Mac fuels Bermuda spat
(CNS): Cayman’s premier appears to have added further fuel to the fire in his recent spat with the leader of Bermuda. Speaking to a leading newspaper in the country yesterday, McKeeva Bush said that his open letter to Paula Cox was justified. He told reporters from The Royal Gazette that he was well within his rights to send an open letter to the islands’ premier through that newspaper, which he accused of carrying stories with attacks on him from “that woman”, referring to Cox. “You have carried stories about myself from the Premier of Bermuda about myself and not once have I replied,” he told the Gazette.
“In Cayman, people send an open letter to the Premier through the newspaper. Your newspaper carried several articles with Paula Cox and I have responded through your newspaper,” he added. When asked about the three criminal investigations that Bush is currently facing, the paper reports that he hung up.
The Gazette published the letter yesterday in which Bush accused Cox of “antagonistic” behaviour towards him recently, remarks that have raised concerns both here and in Bermuda. The two leaders have exchanged public digs in the past about their respective jurisdictions and on several occasions Bush has implied that Bermuda has implemented restrictive, racist and malicious policies. Cox has boasted of successes in her jurisdiction and beating Cayman in areas of the financial services sector. More recently she told reporters that Bush’s derogatory comments about Bermuda were a distraction from his own domestic problems.
In his letter to the paper Bush had ‘advised’ Cox to stop attacking him and concentrate on sorting out issues in Bermuda. According to the Gazette, the Bermudian leader has declined to comment on the letter
One Bermuda Alliance, the opposition party, issued a statement following the publication of the letter. “Citizens everywhere are looking to their leaders for answers. They have a right to expect them to attack the problems, not each other,” OBA stated. The party’s leader ,Craig Cannonier, said that Bermuda expected their premier to be treated with the respect. “The war of words between Bermuda and Cayman needs to end. Yes, Cayman and Bermuda are business competitors, but we don’t need to be antagonists,” he said.
Here in Cayman, the governor has made no comment about the diplomatic spat between the two British territory leaders. Given the less than cordial relations that currently exist between the governor and Bush, however, any comments from Duncan Taylor are likely to be of no consequence to the premier.
Despite the continued controversy being stirred up by Bush in almost every quarter, Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin said yesterday that he was still “shocked and embarrassed” by the premier’s letter to The Royal Gazette and questioned exactly what it was the Cayman leader was trying to achieve.
See full report here.
Related story and letter:
Offshore premiers go to battle
Category: Politics
Why not amend the MOU/Agreement to sell the road/beach property and get stamp duty on that to balance the budget, instead of doing a trade? that swamp land is worth nothing that's why they are trading swamp for beach – a blind man could see through this! and do the same for all other land trading transactions between parties and govt doing these land swap/trade agreements?
Also tax the over 500 banks 'overnight' money market sales profits and also the mutual funds derivatives – this will put the budget in surplus!
That's it! Honourable Mr. Taylor fetch the stage hook. PLEASE
It is so sad to know that even with all these daily crazy antics from mackeeva, Alden is still not considered a suitable alternative. everywhere I go in cayman it seems that people are ready for a third option. No matter if it is a party, group or independents.
Never before has cayman had bad relations with another British overseas territory. It is so embarrassing to have our premier go tit for tat with mrs cox of Bermuda. Such a shame.
In may 2013we must be compelled to try something new.
That does it! I don’t want to be a Caymanian anymore! Can I apply for expat status? I’ll even happily pay my tax!
My, my, for being such a brash, loud-mouthed bully, we really do have thin skin, don’t we Mac? You’re right, everybody is out to get you now. Actually, everybody is now out to get you out, as soon as possible, before you choke on both your feet! You are an disgraceful excuse for a leader and an embarrassment to us all, and your shameful behavior is best described by one of my grandfather’s best anecdotes, to wit: “when you throw a rock into a pig-pen, the hog that squeals is the one that was hit”! For all our sakes, please shut the hell up and step aside and let us work diligently to expunge you from our collective memory.
This is my world
And I am world leader pretend
This is my life
And this is my time
I have been given the freedom
To do as I see fit
It’s high time I razed the walls
That I’ve constructed
Seems like Mac has been digging out his old REM albums ………..
Please Hon Premier Bush end the war of words with Premier Cox of Bermuda. No good can come from this trival matter, if anything Cayman and Bermuda should unite there are lots that Cayman and Bermuda can share with each other in terms of development , immigration and controlled growth.
Sometimes I wonder if Mac is doing all these things to deliberately embarrass us and goad the Governor into releasing him of his duties. He doesn't seem to care much about this place anymore.Maybe he is just tired, you know?
Any chance Big Mac is Bipolar?
Is Mac a true representaitve of West Bay? He certainly is not representative of Caymanians on the whole. What a disgrace he is.
And yet he is your representation to the world. The not my fault thing seems to be well represented by Caymanians as a whole.
A buffoon- what else can you say?
I agree with Knot S Smart on this one.. so, I hearby nominate Mac for the next DARWIN AWARD. Good Luck.
Bush needs to be removed, he is under three criminal investigations, is running like a loose cannon (has anyone heard anything from the UDP ministers other than him or his West Bay cohort?), and he is clearly having a problem with any female. God help our Deputy Premier, but where the hell is she
Hey, they say War is good for the economy!
Let's get some Cayman catboats and attack Bermuda!!!
Can you just see it? Them assembling their army (in bermuda shorts of course) and us coming ashore like its Pirates Week.
Oh wait. This in't funny. Our "leader" is acting like a spoiled child with a mental problem.
Not funny at all.
Can we start a petition to the Governor calling for an immediate election?
You constitutional experts: is that an option? Is it possible?
Mac's party just backs him 100% when its obvious he's off his rocker. Can we not kick him and the whole lot of them out a few months early?
Though Lord knows what we'll replace them with!
agreed 100% – there must be something we can do. May 2013 is a long way off and can we afford any more reputational damage? The man is a disgrace. He should be ashamed of himself. Someone somewhere please let us know what we can do to get this govt. out now
No reason why not – you can start a petition for anything. It's a good idea. If Taylor won't talk or act, we will just have to force his hand through public action.
I know its been said a million times, but this is the first time for me: where the hell are the other members of the UDP (both elected and otherwise) and why have they not stood up to this man?
The man needs to go!
I consider myself impartial and do not belong to either party, but this man is causing damage to Cayman on an international scale: investigations, introduction of direct taxation, attacking leaders of other nations.
I have (or had) a lot of respect for many members of the UDP, but there is simply something wrong with them if they don't see this man as a grave danger to Cayman.
Does no one else find it interesting that Bush has managed to UNITE the people of Bermuda and get the One Bermuda Alliance- their opposition party- to stand BEHIND their Premier by once again being disparaging towards women and calling her "that woman"?
Meanwhile his country stands divided at his doing.
Seriously, with "leaders" like these who needs enemies…
Alden continues to be "shocked" at McKeeva's actions and utterances. I am "shocked" that Alden is "shocked". Where is Alden living ? Why does he continue to be "shocked" ? Calls into question Alden's ability to defeat Mac in 2013 if at this late stage he still can't anticipate what Mac will do next and he continues to get caught off guard and continues to be "shocked' by Mac.
UDP in a mess + they got the country in a bigger mess + PPM is Leaderless once again and is in their own mess.
Sus Christ !!! Whatamess !!!!!!!!!!!!
Chucky we need to hear more from yah Bro.
Chuckie is a better politician than Alden, and he's easily the best anti-Mac weapon out there. However, his ego may prevent him from becoming involved again. If you read his speech on the occasion of his call to the Bar, you'll understand that his political life was a detour from his real goal. Having been so unceremoniously dumped by the electorate, I don't blame him for taking the view that his life is now 'back on track' and politics is behind him.
But, he warned us about McKeeva. He worked with him, for him, and was so moved that he had to enter politics and get Mac out. He put his own life on hold for Cayman, and took a grave personal risk in removing those papers. He still hasn't been given his due and he may never get it, so don't expect any favours from him. But make no mistake about it, if he does come back, he can beat Mac, andI think that's what most of us want at this stage. I wonder where his thinking is now…
"Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin said yesterday that he was still “shocked and embarrassed” by the premier’s letter to The Royal Gazette and questioned exactly what it was the Cayman leader was trying to achieve." – Could it be that he is trying to destroy the country. He is being paid-off to see to the country's instability. Someone told me that and I thought it was a conspiracy jerk, but come to think of it, how he is acting, it is like he asking for the UK to step in or is it to let us go. He is not able to do what he like
Besides appearing to have come mentally unhinged and shooting from the hip in all directions, Mac might even fail the TOEFL test that immigration requires of new residents…..what an embarrassment.
Hmmmm, maybe we should hire some Phillipinos to run the country.
They would cost much less than the Premier and his cabinet. And, bonus, we could collect the work permit fees.
The UK needs to set up training schools for Premier's of its small territories!
First there was the TCI one, and now we have our Premier and the Bermuda Premier involved in a catfight.
Oh Dear!
I suggest our premier has a muzzle on at all time. He wanted to be famous, well he is ALL over the World now and not Favorably. I know many must feel sorry and sad for us in the Cayman Islands as this used to be their home away from home , great vacation place and very friendly people, safe etc. All this is taken away from us because of the onorthodox way of doing things and saying things by our " one and only premier". Singlehanded , and he don't want to hear a thing in his arrogant mannner. Sorry but I seriouly believe and he seems a man there desparate to achieve that NO matter What ! We have seen that type of ruler in our history books of the world and it always end the same way. Detachement of what's best for the Country, not accepting nor respecting ANYONE but himself i believe that he also suffer from being uncapable to think straight, he seems paranoid. He is his worst enemy and now not many of us have lots of no confidence or even trust. Have your fun sir , someone's always watching and paybacks are a .itch.Hope this new Crazy idea tax for Expats onlyoff the table and finally having discussions with our concerned bodies of businesses not to mention the Expat/ Caymanians division it is creating. And then … the U.K needs to agree. I am certain the premier is not very popular with our Mother Country, even though WE know for certain that their intentions as been very dodgy to say the least. A very concerned Caymanian and I implore the Gvt. ministers to start speaking your mind and STAND for what is right, and you have a duty and have pride in your people who elected you. I would have great difficulty voting for more then ONE at this time. Serious ting.
Mac!!! Tell dat little girl to sit down and pass the mic!!!
"OUR PREMIER ELECT HAS CLASS, ALL LOW, BUT A LOT OF IT".
Low Class Ass.
I wonder what Ms Cox did to get Mac so upset?
Did she ask him a question about First Cayman Bank?
Did she mention the Stan Thomas 'consultancy' deal?
About how ATM's work in Las Vegas?
Did she ask him how he built the turtle farm so cheaply?
Did she say the words 'Cohen' or 'GLF' in casual conversation?
Did she ask anything about 'tree' police investigations?
or about 'Chinese food'?
Whatever she said I think she should say sorry.
Because we just imported a lot of dynamite…
Ha ha ha!!! Knot S Smart, you are killing me ! Hilarious…
I seriously think he needs to be locked up – if not in jail then in a mental hospital – for everyones good, including his own.
In UDP language it's called "keepin da heat off my own ass, man". At least PPM and Mr, Swarbrick and Mr Bellingham and and Gov. Taylor got a break for a change. What a lunatic.
I wouldn’t want to be any female in his life right now. How disrespectful. Imagine that “Woman”. He don’t even deserve to be a leader of a she dog nuch less a human female. I’ll do what I have to do to make sure none of the females in my family be the blame of you getting voted for next election.
"When asked about the three criminal investigations that Bush is currently facing, the paper reports that he hung up."
Seriously? Wow, that doesn't seem suspicious or childish at all…
Apparently Chewbacca defences work less well with journalists than Cayman juries.
Surely we are reaching the point at which a vote of 'No confidence' must be called for? I find it difficult to believe that fellow members of Bush's party will continue to back him when it is plain to see that he is in the process of a major political blowout likely to destroy his party's chance of electoral victory for years to come.
For a vote of no confidence to pass some of his on MLAs to vote for it, and Mad Mac has made sure he can take them all down with him if he goes.
You know Bolt's handlers have done a tremendous job over the past few years polishing him up and turning him into a presentable public figure who can speak coherently to an interviewer or camera.
Maybe Franz could hire the same team to spruce up "Da Pemeer"………..
Good idea however, you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear!!!
I just finished a very amusing book by George Fripley called "You can't polish a turd".
Can we have a vote to end McKeeva's political career and keep him out of our Government for good? And while we are at it set term limits so we don't get stuck with the likes of him in the future? Set the bar at 50% + 1 and see what happens. And Mr. Governor, do you not think it is in yours and this country's best interest to remove him from the LA at least until the investigations are all complete? You need to step in NOW for damage control. Too much damage is already done butI promise you he has more to do if he is allowed to continue in his position as Premier. McKeeva has got to go NOW.
I agree 100%, now that he knows his time is limited he is going to try to either 1) milk this country for everything he can get out of it 2) give a big FU to Cayman as he leaves, sticking us with a horrible future and one heck of a mess to clean up after he is gone.
I just said the same thing, just in different words just a few days ago. I agree with you 100%.
his time na up, what a surprise come 2013!
How important does he think he is? I mean I could understand a bit of little islander self-importance but never on this scale.
he does it with OUR money!
This man will not only cause reputational damage to Bermuda, but will pull us down with him! Thanks to the electorate voting in a Party. Next time, try and reserve your votes for Independents, MLAs who will think and stand by themselves and will directly represent their district and not a party! These MLAs that are followers of Bush, are mute and confide in him even if he takes the country to a precipice! The PPM was no better. We need MLAs who will stand for principle and exhibit characters of self-restraint, tranquil in nature, and just like the MLAs we had from the old days. They were not jumpy and aggressive like the MLAs we have now. They were more tranquil in spirit and at least used their heads before blurping insults and acting alone like they know it all.
Mad Mac really needs to do better…this is so uncalled for. It is unfortunate that he is the leader of our country.
Tomorrows headlines for CNS
"Mad Macs for Nobel Peace Prize?"
Oh dear, does he understand what an international statesman is? Does he understand diplomacy? Clearly not and therefore not qualified to lead this Island. Primitive behaviour, accuse others and dont answer questions about his own dubious conduct both in affairs of state and possible criminal activity.
is there anyway to get rid of Mckeeva before 2013???…as a Caymanian I can't explain how embarrassing this has become…this is stuff you would expect from the likes of say an Idi Amin…do the other UDP members think this is ok?…i know they can't so it would be much appreciated if they would do us a favour and get rid of our problem…
The Electorate has ALL the power. Someone with cajones just needs to start and circluate the petition. What does it say that everyone is so fearful to do that?
Dear Premier Bush,
"That woman" happens to be a lady and the leader of a country.
Surely any gentlaman can see that.
Let's mind our manners.
It's very dangerous for a Country when the Leader of that Country is Unstable!
We are up the wrong creek!
Anyone else starting to wonder if Mac actually has a mental illness? There's just no predicting what he's going to do next.
I'm wondering about you if you're only now starting to wonder.
and the most wonderous thing is why no one appears to be worried about the poor man and getting him some help.
i"m seriously concerned. No joke.
Before I read this I was thinking the same thing. Now I am convinced.
This type of behaviour has been going on for years – to governors and others; it's only gotten worse in recent times.