Vote hijacked says Mac
(CNS): Political bosses who are desperate for power hi-jacked the national referendum on single member constituencies, the premier said in the early hours of Thursday morning when he delivered a speech to his UDP supporters in George Town after the result. McKeeva Bush said he wanted to acknowledge what he said were the “well intentioned young Caymanians” that had started the OMOV movement based on their beliefs but he said it was “hi-jacked by the political bosses”. Bush himself was accused of hi-jacking the campaign started by those same grassroots activists when he decided to set the referendum on government’s and not the people’s terms. (Photo courtesy of Cayman27)
During his speech after the polls closed, when a majority ofvoters had polled in favour of single member constituencies, Bush made it clear he believed the result was still a ‘no’ because of those who did not vote. He accused the opposition party and the independent member for North Side of taking over what had started as a discussion about the country’s electoral system.
“It was unfortunate that it was hi-jacked by political bosses so desperate to grasp power they would trample on anybody to get a platform,” Bush told the UDP crowd. “Unfortunately what seemed to start off as a discussion about the political system and a choice between multi-member and single-member constituencies quickly turned into a tidal wave of PPM and political rants.”
He said the people saw through this as they didn’t want the electoral boundaries redefined only to make it easier for the opposition to get elected.
Bush admitted that the campaign was heated, as he said there was too much politics put into it by those political bosses and opposition members because they brought the Dart issue, the weakness of economy and “used everything against government and every weapon they had” during the OMOV campaign.
Defying logic, the premier stated that the results of the referendum spoke for themselves, and despite the fact that voters polled two to one in favour of single member constituencies, because some voters did not vote he said that they had spoken. He claimed the results reflected the wishes of the people but he said the elections office was wrong about the poll being advisory and maintained that it was a binding referendum.
Bush also said that the people who did go out and vote ‘yes” were all PPM people. The people in his own constituency of West Bay, on the other hand, were upset about the referendum and he stated that “hundreds of them” had told him that government should not have spent money on the vote and they “felt as the constitution said what it said they could stay away and still register the vote, so they stayed away,” he said.
The PPM people came out in force “because they had to or else,” Bush told the crowd, but his people stayed home and the UDP had not been running around getting people to come out. He said all the government had done was have a few meetings.
The good thing about the result was that the majority of voters said 'no' by staying away or by coming to the polls to vote ‘no', Bush claimed, and according to the constitution that meant there was a ‘no’ majority. Quoting the constitution, he referred to the sections dealing with a people-initiated referendum and not a government sponsored poll, which is dealt with under a different section. (See viewpoint Not all referenda are equal.) This was a government ballot as the petition for the people-initiated referendum asking for a November poll was never submitted.
Bush pointed to the difficulties his government now had to focus on, including his failure as minister of finance to produce a budget and the challenging economic climate. “We have our work cut out for us,” he said, as he urged people to join government to help solve its problems and work to turn the economy around and create jobs.
Category: Politics
CNS save this photo , you are going to need it again after the next election when the 6,000 'YES' votes grow into 12,000 'NO' votes against Mac and the UDP!
You know he should put on some tap dance shoes and start tapping when he speaks.
Skiddap boopbap boobado bap BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!
I love reading the news from Cayman when I'm feeling a bit down. It always cheers me up to see what Wild and Whacky MacDaddy has done this week!
I love the photos of him as well (although I prefer it when he's smiling though). I think it's important that MacDaddy is kept smiling. When MacDaddy smiles the world smiles with him!
I mean, where else in the world would someone who is basically, at best, a member of 'care in the community' be allowed to run the entire country!
It's a useful experiment in democracy. Unfortunately one which the country itself will suffer as a result of but Cayman's sacrifice is the rest of the world's gain. A salutory lesson to us all.
For the premier or anyone else to claim that those who failed to vote did so because they disagreed with OMOV single member constituencies is beyond the pale. Is our premier now claiming to possess the ability to read people's minds? By any country's standard there was an excellent voter turnout. By any county's measure there was an overwhelming vote in favour of OMON single member constituencies. The people have spoken, and yet we have a premier who brazenly treats this in much the same way as he treated the petition against the closing of the WB road i.e. with utter disdain. If this isn't poor governance I don't know what is.
We have a governor who is reportedly here to ensure good governance but who thus far has failed to act in this regard. I wonder if he will do anything at all over the premier's use of public funds to finance a political campaign against OMOV and single member constituences? I'm absolutely sure the prime minister in the UK would never be allowed to do this. Is the governor not prepared to hold our premier to the same standard, and if so, why?
Well said . Good for you.
The Premier is a total Baffoon after say the vote was hijacked without naming himself. This takes the cake. No wonder he says he don't need an education.
The Premier is no Baffoon you are disrespectful and you need a lesson in respect. The Premier is our leader and he is due respect you are way out of line and control and should be ashamed of yourself for speaking of your leader that way. You are very disrespectul and need to get some manners.
When the Premier starts respecting the people , the people will start respecting the Premier! Plain and simple.
Speaking of manners and respect and shame, It is quite clear that in days gone by they only started teaching students how to spell dem after they reached sixth grade.
What is a "Baffoon"? I assume you know since you say he is not one.
Only one person hijacked the referendum and that is our despot dictator. It is totally unheard of any where in the western world that abstain voters are countered as a NO vote. Bush is actually Cayman's Magabe. The more this madman ignores his people and polarizes this country the more the country has turned on him and his party of fools who follow their hijacker with blind faith. 10 short months to go and you all will be washed up and out of jobs.
Dear Mac, Why don't you call it a day now?"
I have to agree with 'A Friend of the family'. Mac has done so much good for so many and for so long. However, it is obvious now that he is wearing thin and should leave the game while he is still ahead. The party is in a state of disarray and members are demoralized. Please listen to those who really care about you and the country and step aside now so that the party can catch new wind and sail on. Please take this in the way that it is intended; caring and meant to be in your best interest.
A flying saucer just landed near my apartment and two of the little green men asked me to take them to my leader. Since the referendum kept him on the island for the past few days I assumed that he is now gone back on tour.
So I just copied this photo from CNS and gave them – and to my shock they started laughing and rolling up on the ground. And yes they sounded just like how it sounds when we laugh at something funny here on earth…
Bush should remind himself sometimes that only 2150 people voted for him. He did not even recieve the most votes of anyone. Tibbets did. Having said that, Ezzard should remember that only 250 people voted for him. Referendum was more popular than both.
Those who stayed home to vote "No" should also stay home on election day in May 2013 too – like you said, save your gas and just stay home!
Mac sure is looking tired and worn out these days. Maybe its time for him to take a long rest.
From that picture it would appear Mr Mckeeva is just as surprise as many of his UDP children that he actually won by default?
Actually he lost by a majority of votes against him. That 'look' is obviously one of shock and fright, "daam, wa di hell a ga do now?"
Updated Headline
Vote hijacked says Mac
Country Hijacked BY Mac
"Vote highjacked says Mac"……yeah, by YOU!
doge ate your suppa when you stayed home
If you dont vote, you cannot be counted.
……..cannot be counted? It counted as a NO.
If that had been May 2013 I would like him to claim that those who didn't come out to vote, voted for him and the UDP. See how many votes they would have gotten. LOL. Mac, the writing is on the wall. UDP is the worse government in Cayman's history and come May 2013, UDP will be history. Even West Bay is waking up as there were just as many voting against your position as there were voting for your position. Thank God they are finally seeing the light. Now for May 2013.
Hon Premier, the referendum failed to carry so you will hold on to power as long as you want, you don't have to listen to all them jokers, you can now start the many project that you have to do to move this country forward. We want the dock now by the Chinese, they have lots of money to invest and spend. When their workers come all our apartments will rent and our properties will also be sold. We need the mega cruise ships, George Town is now a ghost town we need for it to come alive business and people are hurting. We need about 150,000 people in this country to make it self sufficient. We need to give Dr. Shetty everything that he needs, the oil refinery. The WB road needs to be closed now and building of the new resort need to start. Caymanians need jobs. Let the people for referendum take a hike they all have jobs, Caymanians are here suffering and all some people do is to fight down everything that the Premier try to do. They want to stop development and then how can we live? Hon Premier you go and do what you have to do.
I didnt vote – I stayed home because I couldn't be bothered with Mac & his crap.
I did not care which way the results went.
Now for Mac to say I voted "No" would be a lie. It cant be said either that I voted "Yes".
There is NO WRITTEN EVIDENCE to suport how I would have voted, had I come out to physically vote.
But Mac-Almighty seems to knowth everyting and can read people'sminds.
One thing is for certain, Mac is NOT speaking for me and cannot call mine a NO vote.
You say that like your proud of not voting when you should be ashamed. If nothing else, voting gives you the right to bitch and moan, if you don't vote you loose that right. But it seems you still want it even though you have not earned it!
At the end of the day you should have gone out and voted. You "couldn't be bothered with Mac and his crap" you state, however you didn't contribute to making a difference so its irrelevant what you have to say now!
While I agree with you TO A POINT. The fact remains that by not coming out to vote BECAUSE OF THE WAY IN WHICH THE REFERENDUM WAS PUT TO THE PEOPLE. You IN EFFECT did vote NO.
Now I know you do not want to hear that BUT IT IS THE FACTS. It does not make any difference which side you were leaning to because in this referendum EVERYONE IS COUNTED voting yes, no or not voting at all. You can not NOT BE COUNTED.
So whether you like it or not by not voting you actually participated in help the referendum fail.
To come here and say what you have said is basically in my eyes POINTLESS.
Ooh Yes thanks for clearing up that you did not vote yes or no.
PEOPLE…..We need to STAND UP in times like these and be counted. To stay at home because "I did not care which way the results went" TO ME IS PATHETIC.
When you make a statment like "I couldn't be bothered with Mac & his crap" YET you sit at home and do nothing to change it reeks of laziness.
Sadly enough it is this mentality which is killing us today. We sit passively by and choose not to be involved while people destroy our country. Are you planning on acting once the destruction is done? or you just plan to bitch an moan about it.
NO ONE IS LOOKING OUT FOR US. We must make the changes we are to make ON OUR OWN. You don't see the UK helping us while OBVIOUSLY PISS POOR DEALS or being brokered. YOu don't see the governor lifting a hand to say uuuumf even at these OBVIOUSLY poor decisions.
Yet we sit home can't be bothered to get involved.
WE ARE HEADING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET PEOPLE!!!! What is it going to take???
Never argue with an idiot, because they will drag you down to their low level and beat you up with experience
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
I didn't finish reading the headline without laughing. He is absolutely right, the vote was hijaked, by HIM.
Funny, I always thought that those who didn't go out and vote didn't , er, actually vote. It seems that here in Cayman, this is not the case. You can indeed "vote" by not actually going out to vote and your "vote" is counted just like those who did go out and vote. And it is counted as a "no" vote by some psychic means. Guess I need more time here to understand it, then I'll get the hang of it and everything'll be okay. Does seem a bit weird, though.
It is not wierd, Just west Bay Smarts. !!
Ok "West Bay Smarts" this is what you should do in May 2013 – stay home and be counted!!!
Thank you Mac for saying it like it is. Alot of people here may thumbs you down, but in real life, they have no voice, for alot of people on your side as we saw in this referendum
I listened to Ellio on the radio this morning. He said the non-vote meant No because the government had said that it meant no first before saying that it didn't necessarily mean no! This reminds me of John Kerry's infamous statement that he voted for funding for the Iraq war before he voted against it. You can't have it both ways, Mr. Solomon. Even Mr. Anglin admitted after the referendum that he had told his supporters not to assume that staying at home was a No vote. Mr. Solomon if you do an exam and you complete an answer to a question and then later you change that answer before you turn in the paper, will it help you when the examiner marksit wrong to say you had it right the first time? Is it not true that the later message must be taken to be the message of the government or are we living in the twilight zone? Appealing to what Mr. Tibbetts may have said does not help you. Your people (and not Mr. Tibbetts) were speaking to your supporters, the people who you say stayed at home.
Ellio is representative of a government that does not wish to be held accountable for anything. The trouble is that we the people allow them to wriggle off the hook on these things. Austin and Gilbert meekly went along with this charade.
The truth is if Mr. Bush truly believed the referendum was resoundingly rejected at the polls as he claimed, he would never have come forward with this new proposal which involves OMOV. Politically he is running scared and is trying to salvage the situation.
Oh ok, the expression on his face in that picture is fear then? I couldn't quite interpret it .. was initially thinking it was shock and awe!
It amazes me why people with common sense and education would listen to Elio Solomon for one second. The man is a spin doctor nothing more and nothing less he is so good at it that he can give himself a degree and have some people believe that he has one when the educational institutions that he attended did not give him one. Elio Solomon is the PR man for his party. Smart people just have to call him out on fact and sees how he spins the spider's web and entangles himself. That my friends is called a "Spider Lier".
We listen only to refute what he has to say. Apparently he is persuasive to the masses.
The spooky thing is, Who the hell are you going to vote for in the elections? I hope to god it’s neither of these parties. Cayman needs new blood!
Not so many years ago they said a person of color would never be president of the USA.
Maybe we need an “expat” premier. Just a thought.
when you don't vote …you don't have an opinion….
how the hell can mac claim to know that people who didn't vote agreed with his position???????
The nerve of this man! I feel nothing but anger and disgust towards him at this point. Shameful words and shameful time in this country's history.
We been ROBBED!!!!!!!! You can't ring the UK till after the 2012 Olympics either cause looks like everbody and the mama is on strike! What a mess we in!
We been ROBBED!!!!!!!! So what else is new.
When all is said and done, and the sore losers have been balmed, let the history books record that the OMOV has failed, whether by the out right NO votes or the decision not to vote, it has failed. For in a democratic society as in our election, not casting a vote for anyone candidate means no, i do not like or want them in parliament. Oh let me count the many ways we say NO, it means the same universally. No, no, no means no. Get over it people.
"For in a democratic society as in our election, not casting a vote for anyone candidate means no, i do not like or want them in parliament".
Rubbish. Many people are simply not engaged in the political process and their failure to vote says nothing at all about the particular candidates. It may simply mean that they are apathetic or alternatively disgusted with politics altogether or have certain religious beliefs that they should not participate in earthly governments.
No does mean no. But a failure to vote does not necessarily mean no. However a substantial majority voting yes does mean yes.
Any reasoned person would disagree with your contention that the OMOV "failed". Vastly more persons voted "yes" than those who voted "No", we all know to be a fact.
How exactly this could be interpreted as a win for the "No" voters is beyond comprehension. And please, none of this weirdo stuff about those who didn't vote at all actually having voted "No".
It's an imbecilic thing to think, let alone say.
People stayed home, because they don't believe in the politicians anymore.
Scandal after scandal, greed, corruption and attitude.
It is simply disgusting . . . . .
Mac, you probably will never read this.
I'm neither a PPM person nor a UDP person and I voted "Yes". How DARE you accuse me of being a "PPM people". I voted what I believe is the best for the future of Cayman including my young child.
I am so disillusioned by the politics of BOTH the PPM and the UDP that it absolutely disgusts me. I'm tired of the blame game, will our politicians not take responsibility?
I take responsibility by voting, I take responsibility by being involved in my community, I take responsibility by being a part of a young Caymanian think-tank hoping to get our ideas and points across. Current politicians, you are not taking responsibility and I am so disappointed in you.
You do not say no my not voting . You say I so not care.
Mac you spent our money on your ad campaign are you saying you wasted it because you did not get you message across if so give it back.
Dear Mac, Why don't you call it a day now? You have served your country well over the years and have done many wonderful things for our Island since you've been in office. Myself and many others would like to see you leave with dignity and your head held high. Yes my friend! Step down because there are so many of your people who still love you in spite of your foibles, and in spite of what you may do or say in political battle or things you may do in the heat of frustration they will still remember you for all the good things you've done while in office. Step down and let someone else take the helm! You have been a stalwart fighter for the people and you have run a good race for almost three decades, and so the time to say farewell to all your people may be now. But not farewell in a sense that you fade away! No! You still will have much to offer and to contribute to our people, even as a mentor to those of our young people who may seek political office one day. You will have much to offer!
All of us would want to see you leave office as the first "Premier of The Cayman Islands" with much dignity and with a legacy that will make us all proud. Listen to those who really care about you Mac! You are not without intelligence and you're very intuitive, so don't listen too intently to all those who may encourage you to stay on. It is my belief that many of those people who surround you are only there for as long as they find it useful for them to continue their prosperity! Meaning that in todays world there are professional "HUGGERS" and they are very good at it. Thy will have you believing that unless they are around you nothing positive can happen. Don't buy it my friend! Think about the many of them that you and I both know who at some point was with you, and then you don't see them for the longest time, and then they're back again. These are people you cannot trust, but they try to give the impression that they are your best friend. DON'T BUY IT!
So Call It A Day my friend, before the tide goes out and you're left on the rocks of history. Let GOD guide you to whatever He may have in store for you! And follow wherever he leads. This is YOUR opportunity show HIM you truly love HIM and want to dedicate the rest of your life in HIS service.
GOD BLESS!
If he waits until the tide goes out, we may well discover that he really has been swimming naked….
Yes, do the right thing for your country, Mr.Bush.
Go home, lie down and have a really long nap. You'll feel a lot better and your countrymen will be eternally grateful.
Mac can fool some people some of the time and he can fool West Bayers all of the time.
Now do you see the light?
If it suited him, wouldn’t be surprised if bush convinced himself that Black was White, or the the Earth is flat. If he is personally capable of knowing exactly how the people who did not turn out would have voted, I must get his input on which horse(s) will win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Prinkness next year and get some big money on with the bookies. His thought processes are truly extraordinary.
What an apalling state this country has descended to.Those of us who are not directly suffering because of this lunatic despot are either benefitting directly or indirectly from the largesse he spreads around (at the constant expense of the Cayman people), or we are compromised.by him (i.e. his party memberswho receive deals and his supporters who receive grants etc) .
From Adams and Anglin to Glidden and those mustachioed cohorts in between, we have to ask what has he got on you?
The crumbs that you pick up are not worth it and not something your grandchildren will ever be proud of. Stand up.There are 5,000+ people waiting……………
I'm speechless, for once. Yes, some of the UDP supporters stayed home, because they knew that would count as a 'no' vote.
Good Lord, I can't believe our Premier would say this. He can't believe we are this stupid…………. can he?
Reminder: The MAJORITY of those who voted, voted 'yes' to the referendum. That is a FACT. If not for the REAL hi-jacking — the declaration that not voting is counted as a 'no vote', then the refrendum would have passed.
Okay, maybe not speechless, but stunned that even this level of obfuscation can come from Mr. Bush.
Utterly disgusting. He must think we are as idiotic as his supporters.
He called the OMOV group "wanna be politicians".
Now he's scared because he sees an army of intelligent people is starting to rise up against him and his ignorant supporters.
It was HE who sabotaged the vote and now HE is calling the OMOV group "well intentioned young Caymanians"? How dare HE!
I voted yes and I am for no party, Mr. Bush. I am for hope and change. I am for the best of the best… not the friend of my "mama" or uncle. You don't speak for me so please shut up. Your lame attempt to try and butter up to us in the hopes that we will think you were on our side and hope we blame the PPM or the Indepented from NS for what you percieve as the "faliure" of OMOV is pathetic at best.
You stood in our way. You fought us with our own money. You spread lies and propaganda to confuse the public. You deliberatly cherry-picked the constitution then you obstructed and perversed democracy. You insulted our efforts and you insult our intelligence.
We are not amused. We are not going to forget. We are not going to forgive.
I'm under 40.
I'm educated.
I'm a critically thinking and well informed Caymanian voter.
I'm your worst nightmare. You're not used to me. I can't be bought and I can't be fooled and I'm always thinking.
And guess what, Mr. Bush? There's more like me getting registered every month.
We're tired of you, your unscrupulous legacy and your gaggle of goons and mongrel-like supporters. We demand better.
Welcome to the new era of Cayman Islands politics, Mr. Bush.
Honorable my foot bottom.
20:48 – I couldn't have said it better! Well done!! There is very elequent and clear message in your post!! Bravo!
Please stand for office in 2013.
You said it so welll….Cayman’s only hope is in the hands of young educated no nonsense Caymanians like yourself. Thanks for making me feel there really is hope!
This post is F**KING AWESOME!!! Just reading it makes me want to rally against that clown
Oh how I love you "UTTERLY DISGUSTING" I could not have said it better. I am over 60 years old, have been posting on this web-site for sometime now and you remind me of me. I took part in the march to save the East End site from becoming a quarry and ready to march again. I have worked very hard, still working. Educated four children, two now over 40 and two under and they are all fired up just like you/ like me. We are taking this country back from this mad man and his legions, we are not taking this anymore.!! We sent them a clear message on Wednesday and come May 2013 we will finish it off.
We can do it through OMOV, multiple votes or 2 member constitutiency – does not matter, all we need is the will and we have it. He is cosying up to the OMOV now, trying to save his hide, after cussing them all out for having education. Imagine he decried education as if it is a bad thing – but them again he does not know how it feels to be able to read comprehensively so we should not expect anything else from the buffoon.
Thank you and congratulations. I am dead certain your foot bottom is more honorable than McKeeva Bush.
Good one Mac. Also, let Foolio know that anyone who doesn't show up to vote in George Town next May will really be a vote for him. Don't forget to send an email to Kearney instructing him to add them to the UDP total.
Thanks for a great Friday morning laugh!!
The surest sign of ignorance on this earth is to keep on showing people you believe you are smart enough to lie to them and have them believe you.
HUH?
mcKeeva says the vote was hijacked….? Im completely lost now
Yes. And McKeeva was one of the hijackers.
As usual, Bush is bloviating!
Cayman strongman Mackeeva bush spoke out today about political bosses. In other news…. Is this the stooooopidest man in the world or what?
As usual, in his own interest, the honerable Mr Bush will never get it through his thick skull that people who cannot be bothered to exercise their right to vote very simply and very clearly cannot and should not be considered voters because they ARE NOT voters. Try pulling that crap in May 2013, your eternal excellency.
I have discussed itwith the angels and we will not be letting any hypocrites into heaven from the Cayman Islands and particularly from the district that has a place called 'hell'…
When you listen to him speak It is beyond atonishing that this man is the premier of the country. What a freaking idiot!
For once. I agree with McKeeva…that is the simple reason I didn't vote..It was politricks as usual and Ezzard was the Poster Child.
How dare you accuse Ezzard of being the poster child for politricking. The only persons in our electoral system who is expert at politricking if McCastro Bush and his lackey, Foolio Solomon. When McCastro got embroiled in the 1st Cayman Bank scandal, i was very proud of him, because he did the honourable thing and that was to step down. He won the very next election with almost a landslide, because he was honest enough to step down in the face of the scandal. I hope he realises that he will not get his UDP party in power next May, It is unfortunate that a few good men will go down with him, but "se la vie". You win some and you lose some, that's life, so stick out your chests and deal with life. If we do not change things next May, we will no longer be known as Caymanian Islanders, we will be known "Dart Islanders".
"Bush also said that the people who did go out and vote ‘Yes” were all PPM people".
If that is true you are in a heap of trouble, Mac.
Spin city.
Intelligent Caymanians think of this fool of a man as a despot for how can no show people on the electorial role be counted as a NO vote for not showing up. They abstained from voting in their complacency and laziness and they do not have a vote nor do they register as a NO or a YES vote in any true democracy. We are living in a dictatorship under the despotic tyrany of this sad man who will soon be answering to higher powers and will be paying for his undemocratic, unchristian mistreatment and abuse of his people.
In the country of the idiotic blind the one-eyed man is king. Mac is politically far smarter than those guys with their law degrees etc who oppose him – unfortunately.
Can't kill you and him for thinking so.Thank goodness nobody else on earth does.