Mac angered by UK influence
(CNS): The premier made it very clear Friday that he did not enjoy taking orders from a desk clerk in London, when he finished his 2011/12 budget presentation Friday. Pointing the finger at the opposition for its spending on infrastructure during the last administration, McKeeva Bush revealed his frustrations over having the country’s finances so closely managed by the FCO. After finishing his address around 9:30pm and explaining why it was so late and why the documents weren’t ready to present to the Legislative Assembly, the premier said the budget had to be readjusted on several occasions. Government was still discussing the financial plan with the UK at noon Friday he revealed, adding that civil servants were still working on the documents until 5pm that evening.
“Let me tell one and all in this House, I am 56 years old and it is really, really tough for me to be directed by a desk clerk thousands of miles away,” the premier said after his address, which lasted around two and half hours. “I don’t like to be pushed, I don’t, but that’s the situation I find myself … talkto a desk clerk, this Cayman Islands being told what to do,” he said as he shouted and berated the opposition.
The opposition leader, Alden McLaughlin, had asked for an undertaking that the missing documents would be delivered in a timely fashion to the rest of the members of the House in order that they may present their response when the parliament reconvenes at 2:30pm Wednesday afternoon.
The premier apologised for the many changes to the planned dates for delivering his address but told his legislative colleagues sitting in the parliament Friday night, “Una all better understand that if we didn’t have to go with cap in hand to the FCO to get permission to present a budget we would have long ago presented it.”
He said the FCO had the ability to tell the country what to do when it came to managing its finances because of the opposition, which was something he was very uncomfortable about because government had not complied with the Public Management and Finance Law and needed to borrow money, giving the UK the right to approve or disapprove the budget, which arose from a huge capital spending programme.
“Now you ask why I’m late,” he told the opposition when the leader of the PPM asked when the documents would be ready for everyone to see. “The demands were to cut civil service … and people didn’t want to believe the FCO wanted me to introduce income tax.”
He claimed again that he had saved the islands from direct taxation and said that he had refused to cut civil service salaries. “I don’t believe that I have the power to make those cuts. I will not cut willy-nilly,” he said. Bush added that if the civil service management comes to him saying how much they need for service he added that neither he nor any minister could just simply cut that amount as they could be cutting essential services. “That is not my duty, I don’t have administrative responsibility over civil servant,” Bush said as he added that the civil service had worked with government to cut costs.
However, despite the cuts the foreign office did not agree, Bush told the LA as he said they asked for more and more cuts. He said it was because the opposition spent “too much of what they didn’t have” when in office and would not listen to the civil servants.
“You Mr Leader of the Opposition wouldn’t listen!” he yelled at McLaughlin on the opposition bench, as he added that his government was returning to fiscal prudence and would make no more borrowing in this budget. He said he wanted to return to the normal situation where the UK had no influence over Cayman government’s annual budget.
Category: Politics
I wonder how that, undoubtedly highly educated, 'desk clerk' flelt about having to explain basic economics in an era of austerity to someone who didn't even finish high-school and who's parading around as our 'Minister of Finance'. How embarrasing for us…
CNS: "The premier made it very clear Friday that he did not enjoy taking orders from a desk clerk in London, when he finished his 2011/12 budget presentation Friday."
I am afraid to say this people, but perhaps this is a strong message from the UK's FCO that they are now preparing to make us go on our own (i.e., Independence).
I have learnt that the Premier has visited Jamaica to see Bruce Golding. Don't be surprise that the UK has got all it wanted from Cayman and is ready to throw under the bus.
Surely, Mac must know that those who are paying his bills have a right to control how much they give him.
Since when does a debtor beat up his creditors?
Mac the magnificent complains more then an old Mule about the silliest things. This genius never truly thinks about what comes out his mouth and how it will be received.
I’m counting the days to rid ourselves of this political complainer that has power and can’t even govern a small country with a friendly population. He is in over his head. Buffoonery is not dead it is alive in the highest reaches of government.
Mac just doesnt want to take orders from anyone. That is the mark of a despot.
17:11…..to extreme on your part. Nobody wants to take orders from anyone no matter what. Bush's weakness is not wanting to "work or listen " with/to anyone.
'Nobody wants to take orders from anyone '
I beg to differ. How do you think the armed forces operate?
I take directives or orders from my bosses willingly so your statement is therefore false on at least one count.
If you don't want no more problems with the UK government, then go Independent. It won't be too long when they will just impose Direct Taxation on everyone!
What an ignorant comment.
Let me get this straight. McKeeva complains of the debt the PPM caused and at the same time complains that some "desk clerk" won't let him get us into more debt?
Come on Mac, tell us what that "desk clerk" prevented you from doing…….
Also, don't forget that Mac doesn't want to audit the accounts for the time PPM was in office. Makes you wonder if what he says about the PPM putting us in debt as much as he claims is true at all!
How about a well-reasoned report and discussion including all concerned (i.e. Caymanians and expats who have huge personal and financial capital tied up in the Cayman Islands), on the best way forward for the future? Obviously only the Caymanians can vote, but I believe that they should hear all sides of the argument. My suggestions on topics that need to be raised, fully discussed and acted upon include: –
1) Does the Cayman Islands want to stay as an Overseas Territory, or become independent? Benefits of independence might include the ability to "be free" and go your own way, on taxes, borrowing and the rights you offer to humans living on or visiting Cayman. Con's include loss of "safe stable country" label, which being tied to the UK affords Cayman – you would loose a serious Unique Selling Point. You have no fall-back situation on crime and policing, access to training, your British Passport (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_passport) and some serious support in times of need (hurricane assistance, the availability and interest rate cost of finding loans/borrowing, EU grants funding shark research, iguana conservation and the like).
What negative factors are there in being associated with the UK? You can save a lot of money sending civil servants to the UK for various meetings. Pride is obviously hurt, which is why we see so much ranting on CNS and other websites. Other than that, I don't really see much in the way of downsides. I'm sure there are more and that is what a full discussion and report is for.
2) What do you want your main economy to consist of? If that is to be an off-shore jurisdiction, with all the benefits that brings, then commission an independent report into the current and likely positions of financial institutions in the event of independence. What is the bottom line? If you want it to be tourism, consider what that means. Look at tourism arrivals andincome received by other Caribbean nations, the Bahamas and other competing countries.
3) If you want to move away from the UK, consider your other economic options. They include tourism (including diving, so stop messing with ridiculous schemes to ruin your eco-systems such as the North Sound and reefs around East End), banking and other financial services industries (and there are so many other places in the world that can and are now offering the services Cayman offers). Well, that's it really. I don't think agriculture is viable and it is no longer socially and morally right to depend upon the sea to yield up all its murdered species for your continued prosperity. If there are any other ideas, let’s hear and discuss them. Shetty's very limited liability heart hospital? Petroleum processing/onward shipping port? That seems already to be all tied up. Real estate is mainly propped up by foreign investment. If you want evidence of this,ask yourselves why this industry has almost collapsed as a result of the economic woes of other countries? This is not a self-sustaining economic base and is tied very much to your other policies. To be frank, you have very limited options.
4) What do you want as the main system of social and employment structures for you islands? If you want a system where the government pays to keep a huge proportion employed, as it does now, consider what happens when wages can no longer be met. It is then no longer a question of desire – it will have no option but to make people redundant.
The government does not make, or sell anything – other then work permits and business licenses and similar which allow it to profit from the work of others – others that may leave if you decide upon the independence path, bringing you back to tourism.
5) What do you want your islands to look like in five years, ten years, or fifty years? All concreted over, with no living reefs, or land animals and birds left – i.e. no protection for sharks, birds (even your national bird)? If you do this you must realise that "development" and "progress" will eventually stall and work in reverse, as no-one will want to live in or visit your ecologically degraded islands – see Haiti as an example of this. However, you will all still have your concrete houses, by that time in disrepair, and by that time, old luxury cars to run around in. If you want to keep your Old-Time island feel, start implementing some serious, far-reaching conservation policies – like Mexico has in place, or the USA, or Costa Rica, or New Zealand.
6) If you want to rely on tourism, decide what your island really offers and get an independent report commissioned to evaluate how Cayman compares to other holiday destinations – what wildlife is on display, what eco-credentials does Cayman have? What diversity of landscapes and habitats (mangrove and reef are the only ones I think visitors are interested in). I travel as much as I can and I assure you that objectively, Cayman really only has clear water, some sandy beaches and Blue Iguanas to commend it. Lots of places have great beaches and diving.
7) Consider how the outside world views Cayman. I'm British and your stereotype is that of a tax haven. You might not agree with, or like that, but that is what you are in the minds of most overseas people – like potential visitors, investors and those that consider coming here to live and therefore contribute to your economy.
8) This is getting too long. In summary, have a very open, soul-bearingly honest debate and please, please, for the sake of your own pride if nothing else, stop posting bile-infused rantings on here. You are judged for them by people around the world who do read this, just as an accused on the stand is judged by a jury for his hissy-fit outburst. Discuss. Be honest, open and ready to accept criticism and to learn. Then plan. Plan well. Plan for the long term. And don't plan the plan, if you can't see it through.
9) As part of this process I would also recommend starting to take responsibility for your decisions, your mistakes and your comments. Without such mature, open, frank, honest attitudes you will not have a very bright future.
For those that want to know – but hopefully not because they want to rant and/or criticise – I am a white (well pinkish-beige), British atheist and professional, with a degree, who believes that most people can do good with a good kick in the bootocks, but have no idea how to and have all the excuses in the world not to.
The Independence issue has always been sorely misrepresented in the Cayman Islands. Independence has always been equated to economic decline or projected turmoil, which strangely is amazing how some Caymanians have kept such an irrational belief as true. I am born and raised Caymanian. From time I was young girl, "fear" of going on our own was always protrayed as a dishonorable direction for our government to pursue. Alot of times, Jamaica has been used as a scapegoat, although there were other independent small countries that were doing well economically. What really destroyed Jamaica was political corruption. That is so self-evident. But you have some Caymanians that are really bias against Jamaicans, and they are so quick to equate their economic decline to Independence. That is just wrong. Today, Jamaicans celebrate their independence and culture, but they will never deny that their country is rift with corruption.
I guess Caymanians are too laid back and dependant on government to sustain its economy. Yes, you are right, there are pros and cons to Independence. But as time unfolds, I believe Caymanians need to stand up and learn to walk. Mother is not so fit a mother as she seems, and is it unfortunate that we are learning the hard way. We can not always be a baby in the arms of a Queen. Independence is an option Iwould welcome, because I believe it was Caymanians and expats who loved this country that built up this country, and I believe they could do it again if the government gets out of their way.
Again, Independence does not equate to economic decline. Think about that, and think about the economic downturn we have now, being a British Overseas Territory. We are not Independent and yet we have an economic downturn!
You don't work in the financials services industry or had any exposure to economics in your entire life, have you?
Would the premier tell us with whom he has been dealing at the FCO regarding the Budget, including their job title, so that we can determine whether he has actually been dealing with a "desk clerk", or whether this is another of his childish outbursts prompted by the frustration of finally finding that he has to do as he is told – like a naughty schoolboy. He has to learn that he may be a big fish in the "Cayman" pond, but in the real world, he is a very small "Grunt". Meanwhile, if indeed the FCO appointed a junior "desk clerk" to deal with bush, perhaps this merely reflected their assessment of his diplomatic status.
It doesn't matter. Respect goes a long way, and for them to refer Caymanian leadership to a desk clerk, is very disrespectful, I think. I am British and I shock that the FCO would treat the territories like this. This is not being professional at all. They should be setting the example.
Sir Bush is really starting to sound like Mickey Mouse……hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog!!
Thank God for that desk clerk!
Just another make-up story by Mac
They are in love with us. 😉
Dem Limies was jes messin wid ya head Mack. Na tek it so serus man.
The Premier's response troubles me and is reflective on our present state under the United Kingdom (UK).
First, the Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. That entails that the British' Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), has the right and power to micro-manage the financial affairs of these islands whenever they see the urgent need of "good governance," which entails economic stability. The FCO (check their website) only acts in the "best interest" of the UK.
Our binding relationship with the UK really has to do with our Constitution ratified in 2009 and the "will" of the special interest or elite group behind the FCO. We know everything we need to know about the Constitution, but what goes on behind closed doors and discussions with the special interest groups, we are ignorant of. As far as we know, the Constitution we have now does not and can never ensure "democratic representation" for the people of the Cayman Islands, because therein lies, such words at the end of the document, section 125:- "There is reserved to Her Majesty full power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Cayman Islands." You will find that such clause was found in Turks and Cacois Islands Constitution prior to them declaring full British Rule on the inhabitants. Such clause is found in all Constitutions affixed under her administrative rule. Sadly, Cayman does not have unlimited democracy, and I wink when I see so many people zealous about democracy here. Little do they know that the Governor through the powers of the FCO may have the authorization to disregard Cayman Islands elected Cabinet anytime.
As a result of their administrative role, it doesn't make any sense for the people of the Cayman Islands to be politically divided by parties (UDP/PPM/ et cetera) and cast blame on one party when at the end of the day, the United Kingdom through the cleverly drafted Constitution, has us under a "conditional" leash. It doesn't make sense to further divide the country by party politics, which, sadly, only "BLINDS" its participants in seeing where the real power over these islands lies. Like it is said, "the blind leading the blind into the pit."
Whilst Cayman is divided by politrix, the FCO is busy with their plans for the Overseas Territories, and "divide and conquor" becomes a true slogan when we see our Premier pointing the finger at PPM, and PPM pointing the finger at UDP. Cayman, in terms of intelligence, we are higher than that! We should all be united on the major issues, such as, on our economy and self-determination under the UK, but how I see it – we are wasting our valuable time and energy dividing the country instead. Division weakens the country and makes us more susceptible in the hands of the puppet master.
I have always said this and have got negative feedback for it many times from loyalist to the crown, but the only opt-out solution for the Cayman Islands to be guaranteed true uninterrupted Democracy, is for us to go Independence. And although it is detested by so many on the island, the right towards one's self-determination, is a beautiful thing and has its benefits. There are many countries on their own that have become economically prosperous. Too often I have heard many compare Cayman to Jamaica, and that Cayman's economic would sink if we became Independent, and this and that…that we are too small… et cetera… But you should know history, Jamaica became the way it did – not because of Independence, but because of governmental corruption.
I hate to say this, but if we can't move forward to full Democracy for and by the people of the Cayman Islands, Independence will definitely come to us! It is inevitable! The UK is getting much harassed by the UNon the way it is treating its Overseas Territories. That is why the Premier has distanced himself from the UN to ensure strong ties with the UK. But historians know too well that the UK's FCO has spied on its own Overseas Territories and have economically crippled those countries prior to them going Independent, because they never had the people's interest at heart in the first place.
I think it is safe to say that we should be preparing ourselves to embrace Independence before it embraces us! Will we go Independent (or will independence be shoved on us after the UK has mandated on us DIRECT TAXATION) when it is too late and corruption from both sides (local and UK powers) has drained the people's economy?
Cayman, these are serious times not for us to just lay back in our hammocks and think all is well!
Prepare for Independence?? It won't work Libertarian, the UK government has the leaders of our government by the balls, and they are not letting go without getting something back from us.
pardon me, i don't have much of an imagination…. but don't mother molesting her calf over the clerks desk, reasons to go independence?
But why prepare? Let's just do it! What has the UK contributed to these islands??? Cayman's financial industry was built up by locals who lived here. No "lord" of England made Cayman into the place it is now. Money was made here by the people who made it! The only thing I see that the UK has done for us, was put the Queens face on our dollar bills. lol… that should tell ya something!
I hope you're kidding. What a ridiculous statement! How ignorant some people can be when blinded by silly pride.
Of many things, the UK provides stability regarding financial investments and the legal system. You do realize that all that easy, lazy money that we don't have to lift a finger for that comes from offshore investments here will evaporate quicker than you can say Amen.
Contrary to what many local individuals think, there ARE many other jurisdictions competing for offshore money and companies would run to them when Cayman became independent. What sort of company would invest their money in a jurisdiction run like a banana republlic? I guess we'd get a lot of the Russian, Mexican and Columbian money back that left here in the late 90's.
If it weren't for some UK desk clerk scolding the Caymanian Premier, this country would be in even worse shape. What sort of legal recourse would there be if problems came up based on Cayman law alone? If you think the police and courts are bad now, picture then run entirely without UK support or money.
If you need any more help to see how stupid going independent would be just look a few hundred miles southeast of here, to Jamaica. Wow! Now there's a country that really, really did themselves proud by going independent.
Jamaica became the way it did by CORRUPTION, my friend – not by being Independent. Stop the scare-mongering and open your eyes to the truth. "Stability" was establish here by the people who worked here – not by British citizens overseas. Read your history!
Also, like Lib said, Independence is coming. I sincerely believe it is coming. Because if it doesn't come to us, the Uk will f%ck us up big time with either their socalled corruption probes and lengthy investigations, or they will have their jackals come in here to ruin our financial center.
I don't trust these British heads one bit XXXX. Eager to declare full british rule and get their hands on our financial records. And we must live content under their abusive power or threat of abusive power? I don't think so. If we don't act, we may lose Cayman and its culture for life!
This thing about strengthening the ties between us and mother country, is an illusion. They want nothing to do with us, but the $$$. It is all about money and power. Our premier may be corrupt, but they are worse.
Actually they often go hand in hand. Independence creates a power vacuum and a lack of accountability which is often exploited by greedy local politicians for personal financial gain.
It's "HOW" you go Independent that counts.
Speak for yourself. I am a Caymanian and I don't want independence. It matter not how our forefathers built this country, what matters is how the rest of the world sees us. The UK good or bad offers stability which is essential to our continued success. I for one are happy that they are giving MAC a hard time. Its called REGULATING and if we dont do it someone else has too.
I do not want to become a failed independence like so many around us
oh please…. stability? we created our own stability here
Yes! Remove that leash and let Cayman run free! Wait! Stop! Watch out for that…….Too late. UK can you help us out? America? Canada? Hey stop laughing! China will help us.
True… indeed the red dragon is flying to new heights, higher than the American eagle. Cayman is in a strategic zone, a little Switzerland.
Look out for the red dragon ;o)
And look at us now. Cayman's economy is on the decline and we are not even Independent. We are degressing in a decline under the UK. Think about that!
ouch!
can you blame the uk?
mckeeva promised audited accounts…failed
mckeeva promised reform of civil service…failed
mckeeva promised divestment of gov assetts…failed
mckeeva promised foreign investment….failed
do you need any more reasons for direct rule?
In Response to Blogger 8:31 Sea Bash.
Can you justify why The UDP led Government is trying to hide the books from 2004 to now? Why? Are they trying to hide the "FACTS" on the PPM led Government? Those books needs to be audited todate, then the UK would consider sending a Finance Minister to talk with Mac.
I am surprised that he even got through to a Desk Clerk who knew who he was, becuase most people in England either dont know or dont care about the Cayman Islands
When you learn how to run a country or accept responsibility for your position in an ethical way; and fulfil your obligations in the best way possible with duty of care to the people in mind, then you can start the finger pointing and complaining. You can't just call up the Queen. While I can empathise with his annoyance, I'm not surprised he dealt with a desk clerk. To be frank, the government hasn't exactly built a good relationship with the Crown that they would be able to call up someone of higher authority directly. He has to go through the channels of communication, it is what it is. Perhaps if he built good rapport going forward? Oh wait, he doesn't know what that word means.
He should funnel that anger out at PPM. Strangely, Alden still today can't justify themselves in the LA how they went on a spending spree with financial discipline.
May I repeat – worse in Cayman history – they brought us down to an 81 million deficit. Mac needs to refocus his energies – for God sake, not on mother!
In arriving at the deficit amount of 81 million I assume you are looking at the auditedaccounts that have not yet been done?
with no financials, we still dont' know if that was true. One minute we are broke, the next we have a surplus.
It is very doubtful that a mere desk clerk would have the authority to control the Cayman Islands budget. Something does not ring true.
Also, with no documents and no details of where the cuts will be, we are still none the wiser.
Unfortunately neither you nor McKeeva can prove this accusation since we still don't have audited financial statements. Thanks to McKeeva.
The fact that the Premier has decided that the people willnot be allowed to see any audited accounts leads me to believe that the $81 million deficit that magically appeared when he took office, never existed other than in his speeches.
I just think it is funny how Mac is still triying to blame the last government on their spending… but did I not read just the other day that they have started rebuilding all the primary schools.. What happened to finishing the two high schools first before starting new projects?
Sorry…. but you know, I have to take side with the Premier on his frustration. You mean to tell me, "we" have to take orders from a desk clerk in London??? That is not only humorous but belittling, and since when a desk clerk has authority over our finances. Anyone with a sense of humor would laugh at first, but then realize it is an insultive gesture that shows how they see us – as mere natives
They bailed us out with money THEY don't have. Similarly, you would expect a call from a desk clerk when your mortgage is behind. Be thankful it wasn't anyone more senior calling!
ummm… since when did the uk ever bail us out? they merely gave us the go ahead to borrow from lenders millions of dollars.
please speak what you know!
typical
fco
I don't see it funny at all. These are not signs of good relations between us and the "upper them"
But you don't have to! You can choose independence any time you want to do so.
Dont worry my friend, this story quite likely has no basis at all in fact. chances are it's just someone blowing smoke to cover up some other s**t again.
After reading all of these comments. No one has said let's pray for this. the Lord is bigger than the UK, Cayman Isands etc. Right now we need to pray for our government to have a sound mind and clarity. We lost our moral values along the way. We can only be divided if we wanted to. But through christ that strengthens us we shall over come any obsticles placed in our path. One scripture i read yesterday in
Romans 8 verse 31
What then shall we say to these things ? IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US.
Only god can turn our country around. Until we wake up and relise this then no changes will be made. Christians please continue to pray for our dear islands and our young people. Time is against us at this time. God bless everyone of you.
The power of prayer… Hmmm…. We all prayed that crime would go away -let's think about how that turned out. People pray for a cure for cancer all around the world, every day, but that's not turning out so well. I'm not going to hold my breath on this one either.
I suggest that only proper leadership and fiscal management can turn Cayman around. I don't see god voting in the elections here.
Caymanians have the exclusive right to vote here, and they need to start using it wisely and not selling their votes for a washing machine. You get what you deserve, so if you want better then do better.
His Majesty The Baby.
Although I dislike the Premier, that he has to answer a desk clerk, shows to me how much the UK's Foreign Office has respect for the elected leadership of its Overseas Territories. You can thumbs me down, but if what Mac says is true, that is bad on their side as well and just shows their disrespect to the islanders of the Cayman Islands.
The FCO has shown remarkable restraint in regards to the finances and leadership of the Cayman Islands. Be grateful it was not someone more senior calling!
Well, well, well … the premier's hat didn't fit the head that wears it for long! I think he's still angling for that crown – it has to be larger!
some day we will work out what we want for our islands …. in the main time we can just kick around Mac, UDP, PPM, Developers etc….because it helps us feel better about our day…. it is not the CIG that is sad, it is us the people
I live in Dominica but still follow events in Cayman having lived there for several years before being rolled over. A comparison between some aspects of the two countries is startling.
Most Dominicans are poor. They can only dream of a dwelling comparable with that of the poorest Caymanians. Their shacks (and that is all they are) are mostly built of wood and corrugated iron and perch precariously on the steep slopes of the foothills above formal settlements, which are themselves ramshackle. These people do not own the land they build on and could be removed at any time. They are not removed because the government is doing all it can to formalise and legalise the arrangement.
All of the bar workers and restaurant staff are Dominicans. Working in the service industry is not beneath them as it is for Caymanians – even unemployed Caymanians.
The roads here are appalling but are being improved and it is Dominicans who toil for ten hours a day in the baking sun working on them.
There is a minimum wage of EC$5.00 per hour – about CI$1.50. See what I mean about most Dominicans being poor? But last week, when I paid for some goods in the market with a US$10.00 bill, I was chased down the street by the stallholder to give me my change as the shirt I had bought was $9.50 EC and not US as I had thought.
Somepeople fish and some farm but the farmers are proper farmers and don’t “play” at it the way Caymanians do. Unemployment rate is high at around 23% but those in work are doing proper jobs and are not paid to do nothing, as is the way in many areas of the Caymanian Civil Service.
Cayman has finance and tourism. Dominica only has its natural beauty. I laugh when I hear Caymanians saying that they live in Paradise. Beautiful beaches do not Paradise make. All of Dominica is truly beautiful and its future will lie in ecotourism and is limitless. Cayman seems to be intent on embarking on projects that will ruin its environment.
I am one of the very few expats living here. When I go into Roseau, the capital, I rarely see another white face. The Dominicans are immensely grateful for the help that we give them and there is NEVER any antagonism of any kind. I suggest (and this will cause even more trouble) that without the aid and assistance that Cayman has received from expats over the last forty years and the influence of the UK today, it would be in just as bad or in a worse state than Dominica.
You shouldn't compare Dominica, a spanish culture to the Cayman Islands, an English culture. I bet if I go to Dominica, you will find the native people with complaints against expats as well. You just have people who are protectionist and don't like to see certain kinds of change.
Sorry Justin but you are wrong. Where did you get the idea that this is a Spanish culture? The history of colonialisation here is French and then British.
And you would lose your bet too. They are crying out for change here. Very few Dominicans have ever heard of Cayman and when I tell them of life in Cayman they areshocked.
There is no store here like Foster's, Hurley's or Kirk's. All there are is small grocery stores with limited stocks. There are no restaurants like The Wharf, The Lighthouse or The Brasserie – just small roadside grills. No hotels like The Ritz or The Marriott although the Fort Young Hotel is a very good place to stay. When I tell Dominicans that Cayman is similar to Miami, they are amazed and envious. Little do they know!
There is never a whiff of corruption here. "Double Dipping" would be unthinkable. The government appear to be genuinely concerned about the plight of the poorest and is implementing social welfare shemes to improve things.
They are crying out for change and it is a real pleasure for me to try to help in any way I can.
Anon @10:16 how are you doing?how's life in that tropical island? I grudge you so much,i am one Caymanian who is crazy over streams,small rivers, waterfalls,mineral pools and small hills/mountains.I have never been to Dominica but i have been doing my research,hope to visit there one day,do not get me wrong i love Cayman but after visiting Jamaica, Cuba & Costa Rica several time the love for nature have gotten a hold on me……….what a life those Arawaks and Caribs must have lived 600 years ago,carefree, laidback and nothing but joy, happiness and appreciation for nature.
you obviously didn't pay attention during geography and west indian history lessons while in school.Dominica is an english speaking island,formerly under UK rule about 2-3 times the size of Grand Cayman,the island is located in the Eastern Caribbean.The country you are mixing up Dominica with is the Dominican Republic(LA Republica Dominicana),which has about 300 or so citizens in the Cayman Islands,D.R.is located in the central Caribbean and former colony of Spain,it's capital is called Santo Domingo…………it's very good too take a peek into a geography or history book now and then,even better we now have access to the internet.
wrong Dominica. I think they are referring to Dominica not Dominican Republic. Dominica speaks English.
Dominica, not the Dominican Republic.
Dominica was a French possession until ceded to Britain in the mid 1700s.
It was then a Crown Colony, just like the Cayman Is. until independence.
THANK YOU PREMIER for standing up to FCO
You all are missing the point and only thinks its the Premier's attude, but instead you should be very happy that FCO has a person with the guts and backbone like McKeeva. Atleast he can stand his ground and not roll over and play dead.
I am definately one who is very thankful to have our Premier stand up for us, because if not dog will have ate our supper, if Alden or Kurt was in the Premier's role.
They were the captains who got us successful to this point (in a financial mess) so you can imagine how they would have taken us out -tax, tax and more tax! Especially with so much pressure from FCO they would have taken both hook & sinker.
Although the UK would rather see us tax, they mean us well, because direct taxation would be able to help us pay off our hugh debt, and it would help us maintain government operations. So tax is needed and may I add a welfare state to help unemployed locals.
You mean like the huge debt major powers like the US and the UK are in?
Attention FCO:
Please ingore the rantings of this petulant child. He does not represent anyone but himself and definitely not the majority of the Cayman people. He won the last election due to dissatisfaction with the party then in power. The results would have been very different if the voters could have seen what was instore for them. We ask for your patience during the last two years of his administration and political career. You wouldn't believe what we have to endure.
You mean this forward knowledge would have made them less dissatisfied with the party then in power, to the extent that this party would today still be in power? I shudder to think about that being the case, and I'm not a party supporter. Were that to have happened, we'd today have income tax and property tax to fund even more of their grandiose schemes. Anyone who can't see that is in denial.
I am not in denial but merely selecting between two evils….non-thinking and only thinking of self. I was a supporter of Mac during last election but am now terrified by what he has shown to represent. He has nothing but disdain for due process, public accountability and transparency of public dealings. At best XXXXX….at worse he will have us independant and extend his own despotic term indefinitely. I put forward that you and his few remaining supporters are the ones in denial…whatever you are getting the short term whether it be his promises of public contracts, continuance of un-deserved employment, or even refrigerators is nothing like the democratic freedom you are giving up for all of us due to your self interested greed and incredible short sightedness.
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Remember, "You have to give respect to get respect."
Mr Premier if you are dealing with a mere desk clerk doesn't that tell you something?
I deal with the FCO on an almost weekly basis, often on fairly trivial matters, and all of my contacts are middle management or higher. If you get treated differently just ask yourself, "Why?"
Is it true that the BBC is doing a report on this new item?
Can't Mac pass a new law pretending the desk clerk didn't exist? It works well with financial accountability.
You know what is sad? It is sad that people here still do not get it. The Cayman Islands is being managed like a person who is a ward of the state or someone who has a judgment debt against them. In simple language, because of over-spending or spending what the CI government did not have, the Cayman Islands are now in debt. In order to pay Caymanians, ensure that there are social service amenities for the destitute, the Cayman Islands has to borrow. In order to borrow they have to show the UK just how they will be paying back this money.
Civil servants do not want to lose their jobs so no job cuts. People do not want to pay more for health services so no increase in fees. People do not want work permit holders who have been here for years and who have contributed to this country to gain any kind of foothold in this country where they could start actually spending their money here instead of sending it home, so the rollover policy is still there.
They want people to come in and develop the Cayman Islands but they still want the beaches, mangroves and the land that time forgot to remain.
What do Caymanians want? The elected leader of this country. The Premier (a position voted on by Caymanians only) has to speak to a desk clerk in London in order to approve the budget of a sovereign country called the Cayman Islands and instead of the proud Caymanians seeing something exceptionally wrong with this, they prefer to come here and say that their Premier is a dictator.
Wow
Tell me, then…
When since did the Cayman Islands become a sovereign country ?
Has independence for the Cayman Islands been declared while we all have been sleeping ?
Most of your facts are correct, as stated, but your reasoning is totally flawed.
Maybe the FCO has held up McKeeva Bush's budget figures and the accounts they;re based on so that the UK Government's auditors can verify, as best they can, that there is come factual basis to them…
According to generally accepted accounting principles.
Have you ever heard of the UK's contingent liability for its Overseas Territories; if you haven't let me explain it to you ib simple terms that you should be able to grasp…
It means, that under current laws, the United Kingdom becomes liable to pay off any debts or loan balances, plus interest, that the Cayman Islands defaults on.
Does that give you enough reason to see why the United Kingdom must continue to supervise Cayman's budget until…
the Cayman Islands becomes a sovereign, independent country.
While we're at it, look up what 'sovereign country' means in a dictionary before coming on the forum and embarrasing yourself.
The previous poster is correct, its you who needs to do some reading, and actual research.
If you can show me where the UK has said they are liable/responsible for our debts, I will pay off yours!
The UK even changed our name in the late 1990s from a "Dependent Territories" to "Overseas Territories" just to ensure no one got any ideas. Done at the same time of their contingent liability avoidance plan we drew up for them (Vision 2008).
While I do believe in the EU courts they would have great difficulty claiming its our all fault/debt and they have no role in paying it having had the FCO preside (Governor) over the Cabinet in a role of "good governance". The Governor would never allow us to sue them to find out.
But 15:45 you are mistaken to believe this is what the FCO is at play here doing now. Read a little bit more history and more of the international press. We are dealing with the UK remember and they have over 600 years of colonizing and ruling countries and their natives. They are playing chess when we are still playing marbles with the pieces.
lol… this is CNS my lad, don't be surprise you have bloggers here that have never lived in the Cayman Islands at least 20 years.
Thank God for the U.K. demanding a balanced budget. Otherwise the UDP would continue splurging willy nilly, and plunging the country further and further in debt.
I wonder how the predictions from the 2010-2011 and 2009-2010 worked out as compared to the budget that was done at those times? Does anyone know how much have we have overspent in the last two years?
If there had been a surplus I believe there would be a lot of bragging about the genius of creating a surplus, so the silence indicates we plunged further in debt since the UDP took over in 2009.
The UK may demand a balanced budget, but what they want, is for us to go DIRECT TAX! I don't think that would help us! The U.S. Miller Report has the best economic policy for the Cayman Islands.
To actually implement such a policy would take discipline that Caymanian leadership have proven again and again they don't have period. It is painfully obvious that words like discipline,competence, transparency, honesty, morality, etc. have a completely different meaning in Grand Cayman.
And pray tell poster13:58 does not the same species exist where you were hatched?
Direct tax – like the rest of world.
and?
and… only when we implement direct tax will the USA ease off our Caymanian/American citizens who ejoyed being born in the USA or at some time held a green card. Simply not renewing your passport or greencard does NOT mean you no longer have to pay taxes and this is only going to get worse with FATCA in 2012. Big Mac needs his fancy D.C. legal team to implement taxation protection laws for dual citizens that currently reside 100% in Cayman. (if you enjoy overseas you pay, period)..oops, may have to count the days you spend in you Miami condo.
Big Mac is selling out his people and his childish rants are not helping. He HAS to move in the right direction by forcing civil servants to pay health care and half of their pensions (sorry the Guv is not going to step in and make it so)….YOU are the leader so you have toannounce the hard line, take your licks, and forget about re-election and focus more on spending cuts and financial prudence. u.
bull dog, I think you hit a soft spot, because many here are loyalist to the crown and want to see this article spin. it looks bad on us, the premier leadership as well, but justifies them to reduce us to how turks and cacois is. my grandmother alwaystell me, be careful what you wish for
Turks is all the better for it – ask someone who lives there!
i'm sure the 'desk clerk' did not enjoy trying to explain simple arithmetic to an uneducated bully who struggles with basic english
Condolences to the poor premier. It must be a real burden to have less than absolute power and to be forced to consider the opinions of others. The neighboring premiers in Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, etc. have it so much better.
Condolences indeed. How difficult it must have been for Mr Bush to try and bully someone thousands of miles away when he is accustomed to bullying civil servants working close at hand.
Tsch Tsch Temper Temper.Blame game again?
I am pleased we have their influence. Keeps everything in line. There is nothing wrong with being prudent, and spending less than you earn.
One thing about McKeeva, he is clear, direct, and straight forward on who is to blame for the country's economic downturn. Alden / Kurt always comes out speechless and is no match for Bush, because they very well know that their policies negatively contributed to the country's state significantly. I would never vote for PPM again.
On the other hand, the UDP government has not done any better. They were given the chance, 2 years to implement strick measures in order to balance the country's budget, but instead hesitated for some strange reason. They have allowed opposition to slow them down. They have 2 more years to make a positive difference; or, else the UK's FCO will decide to enforce on the Cayman Islands, a direct tax, which will damage us indifinitely.
Caymanians need to understand that the UK government, don't mean us well. They are looking out for their own interest just like our local political parties, PPM and UDP. Remember when the Premier suggested to cut all the MLA's salaries, even Independent Ezzard Miller's salary by at least 20 to 30%, how not one of them vote in favor for it, and ended up leaving the LA, cutting instead the entire Civil Service 3.2% This just shows to you that NONE OF THEM are thinking about the people first. They are in there all for themselves and what they can get! Caymanians don't be fooled. The UK is no savior as well. They want to impose direct taxation so that the investors can run back to the UK and leave Cayman. According to them, Cayman is a haven for tax evaders, and they will do anything to get their sticky hands on our financial records. Look at TCI and you will see what I mean.
We, the people are in a great fix. Government is becoming more and more FAT despite which party is in, and at the end of the day, the people here are suffering. Suffering by UK's constant interventions and knowing what's best for these islands, and suffering because our own political leaders are dividing the country by their party politrix. It just makes me sick to see how party politics is dividing our country. Some dumb people are going as far as opposing an important national issue just because a party opposes it. This is rediculous and just show you that we have some ignorant Caymanians, and unfortunately the ignorant ones are the more vocal ones.
Our budget is a national issue McKeeva and Alden should not be opposing each other. They should be united. The UK's divide and conquor policies are working, and it won't be too long you may hear they talk about taking us over and declaring full British Rule – from one dictator to a UK one! God help us! The People are Left Behind! There is no Democracy here!
By the end of the day, once PPM hear that you are not voting for them, you will get so much thumbs down, it is not funny. 🙂
Thumbs down here on CNS don't mean s***, come election 2013 PPM is gonna get another Ass whipping,MARK MY WORDS!
Unless the Caymanian people have seen enough to smarten up a little. It's certainly not that there hasn't BEEN enough for all to see.
lol lol LMAO hahaha anon 17:14 that is so funny hahaha lol lol LMAO so funny. As you well know UDP will not get one politician elected in 2013, that is if there is even such an entity as UDP come 2013! Oh that was funny, but thank GOD we can laugh about it knowing that there will be no UDP soon. I don't know who will be elected but I sure as hell know it will not be UDP, thank you LORD!
"I don't know who will be elected but i sure know as hell it will not be the UDP,thank you lord" …………contradicting youself,we need intelligent comments here on CNS,the world is reading……You should really thank the lord that it's the UDP and not the PPM in power,Tax free and our dollor is still strong,thank God for the UDP.
Come on man, the world is reading. That, was not, in fact, a contradiction. And you are using the Lord's name in vain, in addition to spelling it with a common 'l'. Could you please explain to the world what a 'dollor' is. Mac, get those damn schools finished PLEASE.
Anon 10:49, as you quite rightly said "the world is reading"…………"we need intelligent spelling here on CNS." It is spelt dollar & not dollor DUH! BTW your name must be McChavez BushLaden with that kind of uneducated spelling! Come on Mac, please do better, "the world is reading"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ass whooped?
Are you a registered voter or a gang member?
Hmmm… And does CNS represent at least 5% of the 50+ thousand people here? Thank goodness that is not the case. As a Caymanian, I support my government, whoever is in, and I know my entire family does so too. The UK as well is our government, but one big difference between them and the one home, is that the Queen is not voted in by the people here – so she really can't represent us and should never speak for us. That is why I feel they would use a clerk as an insult. Even their economic policies are not align to Millers Report, and I feel are not condusive to the people of these islands. lol… but then again, they teach us and our children to sing in school, "God save the Queen."
We show them respect, they should show our ELECTED leaders respect too.
Thank you
It's the Cayman public that is getting the ass whipping here my friend.
Perhaps what we need here on CNS is a little more noise from UDP supporters dissing all the pro PPM posts. The problem is either that they simply cannot continue to dis the truth forever, or there are simply not too many UDP supporters willing to publicly defend their beloved party anymore, which is quite understandable. Yes, you do seem to be one of a very rapidly dwindling number people in Cayman with the kind of brains it takes to continue to support the UDP in the face of their continuing atrocities. We hope the PPM kicks your ass too while they’re kicking the UDP’s.
It's seriously not funny. Congratulations PPM.
I'm so very tired of this Govt. playing the blame card. Can't they just once get on with "Transparency, Accountability and Good Govenance"?
While it is true that the previous Govt. may have spent too much too quickly (with the recession looming) it is also true that they did so on much needed infrastructural projects that the current Govt. and others had neglected for decades. Any obective person can clearly see this!
The current Govt. won't even put any real effort to bring about annual fiancials for auditors to transparently determine where the money went and is going now!
It's not such a bad thing to have the UK approve the budget….it's similar to seeking another perspective. What is likely causing Mac the trouble is; that he (nor his entourage) can "justify" much of what is in (and not in) the budget!
We have the UK interfering with our budget because we have a former delivery boy creating it. Instead of trying to make more money, cut the expenses – starting with the civil service.
Oh wait I forgot McKeeva can't do that because then who will vote for him?
If this gets a thumbs down, I am sure you are a civil servant.
God forbid that the UK should ever interfere and take over our finances! They as well would do us no good!
I don't know why people keep saying that the civil servants will vote for McKeever. Why don't we have a blind ballot of civil servants and see if they would actually vote for him?
Accountability sucks…..
Can you imagine what it would be like if Old Smiley Face was left to his own devices?!
No one with half a brain cell is genuinely swallowing this rhetoric, right?
Not that the other party in this fantastic two party system would be guaranteed to do any better.
Statistics dictate that a population of a certain size will generate a set number of politicians with a sufficient intellect to do a good job. Unfortunately, in the case of the Cayman Islands that number is never going to be close to sufficient to adequately support a well run two party system.
Literacy and numeracy levels for the Cayman Islands are damning. This is not opinion. It is fact. It is easy to blame the teachers but parents clearly have little interest in motivating students to become better educated and more empowered than themselves. These children will still want to holding down office based managerial jobs because work involving physical labour will be beneath them.
When it is too wet to get into work they will still expect their expat pizza delivery driver to brave the "terrible conditions" to deliver to their house…………
So if you don't want to go cap in hand:
1) Go independent; or
2) Introduce income tax.
Thank goodness SOMEBODY has got something of a leash on this man, even if it is a 'desk clerk' in London. We do very well indeed understand how extremely humiliating that is for our beloved Premier. Grin and bear it, Mac, you were hired because it was thought you could do the job, remember? And please, please, for once and for all, please finish with that self righteous PPM mud slinging two years later. We, all of us, even your own supporters, can see through that and we all understand that you are very likely using that to once more divert attention from the issue at hand, namely, the Cayman Islands Government's annual budget. Come on Mac, really, you're a big boy now, and we really need you to start acting like one, really, for your sake, and for the sake of our beautiful islands and all our people, please Mac? Keep your eyes on the budget, people, that is the real issue here.
These are the telltale signs of a dictator, not that we needed any more convincing of that fact! He simply does not like to take orders from anyone (not even the people who elected him to "serve" them) muchless the UK (sounds dictatorial to me). And can you imagine that after TWO years in charge he is STILL blaming the PPM? Sounds like a FAILURE to me! He simply will not accept that he has done more to harm this country than anyone in the PPM & any other politician before him, yet all he can do after TWO years of FAILURE is to continue to blame the PPM! So what has he done in TWO years? According to him NOTHING (because he continues to blame the PPM for the current state of affairs, therefore things cannot be too good)! He has failed the people & the country & is so pathetic that he can only blame others. What a pitiful excuse for a leader!
Same old crap flying out of his mouth!
Mac should ask himself WHY the UK is watching him very closely, something they didnt do with the previous govt
If we ever get to the place where the UK has no influence I am leaving. Although they are currently silent and possibly relishing our demise at least now the people of Cayman are aware of the mismanagement due to freedom of speach, freedom of the press and laws supporting government transparency. Sure the government isn't complying with the latter however we are aware of their non-compliance and although they seem to think we are stupid sheep we are also aware of their nefarious self-interested reasons.
Then leave and go to the tax-ridden UK, because Cayman don't need their destructive policies as well! ;o)
Do you mean those annoying destructive policies such as govenment transparency, personal freedoms, reliable reporting and fiscal responsibility? Yeah those bastards who needs them.
The uk should tax all of you and implement their financial strategies!!!
Amen!! Thank d Lord something is capable of stopping this man on his rampage!!
Otherwise, we would have been on the fast-track to catch up with Turks & Cacios
And that would be a serious disaster, being under a British Dictatorship! Both parties are failing the people!
I would vote for the desk clerk next election if he/she was running.
McKeeva is right to be indignant about having to speak to a desk clerk about Cayman's Budget. As the Minister of Finance, he should be speaking to his equal on these matters. I guess the janitor was unavailable.
Give him his pacifer. Cheez..throwing fits won't help. Always somebody else's fault.
Macdicktator gives new meaning to the term "mad man"…..enough said.
"pointing the finger at the opposition for its spending on infrastructure during its administration" – OMG, is this man serious?
What is of more benefit and interest for Cayman and tha Caymanian people: (A) New schools for our youth for many decades to come, new roads that will serve to benefit all Caymanians for decades to come and a New Government Administration Building that will save Cayman spending on rent fees for decades to come,
OR: (B) spending money on Xmas lights, house security, house maid, personal chauffeur and vehicle etc. for 1 person, 1st class travel and accomodation all over the world for all Ministers and MLAs, $9mil on Hurricane Hilton on the Brac, continued payoffs from deals not fulfilled like the dock fiasco, and I could go on and on.
All of Cayman would unanimously want option (A) without a doubt, unless you are benefitting personnally from option (B).
"I don't like to be pushed" – well Mr Premier, like it or not you will be pushed out of office so that Cayman can be saved!
Very well said "He will fly away" @ 11:09! That is a great question & we all know the answer: option (A)! You said it perfectly, but the premier & his cronies simply couldn't care less (they onlycare about themselves).
Mr. Premier as much as you don't like to take directions from a desk clerk in the UK and most Caymanians don't like iteither it's much better to try to work out a practical solution to the financial crisis than to go begging the world over for alms. Caymanian are not beggars by nature.
I don't want to see any kind of direct taxation but I would rather taxation with representation than no taxes without representation. If Income Tax is what the UK wants us to get it is not the end of the world, it has not killed them and the other British Terrorities. Any day I would prefer income taxes over independence I would rather pay income taxes than the other taxes that comes with independence.
I would most definately prefer to know that the Government take its orders from a desk clerk in the UK who is employed by HM Services, than from gansters and crooks from anyplace on earth near or far.
I Believe the time has now come for the UK to sit with the leaders of this country and work out a proper budget and if this cannot be done then simply bring in their own people to clean up the finances of this country.
They will "clean up" alright… and that will be the last you see your finances!
If one behaves as a child, one is treated as such. Grow up! If you can't handle the responsibility, get off the darned pot and give someone else a go. Couldn't be a worse stink than we have now. 😉
So when were the documents delivered to the MLA?
Does anyone know if the Opposition received the budget documents that Mac stated were being printed and would be given out by Sunday???
CNS Note: Having checked with the opposition leader and the independent member they have confirmed receipt of the documents. We will also check tomorrow with the LA when the free electronic version will be available for the public to see on-line and when printed hard copies will be available for purchase.