Alden vows one man one vote
(CNS): The leader of the opposition has gone on record again promising to introduce one man, one vote if his party is elected to office. Alden McLaughlin has said the only way that the people are going to get straightforward democratic equality is to overturn the current administration. The premier has made it clear on a number of occasions that he does not support one man, one vote and is still in favour of the multi-member and multi-vote constituencies. Despite public opinion now being fully supportive of a single member seats with one vote per registered elector, McLaughlin said it was not going to happen until the current government was voted out of office.
The PPM and the independent member have all committed to introducing one man, one vote if they get the majority in parliament, so the UDP remains the stumbling block, the opposition leader noted at a public meeting in North Side on Tuesday evening.
A member of the audience suggested that the people should make the challenge in the courts under the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, which comes into force in 2012, about the inequity in Cayman’s voting system. At the next election people in George Town could be voting six times in the same national ballot in which those in North Side would have only one vote. The member of the public argued that such a position was certainly unfair, had to be unconstitutional and therefore could be challenged in the courts.
The opposition leader noted, however, that as part of the compromise made by the PPM administration with the then opposition UDP during the constitutional negotiations in order to gain their support for the whole Cayman Islands Constitution 2009 document, they had allowed for the mode of election to be decided in domestic legislation and not by the constitution itself. He said that, given that regrettable scenario, a court challenge to multi-member constituents would be hard to win.
“What I can say to you though is when we get this government out of office we will introduce single member constituencies,” McLaughlin added as he once again expressed his regret over not insisting on one man, one vote in the constitution, given how the UDP reneged on the agreement to support the constitution anyway and campaigned against it.
The issue of how the next government will be elected and how the three new seats provided for in the new constitution will be allocated has still not been fully resolved, despite government indications that it wishes to simply add two seats to George Town and one to Bodden Town. The Boundary Commission finished its work last year and made several recommendations to government, the least favourable being the one which the UDP government has said it intends to pursue.
Although efforts were made earlier this year to bring the order regarding the new electoral boundaries to the Legislative Assembly, technical issues with the drafting caused government to withdraw the order and so far it has not returned to the floor of the country’s parliament.
Ezzard Miller raised the possibility of bringing a private member’s motion to introduce one man, one vote, which he said has the backing of the vast majority of the people. Although the motion would be defeated as a result of the government’s majority and the premier’s recorded and emphatic opposition, it would at least create a wider public debate and reveal the position of the entire government bench on the issue.
Miller stated that as the order for the boundary changes has still not been brought, government was likely to push the argument that there was now notime to organize one man, one vote for the 2013 national ballot.
At a meeting hosted by the constitutional commission in West Bay last month, the premier once again made it clear that he did not support single member constituencies as he said the current system worked fine and there was not need to change it.
See Boundary Commission's report here.
Category: Uncategorised
You are right: "@ Anon 12:59, do not even think about wanting a non-Caymanian elected to our parliament. It would not happen in your country"
( @08:45: "There are plenty of immigrants in the UK parliament." )
To 08:45, this is the same way the British politicians originally felt when they gave such a warm time to Prince Albert (a German citizen and Queen Victoria's husband) regarding his influence over Queen Victoria and systematically resisted his involvement in political affairs.
Another tyipical position from Buzzard miller and Alden.
Let see the logic…. "We want people to have better representation in their contituency and lessen the coat tail effect".
Answer: reduce the number of votes each voter has, narrow the electoral territory a voter can influence with his/her vote.
A certainly, it will be a LOT more difficult to sway and buy votes in a much smaller electoral region via the coat tail effect.
These people are surface perception peddling idiots.
Typical UDP post trying to scare people away from democracy. The only reason you would have for writing such patent nonsense is because you are a UDP supporter and you know that your party would lose under a truly democratic system. Hey, just think your voter 'reminder cards' would only need to have one name on it! LOL.
As for buying votes you ought to know about that but that is a different problem entirely and probably falls under the Anti-Corruption Law or if it doesn't it should.
The truth is…..the One Man One Vote is only popular in the Northside and East End Districts because they only get to Vote for One Candidate. Although others are claiming to support this form of voting they Love to have their multiple votes. Come on tell the Truth….You like it the way it is. I sure do. LOL
One man, one vote should be supported by all right thinking people who I hope are not confined to the eastern districts. That is democracy.
BUT, as MLA Miller said again today (Tues 8) on Rooster, he cant get government to support any North Side district projects.
That is EXACTLY how it will be in small single-member constituencies – if that stuff is ever introduced..
An independent or opposition represnetaitive will get nothing for his/her little constituencies!!
Division / party colors / garrison politics etc is BAD FOR CAYMAN!!
Rubbish. First of all single member constituencies does not equal "garrison politics". "That stuff" is called democracy. The introduction of single member constituencies in GT, WB, BT and CB/LC will not mean that each individual constituency must have separate facilities from every other constituency. For example, it will not mean that GT East, GT West, GT North and GT South must all have separate community centres. That is just a red herring raised by the UDP to scare people away from introducing true democracy which it knows will be its death knell.
This was seeming intelligent (for the most part) – but then, why is Alden, or the issue of CI s expats, or party colors, at the heart of this discussion?
This topic touches on the basic rights of ALL voters (and residents)… and is an example why the single-member communities within districts will NOT work – there's already too much division!
Here is the problem people. Alden will never be able to secure enough good candidates to win an election. He doesn't have the personality and charisma to do it. The PPM brand cannot win an election without candidates !!!
Here'e the problem : we cannot allow the UDP a second term…..no way…not under any circumstances whatsoever. Not today BoBo !!!!! and tomorrow and next year or 2013 ain't looking good either !!!!!
Here's the solution….a third group/team/coalition must be the way forward…..I feel a movement of independents coming forward that will extinguish the UDP and the PPM. Mr. Chuckster talk to us we are waiting patiently and we are ready to mobilize !!!!!!!!
Put Mr Renard up Front, I say!
He can do it !
Alden had his chance to introduce one man one vote and didnt do so. if one man one vote is the right thing why didnt alden do the right thing?
how can we depend on alden to do the right thing now?
What a pathetic attempt at political spin. Rather than addressing the issue you are trying to make it about whether we should like Alden or not.
The PPM were a little naive in believing that McKeeva would actually act in good faith and support the Constitution once he got his concessions. They seemed to have learned their lesson.
@20:21 Strangers in the Night re your comment below, well it already has…with the Native Americans.
"we (Caymanians) have become far outnumbered by expats in our own country. This could never happen in any other country, none, yet these expats think that it is alright for it to happen in Cayman & we must shut up & accept it. I wonder what you would say if you were being outnumbered by foreigners in your country (oh no, you'd be crying then)."
The British came and took the uneducated Indians and their kindness to task after finding out about their beautiful country, falling in love with it and then proceeded to steal offall their land and shoot them off after they protested when the Indians basically told the British to go back home. When the Indians realised that their kindness was being taken for weakness, it was too late and they started to band together with other warring Indian tribes, because the British already sent word back about this beautiful "new world" to their people back home and then BOATLOADS of British and Europeans came, claimed it and re-named it "New England" and "New York" and "New everything" and at Ellis Island. History is recorded in the Register Books there on everyone who "illegally" immigrated to the States, and what could the Natives do about? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT THAT POINT BECAUSE THEY WERE OUTNUMBERED AND WEREN'T VOCAL ENOUGH ABOUT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!
So yes, my Stranger in the Night Friend, this COULD HAPPEN in any other country because IT ALREADY HAS! The current poplulation in America is over 312 million
http://www.census.gov/
and THEY FAR OUTNUMBER the local indigenous Native Americans…not even 1% (0.9% to be exact from the 2010 census!)
http://quickfacts.census.gov/
You are right with everything you said when you compare it to Caymanians, because the Natives Americans ARE expected to "shut up & accept it" since all their land is gone now and since they don't have anymore say or power. So, can you imagine living in a country of 60,000 that we Caymanians don't even count less than 600??? Or 100,000 and we count less than 1,000??? The way Mac gives away Statusnow and in 2003, and then they in turn (as the "New Caymanian" because this is happening EVERYDAY!) apply for Status for all their family and children, WATCH AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY! You'd better WAKE UP AND SPEAK UP NOW!
And by the way, if you don't look at EVERY WORD in these constitutional amendments and get TOTAL CLARITY on what everything means, the colour and face of this country will change also, HISTORY CAN AND WILL REPEAT ITSELF!
AVOID BEING OUTNUMBERED IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY BY POSTING YOUR COMMENT ON THE F.C.O. WEBSITE
http://ukOverseasTerritories.
AND LET ENGLAND KNOW THAT CAYMANIANS WANT TO HAVE THE POWER TO GET RID OF POLITICIANS WHO ARE GIVING AWAY CROWN LAND (YOUR LAND) BECAUSE WE ARE WORRIED THAT WITH THE MILLIONS OF THEM COMPARED TO THE THOUSANDS OF US, WE WILL BE OUTNUMBERED IF OUR POLITICIANS IGNORE US XXXXX
Avoid becoming history like the Native Americans having no say in Cayman anymore! IF BEING VOCAL TO OUR POLITICIANS IS BEING IGNORED, BE VOCAL TO ENGLAND WHILE YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE!
Chagos.
Now where do I collect the winnings?
Sorry to hear you take the Chagos Islanders plight so lightly. That explains a lot.
PPM
Am seeing RED – David & Chris where is my RED t-shirt? Here I come 2013 with the PPM!
That is exactly how many of us are feeling, disgusted with this present bunch of incompetent UDP wimps that has us all in pain & suffering, & now changing from green to red!
All you, into the "colors" and polptical parties, seem like a bunch of schoolyard children…
We are too small to be divided!
You done know "La Bianca", we long time have that Red T-Shirt for you but just promise that you will not only wear it in support but will be a GT Candidate with the PPM!
What is wrong with the current system of one gift of a condo equals one vote that really counts?
I am hoping that this is just the beginning of pro-democracy commitments from Alden and the PPM. We also need to hear more common sense statements on other public policy issues like they did on the roll over.
Alden is a joker and a colonialist his colony is all you ppm sheep following him round looking wool and feed. Not one solution or alternative is offered to any of UDP's problems. Now he is being led and funded by the self righteous so call elite who have sold this place and us out cheap, now they want it back and dont like the price they are being charged.
Did you hear of Alden' s solution to ALL of the UDP's problems of one man one vote??? Did you hear of the self righteous so called elite called the UDP who have sold this place and us out cheap and are very happy to continue to do so at any price??? Alden is a joker and you are an eagle??? You are confused to the extent of flying both backwards AND upside down my friend. Alden and his PPM sheep will YET save your backside from the UDP. Be grateful for that, my friend, and please try not to fly so high with your level of intelligence.
GO ALDEN, we support you and we only ask that continue your pro democracy work.
Next issue your statement to allow all civil servants to be able to enjoy freedom of speech and join in the democratic process and you will be assure to lead our country into a new progressive future free of corruption, dishonesty and secretiveness.
Cayman is, by population, not bigger than some international corporations. There is really no need for a party system, Cayman should be governed as a corporation by people who have different fields of expertise, responsibilities and views, but with all working for one common goal, the betterment of the Cayman Islands. Each district will elect their representatives and together form one government administration. The position of premier (I.e. CEO) will be nationally elected. The Premier/CEO will form committees with the elected district members based on their specialities.
Now, whether this would ever be possible is a different question or whether people would support the idea of departing from a party political system, but I will say this, it would change the mindset of elected politicians and create a better environment for cooperation and accountability. I can always dream….
This has got to be the best comment ever written on this subject! The party systems polarize and divide the people, which is NOT good for the people…. it's only good for the politicians. I say emphatically, "The politician thinks of HIMSELF first and PARTY second. Somewhere on the list should be the people that they are elected to serve….. but I have doubts about them even being on the list."
Alden should stop this method of campaigning by playing on the fears of the electorate in hopes of increasing the PPM’s & Ezzard's (the not so independent member) chances of success next election.
I hope Alden realizes what he is wishing for and what he will get if 'One Man, One Vote' is introduced, should the PPM win next election. The same things he is accusing the UDP for trying to avoid he will suffer from as well. We surely haven’t forgotten his statements, actions, positions, etc. while the PPM was the government during the previous term.
If there is anything that Ezzard has proved (contrary to my own suspicions prior to the election) is that he is truly independent.
What "fears" are being played on exactly? One man, one vote is democracy pure and simple.
The second paragraph is pure gibberish.
I think it should be one man/women 15 votes,that is truly democratic.this would mean any goverment elected would be choosen by the majority of the electorate.and while we at it we can decide who we want for the different ministries,as they would announce before the election which constituency they are running for and if they are interested in holding a specific cabinet post,.that way we the people can decide for instance who would be our minister of finance etc.
I think I will throttle the next person I hear propose such patent nonsense. Clearly, people are confused now about who to vote for when they have 3 or 4 votes. This would be exponentially worse with 15 or 18. Who has the time to study the top 15 or 18 persons and their positions? Indeed you may not even know 15 or 18 of the candidates and people will carelessly fill up their ballots. Do you have any comprehension of how this would increase the time taken to vote by each voter if he takes his responsibility seriously. This would almost automatically exclude candidates from smaller districts.
The only sensible method is one person, one vote in single member constituencies. That focusses the mind on which ONE candidate will be your best choice. Not if you should add his running mates. Not because you have two votes left and vote for those who names you have heard before.
What? Sooo -you would rather have only that right to chose ONE person in your little constituency corner of your district, than to have a say as to who gets into Cabinet — and who is the Premier??
That's shallow, I say.
You do have a say. That is what the party system is all about. The people who vote UDP wish to see McKeeva as Premier. What I am explaining to you is that it simply cannot work to combine a national vote with district elections.
Uhh – that's what we have now – MLAs and a Cabinet – except the MLAS (instead of the PROPLE) decide who will actually govern the island…
I say give us back tehe power, and also remove MLA perks such as 1-term pensions for life; voting their own salaries etc
Well, if we could have a joint national Elections and Referendum successfully, then we can surely choose our area reprsentatives, and also our NATIONAL representatives/Cabinet at the same time when we vote!!
You are still completely missing the point. It is not about being able to choose the local and national reps at the same time. Even if we could get past the fact that in our model of govt. there is no separation between the legislative and executive branches of govt. there are some serious problems with what you suggest. What you are describing goes even further than the American model in that you would like to vote in the Cabinet as well. In the U.S. the President, who is elected by a national vote, gets to choose his Cabinet. If we could vote in individual members of the executive what would happen if they turn out be persons who cannot agree on anything each having an equal mandate? There would be absolute chaos. What would happen if the legislature comprising those elected in local elections does not agree with the executive comprising those elected in national elections? There would be gridlock in getting legislation passed to move its agenda forward. You need to understand that there are serious problems with the U.S. system as well and what you are proposing would compound those problems.
OK – then let's vote for a full national slate of 15 candidates (as they do statewide in the USA), and then let US vote for one leader/Premier – who can choose his/her Cabinet!!
That would be closer to true democracy.
PS – Contrary to your statement, there IS separation (at least in functions) between the legislative and executive branches of govt (just ask the backbench or Independents if you dont think so).
This would squeeze out smaller districts which would then have no representation. In th U.S. Senate even this smallest state has two senators.
You are missing the point about separation of powers. The Premier and the Ministers of govt (the executive branch) are drawn from the MLAs (the legislative branch) and because they have the majority of MLAs they control the legislative branch including the passage of any legislation. By any proper definition that is not separation of powers.
There WILL be gridlock soon in parliament when the Lame constitutional decree of adding an EVEN number of MLAs is addded in the near future!!
Check it out…
I agree – National Elections is the only way – but it could still be combined with representatives from each district.
PLUS – the representatives should be REQUIRED to LiVE in the disctict /constituency to which they are elected.
After all, we voters can only vote within our own constiutencies so why have a double standard??
Well put – keep the voting system simple and equitable!
Alden is largely irrelevant in current Caymanian politics and is feeling his way in making these announcements in an attempt to capture the interest of the voting public.
Rough housing with Ellio in the cloak room of the LA didn't work so this is his latest attempt.
Better get your head out, buddy.
Instead of your insightful response it would have carried more intellectual power had you listed some of Alden's accomplishments.
Unless there was nothing to list.
Perhaps Alden's largest single accomplishment has been his efforts to provide Cayman and our people with modern schools to educate our people for the next 50 years. Very unfortunately for all of us, some of us saw fit to throw every imaginary wrench imaginable into the spokes of those wheels to gain power for ourselves. An the much less ntellectual majority among us bought it. Hook Line and sinker. Yes, those of us who don't place a real value on education at all, and who have reportedly stated publicly that one does not need an education to run a country. Those of us who feel it is better to use that money to travel in high style with huge entourages for weeks at a time like a madman all over the world with absolutely nothing whatsoever to show for it. Those of us who feel that money that was being spent to educate and thereby provide some kind of hope and a future for our people is better given away to the jet set. Those of us who feel it is better to use that sorely needed money to give away by the millions to their favorite churches. Those of us who obviously feel it is better that our people remain uneducated to better their own chances of remaining in power forever. "At a meeting hosted by the constitutional commission in West Bay last month, the premier once again made it clear that he did not support single member constituencies as he said the current system worked fine and there was not need to change it". It has worked very well indeed. The premier is living proof of that. And why on earth bother to change a very, very good thing? Unfortunately for all the rest of us, Yours and my CUC bills and the crime rate and the ever worstening economy in Cayman seem to be telling us a completely different story. Alden's other major accomplishment is that bothered to get himself a decent education. I could go on with some of those other folks major accomplishments but it might get way too intellectual for the uneducated among us.
In my view the single biggest accomplishment of the PPM Administration of which Alden was a key member was the introduction of FOI. Without it much of the shenanigans that is being exposed would never see the light of day. It is the bane of McKeeva's existence.
Thank you very much.
Political oppurtunism to get back into power. Power is very addictive.
A suggestion to Mr Alden– lets have term limits for MLA's and let us make it retro active. Let us get new blood in the house.
Lets us roll over the politicians too like we do /did in immigration matters.
The PPM has always been for one man, one vote.
As we have discovered with Rollover that policy fails if we allow the desirables to be rolled with the undesirables and it does not attract the really good candidates. It is our responsibility as citizens to elect honest, competent politicians. It is we that have failed in many instances.
Please let us have some fresh thinking in the government – instead of going back and forth every four years between the UDP and the PPM – let some like minded Caymanians come together and form a third party – and why should we be restricted to one vote – let us vote for all of the government seats. Shouldn’t we be able to vote for a full government that we want to represent us, rather than one individual?
Whatever happens, it is very clear that the UDP have been having themselves way to much of a party. At our expense. Getting high out of their minds on all sorts of nonsense and galavanting all over the globe wasting money they swear we don't have, and when they're not doing that they're throwing buckets of it out the window at home. They're inviting friends to their party in luxury jets XXXX and giving millions of it to their favorite churches hoping God almighty will turn a blind eye to their sins. Enough is enough Cayman, its two oclock in the morning and this party has gotten way out of hand and needs to be stopped, one way or other, otherwise we're all going to wake up with an unimaginable hangover, if we wake up at all.
Hmmm -the so-called independents are usually affiliated with some party.
Look out for the post-election 'realities'.
Just recall the story of the Berning Bush to prove that fact…
or Theresa Lewis-Pitcairn or Walling Whittaker.
Better yet: We need to encourage more women candidates – Men are only making a mess of this world. At least we can feel with each other on many issues. Men are messing up Cayman- Imorality- wow -wow – lone SIN in the CAMP. Dead beat, part-time selfish fathers- they can't lead any body. whoremongers -adulutrous sin kept – men – a waist of time to think they can see anyone righted. The can' help themselves out of a wet paper bag. Did you not heard of the conversation of Obama and Michelle when he took her to a certain upscale resturant in New YorK. " The butler came out and greeted them – only to find out it was Michelle's old flame, she intoduced him to Obama, Obama responded 'Oh if I did not marry you , you wold have been married to a butler" Michelle replied "No if I had married him he would have been the president of the United States. Lol. Thats the way it goes. Behind every successful man is a very good inteligent woman. Bang!
Men voted in the last few governments, and look at what they did to us. Let’s do “one woman, one vote” and leave the men at home this time.
MrMcaughlin or should we refer to him as hon. Leader of te Opposition turned boxer. Sorry coolant help soiling that in. Please pray tell how many is popular vote. Why is it tat Politicians would be politicians continue to lie to the people in order to fulfill their political agendas. Why is it that tey speak to non absolute terms instead f giving people the real numbers on the subject mattertey tak about. How many people is it tat constitute tepuar vote is ii the 100 members of te PPM who still follow theeaderbecause ” only divine intervention wi stop him from building the school” what is it this tie mr wanna be Premier pray tell ” all” of the people ofte Cayan Isands” pray tell, disappointed.
Rrrrrrrrrraaaaaaassssssccccccllllllllaaaaaattttt!!!!!!!!
Looks like there was a lot more ganja on that boat.
I assume you are joking. Both men and women registered voters have cast ballots in elections here since the 1950s.
The fact that you have to ask says a lot…
I don't think I asked anything. Just making sure that you were not completely from reality.
One man,one vote, I am going to leave my Jamaican wife in Jamaica and fly back home to vote.
Oh Big Mac Boy
Oh Big Mac Boy, election time is a-coming
The disdain for the UDP is now island-wide
Smart people are appalled at what's happening
With your removal, good governance will abide
I am for the one man one vote, it will stop this of this floating in on the shirt tales of others. Plus they will have to work to get their votes/support . Its a good thing bring it on I say.
Alden, if you had spoken up sooner, like when two of the UDP didn't declare their businesses if you had filed accordingly, maybe at least maybe it would have shown you had some back bone….non of the PPM filed it was the citizens that did it…don't want any of you PPM's in either……
This is so funny…Didnt Alden write the consitution? He was the chief architect of it I understand. What? change of heart now you are in opposition?
You people really need to stop commenting until you do some reading.
http://www.constitution.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1961,4660203&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
The UK position was that if the constitution was going to be negotiated to then go for referendum it needed to be a joint Cayman Islands position. The PPM brought the UDP into the negotiations along with their church buddies, and allowed them to bring Elio who wasn't even an MLA at the time. The PPM were exceedingly reasonable and professional. Go to that link and read the transcripts of the negotiations and see how the UDP (particularly McKeeva) made uneducated demands unsupported by logic or fact repeatedly during the constitution negotiations, with the purpose of holding the PPM to ransom if they wanted to have any constitution at all. McKeeva then turned around and said he would not support it, would vote against it, was encouraging others to vote against it, and in spite of that, it passed.
Surely you should say it passed with a MINORITY of persons registered to vote. less than 50% of registered voters supported it. Hardly democracy.
Referendums in any democracy normally require a majority of those voting rather than of registered to vote. Elected representatives are elected in the same way. This is necessary to ensure that the country is not held hostage by the apathetic who simply cannot be bothered to vote.
Obviously in negotiations one man doesn't get to write the Constitution. You should try reading the article:
"The opposition leader noted, however, that as part of the compromise made by the PPM administration with the then opposition UDP during the constitutional negotiations in order to gain their support for the whole Cayman Islands Constitution 2009 document, they had allowed for the mode of election to be decided in domestic legislation and not by the constitution itself".
This is grandstanding, no one forced the voters to put an "X" in any box, the voters chose the candidates, any voter can put an X next to Alden and an X next to Elio, no one said that you had to vote for a party, the vote is for the candidates.
Removing this option means that you have only one choice UDP or PPM what about putting an X next to the BEST candidates regardless of whose party they belong to?
Alden did not write the consitution but he was instrumental in being part of writing the Constitution. He had help from many including the opposition at the time But the UK had a big say in it and negociations and concessions had to be made. it takes a real man to admit that he has now had a change of heart because he want's was is best for the Country and We The People. I do support one man, one vote or a man and a woman for those who want to be sensative here so therefore I will support Alden but I am looking forward to meet the rest of his team as Team work for the people is what we need and not what we have been going thru the last couple of years. The lack of disrespect for Us the voters has become totally unacceptable.
Hey Anon 12:32, where have you been living? Under a rock, or in your mud-hut away from civilization? Alden Mclaughlin & the PPM have ALWAYS been in support of "one person one vote" & have publicly said so loud & proud! It is not in the constitution because if I remember correctly the PPM had to bargain with Mckeeva Bush & give up a little to gain most of what the people wanted, & one of the things they had to reluctantly give up was "one person one vote" (Mckeeva was dead against it). There has been no change of heart by Alden Mclaughlin, he is now fighting for what the majority of Caymanians support, & what he has always PUBLICLY told the Cayman people he supports. Please go back under your rock because time has long passed you by girl child.
I thought Bic Mac loved One Man, One Vote.
He is the man, he has the vote.
I hope that the opposition has given careful thought to this latest campaign mandate. It seems to me that the current system has the effect of delaying the inevitable situation of our "new caymanian" population eventually electing one of their own for office. This is a situation that is sure to occur given the combination of "one man one vote", the small voting districts and the current immigration controls. Where will it all end?
At this time I don't see how they could do much worst! get your head out of the sand and start searching for fresh air!
@ Anon 12:59, do not even think about wanting a non-Caymanian elected to our parliament. It would not happen in your country so do not ever expect it to happen in Cayman, NEVER! We open our arms to foreigners coming here to work, but not to run for elected office! What do you think about a Caymanian running for office in your country? Don't worry, I know the answer.
There are plenty of immigrants in the UK parliament
So, are you saying you donw want to see a Jamaican/Spanish/Philipino/English/Canadian or American man (or woman) seated in the LA as an elected representative?
Well- you better get usued to the idea!!!!!!!
Go back to your country and learn to spell.
It is obvious by the amount of thumbs down to anything that is even slightly in support of Cayman or Caymanians that unfortunately we (Caymanians) have become far outnumbered by expats in our own country. This could never happen in any other country, none, yet these expats think that it is alright for it to happen in Cayman & we must shut up & accept it. I wonder what you would say if you were being outnumbered by foreigners in your country (oh no, you'd be crying then). Go ahead, give me plenty of your foreign thumbs down, I don't care because this is my country & I LOVE my country just like how you love yours & not Cayman. The foreign thumbs down you give me will simply prove my point, we are outnumbered by people who do not love Cayman as we do. Remember, this is my country & I LOVE my Cayman!
It already has…with the Native Americans.
"we (Caymanians) have become far outnumbered by expats in our own country. This could never happen in any other country, none, yet these expats think that it is alright for it to happen in Cayman & we must shut up & accept it. I wonder what you would say if you were being outnumbered by foreigners in your country (oh no, you'd be crying then)."
The British came and took the uneducated Indians and their kindness to task after finding out about their beautiful country, falling in love with it and then proceeded to steal off all their land and shoot them off after they protested when the Indians basically told the British to go back home. When the Indians realised that their kindness was being taken for weakness, it was too late and they started to band together with other warring Indian tribes, because the British already sent word back about this beautiful "new world" to their people back home and then BOATLOADS of British and Europeans came, claimed it and re-named it "New England" and "New York" and "New everything" and at Ellis Island. History is recorded in the Register Books there on everyone who "illegally" immigrated to the States, and what could the Natives do about? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT THAT POINT BECAUSE THEY WERE OUTNUMBERED AND WEREN'T VOCAL ENOUGH ABOUT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!
So, yes, my Stranger in the Night Friend, this COULD HAPPEN in any other country because it already has! The current poplulation in America is over 312 million
http://www.census.gov/population/www/popclockus.html
and THEY FAR OUTNUMBER the local indigenous Native Americans…not even 1% (0.9% to be exact from the 2010 census!)
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html
You are right with everything you said when you compare it to Caymanians, because the Natives Americans ARE expected to "shut up & accept it" since all their land is gone now and since they don't have anymore say or power. So, can you imagine living in a country of 60,000 that we Caymanians don't even count less than 600??? Or 100,000 and we count less than 1,000??? The way Mac gives away Status now and in 2003, and then they in turn (as the "New Caymanian" because this is happening EVERYDAY!) apply for Status for all their family and children, WATCH AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY! You'd better WAKE UP AND SPEAK UP NOW!
And by the way, if you don't look at EVERY WORD in these constitutional amendments and get TOTAL CLARITY on what everything means, the colour and face of this country will change also, HISTORY CAN AND WILL REPEAT ITSELF!
AVOID BEING OUTNUMBERED IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY BY POSTING YOUR COMMENT ON THE F.C.O. WEBSITE
http://ukOverseasTerritories.ReadAndComment.com/1-what-are-the-main-challenges-facing-your-territory/everyday-life/
AND LET ENGLAND KNOW THAT CAYMANIANS WANT TO HAVE THE POWER TO GET RID OF POLITICIANS WHO ARE GIVING AWAY CROWNLAND (YOUR LAND) BECAUSE WE ARE WORRIED THAT WITH THE MILLIONS OF THEM COMPARED TO THE THOUSANDS OF US, WE WILL BE OUTNUMBERED IF OUR POLITICIANS IGNORE US AFTER THEIR POCKETS ARE ALREADY LINED!
Avoid becoming history like the Native Americans having no say in Cayman anymore! IF BEING VOCAL TO OUR POLITICIANS IS BEING IGNORED, BE VOCAL TO ENGLAND WHILE YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE!
Dam it! This PAAARTY system is what messed our Government up in the first place. I remember when we had men and women pushing for what THEY believed in that would better the country, not just hanging around the LA getting a salary and waiting for when they would be needed to add to the "yes" vote! And as far as am concerned those who knowingly sit back and do not oppose things that SHOULD be opposed, should be held accountable for being weak minded little p holes and outcasted from their districts. The reason their are so many available seats in districts is so that SENSIBLE people would fill them! Not Cowards who can't say no to their so called team "leader"! This isn't High School, the Mob or some blood cult that we vote for – SO PACK IT UP AND GET OUT IF THEY ONLY PEOPLE WHO GAIN ANYTHING OUT OF THIS IS CLOSE FAMILY AND SUCK UP FRIENDS!!
To 12:25 – Then you don't know how the Party system Works. Ezzard explained it over and over. There is not No in a party system – before they go tothe LA it all decided. There is no such thing as a McKeva, it the party- he is only ione man- What McKeva comes forward with has already be lectured to him. Get real and understand that's why its called party. Like wise PPM the systems works the same way. Get off this thing about McKeva, he only uses his mouth – probably before he himself even think of what he should say. Lets watch and see what will happen next election.
It will only get Worse with split-up constituencies.. plus the lone MLA person who is not in the majority party will not get anything much done fro the people in their corner of the district!
Then the party rivalries will bubble to the surface!
Mr. Alden I agree with you on this, as a single vote is the only truely fair and democratic way of choosing a government that was elected by the majority of voters. But fine, if or when you win the next election, will you wait for four more years for the next general election to bring in this new law into force, or would you immediately afterwinning the upcoming election, call a new election again in order to give the voters the privilege of casting the single vote for single member constituency? It would have to happen at some stage, so please tell us when.
One man one Fridge. One woman one stove!
At last! Well done, Alden! You are coming to come.
Say WHAT!?!?
At last!! Alden!. Well done! You are coming to come!!!
"Despite public opinion now being fully supportive of a single member seats with one vote per registered elector,.."
The above statement, from your top paragraph, is not so!
If the constuitution is to be changed, many people, including myself, would prefer to see the system remain as is, but add the option of a NATIONAL vote for Cabinet/Premier!
And while we're at amending the Constitution, also remove the MLAs Life Pension after one term, their ability to vote their own benefits, and allow for a citizen-led Vote of No Confidence!
Thank you
The present system is obviously broken and needs fixing. Where in the civilised world do you hear about people having 1, 2, 4, or 6 votes depending on the voting district?
You cannot combine a Westminster type system with a Presidential one. It makes no sense to have a separate vote nationally for a Premier and then have district elections to elect MLAs some of whom will be his Ministers. What happens if they do not share his vision or philosophy or are otherwise totally incompatible? In order for that work you would have to fully adopt a US style Presidential system where the Premier would choose his Cabinet from unelected persons.
I agree… we dont need our little districts divided into 4 or 5 sections with mini-constituences under separate MLAs and political parties.
Garrison Politics is not good!
Also, we cant afford to hire any more MLAs, as is planned!
Think of what their salaies & pensions are costing now!!
How did "garrison politics" get into this discussion? Do you even understand the term? Please don't just randomly pick up terms from Jamaican politics and start applying them here.
One man, one vote single member constituencies are exactly what we need. It is time we got into the 21st century.
One man, one vote is wrong! Women should be able to vote too!
Nah, next thing you’ll be wanting them to be allowed to drive too. It will be the downfall of society, trust me.
No Way. We believe it was you women that gave us our current ladies' man.
I am not sure about this one man one vote. Won’t that dramatically alter the number of appliances imported around election time?