Government’s young politicians back Dart deal
(CNS): The youth branch of the country’s ruling party has said that it supports the ForCayman Investment Alliance, a controversial deal the government proposes to sign with the Dart Group. While admitting that not everyone in the Young United Democratic Party (YUDP) is in favour of all aspects of the deal, the president believes that overall the plan is a good one for Cayman. Richard Christian said that after the YUDP reviewed the proposal, it felt the deal would stimulate what he described as a stagnant economy. The young potential future politician said the YUDP also wanted to be sure Caymanians would be given priority for employment in the projects relating to the deal.
“While not everyone supports all aspects of the partnership, including some YUDP members, we recognized the importance of the alliance and overall benefits," said Christian. “You will rarely get all people to agree on a subject but we at times have to do what’s in the best interest for the majority.”
The YUDP said there were several reasons why it would support the alliance, including Dart’s promise of a new waste management facility in Bodden Town and the capping and remediation of the existing dump in George Town. The party also said it welcomed the commitment from the developer of some $18 million in cash for education, housing and community projects.
Christian admitted that although there was much controversy over the West Bay Corridor Projects, which include enhancements to Public Beach, the extension of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and the redevelopment of a new 4-5 star hotel in place of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, the membership is in favour of expanding the public beach and the closure of the West Bay Road.
“I see no real threat or detriment in having the proposed road closed,” added Christian.
The YUDP leader said the deal had enormous economic implications for the country and would facilitate infrastructure projects that otherwise would not get the funding. “Some say we are giving too much away. I don’t think so. Had we addressed these infrastructure projects before now, there may not have been the need for this partnership.”
Offering support for the independent financial and legal review that government has said will be part of the due diligence process, Christian said he believed the Dart Group had demonstrated that it was committed to making Cayman a better place for the future.
“I admit, when I first heard about Dart in the mid 90’s, it wasn’t anything good,” Christian stated. “I now realize it was all negative propaganda. They have proven themselves to be a great corporate citizen, employing over 500 persons, 60% Caymanians, and donating millions of dollars each year to local charities.”
The president said the young political party would be seeking assurances from the government that Caymanian companies and workers would be given priority for employment. “We have persons losing their homes and can't put food on the table for their families. We need to really look at the overall benefits in this alliance and get these projects going so persons can provide for their families and get back their dignity,” the YUDP President added.
Government announced its intention to enter into the deal with Dart in June, more than five months ago, and has since reportedly been involved in negotiations towards signing the final agreement. As yet, the full details have not been revealed nor has a date when government expects the deal to be finalized.
Category: Politics
They must get extra specials gifts!!!
What would you expect young stooges to say?
Quite a lot of the Hitler youth supported Hitler
It didn't make it right and it doesn't now
Blindly following dictators never works.
Yes all you have read is propaganda! nothing more. The Dart deal will stimulate the economy! Giving Dart control of tourism and making Dart the sole player and not paying tourist accommodation taxes for 30 years is a really wonderful idea!
Wow! Is that all 10 of 'em that support it ???
dance poppets, dance
YUDP supports Dart deal????!!!
Really? You don't say.
I am shocked beyond words!
Who is Richard Christian again? He is a neutral intelligent economist who is obviously qualified to make such statements as "I see no real threat or detriment in having the proposed road closed" Correct?
Very narrow-minded. These "young UDP" cannot see past their nose. I am surprised that Mr. Christian says he doesn't see anything wrong with the proposed road by the Public Beach being closed. Do you realise how limited access to the beach is now to natives? Soon all the foreigners are going to buy all the beach land and then "jack going tell me I can't bathe on my beach!" Get a clue YUDP!
“I admit, when I first heard about Dart in the mid 90’s, it wasn’t anything good,” Christian stated. “I now realize it was all negative propaganda. They have proven themselves to be a great corporate citizen, employing over 500 persons, 60% Caymanians, and donating millions of dollars each year to local charities.” – Richard Christian
Hey mental midget, Drug Dealers, Wall Street Rats like Bernard “Bernie” Madoff, and Robert Allen Stanford pretended to be great corporate citizens; they employed hundreds and donated millions each year to charities as well, until the truth was revealed. When that happened thousands were negatively affected, many lost their entire life’s savings. My goodness gracious! if this naive and clearly out of his scope individual would truly put some effort into proper research of Mr. Dart’s transactions around the World, instead of regurgitating what he heard from a third party before opening his mouth, he would not sound as stupid as he looks!
Mr. Christian, I urge you to Google Kenneth Dart starting with Argentina in 2004, then clicking over to Belize where he owns significant tracts of land that feature “National Treasures,” which are now heavily restricted moreover they can only be viewed and or toured by his company “Tour Belize.” These are just two jurisdictions of several, therefore not at a lot of homework for you or your fellow YUDP members. Mr. Dart’s dealings in these countries will paint a reasonable picture of whom the Cayman Islands’ are really dealing with. By the way, I guess considering your great knowledge of Mr. Dart’s local dealings you would have already been aware that he owns a Company called “Tour Cayman” as well. Eerily familiar is it not?
In your research you will note descriptions such as but not limited to Predator Lender, and Vulture Capitalist frequently used by several very respected international media houses/outlets and Reporters to describe your Party’s dear saviour. I guess from your well informed prospective they are merely spreading “Negative propaganda?” This multiple negation reveals Mr. Christian’s keen scholastic prowess. Imagine he is slated to be his Party’s great hope for Cayman’s tomorrow; their young blood to fill one of the new seats in Bodden Town in the 2013 elections. If my memory serves me correctly in his YCLA segment he said something to the effect, young people really don’t need education to succeed, look at me I’m still working at the same Bank, now I’m a Manager. Sharing his Party Leader’s opinion, I guess education will be placed once again on the back burner. Here’s to the success of our next generation.
Ladies and Gentlemen of sound mind and rational thought you cannot allow these mental midgets to succeed! If you fail to put a stop to this madness, you will undoubtedly have the patients running the lunatic asylum. Consequently, it would be prudent for each one of you to earnestly prepare to implement Plan B.
The Cayman Islands as we knew it, current know it will certainly be a distant thing of the past when unimaginative and short sighted individuals are charged with governing these islands and the Vulture Capitalists’ deep pockets are given free reign.
Oh for the days of Good Common sense and dignity to prevail.
Well said!
And what we are all, of course, overlooking in this endorsement of the Government/Dart Alliance is the vast knowledge and business experience that the YUDP brings to the table on any business issue.
Ignoring the validity or otherwise of the YUDP's perspective – I wonder if they expect me / us to be impressed or influenced by their opinion?
Why are we so hell-bent on creating an atmosphere of (generational) division and conflict within our society that is currently fanning the flames of so many of the world's political hot spots at this very moment?
YUDP? YP's? (UDP / PPM).
I am NOT a dedicated fan of EITHER of these "political parties".
Yes, I do like a few of our elected officials however both leaders of these "parties" tend to exhibit qualities that I find most unsettling. Furthermore, as a collective, both sides have disappointed me and this country in their own unique and major way.
I am highly suspicious of the mindset of any young Caymanian today that outrightly aligns himself with either of these forces.
Perosnally, I would be far more impressed with a young individual that demonstrates his or her ability to analyze, process and present an opinion or perspective free from the endorsement of an entity that has proven itself to be flawed.
Stand on your own two feet, for when you present yourself with this branding it simply screams at me to anticipate nothing but more of the same.
And pray tell, what would be the point of that?
* I make these comments with some hesitation as I respect both Richard and Denise as individuals. Nothing personal guys, but I hope you consider carefully the choices you have made.
Also well said!!
If the adults couldn't grow a pair and speak their mind(if they had one) could we seriously think that the young people would actually have an opinion. The Dictator has his hand firmly on the mouths of all involved in his party.
I guess all you naysayers are fishermen cause thats all that going to be left if things don’t change soon.
It makes me sick to see the comments posted against these young people.
I bet that 99% of you have never attended any of the public meetings held to explain this Alliance. Yet you pass judgement. At least these young people took the time to see the facts and make a decision. As the young man said, not everyone in their group agreed with everything said but they had to look at the overall picture and as he rightly said if you all had the common sense to had done something rather than sit on your lazy asses we would not be in this mess. Do not blame the politicians. Blame yourselves. You are the ones that elected them then sat back and watched.
If you have solutions then bring them forward and stop sitting on your butts getting writers cramps typing away here.
I have been to a few of the meetings and I saw Denise at two of them. She participated in both meetings by posing questions. I did not see Richard at any of the meetings I attended. Richard must have gotten his brainwash information direct from the UDP leaders without the “hindrance” of having to listen to the public opinions at the public meetings.
Sorry, but when you have a choice of Tweedledum and Tweedledee (both self-serving), what are you gonna do?
There's an old adage that says,"IGNORANCE IS BLISS" I just hope it's not communicable. Because there is a lot of blissful U.D.P. people on this Island. You took the time to go to the meetings and see [and hopefully hear] the facts! According to whom? When was the last time anyone got the facts from the Great Leader? By the way, I think there is a typo in the phrase,For Cayman Alliance. It should have read "For Cayman Allegiance" Because it's truly sad to see how the "Evoks" [sic] of our Island have become so mesmerized by, and have begun to pay allegiance to one 'Mr. Dart Raider".
What an absolute idiotic statement!
You are the only idiot I see. You have a better idea? Please share then
Thank you Richard.
To avoid the obvious criticism of you towing the party-line and your lack of credibility (why should anyone care what you or YUDP think: what criteria or qualifications or experience do you have in business, economics of politics) can you explain whether you even attempted to listen to the opposing views on the project? or are you just 'parroting' the UDP propoganda.
Sheep
The economy is stagnant because of poor foresight decisions with promoting the tourist industry. How is it that Jamaica and Cuba is on the rise from visitors from around the world?
Another reason are high living costs, get this sorted and then people will spend a bit more. Not only the US,England and Canada has wealthy people! We have some of the best beaches,stingray city, shopping, hotels,restaurants,infrastructure and most important the majority of good people!
> The youth branch of the country’s ruling party has said that it supports the ForCayman Investment Alliance…
What a surprize!!!
Didn't realise the YUDP still existed… thought they all grew a brain and moved on! Clearly some neurons are not meant to live….
What a darn surprise??? Are they not Young "UDP"??? What else do you expect? It does not matter if it is the UDP, the Young Udp, the Seniors UDP, the Dead UDP, the Unborn UDP, it is still the UDP, & it is still whatever the dictator says! It is his way or the highway & they all (all of the UDP) know that! DUH! DUH! DUUUUUUUUHHHHH!!!
what do you expect from the brainwashed yudp???????….zzzzzzzzzzzzz
In the immortal words of many of their now elders "baaaaah". They are sheep.
Wow, here's a surprise. Get in line little lemmings. Dart will take care of you also.