Mac urges debate for future
(CNS): The premier has urged the constitutional commissioners to consider the issue of independence in their education campaign on the advancement of the Cayman Islands Constitution and the country’s relationship with the UK. McKeeva Bush said that the next generation was unlikely to be as tolerant about the current relationship that Cayman has with the governing power so the country needed to begin talking about what the implications of an independent Cayman would be. Speaking at a public meeting about the constitution in his constituency of West Bay, Bush said he was not advocating independence now but urged the commissioners to begin talking about it.
“I would ask you to pay closer attention to the implications, the pros and the cons of an independent Cayman Islands. Whether that is fifteen, twenty or thirty years from now, at least our children need to know what it entails,” Bush said at the meeting hosted by the Constitutional Commission. “I believe they’re not going to be as tolerant as we have been to the administering powers,” he added.
The premier spoke about the role of the commission to educate and discuss these issues, adding that he had envisioned the Constitutional Commission as being under the elected arm of government as a body that would not just educate but perhaps “agitate for” the advancement towards independence and prepare people for the future.
In the past it was always understood that if a political party campaigned on an independence platform, and if it was elected, the UK would be willing to let the territory begin independence talks but now it would require a referendum, he said.
Given the wide ranging implications of separation from the UK the subject had to form part of the commissioner’s education campaign, Bush said. Emphasising that he “was not saying we should go independent,” the premier said the country needed to understand the process and begin talking about it now in preparation for the future.
The commissioners said that the discussion about constitutional advancement was very much a part of their public education remit. Wil Pineau, one of the commissioners, said that there were plans to examine the question in a forthcoming discussion paper and raise the many implications of independence and the steps that needed to be taken towards it.
Pineau said the economic, diplomatic and political consequences, as well as international relationships with other countries beyond the UK and with their existing trading partnerships were just some of the areas that would need to be discussed before Cayman could properly consider taking the next steps towards independence.
“Whatever the step forward is, the people of our community have to understand what the implications will be,” he said, adding that other countries had failed to examine all of these issues before taking the step towards independence, which in some cases had proved to be to their detriment.
“We want to educate the people to ensure that whatever step the public decides to take … when that vote is taken, they have all of the information in front of them,” Pineau added, referring to what would eventually be a national referendum on the question. He said there were many far reaching issues and people really needed to understand what they would be getting into.
Bush also talked about his concerns about the existing constitution, in particular the costs of implementing it and the Bill of Rights, which comes into effect next November, adding that he was afraid that it would create more bureaucracy.
Having publicly declared on many occasions that he did not vote for the 2009 Constitution, Bush said that as a democrat he was working “with what we got”, adding that there were some good things in it. The premier said some of the changes shifted the balance of power a little from the governor to the elected arm of government and the UK was now obligated to consider the interests of the Cayman Islands. However, Bush told the West Bay audience that he still believed Cayman had missed an opportunity in 2003 to get a better constitution, referring to a previous round of talks.
Category: Politics
Why does this sound familiar? Aah that's it.
http://www.suntci.com/index.php?p=story&id=1974
"The cable also noted that former Premier Michael Misick “launched a bitter tirade on a radio show May 5 that blasted Wetherell personally as an arrogant dictator and called for TCI independence as the only way to stop the suspension of local government and save TCI from losing its "sovereignty."'
Folks, while understand all the sentiments, perhaps we should pay attention to the Premier's words and not his deeds in this instance. He has said that the next generation will not be as tolerant as the present one to the way the UK does business in overseeing its Territories. He is right!
Look around you, our young people are not tolerant of a great deal that we are doing. They are smart, politically aware and have a sense of freedom that none of us have. They are brave and educated, and they have had enough of our generation running things period. When in history has that not led to strong pushes for freedom?! Look at what is happening in the world today, Governments being toppled, yooung people coming to the fore of leadership in all facets of life.
There is a changing of the guard taking place, and the Premier has shown vision by his statement. The young will not tolerate the present relationship, it is too colonialistic for them. They will want better and we should recognize that as a good thing. We must also ensure that we pour wisdom into them so that they consider the question with open eyes. Not discussing independence in the world we live in is like refusing to speak of hurricanes for fear that one might hear you.
Let us make decisions based on facts, analyses, research, not on tradition or fear
Independence, huh? The walls must be closing in….
Mac, independence for the Cayman Islands is not the way forward! Look around you…look at all the nations in the Caribbean and the world that took independence. Most of them are amongst the poorest and heavily indebted in the world.
Mac, if the Cayman Islands gets independence, thirty or forty years down the road, it will end up quite a lot like our former Brtish Crown Colony Zimbabwe, a broken nation with a corrupted leader and no mother country to lean on!
It's a bit of a stretch for the Premier and the members of the Constitutional Commission to agree that that Commission even has the power to explore independence and its ramifications. This is a small, relatively insignificant Commission whose powers are set out in Section 118 (2) of the Constitution. The closest I suppose is "to advise Government on … constitutional status and development in the Cayman Islands", or possibly "to publish reports, discussion papers [etc] on constitutional matters affecting the Cayman Islands". But both those powers are firmly tied to the Constitution itself, which does not contemplate independence anywhere. Conclusion: I don't believe the Commission has the power to explore this subject.
Perhaps the AG would care to comment? Oops, sorry: silly suggestion.
@ Slowpoke,
I appreciate your reply and agree with most of what you have said.
However, within the posts to this story there have been many issues raised as readers list their criticisms of Cayman politics and society. As a result my post was rather broad in nature.
Furthermore, to simply say "Britain is a much more corrupt country than Cayman" is much too simplistic and the effect is lost.
At times like this I am not hopeful for support – my intention is primarily to shed light on issues that are normally untouched or ignored in this regard.
Nevertheless, not many indivduals were able to counter a single one of my points simply because although my sentiments may be discomforting, they are ultimately based on absolute truth.
Do I believe that Cayman should seek independence now? No.
Would I like to see Cayman as an independent nation under either the UDP or PPM? No.
Do I believe that our colonial power is good example? No.
Would my perspective on independence be the same had the world not been nosedived into this current economic recession and uncertain future? No.
I appreciate the exchange.
Take care,
Whodatis
Why is Mr. Bush suddenly so concerned with the cost of implimenting the new Constitution and 'Bill of Rights' ???
Are we surprised? No. Perhaps that would weaken the grip.
Of course there are good things in the old Constitution, there always were, but no Bill of Rights and to my knowledge, no Code of Ethics for our Legislators. I believe there is a code of conduct but it's just that….there should be a code of Ethics & Term limits as well .
Naturally, change, especially when it comes with restrictions, is not a popular issue!
You folks need to make up your minds whether you like being part of the UK or not. You should visit some of the islands that are independent and see what Cayman will be like if you are independent. It will definitely hurt your real estate values and your financial services industry. You will probably end up with a series of petty dictators. Education will not improve, crime will go up. Nevertheless, you may want to do itanyway. In the meantime, you have the worst alternative because people can't tell which way you are going. Stability used to be one of your assets. Now not so much.
whether it takes five years, ten years or even if it doesn't happen at all, I have listed my property and will take significantly less to beat the rush.
Anyone who went through the transition of Jamaica and other countries will know enough to act quickly, get your money out whilst you can and prepare for the s**t show to follow suit.
This will explain the double dipping and pocket lining of anyone who could in the last two years!
U know 'cause we saw our neighbours drown!
We all will need to go to 'Plan B' , like the current state of society/economy is not rough enough.
And the pathetic part of this independence 'discussion' is that we, the Caymanian people will not be able to stop the government from doing what they want. Usually by the time we hear about 'an idea' it is already in the works.
C'mon friends, wake up, we have already lost too much!
This is a serious thing alright but can we let immature politicians make these game changing decisions for us? Every time we get hot and heavy on the trail of something our leader has done or about to do, he changes the subject. XXXXX Sad thing about it we fall for it.
I have a feeling that the United States will drop Colonialism and the UK will have to follow.
Cayman is not ready for Independence but we won’t have any say in the matter so we need to have a better constitution and by laws for self preservation. It can be dropped on us like a stone.
There is no statute of limitations. However, the coming into force of the Anti-Corruption Law did mean that you cannot be prosecuted for any offences committed under the predecessor anti-corruption provisions in the Penal Code. But there is always the common law offence.
I suspect that that too will be swept under the rug.
Off topic but in the absence of a follow up story to post: can I ask whether the police have closed their investigation into Mac now that the 7 year statute of limitations passed last week??
Brilliant…absolutely brilliant! Gotta say I didn't see that coming…I was too distracted by all the other antics going on! Oh well, CASE CLOSED! Brilliant, I say!
It seems to me that the article says that the Premeir says we should at least talk about it – not become independent but talk.
The UN has already said that all mother countries should release their colonies. However Caymans constitution was so old and outdated and so they wanted that to be upgraded first. So our independence is also the UK's wish as well.
Now does that mean I want independence?
NOT WITH THE UDP OR PPM RUNNING THIS COUNTRY.
And PS all politicians sound good on the sidelines. Mr Ezzard was not so loved in his days as a politician either. There is no politician serving now or recently ran that is clean and that I am comfortable with.
In the end the Premeir should not be able to make this country independent. It should only be done through a significant majority in a referendum.
Not surprised by this. Alarmed. But not surprised. It was the writing on the wall since last elections. Our Premier has done everything to deteriorate the relations with the FO and to embarrass us as a BOTC. What will we have after independence? No natural resources, poor education system, an economy dependent on investment but which is fragile and grows more so with each (daily) blunder by our leaders. But they are all so power hungry and believe they must not be held accountable by anyone – not the voters, not the FO, not a single person. Hence, Independence would appeal to those intent on self gain and only self….
I can only live in hope that we will come to our senses before we are totally destroyed. Our children and their children better get a good education if they are to survive in the world outside of Cayman – because there will be nothing here for them. SAD…..
Hungry, greedy, and starving for more power…………….
We can kiss any form of constitution or human rights good-bye if the Cayman Islands became independent of the UK.
I said it before and I'll say it again, I and my family will NEVER vote for independence! I can see no benefit to be gained other than politicians gaining ultimate power and we all know ultimate power corrupts ultimately. NEVER. That is one day I will march!
you won't get a vote …… ask any of the Hong Kong Chinese who held a British overseas territory passport and woke up to find that it had been cancelled!
PLEASE!!! Can someone get this MADMAN out of office and get him help. I will sign it
Caymanians had better take this as a warning and very seriously. We need to teach our young people right and let them know that independence for this country is not good for us, not in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years from how. Independence is not an option that Caymanians want or need. NOT now or EVER. Since 1503 these islands have been British and we want to keep it that way until the end of time. Absolutely NO Independence.
Discovered in 1503 but British since 1670 actually (Treaty of Madrid) not 1503.
I do not think that you have any options, it is heading to you whether you like it or not.
Can those who advocate for Independence, like a certain Rooster talk show host, please cite examples of small countries successfully going independent? And what made them successful? Was it an emphasis on education? Was it they had/have true statesmen? Natural resources?
The Vatican is only the example. But rather alot of support from a billion churches around the world.
At one point I was an advocate for independence but since May 2009 I have changed my mind. Can anyone even imagine where we would be now as an independent country under the current administration? I wonder which country in the region would be prepared to accept Caymanian refugees? Independence with a failed education system is a recipee for disaster. I keep praying that when I awake tomorrow it will be election day but who are we going to replace them with, imagine it could even get worse.
If everyone that writes a post on here sign their name, the lawyers on the island wouldn't be able to handle the workload and the courts would be overwhelmed.
All I am hoping for is that the public will be aeducated on constitutional matters. The last Government did not try to do that they hired a staff to tell the public what they wanted. It was really a waste of public funds, people voted for the referedum blindly a large percentage of them had no clue what the changes meant. The past Government made it possible to have it passed without a majority of the voters voting for it , thats how anxious they were to get it, so if you want to blame anyone for the powers or lack of powers etc, blame them. Please no more advance without a properly informed electorate.
That is pure nonsense. The previous govt. made great efforts to educate the public on the Constitution. There were meetings in every district and for every organisation that invited them. Constitutional experts were brought in to address questions and concerns. There was an explanatory booklet. Articles were written. Radio and TV discussion shows were held. This was sustained over a period of many months. The public as a whole showed relatively little interest. If they voted blindly as you claim then that was by choice and not for any lack of education being provided.
Throughout the democratic world constitutional referendums generally require a majority of those voting rather than of registered voters. Rightly so, otherwise the country could be held hostage by the apathetic who can't be bothered to come out and vote. Incidentally the majority of registered voters did not vote for the current govt. either.
I urge the premier to speak on the Stan Thomas investigation, otherwise shut up
"Speaking at a public meeting………."
Who are the people who still attend those meetings? Clearly people who have enough time to burn or just want to get a good laugh.
Independence, like a liferaft, with no radio and only rope and dope left in the lunch box.
May 9, 1503. That’s what this path leads to. It might be an improvement actually, because this is extremely embarrassing. I mean not just for Caymanians, but for the human race generally.
What a maroooooon….
Can we talk about INDEPENDENCE FROM McKeeva Bush first?
I believe we need deal with local issues such as DICTATORS before we look at indepence.
Independence?? 0_0 are you serious??? No aid from the United Kingdom??
Is it just me or is this the dumbest idea BIG MAC has pulled out his pocket yet?
As mentioned earlier can he not see our neighboring countries ? Independence has not done them too much of good…Rest Assrued if cayman was too ever even adhere too the terms for independence I would surly have my family leave this wonderful island as I am caymanian as well.
CNS: Can you log in please if you are using your real name. Thank you.
I want to stand up and scream my apoliogies to England and BEG THEM not to foresake us due to our horrible leadership and mistakes.
Ask ANY Caymanian who is not a power hungry nut job and they will tell you that Independence will be the end of us and we do NOT want independence. Not now, not ever.
Sorry, UK…we WANT to stay under your umbrella, please do not kick us out. I WANT my BOTC passport, my children to be able to go to British university, the availability to immigrate to the UK, my British army, my stability.
Anyone who wants or workd towwards independence is crazy.
Three years ago I would have disagreed with you but I now agree. Having seen the propensity for abuse of power by our elected govt. God help us if they had more power.
Look on the bright side. If you lose the British OTC status, maybe China will make you a colony of theirs. Hee hee.
… or the Bahamas if you ask them nicely!
Independence would mean the certain, overnight exit of the entire financial services industry, due to the corruption and unaccountabillity of the political class, combined with the xenophobic hatred of expatriate workers. An immediate 40% dropin GDP.
Even as I write this the financial industry is setting up contingency plans to move to another jurisdiction. Lest we forget…. It was independence in the Bahamas that made Cayman what it is.
We'll get independence allright, independence from control over banana republic politicians, and Independence from prosperity THAT'S what we'll get…….as well as thousands of empty residences for a Zimbabwe type takeover by our new imported citizens from Jamaica.
The ability of businesses to set up and operate in other jurasdictions is already functional. This can be done in 24 hours in the case of hurricanes. For longer term, it is fairly easy todo as there is less bureaucratic bulls..t, more urgency and financial incentive in most other countries.
This has been in place for a while so don't think it is just beginning.
One thing is for sure. If we are independent, with a despot leader like WMB it will be easier for us to seek political assylum in better economies, because we certainly wont have one.
Why the premier continues down this path is a sure sign of a despot. The people he represents will indicate through a referendum that independence is not for us. But, instead of representing the people as he should he just follows his own agenda.
I pray that he is ousted at the next election. Aunt Sookie should replace him I think.
This is actually a non-issue.
I say that because the UK is no longer (and perhaps never was legitimately) a respectable, democratic and stellar example of a successful nation.
When one examines … the state of their economy, poverty figures, deplorable welfare of children, over-stretched government support programs, unemployment figures, overall morale, societal standing (nationwide riots), crimes against humanity (illegal wars, invasions, and bloody removal of "brutal dictators"), ongoing political corruption / cronyism (e.g. the current situation surrounding the married, (suspected) bisexual playboy that is (was) its Secretary of State for Defence, Dr. Liam Fox, and the uncovered conflict of interests and misappropriation of public funds … and this is but the latest case of official corruption within British politics) … it is clear that in reality we are not discussing a relationship with a respectable or exemplar entity.
The UK, like many other western nations today, are simply hanging on to its faded glory – that was only gained via mass ignorance to the reality of its doings in the first place – in order to appear relevant in today's world.
However, much like the USA, the UK does possess fairly big guns and a blank UN / NATO cheque to fire them at will, so I doubt the truth of this situation will matter much anytime soon … that's good ol' modern day British government and democracy for ya!
* It perplexes me the way in which people magnify the allegations of political misconduct within the Cayman Islands as they compare us to an absolutely filthy jurisdiction as the UK. Given 100 years we could never attain the UK's level of international political corruption and inhumanity.
** In any event it is advisable for the Cayman Islands to engage in a discussion in regards to independence, even if it is only to gain a better understanding of the implications.
(Commence messenger shooting in 3 … 2 … 1)
You have to wonder who wrote this post and WHODATIS really is??? Hmmmm, maybe its a conspiracy lol
Please, everyone, refrain from feeding the troll.
Whew … that was quite a mouthful wasn't it?!
(Pardon me – was using a mobile device while on the go and couldn't locate the "."!)
In any event I appear to have sparked the disapproval of many readers today.
My simple point is that the UK should not be viewed as an example of good governance today. Nor should it be considered a 'North Star' in regards to uncorrupted political leadership.
Not only are its domestic affairs in tatters, but its mingling into international affairs are not only alarming and immoral but often illegal as well.
Now, should we play along with the western ignorance that allows them the convenience of pretending to still be a global superpower? Of course.
It is all a game at the end of the day and we would be well advised to play it to the best of our ability.
This is the pathetic reality of the world today.
*Also, can we please stop referring to the 50 year old independence bogeyman of "Jamaica / Bahamas etc."? Many Brits take offence to the mere mention of the deplorable acts committed by their country within the last 2 decades alone, yet many posters seem to enjoy harping on about outdated and irrelevant issues when it suits their agenda.
I wish to remind those very posters that the aforementioned "big guns" (coupled with international corruption) is the primary reason for USA / UK dominance over the past few decades. For anyone to suggest that fair and democratic governance is the backbone of (past) western dominance is nothing short of madness.
(Ofcourse these principles are upheld within the relevant jurisdictions to appease its people but the acts committed elsewhere in order to secure that state of relative (domestic) calm are very much unmentionable.)
When in the history of the world was great power attained without gross unfairness, unbridled might and corruption?
Never, that's when.
Hey Whodatis,
I have said this to you many moons ago, your posts tend to cover so many different issues that it is difficult to respond. This is not a case of up/down thumbs. But I think people often react to a certain point viscerally and then just react to the whole post by simply attacking you.
Anyway, I fully support your criticism of the US/UK (fabricated reality- military aggression) approach to the rest of the world over the last decade, while they let their own economies and people falter. The "if you can't get into Oxbridge / Ivy League and become a corporate lawyer / Banker, then it is your fault you are an unemployed loser" mentality. And the false dream that you too can become one of the 1%, that has 40% of the wealth, so low taxes for the rich is all good.
On the other hand, I simply cannot fathom that anyone thinks that we in Cayman, are even within one generation of being ready for independence. There is something to be said for supervision.
"Now, should we play along with the western ignorance that allows them the convenience of pretending to still be a global superpower? Of course. It is all a game at the end of the day and we would be well advised to play it to the best of our ability. This is the pathetic reality of the world today."
So you're willing to play along with England, despite the fact that you despise her tactics. You're willing to ignore truth, and instead embrace the game, as long as Cayman retains its current level of wealth and success? I guess I'm left wondering why you would bother criticizing the UK at all if you aim no higher for Cayman. Seems a bit of a ruse on your part — through criticism, you set yourself apart, pretending to reject all the negative things you say England stands for, but in practice you don't mind "playing along" so long as the big bucks keep circulating. Hmmm.
Yup. Agreed in substance; although I doubt that a person of sound mind would hold out any G-7 country as a paragon of any type of virtue, moral, political, or otherwise.
The ones who enjoy throwing about labels would call it "Situational Ethics", but I say this to those who would be critical of those of us for espousing "Embracing the game": Get off your bloody high horses already! Who of you has not compromised ideals for gain or to avoid a painful situation? If you claim you have never done so you will not get my vote, however, you will get my unqualified nomination for the lead in "Sinless Messiah Two – The Remake", complete with robe, crown of thorns and cross.
If one defines the "Game" as compromising one's ideals for a greater good or to avoid loss, then I would opine that we all have "embraced the game" at some time or another. The higher the stakes, the more motivation for compromise. Everyone has their price. I am not silly enough to allow my political misgivings about any country's politics/politricks to lead me to go along with the downfall of this country. (God save the Queen!)
Given the choice between an imperfect mother country with internal problems but which has helped us and which in my opinion will continue to help us, and being cast adrift with a megalomaniacal maroon as a leader who cares only about furthering his own agenda…well…the choice is crystal clear if not entirely palatable and/or consistent with my current ideals.
For those who would like a taste of life in an independent Cayman Islands with The Macaroon at the helm, move to Venezuela. Quickly, please!
Yes, I agree that the U.K has many faults, but it has been our backbone, Emergency purse (oh wait that's Dart now sorry) and other things for as long as either you or I have ever known. Despite their seemingly bad influences it is much safer to remain under them than leave ourselves up to the mercies or the current government who in every aspect is acting selfishly and ultimately on their own behalf.
I would not think of shooting the messenger, I believe in being kind to du…oh…sorry..I digress; it is not the messenger it is the message: moronic!
What country in your opinion is a successful stellar example? Whatever…it is still a non-issue and your rant against England only clouds the real issue. The issue does not pivot on the political track record of the UK, the crux of the matter is whether we would continue to flourish if we were to sever our current ties with England. I for one think not; only a moron would think so.
Even if England were as great a satan as you would personify her to be; it would then boil down to a "lesser of two evils" situation. After experiencing the brief reign of the current maroon we have as leader, I could not even begin to imagine what the Cayman Islands would be like if he were given virtually unchecked power. Can you?
As for me: "God save our gracious Queen!"
Sounds like it's keeping and safeguarding Cayman during the time of its prosperity, but letting go Cayman during the time of its decline. For who in their right minds would throw away a full bottle of fresh milk? You empty the bottle first of its wealth and substance… colonialism at its best.
It has always been Cayman that has suckled on the teet of the UK. It's never been the other way around, except perhaps for that brief period of mankind where it was fashionable to wear turtle shell glasses. Thankfully, like a good parent, they tolerate these petulant outbursts and continue to support us all the same. Thank you UK.
What I see happening is ……we need independence.
We could stop these news websites and newspapers criticising us, we will shut them down.
If people keep on complaining – arrest them.
Oh, Police won't arrest them? Well I choose the police now. My commissioner do what I say bo-bo.
Recession? I can print more money. Maybe I print 15 million dollars and make every voter a millionairre. See how easy it is to make my people rich if I have power? . Maybe I be generous and print 15 billion dollar, now Caymanian voters the richest people in the world.
If investors scared off, we shall call them racists, colonialists. They cause this downfall!
Crime getting bad? We need an army. I have cousins and neighbors can run an army. Actually they're better than the police. No trials, no defence lawyers (they running scared now).
I am Mugabe, I am Ghadafi, I am Amin. I am Chavez. I am Mubarak. I am Castro. I run a tiny country my way, the world's not watching. What I say is law. I am Bush. I am …?
We need to stop McKeeva, before he completely ruins us. He wants to be king of the universe. Actually Dart would be king and McKeeva would continue to be his Court Jester.
Stand up against his madness.
Eradicate political incompetence, and then talk about independence!!!
The current relationship is what you made it. Bush has publicly threatened the UK and also the Governor when he landed here, and he is the one who has constantly showed "intolerance" towards the UK. He continues to ignore the Miller report or make any of the changes recommended by the UK government. Is it any wonder then if relations are now strained. Had he been more tactful, diplomatic and an Ambassador for Cayman; had he heeded well-intended advice, I am sure Cayman would be enjoying a far healthier relationship with the UK. Fact is he's damaged that relationship just as he has damaged Cayman and its people. So now he's trying to influence his selected Constitutional panel (as opposed to the independent panel that was originally recommended but not allowed by Bush because (one can only assume) they could not have been swayed so easily. So now, just as his UDP cronies in the LA blindly follow his every whim and daren't stand up for what is right and say no, so will his "elected arm of government" in the constitutional commission, and do as the puppet master dictates to "agitate for" (meaning to push for public interest and support) independence. Thus any "education" that will be offered will be looking more at the pros than the cons, lying and misleading by omission of facts, leading people into a false sense of security and misguided votes in any referendum.
Yes look at the implications, because you think things are bad now, they can only get worse if we take independence thats for sure, it most definitely would be to Caymans deteriment.
My main concern about the constitution is the first Premier created by it. Its not surprising that a person so dead set against freedom of speech would also be so against the Bill of Rights, because the more rights we have the less power he has. He doesn't want no more of that annoying "bureaucracy" it makes him and the rest of government more accountable for their actions and brings all manner of underhand dealings into the public eye. Me thinks this is the crux of the matter, not the cost.
Yeah we know you didn't vote for the constitution Mac but boy you really seem to be enjoying the spoils of it… to excess I might add.
Right now we are under British rule but we still have a Dictator wanna-be, God help us if we go Independent!
NO I say to Independent as there is no way that we want to take the slightest chance that McKeeva Bush could be the Leader of an Independent Cayman Islands!
First we need to have trust in our politicians and get rid of the crime, THEN maybe we can talk about it.
Independence with the current XXXXX politicians would be the end of cayman as we know it.
For the caymanians is does not matter whether they are independent or not. But for the politicians it means more power. more money, and less care for the people.
Yay! Hourra to the Archipel of the Cayman Islands of China
And let's get an army…Half of the kids alredy have a gun anyway
And a flotilla too! all catboat with one of our army representative…who ever gang is running the game at that time
And the United Nation will be delighted! Look how friendly they are with Chavez!
Finally…a seat in the G-257…an achievment for these islands!
Mr. Bush you are (as always) right. God bless Our Leader!
I don't mind independence being discussed. I can even understand the necessity of having such a thing discussed. I can't help feeling, though, that this is the first wave of an effort that has been on our Premier's mind for quite a while.
I am ashamed to admit, but I am scared of my government. That has never been the case before this administration. I have no voice other than this wonderful forum, and I don't feel that the government gives a damn what any of us thinks. I truly hope yes, and pray, that I am wrong. Who am I? Nobody, just a productive, law-abiding citizen, certainly no one of any iron or influence.
I personally believe that independence would be the very worst thing the Cayman Islands could do. We are a very young nation, and as our own children believe that they are mature enough to govern themselves, so are we as a nation. We have a long way to go. Would independence include building a standing army, A Caymanian Navy? Foolish. Foolish to even consider.
I hate to say it, I really do, because I don't want to cast further doubt on our Premier and Legislative Assembly. I fear that this is the firststep to installing a King. Let us be a Republic, or a Democracy. Never a Oligarchy, a Plutocracy, Kleptocracy, Theocracy or God forbid it, a Dictatorship.
Let my vote be counted here, if nowhere else. I am not in favor of independence.
I'll be leavingwith my children as soon as we get independence. I'm sorry to say that but things are bad enough with the power that McKeever has now. The Constitution doesn't have enough checks and balances as it is. We need to get the US model of government and put more restrictions on those in power. I would also like to see some chnages to the referendums.
No need to say don't let the plane door hit me on the way out. We're all Caymanians so taht is less Caymanians here again.
I too would sell up and leave. I’d never return either; it’d be too dangerous.
Changes to what referendums?
i agree we should set a date for independence!
Let us just say that at the rate we are going downhill, we should aim to become an independent nation like – Next Never?
CNS,PLEASE POST THIS MESSAGE:
Time for a huge march. I mean thousands and thousands on a work day. All walks of life and civil servants.He needs to step down voluntary because we have no more CONFIDENCE in this man anymore, don't let him fool you with his sheep clothing talking Independence because it is his only way out for total control. He will refuse of course and then we must persist. Forget about our reputation about the Cayman Islands, he's already taken care of that. We refuse to continue getting insulted and bullied and much show the rest of the world that the problem is our wanna be Dictator and we want to return to our Paradise Islands were we were once knownfor our genuine friendliness and down to earth people. This person has even turned Expatriates against Caymanians and vice versa. Mr. Governor please intervene as I am certain that you are well educated and can see what is going on and worse what may happen. and we can't even sign our name in fear of retribution XXXX.
HEAR HEAR!!! Keep at it until he is OUT!!!
With the way things are presently proceeding with this younger generation, I honesty believe that within 10 -12 yearsthe Cayman Islands will be seeking "Independence from the UK"
I've been proven to be absolutely correct on many things that people thought was very far fetched………. and in this case, I don't believe that I'll be "off the mark" that much in terms of time.
What I see happening…….is Cayman would be one of the smallest countries on the planet with no natural resources to speak of with a Premier who has a very limited understanding of the concept of democracy. You can look around us and see independent countries – Nicaragua, Honduras, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, we'd be like them but much smaller and no economy (financial industry wouldn't last 12 months). I don't think I would wait for independence, any serious chance it could happen I'd be gone and I'm Caymanian.