Local lawyer to stand in for premier at UN seminar
(CNS): McKeeva Bush has selected local attorney Steve McField to deliver the message that the people of the Cayman Islands don’t want independence at a forthcoming UN seminar. Although the premier was invited to attend the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, budget issues have taken priority and Bush has appointed McField to take his place. The theme of the seminar is the assessment of the decolonization process in today’s world, a process that Cayman will not be involved for the foreseeable future. (Photo by Dennie Warren Jr)
McField said that, despite the message that he will be delivering, the premier had still asked him to attend not just to say that Cayman did not have a mandate from the people to seek independence but to assess what was happening with other overseas territories regarding the issue of self governance.
Charles Glidden, the premier’s press secretary, said the focus of the discussions at the seminar will be the steps and actions to be taken to advance and complete the process of decolonization of the non-self-governing territories. He said that the seminar is being held in New Caledonia from 18 to 20 May and the airline ticket was being issued by the United Nations, which will also “defray related expenses”.
McField added that he was honoured to be attending on behalf of the premier and said it was his most important accomplishment to date, even surpassing his significant achievement of being called to the bar in London in 1977 following trials, tribulations and discrimination.
Category: Local News
Steve Mcfield
A very good Caymanian selection. My whole household give their respects to him. Unfortunately, he got suck into the negativity that shrouded the Premier when he foolishly attacked the Press.
Steve stay true and committed to your country. Don’t let negative news about the Premier get you down. Your commitment for a good cause will pay off in the long run.
A friend
A maligned local attorney unconnected with the government has no standing to commit Cayman to any binding recommendations that may flow from the seminar. The Premier can side step any adverse fallout and McField will take the heat. McField is merely an expendable sacrificial lamb. There is no real downside for the Premier not to attend. If McField makes a hash of the matter the Premier can deny any involvement and sacrifice McField to take the brunt of our criticism. Not everyone who tries to help you is your friend.
The above comment referring to the new appointment of the Premier to travel to the UK is It is not only rude, but disrespectful to refer to Mr. McField as a maligned local attorney. There are always those people who will complain and can never be pleased " One Way or another".
Mr. McField is not only an Attorney versed in constitutional law, he holds a degree in political science. Of all the attorneys on the island, Mr. Mcfield was the most qualified and the most suitable pick., because of his grass roots and leand constitutional knowledge and experience.. This is a constitutional issue. Of course the majority of us do not want independence, and we are not fully aware of what the premier is thinking on the subject of independence; but at least if Mr. McField is the Premier’s choice as representing the Cayman Islands on this issue to UK FCO on this very important issue, I see no reason to criticize the action. Why waste government’s time and money sending others to the UK that have no legal mind , experience and knowledge on such matters, and at the end of the day, the tax payers must pick up the tab for travel expenses of an individual that would have otherwise been incompetent and not at all equipped to handle such a great responsibility to discuss a major issue such as this one.
To date Mr. McField’s explanation of the constitution has topped any other explanations of the constitution submitted by others in our local and international media. I give credit where it is due.
Congratulations Mr. Mcfield, we are very proud of you in this new venture.
Iwish you all the best mr mcfield, but honestly i hope you would change your mind so big mac can go now so the un and the press can deal with him and his plans to muzzle the press here.
Are you kidding? If Mac goes to the UN and starts blabbing about his take on human rights sanctions will be issued. Far better not to give him a world stage for his rantings.
To stay as a Dependent colony under the UK to do as she wants with us, is not safe!
And to change our determination to Independence, would be foolish! Far from it!
So… Cayman, what do we do???
Free Association?
It is the only option to me that makes sense! The UK should have full powers to deal with the EXTERNAL affairs of our country only and we should have full powers to deal with the INTERNAL affairs of our country – that is, of course, we elect an Independent Party into the LA
My 2 cent
Free Association is not on the table and the UK would not consider it acceptable. It is independence or status quo.
You say it "is not on the table"
So… tell us, why is it not on the table? I am sure the UK has negotiated before with OT’s about Free Association.
Mr. Billy should have been the obvious choice!
I’m one that supports a move for an independent Cayman. If we started planning now and it was in the region of 30 years, minimum. If it get all messed up I’d like US to mess it up. The Hong Kong handover would be a success story to reference.
Just make sure we don’t ‘kill’ ourselves in the process. We have many examples around us we can look at. It’s obvious England wants us to, so may be inevitable…
BTW In my opinion I don’t think there’s anyone that has as much intimate knowledge of the legal accounts of the Cayman Islands, from beginning to present , is as Caymanian at heart, and tells it like it is, as Steve.
The naysayers of almost every subject on this site appear from their own discussion to be very dissatisfied with their lives and can find everything wrong with Cayman and its people. Yet obviously they enjoy a better life, have more opportunities, and have more say in everything here than in their own country.
Mr. Mc Field, please go and do us proud!
You are the best person for this representation.
Congratulations Steve!
At the UN – Show them the might of a Caymanite.
Congratulations Steve, all the best to you.
All the best Steve, proud and happy to see you attending and delivering this speech on behalf of all the Caymanian people and its residents.
Your Cousin.
Play da ting dadadada play da ting dadada just a bunch of haters Steve never mind dem they just jealous you got there before dem The heathen back dem pan de wall he who runs away lives to fight another day. Tell them we Cannot afford independence because we are broke$$$$$$$$$ dollars running real low and mamma not got a darn ting to give or help us out with as usual except economic migrants and fool fool tax advice. Do us proud Native son who best to send the Steve or the prophet Ali or Sister sledgerhammer shut una D*#n mouth una ungrateful buncha crabs
That just about says it all, doesn’t it!
Are you going too? Sure the UN would be well impressed with this speech!
While I am sure there is a level of jealousy in some of this reaction — and we Caymanians sure don’t want to see another Caymanian ahead of us — couldn’t we find an elected representative?
I am just a little uncomfortable with someone not recognised by the people as a representative to carry this important message.
But all the same, he will be presenting a speech on behalf of the Premier — so his speech will be what would have been presented by the Premier. So let us not get too carried away.
Go in peace, Mr. McField. I have heard Mr. McField speak on a formal occasion, and he does wellenough.
so agree why is an elected member not going? No disrespect but how many would have voted for Steve if he had stood for election? If there is no elected member capable of attending then that is a true reflection of where we stand today
It would not make a difference if the Premier or Mr. McField went, as they are two alike.
No no… I am sorry, you taken this too far.
Comparing Steve to the Premier.
I wholeheartedly disagree with your opinion. It is your freedom of speech, but I don’t see you!
I know Steve and I sure do know he is a good man with a love for this country.
If the Premier cannot attend the UN conference, why is he not sending an alternative who is an elected representative of the people of the Cayman Islands ?
Steve, I wish you the best in this endeavor.
The Cayman Islands need to be better represented before the United Nations. I think everyone can agree with that- if not, then they don’t love their home and their people. Far too often we have been the victims of the interest of the UK’s Foreign Office. Remember previous years how we had our monies blown away by stupid corruption probes sanction by Governor Jack. One start is – we can probably revised our Constitution 2009 – yes, I said it! Change the whole document!!! Like I said before, the 15% of Caymanians that approve it, made a hugh mistake for the entire Island and future generations to come.
Anyways God Bless
Is this the same Steve, if my memory serves me right, who declared that the two Bodden Town members were not properly elected to serve in the house and later went all out defending them?It is difficult to know where he stands. We are in for some dark days. Not sure how much darker it can get.
The opinion expressed by Mr. McField was never tested before the Court because the persons challenging weren’t smart enough to file their court documents within the required time.
I dontbelieve most lawyers agree with, for example, rape – but they do defend rapist so as to ensure that their legal rights are protected.
‘…….because the persons challenging weren’t smart enough to file their court documents within the required time.’
Well, then the advisors, lawyers and every other ‘sit on the fence’ person who did nothing were not smart enough! The persons challenging were smart and courageous enough to stand up for what was right and lawful -were you?
For Christ Sake, una hush naw, Bad minded, badminded, just because Steve, was given the opportunity to go and speak.
Wha wrong with him? He is smart, dresses smart, and knows much about the Cayman Islands and its people. Could it be the colour of his skin why the slur throwing.
I am happy for him, all of the negative comments can’t hold water,
Steve, you go, and make us proud, dont pay attention to envious people. Yu know how it go yaw.
This island is becoming more than just shocking………..does Mac not see that back in October when he wanted to appoint Steve McField as head of the public defender – the first thing people said was – he’s just trying to give his friend a job – he could’ve at least tried to deny that.
But now, by making him do this – its confirmed! what is Mac’s fixation with this guy? Why couldn’t the deputy go? is she too busy?
what the hell goes on in Mac’s mind?!?!?!
surely somebody somewhere must tell him that he at leat must try and be seen to be impartial – but he’s so ignorant that now he’s being blatently biased.
i’m nothing short of disgusted!
also were the people asked if they wanted independance?! Mac is making such a mess of this current situation and the policitcal uncertainty in the UK won’t help….what will come of this beautiful island i call home?!
come on folks, you know that if the premier or deputy had gone on this faraway trip, you all would have been ripping them for going off on another overseas jaunt when we have all these budget issues to deal with.
You guys are hilarious.
it does not matter if it the premier or XXXX that is going, one is no better than the other.
What an embarrassment! Did you all see that press conference today. Now that is hilarious!
Mr. Bush we congratulate you again for sending a Political Science Expert and a grassroots attorney to the UK to represent us. An Absolute brilliant move, as the premier of the Cayman Islands..
Now, Here’s a shocker for you, If you need Mr. Mc Field’s legal mind this badly, don’t youthink its time to consider nominating him as a member of the House of Assembly. You apparently trust him more than you do the Attorney General ! who is an official unelected member. I say this with the deepest respect for the AG and without bias or prejudice of any kind. But this recent action to promote Mr. Mc Field to represent the Cayman Islands on your behalf is not only Historical but it is proof that all the brilliant minds are not the elected ones but that there are some very valuable intellectuals ‘outside of the L.A" whose educational gifts, talent, and expertise can not be ignored but instead their services are of vital importance to the future of the Cayman Islands.
Continue to embrace good council but never threaten the media or the people or try to impose hefty fines and threats to cripple them financially. That is a very dangerous and self destructive statement to make. The power of the pen is much more powerful than people realize. The power of the pen stretches from one end of the globe to the other. its called "The World Wide Media". We can not afford bad publicity at this time. We need the support of all democratic nations, as a tourist destination and a world leading financial center.
We are praying for you that God give you the patience that you need to fulfill your post, we do not want the country to fail just because you are the Premier and that is the way everyone should think .Regardless if whether the UDP or the PPM or Independents are ruling, we want the Cayman Islands to win, and not lose. We are praying for you that God protect and keep you, and give you great wisdom to run this country and that you never have to make those kinds of statements again because of frustration. Take a deep breath. (smile)
I am not at all concerned because I know enough about International affairs, The European Union, Constitutional Law, and Civil Law and I know for certain that you do not mean what you said by imposing such hefty fees and other threats, it would cost you your position on the "World’s Stage" not to mention the local Election Grand Stand. So relax we’re not against you, the people must have a voice, the Media must have a voice bringing he news to the people, and You the premiere has the first Say as our Leader.
God bless you and keep you.
You better be careful you serf before i call the UDP BDG to adjust your attitude my friend didn’t you hear we restricting the Press freedoms too with economic sanctions all hail our great leader all hail our great leader Cayman boy what a town this is
What a flag carrier. God help us all.
He isn’t carrying a flag!
Maybe you should read the article again. He’s giving a speech.
Metaphor. Look it up.
I am not the biggest fan of Steve but say what you will he has the country at his heart… I don’t understand why people are so disrespectful to our own kind… You can take a stance without being distasteful…
Don’t get me wrong, Steve is a good man. I respect him alot. It is just what I believe – we need to bring up the issue of our democratic representation in the UN seminar. Of course, no one wants Independence, but what about our representation as a people??? And what about the option of Free Association??? I wonder if these things will be in the talks as well
Good point!
Its called ‘crabs in a bucket’ mentality, and it is usually the common trait of PPM members who believe that only certain Caymanians should help run the country.
To Anon 11:47, surely you meant to put "UDP" where you mistakenly put "PPM" in your posting? I guess that was an honest mistake, because what you said describes the UDP toa ‘T’
STEVE
We do not need Independence!
WHAT WE DO NEED IS TO BECOME A FREE ASSOCIATED STATE – PARTNERS WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM WITH FULL DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS FOR THE PEOPLE.
BRING THAT UP BEFORE THE UN
See my previous post – http://centos6-httpd22-php56-mysql55.installer.magneticone.com/o_belozerov/31115drupal622/viewpoint/2010/04/15/unjust-clauses-cayman-constitution-2009
Mathew, I agree with what you said. You and I know we have much respects for Steve. It is just little is said about the option of Free Association for certain reasons
And how much is this costing??? Why not send one of the MLA’s? Oooops how stupid of me, there all working their but’s off! HA HA HA HA HA.
CNS: The UN is paying for the ticket and expenses.
Thank you CNS; if we could get more facts like this posted that would not only educate some members of the PPM, but also avoid some confusion.
CNS: The point was included in the article.
Is this some kind of joke? Just asking.
You cannot be serious?!?!? Surely this is a misprint CNS??
Just explain fully to them about Mac and the rest of the UDP junta. After tell the UN about Kurt and the PPM. I’m sure that the UN will see clearly why we are not ready for independence and indeed may never be.
god help us if it has come to this……last one out turn off the lights
Doomsday is upon us….we are definately up the river without a paddle from executive decisions like these…
Tell them about our seafaring tradition, Steve. And tell it as an extended metaphor for the choppy seas we navigate in today. Seriously they will love it. The more extended the better.