89% say Bush should go
(CNS): More than 850 CNS readers voted in this week’s online poll and 89 per cent of them say the premier should step down in light of the revelations that he is the subject of three police investigations. From the 857 votes polled by Friday morning, 765 people said McKeeva Bush should step aside while only 92 felt he should stay in office. On Saturday the RCIPS revealed that the premier was not just under investigation regarding a letter sent by him in connection with a land deal in 2004 involving Texan developer Stan Thomas but for two other issues as well, including an illegal shipment of explosives.
More than 550 comments have been posted on the Cayman News Service website and on CNS Business over the last week on the issue, since the first revelation on Friday evening that Bush was the subject of more than one criminal investigation.
Most of those comments have pointed to the damage that Bush continues to do to Cayman while remaining in office. There has been some support from a few CNS ‘bloggers’ who have agreed with the premier’s often quoted claim that his “heart is pure and his hands are clean” and this is a conspiracy. However, the majority of commenters on the site are calling for the premier to resign.
Bush, however, is refusing to resign or temporarily step aside while the investigations are resolved, despite the pressure, and at least two of his ministers have publicly stated they are supporting him in that decision.
The opposition members have filed a 'no confidence' motion in the Legislative Assembly, and they are asking the speaker to place it at the top of the agenda when legislators meet again next month. At this stage, however, it appears that all of the UDP members will be supporting Bush and the motion will be defeated.
Although the premier, who is also the finance minister, has not been arrested or even questioned by the police in connection with the three probes, a spokesperson for the RCIPS said that two of the enquiries relate to financial regularities. The third investigation concerns an unlicensed shipment of dynamite, which arrived in Cayman a few weeks ago and was subsequently seized by the authorities.
The probe into the illegal explosives shipment may be very recent but one of the investigations relating tothe financial irregularities began more than two years ago.
A letter sent by Bush on Windsor Development headed paper, a real estate company of which he is a director, was found in a civil case file in which the then leader of government business was asking Stan Thomas for $350,000. The letter referred to the clearance of zoning changes by Cabinet but did not explain what the significant payment was for.
Since the letter came into the public domain Bush has referred to it on one occasion as a “real estate bill” but has never clarified for what service the fee related to or explained the content of the correspondence, which was faxed from his office at the Glass House in October 2004.
The police have given no further details into the second enquiry regarding financial irregularities or when that investigation was opened or how it was triggered. Police have refused to comment further on the investigations or why Bush has not yet been interviewed by the investigating officers.
In the wake of revelations last week that there are three live police probes, Bush has stated through his press secretary that he has had no formal notice of any investigations and the allegations are “baseless” as he has done nothing wrong. He has suggested that they are part of a Foreign Office Conspiracy against him.
Bush accused the former attorney general, David Ballantyne, and head of the financial reporting unit, Brian Gibbs, of being part of this FCO this conspiracy designed to discredit him and destabilize the Cayman Islands government. However, the governor’s office confirmed that neither Ballantyne nor Gibbs, who both resigned from office in Cayman in the wake of the Eurobank scandal in 2003, now work at the Foreign and Commonwealth office, as suggested by the premier.
See CNS poll: In light of revelations that Mckeeva Bush is at the centre of 3 police-investigations should he step down as premier?
Category: Politics
<b>35% say he should stay!</b>
i believe the premier should step down until the investigation is over and he has been cleared.
So Bush went………………………On another all expense payed 5 star vacation. Run forest.
What a sad and pathetic portrait our appropriately paranoid Premier paints to the electorate and the world at large. What on earth has happened to the man? Mr. Bush has become an anti-constitution, anti-FOI, anti-one-man-one vote, anti-UK, anti-Governor, anti-due legislative assembly and government departmental process, politically interfering, authoritarian despot and demagogue. I truly believe his demise (well this current downward spiral) began on or around 6 November, 2009 when he was inaugurated to the office of Premier. Since then, he has become the epitome of the famous aphorism coined by the expansively named and impressively hirsute John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton — otherwise known simply as Lord Acton (1834–1902) — historian and moralist, who in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887 wrote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
and don't forget his puppets who continue to blindly support him.
Just look at US little Pathetic Comment Posters…. This makes no difference, our comments changes NOTHING. Just ONE Man with real KAHUNIES is needed to solve this "PROBLEM", just ONE !!!!!!! Soon come ya hear… Soon Come!!!
Yes, you will see him soon, just as soon as they get rid of Obama.
Laughnow. Cry later.
and only 92 people in the whole cayman islands want him to stay, wow! take out the UDP MLA's and that only leaves 83!
ouch that must hurt
When did the entire population of the CaymanIslands become 850? How many flights out did Cayman Airways do yesterday? Where did the other 54,000 go? Miami?
He is using the same statistical method others were posting in support of the premier
Beating them at their own game
Wait till those 83 find out he still wants to give their road to Mr. Dart.
Many many of us want the road to be realigned. it wont be the first and it wont be the last. so bug off!
Oops…you still have one in your favor, Mac.
A few weeks ago a poll in the Caymanian compass had most of the respondents wanting to see Mr Bush return as Premier in 2013, now CNS poll says 89 % say Bush should go………my question is who the hell should i believe?
Take another look at the Compass article – what it said was that there were slightly more people (something like 30% of those responding) who thought that Mr. Bush would be back as Premier than any of a number of other candidates. I certainly dread the prospect of him getting back as Premier but given all the c**p that happens in and around elections, the inaction of the authorities and the current low profile of the official opposition I think it might happen just like I think that another Cat 4 hurricane or 6.5 earthquake might happen in 2013 and I don't want those either.
mackeeva is the best thing to happen to the cayman islands so boss stay where u are and keep up the good work
"mackeeva" shouldn't have the first 'a' but otherwise you managed to type it correctly. 'Cayman Islands' should be typed with an upper case 'C' and an upper case 'I', dummy. You can refer back to this post if you ever need to spell the name of your country again, sweetheart. Also, there should be a full stop, or what is otherwise known as a period, after the last word in your sentence. It looks like this (.) but with out the long curved lines before and after it. Otherwise really not too bad for a UDP supporter.
The biggest crime I see is the lack of a proper berthing facilities. This is a no brainer for having our beloved cruise ship destination remain intact. It's unacceptable this was not priority #2 behind fiscal responsibility to make this happen. We have lost some great opportunities and subsquent revenue stream from this total failure of operations. We are a cruise ship destination, get over it and thrive upon it folks and we can be damn good about it if we wanted to.
Who wants to go to Jamaica when you can come here? Get RCCL backon track, their cruisers do spend the money, unlike Carnival who hardly get off the ship here.
On another note, look at how Key West, Florida takes full advatange of the Carnival Cruisers. They love that town and I personally know why.
Hey sunshine,Mac has a job waiting for you with the COCTC.
It is very simply astounding that at least a few members of Cayman's voting public appear to be buying into McKeeva's accusations that the entire world is simply and unjustly conspiring to remove him from office.
It is hardly contested even by the UDP administration that the UDP has very long been accused of 'buying' votes by way of handouts to their constituents in Cayman, or that this 'party' went as far as XXXXX improperly influencing voters at the last elections. XXXX
But let's not stop there. Lets go back on CNS and revisit just a few of the blows this country has suffered from the UDP administration since our last elections, including the Cohen loan fisco which again not even McKeeva bush can deny actually took place at great and unjust cost to this country. I doubt very much that even McKeeva could deny that he wrote and sent to Stan Thomas the letter that was posted on this website two years ago for the entire world to see. Yet he recently publiclv denied having any knowledge of the criminal investigation taking place in this regard. Does this man really live in Cayman?
There are many more including the GLF fiasco, the 'nation building' fiasco, the millions of dollars of this country's money that has been flittered away on unnecessary and fruitless travel. XXXX The HUGE increases in criminal activity and fuel taxes and unemployment and the huge declines in economic stability in our country since the last elections, and our current Auditor General's public statements regarding gross mismanagement of our country's affairs and our public purse since the last elections.
The situation in Cayman is getting continually worse, not better, because of the UDP my beloved people. And in the meantime all we can hear about McKeeva Bush is criminal investigation after criminal investigation after criminal investigation. All these people are NOT lying and only McKeeva Bush telling thetruth, Cayman. Surely the majority of you have been blessed by God Almighty with sufficient intelligence to comprehend that.
Let us not stop with all the unimaginably disgusting events that have transpired under our current UDP administration since our last elections. Go back and read the Honorable Kurt Tibbet's statement to the Cayman public dated July 12th 2007 in regards to the PREVIOUS UDP's administrative activities. A link to the the document is provided on CNS under "McKeeva reloaded?" under the thread entitled 'Cayman's Omnishambles' in the viewpoint section of this website.
The UDP government is also repeatedly accused by the Auditor General of that time of "gross mismanagement of public funds, misuse of public funds, lack of value for money paid by government, lack of fair process, and failure to ensure that competitive tender processes were followed in the award of government contracts. Pretty much the exact same accusations of our current Auditor General. Lies? coincidence?
And now we have UK officials warning us of the exact same problems with our precious UDP gowerment and the CHEC fiasco? ALL lies and only McKeeva telling the truth? Wake up Cayman. The ONLY difference in the current UDP administration's activities over their past ones is that they are becoming ever more overwhelming and unimaginably detrimental to our country and it's people. Wake up Cayman, before it gets even more too late than it already is to wake up, Cayman.
There is no comparison between the Premier and Mr. McLean. Sharing with the public that you paid your CUC bill is a very lame point compared to the serious lies that are being told on the Premier. What is wrong with you people? Until you have evidence then all you have are pure speculations.
We take it then that your accusations of "serious lies" are also "pure speculations"?
If, and when, the lies are dealt with we should all know, 'whose hands are clean and whose heart is pure'. We are patiently waiting on that day. What a day of rejoicing that will be!!!
Time is man's best friend and sometimes his worse enemy.
You got the first sentence correct. Mr. McLean is an honorable man who showed he had nothing to hide by submitting himself to invetigation which exonerated him from any wrongdoing while Mr. Bush is stonewalling who apparently cannot explain the letter to Stan Thomas. Saying it was a real estate bill won’t do. We are entitled to draw adverse inferences about the latter behavior.
There is evidence…
That 89% that want our beloved Premier to go is only the 89% of the 120 voters that the opposition has. That is not enough to convince his die-hearted supporters.
Think about it, the majority of voters want change and a new leader. The premier and the UDP know that, this is why Bush is fighting so hard against OMOV. If the majority succeed with the referendum Bush knows he is out.
Lachlan MacTavish
How do you know what the majority of the voters want in the Cayman Islands if you think the CNS poll means anything then you are mistaken.
You like most of the people who write here have let your personal anger at McKeeva cloud your thought process.
You have no idea in the US or where ever you are what the Cayman voters want. I am in Cayman and do not know.
It is only 5% of the registered voters want the Premier to step down? Which is 1% of the total population.
Can you please tell us what percent of the registered voters it is that DON'T want him to step down?
you don't understand the concept of sample opinion polls…….have a kit -kat….
You already made that point on this thread. It was not a great point first time round.
Save the Cayman Islands.
Get rid of the dictator and his cronies.
If Bush cared about his beloved country he would do the right thing.
The Premier announced sometime last year that he went to Jamaica to check on how the Jamaican Government was handling procurement process. He stated that Jamaica had the best procurement process amongst all the caribbean countries. MikeHenry the then Minister of works and transport had to step down one week later for alleged substance over process or corruption allegations!!!
Law maker desing laws to ensure good governance. Once Government does not follow the due process there is no way to guarantee the integrity of any proposal or project.
The most corruption in government always is in the procurement process. Good governance is process over substance. Bad governance is substance over process.
Substance over process that is the UDP 100% of the way. Their hands are clean and their hearts are pure.
He shouldn't have to step down until criminally charged unless his mere presence is obstructing justice. But the people have spoken. Then in that case step aside and let the investigations run their respective courses.
More importantly, what is the one investigation they won't talk about? XXXX
Starting to shape up like Turks and Caicos which the UK knows a lil' bit about.
Not good presss for CI.
What? I have a million people investigating me in their heads! A million thinking about me! Oppppsss… so that means I better leave my job because a million people is investigating me even when I am innocent. The UK's Foreign Office has truly divide and conquored the Cayman Islands. I have never seen Cayman so divided after they started this two-party system. Cayman, we like to follow too much hearsay and allegations made without proof!
What? Is right. You write like a 5th grader.
As much as I cringe with embarassment when I hear Mr McKeeva Bush speak, apparently for and on behalf of the Cayman islands, if he steps down, who will replace him????. Your government, past and present have sold your Island down the river. This island still has a strong position in the financial world, mostly because Rich people worldwide do not want to limit tax on their income and all of your goverrnments have a policy or lining their own pockets and that of their friends and relatives instead of acting in the interests of its people, it breaks my heart. No one really pays attention to what is going on around the world and the impact recession has had on finance and the business, remember Sh@t rolls down hill. The fortunate continue to send their children off island to study instead of lobbying governent to build establishments and import expertise to build great universities and vocational establishments here. There atre only lets say approx sixty thousand people here and of the caymanian many under 40 are and will continue to be illiterate, have no access to decent healthcare and will never get anywhere really. I think this is a crime. The amount of money that flows through this island, Caymanians should have first class education up to degree level, first class healthcare, solar power, eco friendly encironment. The Private sector has to pay through the nose to be here, instead of pocketing their contributions, the government could have used the funds to build educational establishments and training programs years ago.. Now the government has sanctioned The special Economic zone and the shetty hospital at the sacrifice of the Caymanians! Don't you know that the UK wants you to remains fools and instead of playing the game and empowering yourselves, the last agreemnt signed where public spending was limited, was probably the noose around Cayman'sneck.. Now investors are waiting for the Goverment to admit they have no money and will conme in making loads of demandin in return for investment in the country and government – it is already happening. It appears that when each government gets into power they rape the country of its wealth and then hand the batton to another party to do the same. Wake up Caymanians, encourage your children to do more than earn mickey mouse cash in a bank or admin job where there is no [prospect of promotion and do a job that means something. I'm sorry but Caymanians are too submissive. The people that run this country, have no understanding of the distinction between law and politics, or worldwide economy and how it affects this island and are hurting it's inhabitants. WAKE UP!!!!
you seem to think that a certain amount of money should create a culture that you are comfortable with.
That's your problem, money has become your culture and to hell with your traditional values and considerations.
Its not in the Uk's interest to see the CI fail, but it is in their interest to see a financial hub that is clear of corruption and governed by effective and competant leaders. Stop blaming the rest of the world Cayman, that is the culture that needs to change.
Hell no we won’t go…hell no we won’t go..hell no we won’t go…….wait…what…
If McKeeva is removed! then who is the next best candidate?
What do you people that want McKeeva out think will happen if he steps down? Have any of you thought about the repurcussions? Are you thinking Ezzard is the next best or Alden? Or would you rather the FCO take over? People the answer is that McKeeva in my opinion does not like process and yes does alot out of protocol- but my fear as a born and bred educated Caymanian is- then if Mckeeva is removed then what???Please if you support the movement to remove him then think of who will take over
Once the SINGLE MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES referendum is passed you will see numerous quality candidates come forward who truly care about Cayman. Candidates who do not have party affiliations and who are willing to be held accountable. Under the current system(soon to be old system), these quality individuals had no desire to get involved in useless PARTY POLITIICS.
18:38 Please will you shut up. See which people that care about Cayman. The people who care about Cayman are FEW AND FAR APART. We do not even have any Caymanian men left. Look what power has done to them. Sometimes I dont want to own up to being a Caymanian man when I see how the others has become. No togetherness.
And there in lies your problem. The population is too small for you all to be of an educational standard to be masters of all before you. Inevitably, people will get in to positions that they are neither experienced or qualified to hold, take a look at the inept Civil Service for an example.
Y dont people look at the Turks Is;ands
Mr.Bush threaten to sue aunt sookie for comments she made about him. Why not sue the RCIP,GOVERNOR and the UK MP now.
Does that mean you are consenting to the allegations Sir?
19:58 stop showelling sh*t. because it will only get stinker, you do not know that.
Mac should go anyway – with or without three investigations (and I am sure if we looked under the carpet we'd find plenty more) – he's done enough harm already and should be removed.
I would not be surprised if the reason the investigations are taking so long is that they are finding lots of things that needs to be explored. You know check into one thing and find trails leading to other things. It is only right that the police take their time and make sure they get it right.
I feel that more will be exposed then we can imagine.
So 5% of the registered voters want the Premier to step down? 1% of the total population?
Scientific polls only need sampling of the population to be accurate.
It is called a random sampling and the CNS poll was anything but that.
What percent do you think want to keep him??
Have you noticed that as the people push to remove Mac,Dart is hurrying to get the West Bay road closed?
This is because they know that the people are not behindit and with Bush gone it might not happen. Because of this they want it done now.
We have to be careful of this I feel we need to stop this from moving forward until Mac ability to serve the people with honesty and no misuse of power is settled. As long as it is in question we must put these projects on hold.
16:15 yes go ahead and try it. I do not know why you people like problems so much. Cant you see that things are calm in West Bay now, please do not start it up again. It is Darts money, leave him to spend it.
Where is he going to go? Nobody would take him!
So does that mean that 54,000 want him to stay?
92 voted for him to stay.
Yes, they want him to stay out of the LA building, and preferrably in China.
Excellent statistics..Why didn't we save the time and use this poll for "One man One vote"
We would only have needed 850 rather than 4000.
Mac will not need to go voluntarily, I'm sure the UK Minister having announced that the premier is under investigation should indeed signal to all of us that the UK is involved in the investigation and perhaps this investigation is bigger, deeper and wider, perhaps they are digging deep as they seem to be hitting quick sand each time. So they want to make sure that by 2013 they have all they need on this politician that is obviously using the same text book as Michael Missick. The UK usually does not really use local police on these matters they would more use the services of M I 5 or Scotland Yard. This would explain why police is so mum about the details, perhaps they really are mum for a reason as they may not know enough to talk. Perhaps British MI5's or Scotland Yard would know more. At this level I would think Mr. Billingham the OT Minister would be involved, and not with local police. Its the protocol they generally use as beaureaucrats, dealing with aristocrats .
Back to Michael Missick Big Mac's friend, well as the old folks say, Birds of a feather flock together. Show me the company you keep and i'll tell you who you are.
Trust me on this one, despite the sweet words coming from the mInisters mouth, after having a nice wine and dine with the Leader the OT Minister did not hesitate to draw his sword and swipe as hard as he could at the premier by using these words " Mr. Bush is under Investigation – two police investigations are ongoing." That's from the mouth of the UK MInister and our governor and by the next day there were 3 investigations. These people mean business and he is not going to get away as we all think. The UK has allies that they have to please, not Big Mac.
If he is complaining that civil servants in the FCO office are gossiping about him then I'm sure he's not talking about our RCIP, there's got to be some sort of operation ongoing pretty much in the hands of MI 5 or Scotland Yard.
I don't need a calculator to figure that one out.
Anon 14;59
Can you enlighten us, is this alledged investigation bigger than the impeachment trial of the United Strates President, Bill Clinton ? who was tried within and by his peers….. the house of repensentitive, the Senate and the Chief Justice. which presided on the case.
Did Clinton step down,during this trial..and if not, why didn't he?
And dont' give me any bull that this was America.
Clinton reportedly accepted sexual favours from a junior member of his staff. There was no issue of rape or force, as it appeared to be consensual and the women involved was reportedly infatuated with him. While disgusting behaviour for the President of the world's leading superpower, it comes nowhere close to a CRIMINAL investigation conducted by the police for alleged financial irregularies or possible abuse of power with regards to a certain importation. There really is no comparison. But if you want to draw comparisons, then look at other examples of government officials who have resigned or stepped aside while they were under investigations – Australia recently, Senators in the US, etc.
A very objective poll i'm sure
The Premier should have his travel documents seized by the courts, and wear an ankle bracelet so the police can moritor his where about. This should not be a problem since he does not work in the water sports industry. We the people of these islands are demand this now!
You want him out that bad eh! i think you need your head examined.
13:42 why dont you talk something with sence, I cannot believe you are a Caymanian, at least I hope not.
sooo I guess the 92 out of 55,000 who thought he should stay was good enough for you?
Scientific and accurate survey…proof that the majority of Caymanians agree McKeeva must go??…Come on.. is this is headlines?..rubbish!!
We are truly living in interesting times and one has to wonder what will happen to the next premier. However, leadership is not about stepping down or aside every time some people or the political opposition call for it to be done, leadership is being able to stand when it seems that you should "lie down". The way to solve this issue of allegations is to "make" the police investigators do their job, not sit by for weeks or years, this is the plan of the British government to allow Cayman to "fail" if possible. They have tried that on several occassions with unfounded investigations that did nothing but hurt this country and drain the treasury, In the aftermath of hurricane Ivan, the UK government did nothing for this country to assist it to rebuild. What do they expect thinking people to believe.
Mr. Premier, do not leave office, stay the course, who will take over, Alden. People have a short memory – DART can build a school for US$25 million but government built schools need to cost CI$100 million, that's the type of leadership Alden and the PPM would give again.
Thank God, someone here really understands the situation. I totally endorse these sentiments.
Just a quick point, the "schools" built by the PPM were multi-purpose buildings not just schoold, they contain elements of Community Centres, Hurricane Shelters and Schools (3 purpose building) so please state facts!
More importantly, they will ensure that our country wull not be run by people with a fifth grade education in the future.
The UK did not help after Ivan because Mac did not ask for it. Pure and simple.
Naturally!
89% of the Cayman people are suffering and victimized under Mac.
89% of the Cayman people CANNOT be bought! Simple!
Don't be stupid!!..This is not a scientific poll. It is a poll of 850 people..Who they are we don't know..When does 850 people become 89% of all Caymanians or of the 55.000 people living here?
This is the reason people think we Caymanians are so stupid and naive..All you have to do is hear Austin say it or read it on CNS and it's God's truth straight from the Bible.
Utter stupidity at its best!
You can have a scientific poll of less than 850 persons. That’s not the issue.
When I was a child I used to hear the old folks say that England did nothing for the Cayman Islands. To tell you the truth the way I heard them spoke made me have no likness for the English people. Nowbecause Cayman has money they want to come and take over and suppress the people. I do not know what part of it they do not understand that we do not like how they talk. Let them try and move McKeeva Bush and see the problem they will have here. Believe it or believe it not. The English does not have one drop of respect for the people of this Island. We are not South African Slaves and we are not going to bow. But let them continue, they will all want to leave here if they do not change their thinking about the people here. Enough is enough. And Ezzard, Arden, Alden and the rest of you all cannot see this until it istoo late. Lear to stick to your own people for Gods sake.
Gosh, it's best not to say anything than to say something and prove that you're simple-minded. No wonder Bush is in power. P.S. Nowadays Cayman has NO money – the money belongs to the foreigners…and a few Caymanians.
What old folks? I never heard any say anything like that. My father and mother are elderly and have many elderly friends. Those are the same people that wentto sea and went to war to keep us all free. The only ones talking are the ones who haven't done anything for any country. They just expect government to take care of them.
02:10 You must be 10 years old that you have not heard that, because I have hear the same thing that the only way Cayman got any food and furniture and all other things it was from the Jamaican Government. It does not matter how mush Cayman will try to deny it.
Jamaica was the place taking care of Cayman, even the Governor Bodden was sent from there to Cayman, even the slaves came from there. So to tell you the truth Caymanians are all made up from Jamaican slaves and English man. From them times, you see what they did, breed off all the slave girls. So what is really happening now can someone truly say. They put an Englishman head of everything here. Caymanian Men are you too blind to see this.
Signed, your onerable premier at your service and of course in your bes intres always.
Are you completely delusional? That is the most obvious Caymanian 'head in the sand' comment I've seen for years. The British don't want Cayman to fail, why, for what purpose? Despite your over inflated opinion of Cayman's status in the world, London is the financial centre that counts and generates the wealth and experience that we all rely on.
As for Ivan, the CI Government deliberately kept the scale of the disaster from the world press and declined assistance from the Royal Navy ships off shore. Your leaders have destroyed this island and are continuing to do so, wake up and deal with it instead of making ridiculous claims and blaming everyone else for your own demise.
What you have identified as leadership is in reality arrogance. It is putting self before country with the attitude that if I will go down I will take the country with me. It is not to be applauded. And you are not helping him by trying to distract attention with the familiar chorus about expensive schools when we are looking at matters that may possibly constitute very serious corruption which far outweigh the PPM's spending spree. It is understandable that those who are entangled with him will not want him to step down as then their own heads may roll. But the people are not stupid.
Historians will not deal kindly with Mr. Bush.
The overseas press and the British warship help were deliberately kept out by your local government, simply to avoid news going overseas that Cayman was looking like an atomic bomb had fallen on it. Apparently this was to avoid giving the world the impression that Cayman had suffered a blow that it would never recover from, apparently to reassure the financial and tourism interests. So before you spout nonsense, go check your facts, okay bobo? Ignorance does not become you.
Ask the UDP to give facts and figures on the costs of the schools, including their change orders and you will know who is to blame. Remember their hands are clean and their hearts are pure.
Surely a percentage of people that high cannot all be wrong!
Only if they are West Bay woters.
The odds that CNS posters would vote ‘yes’ on this poll… Is about the same as polling a White mississippian if they would vote republican in the USA election.
850 responded out of how many thousand voters? and even those who cannot vote?
I agree a the percentage of person who voted on CNS seem high and one would be lead to believe that the entire country is asking for the Premier to step down but also bear in mind that the amount of persons voting on this blog is a very small segment of the voting population and the country on a whole.
That in itself proves nothing about what the rest of the voters may feel or think. It is anyone's speculation whether they are for or against. Time will tell, when the referendum and elections roll around and the voters give a resounding answer. In the meantime, the ruling government would be wise to tread carefully now and put country above party, because their words and actions are being recorded and the voting public are not fools ( the majority of them, anyway). Most people know what is going on and want better for their country.
I do not doubt the statistics being quoted here, as in all fairness, the majority of the community was pushing for the Premier to step down in the initial hours and days of the investigations being announced.
However, after the dust settled and people had a chance to properly consider the facts of the situation many viewed it in a different light.
The Premier has not been charged with any crime. The Premier has not been contacted or notified of any investigation or forthcoming police investigation against him.
Therefore, what we are actually looking at are investigations (allegedly) being carried out by powers outside the country into matters concerning the Premier. It is basicaly akin to some entity of a foreign (British) persuasion merely saying; "In our opinion, we believe the elected Premier of the Cayman Islands is a bad guy." – and the entire island is expected to bow heads and immediately throw said Premier to the wolves!
Anyone with any proper knowledge of the past actions of the FCO, UK, and to some extent the RCIPS ought to know how foolish a reaction that would be.
This is not about "McKeeva Bush" at this point – this is about the office of Premier of the Cayman Islands. If we are so willing to cast away the holder of that title on such an idle and untrustworthy whim – then that would not say much about our self-respect as a nation / democracy.
At the end of the day the powers that are behind these "investigations" have proven themselves to be callous and heartless entities in the past – especially in relation to overseas territories and its citizens.
Therefore, I for one refuse to rely on their mere finger-pointing as a valid reason to ask a democratically elected individual within my country to be removed from office.
I respect my country, my people and myself too much to do such a thing.
Put up or shut up.
– Whodatis
Well reasoned comment Whodatis, the problem is the Pemier taints his own picture remakably well without outside influence as witnessed during his Govt Information rallies and various other self intitiated calamities.
I agree unless he's been informed of the various investigations against him his direction is difficult to navigate. The other "powers that be" bringing such probes to light need to hurriedly show substantial reasoning/evidence to bring encouragement to the population rather than accelerate the demise through at the moment perceived deconstructive wrangling. If alowed to carry on much longer, the outside influence could well be considered hindering rather than acting on the current situation.
If a teacher is accused of sexual abuse of a student, should he step down? after all he is innocent until proven guilty.
Would you trust him with your children unsupervised while an investigation is carried out?
Your posts have a consistent theme that the Uk is a colonialist government and inherently untrustworthy. However, lets assume you are right and that there is some conspiracy to undrmine the Premier – how do you explain the Stan Thomas matter, particularly given the Premier does not deny writing that letter and has not provided any explanation whatsoever as to its basis. Its hardly "mere finger pointing" surely. Should people not be concerned about it because you feel it somehow furthers the UKs supposed hidden agenda? And does the Premier have to wait until he is offically contacted before dealing with the public accusation ? Mr McLean certainly did not.
Why should anyone have to explain the Stan Thomas letter if after 2 years the police still can’t explain it? Unfortunately, just staring at it (and hoping that it will) won’t let it rise to the level of criminality.
Using your line of thinking, why would anyone NOT WANT TO explain the Stan Thomas letter in order to clear his name and remove all doubt? Can't answer that one, huh, die-hard UDP head-in-the-ground cool-aid-drinking supporter?
The explanation is obvious to all but the most partisan UDP supporter or the completely dimwitted. That is why there is an investigation in the first place.
Wodatis, I have carefully read your comments, and I must boldly say IT IS THE ONLY COMMENT I SEETHAT MAKES SENCE. I hope every Caymanian read your comment over and over again, I also hope Ezzard, Alden, Arden and all the other read your comment, because what you are satying make all the sense in the world. It is the absolute truth, and I wish I could find something to add, but you have said it all. CAYMANIANS BE CAREFUL, BE VERY CAREFUL. The British does not care anything about Cayman and you are all going to slaughter with them. PPM be careful, slow it down now and rething what these peoplewho have never done one thing for us. Ask your grand father and grandmother how they used to die for food if it was not for Jamaica. Ask them
Whodatis,
I also must comnend you on such a great written piece of explanation.
Yes, our Caymanians need to know that these intities with such idle and untrustworthy whim…. sole intentions are to dismantle the Premiere's office, then take over, and rule, then you know what comes next.
I think both of you are suffering from paranoia and delusions, imputing wrong agendas to those who are only trying to ensure good governance. No one forced anyone to fax an alleged letter from an alleged government office, no one forced anyone to be allegedly involved "periphally" in an alleged importation, and any attempt on your part to try and paint this with the usual "colonial rule" brush, is simply distracting from the real issues at hand, which are namely, good governance and corrupt-free governments. That is the real issue at hand here, and if you really meant your country any good, you would be demandingthat the highest office in this country (next to the Governor), be treated with respect, dignity and that leadership be handed over to the deputy or another individual selected by the ruling party, until the investigations are fully completed. The process could be quite painless if members of the ruling party would simply elect a new leader and do it themselves, and the rest of the world would respect Cayman for protecting the highest office in government. Their refusal to do so means at some point, the UK might have to step it and dismantle the entire government themselves, if the local people at the helm refuse to act. Do you want another Turks and Caicos happening here? That is all the opposition and independent mlas are trying to prevent. Perception is 99% reality and imagine how it looks to the international community and businesses or investors who might be thinking of investing here, when the leader is under 3 investigations and refuses to step aside gracefully? But you guys seemed to have missed the whole point. Maybe you should try reading all the news reports again, and you will finally getit, what this is truly about. It is not about colonial masters enforcing their power on us, it is about GOOD GOVERNANCE.
DRIVEL IN SPADES !,
I have always enjoyed your comments and found them to be reasonable, but for the first time, I have to tell you, I disagree with you wholeheartedly. You are allowing that chip on your shoulder about colonial rule to cloud your thinking. This has nothing to do with so-called colonial intent to ruin this country or its people, in fact, rather the opposite. If you had the headmaster of a school reported to be under 3 sepate investigations for 3 separate incidents (of alleged abuse or improper behaviour or misuse of school money etc) , it does not matter whether or not the charges are yet to be proven or whether or not the police have yet publicly revealed the nature of the investigations. Such things are often kept under wraps for fear that evidence might get destroyed. For the reputation of the school, the headmaster should voluntarily and willingly step aside and allow the investigations to be concluded without using his authority or influence to impede it in anyway, and if he has nothing to hide, then he should cooperate and provide information to allow his name to be cleared in a speedy manner. No one is saying the leader of the country is guilty, but think of the reputational damage it is doing to Cayman when a government official is allowed to continue holding office while investigations are underway. It sends the wrong signal to the rest of the world and international business community that we do business with, that we as a people are not serious about ensuring that our government officials respect the high office they are entrusted with, or the reputation of the country and its people's best interests. Those things must be protected at all costs. That is more important than any other considerations, and has nothing to do with any hidden agendas.
I respect your views but see things a bit differently.
I look at the track record of the Premier, with his modis operendi of continuilly ignoring the processes of tendering and procurement, exercising undue influence in situations such as Randy Merren finds himself, and then along with the 3 mentioned investigations; I believe it is valid for the electorate, UK, and other interested parties to ask him to step aside until his name is cleared or until he is charged. I stress the step aside, not step down, until charges and convictions occur.
I would expect is that the Constitution would have provisions to handle such situations and it would seem realistic that the Deputy Premier would be assigned the role of interim Premier while the investigations are completed. This would ensure that democracy is still followed as the deputy Premier was elected and appointed and should fill in when such a situation occurs. I do not know one way or the other whether this exists or not. I am not going to debate whether or not the deputy is 'capable' of stepping in, that is a matter for the UDP to live with because they have chosen the organizational structure they have. I maintain there should be a clear process to follow when a Premier (or MLA for that matter- Arden included) is being formally investigated.
I would respect my country and its people more if this type of process was in place and followed. Regardless of what has transpired historically or in other countries, I think it is an opportunity for Cayman to "do better" in how these situations are handled.
On another note, because egotistical, sociopaths, and narcissists tend to be attracted to positions of political power throughout the world, policy and constitutions need to be written in such a way that clearly defend the countries and their people against the actions of these power hungry leaders.
My two cents for what they are worth.
The quicker the better!
Mr. Bush got to stop this blame game and go to the Police and ask them for details of the investigations…That is, if he is innocent. Going all over the place blaming everyone is not the right way to do things. You clear your name by cooperating with the investigators.
Well at least we have 92 UDP supporters that can read and write.
Or 2 that can read and write and 90 that can push the buttons they are told to push.
Really!!!! You've only confirmed how ignorant you are my making such a statement.
I agree with you. It's my belief that some people must have voted more than once.
and that does not include Caymanians living and working abroad.
According to today's Compass headlines, it is not only the PPM and Ezzard "trying to ruin" our beloved premier. Now it's also the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office as well as 89 percent of Cayman's voting public scrambling for a chance at warming his highly esteemed seat. All those buggers must be finally starting to get some idea of just exactly how really, really very well that position pays, sir.
Who cares about what the job really really pays!!! – couldn't care less – There are actions that needs to be addressed in one way or another.
And 11% have no idea what they're saying.
I recall that he claimed the crime wave gang-shootings was also a conspiracy to make HIM look bad – so his crime strategy response was holding prayer meetings.
Smh.
Idiot. Incompetent. Premier of Cayman.
McKeeva Bush only a sympton, he is not the real problem. Arrogant, self serving leaders that think they're above the law are inevitable because there is no accountability here. RCIPS are asleep at their desks, the anti-corruption commission are nowhere to be seen, no-one prepares accounts to show whose pockets the money goes into, nothing is made public and any investigation takes years and years and produces only smokescreens. Even if we get rid of Bsuh, we'll get another one the same until the underlying problem is solved.
Finally! Someone who see's the big picture. Cayman and Caymankind can't be separated only tolerated. Better changes will only come with better education. Not gonna happen with current uneducated leadership in charge.
fair poll..obviously unscientific…but accurtaly refelects the frustration of the residents of cayman….
this is what 3 years of incomptence gets you…..
20 years of incompetence by the Police and FCO more like. They are acting like they just found out there is gambling in casinos!
Incompetence = Stupidity.
Our fearless leader has gone off the deep end and our higher powers are not coming forward to protect us from this unstable politcal force. If we had church leaders that are not tainted, you know from taking so called Nation Building Funds, they could go to his Crazyness and tell him that he is frightening the population and he needs to step aside for the good of the country or he will through the country into a panic. But he has tainted everything and almost everybody.
soooo 850 people out of 55,0000 is good stats?
10:09 you are another one, who do not understand that all of these votes and blogs are not Caymanians. What is wrong with you people. If McKeeva stands down, you all are going to wish he did not. MARK MY WORD, you think you have a bad leader now, ok, just you wait and see. PPM will make you all want to leave your statuses, and residents and want to escape to HELL. Just wait.
Reduce the 55,000 residents by deducting the the foreigners, children, prisoners and indigents,the frail and elderly, those who do not possess computers,those who did not vote,…..that makes it a good proportion I'd say of the Island's voters list.
yes it is …thats a very high percentage for an opinion poll……
It's called a sample.
It's certainly better than 92 out of 55,000.
It is a poll Eugene, look at the percentage I am sure it represents a fair cross-section of the population. You know what just go back to sleep we will wake you up when its all over.
Geez man!!!!
…………………….
gud math rolly
I'm not sure about the "55,0000" people, but the 11 percent who seem to be feeble-minded is scary!
I am sure the Premier is sorry he gave those Foreign people status. Should have give it all to the Jamaican and Hondurans and Columbians. Because those same persons who he gave is not Biting his ass because they cannot get their employees and family status not.
lol… so true
Don't be stupid. No opinion poll (or referendum or general election for that matter) surveys every man, woman and child living in a country. It is always a sample. I think CNS will be the first to acknowledge that their poll is not scientific, particularly as there are fewer UDP supporters as to opposed to PPM and Independent supporters on here. The poll on News 27, where there is relatively large support for the UDP, shows 65% believe he should step down. The Compass – which is a big fan of the Premier and the UDP – does not have the stomach to conduct such a poll although it routinely polls much more mundane issues like in which country do residents prefer to take their holidays and bases editorials on them.
On balance we therefore have a broad indication of popular sentiment – the large majority of the public think Mr. Bush should step down as premier until this investigation is concluded.