Rushed budget expected
(CNS): The clock is ticking on government over the 2012/13 budget, which must be presented to the Legislative Assembly, debated and examined in Finance Committee and passed into law, all before the end of this month. However, opposition members of the LA say they are expecting yet another eleventh hour presentation by the premier as there has been no indication of when the country’s parliament is going to meet again. Since the UDP administration changed the law which governs how budgets are presented, it has waited until the last minute to present its annual spending plans, forcing the people’s representatives to rush through the scrutiny of the critical document.
Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin said that once again the legislators would be forced to sit through a marathon session, calling civil servant witnesses to account for government’s annual spending plans in the early hours of the morning, which was an unacceptable way for government to present the most important bill of the year, he said.
This will be the last budget presented by the current UDP administration before the election. Despite the eleventh hour approaching, there has been very little indication of government’s intentions over how it will balance the books in an election year.
McLaughlin said he was aware that government would be facing a significant deficit from the close of this financial year, which it would need to tackle, but he was unaware of what cuts and new fees government would be proposing, if any. Concerned over the last minute meeting, which is unlikely to be called before the 15 June, the opposition leader said that, once again, the country could expect a rushed budget debate.
“This is completely unnecessary but down to government incompetence. Why is it that it has to be so late?” he asked as he pointed to the limited time Finance Committee would now have to closely examine how and why public money was being allocated.
Previously, the Public Management and Finance Law had required governments to deliver their financial plans for the coming year by the end of April. The law was changed by this administration, however, removing that requirement and enabling government to leave the presentation of the budget until the last minute, bound only by its need to have the legal authority to spend money on 1 July.
Ezzard Miller, the independent member for North Side, said he believed that the decision to bring another last minute budget is a deliberate move to curtail the scrutiny. He said that he was concerned that once again members and civil servants called to account would be doing so in the early morning hours, undermining the quality of deliberation.
“I am very concerned,” said the North Side member. “Once again there will be no room for discussion about the budget. I believe it is a deliberate move to shorten the public discourse on how government is managing public spending and the collection of revenue.”
Miller noted that there was unlikely to be a surplus for this financial year end and that could be one of the reasons why the premier was delaying his final budget, since the administration had promised to have balanced the books by this point. “He clearly is trying to avoid the intense scrutiny which should be made of any budget.”
With the UK also needing to sign off on the government’s annual spending plan, Miller warned that the budget address was likely to be full of creative language and added that he wasn’t expecting the figures presented by the premier to match those in the documents.
There has been no confirmation of dates when legislatures will be meeting for the annual budget meeting but there is speculation that the premier is likely to make his budget address and throne speech on Friday 15 June, with the debate commencing on Wednesday, 19 June, just 11 days ahead of the financial year end.
Category: Politics
It makes me shake my head in amazement at the replies posted on CNS. We are living in a society of jealous crabs. It is time to stop sputtering nonsense and speak the truth. Caymanians are the most divided people I have ever seen. They hate to see anyone succeed in anything. For example if the same so called educated persons were elected tomorrow we would find something to complain about them. So please do not act as if that is what you really want. Caymanians just want to blame someone else for their failers, someone else is always the reason why they are jobless, homeless, lazy, complaining bunch or wieners. You could give them the moon and stars and they would still fine something wrong. They are all unsuccessful in their lives, but want to sit everyday and tell others what to do. They hate anyone succeeding if it is not them. They want to live in big homes, drive fancy cars, take vacations, eat out everyday, yet do not want to get off their asses and do anything. It is the government stopping them from buying a home, getting a job, making something of themselves. They know crap about their politicians, yet they spout off their mouths about all others. It is such a me, me society world we live in. They can travel to the US, UK and come back and tell you all the wonderful things they have seen, yet when an attempt is made in their country to try to improve the lives of the Caymanian people, they cry it's wrong, it's bad, it cost too much, boohoo, boohoo, nay, nay, nay. Bunch of cry babies and wieners. Complaining about everything and everyone. We cry about this government and that government. UDP distroying this country, selling out our land to the foreigners, who sold the land, who received the monies, it was surely not the government, if so we might have balanced the books by now. This politician is good, this one is bad. This one is educated, this one is not. Who cares. Who is actually doing something to help the people and the country on a whole? That is what should be the deciding facture. Not who is Mr. Nice guy and who is not. Which politicians is out there fighting for us. Who is helping you to improve your day to day lives. If you spoke the truth you would say for starters Alden, " he is a lawyer, but cannot talk worth sh–, does not have any personality, is clearly not leadership material, any does not belong in politics at all and there is Kurt, have you seen his degrees?where are they, none that i know of, same high school education as the premier, he has been in parliament for twenty plus years, but cannot tell us one thing he has done, what busineses does he own, how much land does he own, Showed he was not leadership material either. The country went belly-up under his watch and yes he is a nice guy. Arden can talk and will speak out, only absolute garble comes out, not leadership material, but is probably the best that the PPM has except for Moses K. No degrees, built resonable roads, of the PPM tried the most except for the CUC deals. He allowed them to increase our lightbills based on cost of living, so obviously he is a failed negotiator and there is Mr. Anthony, who is diffently as wonderful person, but where is his degrees, what has he done for the people. Then we have Ezzard who is a pharmisist and sure can talk, talk, talk, likes to run around and gather gossip on people, will attack anyone who is objective to his views and do not agree with him, tells 10% of the truth, loves to hear himself speak and see himself on TV, unsuccessfull at everything, comeback politician, but is he really for The Caymanian people, does he really have our best interest at heart. His actions speaks louder than words. Then their is John Seymour, cannot act on his own without Mark, speaks without any comprehension or knowledge of the issues, seems to care for his BT people. There is Mac, does not have a degree, tries hard to turn the economy around, tries to help the people, cannot hold his tong, get angry too quickly, will stand up for the Caymanuan people and the country. Rolston tries with education, but only follows Alden in finishing the schools, loves to hear himself talk, educated, but shares a lot of Alden's traites, I.e. drinking, think they are the smartest thing since slice bread, I could go on, but I will not hold delve into their personal lives, both accountable for there personal failings. They are too much alike in that aspect as well. Ellio Solomon, works hard for his people, tries to solve many of the daily woos that pleg our people, speaks well, has a degree, (I know that for a fact, we went off island to attend school at the same time), is very smart, sharp and intelligent, loves his people. Does not hesitate to address the issues, will speak out for the Caymanian people. Capt. Eugene, does not have an education to my knowledge, has lots of heart and really helps his WB people. Hard worker on the ground. Mike Adams, nice guy, no degrees, same as the premier, cannot speak, appears to be totally lost in the world of politics. Cayman when we look at the political field, please be fair on both sides, not just for what color you represent be it party or color of skin.
Caymanianian to the bone, I have read your comments, and I wish all Caymanians read it to, which include foreign Caymanians. Every word you say hit nails on the head. I would love to comment on every passage, but it is there for every one to read so I say read, and of course you will find the society of jealous crabs respond in the negative. Thats the illiterate Caymanians, they named them good when they called them a barrel of jealous crabs, because dont ever let a Caymanian know that you have bought a car, get a new job or a promotion. They will hate you for it. Now you want to have some fun. Sit back and watch the thumbs down to our comments. You are right got to shake our heads in amazament.
Don't worry, you two Caymanian boneheads. Soon those three criminal investigations will come to a head, or the UK will step in and get us out of this mess and all of us intelligent Caymanians won't have reason to be 'jealous' anymore. There is none so blind as he who will not see. McKeeva is taking this country straight through the gates of hell and there are STILL idiots out there worshipping him to the bone. I have to shake my head in "amazament".
Why don't you write using paragraphs? Its much easier on the eye and more people will actually read your post. Once I see a piece written like this I just scroll down.
Seems such a shame you don't have the confidence in your words and deeds to sign your name.
I like how you call yourself Caymanian to the bone but keep referring to Caymanians as "they".
You obviously really think highly of Ellio which does not say much for you. If you and he went to the same school and got degrees I can see you would think he is educated but your post does not really reflect an education. XXXX
While some of the criticisms are fair some just reflect your emotions and lack of understanding. In no way is it balanced. Very soft on the criticisms of the UDP while giving them a lot of praise but very harsh on Ezzard and the PPM. Definitely not "fair on both sides". Apparently the most you can muster against McKeeva is the he cannot hold his tongue and gets angry too quickly. Really? What about substantial reasons to suspect corruption? What about dictatorial tendencies that override good governance, freedom of speech, freedom of information? What about wasting public funds on the Cohen deal GLF etc through hs own arrogance? What about the failure to actually accomplish anything?
It is ridiculous to suggest that Ezzard is a total failure and does not work hard for the benefit of the people. He is a thornin the side of the UDP because he isholding them to account. You don't like that so you start to question his motives.
Arden is not well spoken but works hard for his MLA salary. You obviously do not understand that CUC does not automatically get a cost of living increase each year. In 2010 and 2011 there was no increase at all and this year the increase worked out at less than a dollar for most people.
Capt. Eugene has not achieved anything at all as an MLA. He is just a yes vote for the govt. Collecting a pay cheque is the biggest part of his job. No doubt what color you represent.
lol… a typical PPM response!
Yes, intelligent.
I wonder how Ellio is going to convince his comrades to support his motion to set aside a percentage of Immigration revenues for education? I am sure they had other plans for that money and if I have read between the lines based on what Ellio said on Friday, he does not even know if they will support his motion.
p.s. What ever happened to the "jobs to be reserved for Caymanians" ?
Keep up the good fight for the Caymanian people Mr. Solomon.
There is a new political party! And it's being formed right now. The PP… the PARTY PARTY.
The platform is as follows:
Sell the Cayman Islands.
For 30 Billion dollars.
This makes every resident a millionaire.
Then everyone heads for the beach in some other place with a million bucks to spend. They can buy villas and speedboats and just relax.
Unlike the present government we have done the numbers.
AND….there will be enough left over for a big party!!!!!
VOTE for THE PARTY PARTY.
What's new????????????????????
Surprise! And we are going to have a surplus yeah!!!
It's very simple how the budget will be balanced. The churches he gave the money to will ask God to intervene. After that the Chinese will decide to build the cruise facility for free and hand it over to the Caymanian people as a gesture of good will. And then Premier Bush will go to Vegas and win huge and donate it help with the deficit. Following that Mr. Dart will give the rest of his fortune to the needy and Stan Thomas will turn his property into a skateboard park.
You have to believe.
Mac's only chance is to give civil servants a 25% raise, double the poor person's relief, release all prisoners from jail, and make the July referendum on independence.
Make sure you hit the plus and not multiply key!
It doesnt matter how late it is people……..its a sham budget anyway. The budget is currently at $80M but they will say it is at $7M.
Awaiting UK approval to procced.
An Insider !
Give the guy a break. He is never on island so how can he do a budget. It cannot be his fault.
Mac and Budget in the same sentence only means one thing, he's travelling again and wants a mini van this time.
I assume you mean that the delicate is 80 million.
I assume you meant “the deficit”.
Trying to hide the deficit eh? Remember the big exclamation, "We will turn this economy around in 90 days!" "We will have a surplus!" It has been a LONG 90 days and still no surplus. Not even a pleasant surprize. But don't worry, May 2013 right around the corner. We're gonna retire you all for good. Goodbye UDP.
You have to forgive Mac as he is not really too good with figures, I think he forgot a "0" off 90 when he said 90 days!
But then again, he wont get the Economy turned around in 900 days either – it best he step aside!
Trips for MLAs to retail cell phone shows in Spain? Goodwill trips to explore Hong Kong? Buddt trips to Vegas? Pave roads for churches in the Brac? Free half-a-million bucks in gas to civil servants and cronies? millions given to churches to buy votes? and all this is just what was reported in the news!!! I shudder to think of the daily inefficient waste that actually goes on behind the scenes. Don't get me wrong…PPM and UDP are the same to me. Wasteful and ineffective.
I'm sorry folks, but with this kind of WASTE and in turn I see a dying downtown, no cruise ship dock (not shopping mall, a simple pier please) failing literacy rates and poor education….I AM Caymanian and have absolutley no problem with the UK taking over to balance the books and just run the place like a decent county. Let private industry practice and dictate our laws, but get rid of ALL the MLA bums.
Failing literacy rate worked just fine for the very successful people the got the jobs running this country!
Ha whats new ?? This is how we dew!!! 🙂 jus laid back right till the last minute then run around like chickens with our heads cut off looking like lil island fools in front of the world!! Im so proud to be caymanian!!! …….. NOT.!!!! 🙂
Very handsome picture
I am happy to see how the Premier looks in this picture. ABSOLUTELY NO STRESS. Nice Mohawk hair cut, No fat hanging around his face and neck, Nice glasses, pretty white teeth, staying in shape. That's our Cayman Premier, and we love him, no matter what anyone says.
Stand Tall Mr Premier.
"Mohawk haircut"? – have you checked Wayne Rooney lately? Same Thing Star!
On my way to work, I listen to the radio and the talk is consistently about how many educated Caymanians "can't get jobs." Then comes the glass ceiling because of expats and on and on it goes.
Why don't these unemployed educated Caymanians go into politics? They are educated, so at least they should be able to read a balance sheet, unlike the yahoos currently in power. There are no expats in politics to create glass ceilings. They will get paid handsomely. They will be putting their education to good use by serving their country and securing a better future for the next generation.
Yes politics can be dirty. But only because its currently filled with uneducated, unsucessful, greedy persons. Put in the right people and its about country, not self. I'm certain we have a great deal of educated / committed / hard working people who can put us back on the right path.
We already have so many educated fools! What we need is intelligent people with common-sense! I am sure a high school graduate with a bit of intelligence and knowledge would do a way better job at representing our country than most of the clowns I see thirsting for power.
So what are these people with common sense waiting for? The country to collapse? Libertarian, talk is CHEAP!
All those who wish to do something about the way this government is being run, should formulate another party with libertarian principles; principles that involves implementation of direct democracy provisions, reducing the size of government, creating public-private partnerships, strengthening our ties with those who love Cayman in the UK and the UN, lowering fees, duties, and all indirect taxes on the island, and allowing the business market to grow in order to create jobs. People who are educated and have common-sense, and who are unwilling to show favoritism to a few big names and dealers on the island over small businesses. People who are seriously not for government, for themselves, for the UK, for the money, or personal gain – but whose interest is solely the people's interest.
So Libertarian, where do we sign up?
To organize it, a website would have to be created with its own domain. I would ensure its libertarian principles conducive to these islands and our limited resources. Of course, you will need the support and support from individuals who are poltically talented in economic policies, good writer, speaking and researching. We should have a logo, and the party should have a platform or charter on what it believes and holds to be true – nothing complex, but pure libertarian principles that can be embraced by all. Include in the charter, privisions against movements to divide the party. Unlike the UDP / PPM parties, this one will proclaim what it stand for and the party members would be able to hold its leaders accountable for deviating from its principles. And of course, the party will have to be legally registered, and fundraising efforts will have to be made. Also have periodic meetings with refreshments to continue the sameness of party spirit. At least, muster support from at least 5% of the electorate to begin with and chose permanent official members who you know will not backdown on the party and its principles. PPM started off that way, but they failed to openly declare and educate the public as to what they stood for. Instead you had Alden supporting rollover policy, then last year flip-flop opposing rollover policy. These issues should have been outline in a party charter. Instead UDP / PPM left people to vote for personality instead of issues. How I see – if you start a party, you start it right and you lay out to everyone what you stand for. There is no prime leader except who the party votes for and acknowledges is their prime leader. You run the party in a democratic fashion.
easier said than done
To begin with, we may need to organize another party. But where is the support?
Yes Libertarian, another party will be formed, but we do not want anyone who is not a born Caymanian. You may vote, but please do not run.
FYI, I am a born and raised Caymanian with no education! So that already eliminates me from pretty much of societal acceptance. As for running, I don't believe one should run alone. Government is a complex matter. That is the problem with this country, we believe in too much saviors. If you want to change the country, you have to run with a united force behind you, comprising of experts, people of the same goal in mind, well-educated people who will support you every step of the way, and of course – have commonsense!
LOL. Presently we have an uneducated premier who believes himself to be an intelligent persons with common sense and knowledge and we see the mess that has got us in. Why aren't your comments directed at him rather than those who are educated and supposedly "thirsting for power".? I for one have had enough of the ignorance that spews from his mouth. A little education would be a good thing.
I am against the way this current government is doing business! But bear in mind I don't like attacking people… stick to the Issues.
When it suits you. Don't you think "clowns thirsting for power" is attacking people?
Your post only attacked people and did not deal with any issues.
don't believe the old caymanian fariytale about 'qualified caymanians who can't get jobs'…..
True, but it was a brilliantly accurate post anyway, no true??
Evidently you are not Caymanian. They certainly do exist.
Expats get the jobs and make sure the vacancies are filled by their friends and compatriots. What do you have to say about that. FACTS, FACTS.
what facts? give me evidence of discrimination against caymanians….
.all the labour laws are stacked in your favour…..if discrimination did exist it would be very easy to prove….
You are either disingenuous or incredibly naive. There is no question that it exists in both blatant and subtle forms. There are no effective laws for protecting Caymanians from discrimination. It is not easy to prove for a number of reasons: (1) the labour dept. does not have any effective mechanism to deal with this; (2) those making the decisions have the power to effectively blacklist you from employment elsewhere. They can just call up their pals and say don't hire X. In one case the applicant was told that no job was available so long as there was an existing complaint against the former employer. People are mostly not willing to take the risk; (3) complaints to Immigration may get you fired; (4) Caymanians have succumbed to divide and conquer strategy and do not stand together; (5) they have the financial ability to carry out a protracted legal battle whereas you are unemployed; (6) the guilty will be backed up by the expat employees because they feel they are enhancing their own position and will be rewarded.
If you don't know please be quiet.
Is that your excuse this week?
Did bush tell you that?
Mind you I told McKeeva to be careful of those wolves in sheep clothing, in here and get work permit, and do not want to get rolled over and making trouble along with those who have status. I know they would turn round and want to run this country. Keep dreaming, I wish you all would declare. Try do that.
Well, that's right, Fri 11:01 but if you check out the members of the LA now and in the past, you will find they were NOT – I'll repeat that NOT- successful at "real" jobs. There are exceptions – Truman is obvious. But check the following: Ezzard-disgruntled civil servant/failed private pharmacist/failed consultant for Deloitte. Elio disgruntled "can't get ahead in government" Computer Services ex employee. Mac /failed lots of things. Julianna-does anyone use her law firm – does she even have one? Rolston – apparently he was an ok accountant but………… Mark…..good on road stuff nice guy but fish out of water but lucky to have a wife on a HUGE government salary with HUGE benefits. Mike Adam -probably a nice ok guy who is wondering what this politics nonsense is about, like Anthony Eden before him. And blasts from the past": Roy Bodden: Our expert on Education – how many years did he actually spend in the classroom? And his boyhood pal, Gilbert McLean, appointed by him to come up with a report on why young Caymanians don't go in for teaching? How long did Gilbert spend in the classroom? Did he really spend time earning his money selling coconuts at the Blowholes before he became an MLA? And how about some of the last election hopefuls -Theresa. Sandra, Walling.. The common denominator in politics in recent years is if you can't make it in a real job with real accountabilities you can become a politician and gain prestige ("Honourable Minister" ) and money.
Anonymous – I would bet you did not spend any time in the classroom or you would have checked your facts. Gilbert – attained the level of a Master's degree in education and wan placed as the principal of the Cayman Brac School system. That was because another Caymanian wanted to retire. Ezzard is not a "failed pharmacist". He cxlosed his pharmacy by his own choice and should not have to justify his decision to anyone. Mark is not dependent on his wife's huge salary. He owns his own paving company which is operating daily and seems to be doing fine, because he had the foresight to employ reliable people. Do not pick on Mike Adam. It is obvious from your post, you know nothing about him and because he is on McKeeva's party, does not mean he is like McKeeva. Cayman Airways has not been run like it was under Mike Adam, so make sure your ducks are all in a row, before trying to knock them down. The only MLA you named is Elio (Foolio) Solomon and anything anyone says about him is true. He is nothing but McKeeva's little lap dog and does not deserve the title of MLA. XXXX He is a disgrace to our Legislative Assembly and the only time during the week that I turn off Rooster is when he is on the air spouting what he has done and what He is going to do. So 1 out of 5 is not bad, but it should not have been any. You should put your mouth where your pen is and ensure that you do not vote for any of these. It is time to get rid of the party system and support the OMOV.
So they only jobs Caymanians should have are govt. jobs? Politics is only suited to certain personalities. No, why we should actually deal with the problem.
BTW there are a number of elected members who are educated, who have had success in the private sector and who have not shown any signs of greed.
Nor have they shown signs of success or carefor the Caymanian people.
Just watch them push this through in less time than those robbers take to rob a bank…
its a kodak moment – less than a flash of light
For real, but these people sick yow! They gotta go long time now!
The President of the United States serves a term of 4 years. That is understandable seeing the size and scope of the President’s work in a very large and powerful economy. But in contrast, what bugs me about this Constitution, is that we allow Satan to find works for idle hands! We are a very small island with no more than 73 square miles of space, and yet we would give a potential monster, certain perks and privileges, and to sit idly in the seat of Premier for the same length of time like Barak Obama! What a stupid and immaterial document that is at odds with our democracy!
In my humble opinion, an MLA should serve a term of no more than 2 years. Every 24 months it wouldn’t hurt for a Caymanian to have General Elections. It wouldn't hurt at all! But then again, I am talking nonsense. The PPM Constitution will not be amended because the Constitution was written for only one class of individuals:
Politicians and Religious leaders that support them.
That is why UDP gave millions of dollars to the churches for Votes. It is a disgrace
Now you are just talking nonsense. A govt. can never hope to accomplish anything substantial in two years and we know the penchant for new govts to dismantle rather than build on what the previous govt. did. Think of the cost of a general election every two years. What are you smoking?
What I am really getting at is for an MLA to be held more "accountable" to the electorate. I think if we shorten the time they stay in power or put a check in place like provisions to recall them, they will make sure not to deviate, but accomplish their responsibilities. You and I know that a project started (or much good) could have occurred in less than two years. UDP/PPM don't four long years to start one.
So the number of years in a term should depend on the size of the country/territory? Maybe TCI should only have 1 year terms then. And what is Britain doing with up to 5 years if the U.S. only has 4?. There is absolutely no relationship between the two things.
And the new Constitution did not suddenly introduce 4 year terms. They were there all along in the 1972 Constitution and I heard no one complaining.
They forgot their notes in
Honduras
Panama
Bahamas
Vegas
All of the above
(pick one) so gotta go back and get those.
These budgets and financial figures are pure fantasy… our politicians just love to throw the people's money down the drain.
I can present it now: Income= as much as they can collect. Expenditure= as much as they can pay themselves, plus what they can misappropriate and a few million more for their friends.
McKeeva is going to simplify the budget process. All expenditure this year will come under the single line item of Nation Building. All of the government revenue will be allocated to him and he will dole it out to the various departments as he sees fit. All hail McChavez.
0854 I dont blame him. Do just that. if you all want it take it back just the way you handed it over. Broke. Then see if six months time the people are not saying we want una out.
Exhalted Leader is gunna fix everyting jus watch. He gunna sell dat innalectwal property in dem kerruption inwestigations so we gunna haw a surplus ta spen on free gas fo us an free trabel for dem.
Until there are meaningful financial controls in place to hold our representatives accountable, any kind of budgetary forecast is a joke. Might as well rush through it, or cancel it altogether.
In related news a one-page budget master document has been leaked. It is from the office of El Supremo and say;
"I will spend what I wan an how I wan. Hawe de technocrats make up sum nummers an words to splain dat. See if dey can work in a nation building priwat jet. I always wan one uh dem"
He already has a fleet of private jets…. Called Cayman Air
If nothing else the budget is likely to show once again that the folks in the Ministry of Finance are preparing for a move out of government and into full time fiction writing – if there is a distinction between the two.
shambolic!….. and has been for the last 3 years…..