Broadcaster pressured to remove talk-show hosts
(CNS): The management at Hurleys entertainment has confirmed that it has been pressured by the government to remove Austin Harris and Gilbert McLean from its morning radio talk-show on Rooster before the firm can get a duty waiver for a planned Cable TV project. Speaking on the programme on Wednesday, Harris said that the Hurleys group had been “held hostage” because of the show. Cayman Crosstalk has been accused by the premier of running down the government, and despite once being a regular guest on the programme McKeeva Bush now refuses to go on the show and criticises it on a regular basis.
During Wednesday morning’s show when members of the opposition appeared as guests, Harris raised the issue of the pressure the owners of Rooster were under to remove the controversial hosts.
“The deal is fire Gilbert and Austin and you’ll get what you want,” Harris revealed on air on Wednesday when he said Infinity Broadband Ltd, which is a sister company of Hurleys, had been told by government that it could not get a duty waiver for the project, even though all other businesses in the same field have received waivers.
Every other firm that has successfully chosen to take advantage of the liberalisation of television provision and acquired a licence has been offered a waiver in order to encourage development of this sector. However, Hurleys management confirmed that the waiver for Infinity was being withheld.
Despite the ultimatum, Hurleys told CNS that they would not be firing either of the two popular hosts and would seek to find another way to continue with the project. A spokesperson for the entertainment groups said that the project would generate as many as fifty jobs and represented millions of dollars of investment but they were not prepared to be pressured or threatened in such a way.
Hurleys Entertainment and its owner, Randy Merren, is like CNS still facing legal action brought by the premier over comments made on the show about Bush’s leadership, which it is continuing to fight. The management noted that this latest issue over the duty waiver was just another attempt by government to silence its critics.
Category: Politics
The easy fix here would be to hire another host who would present opposing views to those of Austin and Gilbert. The show is not fair and balanced but if it was neither side could claim partisianship. As it stands right now the show is 100% against the government and really doesn't give them a fair chance other than on Friday morning to defend their position.
Wouldn't the ratings soar if they could find another strong voice that would represent the other side? Right now all we listen to is the same government bashing over and over every morning until Friday and then we hear the bashing of the opposition on Friday.
"As it stands right now the show is 100% against the government"
I say: "As it stands now the government is 100% non interested in the input of the people."
We need an outlet to be heard. If the current government does not care care to hear the other side, I applaud Crosstalk for giving us that voice.
We need to encourage, not just free speech, but two way dialogue.
The UDP Government should be able to silence anyone who is doing harm to it and the Cayman Islands with their words and deeds! Sorry but freedom of speech has limits! We support you McKeeva!
Numbskull, how do you think Elio got elected? He was on theradio everyday bashing PPM and Cayman. However, in his bashing of PPM there were no reports of investigations into PPM members as we now have with McKeeva. Furthermore, who created the problems that are on the radio talk show?, it surely wasnt the talk show or its host that created the problems. All they are doing is shining the light on incompetent UDP government, and because what the world is seeing is not a pretty sight the talk show host are being blamed for the mess. Easy solution to this is the UDP just do the right things that the country needs and then the talk shows have nothing bad to talk about.
Ten stars for trying, my friend, but I think you're talking to a concrete block.
This is how a lot of business has been done in Cayman for many years, with an unhealthy undertone of corruption. It is just that right now people are starting to talk about it.
They're good hosts, but people complain that they cherry pick the emails they read from their supprters on the Cayman Cross talk show on Rooster 101! that's not quite fair. Every email is not libelous nor slanderous. One contributor was even a family or relative of Randy Merren and Austin and Gilbert have not read the person's emails while this person in question is fighting for the same cause as Austin and Gilbert on many fronts.. They need to explain a reason for this unanswered behavior towards the public. Austin sometimes appear to be impatient or moody, he needs to watch that as a host.
Is this bigotry or just ignorance?
Radio stations are perfectly entitled to control content. Public bodies are not entitle to control that control thorugh improper means like these allegations indicate has happened.
Can you please guote Cayman Law? I hope there is one and it is brought to bear.
here you go. Our very own Anti Corruption Law:
11(1) A person commits an offence where –
(ii) being a public officer or a member of the legislativeassembly, he demands, accepts or offers or agrees to accept from any other person for himself or another person a loan, reward advantage or other benefit as consideration for cooperation, assistance, exercise of influence or an act of ommission in connection with:
(iii) the transaction of business with or any other matter or business relating to the government; or
(iv) a claim against the government or any other benefit that the government is authorised or entitled to bestow.
So basically Mac:
1- as a public officer/member of the LA, demands a benefit from Hurley's
2 – in consideration for cooperation/assistance with
3 – a duty waiver, which is a business or matter relating to goverment or a benefit the gov is entitiled to bestow
Fits like a glove!
Thank you!
Austin and Gilbert I think you need to take this complaint to the Anti Corruption Commission…
So?
Anyone got the Mongolian laws in relation to coercion? Or those of Timbuktoo?
What kind of B.S, is this
It's the kind that comes out of a cow's backside.
Some one call anderson cooper and his buddied at CNN. let them know a protest is happening in light of the situation and maybe a little international media might help Mac shift in his lap of luxury seat…….
I can only guess that you don’t get out (or travel) much, because you have an embarrassingly over-inflated view of the importance of Cayman to the outside world. The reality is they never think about us except to kick us occasionally to satisfy their prejudices about the offshore financial industry. The thought of CNN being interested in our small-town political bickering is ridiculous.
Well I don't think you have to travel much for anyone to think bad about you and since Anderson Cooper, those @CNN and the American gov't already bash us for being a "Tax Haven", maybe, just maybe, they won't mind hopping on this bandwagon and bash our Political leader and do some more damage to our already battered reputation. Anyways, since what's going on in Cayman is not that import to CNN and Anderson, it should very much be all that to us, we should be strong, righteous and willing to stand up, support those opposing and speak out against this alleged political corruption and coercion going on. Mr. McKeeva is only the Premier (voted in by us) and not Almighty God…and he answers to laws just as any of us civilians do and is suseptible to investigations and charges just like any of us. I pray for his innocence and wish him no hurt or harm, but if he's guilty then he should pay for it, as anyone of us would have to do.
So now the (government is) involved in coercion. How many more stories like this do we need to see this party is a detriment to our islands?
Well, not “now”, ask around, this is no news, but this time someone talked about it, do not mess around with people that work on the media, they will tell the truth quick!
Don't think for a minute that this has just started happening. There are many, many businesses and employees that this has happened to.
Yes, many many over more thana decade in plain sight of the mainstream press and the police and the Attorney General and the Governor.
WTF? You have together allowed for the potential destruction of a country and a number of innocents along the way ON YOUR WATCH!
Mr. Bush, why do you blame the FCo, the Radio Talk show hosts, the other media for your wrong doings. You called yourself a servant of God, but which God are you talking about? sure as hell not the God I love, know and serve. Do the right thing for once in your life Mr. Bush and step down now, before you tarnish the image of the Cayman Islands any further. You and your followers are blaming the opposition, the media and the FCO, you are wrong to blame them. The blame should be and is being directed at you, XXXX Your party is standing by you, they will be guilty by association too. They know what you have done, they see you in action and they know that it is not becoming of a true Statesman, yet they stand by you…like Tammy Wynett! Do the right thing Mr. Bush and step down, and then go to Mr. Baines and lay it all out, like Arden and clear your name…if you are innocent, as you claim. Just Do It!!!!!
Sad times here in Cayman, very sad.
Our Premier has lost his mind. Any perceived threat to his power makes him lash out in uncontrollable rages. It is time for the powers to be to come forward and sack him. Mac is dangerous to our well being.
The love of money(=power) is the root of all evil!!! Heavenly Father we ask for divine intervention on behalf of our Island. Please give us Peaceful & Godily Leaders.
They cannot sack him under this wonderful constitution that we now have!! That is the problem. Alden can say little as it was he, Kurt and other PPM "brains" who crafted it giving the ruling party ultimate power in this matter! I didn't vote for the constitutional change because of loopholes like this that I detected. If you take the time to read it you will see that there are more; it is akin to swiss cheese! Those with the skills had better study this document and see how many other opportunities are there for this country to be held hostage against its will. This is a fine example of what happens when power is relinquished to politicians. I am disgusted with what is happening to the international image of these beloved islands today and as a Caymanian I can say that I would have been much happier keeping the Governor in charge than to to have given control to these people. It is a crying shame!
XXXXX The UDP had as much input to the Constitution as the PPM did.
All in! This is getting nasty.
Who does he think he is?!! News flash to McKeeva: YOU ARE NOT GOD. A true leader does not need to use intimidation.
The problem is the Police Commissioner and also his capacity as head of the corruption committee. Years for prosecutions and something like this he should take up immediately. Intimidation is now the rule of the day, by every office, even those we think should protect us.
All bullies, power thirsty & money lovers!!!
Yes but WHO does the Commissioner answer to? Why isn't he being better managed on these matters then. As far as I know he used to answer to Donnie Ebanks and so I would assume he now answers to Franz Manderson so maybe Franz can tell us what is going on.
I think you mean "head of the Anti-Corruption Commission".
Wisely Said.
McKeeva, it's over. Go home and lie down.
any comment mr governor????
time for marches and demonstrations!…..
Not the Governor, call on Alden and the "opposition". See if they do anything! You all forget that these were the same players when Caymanian Status was given away like candy by the same UDP and what did the PPM do? NOTHING!!! This is the same, "trus mi".
"for clarity" if I was a certain George Town MLA, I would see to it that Randy got his waiver "insofar as" I may be looking for my old job back in about a year. Just saying
Good suggestion. He should check yesterday’s Compass – there were a couple of companies looking for gardeners.
Not only is this a disappointing move by our current government – but it is also potentially dangerous for them as a political party.
What if it is discovered that someone within their group has personal or even business connections to individuals involved with one of the other competing entities in this particular sector?
Honestly – it is as if some people don't think before they act.
I truly hope there is something more to this story than has been reported. I usually wait to hear both sides before forming an opinion.
Isn't today Government Friday on the show?
This oughta be good …
The Premier calls those who oppose him devil worshippers. What he is trying to do to Austin & Gilbert is devil's work indeed.
So, essentially what my elected government is saying to me is they cannot prevent a certain mega-conglomerate from monopolising an ever increasing range of industries – but they can find a way to hold at ransom an entity's opportunity of having an equal chance of competing in the community?
Interesting.
Anybody remember the old joke about the Mafia Don, on his death bed, asking his three grandsons what they most wanted. The first, 10 years old, asked for a toy car. The Don told his Consiglieri “Buy him a Ferrari 458”. The second, 8 years old, asked for a toy plane – “Buy him a Gulfstream 5” was the instruction. The last, 5 years old, said “Grandpa, I would like a Mickey Mouse outfit. “Bambino” said the Don, “Yours is the easiest request – Consiglieri – buy him the Cayman Islands Government.”
Or, Glasgow Rangers.
I believe that many years ago the company got a duty waiver for 2 years when it was granted its licence. How can it be the fault of any Government that the company is still not in business and has nothing to apply the waiver against?
The point is, "Intimidation tactics should not be used by any government against an entity or individual". That sure appears to be what ishappening here. If Randy Merren was previously granted 100 waivers it is not relevant to the one he has now applied for. Stop trying to make excuses for these distasteful actions.
Freedom of Speech?
Over a year a go I started a blog to vent some of my opinions, of which I have a lot. My second post was concerning freedon of speech in the Cayman Islands and this situation, as reported, makes me want to share it. It is sad that a year later I still feel the same way. So here it is.
"Freedom Of Speech?
Plus you may put others who wish to post on your blog in jeopardy as well. The Evil Doers could identify the posters as your associates.”
If those who do speak out against the “doings” of our current leader perceive he will respond by belittling them, laughing at them, accusing them of “foolishness”, or insinuating they are being part of a sinister conspiracy to hinder his plans, instead of debating, openly and honestly, the differences of opinion on the issues at hand, they may feel that they are not truly free to speak out.
That raises the question. “Am I being foolish in starting this blog?” Hell… I don’t know, Maybe I am. I guess time will tell. I hope not. (I really hope not). But freedom of speech has to start by speaking. So here I am. If I should disappear from the face of the earth with no explication then I guess I choose wrong. But I think I will do just fine. If anyone thinks I am a threat maybe they are just perceiving that I am.
Really I am just a harmless grumpy old man."
Please keep posting Len! 🙂
Agreed Len, so many people are afraid to publicly state their opinion because they may be discriminated against. It is very apparent when you ask people to sign petitions. They are so afraid of having their name on a list that they often will not sign. It is the same with demonstrations where people tell you they would come but are afraid for their livelihood. A case in point is the heavy equipement operators who backed out of the demonstration against the government.
This man and those who allow him to continue as premier have to go. All of them.
Pot call kettle black?
Mac does not like what Rooster says so he shuts them out……
Rooster does not like what a caller says so they shut him out…………
Both parties need to wake up to the real world………
Freedom of speech is here to stay.
Get over it and get on with it in an honest way!
If you come into the public domain you are going to take some licks………
I believe that's called blackmail, isn't it? Under Bushand the UDP, this country has become a cess pit in a heat wave.
It’s not really blackmail. More like illegal governance, or banana bullying
In a third world country with third world leadership like Cayman its just business as usual. Get used to it. The people of Cayman obviously have.
If Hurley's Entertainment qualifies for a duty waiver, it should not be denied one just because Talk Show hosts on it may be critical of government policies. Whether one is critical or not critical of government should not be a determining factor in receiving duty waivers, business licences etc as long as one qualifies in all other aspects.
unfortunately I can see the international press lapping this up, more bad press for Cayman
THANK YOU MR PREMIER
why are you driving Cayman into the ground, all for your ego
what is wrong with you, the people elected you to serve them, not serve yourself at their expense
Isn't that Blackmail? And isn't blackmail a crime? Shouldn't this also be investigated?
Na, it na blackmail. It be coercion.
It is abuse of power, office, position.
How far can the Cayman Islands PREMIER thinks he can go and what are his limits…???? Should his title as Premier be changed to Dictator? If Caymanians let this happen, then as the saying goes, stand up for something or fall for nothing, should be written into their national anthem. This is Cayman not Cuba. Imagine, Cuba is slowly evolving into a democratic society and the Cayman Islands is fast headed to communism. Kudos to Hurley's Intertainment for giving the public a voice. They could not have better hosts than Austin and Gilbert who tell it like it is, well spoken and knowledgeable and are an asset to these islands. Only criminal, children and the poorly educated cannot accept critizism. Come on Mr. Premier, if you were doing right by your people then this media would be your channel of communication for all.
Cuba is very different from Cayman in many ways, including that their dictator has integrity!
Integrity? That's rich.
A dictator has NO integrity you fool
Yet another instance of political strong arming by the McHitler government. How do they even expect to get away with these kind of Nazi style “support us and profit, resist us and perish” tactics?! Clearly, they haven’t read the relevant provisions of the Penal Code vis-a-vis official corruption. The promise of a pecuniary advantage for political gain by government officials must be tantamount to official corruption, in my view (investigation number 4, perhaps?). Maybe someone ought to point out that they don’t have a Waffen SS battalion to protect them from the masses! The really sad fact is that we all sit on our hands and do nothing! In any other country in the civilized world they would have all been thrown out on their sorry lazy a$$es by now! This is a worse affront to freedom and democracy than the Public Beach “sign up or starve” rally!
For God sake don't put ideas of securing a "Waffen SS Battalion" in the head of our man with big, bad attitude.
Another good reason to fire our wonderful premier, Cayman. Do we have enough reasons yet? Thank you for your stance, Hurleys. We WILL continue to shop at your supermarket for that. And stand tall Austin and Gilbert, and continue to stoke that fire under premie's ass.
Just spent the last seven minutes staring at the monitor trying to put together my thoughts on this one … it is simply too much. I can't.
There is not enough bandwith in the universe to accommodate how many kinds of wrong is this administration in this regard.
Moves like this are so very telling – especially in this day in age.
As if we were not disillusioned enough by so much of their current crap – this one truly takes the cake.
Anyway, dinosaurs did once rule the earth … but they eventually died out.
Keep looking – if you think about it long enough sure it will become apparent how it is all the fault of the UK government. Maybe Harrris is a MI6 mole?
"If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine."
Randy when the History of Cayman is writen yourself and Bryce will get great praise in the future. No other company in Cayman has shown the courage and support for truth as you have done. I trust that those who benifit from your effort to protect the image and reputation of Cayman will remember your heroic stand against evil and intemdation. Well done.
Could duty waivers be one of the dangerous roads the UDP government has fallen off the top of the ladder for. It would be interesting to know what has really happened. The shoe fits one size foot but the oether shoe can't even go near the other foot.
Just when one thinkgs it can't get any worse – now apparently an attempt to stifle free speech and free debates on current issues of public interest? Banana Republic. I don't now why I still find this shocking, should be used to it by now.
Is this McKeeva looking to up it to four police investigations?
Mr. Bush is upset because he cannot have his way. Leave Mr. Austin and Mr. Gilbert alone. They are doing an excellent job. I always find the show not only entertaining but equally informative.
And there you have it folks, all these little sweets that the Premier tries to throw to people is simply an attempt to buy future leverage for when he needs it. You saw how quickly he outed that regular caller from Cayman Brac and told people he was receiving social assistance?
Mr. Bush likes to have you in his breast pocket, in my opinion, he's terrified and frustrated by those that are not under his control and those not beholden due to past favors.
He is constantly talking about divisiveness among the Country, yet no one has been more divisive than him. With Bush, it's either you're with me or you're against me, there is no middle ground.
Keep your chin up boys, if enough of us stand up to the bully, pretty soon we will drive him from the playground. Even Civil servants are now realizing this and many are refusing to do his bidding much to his chagrin.
"You saw how quickly he outed that regular caller from Cayman Brac and told people he was receiving social assistance?"
That's confidential information and using your position to give that information is surely another investigation.
Anyone notice how Austin is giving up a lot of the show to Gilbert now. Is he preparing for a "single member constituency for himself?
Randy, your problem might just resove itself in a few months
yea….. resove.
No more duty waivers for anyone..Pay your own bills! You see where it got us with Michael Ryan
Michael Ryan didn’t have a duty waiver. They’re given out to stimulate investment in the infrastructure of the islands, if the government had any sense and managed the economy they’d be doing this and not relying on the private sector
When the PPM were in power Ryan was paying his deferred duty. We didnt get anymore from Ryan ONLY after the UDP came up, therefore, blame the UDP for not collecting Ryan's remaining debt
Humanity should grow sweeter as they grow older.
But when you have an old fogie that waxes more and more wicked every day and bitter and more bitter and more vindictive every day. Hell has enlarged its boarders!
You got to learn to swim like the big fish if you want to stay in the pond…
Mr Bush has lost it. Very sad. We need to move on. And so does he.
Cayman Crosstalk running down the government? Never!! how could they say that!!
McKeeva is rapidly 'SILENCING HIMSELF!"
BIg Mac nothing lasts forever but salvation, try and get some ye hah?
If the Premier is so worried about comments made against him and his Government by a radio show, why doesn’t he stand-up like a man and face those comments on the show and inform us, the voting public, why these criticisms are so wrong?
If they have any evidence whatsoever that any person in government is trying to barter government approval of any matter with anything that even vaguely resembles an advantage to any politician then I would ask them to please formally report the matter in full to the Chief of Police as a member of the Anti-Corruption Commission. This should ultimately save the public money as corruption investigations are cheaper by the dozen.
This should be investigation #4 for the "Big Man" if i must say so! "Do what I say, or you not going get what you want for your business in your own country!"
mac thinks he rules everybody and everything in this island. He thinks he's a right to overshadow and overpower anyone daring 2 step out to have differing opinions. It's like God died and left him boss. When are people gonna rise up and call this man's bluff? In fact, many think the Jordanian had been a UDP plant to call the Hurley show daily and use that time to block other people bcz u cud sit on that show forever and not get in on account of that Jordanian running his mouth. Since Austin clipped the Jordanian off for good, it's now blood in mac's eyes. Well, Hurley's entertainment…how much u guys need? John Public might have to get together and assist u all in finding a way around this hurdle. Mac reminds me of Thor…always hurling some sort of obstacles in the common peoples' paths. The legend of Thor was all about hurling obstacles to protect his common people. BIG difference.
Sad! Bush needs to GO! Cayman and Caymanians don't have a fair chance in their OWN country to which he was not even born in! to survive once he is even on island let alone in a ruling figure….
That's my 2 cents for no one but I have standards!
Investigation number FOUR????????
No man, we really living in the communist Country of Cayman. That is what communist countries do, try to control the press by threats. Cayman, with all that is going on now with our Premier and 3 investigations and forever trying to silence the press, how can we just sit back and let him continue to abuse us. Get up and do somethingfor the future of our children. Randy, Austin and Gilbert, dont wilt or yield to threats, Stand firm!
If this is true it is just another exapmle of missuse of power by Mac and the UDP. Could this lead to the 4th investigation.