any cost, so I dont think anyone should blame the Chairman for acting in the manner he has.
AG should investigate!
This entire project lacks transperancy. This is a HUGE undertaking and will impact Cayman forever…and thus needs to be properly considered and transparent. For Mac to create (and select) a committee (made up almost entirely of current UDP Politicians) is just wrong…NONE of those on the committee have any qualifications to make such a huge important decision.
Macdinijad seems intent on continuing to SELL-OUT Cayman…
The Chuckster warned ya’ll. Ya’ll shoulda listened….I bet unna listening now !!!!!
The first order of business after the commencement of the new constitution on Friday is to initiate a people’s referendum to remove this UDP government before its too late.
Can you say General Elections in June 2010 !!!!
And replace them with the PPM?? Dont make me laugh.
Did the chuckster warn us that he and his buddies would spend away the countrys money? guess not.
The only referendum that will be passed is to remove the remaining PPMRS from office….
NO! but the chuckster warned us that the udp was gonna give away our country, to enrich themselves, & he has been proven right! TAKE WHAT UNNA GET!
Stay off CNN Elio and grow up!
Is this the same Chuckster who was about to sell out not only the new cruise ship terminal but the cargo port as well to the Saudis? Cut the politics people, this is too serious a decision for that.
I have been told that this project will have an environmental impact study that will address the key concerns. I believe this to be the case. Lets wait for the announcement!
If the environmental impact study is carried out at the same time the piers are being built then how can it address any concerns?
Environmental impact studies are a lot like economic theories, the experts disagree yet everybody is still right. The objectivity and independence of the environmental impact study to a great extent will depend on who pays for it an the company selected to conduct the study.
Given the manner in which the pier contract was awarded, who can have any faith in how the envirnmental impact study would be conducted and its recommendations?
The AG should – as he did when reviewing the Governor – make note that these are exceptional circumstances – the Country is broke & the UK is the trying to force us into direct taxation – and furthermore that there are circumstances when CTC can be avoided.
Why the double standards Dan?
What double standards? Is this the new MO – if you feel threatened by what the other party is saying but it cannot be challenged you attack them personally by suggesting ulterior motives or lack of integrity? If all is above board then the LOGB should welcome the review as it will demonstrate to all that it is. The AG is doing his job.
Above board ??? Certainly you jest !!! The UDP above board…..LMAO….idiots…..you all were warned and this is what you "woted" for so shut up now……a country gets the government it deserves !!!!!!!!
Note: IF all is above board. They should be given the benefit of the doubt until the contrary is proved.
There is nothing to laugh about. If they screw up we all go down.
If they screw up you all go down. We all move away with our pot of savings and leave you to the mess.
No surprises there. Why do think you haven’t got permanent rights?
What really are you trying to say? – 11/02/2009 -08.46
I believe it is the AG’s right to look into this; however in the absence of a law which take discretion away from elected officials and require this to go through CTC then the leader has every right to do this.
We Caymanians are wise. We are not stupid any more. We are not the same people we were 20 years ago. We are wising up every day and we are very proud of what our government are doing.
When this government plans a huge multi million berthing facility project without and Environmental Impact Survey how can you make such a statement?
Clearly do what you want and get away with whatever you can still rules. Just ask the 2 Boddentown candidates now MLAs who ignored the election laws with impunity.
I see another "Turks & Caicos" fiasco happening soon in Cayman. There is so much corruption (as suggested by the Governor himself) & so many suspicious activities being conducted in the last 6 months, I am very worried for Cayman’s future. It is possible that soon after our new constitution is adopted, we will have it suspended! IT WOULD NOT SURPRISE ME! If it can happen in Turks & Caicos it can happen here, & this whole port situation is just one example of the corruption & dictatorial behaviour that is taking place!
OMG, are you really serious Anonymous 11/01/2009 – 16.28. There is NO WAY a project as large as the Port should be awarded without, 1st of all, an Environmental Impact Study and then 2ndly, the awarding NOT done by the Central Tenders Committee. It looks like you have not wised up or maybe you are one of the "in" people who will benefit from this project, but how can anyone who has Cayman FIRST and Foremost, in anyway agree with this Dictatorship way of awarding such a hugh contract and it will surprise no one when you see that the committee that is awarding the contract is pure McChavez cronies of which 4 are UDP elected members. But the UDP will again tell Cayman to stop playing Politics and we will bite our lips and keep quiet and that is why we, Cayman and The Cayman people will always be stomped on by McChavez. For you to say "we are very proud of what our Government are doing", it makes me wonder what your "take" will be as this is the ONLY way you can agree with these Dictatorial actions!
As a corollary, a possible relevant article from the UK Independent newspaper is shown below the link:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-a-troubling-lack-of-transparency-1811597.html
Thanks for the link 16:23. It appears Ashcroft used Belize as a stepping stone. Turks and Caicos is another step. Trinidad is in the mix. Can you "buy" a country? You can. Ask Argentina, Brazil. And Russia. Further back. Ask the Trojans if it was a good idea to pull that gift horse through the gate. Because it looked like such a good idea at first.
I am glad someone realizes that these project could not have been precured in 2 weeks. These kind of projects have a bidding and tendering stage that last 2 to 3 years. Why the rush UDP? You are digging your political grave.