Governor denies conspiracy
(CNS): The Cayman Islands’ governor has said he is disappointed that relations between him and the premier have broken down and denied the conspiracy theories thrown around by McKeeva Bush. Duncan Taylor also revealed Friday in a televised interview that the UK minister had made it clear to Bush that the FCO was not trying to undermine the Cayman Islands but that it was merely concerned about good governance. The governor said the constitution did not require the premier to step down from office while under police investigation but added that it was a matter for the premier himself to decide.
Speaking to Cayman27 following his return from a conference in London, Taylor denied any conspiracy at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and said he was saddened by the state of affairs as there was no foundation in the premier’s suggestions.
Two weeks ago Bush issued a statement accusing the governor of “stealthily and insidiously” undermining his efforts to get the Cayman economy off the ground. The premier had also previously suggested that the three police probes into him regarding the Stan Thomas land deal, his role in the illegal importation of dynamite and an as yet undisclosed further financial irregularity were nothing more than a UK conspiracy to get him out of office and undermine Cayman.
Taylor said there was however no truth to the premier’s accusations.
“The minister for overseas territories, Henry Bellingham, has also told the premier that there is no truth whatsoever in those allegations,” he said. Taylor added he had also told the premier he had made no judgements about him regarding the investigations.
“There are no charges yet but I have also told him that if serious allegations are made I expect the commissioner of police to carry out that investigation properly and thoroughly,” he said. Taylor said neither he nor the FCO took a view about the need for the premier to step aside as it was not a constitutional requirement but a matter for him.
Taylor said he did not think the situation in Cayman was considered by the FCO to have reached an impasse or a level of seriousness to cause real concern but there were difficulties that had to be worked through.
The governor also denied that his office had tried to stop the progress of the Dr Devi Shetty health city project and said he was supportive of that potential development.
“I made it clear from the outset that this is a project with tremendous potential for the Cayman Islands,” he said. Taylor believed Bush’s allegations about him not supporting it came from the fact that Taylor had recommended that government carry out a proper independent impact assessment on the proposal before agreeing to go ahead. The governor said this was not a matter of bureaucratic harassment but good governance.
“Having good governance in place and following and practicing that good governance is actually an essential underpinning for a successful economy … In the long term, if you don’t have good governance in place then the economy is under threat,” Taylor said.
Speaking about the proposed cruise port development project in George Town, however, Taylor implied that the UK did have concerns about that particular project and to get the FCO’s support things would have to change.
Although Bush has said he intends to go ahead with the deal with the Chinese and that the port will not need to be re-tendered, Taylor made it clear that, as things were, this was not a deal which had the backing of the UK. “To get that support the project would need to be put back in line with minimum international best practice standards," he added.
See Cayman 27 video here
Category: Politics
He's got some nerve, coming here and contradicting our beloved brother Mac. Doesn't he understand he's on our brother Mac's turf? Doesn't he understand our beloved brother Mac's hands are clean and his heart is pure? Doesn't he understand he shouldn't be giving our poor brother Mac so much b-brurocratic harrassment? A hope he trip up n pop he mout.
"Governor Denies Conspiracy" Got it! He is in a state of "denial" because he do what he is told to do from the top. He doesn't have a mind of his own! The Premier on the other hand is using "conspiracy" for his own ulterior motive. Sick of these overlords that rule over us and claim they are for our best interest!
Of course there is a conspiracy. Just this week they stole all of McKeeva's pens, oops pencils, or was it crayons?, that he was using to prepare the budget that the FCO has to approve by the end of this month.
All we ask for is honest government. Dishonest government acts as a tax on the people and a drag on our businesses. It damages the environment and corrupts society. That should be a heavy burden for anyone with a conscience.
Good governance, ethics, and rule of law are all conspiracies according to the Premier.
Go gov! Keep our Premier in check.
Thank you Governor Taylor for your diplomacy and for following internationally accepted protocols in your reactions to matters taking place in these beloved Islands. Whilst we may have the Premier that we do I trust that you have been able to assess that a great many Caymanians are much more dignified and well mannered, and that we fully support you as our Governor.
We should really ask ourselves, what are we paying these Politicians to do on a daily basis? I remember three years ago we were not happy with PPM and voted UDP in, now we are saying get UDP out and put PPM back in?? Let's face it, the opposition of any time will never support that of any acting government because they feel if they lend this support it goes against them getting elected at the next elections. This is my opinion on the two parties of the day PPM= Will dwell and pay millions in advise before they do something (Except for building schools and roads) and UDP= Will do what has to be done at whatever cost without having to pay the millions. I only pray that the day will come (I hope very soon) that all of the elected members will get off their back side and get us out of this mess that we are in, each one should show us the people what they have done or trying to do to help this Country and stop the kindergarden mockery everyday on these talk shows, enough is enough! At the next elections my vote will go for the person/s that has this Country's best interest at heart and that is fighting to make a difference not concentrating on what the other is doing or not doing. God help us all if this continues…
Both governments are our worse enemy. Whilst the local government increases fees, promotes austere measures, and helps a business enterprise to become a monopoly in the Cayman Islands, the other one through the FCO and her Governors, sets deadlines on us to balance the budget. They micromanages the local government whenever interest is threatened. Both systems take away from the people like a leech or parasite from a person’s body in order to support their opposing manners of governance. Both systems are responsible for getting in the way of Cayman's way of business that brought us success and economic prosperity. And that way of business was based off of government’s non-involvement and interference with the private sector. They refuse to allow this country to grow whilst engaging in war over words on who has power over whom – an embarrassment I say to the professional business community.
Can someone tell me why the Premier is spending so much time in Honduras of late? Maybe a big business deal coming our way? That will sing the FCO conspiracy!
The talk now is that Honduras will become a good supplier of natural produce, which will help to lower cost. I think it is good idea, seeing we are paying so much on produce as far away as Canada.
He is after a Cook
Maybe they have ATMs with high limits in Honduras.
Did you ask the barefoot man?
The only C O Nspiracy i see is the latest round of secret meetings at secret locations by the UDP politburo trying to keep their Gov/Dart gravy train flowing and preaching hate for the UK/FCO and the ever Loyal PPM with their nanny state committee' meetings pulling down the old time gospel hour to convert political converts by preaching impending doom if the premier sins are not expunged by the electorate. Tell you what the removal of all these clowns and their entire government support system of clones, now that's a conspiracy i would like to see the Crown put in place hell i would even consider participating in such action. But alas too many people directly and indirectly benefiting from the high level of corruption and chaos taking place here. Plus that would just make too much logical sense now wouldn't it?
It seems like you are blinded by politricks. I suspect you must be sided with the Opposition. FYI McKeeva Bush is not the only one who has made C O N SPIRA/CY statements. During the Operation Tempura finances debate, your Ezzard Miller said and I quote, "One is hard pressed to not believe that there is the remotest possibility that our colonial masters are trying very desperately to shut this country down." And even Arden Mclean, PPM member said and I quote, "Madam Speaker, it is my opinion that every one of them is on some ulterior motive to take my country down. I will not allow them to do that! Not as long as I can stand on my two feet. I will not, if that is there objective!" See for yourself the Hansard record 2009/2010, page 245, 22/10/2009. So it seems all of a sudden that the UDP members are the only ones drinking the CONSPIRACY coolaid, but sorry, HISTORY speaks otherwise.
Sounds like Ezzard. I wonder if people knew one time that he and some others wanted Cayman to go Indepedence. Yup true really true. Ezzard was an advocate for Independence.
Still is I think.
well if he sees them as "colonial masters" that speaks alot. i think he is enlightened, because in a way, you are under colonial masters
The difference though, is that the current politician crying conspiracy theories, is under 3 POLICE INVESTIGATIONS, unlike the 2 other politicians you mentioned before who were simply concerned about the perceived effects and costs of Tempura on the country and what was in the country's best interests at the time. This new cry of conspiracy has to be taken into context based on current circumstances – it seems to be a ploy to distract attention from the serious investigations at hand, instead of taking into consideration what is best for this country. There is a big difference, my friend, between the two contexts. One must always engage the brain cells into gear before one speaks – it would do a world of good.
lol…..
you know the PPM'rs and those who love Ezzard are thumbing you down now 🙂
Yes Mr Bush, but when they were speaking of this, I think they were referring to the failed Operation Tempura, rather than speaking of the regular public exercising their freedom of speech and the UK finally doing what it is supposed to do and keeping a firmer grip on its territories.
Yes – Go UK!
Stop the Cayman Islands from being able to develop its Cruise Facilities.
We need the business over here.
Roatan, Honduras
It was so nice to see a calm and intelligent man speaking. It was also impressive to see you did not require a speech writer to advise you what to say.
Thank you Governor Taylor for continuing to take the high road and leading with an example of what public behavior should look like.
Spoken like a true statesman.
Or permission from London Counsel / QC
When Britain the world's kleptocrat talks of good governance, then the Sapranos will be giving a good lecture on law and order. Yes they only preach it when it numbs their prey to easy capture.
Yes, and Great Britian once ruled the World …
We (Cayman) can’t even control crime on an island of just 102sq.miles.
GCM is 76 sq. miles.
Capture, for what? Don't over state the importance of this little rock, there are plenty of other offshore banking centres that can take it's place. The TCI for instance.
On an island of kleptomaniacs who are only too ready to steal and cheat from their own people, they could do no worse than to pay attention and learn from the mother of all parliaments.
ah-ha!………..the premier is finding it very difficult to "hypmotise" this governor to doing things his way and in line with his methods hence the 'name calling in the game of marbles'
“Having good governance in place and following and practicing that good governance is actually an essential underpinning for a successful economy … In the long term, if you don’t have good governance in place then the economy is under threat,” Taylor said.
And in other news… Taylor still has done nothing of substance since coming to Cayman.
Thanks Dunks
While Bush has done(spent) soooooo very much. On you?
Hmmm… remember my people, the Governor is "appointed" and not elected, and when you are appointed, you are answerable to those who have the power to remove you. So of course he will say, "it wasn't us." The Foreign and Commonwealth sector is a devious organisation with close ties to the intelligence community. UK interest extends far beyond looking out to our interest to those pulling the strings of puppets. If this Governor is sincere in his opinion, opposing the conspiracy that is up against him, bear in mind that he is sincere only from the level which he knows. You trust the Foreign and Commonwealth sector at your own peril and if you want to act like a sheep, and get "caught up" with the UDP/Opposition rhetoric whilst this countries economy sink, expect to be misled and severely dissappointed. I certainly am not a Caymanian that will be fooled by any thing that comes out ofthe mouth of a politician. I follow my own mind, my own perculiar needs, and my own evaluation based off reason. I don't care which party, member, group, or person to support, I don't pick sides, and I definitely am not a "UK mother's child"! I am independent and guess what? No party, person, or power can take independence from me. So long I get the support to support ME, we get along. I have no time to conclude who is right from who is wrong, It is all about putting food on my family's table, and my freedom to be successful in whatever I do. Cayman, it is time we speak out and let our politicians know what we need and what we want! We do not want a house divided against itself, because the day that happens, the house will fall, and intelligent people will leave to get a better life. Don't you think for one moment that intelligent people who are innovators and business-minded will put up with the dirty politics.
you are answerable to those who have the power to remove you
So why it's Bish answerable to the people who put him into power? he seems to fight the release of information, not follow ggod goernance proceedures put in place by the people.
He na know he anserable.
I have met this Governor on more than one occasion, He mingles with the vendors at "Market at the Grounds" on Saturday mornings. Also routinely in attendance is the Leader of the Opposition, again chatting with whoever comes by.
This contrasts with the Premier, who even when only LGB needed a bodyguard wherever he went. Caymanians are not "bad minded" people. So why is our Premier so afraid of his own people?
Of all the big wigs in this country, who are the ones with bodyguards?
Are the bodyguards for the person or the position?
When they are kicked out of politics, will they still require bdyguards?
Don't stress yourself over it Mr. Governor, the Premier is just trying to detract attention away from himself by casting aspersions with regards to the motives of others and throwing up red herrings. We know what you stand for, Mr. Governor, and that is good governance in these islands, nothing more, nothing less. Keep up the good work Sir. I believe the majority of people are supportive and stand behind you as we all want a better country with a stable economy based on a stable business environment that is underpinned by sound good governance regulations and laws that will be adhered to, instead of being bypassed for the sake of political expediency.
I couldn't have said it better!
This I fear is a situation where the Governor should have avoided being drawn into a public dialogue with a man who is only too happy to respond, through the media, with his interpretation of what his opponent of the moment has said – a process which can go on for ever. A more appropriate response might have been ” I regret that presently I and the Premier seem to have seriously differing viewpoints on a number of issues, which, nevertheless, hopefully can ultimately be resolved. Meanwhile, I consider that his recent public comments have no merit. “.
The philosophy of the famous car mogul Lee Iacocca – ” Never apologize, never explain ” did not leave much room for negotiation and might not be the ideal approach in the present circumstances, so perhaps diplomacy is needed to resolve this political/gubernatorial stand off, BUT, based on the historical definition
that Diplomacy is the ability to keep on saying – ” nice doggy ” until you can find a rock, or a big stick.
And that's why you're not His Excellency the Governor.
Typical rabble rousing political diversion tactics from a despot who can't get his way.
Can our Premier honestly expect any thinking citizen to accept that the British government through HE the Governor want to destroy Cayman..?
Thank you Mr. Taylor for your dignified stand for control over our leader's rampant abuse of due process. The same best business practice agreement which he , as you pointed out agreed to and signed.
One would reasonably suspect that there is some reason which dares not speak it's name, behind this insistence that Chec be awarded this contract. Sure as hell the cost or any other rational examination of the consequences of doing this deal simply don't make any sesse.
Please Sir, don't allow us to be swallowed up for generations by one man's greed.
As you say there is a reason why he is supporting CHEC deal and it obviously is not a reason that the Premier feels would be supported by tendering process. Why was GLF cancelled soon after a trip by the Premier to Italy? XXXX
Because there were no ATM machines in Italian casinos?
When is enough and enough? How long will people sit and listen to this foolishness from the Premier? When is anyone going to step in to put an end to this?
Throwing Ellio under the Chinese Juggernaut was a cruel thing to do. They will get their casino.
No one admits to a conspiracy; Duh!
…especially if there isn't one.
It is such a breath of fresh Caribbean breeze to read a proper press release from The Governor, thank-you. Bush is thrashing around trying anything to remain in power. Mess with the referendum, conspiracy theories, everyone afta me.
Caymanians, voters, residents please fight for OMOV so we can take back our country from one man's control. IMHO if we do not do this then eventually the UK will step in and that will cause us more damage internationally. Let us do it ourselves, time to act, new Government new representaion.
Lachlan MacTavish
People should stop picking on Mr. Bush.
He is the best leader Cayman has ever had, and the loud mouths keep trying to tear him down.
Let Mr. Bush fix the country and stop building walls preventing him from doing so. MONSTERS!
Speaking of building walls, have you been past your beloved Mr. Bush's residence lately?
Dumpy, you shouldn't publish your comments. The men in the white jackets will be coming after you.
The only person conspiring against the Premier is himself.
I used to think that this was a Governor who was too quiet and too passive, but I now understand that he has had probably the most difficult tenure of all the Governors, and his apparent inactivity was probably due to his having to sort out the most incredibly difficult problems and having to deal with the paranoia of our "dictator"…. no easy task and it probably took hours and hours of very discrete work. With these few words in this article, I have now begun to understand the immensity of the job the Governor has to do and I wish him the best of luck and SUCCESS in convincing Mr. Bush to do what is best for the Cayman Islands and NOT for himself.
It is possible these investigations are being held as a trump card to be used by the UK in self-interested negotiations with our Premier. However, I truly believe the Governor merely wants to ensure that they have a solid case in the shadow of the settlements stemming from the Op Tempura debaucle. While the Premier is unwilling to sue for an apparent breach of a real estate contract, I have no doubt he wouldn't hesitate to sue these islands at the expense of the Caymanian people for insufficiently supported charges. I think the Govenor also is aware of the potential devastation such a headline would have on our economy. I would much rather see a "Former Premier" than "Current Premier" convicted. Ideally we could curtail the Premier's ability to circumvent the standard process for apparent personal gain however it appears we can only do that with the support of his loyal and equally culpable party members. In my opinion the whole UDP and their supporters have brought this country to the precipice of economic devastation.
How interesting: "Taylor said that he did not think the situation in Cayman was considered by the FCO to have reached an impasse or level of seriousness to have caused real concerns…."
I find it hard to believe that allegations of corruption have not caused real concerns! Why is that? If there were similar allegations about the Prime Minister of England, the British wouldbe all over that, with calls for his stepping down and facing possible criminal charges.
Why are we being held to such a low standard that it has not "caused real concerns"?
Unbelievable.
I suppose that the FCO's perception is that we are just another corrupt Caribbean country! This is not part of our heritage. If some have become greedy and corrupt, then it needs to be rooted out — before it become an entrenched part of our values as a country — and part of our heritage for the future generations. Is this what we want to pass on to our grand children? Well, if we don't stand up and be counted, then that is what we will do.
Caymanians have marched for less than this! March and demand that this protracted investigation — which must have evidence or it would have been dismissed by this — come to a head.
I don't know what the Governor is talking about — if it is not an impasse then what is holding things up? And if a serious corruption allegation does not cause concerns, what will? Heaven help us!
“The governor added that it was not a matter of bureaucratic harassment but good governance.” Actually, bureaucratic harassment is Cayman’s way of slowing down economic growth during a robust economy. Other countries use taxes as an incentive (by reducing fed rate) or as a disincentive (by increasing the rate). Cayman being a relatively non tax jurisdiction uses additional government requirements to slow growth, now that we are in a recession, and have been for years, it is necessary to expedite these approvals while maintain transparency. Everything can be approved pending the necessary requirements that should be printed as a check list rather than a hidden agenda.
Expediting our financing with Cohen sure didn't work out very well for most of the people of Cayman. i understand our Premier has admitted he is not a finance expertbut nor is he an engineer. Perhaps he should limit his input to government building grounds maintenance.