Bush letter over land zoning
(CNS): The letter that appears to have triggered the police investigation into “financial irregularities”, which may involve the country's premier, is about the rezoning of land that was owned by Stan Thomas. Independent member Ezzard Miller has confirmed that the
document posted below is a copy of the letter that came into his possession earlier this month, which he sent to the chair of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin said it was the same document that he had seen, which he understood had come to light during civil proceedings in the Grand Court.
The letter, which appears to have been sent from the fax machine in the former ministry of tourism and environment, is headed "Windsor Development Corporation" and is dated 7 October 2004, around four weeks after Hurricane Ivan had devastated Grand Cayman.
It is signed by W. McKeeva Bush and appears to be a request for payment of $350,000 to Windsor Development in connection with re-zoning of land in the West Bay Seven Mile Beach area.
The letter indicates that Bush had ensured that all of the “proposed re-zoning issues have been agreed and approved by Cabinet”, as he asked Thomas to wire what was described as the balance on the transaction.
The letter does not make clear what land the transaction involves but it is understood that the land owned by Thomas in the area, which he acquired earlier in 2004, was the property that was recently sold to the Dart Group and where it plans to develop a new resort .
Miller said that after the letter came into his possession this month and he heard that a year long investigation was taking place, he made an FOI request to the planning department and found that the company named in the letter did not make the re-zoning application on the land owned by Thomas.
It is understood that the document which triggered the investigation was uncovered during a civil case in Grand Court that involved Stan Thomas and Ron Zimmer regarding various land transactions, which was eventually settled.
It is not clear if this letter is the same document that the premier alluded to at a rally for jobs on Saturday on Seven Mile Beach, when he stated that it was a “real estate bill” that the investigation may have been concerned with. He had also stated in the Legislative Assembly last week during the budget debate and Finance Committee hearings that “people were twisting people's letters”, but he did not say if that was directly linked to the current police investigation.
Although neither the police commissioner nor the governor have confirmed that Bush is under investigation, they have both confirmed that an investigation of some kind is taking place, which was instigated by the governor after “financial irregularities” were brough to his attention.
CNS sent both offices a copy of the letter and asked for comment on the document but both delined to give further comment on the matter.
Category: Politics
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands — A report in the most recent KYC News publication, the monthly Offshore Alert, has been the topic of much discussion in the Cayman Islands this week because of a news article with regard to the Leader of Government Business, McKeeva Bush.
The article about Mr Bush derives from his being mentioned in court filings in a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida between Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman developer Michael Ryan and his companies and Richard E. Friend, who maintains he was one of the Senior Vice Presidents of the development. That case is still ongoing.
The article reports that on 10 February 2004, Friend applied for leave to serve requests for the production of documents on several parties, including Michael Ryan and the Ryan Group.
One of the requests in the claim is for "All documents in your possession, custody or control that refer to, relate to, or reference McKeeva Bush, members of his immediate family or any company now or formerly controlled by Bush or members of his immediate family, including without limitation Cambridge Real Estate Corporation Ltd and Windsor Development Ltd. Including without limitation all documents in your possession, custody or control that refer to, relate to, or reference payments or gifts to, and or services rendered to or for the benefit of McKeeva Bush, members of his immediate family, including without limitation Cambridge Real Estate Corporation Ltd and Windsor Development Ltd, and all documents relating to each voluntary extension of the of the pensions of any of the former employees of the former Holiday Inn formerly located on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman." Cayman Net News is un-aware at this time whether leave for the request has been granted or not.
When contacted for comment concerning the Offshore Alert report, a representative of Bush's ministry said that he would not be issuing a statement on the matter.
Some UDP supporters have been saying they see no reason for the Premier to resign because he has not been proven guilty. This link shows that a Minister of Government from neighbouring Jamaica who is also the subject of a serious criminal investigation understood that it was time for him to resign notwithstanding that he wholly rejects the allegations against him. And he was just a Minister, not the Prime Minister.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/05/24/jamaica-energy-minister-says-revoked-visa/
This guy is being investigated for Murder for Hire and had his Visa has been reversed by the US which would make it hard for him to do his as they stated. I think this is a different situation all together because this Bush thing does not affect his ability to do his job and being suspected of Murder is whole different beast all together. The bottom line is that this is all fueled by people’s desire to see Bush fail or to just see him kicked out of office to satisfy their own selfish needs. They are just using this investigation as another ploy to get him out. Sure let him go ahead and step, who is it that you guys want to replace him ? Arden or maybe Ezzard?
As far as we're concerned Bush HAS failed, in every sense of the word, and simply needs to be removed. Obviously, and as you seem to acknowledge, there is nothing else on the UDP even remotely capable of running the country so guess where THAT leaves us.
There have been a number of posts by persons wondering what could possibly be the nature of the wrongdoing. Section 11 of the Anti-Corruption Law, 2008 states:
"A person commits an offence where…being a public officer or a member of the Legislative Assembly he demands, accepts, or offers or agrees to accept from any other person for himself or another person, a loan, reward, advantage or other benefit as consideration for cooperation, assistance, exercise of influence or an act of omission in connection with (a) the transaction of business with or any matter of business relating to the Government; or (b) a claim against the Government or any benefit which the Government is authorised or entitled to bestow, whether or not, in fact, the public officer or member of the Legislative Assembly is able to cooperate, render assistance, exercise influence or to do or omit to do what is proposed, as the case may be."
I seems highly unlikely to me that any government official looking to collect on a bribe would send a letter, signed by himself and from a government office fax demanding payment for the bribe.
Or do you people think that MAC is just that stupid..
That's it – a forgery and fiendish plot by someone to bring down the Premier 7 years into the future.
Since the Premier has apparently acknowledged that this is indeed his letter the only question is whether it is indeed a "real estate bill" and "people are twisting people's letters". Perhaps it appears likely to you that this is a "real estate bill" despite the fact that the letter does not mention a land sale, does not provide the names of the vendor and purchaser, the block and parcel number, the purchase price or the initial deposit – in short all the things one might expect to find in any "real estate bill". Surely there was must be an earlier document recording the payment of the initial deposit? A contract that described the service being provided by Windsor?
Politicians sometimes do stupid, incriminating things that if discovered will end their political careers, e.g. sending explicit photos of themselves over the internet to people they don't know.
Excellent example I have to say…
Kurt says give me a big plate of turtle meat so I can sleep, Alden says I need a new pair of glasses cause i can't see and Mac says give me yoga lessons so I can stretch the budget. My my I think we've got a Cayman Circus. Leno, Stewart, Colbert and Letterman need to come here to do the political stuff.
Last week i criticised CNS for appearing 'asleep at the wheel' on this story. Although i don't believe the comment was ever published, I want to say that i am very impressed that CNS have made the letter in question available to the public. The more source material the public has access to, the better they can draw their own conclusions about matters reported in the media and the greater faith they can have in the media. Well done.
The TCI report summarises the situation thus:
Sound familiar? Exactly when will the Governor step in? Do we have to wait for the total collapse of governance as happened in the TCI? Will it come to the point of Special Prosecutors and Judge-only trials? Will it come to civil disorder? Will it come to the removal of the corrupt by extreme physical force?
Inaction by the Governor is a cancer on the Cayman Islands, eating it up, destroying it.
The "authorities" had better be VERY careful here. If they fail to complete this investigation in a proper and comprehensive manner, the whole credibility of due process in Cayman will be brought into question.
For those who have been keeping up there is already no question of credibility. It was answered a while back and comtinues to be answered the very same way each time its asked. For those who NEED to belive in Caymanian leadership go ahead. Its the only thing keeping it going.
In any other country the leader would have had to step down until the matter was settled. Whether this is 'fair' or not is beside the point. this is how things are handled when you are such a position of leadership: you must step down until the dust has settled. You may be vindicated or you may be guilty, hopefully it is the former. But you step down.
The country continues to be run like a banana republic. we are supposedly one of the largest financial services centres in the world, with modern infrastructure etc but socially and institutionally we are behind many 3rd world countries. our lack of investment into education has had a lot to do with this over the past 4 decades (not just in the past couple of administrations–long before that) so we are now in a position whereby we believe that we can simple 'fix' everything by heavy protectionist immigration policies to 'protect' Caymanians. This may make them feel good emotionally and politically, but it is a clear failed strategy. People are being taught that 'this is their land' and they can get by simply because they are Caymanians (born here apparently ranks higher than earning the citizenship legally -and even if you are NOT one of those 3,000 from recently).
So go ahead: fix it by crying 'sell out' ever time someone with the resources attempts to invest here. fix it by crying 'but we must have Caymanian that can do THAT' everytime someone tries to hire an expat to do a job. Fix it by continuing down the path of caribbean style political parties that do nothing but divide a small community with people now apparently unable to think outside 'red or green'.
This is ignorant. it breeds further ignorance. This is not what cayman used to be socially. Unfortunately our development has left so much behind in terms of our institutions. it is no wonder we cannot even think of independence: we don't have the maturity to handle it.
Now, on top of such a massive gap between our economic development and the level of preparedness of our children, we must also face these cases of obviously poor governance and with people reducing the debate to udp and ppm. I bet if we united against any alleged incidence of corruption, the politicians would not be able to stand against us, we would truly rule then. Indeed we could get anyone at anytime to stand down if we felt that they must do so for good of country. But of course this is not meant to be. The minute one group or person says something decent the other knocks it down because of that group or person's affiliation. Does this not sound a lot like what goes on the legislative assembly? is it not clear we are a reflection of these very leaders that we have issues with? Lets think about this. Lets rise above this. We have hundreds if not thousands of college graduates (and high school graduates that became successful businessmen and women) working here in Cayman including both locals and expats. can we not raise the level of debate and skip the political nonsense for a change?
If we don't do something different we need to bear this in mind: lack of education plus increased Caribbean politics spells disaster everywhere the 2 interact. Yes we will destroy this country if all we do is breed ignorance.
And we definitely will not be able to beat the politicians in cases like this if we remain so divided.
All I want to know is how do we get Helen Garlick here in Cayman to work this case?? Anyone know….lol
I would rather have Jon Stewart from the Daily Show. I think there is more material here than in the States!
It's clear here that this letter and/or bill is questionable.
And that the Judiciary, Governor and Comissioner of Poilice all found it serious enough to have it "investigated"!
Hopefully those investigating are competent enough to do so.
Some recent "investiagtions" have certainly appeared wanting!
First Cayman Bank all over agian.
To blogger 13:47, you know I am tired of hearing this song about what PPM did? Exactly tell me WHAT they have done? Yes, they were a bit ambitious in trying to build too many schools at the same time, GIS Building, Sport Stadiums, Roads, Boxing Gym, Traffic building etc etc, but that was for the people of these Islands. Why don't the current government show us the books where the PPM went wrong. Why don't they want the audit done from 2003 until now? why so magically the country was broke 81mio and in the next year the books were in profit? are you trying to say PPM was to blame for everything wrong financially? All I have been hearing for the last 2 – 3 years is PPM this and PPM that…Where is the proof? I see the proof where they brought the new Constitution to fusion, I drive the roads everyday, the new GIS Bldg. is beautiful, but show me where the corruption took place, show me where the money went, show me the audited books and show me the evidence. You cannot, XXXX Talk is cheap and damaging, but the proof is in the books. Yes, the missing audited books. BTW – I am affiliated to NO party, as I think this party systems is damaging to my fellow Caymanian and ALL it does is to spurt hatred. Wake up Cayman and realize what you are getting into. I am also a true born and bred Caymanian, with both Parents being full blooded Caymanian, so I have a right to speak up when I see wrong happening. The blame is the financial crisis, so admit to that.
13:47 It is UDP that won't audit the books.
Exactly on target!
And has the current Govt not spent over a billion dollars since taking office, and what do we have to show for it?
Oh yes, I forgot. We have a few scary pipe dreams and our living expenses have drastically increased since this Govt took over.
Well said! I would only add that being a "Caymanian by pain" stand tall and proud and put a face and name to your comments and thoughts as without this dismissal is easy.
Regards
Kent McTaggart
Can't we all just get along ?
Apparently not. At least not without the UDP's cooperation.
Who is Kurt?
Silence damning.
Clearly, what this comes down to is the nature of the mysterious "transaction". Either the amount referred to is a bribe, or it is a payment for legitimate services rendered.
At the same time, nobody could possibly want this matter to go away more than the Premier.
Yet, all it would take for the problem to go away would be for Mr Bush to reveal what legitimate services were rendered. Easy. Any businessman would remember from the top of his head what service was rendered for a fee of this size.
Given that the Premier has been taking heat over this transaction and the related investigation for an entire week and that the document has been out in the direct sunlight for some days, had there been any legitimate service rendered, why would he not have simply revealed what it was and made the whole thing go away?
You cannot plead the fifth in the court of public opinion.
The silence is damning; and to quote Harold Wilson, "a week is a long time in politics".
Ever heard of "born again christian"? GOD does not like ugly, & one of the worst & most mortal of sins is to mock the Lord. A person should not on one hand pretend to be a christian for politicial or financial gain, while on the other hand doing things that are not pleasing to the Lord, no matter who you are or what position you may hold. I'm just saying! FYI
Without judging either way, the honourable thing to do would be for the Premier to stand down albeit temporarily while he sets about clearing his name. Otherwise Cayman's reputation will be harmedat a time we cannot afford any more bad publicity. Look at Italy with Berlusconi.
Of course the problem is Mac has surrounded himself by so many incompetent yes men and women that with the excption of Mike Adam no one else in UDP parliamentary group could possibly lead the nation in the interim.
Mike lead?….Anon 13:56, you are too funny OR you are Mike!
There is no need to have Premier step down unless he is charged with something other than “headlines”. However, if he is charged with corruption He needs to step down that day….very simple.
Good to get excited about this man leaving but let’s stay on the law’s side and wait for police to finish their investigation. There is not enough in public domain to charge anyone with anything. Can you imagine if every person that the police did an “investigation” on left their job? Do realize he is not just anyone but let’s not rule by mob here.
Will be interesting to see what shakes out however because Ezzard has said he does not even want to be in Cabinet much less Premier so that rules him out. Most people do not want PPM back, certainly with the Alden/Arden duo at helm. That leaves a very interesting dynamic for folks like Bo Miller, Walling and Lion. “These are interesting times”
Mike lead. Mike not a yes man. LMAO! You obviously don't know why Mike is no longer at CAL.
Any word from:
Sherry Bodden Cowan?
Norman Bodden?
Edlin Merren?
Dick Arch?
Joy Basdeo?
What about the Young UDP:
Jonathan Piercy?
Matthew Adam?
Kathy Hargest?
You all really still think putting Mac in power was a good idea?? Why don't you all share your wisdom now? How do you feel this administration is working out for you or more importantly your country?? Why don't you tell us how you feel about all that's going on?
We've heard from Mario and we can see how its working out for him.
Why are the rest of you being so silent? Did it not work out for you all as planned or were you simply fooled?? As bad as it sounds you all would be much better off coming out and saying you made a mistake in recommending this man for power!
Unfortunately, its a mistake our country is paying dearly for.
Nice try, if PPm hadn't put this country, financilly in the f@@g hole, all these people you trying to now intimidate, you would'nt have to be asking them these questions.
I'm sure these people never lost sight of what the PPM did, and have enough sense to realise that the damages can't be corrected in two years., and things will get better, it has already set to get better, maybe you are too blind to see it, with your heart full of hate for Mac.
First, let me ask you, did these people complain to you of the present administration? did they say that Mac is abusing his powers? or are you blowing smoke up these people's a@@, nice try.
Two years later and McKeeva still toes not have any proof whatsoever that he found the country's finances in the state that he claims, yet his supporters continue to cling to that like cockroaches on a sinking ship, and yet Mac claims that he HAS corrected it in two years, although you clearly state the obvious that hecan't possibly have done so. Makes us all wonder who's blowing smoke. Nothing that a little soap and water wouldn't do for your mouth.
Where is Kurt?
Asleep at the wheel, Alden still got his lips sealed:)
Somehow it seems we were safer with Kurt allegedly asleep at the wheel than with McKeeva fully awake!
Anon 14:02, why do you ask? What does it matter? You should ask where is Julie? Where in Rolley? Where is Mark? Where is Mikey? Where is the UDP?
Mac is normally so quick to answer. So vocal. Yet this week the silence has been deafening.
Yep. He is just as quiet as a church mouse.
09:56
He just got smart to all you vultures out there, that twist his statements around, I don't blame the man.
The devil finds work for Idle hands, go find something constructive to do for your country, and your people, they need all the help they can get to find work, so they can pay their bills.
Isn't it the Govts. job to create employment? Oh, yes, they made a list of unemployed people – after only two years in power – isn't that amazing.
It is fair to say that PPM had overspent on the projects the were under control of, but a very clear point people should always look at is the very clear fact that we can all see these projects in the balance sheets whether it be classified as work in porgress of otherwise.
Cayman is yet to see one project that the UDP has started since their coming into power three years ago.
Firstly too many of the party members are un qualified to do the jobs at hand, I strongly believe that there should be a minimum level of education required to become a MLA & they should be chosen to the different ministries based on their skill sets I.E. Finance degrees should be for the Ministry of Finance, Health Ministries should be for a Medical Doctor or someone who has a doctorate.
The problem now is that there is now rhyme or reason for where these MLA's are placed, their plan was only to get elected.
Caymanians we need to make better choices of our leaders & stop basing the choices on popularity & who knows who.
How can someone get a copy of a document that came to light during a civil case?
Not easy without a real reason. They are there, but court staff don't like muckrakers. You will need to consult a lawyer.
Yeah, and a doctorate in wha for Health? Hope you mean natural science and not construction.
Agreed dat skills should be where best suited, but dat goes against how govenment operates. Dey hav so many square pegs in round holes dat there is no progess.
The police is to blame for all this getting out of control! Why is it taking this long to conclude this investigation? The rug not big enough or the broom too small!
Something is stink in Cayman.
Hey people — two wrongs dont make a right?
And, in this case UDP and PPM are the two WRONGS!
Is ANY futurepolitician willing to:
1. Take only a descent salary, for decent work;
2. Take only a decent pension – ON RETIREMENT
3. Revive the Elections Office an take Annual Referendas on all major issues – and be bound by the results? With our election cards and intricate registration system this should be a piece of cake!
Unless you answer yes to above, in writing, publicly, I'll go fishing on Election Day.
The PPM is exposing the wrongs of the UDP to the general population…the PPM implemented FOI and had weekly press breifings amoungst many other good things for Cayman. In the last year of their administration during the worldwide finacial recession, they didnt do a great job with our accounts; but all the years previously they did a great job. And the truthis, i can forgive them because we can all see where the money went – into sorely needed infrastructure projects which had been neglected for years by all the previous governments (including UDP). Everytime Mac and co is in power, we end up with millions of unaccounted for funds, rumours of corruption (XXXX), general unhappiness in the community. XXXXX The PPM may have made a mistake or two in trying to do the best thing for the country, but they surely aren't wrong. Remember this, if they weren't looking out for the best for the country, the PPM would not have given us FOI to dig into the actions of government depts and politicians.
I think Cayman is better off without UDP and PPM.
I think Cayman is better off without UDP.
yep…udp/ppm haven proven that caymanians cannot govern themselves……..don't even think about independents!
I have to admit that this is the first comment I’ve read that’s pro ppm that doesn’t seem to be emotionally drivin or just from someone blinded by the hoopla. And it does make one think becuase it just seems to point out the facts. all this foolishness just leaves me in a position where I just don’t know who to trust. I wouldn’t even know who to vote for and I can’t even convince myself that voting for the lesser of two evils is the right thing to do. I really wish there was another option.
That "OPTION 2013" i feel, must be a publicly-designed contract, signed Before Election Day, by EACH candidate – instead of they usual gum flapping&double dealing.
Perhaps CNS can start a poll to devise such a contract by year end (if we last that long).
Cheeeze Louise
If you don't like either the UDP or the PPM, then vote by spoiling your ballot.
It shows that you care. It tells the parties that the status quo is unacceptable and they have to work harder and smarter to get your support.
@ Anon 12:11, you mean like all your comments are pro UDP & just plain stupid? Get a life & get out from in that dark hole of the UDP, you need fresh air girl
Explain to me why the PPM side would be brighter…
The facts speak for themselves. There were no substantial reasons to suspect corruption during the PPM tenure.
I have yet to see one pro UDP post which is not "emotionally drivin or just from someone blinded by the hoopla" or some desperate attempt to spin this.
It should leave you in the position of knowing whom you definitely cannot trust.
That most likely becuase this in avid PPM supporers forum….
Most likely because they realise the house of cards is about to come crashing down and they are trying to preserve it for as long as possible.
BTW you are on here and so it applies to you!
The PPMers have rallied to support.
However, lame, insensitive & indifferent leadership is the style of them ALL – NO ONE who has served in the past decade should ever be reelected.. well, maybe Moses along.
The PPM & UDP crafted the constiutiton they are celebrating today – they them brought THEIR draft to us,with little consideration of our feelings on isues like MLA salaries&right to vote themselves raises&pensions. IN fact, much of the PEnsions Payments the recent cuts were made to pay out are for these MLAs & those retired.
Has anyone of hem moved a motion to ban others taking their "Lump Sum" checks earlier than they should.. which Im sure many of them will do before the next exection.?? NO
YEs, Ezzie sems promising, but I've seen his cycle before, which ended with the same scandals, lawsuits and gross mismangement & losses – that was during our Boom years!
Egotism is a political killer!!
I think people are missing the most important point here. Even if there is nothing illegal or improper in this, what place has the leader of the country got doing such valuable business with our wealthiest and most intrusive residents? These are people with whom CIG regularly has to contend, asking for duty concessions, zoning changes, and planning permission on a regular basis. He should not even own things which can be sold for some sum which leaves a balance of $350,000, as a politician.
XXXXX
Why does Mac not go onto local TV and let someone ask questions?
The 5th?
"The 5th?"
Wrong constitution. That's the USA not Cayman Islands. Don't think we have a Bill of Rights yet.
So if you can't plead the 5th you just say nothing at all?
Or you can call it a "plan" and have Steve McField argue it is OK.
Other questions that Joe Public would like answered:
1. Is Windsor Development company a real estate company or development company?
2. Who are/were the directors and owners of Windsor Development?
3. What developments have they engaged in?
4. Are any orall of the transactions of Windsor Development related to political deals?
Keep in mind that while innocent until guilty seems to be a significant cliche, we need to acknowledge that reputational damage to the country and to the Premier can make him unsuitable to govern.
In 90 percent of cases where politicians step down as a result of suspected impropriety they have more dignity than putting their country through the legal drama and expense of proving their guilt.
They just resign.
I have a couple of questions that could get to the root of the matter much faster.
1. Did McKeeva list his ownership of Windsor Development in the Register of Interest in 2004?
2. If it is a real estate bill, then why doesn't he produce the original correspondence that resulted in the deposit being paid?
Well said.
The case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn appears to be weakening but he has resigned nonetheless.
That is true – however, Strauss-Kahn seems to have given up his good job in vain as the supposed victim, despite DNA evidence, lacks credibility. The case is on the verge of being thrown out. The best thing for him to have done was let justice take its course and then, if found guilty, resign. Now someone else holds the job that he could be doing. So my advice to the Premier is, do not step down, let justice take its course. It's only the haters that are calling for Mr. Bush to give up his envious position of being the island's first ever Premier. God bless the Premier!
You are missing the point. It was not in vain. You cannot expect to go through a criminal trial while acting as CEO of the IMF. Likewise it will do incalculable harm to Cayman to have Bush continue as Premier. In light of the allegations which reputable business will want to set up business here? A shadow will be cast over any deals involving him. You are putting Bush ahead of your country.
FIrst of all he is not going through a criminal trial there is an investigation going on of which no one outside of the investigators have the facts. in fact this has apparently been going on for a year and what incalculable harm has been causes by it the only harm was caused by certain people splashing it all over the news hoping it will push him to step down. Would you quit your job if they were investigating you about something you say you were innocent of or let the investigation bring the facts out ?
Not that I would have put myself in this position but if I found myself in that position I would surely stand down at least until the matter was resolved. That is the decent and proper thing to do.
FIrst of all he is not going through a criminal trial there is an investigation going on of which no one outside of the investigators have the facts. in fact this has apparently been going on for a year and what incalculable harm has been causes by it the only harm was caused by certain people splashing it all over the news hoping it will push him to step down. Would you quit your job if they were investigating you about something you say you were innocent of or let the investigation bring the facts out ?
Do not forget that some investigations prove that people are innocent, that’s why it’s called an investigation.
If, and only if Bush is found guilty of some crime should he resign. The PPM whole reign was a disaster. But did they step down when people asked them to. Nooo, they just kept messing with our economy until it was in tatters and we found ourselves beggin Great Britain to approve our budget. Shame, Shame on the PPM. At least the UDP has the answers to most of the problems.
Bet Strauss-Kahn wish now that he had not acted so hastily. The IMF was not calling for his resignation. What a horrible regret he will have when the case is thrown out and he wakes up to find his job gone.
Mr. Bush, stay put bobo. Don't make these envious bloggers cause you any sleepless nights.
Yes the UDP does have the answers to most of the problems. The crime rate and our monthly utility bills are proof of that. Something else is causing Mr. Bush sleepless nights right now, and it certainly ain't the welfare of the Cayman Islands and its people.
They are UDP. They can't help missing the point.
Have you all forgotten that this Windsor Development (or was it another called 'Cambridge') 'owned by Mac's wife' was one of the main real estate agents (at least initially) for the Residences at the Ritz ????
Ok, so what’s the issue with her owning a Real Estate company. Do you think politicians should be poor or not allowed to own businesses ?
The attitude that allowed Lynden Pindling to bleed the Bahamas of millions and millions.
The issue is that in that case, rather like this one,was that there were a number of matters considered in the LA which benefitted the developer, increase in permitted building height being but one.
Maybe that was coincidental, but if the Bush family benefits from matters they push through the LA then there are bound to be people presuming wrongdoing, to allow yourself to be put in that position would be sufficient in most countries for the populace to require resignation.
1) Building height was increased by a decision of Cabinet
2) Massive community opposition to the project was disregarded and Cabinet decided in favor of the Ritz development
In case you were not here or have forgotten, there were petitions, letters to the paper, hundreds of vocal and active opponents as usual representing thousands of people too afraid or disempowered to speak up. People opposed the old Holiday Inn being destroyed – a landmark for tourism and favorite social spot where locals and expats got to meet and interact. Others opposed the destruction of one hundred acres of mangroves. Others, the government entering into a 100 year lease with Michael Ryan with Crown land and others the lifting of restriction on building height (and end to charming and appropriately scaled development). And at the time, Ryan's plans seemed XXXX not well thought through, financing seemed shaky and he took out a full pageadd in the newspaper at some point berating us for opposing his development. Maybe someone with a sharper memory of these events can correct me if I am wrong on any of these points.
The National Trust objected to Planning approval and this ended up in a lengthly and costly legal battle that went to the Grand Court/Court of Appeal, the Trust in the end wining on some minor technical points but overall loosing ie the Ritz went up and was able to wipe out the 100 or so acres of mangroves.
In any case for McKeeva to both be in LA/Cabinet deciding and influencing these matters and his family to be directly and significantly gaining from this development is a highly inappropriate conflict of interest XXXXXX
XXXX
62 acres of that Crown land (Block 12C Parcel 394) is actually zoned "Public Open Space" and as such belongs to the public!!!!!
She's not a politician.
Not if and I say IF, they are used as vehicles to receive bribes.
A carrot plus a stick generally provides better motivation. On that basis should we have statues for both National Heroes and National Anti-heroes?
I am curious, would the money involved in an illegal act of influence peddling by a politican be subject to freezing and seizure under our Proceeds of Crime law or any other laws we have on the books or are politicians exempt?
God help the person that writes this man's autobiography……I got my popcorn ready cause its going to be a very interesting next few months.
If it is to be an autobiography is it possible that the writer would be beyond that help?
Know doubt the public would pay for a foreign ex-politician to write it like his speeches.
For all you people encouraging the trial of the Premier and direct rule of the Cayman Islands by the UK you should read this and be enlightened. Be very careful what you wish for because this is the same thing that happened in the TCI.
http://tcipost.com/wordpress/?p=12019#comment-5119
If the Premier had any form of regard for these islands, he would not get us into these predicaments, dont pass the blame to us voters, we are not being investigated….
Let the man have his day in court if it comes to that but please stop the arm chair judge/jury trial.
Go get a life you silly lot!
Go get a life you silly lot.
Last one out, turn off the lights.
True or False, recall when a Judge was a suspect they took his computer and searched his house. What is the difference in this case. Shame on those covering up the case.
I don't know who is investigating this, but how can it take so long? This is straight forward. Unless the Police or the anti-corruption team lack qualified and skilfull investigators. I hope this is not like the George Town voter irregularity allegation investigation which took so long and was eventually dropped, or like Tempura which was grossly incompetent and lost credibility. I hope they do a more thorough job with this one and they speed it up. A year for something like this is not efficient at all. By the looks of this it could have been completed within 3 to 6 months easily.
Correct! especially since this is already almost 7 years old and there is a risk of the claim becoming time-barred
If it is a crime then there is no statute of limitations.
Al Capone was brought to some form of justice by tax evasion laws, not prosecution for the horrendous and atrocious acts which made him very rich, famous and feared. May the FFB be made to see the way of the revolving door of history. Ass, say hello to boot. Rock and a hardplace, say hello to the jackhammer. Karma is a lovable bitch. One certainly hopes that those in posession of teacups do not drop the crumpet for the crumbs which remain on the carpet will be the last of concerns for those who let it go stale and whose brew is tepid at best. Good morning Vietnam, your flight out of Club Paradise will be departing soon and the sheik, the scheister and the schmuck will be on board. So sorry, but no refreshments will be served except a platter of some raw crow and some tainted pond water. The crew suggests that you take advantage of this as it is better than what you can expect when you get where you are on your way to. The sound of silence is louder than hell's bell's itself and far more foreboding. BYE, BYE, FFB. Will the next patient please step forward, and bring your paperwork.
The "Cash-for-Questions Affair" was probably the UK's biggest political scandal of the 1990s. If the Premier has taken money in exchange for his political influence on behalf of private individuals or companies there is likely to be both political and a legal consequences.
Innocent until proven guilty is obviously the right principle to apply here, but everyone — especially the media — has every right to speculate on such a serious issue, and the Premier must expect in-depth analysis without stamping his feet like a petulant child; because speculation (and even false allegation) is par for the course in politics in our open, transparent, media-driven world. If Mr. Bush has done nothing wrong, he has nothing to worry about, does he?
October the seventeenth, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety one.
"ROOSTER CUT TEET TODAY BO-BO"
You want to ignore the people? Well ignore that!
OK, I have to admit my ignorance, what is the significance of this date?
The significance of said date 17/10/91; XXXXXXX
CNS: Patriot, can you find a link for that or email us a document?
Step back and wait a while. We may be surprised when and if it is revealed who is being investigated – you never know.
Mac has acknowledged that he is being investigated and the Governor's statement only referred to one elected representative so we do know.
Does this mean I'm not going to get a new washing machine next election?
No washing machine, but you going to get your ass kicked, again next election.
Seems very questionable to me!
One can only hope that Justice is done. Though i won't hold my breath.
I wouldn't be surprised to hear the tired and fairly standard police/prosecutions response of "not enough evidence to proceed".
It is obvious what the governor's job description is. Good governance.
And his modus operandi is to keep quiet and get his job done….
unlike so many of our politicians who talk non stop about what they plan to do and then give us endless excuses about why they failed to accomplish all that they promised.
This governor talks little but is obviously doing muchbehind the scenes. I suspect they are working feverishly to complete this investigation before the statute of limitations runs out on this matter.
I hope and pray our representatives learn from the examples set by our governor.
Yes! Our representatives should fly around the caribbean, bringing direct tax and direct british rule to all the natives!
The limitation period being what exactly?
There is not one.
While the 'Windsor' letter will look very curious to many it is not uncommon for a condition of a real estate sale to be subject to a rezoning or planning permission of one type or the other. It maybe that the final payment of the real estate transaction was subject to the land rezone. Nothing really strange there.
The fact that the letter talks about "balance" would seem to indicate that. The word that will give premier some difficulty is "ensured" but you can put that down to premier's lack of education that people here are always talking about.
However anyone that knows how land is rezoned in Cayman will know that the premier ( leader of government) alone cannot "ensure" that. The application has to be heard by CPA, then they have to advertise it, then they have a hearing, then they have to agree to send it to the ministry who then has to send it to cabinet. Cabinet has to agree to send it to the LA to be approved by then legislators. This is a consuming and lengthy process and one person cannot "ensure" that it occurs given the process.
It is quite clear from the hanzards that the process was followed so unless we have the CPA(15 persons), the planning department(at least 2 persons), the ministry ( minimum 1 person), the cabinet(6-10 persons), and then the entire LA house (15 persons) all involved with this then it does look like this may just be the PPM and (independent) member Ezzard making political milage out of this.
XXXXX
My take on this so far is that the evidence is not there and they have decided to use the press and public opinion to hope to put pressure on premier to resign or have his party throw him under bus but I do not see either happening.
However I am sure PPMers will see "corruption" and UDPers will see a " real estate transaction". Hopefully the governor and police will do a thorough investigation and the chips fall where they may. If he is guilty of corruption he has to face the consequence but we should not convict someone before we even charge him.
You obviously do not know who we are talking about. This ONE MAN as you speak of has done a lot of things it would normally take many of us to do.
That is why you can't take him out, you got that right, he has done so much good for Cayman, many of you can't hold the candle to.
Yes, I hope all the 'good' comes to light.
Shall we start to list all the good he has done for Cayman??
Ooh let me do some for you….
1) Status Grants of 3,000+ – This does UNREPAIRABLE to the Cayman Islands. Cayman is a small country by any standards and to inject this amount of new people to the Island at once is silly stupid at best. If you look at the mushroom effect you would see that this is already starting to take hold today with increases in crime. Not that they the new grants are doing this but it's more mouths to feed in hard times. It's more jobs that have to be in the market. Thanks Mr Bush!!!
2) Increase in business fees that caused many foreign businesses to pick up and leave leaving many locals out of work. This same increase put many small local business owners out of business leaving their employees out of work.
3) Increase in import duties causes cost of living to increase substantially. Okay not enough you took my job but you are going to make everything more expensive also?????
4) Increase in fuel duties – Ooh thank you so very much. The one thing that intertwines every sector of society you raised. Gee thanks. Now not only is it going to cost me that much more to get to work and home but my utilties are going up and my food prices are going up also. Where do I send my Christmas cards to????
But you know what, we have some of the stupidess people on earth here. Why do I say this? Well who did Mr Bush call on for his rally? Did he ask for the rich wealthy businessmen whom he loves so much NOOOO. He called on the stupid people who lost their jobs, the same people HE CAUSED TO LOOSE THEIR JOBS. He called on them for their support and guess what, THEY SHOWED UP!!!!
This is the same crap with him over and over.
So let's see he creates an unemployment issue and then offers them HIS solution.
This is the same crap that happened around the elections.
So rewind for me a bit to elections. He shouted from the Hills "we are broke because of PPM" and he said for us to "SAVE CAYMAN" we must look to foreign investment and make things easy for them. Now fast forward to today. Now look at all these projects with foreign investors and people from every walk of life walking to do one project or another in Cayman. Does he has ESP? OR and this is a BIG OR…..Were we being SET UP?
Obsess much over Mr. Bush? You must be up all night keeping tabs on Bush and writing diary notes.
Now post the 'done nothing list' for the PPM.
If the economy had not collapsed due to factors outside our control, the PPM would have remained in office. All of the infrastructure projects would be well along the way to completion, with at least one of the schools open. The constitution would still have been voted through, and its powers and provisions exercised by a group of principled, educated people. Dan Duguay would still be the Auditor General, doing his job. In short, the PPM would have succeeded, where McKeeva has failed, partly for political gain ('look how unworkable and expensive this idea was') and partly out of ineptitude ('I can't see how this benefits us, I've tried and I can't see it' – his favourite phrase). Just because he cannot see it does not mean better minds have not concluded it is there…
If they had remained in office despite the economic crisis, they would not have raised taxes and import duties. They may have instituted a small tax, such as Bermuda's 10% income tax. Cayman would still be known as a place with 'no tax' and be called a 'tax haven'. I admit I would not havebeen as keen on this, but the increase in fees and duties also increases the 'barriers to entry' for new, organic businesses to start. Instead, we have to do investment en masse, adding sweeteners that we can ill afford to attract persons of dubious repute to build things we don't need in the hopes they will have to employ so many people who want to eat out in our restaurants that somehow prosperity will return. In the process the environment is destroyed, doing permanent damage to our reputation as a top vacation destination, and sending the wrong messages about the values our PEOPLE have, as opposed to our government.
However, neither party has ever grasped that the way to get this country going is to strengthen its institutions, invigorate its people to go around and 'get busy', buying things, throwing parties, having ideas and just generally giving a damn, like the Cayman I remember from when I was growing up. If I said that this no longer happens because McKeeva made some decisions which fractured our society, I'd probably be right. This objective is something McKeeva is simply not capable of achieving because he is not the man for these times. Neither are the PPM, but at least with them you had the sense there was a horizon. Now the feeling is that the sun has set on it.
Without confidence in thegovernment the local population is reluctant to spend and make plans of investment and expansion for the future. This allows him to say that our only hope is to have large projects which, coincidentally, he can take a slice off of. Add the lack of transparency which he would prefer to see as his 'approach to work' or 'political style', and you have the recipe for corruption enough to have the UK impose direct rule. Our financial industry is permanently destroyed and the news will echo across the world, where it will be particularly newsworthy in America given the treatment we have received over the years in their media.
This country will be fine so long as it survives until my generation – the educated one that understands 2 + 2 does not equal 10, minus 4 for McKeeva and 2 that goes missing because we have no accounts, but 4, every time – can assume power. Sound money with sound logic for sound solutions – it's coming.
Yes, we certainly do enjoy paying those enormous utility bills every month. And we get such a kick out of being able to put $200.00 worth of groceries in just two plastic bags at the supermarket. The man is really thinking green, I would say.
Cant hold a candle to someone who's not here.
Well youare quite the advocate for the Premier. Maybe he should add you to his defence team.
The balance in this case – $350,000 – could not represent the balance on the sale of land worth tens of millions.
Does this really look like a real estate sale bill? How does it compare with other real estate bills of this company?
"It is quite clear from the hanzards that the process was followed so unless we have the CPA(15 persons), the planning department(at least 2 persons), the ministry ( minimum 1 person), the cabinet(6-10 persons), and then the entire LA house (15 persons) all involved with this then it does look like this may just be the PPM and (independent) member Ezzard making political milage out of this".
The issue here not whether the proper process was followed for rezoning but instead whether the Premier received money to "ensure" that approval was received. So far as I am aware rezoning does not involve the CPA but Cabinet and the LA. If, and I say if, someone has received money to do so obviously no one else needs to know about it. Not the CPA, not the LA. No one.
As far as I can understand, while the PPM and the Independent Member as politicians will no doubt make political mileage out of this, that does not really explain why there is a criminal investigation which was apparently initiated by a Grand court judge and approved by the Governor.
Anon 12:12, twist & turn it how you want but the fact is that 'Windsor' had nothing to do with the real estate sale or transactions & was not in line to receive commisions. This could not be a commission payment, so if it is not for commissions what else can it be for? Take a guess!
So you are privy to the court/legal system, and knows what is going on.
you are saying it was not a commission payment, you seemed to know more that CNS, and the PPM, because they are still trying to get to the bottom of this investigation. I hope you don't pervert the the course of justice.
One is proven innocent untill one is found guilty, by the courts, not by the hearts of the PPM…and you can't change it, If you can't live with that law, then you may have to go live somewhere else.
Ouch. You obviously would love to see one less PPM supporter in Cayman. If you can't live with them, then you may have to go live somewhere else.
Although I definitely am NOT a supporter of Mr. Bush, is it not a possibility that a payment was made on a piece of land with the understanding that the remainder would be paid upon rezoning approval ? Maybe without the approval the payment previously made would have been refundable ?
No. The land sale had already been done. The property was worth tens of millions of dollars. Re-zoning was the next step.
THAT particular land previously owned by a local prominent family had dozens of surveys and legal documents submitted about it and all of them would be on record. Do the research , the evidence is very-very clear.
The rezoning was discussed at government board level many times before Mr. Thomas bought the land XXXX. Quite clearly one only has to go back to year 2000, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1975…etc… to see how the land was zoned and approved for development. It was zoned to have condos like Plantana and The Great House built on it, nothing more!! The same prominent family owned and developed those two condo developments and owned the land across the street all the way to Governors Harbour. Ask them!?!
XXXXX Let the historical development records at the planning department speak for themselves. The truth is in the historical documents.
Please remember that banks scan cheques and statements and they go way back. If I was the Premier and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was innocent I would be urging the police/Governor/ legal department to get this investigation going- I would not rest until my name was cleared.
Are you people thick?
An elected policitian cannot personally profit from doing his public duties: that is corruption.
Not sure of the status of the investigation, but they should proceed quickly to avoid time running out.
the people are thick!….they voted him into power
That's right, and he going back in too. Watch so see bobo! He the best we got.
You are on to a losing bet. If I were a betting man I would say that he will not finish his term in office.
He is very far from the best we have got, thank God.
How many of you are public servants, and running your business on the side, are you also corrupted.
I know of many of you with trade and business licenses, running your own business while working for the Cayman Island Government.
That is not really issue here. The issue is whether the Premier received or sought payments from a developer to "ensure" Cabinet approval of a rezoning application. If he did then that is official corruption.
Well 21:49 we do not know that to be the fact, and yes, it is an issue here, when comments are made of him doing business, and collecting a fee.
Mac and his wife do own companies like every one else that works for the Cayman islands government…why is it Illegal for him to do so.
Ask Mr. T. how many businesses he owns?and if he gives his fees to charity? I see nothing wrong with Mac's real estate company, acting as an agent for Stan's property transactions. Some of you went as far as saying, "he should't be doing business with these rich millionairs",
Is this what's bugging you all, that Mac should not be paid for his business?
I don;t see any where in the Cayman Islands constitution where any Government memebers, or public servants cannot own or conduct businesses, if that were the case, 80% of them would be corrupt, and I hope you are not one of them.
Lay off the man please, let him get on with building back the economy, do you know how many other countries would love to have a man like Mac, I can name a few, Greece, England, Ireland, Spain, the great USA. Maybe we could sell him off to these countries to show them how to revieve their economies? get rid of the only leader we have, with vision, and balls.
I suggest you read Section 11 of the Anti-Corruption Law. It might enlighten you as to what may be wrong with an MLA possibly receiving reward, advantage or other benefit for exercising his influence in relation to a benefit to be conferred by the Govt.
This was not Mac's real estate company (which is Cambridge) and it did not act as agent for the sale of the property.
21:49
Let me say something here, we have a constitution that governs the Cayman Islands…yes! first of all, it gives provisions and legality for Mac or any other parlimentarian to hold these positions, that he holds, otherwise our Queen's rep. the Governor would not allow it to happens, that is his job, to watch how we carry out the constitution.
May I ask you a question, did you not voted for this constituation?
Now Mac happens to be one of the member, of the five cabinet members , that sits on that board, which approves rezoning of property in the Cayman Islands, Mac also owns a company that does transactions for property owners….what is the big deal here?
As I can recall Dr. Frank reminding Gilbert on Rooster, that himself and Gilbert, two out of the five, happened to be sitting on that same board, with Mac … back in 2004 when this application were approved.
What Im trying to say here, is Mac did not approve the application on his own, cabinet did.
That is a pretty desperate attempt to obfuscate the issue. It has nothing to do with the Constitution and nothing to do with the process that was followed. Let's not play stupid. The issue is whether the Premier as the Leader of Govt. Business demanded or received payments to wield his considerable influence to ensure (or not block) the approval of a rezoning approval. No other Cabinet Minister need have been aware of any such payment if it did occur. The issue is not the fact of the approval or the process of approval but whether monies exchanged hands. If it did it doesn't matter that he did so through a company.
If you still do not understand the problem, IF indeed those things occurred, then it says that you are yourself corrupt.
Interesting that there is at least one poster who thinks that is OK. There's no guessing which party he/she belongs to.
Thanks CNS for not posting my last comment, all to say, I am concern as to where this investigation may lead in terms of the relationship between our local government and the UK government. Because really at the end of the day, the people should not suffer because of the actions and decisions of our politicians. The International community is not so kind when it comes to news that is not good for the financial center.
Don't the people always suffer because of the actions and decisions of politicians?
I am satisfied that the Judiciary, Governor and Commissioner of Police are "concerned" enough about this "letter" or "real estate bill" that they have commenced "an investigation"!
Everyone should read the letter again. Read it carefully. It states:
'balance of the funds that remain outstanding' and 'remaining balance'
It seems to me that McKeeva (or Windsor – same thing) probably received more than $350,000.
XXXXX
XXXXX
If I can remember re-zoning regulations were relaxed recently to allow the Cabinet to approve applications without going through CPA or LA. Somebody has plans for the future !
Can someone please point me in the right direction, what exactly is Gov. Taylor's offical duties here in Cayman?
It seems that when the queen appoints a govenor here they are here on a very nicely paid vacation package,with lots of all inclusive perks.
What does it really take for him to desolve the LA, front the top to the very bottom needs to be swept thru the LA doors right out over mary lawerence sidewalk.
The people are crying out for him to step up, yet he is like mckeeva, you can only see him in the papers or on tv for a few seconds, yet we pay the two of them a hefty salary that they collect for doing nothing but detroy this country.
I thought that pirates went extient a long time ago but apparently not because both political parties are plundering these islands.
My personal opinion is that there is alot of promises & favors that has been made/owed and now the Bone Collector is here to collect, unfortunately we the people are now not the ones who are gonna pay him back.
Both the PPM & UDP governments are to blame for this mess, when each of them could have opposed the others actions they sat by and acted like 2 yr olds, no one did anything to stop what has happened here.
And if the 2 parties believe that they are going to return to rule in the next election sorry to bust your bubbles but none of you will ever see the inside of the LA building as a member of government MLAS or Ministers.
You all should be so ashame of yourselves, to call yourselves sons of the soul, and as for mary lawerence you are about to awake into your nightmare when you arfe no longer the Speaker of the house….and julianna same goes for you Reality gonna hit unna like a ton of bricks hope unna can find jobs as well…..
Unfortunately, they have secured pensions that would male a "f****h w* * *e" blush so they don't have to worry about not having jobs. We pay them for the remainder of their lives for doing whatever they do for/to us. and We pay some of them pensions WHILE they still can work/are working/have a job. XXXX
Once upon a time in a land far far away there was a train wreck and the press relations manager of "Train Wreck Inc" and his little team of sweepers and spinners were very very busy on the blogs telling people that they must not look at the train wreck because it was all part of a conspiracy by those peope who were trying to get the train track redirected from "Few Get Rich Quick Junction" and "The Valley of Ecological Death" to places like "Honest Ville" and "Moral Behaviour Town". The press secretary and his little team blogged and blogged their fingers off all night long trying to spin enough yarn to obscure the view of the very obvious train wreck. They wrote some blogs to say that there was no train wreck at all. In others they wrote that the train wreck was actually a piece of modern abstract art generously donated to the side of the train track by "Train Wreck Inc." Did they manage to change the perception of what people with an ounce of common sense could see in front of their eyes? Stay tuned to this channel for the exciting conclusion to our story.
I like this story very much.
Nothing to see here folks! Please be on your way.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain…
I find some of the comments here very disturbing. It seems like a large segment of our population no longer ask themselves "is it right, or is it ethical". They have resigned themselves to the fact that it is happening or it is going to happen, and the only question they have is "how do I get some of it".
If you want to catch some of those people committing heinous crimes, the police should concentrate on the children of those in our society who have parked their morals somewhere out of sight. Unfortunately, that still leaves a long list of suspects.
Undoubtedly there are a few that are corrupt or corruptible, but I remain optomistic that most of the "blind" and "denial" posts are part of an orchestrated campaign by just a couple of people trying to get ahead of this issue and try to spin it. If you look at the choice of language and the way questions designed to confuse the issue are posed there is just too much similarity for this to be the work of more than a couple of people.
Let us be simple – why is a “company” confirming that a piece of land has been “rezoned” , and why is there a FEE involved.
You are quite correct. This is a letter from a comany requesting payment of $350,000.00, one would assume for services rendered by that company, yet the only service mentioned is "I have ENSURED that all the proposed re-zoning issues have been agreed"…
The Company has not merely confirmed. Mr. Bush (if that is indeed his letter) has "ensured"that the rezoning issues have resolved and that Cabinet has agreed to the rezoning.
Sick and tired,
You're not sick of the bull shit, you just frustrated because you can't get your way of removing Mac from his seat, do you want it that bad?
He might just make history, and be knighted.
Where in la la land have you been? confirming a property has now been rezoned, and now its time to pay the balance of the fee. this is nothing new to Cayman real estate agents…ask them!
Did your little mind revealed to you, that the final sale on this property, might have been hinged on an agreement to get it rezoned, and now that it is done , Stan has to pay up.
Real estate deals in the Cayman Islands are costly.You think they are costly? check out the lawyers and accountant firms.
I'm waiting to hear you guys telescoping the foreign /Caymanian Lawyers and accouning firms next, with their muliti- million dollar, billing transactions, some of them retiring with up to 30 million dollars.
But that is ok, they came from a different side of the fence, and speak with a funny dialect, so it is ok for them to have a multi million dollar company. like Christ said to the Jews…"you hypocrites!
It's all about Mac's money, and the prejudice of him being the first Premier of these Islands.
I know what im saying , I'm a Caymanian and I see it every day, from my own people.
Wasn't Hurricane Ivan september 2004 ? letter dated October 2004
So while we were suffering someone was getting paid.
Big Time.
Yes, thank God, that despite the suffering of some in 2004, there were a few others who still were able to immediately go back to work and were compensated accordingly.
This article is very difficult to follow. The letter is obviously a private, non government letter that Mr. Bush signed that was sent from his government fax. So Mr. Bush is Windsor Development? He’s asking for a $350,000 payment. For what?
I believe the letter states what it is for.
It's actually quite clear.
Read it again and it should come to you.
I could understand your difficulty if the second paragraph did not exist. Following the reference to payment of the "balance of the funds that remain outstanding" the letter says "I have have ENSURED that all of the proposed re-zoning issues have been agreed and approved by Cabinet" (the emphasis is mine). It then returns to the demand for payment of the remaining balance. XXXXX
I read this very carefully and wondered if the “balance of the funds that remain outstanding” referenced a land sale or ensuring that a re-zoning was approved by Cabinet.
The letter does not reference a land sale at all. It does reference ensuring that rezoning was approved by Cabinet.
McKeeva might not be the sharpest tool in the box, but surely he isn't foo foo enough to refer to a bribe in writing, let alone send it from a Govt. fax machine. Anyone with even a half a drop of good ol' fashioned Caymanian common sense would obviously do anything crooked face to face or over the phone – surely even Hazzard and 'Ardon can work that much out.
The fact that the investigation has been going on for over a year and no charges have been brought may also tell you something, if you take the blinkers off.
The delay tells you that the investigation has been widened or the matter swept under the carpet.
Deja vous First Cayman Bank. Voila!
So was that fridge the 25 cu ft model or the 27?
I may be wrong but I believe this letter is a forgery.
I do not believe this letter was written by Mackeva Bush or signed by him, I hope it is checked out properly.
Why would you believe that when it appears that Mr. Bush has acknowledged it as his own?
Come on now Dufus. McKeeva himself has admitted that he wrote the letter which he referred to as a "real estate bill". Do you still think its a forgery Dufus ? The Premier has said he wrote it !
Ok so the letter was faxed from the Ministry office. How many other people used their employers resources after Hurricane Ivan when phone service outside George Town was non- existent.
The letter was written on private company letterhead (not Government stationery) and it was signed in Mr. Bush's personal capacity (not in his capacity as LOGB).
As for the rezoning application, Mr. Miller himself as amember of the LA should know the process for rezoning land. Anyone can check the LA Hansards. Go to page 320 at this link http://www.legislativeassembly.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/LGLHOME/BUSINESS/PUBLICATIONS/20045OFFICIALHANSARDREPORTELECTRONIC.PDF
The application was lodged at the Planning Department by Vista Norte in 2002. The application made its way through the normal and legally required process, including advertisements in the newspaper. The application finally made its way to the Legislative Assembly in July 2004 where it was approved. Not a single MLA (government or opposition) rose to make any comments on the application. The vote was had and the "ayes had it". A legal,transparent and democratic process resulted in the change of zoning……unless there is now some conspiracy theory that the honourable legislative assembly is now part of this sinister plot.
There be none so blind as those that will not see.
The issue is not about using govt. resources to conduct your private business although that is also unethical. The fact that you don't understand that it would in fact be serious official corruption IF a person in his private capacity requires payment from an applicant for re-zoning of their property that he will participate in deciding upon in his govt. capacity speaks volumes about your lack of morality and ethics.
It does not follow that any other member of Cabinet or the LA were aware of the circumstances of the application.
Agreed, there was no objection to the change of zoning so why would a "fee" be paid to a realtor or to anyone else except land registry/planning? Doesn't this letter imply that Windsor Properties "helped" with the zoning change?
To Post: Thu, 06/30/2011 – 21:53
It may have went through the proper process, but your explanation does not say why a payment is being made to Mr. Bush or his company!
You Ezzard and Arden cronies are just reaching for threads, the payment request in this letter could be anything after all it is a real estate company that was representing a buyer or seller of a piece of land that obviously had a condition of approved rezoning to complete the sale of the property. These types of things happen every day in Real Estate deals. If there something crooked going on It will surely come out in the investigation none off you fools know the full details. All you guys are doing is looking for anything you can find to mess up Bush’s reputation.
I am not a UDP or PPM supporter, but I am getting sick of all these unwarranted attacks against the premier you folks have been taking its just nonstop, one misinterpreted accusation after the next, that at this point I am starting to feel like I need to defend the man. Your chosen PPM and Independent MLA’s are leading you people around like puppets to do their bidding. And you’re all fool enough to not be able to read between the lines.
What I see Bush as now is a man taking a lot of abuse while he’s trying and considering every possibility he can to save the Cayman economy from bankruptcy. While opposition members constantly make attacks at his character because they don’t want his potential success at repairing the economy to make them look bad. All they want is to be back in office at the next election and they could care less if their actions hurt the economy as long as their agendas are met.
While I never really picked a party to support, I could never be a part of these sit on your butt whining, do nothing while complaining and asking for more group of losers. People who want to work for a living understand what Bush is trying to do…
I think you need to make up your mind. Your handle says "Now a UDP Supporter" but your text says "I am not a UDP or PPM supporter". I'll help you – it is very clear from your post that you are a hardcore, diehard UDP supporter.
How do you know that these are "unwarranted attacks" and "misinterpreted accusations" against the premier? Were you involved in the transaction, or are you taking that position out of blind partisan loyalty.
I take this stance because it sickening listening to people constantly cry wolf when their party is doing and has done nothing. At this point I do support the UDP in thier efforts to repair the economy and create jobs in Cayman. What the Hell has the PPM or Independant fools done but start trouble..I cannot support anyone who’s sole intention is to tear down the government by any means nessesary.
Well it seems to me that the UDP has constantly been crying wolf. At every turn rather than dealing with the issues every single problem is blamed on the PPM. The Premier has threatened to launch a Commission of enquiry against the Leader of the Opposition re the approval of change orders for the schools. The timing is most interesting – more than 2 years after he took office and while he is being criminally investigated. Blame, blame blame. Yet you see fit to single out only the Independent member and the PPM for criticism for "crying wolf".
Obviously this latest scandal is not a matter of the Opposition crying wolf. A serious criminal investigation initiated by a Grand court Judge is underway.
Can you please explain to me how you know that these are "unwarranted attacks" and "misinterpreted accusations" against the premier?
Finally, please name one constructive thing that the UDP has actually accomplished (that does not include signing memoranda of understanding which are clearly not worth the paper they are written on by this Govt – just ask GLF).
First of all I say they are unwarranted because I have seen no proof of wrong doing. All I see is loudmouths and their flunkies trying everything they can do the stop progress and to impeed economical growth. You’re right that nothing started yet but from what I see things are on the way such as the Dart Deal and the Shetty Hospital both of which I’m sure you’re against because they were’t initiated by the PPM. Who by the wayare the reason why cayman is in the financial pit it’s in today due to thier excessive borowing and throwing money away when the world was at the start of a depression leaving the UDP in a position where they had to make hard decisions some of whihc are unpopular in order to climb out of the hole the PPM dug before any progress could be made. As far as all the tit for tat politricks, I think both sides are stupid but I could really care less as long as what’s needed to be is done to get people back to work and restore Cayman to the land of opportunity it used to be…
"First of all I say they are unwarranted because I have seen no proof of wrong doing".
Then say that they are unproved. You do not know that they are unwarranted. There has also been no proof or indeed evidence of wrongdoing in the matter of the schools but you have not said that Bush's move for a Commission of Enquiry is unwarranted. You are a hypocrite.
You are only parroting UDP rhetoric.
Incidentally I am not a partisan and I do favour the Shetty hospital and the Dart deal as well as the technology park.
Not let’s go back to my first comment I said that all the shots you PPM supporters are taking at Bush were unwarranted not the investigation. You are a great PPM’r excellent at turning peoples words around to try and manipulate peoples feelings. And as far as both the investigations go as I said I could care less if someone it guilty it always comes out. Polititians focus should be on things like reducing crime and repairing the economy…
When that person holds the office of the Premier you should care a great deal if he is guilty as it may bring this country down.
If this is successfully prosecuted it will be all about reducing crime of the highest order. That would surely bring dividends to our economy.
That's if the UK allow us to successfully prosecute. They may declare full rule and dissolve the elected cabinet. no?
Those are not mutually exclusive.
You know I am just sick of politicians all together…..
Again twisting my words, I said I could care less about the investigations not if he is found guilty. Do you work directly under Arden or Ezz..?
I am an objective, independent thinker which it is clear you are not. There was no twisting involved. You said you could care less about the investigation. I have made the point that you ought to care because the spectre of this gives Cayman a bad reputation and may deter legitimate investors from doing business here.
People are free to draw their own conclusions from the letter. There is only one obvious conclusion.
"What the Hell has the PPM or Independant fools done but start trouble..I cannot support anyone who's sole intention is to tear down the government by any means nessesary"
One could easily term this statement an "unwarranted attack" and "misinterpreted accusation" against the Opposition and the Independent.
In answer to your question, they have done their jobs by holding the government accountable. They have raised legitimate questions which the govt. has been unwilling to answer. They have defended the rule of law, freedom of information, freedom of speech, a fair trial and democracy in these Islands.
This should not be uncomfortable for any govt. which is behaving properly.
The desire to rebuild the economy and create jobs cannot mean that we give the govt. carte blanche and turn a blind eye to any questionable activities as you see to believe.
No sensible, objective person should see that as tearing down the govt.
Thanks for a Clear and precise answer, Makes since…
AMEN!!
If you are for neither party then BUTT out. The difference between PPM and their “followers” and UDP “followers” is the UDP gives cash prizes and appliances that will satisfy the here and now. PPM gives the opportunities for those able to make sustainable change to do so. PPM did not have to travel around the world to find answers. UDP traveled but did they bring any change beyond the bank statement debit?
In this most recent demonstration there was no forced cohersion from PPM and yet UDP had to harass and threaten trucking companies to do what they want. Get a clue their names say it all. One is led and moved by the people. The other is run only by and for the group that voted them in… This system doesn’t allow bystanders. You are either for socialism or for the people.
"….the payment request in this letter could be anything after all it is a real estate company that was representing a buyer or seller of a piece of land that obviously had a condition of approved rezoning to complete the sale of the property. These types of things happen every day in Real Estate deals.".
You can try to spin this til you're dizzy but that dog won't hunt. In the first place, this is not a real estate company. McKeeva's real estate company is called Cambridge. Windsor is an exempted company that is not authorised to do business within Cayman. Of course making it an exempted company means you don't have to file the register of shareholders with the Registrar of Companies. Since McKeeva is directing funds to be paid into its accounts it is a safe bet that he is at least one of the beneficial owners. Did he list this company on the LA register of interests back in 2004?
In the second place the letter says nothing about a land sale. All it talks about is a ensuring approval of rezoning by Cabinet.
I don't understand, where does this letter point to Bush being involved in corruption worthy of having to step down or having him removed. These guys are making themselves look more and more like silly little men with a grudge looking for anyway to destory this man. To me it's killingthier credibility.
Seriously? Or is that you press secretary?
Seriously or is that you Ezard Flunkie….?
You are obviously a UDP henchman, you cant even spell Ezzard.
How many time has that name been printed on this site? You read it daily but you still refuse to lear the correct way.
Everyone makes typos, including you.. Re read your own post…
Well, clearly a Grand Court judge, the Governor and the Commissioner of Police saw something in the letter worthy of a 16 month criminal investigation. Are they "guys (who) are making themselves look more and more like silly little men with a grudge looking for anyway to destory this man"?
Does not look authentic to me.
We had better printers in the government and not the shoddy quality as seen in the document.
Secondly, every one is innocent until proved otherwise. These cannot be resolved in Kangaroo Public Courts.
Lastly, during these hard economic times the world over, we should be wasting energies on this mud slinging by the opposition parties. It sure is not in the best interest of the country and its image.
Lastly, 200 people donot make up the electorate. As in many countries, they are always the silent majority .
Some of the older fax machines will screw with a good print job. Who are you to say what quality printers or fax machines were available in the tourism ministry and worse, just 4 weeks after Ivan.
The Premier seems to have acknowledged that he sent the document so there doesn't seem to be any question as to whether it is authentic. What you should ask yourself is, does it look like a real estate bill?
It looks like a letter requesting the balance due on a transaction, that's it..I've gotten similar letters from my real Estate Agent. And the funds were made payable to them to go into escrow before being distributed the seller. There’s nothing unusual about that unless you’re looking for or trying to create a conspiracy.
Keep fishing…PPM
Letters from real estate agents for the balance on a land sale do not look like that.
Since when do most fax machines not "smudge" or "blur" the text slightly?
Looks to me like the letter was produced using a typewriter and a plain sheet of paper.
OMG! Someone plotting the overthrow of a duly elected official of government faked the whole thing. There is no original, just a copy of a fax!!
Let's see how long it takes Mac's fan club to jump on this theory.
No one has said it was printed on a Government printer, just that it was faxed from one.
And lastly…
Quote from above:
"Secondly, every one is innocent until proved otherwise." Like the person that shot Kemar Golding? This mush comes from the courts, not from the hearts of the Cayman people.
This proves that his hands are clean and his heart is pure!
Of course Ezzard will do anything to bring McKeeva down as everyone knows Ezzard's political ambitions go far beyond little North Side.
First, I can't say I'm surprised, in that there were rumors of money changing hands in the aftermath of Ivan. Those are — at this point — JUST rumors, and there are never any shortage of those in Cayman.
Second, I will confess that I'm fairly disturbed about some of the recent proposed developments and moreso about how they appear to have come about without any input from our elected representatives.
That said, I think it is pure folly to speculate about this investigation. If this was an investigation of anyone other than the Premier, we might be more inclined to wait for more information. Assuming that the whole matter doesn't just evaporate, it is the right thing to do to let the persons investigating to do their job. The Premier should enjoy the same presumption of innocence that anyone else would.
Those words taste a little sour in my mouth, but I know it's the right thing to do.
I’ll agree with the presumption of innocent until proven guilty but how long does due diligence take? Even on “island time”? This investigation has been going on way to long and hopefully the recent interest in the matter brings some sort of closure. No matter the outcome, an expitied resolution is necessary as 2 more years of uncertainty is unbearable.
The fax header shows the message came from a government ministry, i.e., the Department of T,D,C &E, but the address on the letter is Windsor Development! Say, what?
First easy question – is the apparent government fax “heading” at the top left of the letter the standard ID for a fax sent from that office ?
Is that all you got on him PPM, please stop wasting the peoples time and energy on stupidness please stop causing confusion and try to assist us to get us out of this huge financial hole that you have put us in.
Listen Alden got in as Leader of the opposition I told a top ranking PPM official that yeah I could possibly vote for the PPM next time around but let me tell you with this distructive behaviours I see Alden is allowing Ezzard and Arden to go on with I may not be able to forgive him for his politrics by the time the next election rolls around.
Stop unecessarily blocking projects with inane objections, people are suffering they need work!!
You are so right. If he were guilty I would have expected the letter to say "Further to your initial payment of $400,000 on my extortionate demand I have now completed my end by ensuring that rezoning was approved by Cabinet and you now you need to complete yours by paying the remaining $350,000 I demanded". Nothing less than that would satisfy me of his guilt and I am not even sure that would.
Oh, I hope this is the last time we will have to deal with this man and any investigation. First Cayman Bank, Turtle Farm and not this $350,000.00.
It does not seem that he acted alone:
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MOTIONS
Government Motion No. 1/04
Amendment to the Development Plan 1997
The Speaker: The Honourable Minister responsible for the Ministry of Planning, Communications, District Administration, and InformationTechnology.
Hon. Juliana Y. O’Connor-Connolly: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I beg to move Government Mo-tion No. 1 of 2004 and it reads:-
"WHEREAS in April 2003, the Central Plan-ning Authority received an application for the re-zoning of Registration Section, West Bay Beach North, Block 11D, Parcel 36, from Neighbourhood Commercial to Hotel/Tourism;
"AND WHEREAS at a meeting of the Cen-tral Planning Authority dated 11 June, 2003, the Authority resolved to proceed with the amend-ment to the Plan, to wit:
To change the zoning of Block 11D, Parcel 36 from Neighbourhood Commercial to Ho-tel/Tourism;
"AND WHEREAS in accordance with sec-tion 11 of the Development and Planning Law (2003 Revision),Public Notices of the Authority’s intention to amend the Plan, were published in the Cayman Netnews on 8, 9, 14 and 15 July, 2003 and further the proposed amendments were on public display at the Planning Department from 8 July through 13 September, 2003;
"AND WHEREAS no objections were re-ceived within the statutory period of two months;
"BE IT NOW THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT in accordance with Section 10(2)(b) of the Development and Planning Law (2003 Revision), the Central Planning Authority hereby recom-mends and submits to the Legislative Assembly the following proposal for alteration to the Devel-opment Plan 1997, a summary and map of which
are attached hereto, and the Legislative Assembly hereby makes the following alterations, additions, and amendments to the Development Plan 1997 in accordance with the said summary and maps which shall come into force seven days after the passing of this resolution;
"AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Registration Section, West Bay Beach North, Block 11D Parcel 36, be rezoned from Neighbour-hood Commercial to Hotel/Tourism.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
but why was he paid over a quarter of a million dollars?
Seems like a normal letter advising clients that an issue has been resolved by the Cabinet pertaining to a piece of property that was being sold by the Premiers Company.
So what, I dont see anything abnormal about the letter.
If that is all the crap Miller and the Opposition can find to smear the Premier with, I suggest that they all go back to school.
And do you think it is normal for real estate companies to charge in excess of $350,000 for re zoning??
And if so, was this bill paid, and if not why didn't he sue?
And if so, was this bill paid, and if not why didn't he sue?
Very good point!
Hold on a second. When since did real estate companies even charge for rezoning? When did they get into the rezoning business?
I thought they brokered deals for selling of land.
What are you people talking about were in this letter does it state that the payment was for rezoning. It only says that the proposed rezoning had been approved and requested the balance due for the Seven Mile beach Real Estate Transaction to move forward. All they are attempting to do is use an ordinal Real Estate Transaction to discredit Bush.
PPM = Professional People Manipulators
You Arden Cronies seriously need help.
The only service rendered that is mentioned in this "real estate bill" is ensuring the rezoning of the property is approved by Cabinet. I have never seen a real estate bill that looks like that, and I have seen many. It mentions no block and parcel number, does not provide purchase price, deposit and balance. I see you that you have inserted the words "real estate" whereas the letter says "the West Bay, Seven Mile Beach transaction".
Very strange.
and you are simply a fool..
And of course there was no conflict of interest.Does Windsor have a Trade and Business licence to do this type of work? XXXX
Anon 05:00
I would think so, like all the rest of public servants that opperate their businesses.
Is that the fax information in the top left corner?
Evidence that the Premier was involved in a transaction, but as to "corruption" that is being insinuated by his opponents, I find no fault in the man. However, I will say, there is a group that is faning the flames for his elected position.
Just my observation.
CNS: Was the land re-zoned? You say the company named in the letter did not request the land be re-zoned. However did some other party make the request? Did the land change its zoning in or after 2004?
That info should also be available by the FOI request made or perhaps one of your readers knows.
Thanks!
CNS: We are still trying to investigate these issues and acquire the informaiton and documents but we understand the land was rezoned following a vote in the LA.
either your a dummy or a fool or both!
Very Stupid Observation…….. the premier has been under investigation for over a year, and it started when it came to the attention of the Governor during a civil trial. The police thought it severe enough to commence an investigation. The opposition have now found out about it and are asking questions and you say " there is a group that is faning the flames for his elected position."
Enhance your observational skills please.
Could each and every one of the thumbs down state what Mr Bush's "corruption" is? Oh, I see, no you can't. Well never mind, keep thumbing down even though you don't have a damned clue what you are thumbing about other than the fact that it is Bush and he must be attacked. Idjuts.
I hear ya deh "ol Bush" graduate, can jus tell way you spend your time!!!! boy ya foo foo doh! you proberly got him on ya speed dial
If that is indeed Mr. Bush's letter then that should be readily apparent to anyone with commonsense and a moral compass.
It is exciting to see all the thumbs down for Bush and the suggestion that he is done and his government will not be re-elected. Way to go! But, er, who will replace him? Alden/Arden/Anthony/Lucille/Walling/Ezzard/Oswell/Ozzie/Alphonzo/Mario
If we have early general elections that will determine who will replace him/them. We have obviously got better candidates than than incumbents.
'Whodatis' or 'Dred'!!!
As Shaggy would put it….Wasn't me
When the Websters owned the land they had many local legal opinions on zone requirements and development. I'm sure all that data is still on file and would shed light on how the land could have been re-zoned and what the chances of "promising" that it would be approved. Just look back to before year 2000 and I'm sure all the information is there.
Its up to the investigation to prove or disprove what exactly constitutes corruption or not, depending on the circumstances under which this 'request for payment' was sent.
This is not a bill; this is a letter sent requesting payment.
A bill usually has more defined and exact information detailed on it.
If Bush in some way, as then Leader of Government Business, either owns or is a principle partner in this Windsor company and used his position and influence to have this parcel of land re-zoned for commercial purposes and has financially benefitted from its re-zoning and sale, that is the heights of goverment corruption, as it is generally understood to mean.
The key issue here would not be whether Bush and Windsor facilitated a real estate transaction; it would be whether Bush influenced the re-zoning of the land through his official capacity and authority.
Only the results and decision of the RCIPS dept, that is investigating the issue will determine if this involved a corrupt transaction but if the judiciary of the Cayman Islands has requested this investigation, then, in the justices opinion, there is a case to answer to.
If you don't see that, then you must either be one of Bush's staunchest supporters or you simply don't know what corruption is.
Thank you for that …I was really starting to wonder if the implications of that document were that difficult to understand. Let due process run its course; yes;but let's not disregard the great potential for impropriety here.
Thankfully, it's up to the courts, not you, to find fault in the man.
Careful, it might be up to him/her in a jury trial. lol.
Obviously a Grand Court judge, the Governor and the Police Commissioner saw a potential criminal offence or there would be no criminal investigation. Trying to pretend that the investigations is just about the insinuations of his opponents is ridiculous.