Mac sets referendum for July

| 11/04/2012

_DEW2501_0.jpg(CNS): The Cayman Islands premier has announced that there will be a referendum this summer on the question of single member constituencies. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly Wenesday morning, he said government had decided to hold the national ballot before the next election on 18 July because of what he described as the divisiveness that the debate was causing in the country. He said government had given significant consideration to the current national discussion and would soon begin an education campaign. McKeeva Bush said he was optimistic that once the people of Cayman were informed on the pros and cons they would make the right decision.

“It is a very divisive issue and when combined with the politics that have been infused into the discussion, it has and will create significant confusion in these islands,” Bush told his legislative colleagues on Wednesday, as the House returned after the Easter break and he made the unexpected announcement.

“My government had previously made a commitment to hold a referendum on the issue at the same time as the next general election. However, due to the deepening divide inthe country caused by the way the opposition and the independent member from North Side has used this issue, my government feels it responsible to put this issue to the electors of this country.”

He said it was important that the public be given its full voice on what he described as a most important constitutional issue.

“In this vein I am pleased to announce that the gGovernment will hold a referendum on the issue of single member constituencies on 18th July, 2012," he said, adding that his position on the electoral system was: "if it is not broken – we shouldn’t meddle with it.”

He said government would embark on a public education process on the proposal for single member constituencies, which would be a significant change.

“I am optimistic that after the intelligent people of the Cayman Islands have made themselves fully knowledgeable and informed on the pros and cons of the various systems, as they have always done, they will make the right decision on this subject,” Bush stated.

Asked by the opposition leader what the question would be and if the referendum would be based on the question in the petition currently circulating asking for a people-initiated referendum on the subject, Bush said that the question or questions would be revealed at the earliest opportunity.

He refused to be drawn on whether this referendum was to be driven entirely by government or whether it was influenced by the petition request, as he said he had heard lots about the petition but he had never seen it and was not aware what it said. He insisted that the ballot question would be arrived at soon and that first there would be an education campaign.

An opponent of single member constituencies, in his statement the premier said the introduction would be costly and he believed it would increase demands on the country’s limited resources, claiming it would see constituencies demanding individual services and amenities.

“People who were historically used to voting for and having multiple representatives to represent them, under the changed system would only have a single representative. So people would be put in a worse position; for most people who live in constituencies with 4, 3, 2 representatives, if they move to 1, their franchise rights will be severely shrunken," he added.

Bush said that single member constituencies would be one of the most divisive paths for these islands because it would divide the indigenous vote and create “deeply divided and insular constituencies” at great expense as there would need to be 18 constituency offices and 18 secretaries with associated resources.

These claims have been widely disputed by those promoting the concept of one man, one vote and single member constituencies, which is considered more democratic than multiple voting rights.

The petition, which has been circulating since February and has already collected close to the 3,800 electors names required to trigger a people-initiated referendum, requests a November ballot as opposed to a summer referendum. In order for the referendum on the issue to pass, the premier said it would require 50% of the electorate to vote in favour as stated in the constitution on people led referendums, and not 50% of the turn-out, which might in the summer months prove to be a tall order. 

See the premeir's full statement below.

Petition for single member constituencies and contacts

 

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  1. nauticalone says:

    July is the worst time to ensure voter turnout, due to many persons off island….no doubt Mac knows this.

    And just two weeks ago cline gliddn said UDP thought next May was best so as to allow for Pblic Education Campaign and because of current lack of funds….now suddenly 3 months away is enough time? Shows the "shenanigans" UDP will employ!

    I think we should continue to sign the petition!…AND also make sure we are all here july or whenever to vote. This issue is too important to allow for Political Manipulation

    • Anonymous says:

      Isn't it better to have it during the summer when you don't have to disrupt school for the useof polling stations?  Just can't please everybody.  I though we were all experts on OMOV from the time the petition drive started so as far as I am concerned they could hold it tomorrow. 

      • Anonymous says:

        That could be easily solved by making it a public holiday like they do for general elections.

        Tomorrow is not 18th July when many Caymanians will be off Island.  

  2. Knot S Smart says:

    In this photo Mac's hand seems to be saying:

    'Wait! You will get your referendum'.

    And his pointer finger and thumb are saying: 'But first I have to tweak the system to benefit me'.

  3. Verticalpig says:

    Cut all the chin music and get down to basics.

    The question should be posed at a time when a majority of voters are in a position to vote on it.

    And the question on the referendum should be: "Do you want the freetard voters of West Bay to dominate Cayman politics for ever?"

    That should get the job done.

  4. Peanuts says:

    http://www.caribbeanelections.com/elections/dm_elections.asp

    Just look at all the other countries with Single Member One Man One Vote. Bush has met his Waterloo.

    • Anonymous says:

      That site show Cayman as having 15 single-member constituencies.. I wish it were true but it will be soon.  That brings in question the quality of that sites information.

  5. Anonymous says:

    I LOVE YOUR POST!! on Thu, 04/12/2012 – 09:39. You can vote if you DEAD if you votin' the right way! 

    BECAUSE 

    Plenty of you are going to die trying to get rid of our LOVED Premier.  Bush is here to stay and who do not like that can go away. Please, just get lost.

     

     

    • Baldric says:

      Temper temper! Anyways I don’t frighten easily – have you seen my wife? And I’m a reasonable man. Maybe your Obeah guy and my Obeah guy can work something out over the dead voters.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Leave Mr. Bush alone. Bush run tings, tings no run Bush.

  7. Anonymous says:

    To: Thu, 04/12/2012 – 09:38 Holiday forwhat? If I get another holiday I do not think I will wake up. I am sick and tired of these holidays.  All it does is make me lazy and sleepy.

  8. Anonymous says:

    The Premier is up to his tricks again. "due to the deepening divide in the country caused by the way the opposition and the independent member from North Side has used this issue….."

    What deepening divide would that be Mr. Premier, you mean because people are finally opening their eyes and willing to educate themselves and not be blinded by you and your croonies? Sure that would cause a deepening divide…..dem that can see right through you and know what you are doing and dem that choose to remain in the dark and hold onto your coat tail to guide them. 

    Then to add insult to injury…."“I am optimistic that after the INTELLIGENT people of the Cayman Islands have made themselves fully knowledgeable and informed on the pros and cons of the various systems, as they have always done, they will make the right decision on this subject,” so basically he is saying that all you that are for the 1 man 1 vote are not intelligent.

    Why could he not have just said after the "people" have made themselves knowledgeable they will make the right decision. NO, he prefixes it with the word "intelligent" so he is calling people who are not siding with him STUPID. 

    The STUPID people I see are those who keep voting you back in. You are like that man (won't call his name) who made them people drink that kool aid. Dem WBayers all drinking Big Mac kool aid. 

  9. Anonymous says:

    Ok, so let’s say a new leader is voted in. What next? What will he do compared to what is being done now? Will the new by pass continue towards WB? What about the cruise berthing facilitie? The list goes on. It seems quite easy to assume everything will change for the better when a new leader is chosen. But is that always the case? I can assure you the same citizens that are unhappy and criticize the current Government will no doubt do the same with new appointed leader. Are the citizens who happily voted for Obama to be their leader still presently happy as with former leaders they also voted for? My point is, no Government or leader will every please the majority of the citizen of any country. Why vote in the first place? And if you voted, then why criticize your leader when things does not go your way? I have never voted in my life as it is a waste of time and will only cause me to be unhappy and criticize the wonderful new elected leader I voluntary voted for.

    • GOOD THINKING says:

      17:59 ALL i CAN SAY IS THAT YOU ARE A VERY INTELLIGENT PERSON WITH A GOOD FORESIGHT.

      These fools Caymanians have been down this road already, so leave them alone and let them jump off the bridge.

      I do hope Dart closes off the road at CAYMANA BAY TO WEST BAY.  After all it is his private property.  I really think that TIT FOR TAT needs to begin in this country, because there is too much ungrateful Bullshit going on.

       

  10. Anonymous says:

    Ok, so let’s say a new leader is voted in. What next? What will he/she do compared to what is being done now? Will the new by pass continue towards WB road? What about the cruise berthing facilitie, what will happen to that? The list goes on. It seems quite easy to assume everything will change for the better when a new leader is chosen. But is that always the case? I can assure you the same citizens that are unhappy and criticize the current Government will no doubt do the same with new appointed leader. Are the citizens who happily voted for Obama to be their leader still presently happy as with former leaders they also voted for? My point is, no government or leader will every please the majority of the citizen of any country. Why vote in the first place? And if you voted, then why criticize your leader when things does not go your way? I have never voted in my life as it is a waste of time and will only cause me to be unhappy and criticize the wonderful new elected leader I voluntary voted for.

  11. Anonymous says:

    “I am optimistic that after the intelligent people of the Cayman Islands have made themselves fully knowledgeable and informed on the pros and cons of thevarious systems, as they have always done, they will make the right decision on this subject,” Bush stated.

    As part of his educational campaign perhaps he could once again explain how the Cohen deal was best for the country and that we would not have to pay any money to GLF, as I didn't quite understand those explanations the first time.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Sometimes I just wonder when you people would shut up about McKeeva.
    No matter how bad you all think he's doing for the country…. Just STOP… Think to yourselfs……… why are we in the state that we're are in, in the first place? PPM.
    Fixing their problems. No matter how bad you all think mac is doing for the country or how little… ask and reflect upon yourself's what PPM has done.. the two schools that sit their diminished.. nothingness? waste of money..
    Just think this true before you put that tick next to a PPM next elections.

    • Anonymous says:

      You need to lay off the Kool Aid. McKeeva has managed to demonise the PPM in the minds of his ardent supporters so much that they believe that no matter how reckless and inappropriate his speech and actions, no matter how much it appears that corruption is rife, no matter the blatant waste of public funds, no matter the coddling of his investor buddies at the expense of the country (Ryan debt of $6m), no matter the criminal investigations for apparent financial improprieties, no matter the flip-flopping, no matter the lack of any concrete achievement or even apparent existence of an actual economic plan, no matter the hare-brained ideas (mega quarry and oil refinery, e.g.), no matter that he and his crew are living high on the hog at public expense while the rest of the country suffers, no matter the damage to the reputation of these Islands, he is justified because of the terrible state that the PPM supposedly caused us to be in and it should be overlooked. In other words, he has carte blanche.

      Quite apart from its overly ambitious capital projects, the wisdom of which we are right to question, the PPM's legacy is Freedom of Information and the Anti-Corruption Law. There were no reasons to suspect corruption during its term. Without FOI we would know far less about what is actually happening in government and together they are a thorn in our esteemed leader's side.

      It may have escaped your attention but there arefew western countries which were left unscathed by the global economic crisis. Even if you take the deficit that McKeeva claimed was inherited from the PPM at $81m (which is doubtful given that two years later, as if by magic, he claimed a surplus of $20m) it is still dwarfed by the deficit of our sister offshore financial centre Bermuda (which didn't have the PPM in charge) of some $276m (as at 31 March 2011).  

      Are we living in Jonestown?  

      • Anonymous says:

        you must be one of the three PPM members left in the party…

        turn the lights out when you're done..

        • Anonymous says:

          I have never been a PPM member.Just an intelligent observer who has not drunk the UDP Kool Aid.

    • Anonymous says:

      Once again someone is erroneously trying to link OMOV to who is going to get the upper hand during the elections in 2013. In fact, OMOV doesn't necessarily mean single member constituencies either.  ALL OMOV means is that each eligible voter can cast a single vote during an election (or referendum). For God’s sake, don’t let these people play with your minds.

    • Anonymous says:

      At least PPM tried to ensure our future was educated so that we'd have informed and educated leaders.  What has UDP done for the last three years?  Jet set around the world, have a CAL retreat in a foreignterritory instead of spending the money locally and build an un-needed and unnecessary hurricane hilton in the Brac!  They could have finished the schools, but an educated population is not in their interest afterall, is it?

      • Anonymous says:

        What UDP is doing at the moment is fixing ppm's past issues in my opinion… at least they're trying

        • Anonymous says:

          Blame it on the PPM. That is all the UDP ever does.

          Trying to do what exactly? They are serving themselves. Any benefits to the country are purely incidental.  

        • Anonymous says:

          Those schools, the "ppm's past issues"  that represent more good for this country on the part of the PPM government than the hopeless UDP government could ever hope to achieve, would be finished and occupied by now if not for the countless millions of our dollars that the UDP government have thrown to the dogs in the past three years. The UDP was not elected and paid huge salaries to "try". They were elected to run our country, and stop blaming everyone else on earth for their countless failures and screw ups..

           

    • Anonymous says:

      Don't worry my friend. We'll be sure to get you in one of those schools just as soon as they're finished

       

      • Anonymous says:

        In fact that school was promised to me about four bloody years ago!
        I'm a young caymanian and I'm disgusted by the politics of this country and I know I can speak for majority of young caymanian's.
        Listening to cayman cross talk is a disgrace, their rude, their harsh, they argue… grown people??????????????????
        HELLO… this is why cayman is going to hell because young caymanian's are TURNED OFF by the corruption of politics in this country…
        ME along with many won't even register to vote.. so you all can kiss your cayman goodbye.

  13. Anonymous says:

     

    For anyone away during this time….  here's the election website and the forms you need for an absentee ballot . Don't forget to vote !  

    http://www.electionsoffice.ky/cms/election-office-forms

    If link doesn't work , just google "Elections office Cayman"  and look under ''Election office forms'  

  14. Anonymous says:

    on an island where nothing gets done on time I can't see this getting organised by july……

  15. Anonymous says:

    Are we getting a holiday?? Thats the BIG question

  16. Anonymous says:

    I beg Al Suckoo, Ezzard and others to continue with the people refrendum, as in November. We can still present the people refrendum to the FCO, The Governor or whomever. Do NOT for one second believe what McKeeva and the UDP, bna the Government of the day comes up with. Their Refrendum is only to derail the efforts of the people initiated refrendum.  Do not be side tracked, as the July 18th day was specifically chosen, as a day that most of the voters will be on annual leave and possibly off Ilands, as per their recent survey. The Government is not genuine with their efforts, some BIG Investor is pushing their agenda to defeat the people. Heed the warnings Cayman voters, still sign the one man one vote paper.  When Donnie and Kirky signed the paper and asked the CS to do likewise, that was the UDP eye opener.  Therefore, they had to have a rebuttal, to defeat the people.  The Devil in disguise!

    • SUPPORTER FOR CAYMAN says:

      AL Sukoo, who are you running with.  We do not want no tired people, who goes to sleep in FinanceMeetings and has nothing to say in LA.  We are not putting them back in that is for sure.  I would suggest you find people who people know.   The days of knowing Mr so and so because he is a good man cannot take people in on their backs anymore.   So get popular people with a voice if you want to win.  Further more we are tired of all men voice, they are not doing enough.  We want more women in the house this time.

      • Anonymous says:

        He cant run with anyone..Remember, one man, one vote…that is how he is hoping to get elected…or knows he will get elected..you think all of his effort is to benefit you?? LMAO

         

  17. Anonymous says:

    Numbers game

    The timing i.e summer holidays means the refrendum will be a 'NO' to OMOV.

    Remember over 7,500 voters have to vote 'yes' for OMOV to be succesful. Normal voter turnout is 11,000 in Cayman elections( I was a polling officer last time) so fat chance only 3,500 voters will vote 'no'. I expect about 5000 'no' which means the refrendum willfail.

    Regardless of OMOV, Mac stands a good chance to get back in; in 2013. Think about that for a moment Cayman. Just Like the other Bush , George Bush jr, got in a second time. then Cayman will only have itself to blame.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Will July 18th be a holiday? I'm looking forward to another paid day off Big Mac.

    • Anonymous says:

      Of course it won't be. Do you think Mac is going to make it easy for people to vote for something that he is against? In fact he's probably trying how to pass a law to cancel everyone's lunch break on that day.

       

  19. Dred says:

    I just hope we all don't get too comfortable and think this game is over.

    If any of you know Big Mac you know when he does stuff he has plans. This is FAR from over. I got this feeling we will have a hell of a lot of issues between here an July 18th and even on the 18th we could see something strange like the way the questions are worded to attempt to confuse people or something.

    I trust him as far as I can pick him up and throw him and I already have a bad back.

     

    PS. I want to state what someone has already stated. CIG money shoudl not be spent promoting any position. If it is spent on this process it should be spent from a COMPLETELY NEUTRAL position. When points are made they SHOULD BE BASED ON FACTS not SCARE TACTICS.

  20. T.L. Haranguer says:

    $750,000 down the toilet, why could we not do this the same time with the election next year. You are wasting my money!

    • Dred says:

      NO!!! Emphatically NO!!

      We do not want 4 more years of the same @#@ that we just went thru.

      The next thing he will be signing us up for is a Nuclear Blast Testing Island.

      We need change and WE REFUSE to wait 4 more years.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why not hold elections in November too? Like how it used to be. Instead, now i hear Govt may change their financial year end back to Dec because the election date is May.

       

      But really, if you are worried about saving money so much, try convincing Gov to just change the Law to reflect OMOV and SMCs.

    • Anonymous says:

      You should be complaining about the millions of dollars flushed down the toilet from the reckless actions of this government rather than a few hundred thousand expended on promoting democracy.

    • Angel of truth says:

      All those trips dont wast your money ? only this / hypocrite.

    • Anonymous says:

      Better than any $750,000 spent by the UDP Government so far on:

      A trip overseas

      "Settlement" payments to supporters

      Hurricane shutters bought from a UDP supporter to be used in another UDP supporters house

      Payments to churches

      Hurricane Hilton

      Paving private parking lots in the Brac

      Advertising for "Govt meetings" which are really UDP rallies (admitted by Foolio)

      "Retreats"…………….

  21. The Crown says:

    Good for you Mac.. 

  22. Anonymous says:

    I used to think that the Premier was just spouting manipulative rhetoric, but it's dawned on me that he means it. Everything he says may be an accurate description of how he sees the world. When he states that those who oppose him are "devil worshippers" he believes it!

    With some other politicians you know they're just mouthing words they don't mean, and espousing hypocrisy, but when this guy wants to fine or imprison members of the press, he means it!

    With the other guys you can dig into their past and find at least some shred of rational thinking, but McKeeva is speaking his completely unfiltered thoughts. Now that's scary!

  23. Anonymous says:

    What will it be next ? one man no vote…….. some trying everything to bury Mckeeva and the UDP,what a bitch lick it goin be if UDP get back in !

    • Anonymous says:

      What a stupid comment. Anyone would think 'one, man, one vote' was a novel, dangerous idea rather than the standard of democracy around the world. 

    • BITCH LICK says:

      22:34  Ye dam right,  I would not be surprised, because I hear people saying they want to keep McKeeva as Premier.  What a Bitch Lick that will be you are right.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yep, it will be a bitch lick if the UDP get back in, for the whole country, you included.

    • Anonymous says:

      Damn right, even you would feel that bitch lick. 

    • I got to laugh says:

      thats a big IF bludz

       

       

  24. Anonymous says:

    Cayman, this year support our economy and have a staycation.

    Don't forget to come out and VOTE on July 18th.

     

    • Reality Check says:

      Why would I want a miserable over priced vacation with nothing to do?

      • Kent McTaggart says:

        Because you enjoy the ability to make a living and be a part of our society during the times that you are not away "enjoying" yourself.

        This is very possibly the single most important vote you will cast in your lifetime.

        So if you chose not to vote, do you dare consider complaining about the way things are run in the future.

        And when your job is no longer yours and you face financial decisions that you never thought you would have to make, remember the post and the attitude you had back in the middle of May 2012.

      • Dred says:

        Because it might help your country?

        I did a staycation this year for several reasons.

        1) I could not save the cost of an airline ticket, hotel charges and car rental in clothing. I would have had to have over USD10,000 to come close to that in savings.

        2) Yes Cayman products for the large part are over priced but I prefer to support my fellow Caymanians get rich than a foreign hotel or car rental agency.

        So long as I can get a decent selection in Cayman for at least the next few years if all I am going for is really a shopping trip I will stay right here and spend my money to ensure that my fellow Caymanian businesses survive.

        If I am going to do stuff other than shop then thats a whole different ball of wax.

  25. Anonymous says:

    Breaking News!!!!

    Gambling vote to be added in the referendum…..july 18

    Hey i want a choice to vote -yes for gambling in the cayman islands.I least government will get some money in their pockets to pay for education and other social programs.Government needs to get a piece of the pie too,not just churches,supermarkets,specials groups,raffles companie….etc.

     

    Vote-Yes for gambling

     

    Thanks

  26. Anonymous says:

    Is there some way that people can vote from overseas????

     

    • Baldric says:

      You can vote if you DEAD if you votin' the right way!

    • Anonymous says:

      VOTING OVERSEAS?!!

      GUYS PLEASE!

      The UDP is the government in power, Take NO chances or risks with your vote being thrown away.

      What guarantee do you have that your absentee vote will be counted or thrown in the waste basket, it could wind up in the UDP "shredder!"

      There are UDP supporters working at the post office. I'm sure they will increase by that time unless Mr. Franz Manderson personally picks up the votes himself and count them in front of the pope!.

      Votes disappearing is common in Cayman!

      REMAIN ON ISLAND TO MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED!

    • Anonymous says:

      You can apply for an absentee ballot at the voters registration office.

  27. Anonymous says:

    1- The elections office needs to lay out the timing for registering for an absentee ballot right away. 

    2- The wording of the ballot must be done soon to make sure that the debate about it is clear from the start .  That makes it fair to both sides.

    3- The government education should be impartial and not that of the Premier.  It should lay out the pros and cons of both sides in a far and equitable manner.

    I think UN observers should be asked in ,from the start to make sure it is done clean and without the usual Mac foolishness (which is evident by the date chosen).

  28. Anonymous says:

    There was no indication in the Premier's statement that the voting arrangements for the 2013 election would change whichever way the referendum went.

  29. Anonymous says:

    Mr bush is very smart man .the result will be good for UDB the 1. Man 1 vote will lose the refrandom 35% with 65% against days will till I’m sure that’s why mr bush say yes .

    • Another Anon says:

      All the more reason Cayman needs "one man, one vote"….so that morons like this don't get to vote more than once!

  30. Anonymous says:

    "My government"…….. no bobo "our government". This muppet has forgotten who put him in office…… wether or not we go to one man one vote this joker cannot be put back in office…… he gotta go!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      And of course "My Government" is now having to go out of its way to correct the wrongdoings of the opposition and the elected member from Northside. Dear God please deliver us from this man.

  31. Anonymous says:

    We must remain cognizant of the fact that the government has the sole right to formulate the referendum question. What this means is that they can alter the question to include a series of other projects such as the East End Port, BT Dump, and DART's West Bay Road Hotel. So, the result of voting "Yes" for single member constituencies could also mean (depending on the question) we vote "Yes" to allow the government to pursue those works. Remember, the devil is in the details!

  32. UDP Supporter says:

    I hope this referendum is defeated and quick too. Our Premier needs to focus on the economy of these islands and not be distracted by misguided "Caymanians" and their destructive ideas! God is with our Premier and all good Christian people are too as well!

    • Kent McTaggart says:

      Baaahhhhh! (pause for breath) please someone help me,  (pause for breath) Ohh my gosh I can bairly catch my breath I am laughing so hard it hurts!

    • Anonymous says:

      If my guess is correct, this is McKeeva's way of politely handing in the towel. He KNOWS that with the reputation he has earned for himself over the past three years his chances of getting re-elected are slim indeed. And he also knows that there is no real argument on earth against the one man one vote system that will put an end to all the corruption and destruction that the party system has brought to this country. It always sounds better to say "I quit" than to say "I was fired".

    • BORN FREE says:

      Does McChavez think by holding the referendum when most people (voters) will be off island will help his cause? Why now, after saying he was against holding a referendum before the May 2013 election, does he decide to hold it in July & not in November as proposed by Ezzard, Arden, Alden & the organizers? The man (?) cannot make up his mind. People, be careful, he is up to something, his track record proves it, he cannot be trusted. Read his version carefully, & be very aware of everything. A dictator does not accept defeat so easily, & McChavez is no different.

    • Anonymous says:

      Another hilarious comment from UDP Supporter. Thank God there are no people who actually think that way.

    • Anonymous says:

      I am a devout Christian and I am surely not with him. He brings disgrace to the name of Christians. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Guess their are many more hypocrites for sure.

    • UDP SUPPORTER 2 says:

      I hope so, because I am tired of them with this paper, and I know it is not going to make them do any better.  But I do hope every Caymanian is wise enough to vote No.

      • Anonymous says:

        So sorry to disappoint you sleeping beauty but we already have four thousand Caymanians wise enough to say yes. I very strongly suggest that if you want to do something with your life and for your country, and if you would like to disassociate your self from the losers you say yes also.

    • Anonymous-AWOL says:

      You sound like you’re on the payroll too!

      • Anonymous says:

        I'm not on the payroll but a tell ya wa, one Sunday morning Brudda Mac put two million in the offrin plate in my chuch…, 'n he gid me a new frige one time too. Da why dis man is da bes  sheppud for God lil sheeps. Why you judgin me like dat you devil worshippa you. Me n Mac ga pray n ask the Lord to save yo po soul dis Sunday y hear? Mac say maybe we kin even do it for free dis time becos owa po gowment is so broke right now from dem PPM sinnas wasting all owa money bout dey tryn edicate owa chilren. N he say he gid da odda company two million too so dem PPM idiots n da one from Nos Side wouldn't complain about him losing in cote. Y see how smaat dis man is? He say he don't unnastan why dees people cryin cos owa gowerment spen annoda half million on one lil plane ride fa owa first premier. He say he spen more din dat on one trip to the far east alone wid his friends. He say dey ewen complain about him usin the gowerment fax machine ta sen one lil page tryn collect couple dollas from somebody det owe him. Kin you really imagin dat? 'N a na ga ewen tell ya wa he sayin bout dem good folks from China det ga bil owa dock free fa us. Dis man of God really no how to run owa lil country a tell ya.  Bless his preshus lil heart.

        • Anonymous says:

          It should have been "PPM id yits" not PPM idiots

          • Anonymous says:

            or idyuts

            • Anonymous says:

              Come on man. Unna all done know none a us UDP sippotas kin spell too good ya na. A mek one lil mistake n unna all criticizing me ta hell fi dat. Why unna no go pick on some dem PPM eejuts?

      • JUst Me says:

        why he must be on the payroll, because his opinion differs from yours.  Sad, really sad.

      • Angel of truth says:

        Tell the truth and shame the devil(under the table).

    • Angel of truth says:

      Is it your God with the horns?. 

  33. Anonymous says:

    Now where did the money come from all of a sudden?  I guess the UDP will have the use the money from Dart if they haven't spent it yet.  Sorry East End you not getting that money again.

  34. Anonymous says:

    Don't stop collecting the signatures.  I don't trust McKeeva further than I can pick him up and throw him and while this sounds like good news, I am willing to bet that he will be digging into his bag of dirty tricks to figure out how to get the outcome he wants.  I wonder if our recent visitors from England had any influence in this sudden "change of heart" or has he already come up with a scheme, starting with the July date. 

    • Anonymous says:

      They probably told him to put in July.  MPs don't care, they are just here to rub shoulders with other representatives.  They share tricks about how to get elected and thwart people's wishes.  I'm sure one of the smug ones said 'just put it in July, that's what we do'.

  35. Kent McTaggart says:

    Keep pushing and get involved! 

    I will say that there is one way to beat our “Premier” at his own game, and that is by taking the wind out of his sails.  If we the people continue to push for more signatures, and push to get more people involved with getting signatures, even if it is just one or 2 extra along with theirs, we will end up with 50% plus 1 (which is the definition of the majority) and we can save the dreaded “expense” of the voting process and we will force the “Government” to do as WE THE PEOPLE want. 

    So I beg for the sake of my sons, please put aside an hour or 2 and educate yourself, then get a couple people to sign and make a difference!

    Regards

    Kent McTaggart

  36. Kent McTaggart says:

    Makeewa is not an idiot!  The truth is his advisors have devised the best possible solution to stop this people initiated referendum from actuallyseeing the result it is intended for.  Every move is that we make is measured by his analysts, and an appropriate counteraction is calculated.  There is no mistake in the date he has set.  I feel those of you who support him need to seriously question if he has the “true” best interests of the COUNTRY in mind, why would he not make the date of the referendum one that is in line with when we could expect the greatest density of the voting population is likely to be on island.  Let the people speak; do not handicap them with these type of power plays and trickery. Mac is purposely attempting to exclude as many of the voting public as possible.  If he was sincere in his efforts, he would set the date for a time that will include the greater density.  I would propose a date that is just after the beginning of the school year.  As IMO that is the time when everyone is back from vacation, and typically are on island for a few weeks to months because they have been off during the summer break.

    But that is just want I would do if I were “king” for a day.

     

    Regards

    Kent McTaggart

  37. Anonymous says:

    I wondered why that telephone survey last week was asking people if they were going to be off-island this summer and if so which week were they most likely to be away.

  38. Anonymous says:

    Mac may  appear to be shrinking but always be on your guard.

    This is a man with many rabbits under his hat so prepare for his plan B to counter attack or counter claim his campaign launched against the "One Man One Vote"Referendum.

    He's not going to go down without a fight and without  working some shenanigans. You should know Mac by now.  This is his worst nightmare in the history of his political career!

    Ezzard and co. do not celebrate until the fat lady sings after the governor signs off.    Keep your heads screwed on and be aware of  his shenanigans which are many. Also Dart's strong  foundation of money and power  will be shakened as well and I am sure he will be throwing mega bucks around. People you must expect some new money attractions written in the sky to lure the poor jobless, disenfranchised Caymanians seeking bread, in hope of acquiring more beach front land in exchange for swamp land with the aid of this stupid government.

    Remember money talks, so they say,    but there's nothing more powerful than the "power of the pen"……..If you don't believe me just ask the Chief justice.

  39. Knot S Smart says:

    Does this mean if you are (for example) from West Bay, then in the next election you can expect a fridge, a stove, a microwave and a washing machine – one from each representative?

    That sounds better than just receiving one appliance from whichever group.

    The one vote system might therefore bring about the economic boom that we are always hearing about, but which always turns out to be a mirage in the distance…

    So please just enact it into law without the need for a referendum!

     

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      SIMPLY  avoid being off island on the l8th July 2012. and DONOT respond or participate in any surveys that are suspicious and seeking to know your travel plans or personal business.

      Spread the word, do not let this referendum effortbe in vain. XXXX

      BE ON GUARD!

  40. The Truth is Out There says:

    I would urge everyone eligible to be Naturalised (and therefore eligible to vote) please begin the process immediately to ensure they have a say in this referendum.

    • Anonymous says:

      Naturalisation alone does not confer the right to vote.  One must be Naturalised AND Caymanian Status holder and provide original proof of such.

      • Anonymous says:

        You need to read the election rules.  Naturalisation – effectively becoming a Caymanian – confers the ability to vote, but you still have to register as a voter.  Plus, only certain versions of status holders – ie when status was awarded 20+ years ago – are automatically able to vote, once registered as an elector.

        • Anonymous says:

          You need to read the Elections Law and the Constitution. Naturalisation of itself has never, and does not now, confer the right to vote. Naturalisation does not make you a Caymanian within the meaning of the Constitution and the Immigration Law.

    • Anonymous says:

      You going to pay for that ??

  41. Anonymous says:

    As another poster has commented McKeeva has timed this for the middle of the summer so that many will be away on holiday. Unlike general elections this can only be passed by a majority of the entire electorate not simply of those voting so lower voter turnout is in his interest. 

    I would encourage those who are in support of OMOV to organise their holidays to avoid being off Island on 18th July.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Is the DART Group funds going to use to educate the people and BTW McKeeva…..what is up your sleeves? What ulterior motive do you have? This smell stinks!!!

  43. Congratulations says:

    Congrats to Ezzard, Arden and Al Suckoo , we hope you decide to take your place in politics next year, we need a real leader who is not afraid to stand up for the people. 

  44. McCarron McLaughlin says:

    Wow the first time Mac has rolled over in years. I'm sensing he's smelling the rat on some other issues as well.

    • Anonymous says:

      I reckon it's the beginning of the end for MacKeeva Bush. Any other place his own cabinet would have had an eye on the next election and dumped him by this time. But not here with the present membership of cabinet – more followers than anything else, that's obvious. And Mr.Dart and his conglomerate – your man is on the way out, so it'll soon be a different ball game for you and your "strategic plan", whatever that is exactly. Always best to end up on the right side of history, remember.

  45. Anonymous says:

    "…their Franchise rights will be severely shrunken…"

     

    Macdoesn't get it. Currently, Georgetown and West Bay voters are more equal than Northsiders and Eastenders.

     

    One man one vote is all about correcting a seriously flawed system.

     

    Referendum cost? Take the money out of Mac's travel budget. Problem solved.

    • The Truth is Out There says:

      If the government is really concerned with the cost of the referendum they would just make the change to the law and be done with it. They are using the cost angle as a tool to convince the ill informed that this is a bad idea.  Mac will need to reach into his own pocket to fund the propaganda against OMOV and not the government purse.  Anything coming from the government itself will need to be unbiased.

  46. Anonymous says:

    Can't wait to see what's written on the voting slip. "Tick here unless you don't agree to not support constituencies with single members" or something equally confusing.

  47. Anonymous says:

    Do not let us lose this battle because people will be off island.  He will bus in his weary sheep who never travel or think a new thought while the productive intelligent members of society are enjoying well-deserved breaks.  If you do not want your holiday ruined by a bad result, make your arrangements.  We need a registration drive, CNS get on with informing people how to vote by proxy or by absentee ballot, and we need a fighting fund to get our own people out to vote.

    • Anonymous says:

      Go to elections website – all the forms are there.

    • Jonas Dwyer says:

      I hear another "we" again in all of these posts,why cant you put ya name out man.  Syand up and be counted.

       

      Jonas

  48. Anonymous says:

    For the motion to pass does it need the same majority as a people’s initiated referendum or is the majority required different for a government initiated referendum? If it’s the same as the people’s initiated, good luck getting enough people on island in the middle of the summer vacation period. I suspect McKeeva had that in mind when he set the date and knows this will fail. What a leader he is!!!!,

  49. Dan says:

    Will will, the People has spoken – The MAC has cracked under the pressure of the drive shaft that was twisting his axel.  

  50. Anonymous says:

    Anyone that has not yet signed the petition please do so in case the government is using this statement to try to stop the petition prior to their next announcement that there will be no referendum after all.

  51. Anonymous says:

    Hopefully the referendum question will be straight and not a "Heads I win – Tails you lose" question designed to allow the current government to maintain thestatus quo.

  52. Anonymous says:

    Power to the People! — congratulations to everyone involved in the OMOV petition!

  53. Anonymous says:

    Somebody needs to go to check out West Bay to see if Hell has frozen over because it was only a short time ago that you know who said that was the only way this referendum would go ahead before the next election.

  54. Another Anon says:

    Maybe the smartest thing Mac has done yet!

  55. Anonymous says:

    There should really be a whole bunch of questions asked in this Referendum if we are going to go through the motions:  Port Decision, Oil Refinery, North Sound Dredging, Environmental Law, Environmental Protection Fund, Airport expansion, Schools, Parks, Hospital, Roads etc.  Let's get everyone's cards on the table at the same time and see where the people weigh in on these issues.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thumbs down to quashing the festering moronic and controversial issues? 

  56. Anonymous says:

    another embarassing humilating u-turn for mac……

  57. Caymanian to the Protestors says:

    Good job, McKeeva Bush!  This is not a partisan move. It is clear you have noticed the number of petitioners.

  58. Anonymous says:

    A big victory to be sure, but now the work begins.  Mac intends to spend public money shouting down the huge swell of people who are in favour of this common sense improvement to our electoral system.  We must be heard over and above him.  I am sure many of us stand ready to contribute financially to make sure this is a fair fight – that we win.  He should be challenged to another debate.  Caymanians historically have been only too ready to hear why things can't happen but the last referendum proved that we are not afraid to make change for the good.  I await news of the fighting fund.

  59. Kent McTaggart says:

    So the "Government" is going to start an education campaign. So will this campaign be paid for by the "Government" or by the UDP? As if it is paid for by the "Government" It would have to be an "unbiased, factual" information campaign. If it is funded by the UDP or some other "Private" group then it can be a bias as they would like to make it sound. However If the "Government" officially produces a campaign and it is not unbiased, then I feel that if the One man One vote initiative is successful, those who were involved in the campaign should be held accountable and refund the cost of the campaign to the people of the Cayman Islands.

    Our public purse is not a blank check for you to push our views on the people of this island!

    Congratulations to all of those who are working so hard to actually make Cayman a better place!

    Kind Regards,

    Kent McTaggart

  60. Anonymous says:

    Education campaign he says…….LMAO

  61. Anonymous says:

    In other words…the people did not initiate the refrendum…but Mac and the UDP did…LOL!

    • Dred says:

      Half empty or half full….

      I believe the people did. If not for the people signatures TRUST ME we would never be where we are today.

      BUT like others have said this is not the war but a battle and we should press on with an envigorated CAMPAIGN to get the signatures still and prepare for the campaign to ensure the votes needed to win the referrendum.

      To those who say people are away at this time I say. If it's important to them they will make a point to ensure they get the chance to vote.

      I believe 3 months is enough notice for each and everyone planning on going away to ensure that on the date of the vote they are able to cast their vote.

  62. Anonymous says:

    Can someone please find out how we can get 'absentee' ballot as like most people I will be on summer vacation with the kids.  But not going to miss my chance to vote !!!  

  63. Anonymous says:

    So why not kill 2 birds with one stone and include in the referendum the question of closing the WB Road????

  64. SKEPTICAL says:

    Well it seems that the One Man One Vote campaigners can possibly claim Round 1 of the fight, but I would suggest that they do not drop their guard – you never know what ” rope-a-dope ” strategy Bush might try, to subsequently renege on his LA statement – words are ” cheap “.
    Keep up the gathering of Petition signatures !!

    • Kent McTaggart says:

      I agree, and it would be a great help if it was looked at not as a "you" thing, but a "we" thing.  So please feel free to step up and help get those signitures!

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, he is prob saying this now to try and stop or discourage persons from signing the petition, then when we get closer to July he says "Sorry, cant do it again as we dont have the signatures".

       

      But I have to ask, why did he choose July 2012, that is ONLY two months away. I think he chose a quick date so they can use the excuse that it was too much to do in such a short period of time. It would have been much better if it was set for the first week in september. That gives us more time to be educated and prepared to vote. Also, most people will be on island as their children will b back at school.

       

      Set it for September 2012 Mac, and make it a Public Holiday so no one has an excuse that they had to go to work that why they couldnt get time to vote.

  65. Concerned Caymanain says:

    Great timing on Mac's part – a lot of voter's are away in July!!

  66. Anonymous says:

    So UDP/ McKeeva will officially campaign AGAINST single member constituencies now?

    Pathetic.

    the UDP/ Government will direct their funds towards his propaganda. Church buses will be delivering old and confused to the public 'meetings' and rallies.

    Don't forget all the churches have given millions of Nation Building dollars, so its time for the good pastors to publicly "guide" their flock against single member constituencies

    UDP are officially gearing up their energy and resources AGAINST the clear wishes of the people they are elected to serve, yet again

    Worst government EVER!!

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      10 to 1 that education will mean preaching their negative views at the public's expense.

    • Caymanian to the Protestor says:

      Wow… still nothing good to say about the good news!  I can see the partisan rhetoric clearly. Friend, focus on the good and not personality, and the good will come!  Think about the country as a whole and what will move us forward. If you have nothing to say or any solution to the problems at hand, then don't say anything or repeat dirt.