UDP hopeful ministry adviser
(CNS): The former UDP candidate for George Town in the May 2009 election, Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden, is offering advice to government ministers as a consultant, an FOI request from a member of the public has revealed. McGaw-Lumsden came home in 8th place in the George Town political race with just short of 31% of the vote, but she is now working with her former running mates as a political assistant to four of the five Cabinet ministers. Reviewing papers and documents for political sensitivity and contributing to long term policy ideas, the young UDP member is being paid from the public purse between $67-77,100 per year plus benefits.
McGaw-Lumsden’s role, according to the documents released, is to advice the four Cabinet ministers (but not the premier) from a party political point of view, write speeches, do research, liaise between the government and the party membership and those with political allegiances and represent the views of the party to the media. The young party member was appointed officially by the Cabinet office on 1 June, the papers received by the requester reveal.
Although the Cabinet office eventually released all the details of the contract to the member of the public who made the request under the moniker ‘Cayman-Consultant’, initially the salary range was redacted. However, following further correspondence in which the FOI requester pointed to the precedent of the premier’s press secretary’s salary being public, the office relented and revealed the range.
As with many other requests, Cayman-Consultant told CNS that they had had a hard time with the FOI since in the first instance the information managers had denied that the young UDP member had been employed. Cayman-Consultant had sent the request to all the ministries asking if McGaw-Lumsden was on contract with them, requesting copies of the contract, a description of duties, the correspondence related to the appointment and the salary range.
Although it was later revealed that the appointment had been made by the Cabinet Officer, the former UDP election candidate was nevertheless working with the ministers when the request was made, and Cayman-Consultant told CNS that they believed they had been mislead during the process of the request rather than assisted, which is what the information managers are required to do.
“I was finally directed to the Cabinet Office, who disclosed some of the Cabinet Secretary’s emails, the contract and eventually a salary range,” Cayman Consultant said. “It was most interesting for me to discover that some information managers clearly misled me about Mrs. McGaw-Lumsden’s consultancy status, perhaps attempting to hide behind mere semantics as she was on contract with the Cabinet Office and not with their ministry. I personally believe it was misleading if not outright untruthful to state that she was not on contract, not offering services and not being paid by the ministry.”
Cayman-Consultant pointed out that at the time of the request McGaw-Lumsden’s contract had been confirmed and that, aside from the fact that she was already in post, there was correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the four ministries regarding the contract, which Cayman-Consultant noted the information managers should have known about.
The revelation that the information managers told the FOI requester that McGaw-Lumsden was “not offering services” come in the wake of recent rulings by Information Commissioner Jennifer Dilbert that managers are falling short when it comes to following the process.
Although the political appointee was contracted by the Cabinet Officer, which meant she was “not being paid by” or directly “on contract with” any of the ministries which the FOI requester contacted, she clearly was working for government, and according to the Freedom of Information Law the information managers have an obligation to assist and clarify the applications made to them.
Dilbert said in her recent ruling regarding the run-around given to CNS over a request about ministerial expenses and benefits that it was “unconscionable” and a contravention of its statutory obligations for a public authority to hide records and information “behind mere semantics” but that public authorities should communicate with applicants to determine what they want.
Category: FOI
She’s clearly an intelligent young lady, but what is really ironic is that this FOI request had to be chased so hard to eventually get the info …….. when you listen to her position on FOI and transparency in Government (right at the beginning) in her election video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSPFjCLiqaw
Phew. Story pushed onto page 2. Crisis averted. Let’s move on to the next one!
I can’t believe Rolston would allow himself to be used in this way; shame on Rolston.
The AG needs to conduct a value for money audit on this.
I am so tired of the BS. why does the PPM continue to make petty jabs at the UDP. They were no different when they had a chance to run the country, as a matter of fact they did run it, all too well, INTO the Ground. they dug a hole so big we are still trying to get out of it.
All these little articles of un-importance to make the people look the other way so that they can forget that the PPM has not in the past nor Present, and cetainly not in the futher, done anything for this country.
So please stop the petty jabs. And people stop allowing yourself to be distracted from the real picture. The failings of the PPM.
I’m just wondering if this post was advertised… Other than the obvious reasons, how was this candidate selected? Were interviews conducted?
And here we have people like Rolston talking about the problem is employability.. if that was the case then half of you wouldn’t be where you are today..
Will be interesting to see if “Pearlina-gate” results in any official enquiry. The idiots that engage in this type of banana republic patronage need to understand that any escalation to a Turks and Caicos level of FCO intervention will result in the overnight destruction of the financial industry and the end of the Cayman miracle. The only options then will be to learn to fish and plait rope……..
It is hard not to have fact in a lot of this. But Why the heck did Mr. Kenrick Webster not run! He supplied the Govenment Schools with over 3000 books this school year. Shame on Rolston! Horray for Kenrick.
People need to prioritize in this Island.
If anyone have ever seen the movie the Devils advocate they would have identified a few of these so called politicians in the casting crew.
This Island has two big demons. Money and Power and until you can overcome them. You are no success!
Don’t get me twisted having money and power is not all bad its when it has you that it becomes Lethal.
Just pray for them cause arguing about it may not change the manipulative nature of those condemed to a life deceit and destruction. Only the trust in GOD can deliver these lost sheeps coverd by the dark carcas of a rotted Wolf’s coat.
God Bless Cayman!
Of course Mac knows she is being paid by the Government. I drop off food orders to the Premier on a weekly basis, and she is passing by each time I am there. So of course he knows she is there. What I want to know is how she gets any work done coz every time I come by she is out talking or just simply walking around the office with what seems to be nothing. I’m not an expert, but I can see clearly now the rain has gone………..
What I want to know is 1) Is she still being employed by Admiral? and B) Does she receive pension and health? From the people’s pockets?
That was humourwith 1) & B) in case anyone trys to make fun of it.
According to the condition offer which CNS kindly linked for us Govt. will contribute to both her existing pension and health, i.e. from the people’s pockets.
"every time I come by she is out talking or just simply walking around the office with what seems to be nothing".
She is setting an example for all the young Caymanians out there.
Wow, so if you know so much, then you know that in order to run for office, she had to resign her position as legal council at Admiral.
XXXXX
Listen XX. I never once stated that I knew so much. I simply asked a question. You either answer it, or move on other than making annoying comments to other people. You obviously knew, so just say so.
XX
I am simply here asking questions as to why she is being paid to consult when we are already paying our paid electives to do so. If they cannot do the job, then resign. My country, my money, OUR money. We have a right to know!!!
XXX
Rolston, shame on you.
That is all i will say – i really expected better from you.
And yet there is no money for anything else. Well I’m glad that someone will walk away each month with almost $7,000.00 while the rest of us try to find a $2,000.00 a month job. Glad that the UDP is taking care of the important things! What happened to the children who don’t have text books and the multitude of problems facing the education and immigration services. Imagine what we could do with an additional $77,000.00 per year!
This also begs the question of why anyone would even run for office when they can get more benefits through losing!
You can only lose if you run for office. Running with the UDP is her sole qualification for this office.
If they’d kept Dan Duguay all of this would have came to light!
Well he is gone and it did come to light. So what is your point?
You’ve missed the point. We don’t care how many consultants the PPM pays for. We don’t care how many consultants the UDP pay for. We do care about a consultant paid for by the taxpayer whose job it is to do UDP business. Is that so very hard to understand?
What is wrong with that!
UDP is trying to fix the economy. PPM had 9 consultants and brought us into a deficit of 81 million! You are complaining that they are not getting the job done. Then when they hire someone who will assist them in this great endeavor, you criticize them?
That is just not right! sir, it makes me think you have no interest for the welfare of these islands!
Where are you Mr. Auditor General? This kind of thing is what you came here for. Why should government be paying her when she is actually doing UDP party business. While I agree that she has some good qualifications, I don’t believe she is qualified to be paid by the taxpayer for any advice. Someone should look into how many times she tried to pass the Bar exam and how many times she failed. Would she not be a lawyer by now if she had been smart enough to pass it? You have to give her credit for will power and perseverance.
After having read some of the emails I am most perplexed by how someone who’s writing speeches can write correspondence riddled with so many grammatical and spelling mistakes!
I was NOT impressed during the campaign that someone with a master’s degree could not properly conjugate verbs etc. and now I see it in writing and I’m even more disappointed.
As a fellow Caymanian it makes us all look bad.
I just HAVE to point out that "who’s writing" means "who is writing". You should of course have typed "whose writing". Nothing gladdens my heart more than spelling and grammar mistakes in a post complaining about spelling and grammar standards. ๐
No, what’s really funny, is you ("Amused") trying to correct Anonymous who’s actually correct to begin with) and you ("Amused") getting the correction wrong – hahahahahaha, (sides hurting)
No; his post looks grammatical to me! Read it again.
Actually I think that you will find that you are incorrect. The poster had it correct the 1st time – "a person ‘who is’ writing speeches…." is more gramatically correct than "a person whose writing speeches…".
Before you critisise someone, you might want to check 1st
Sorry but you are wrong! Please read he posting again and you will see why.
who’s writing actually works in this instance. If you read it again you will see.
The poster is saying that someone "who is" writing speeches …..
No, I meant "who is writing" … not "whose writing". Someone who is writing speeches – that’s grammatically correct 100%. Let me not have to give you a lesson.
http://www.grammarbook.com/english_rules.asp
Excuse you – read it again!
“After having read some of the emails I am most perplexed by how someone who’s writing speeches can write correspondence riddled with so many grammatical and spelling mistakes”
is what was written and the use of ‘who’s’ is correct. Read it again saying "who is" instead of "who’s."
WHOSE can be an interrogative possessive adjective and a pronoun.
1 adjective: whose round is it?
2 pronoun: Whose was the car was parked outside?
3 relative possessive adjective: He’s a man whose opinion I respect.
Poor you – you have it all wrong. I’m most amused by someone seeking to point out spelling/grammar mistakes when they themselves do not have a clue.
The author is completely correct for using "who’s writing". Shame … no wonder we can’t find jobs!
The original poster was correct. "Who is" is the correct words to use:
http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/difficulties/whoswhose.html
http://hubpages.com/hub/Whose-Vs-Whos-Common-Grammar-Usage-Mistake
Glad that we can use this forum to educate ourselves. Thank you CNS.
Who’s the laugh on ya say?? "whose writing" wouldn’t fit there
Pearlina,
Dont let this bother you. This too shall pass. When Kirt Tibbetts was printing things for Cayman Airways nothing was mention of it. I can list nine names the PPM pay as consultants.
I Guess you are the next target. So much to say but i know CNS wont print.
Regards,
Pearlina watch group.
If CNS won’t print it then it is probably libellous. If you have real information (as opposed to propaganda) let’s hear it. Name them. Let us have the details. Don’t hide behind innuendo.
I don’t know who are the information managers for these Ministries however their superiors may not have granted them access to this information. The Law says that Information managers have a significant amount of authority and access however practically that is not always the case because others may impede that access.
So from what I’ve just read in the attachments, she was being paid from June 2010, but the contract was not signed until the 25th OCtober 2010 and the contracts makes clear that she is not a Public/Civil Servant. If she is not a Civil Servant, how can the government of the Cayman Islands be paying her? Something is very wrong and someone in authority needs to step in and call time out. Those responsible need to be held accountable and should be fired forthwith. This is disgraceful.
If she is not a Public Servant or Civil Servant, why is the CIG contributing to her pension and health cover?? Sounds like a Civil Servant to me… Far as I can tell, when the Gov hires a consultant, the person contracted must fund their own pension and health cover from the money they are paid. Gov doesn’t get into who your pension of health insurance provider is, if you are a consultant.
Perhaps the wizards who hired her can help clarify this? Donnie, OC, anyone?
You are absolutely right – a "contractor" is not on the payroll. They are supposed to invoice for their fees, and no way does a contract carry employee benefits. It is a cash for services arrangement only.
This may have more significance than it seems – because if Govt is pretending to reduce Civil Service positions on the one hand, but hiring "contractors" to replace them, it’s just a deliberate smoke screen. I cannot see any reason for this person getting Govt employee benefits (pension contributions) and not calling them a civil servant.
The Auditor General should go from Ministry to Ministry, Department to Department, Statutory Authority to Statutory Authority to determine how many people have been employed in some form or another in some drummed up position for which there was no genuine need or benefit to the organisation, but done for no other reason than to satisfy a political affiliate. The Governor should then fire the Ministers who acted so unethically and discipline the civil servants who went along with it and did not expose it, for it is only by people having the courage to speak out will unethical and illegal practices cease.
don’t hold your breath on that one.That would br a lot of work,and a real downsizing of CIG.
All of these negative post by pissed off Caymanians that are supposedly tired of being ripped of by their own Government but not one little thing will be done about it. Wait a week and it will be forgotten to the point that she can get a promotion. This is how things are done here. Government can do anything and the people who pay for them will do nothing against them. Kind of like Cuba yeah? As long as he/she is Caymanian then its expected and tolerated. Take all you can (spread it around to your friends and family) and give nothing back.
Sorry to disagree. cuba is better organise than that. with them you expect it ! With ours all done behind the scene. many many live in the dark.Very thrue what you have said. We have become like paroots under an almond tree.
Three good old Jamaican phrases come to mind on this one.
a. Genetically linked
2. Pork Barrel Politics
3. Nothing but topanaris in the party.
Careful Cayman look at your neighbours to see what the above has produced. Dons, garrisons and out of control crime.
I just hope the George Town voters remember in the next election that Pearlina along with all the other UDP candidates are only for themself.
We need to get rid of all the old members over the age of 45years in both parties they have served their purpose. We need new blood. Mr. Solomon is the only candidate I can think of at present who is doing anything for the people of this Country. All the others must go. Pronto.
You have to be fair; of all the Members of the UDP, Ellio is really the only one that appears to be trying his very best to actually do stuff to benefit the Caymanian people.
Ellio has brought a motion so that certain jobs will be “Caymanian Only”; that Pensions can be used to help Caymanians acquire a home, and is making affordable home a reality.
On the other hand; what has Rolston done in 18 mths, except try to finish what Alden started – not a single this has happened with Labour.
Mike is still having a Power Nap.
Mark is on the cell phone too much.
Julie is never around.
And Mac is off island.
Well Elio, I suggest you consider changing side or become independant because being part of UDP will eventually brand you like the rest of the and since we are playing party politics I for one will disregard anything the UDP say as a blind charm. Sorry to miss the rest gotta to go to work. Thank God I still have that to look forward to. CNS you are doing such a great job that if I want to have a good day I have to consider opening your site for more vexation. However keep up the good work and I hope it will last. Does it keep them honest? No not really. But It keeps us informed. Keep digging and a sincere thanks.
This is a no brainer. The UDP party should refund in FULL all expenses paid to date for Mrs McGaw-Lumsden. Her appointment clearly benefits the UDP party and NOT the people of the Cayman Islands.
The Opposition needs to bring this to floor of the house and get those funds refunded asap!
How absolutely and completely UN-ETHICAL!!! It is very disturbing that so many people turned a blind eye to this – where is the integrity???? What kind of characters are representing us. A very sad sad state of affairs.
We need to loudly and clearly state to our elected officials that we want those funds returned to government coffers ASAP!!!
I am no ‘fan’ of this move, however I am happy that they gave the job to a Caymanian and not imported labour.
I think you have missed the point. Sometimes there are job vacancies that need to be filled, and that job may or may not go to the best qualified person.
Here we have a person selected, and now the process is to create a job to justify compensation over and above the piddly sums given for serving on multiple Boards like ICTA, WAC, and NRA.
PPM political advisor was supposedly from the Eastern Caribbean. An FOI request should be made to determine if they were paid with government funds. If so then the UDP made the right decision to hire a Caymanian. It is perfectly normal although new to the Cayman Islands for government and political parties to have advisors considering the enormous workload and amounts of information that has to be delt with. I understand why the decision was made and it is good a Caymanian was chosen.
enormous workload and amounts of information that has to be delt with.
Huh??? In that case…..every domestic helper, stone mason, etc. should have an advisor. What you bin smokin???? Listen, this was a political-friend appointment for a position they made up out of thin air but afterall when it’s someone else’s money…….,,,
everyone knew she was gonna get a job within gov’t….the question was….what would be the actual job.
no surprises with this gov’t whatsoever!
you so fool-fool Anon 17:42! The only person paid for by the government for the PPM was the LOGB’s assistant, no one else! The so called "Eastern Caribbean" advisor/s, who visited the Cayman Islands occasionally, was NOT paid by government and any amount of FOI requests can be made to determine that fact. The PPM & the UDP are two very different creatures, & the PPM have never invented jobs to employ friends, family, colleagues or cronies. The PPM may have spent a lot of money building for the future, building necessary schools, building necessary roads, building a necessary government building, & building for the Cayman people, but the PPM never were accused of any form of corruption.
The PPM never did & never would use government funds to pay party faithfuls, supporters or friends. This certainly does not seem to be the case with the UDP government. This is a disgrace, & I emplore the Auditor General to launch an investigation into this dirty scandal.
I do not see the UDP auditor general investigating anything otherwise primrose and scotty will get rid of him.
Do not be fooled. All is not what it seems. The PPM was just better at hiding it. If you remember they gave all works to foreigners if any Caymanians got it, it was their "Lion" buddies. "yeah so and so hold this until I can come and get it from you" Please do not be so nieve. A den of Lions is not a safe place to be and when they get hungry they will feed upon themselves.
Then by all means put an FOI regarding the alleged PPM misdeeds. Prove it to us. I dare you. But of course you won’t because you are hoping to get away with making vague insinuations.
He was paid privately by party officials or the elected officials private funds! He was not on government contract and we the Caymanian people DID NOT pay for his services. Also, I doubt he was on a full contract after they won the election.
" An FOI request should be made to determine if they were paid with government funds. If so then the UDP made the right decision to hire a Caymanian."-you have missed the point and people like you is why this country can’t seem to get ahead. Right is Right and Wrong is Wrong! Nothing can be done about the past but we elected the current Government expecting BETTER and it is quite obvious and they have proved themselves over and over that they are no better than the previous Government.
"you have missed the point and people like you is why this country can’t seem to get ahead. Right is Right and Wrong is Wrong! Nothing can be done about the past but we elected the current Government expecting BETTER and it is quite obvious and they have proved themselves over and over that they are no better than the previous Government."
Hear! Hear! Perfectly said.
Ellio is the only one doing anything. They need to get fourteen more like him.
why? does it take 15 people to make up a yodelling team?
To quote the great John McEnroe:
You CANNOT be serious!
Thereis nothing wrong with someone voting for himself!
Yes it’s another shock.However Perlina is not stupid. Landing the job proves it that. Yesterday under the heading of who do you think should be the next PPM leader ? and under another post I said this. PPM get your ducks in order. Stop concentrating on just the Leader and think as a team.The public OPINION of the UDP is at an all time low and they know it. That’s why they hired Pearlina to get more young voters involved and fresh ideas. THEY are starting their next campain from now to try and save face or worse .PPM wake up do the same. Remember we are watching closely.They (UDP) will try and confuse us more.Don’t swallow the bait.Keep focus and ORGANISE a team ASAP.If I was you I would start from West Bay. Guess what? I am one of the stupid ones who voted for them not thinking it would get this far and I am not the only one. Do that and I PROMESS I will be very vocal.From your hearts,for the people and our Beloved Casyman Islands.
Is it legal what there doing,Idont’ know I am not a lawyer but King McKeeva is nervous and so are the silent ones. I feel it and YOU guys need to fell it too.Let’s stop complaining and let’s get to work!
Don’t you all get it….there are 17 days to success according to the annointed one.
Pearlina the consultant/advisor will deliver our success in 17 days. Yepeee !!!
Judging by the UDP’s actions and decisions since they took over she has given them some pretty bad advise and should probably refund some money accordingly !
Political advisors exist in every country. Fine!
XXXXXXX
But why try to deny and hide it and continue to assume that people are dumb? At least to me, that’s the most offensive part of it.
Look at page 31 of the e-mail correspondence – this is the final page of contract and the terms of reference. This is a total PARTY POLITICAL POST and has nothing to do with government services. It is about advising on party political angles for the government work, totally the opposite of what you would expect from a Government advisor.
The post should be financed from within the UDP and the respective ministers. Was the post advertized – I suspect not. Whose idea was it and who authorized it?
This is a disgrace, and should be on theGovernors table for examination and action
What is the point of hiring people to work in the Ministry? Ministry staff are supposed to be responsible for advising the Ministers. That is why there are so many Senior Advisors and Managers in the Ministry.
If she is qualified to provide advice to 4 Goverement Ministers, why isn’t she the Premier?
Can someone explain why we are also contributing to Pearlina’s pension fund if she is a contracted consultant?
I thought the reason for contracting out work was because there were savings to be made by not having to contribute to pension or health insurance plans.
Just because she is not advising him does not mean he does not know, he obviously knows very well, and it was most likely his idea.
With that nice degree she has I am not sure why she can’t find a job somewhere else and allow government to put that money where it really needs to go!
If she loves her country as much as she says shedoes and can offer these services so well, prove your devotion and volunteer your time!!!
UDP is corrupting even the young people, who I am sure would make good leaders, please do not follow in Mac’s footsteps and think it will get you somewhere positive Pearlina!
Ridiculous! We demand that there be an inquiry about this! How can she be paid by the government for doing work for the party? You should be ashamed of yourselves. UDP should tell the people what particular expertise this woman has. I guess the qualifications are more mouth and less brain! If the UDP wants her then make them pay. Governor, how can you allow this to happen?
Is this in additiona to her high paying job at Admirals? Or has she lost that post?
I believe she quit that position to run in the elections.
Thank God for FOI! That was one good thing the PPM did.
Yeah, right. Pull the other one.
Shame on Perlina, and the four Ministers:
Mark, Mike, Rolston and Juliana.
I am so glad that Mac didn’t hire her services, and that Ellio, Dwayne, CG and Capt are not involved in this fiasco.
I bet Mac didn’t even know about this.
LMAO!!!!
I want some of that kool-aid! It might help me believe that I have a full-time job!
Is paying for someone to perform party political functions out of the public purse not against the law? There is no question that it is unethical.
What’s the big deal?!
All government officials across the world have advisors.
Just because it comes as surprise to you, doesn’t mean it is actually a crying shame
GET OVER IT PEOPLE!!
I smell jealousy!
It is a big deal! The country is broke. The Civil Service is already bloated. Some lower positions had to take paycuts, yet their leaders don’t leadby example. There is no money to be carrying yet another totally pointless position.
Yet, we have Rollie saying that Caymanians are unemplyable. People respond by saying we need a better education system. The CI$60k+ they are spending on this pointless position could have been put to better use – perhaps pay a teacher’s salary!
This is what Ministry staff is hire to do. So in effect we are paying 2 people to do the same job.
Are you joking?? Get your nose buds checked.
If she wasn’t voted in (by the people), why on earth would they, (the people) want her to advise????????
DUH!!
Can we have a report card? what has she done since taking up her new career?
It’s too bad Pearlina didn’t provide political consultation for the ramifications of her hiring..
whats her qualifications?
who else applyied for the job?
was the job advertised?
Is anybody aware of the existence of such a post in Government? Political Assistant? Seems to me this post should be paid by the Political Party and not from the ‘public purse’.
This is better that Wikileaks!!!!
After reading the schedule to the contract it would appear to be a party position versus a government position. I think the UDP party should be paying her salary not government.
I would’ve thought the same thing!
I hear and now call on the honourable minister Mike Adam to disassociate himself from this party, I know you as a honest, descent man, and cannot believe that you are agreeing to all that this government is doing. If you don’t sir you can better enjoy this term in office because you will not be re-elected by the George Town voters, and there are plenty of us that feel this way, but do not have access to computers, or this media. So plese take this advice seriously, and come out now before it’s too late.
I don’t know where to begin… This is just wow…lol
I have to hand it to the CIG, they never fail to make some kind of headline news…
This is basically the Caymanian soap opera. I think the soap opera should be called Animal Farm (like the book) and Big Mac should be Napoleon…
I shouldn’t be making a joke out of this but joking is all I can do or I would lose my mind.
RunDown has to be a hit this year!
On a serious note, why are people sooooooo surprised? Were they not around when the UDP was in power in 2003?
Thank you!!!!!!
It is situations like this that discourages young voters to exercise their democratic right to vote! Whether it’s UDP or PPM, this kind of non-sense has to end and SOON!
Peoples, how many questionable XXXX deals and actions that have taken place under the UDP since June 2009.
Well there are MANY and what happens, we run up our mouths for 2 weeks and something again questionable and shady takes place and we forget about what took place before hand.
This is the UDP way and it will continue to happen until we do more than just talk, and they know this.
It pays to be "on the in" with UDP as this family has profited largely by having a member run as a candidate in the General Elections, even though she was an unsuccessful candidate, as a family members Security company has received a large amount of Government contracts including all the security of the Premiers house.
And it is not only this family that has profited from the UDP being in power as many "tag along" members have been very fortunate to receive contracts from Government.
Look forward in the next few weeks for more XXXX deals to take place!
Regarding the email correspondence dated 28th May – why is she asking if the contract would be back dated to the 1st of May? XXXXX
I quick review of these blogs shows the two issues that upset the people of Cayman the most are political cronyism XXXXX and the RCIP’s apparent inability put an end to armed robberies. Perhaps Pearlina might want to bring this to the attention of the ministers she answers to, just before she does the taxpayer the favour of resigning.
Nothing this gang does surprises me, although I am somewhat shocked that Mike Adams would stoop this low and remain a part of this. Does Pearlina have a conscience? If she had the good of the country at heart she would not have accepted this handout play play job. Hopefully this will seal her political future and she is never elected. It would not have looked half as bad if she had simply added $77,000.00 per year to the National Security bill for guarding the Premier’s house. I would like to hear ellio’s argument to justify this. I wonder how much the other unsuccessful UDP candidate will be paid or is he already on the payroll.
I guess this will be the new trend now that if you are unsuccessful at the polls and belong to a party you will simply be added to the Government payroll. We wonder why the country is broke. We will have to borrow alot more than $185 million if this Government remains in power. I hope that someone is compiling a list of these atrocities and hopefully sometime in the future the courts will deal with them.
Mr. Adams you have WORKED very hard to earn your good reputation of a good man. You have proven to me PERSONNALY in the past. It’s comes to mind that when a bunch of bananas start riping they all go bad together. It’s never too late to become your own person again. be it wathever you choose as long as you don’t remain with the UDP. Even if you decide to become independant we will respect YOU and vote for you. I don’t believe you belong with the rest of those YES men with a very scary Premier as it’s leader.
One of the bizarre things disclosed in the correspondence released through FOI is that the contract prohibits the “consultant” from using any public resources for “party political” purposes, and also prohibits the “consultant” from doing anything that that would bring the Government into “disrepute”.
In the ordinary meaning of these words those provisions ought to prohibit both the consultant and the Chief Officer from evening signing the contract but that is probably too obvious.
Might it be that this is just another part of the explanation of why the government refuses to give the Anti-Corruption Commission any employees and any teeth?
It must be nice to loose an election. She gets a high paying job. Another looser gets the Pirates Week committee head job. Another, an architect, gets to write planning laws.
This is outrageous where will it stop???
It must be nice to loose an election. She gets a high paying job. Another looser gets the Pirates Week committee head job. Another, an architect, gets to write planning laws.
This is outrageous where will it stop???
I think the commentors on CNS’s website offer enough advisary support, and it comes straight from experience as a COMMUNITY MEMBER!!! Only we know whatwe are experiencing because the politicians aren’t on-island long enough to know!!!
It is unnecessary to shell out this amount of money for "advice" we are giving you bloaks for free!!! What a bucket case! I give up! That salary could be divided in 3 hire three unemployed people for administrative work, dammit the UDP is a hopeless sham!!!
What I can’t understand is why, in this age of FOI, civil servants are still trying to protect their ministers? Its the civil servants who look bad when they fail their FOI ‘tests’, not the people they’re trying to protect. (They’re going to look bad when the information comes out anyway, so don’t add to the embarrassement by trying to cover it up.)
AUDITOR GENERAL – are you going to read the material released on this “contract” and posted above? Are you going to do anything about it?
if the UDP membership had to pay her from their pockets, they would not hire her
Surely if Ms McGaw had an ounce of integrity she would either resign or take a 50% pay cut? One poster stated that ‘don’t blame her she is just caught up in the system”!!!! Surely if we’re paying her these vast sums of money she has the intellect to choose and is not merely “caught up in the system”. Cha. Kiss my teeth..
This country can ill afford paying a salary to someone to whom noone listens (not knowing Ms McGaw at all well I cannot speak to her ability I just sincerely doubt that McKeeva et al listen to anyone other than McKeeva).
And don’t get me started on having a ‘poet’ come up with a ‘plan’ for the country!
Not ONE of these people in the current govt will get my vote next election – the ruling party spending all that we don’t have and the opposition sitting there letting it happen – almost makes you wonder if they’re getting a cut of the spending…..
And surely if you did a little more research you would realize that the ‘poet’ whom you are writing off is a highly educated and experienced public servant quite capable of contributing to the country via many avenues.
If you want to look for better examples of misplaced individuals in the workforce, let’s try the drama teacher who was spearheading Education Reform under the previous administration- now that was good acting. He got paid way more than Pearlina and look at the mess he contributed to…try 9 digits worth of mess!!
Ugh!
I’m annoyed to hear this, but certainly not surprised. This government is all about ‘take what you can while you’re in, and give nothing back.’ It’s not surprising that we are the ones paying this salary. In my opinion, this should be coming out of their own pockets, not ours. The civil service is already experiencing significant cuts, and many of those people were having trouble making ends meet before the salary reduction. Um….how many more years of this do we have? Hopefully for the next elections, people will have their eyes open this time and not so tightly shut. We (the country) put them in there, and now we (the country) must suffer for it. Go figure. Enough of the mistakes, people! If we continue to follow blindly, the death of everything we love this island for will come swiftly. Infact, it has already begun.
Just so I understand this straight…she didn’t win in the elections however, she gets to advise four mininisters?? Julianna, don’t you have a Law Degree of your own? CG, you too have alaw degree…so why is pearlina being paid all this money to advise "the four ministers" Can’t CG, earn some of his salary by pitching in and advising also and not charging extra for it.
Good Lord, please help these greedy people who seems to get greedier by the day!! No wonder her sister that owns the security company is getting all the government contracts!!1!
And the irony is, the LEAST educated Minister (i.e. the Premier) is the only one NOT getting advice from this young wonder woman.
If the UDP needs a political advisor, then the UDP can pay for it! I’m disgusted by the thought that this failed politician is getting her salary from my wallet!
Better enjoy your FOI fun while it lasts. I hear say Ellio working on “FOI Reform”. You done know what that mean.
have found Mr. Solomon to a very hard working and honest individual. He was the only person in ALL (PPM included) who went out of his way to assist me when i desperatedly needed the assistance. Please breakdown what you mean when you say he is working on FOI reform if it is anything to do with Tranperancy he will be the person to get the job done. We need more like him in the House. He is the only one out there batting for the Caymanian People.
Clearly you are obliged to stand up for Ellio because he helped you ( you must be the only person).
Now come back from La La Land where you have been living (because you obviosly haven’t been in Cayman for the last year) and do some research on the actions on the current Government.
You obviously have absolutely no clue whatsoever.
I agree. They should all be more like Mr. Solomon. He is the only one making an effort to assist the Caymanians, we need one like him in each district. All the Politians over the age of 45 years should be cast out. It is quite obvious that they cannot handle the job and have now expired.
As for the third party according to what I hear they are all a joke. Old and useless. All a bunch of old fogeys trying to get back in.
When he was on the talk show, Ellio complained so much about the PPM and how for the most part, everything they did in his opinion was wrong. Why is he quiet now when the UDP behavior in office in nothing short of a disgrace.
Mac, julie and the crew should be shame of themselves.
However, I do find Mr Elio is a good man who is concerned about Cayman and its people. But remember every household has a "BOSS", whether it be the dad or the mom. The Children do not make the rules in the house it is the parents that run things. So until they die children must obey.
The Flag abuse of Thumbs down is not a problem to me, because I am not going to hate Elio Solomon just because he has no hand out to give me.
That is our main political problem in Cayman. We refuse to accept, see and acknowledge the good in anyone, but instead hate them because you personally dont like them, and cannot control them.."We definately are good for that"……
Ellio is a humble young man from decent Caymanian family, raised up in hard times like all a una, but just because he try to make something of himself una just waan tear the young man down fe notin. When I have to speak truth I do it, and it does not matter whether you are UDP or PPM. Because I am not at anyones back door at the end of month, and no one comes to mine. So its freedom of speech for me.
.
I hope that all those commentors realize that it is all about Power and Money. Do you really think PPM will do any better if they get back in. No, there are a few good UDP and a few good PPM, sift them out and put them back in.
I agree, Caymanians are so one sided theat will cut of their nose to spit their face. Through out the baby with the bath water.
wanted UDP got UDP think PPM were BAD check these GUYS a real BUNCH of AIRHEADS got 3 more years of HELL think anyone of them WORRIED about us locals this GOVERNMENT is giving away our country.
Curious what the PPM "political advisor’s salary was, who was also being paid by the public purse and traveled globally with THAT group to lend her valuable advice?
UDP has one too, and he travels a whole lot more! Kurt had Barbara, McKeeva has Richard.
We were not "broke" then.
No, we weren’t broke then because it was the PPM who left us broke!
Outrageous. This is the public purse being bled for political purposes! That they try to hide it completely is the worst aspect. How many more out there? XXXX
What an absolute crying shame!! Hear my trial. With civil servants working on a pay cut this is just wrong. The average cut for most cs was between 200 – 300 per month. Her pay alone pays for 15 – 25 cs on pay cut!! Can you imagine this!? I cannot believe we still got two years of this government left.
Nothing will be left to savage when mac and julie are finish with us.
It is clear from reading the “schedule of services” that most of the things being paid for by the public are in fact party political functions. This is yet another outrage. Hopefully the Auditor General will look into this and all of the other “patronage” arrangements with “consultants” and “advisors”. The looting of the public purse must be stopped.
Truly, I wish I could say something other than, PPM did the same thing. People cant you see what is happening, our governments are always doing this. Looking out for families and buddies. Check all of those who ran on the UDP ticket and did not get in, and see if they do not have a high paying thrumped up position. Honestly speaking, If you go back six years, you will see that PPM did the same thing.
The PPM were not in office 6 years ago. The UDP was. Why don’t you back up your assertion about the PPM with an FOI request. The UDP will be happy to release that information if it exists. Of course there is nothing at all that compares to this nonsense where a position is invented for a person who has no particular expertise in anything to be a consultant to four Ministers at public expense. What makes this even worse is that it comes at a time when civil servants have had to have pay cuts and are told they have to retrench. Meanwhile the party members are living high on the hog.
08:43, Whatever, they did the same thing. I was here.
Im disgusted…..as a matter of a fact im ashamed but thats politics for ya….power hungry folks trying to live large….But dont blame her,she’s just caught up in the system….If its not her,its somebody else,lets see if the money can give her eternal life or just earthly wealth….SMH!
I wonder which gives more illumination and value for money, the Christmas lights at the Premier’s house that we also pay for or this “consultant”.
Wow … not really surprised because the UDP is known for this type of thing. They only looki out for their own. While other qualified people cannot even get a job in government because they have been blacklisted by this government.
It does make me wonder who else might be on contract that we are paying for and have absolutely no idea about.
This certainly explains a lot about what she has been doing etc. What other contracts does she or companies which she is part owner of have contracts with government?
In my humble opinion everyone who voted this government in should be ashamed of themselves and realize how they have contributed to the demise of our small and supposedly broke country!
Enjoy it while you can UDP supporters and Pearlina et al – your days are numbered as soon as the next election comes along!!
Do you think this issue will make Independent Candidates more successful in the next election compared to rthe esults from the previous election.
We do not want anymore party system. Please PPM do not elect any party head now that PPM leader has stepped down. Leave it just as it is.
Seems like the whole caribbean has adopted some party system. Alot of good it did them.
You just need to look around to our neighboring caribbean countries to see what kind of disaster that model has bred.
I hope so… there are some very capable people in Cayman who would contribute to a good government but when election times comes around… there seems to be a mass memory erasion in Cayman and we go for more of the same.
You sure complain a lot about the business environment being unfair, be proactive and think for yourself, don’t really on the strategies and policies of others for your businesses. I interpret the statement above that you will attempt to be elected in 1213 (next election) maybe to be in the position to bolster your job/businesses and the jobs/businesses of your friends. Hypocritical. Remember be proactive and think for yourself.
The Cabinet Secretary needs to stop making himself (and therefore his office) a mere “gopher” for politicians. It’s supposed to be much more important than that.
This is a scandal of great proportions. It is wrong! The release says that as well as being an "adviser" to four ministers, this failed political candidate is also a go between government & the UDP party membership. Why should we be paying her to liaise between government & the UDP membership? Surely the UDP should be paying for that service! I demand that the UDP re-pay the government for this woman’s wages & expences & terminate her job immediately. How can McKeeva Bush claim that the country is broke yet pay friends who are failed political candidates for play-play jobs? Do they make up play-play jobs so as to be able to pay their friends these large amounts of money? This scandalous!
Actually, PPM created this job with Barbara Conolly. That’s why she was allowed to do PPM campaign ads during election and not be reprimanded as a "civil servant". So I’d say, good for UDP!!
The UDP counterpart to Barbara would be Richard, and the UDP/Mac had him from the last time they were in office. It’s seems like the UDP have quite a few of these Political Assistants.
actually that is untrue!
UPD created the job with Richard Parchment….the PPM followed through with Barbara Conolly…NOW the UPD has Richard Parchment AND Perlina McGaw….and others
WOW! WOW! & did I say WOW! She must be an amazing person. She ADVISES 4 ministers? That is AMAZING! She must be absolutely amazing to be able to "advise" 4 ministers on such important subjects as:
1. Education
2. Health, Environment, Youth, Sports, Culture
3. Community Affairs, Housing
4. District Administration, Works, Gender Affairs
I say it again, WOW! This woman is AMAZING! How can one person be so gifted that she is an expert in all these fields to be able to "advise" the ministers responsible for these portfolios? Either she is the most AMAZING human being ever or this is the largest FRXXD/JOKE ever!
Most definitely this must be the end of the UDP, this has to be the down fall of the UDP, because theCayman people can no longer accept this stupidness. There is a word for this but I doubt CNS would print it therefore it’s better left unsaid! MY! MY! MY! It’s sad.
G.O. gotta GO!
Yes, they have to stop budding up with the politicians and do the job they were appointed to do without partiality. All civil servants need to stop and get on with the job they are being paid to do instead of letting the politicians pay the price, they the civil servants need to be held accountable as well for their failure to perform.
Oh dear, oh dear. Mac, you are really losing the support of those of us who think you are the answer for our problems right now. First, the three civil servants still receiving vast salaries because you put them on leave. Then, Leonard Dilbert and Kenneth Ebanks moved to your Ministry to develop a "Plan" for the country – no plan so far evident after more than a year. Then Dax Basdeo appointed a Chief Officer in your Ministry of Finance which already has a Chief Officer, Sonia McLaughlin, and a Financial Secretary, Ken Jefferson. What the hell are they doing, Mac???
Actually, I am pleased that he is surrounding himself with these smart people.
The real question is, does Mac understand what they have to say and will he listen?
OMG, is it any wonder I can no lonnger pay my bills. Whats next to be released Mckeeva.
Dat FOI is nothing but a scandal sheet!
Unbelievable!!! Imagine what else money is being spend on that we are not aware of. FOI – imagine if it wasn’t around.
So because you ran in an election (which you lost) that makes you qualified to be a consultant and get paid that kind of money by the Government?
Where do I sign up?
Add to that the money she receives for sitting on the ICTA Board, the Water Authority Board, and who knows where else, she is getting more per month than Ellio.
CNS: Sitting on boards is voluntary, there is no stipend.
CNS again: I’ve been told via email that the stipend for sitting on the Water Authority Board is $200 per month plus $25 per meeting. ICTA Board is in excess of $800 per month.
CNS – You will find that in fact board members on most statutory authorities are paid a monthly or annual stipend which can be the equivalent of hundreds of dollars for each meeting attended.
And "honorariums" worth thousands…
When I sat on the Housing Development Board for sixteen years, prior to Mr Bush replacing me, we received $50-$100 per annum, not per meeting. Usually all of us waived it or gave it to charity. Oh I forgot, on one occasion we treated ourselves to lunch at the Grand Old House. I guess we strayed that year.
Incidentally being a statutory authority owned by the people we did not go around making charitable donations, a habit that some boards get into.
Can someone tell me if its true that she also have the job of buying Julies clothing.
This is cronyism at its worst. It should be noted that there are intellectual Caymanians willing to assist in providing sensible policy advice without getting paid for such a service its called having a sense of civic duty. I have it give me a call.
With the examples that some of these so-called consultants set for our youth, for example sporting around in Range Rovers and Mercedes it is no surprise we find ourselves in the situation we are in now when it comes to misplaced values and shameless displays of material wealth.
Seventy grand for assisting four of the Ministers??Seriously any government with a conscience would be embarrassed about this, Mr Adams is this ok in your books?
It is my sincere hope that the applicant requests an internal review regarding the disclosure of emails. Though the Ministers are indeed members of a private political party, if the contents relate to the appointment of Pearlina to a public position, paid for by the public, then I think the contents would fall under government business. Furthermore, if any of the emails were sent from their government email addresses, they would be government records, as the Ministers would have been sending them in their capacities of government ministers, not as private political party members.
I’m pleased that Ms. Bullings released the salary band after reconsideration, particularly given the political sensitivity of this matter. I hope other information managers will take lesson and stand by the principles of the law (particularly those information managers who tried to give the applicant the run-around).
I got my butt whipped for telling lies……..thank God for parents with integrity!
So, what are we gonna do about this situation???
Who’s gonna do the whipping??
why could it not be you to do the whipping? Don’t you get it? everyone will always think of someone else doing this or that?
isn’t that the problem? when everyone thinks it will be someone else you know what happens? ppl chat about it on message boards. that’s why nothign changes. because the ppl big enough to stand up don’t or play the game and get elected or take a job.
the world is a lot scarier than we we are complaining about.
Pearlina is very attractive in person, the picture on this article doesn’t do her justice.
I worked with Pearlina a long time ago but won’t comment on her value as a consultant.
Thank you for your valuable contribution. The next time there is a beauty contest we will seek your input.
THIS IS UTTER NONSENSE!! Pearlina and the rest of the UDP should be ashamed of themselves. Then lie about it.
Well if this lady is employed to give Political Party Point of Views and all that other BS well then let the UDP Party pay for her. Ellio you really letting this happen on your watch? I would have expected better of you!
The Cabinet Secretary should be the one answering all these questions after all he was the one who hired her. Let’s hear what OC has to say. After all this is HIS watch.
And this is a surprise…every government since I can remember has rewarded their supporters from the government purse..no surprises here.
These people were given official position not shadow positions. This is a blatant disregard for the people of the Cayman Islands. These are the same idiots screaming at the top of their voices how BROKE we are but all I see is stupid policies geared at helping their friends and killing local businesses.
So Pearlina losses the election but gets a $5500-$7000 a month job working for the Ministers that were her running mates? WAS THERE A REASON FOR THIS? Was this post advertised? There should be an inquiry XXXX
Let that poor excuse of a candidate work in the clean up like the rest of the unemployed Caymanians.
This alone just lost Mike Adam and Ellio my vote in the next election. I wonder what she will do when they are voted out.
This is a shame.
I agree, there are other Politicians that never got in this election that were also lined up with managerial positions in monopoly organizations.
More FOI request should bring these persons to light.
I will certainly vote for Mr. Solomon again and so will my entire family. I am so pleased with his work to date. Thanks Ellio for all the efforts that you are making to help us Caymanians. My heart goes out to you. Keep up the good work. See you in 2013.
Roger and Fionna
Mr. Solomon hold your head high, you have truely made us proud. Do not listen to the ramblings of some. You still have the vote of many, we all support you and your efforts. You will have many more votes next time. Keep up the good work and may God bless and keep you.
What a lovely waste of public money! Are we surprised?
Frankly, with every passing day I am finding it increasingly difficult to pinpoint just ONE THING that I like or respect about our current government.
Ang! I wonder if these services were publicly tendered.
mckeeva dont tender anything- everything in this country is LAWLESS.