FFR won’t make UK deadline
(CNS): The premier has told members of the Legislative Assembly that the country’s parliament will not be meeting again until 5 November. This means that government will be not be compliant with the terms of approval for the Cayman Islands' 2012/13 budget set out by the UK last month. One of those conditions was that the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility which McKeeva Bush signed with the previous overseas minister, Henry Bellingham, must be incorporated into the Public Management and Finance Law (PMFL), making it legally binding before the end of September. This cannot be completed outside of the LA, and MLAs have pointed out that the late meeting will mean Cayman will once again fall foul of the UK’s conditions.
A short statement from the governor’s office on Monday afternoon in response to a CNS enquiry confirmed that the premier had told the new UK overseas territories minister that he would not be ratifying the law until November.
In a meeting with Minister Mark Simmonds at the FCO on 20 September, Bush said that he would bring the FFR to the next meeting of the LA, which would not be until 5 November. He also gave the minister an undertaking that the FFR, as signed in November 2011, would be transposed into law that same week and by no later than 9 November 2012, the governor’s office stated.
Bush travelled to London on Thursday to meet Simmonds ahead of two meetings in northern Europe related to overseas territory issues. (See Mac heads to frozen north)
Speaking to CNS Friday, North Side MLA Ezzard Miller said he was “flabbergasted” that government was clearly not honouring its agreement with the FCO as there was no indication the UK had approved an extension on that requirement.
“The FCO required the FFR to be in law by the 30th of September, which is not now possible,” Miller stated after revealing that members had been informed about the next LA meeting on Thursday evening (20 September).
“This is the second time the UDP government has given an undertaken to the UK to put this agreement into law by a given time and failed to do so. The first time, after it was signed, the UK had asked that it be incorporated into local law by 30 June this year. Now the government had committed to doing so by the end of September and yet again it won’t be doing that.”
Miller said it was important that the public and the FCO understood that the opposition and both the independent members had no control over this and do not support the premier inhis decision to delay its implementation, which could have significant consequences.
“We have had no part inthis decision and are not party to any agreement to not honour the commitment to put the FFR into law by September," he added.
Miller and the newly independent MLA for East End, Arden McLean, said they had concerns that this delay was connected to government’s hopes that the ForCayman Investment Alliance, a major deal with the Dart Group, could be completed next month. They believe that government is avoiding making the fiscal agreement into law because it may not comply it.
“We are concerned as we understand the full Dart agreement is coming before the end of October and government is holding off until November as the agreement may not conform to the parameters of the FFR. It appears we are playing Russian Roulette with Cayman’s relationship with the UK in order to please a single developer.”
McLean added that this decision to not implement it into law may also relate to the George Town cruise port, which Bellingham had made clear could not go ahead under the current circumstances.
"The UK has said it should not be done until it is re-tendered to comply with international standards of procurement and we hope that, despite the change in minister, the FCO will hold fast to that position,” the East End member stated.
He noted that the move would add to an already tense relationship with the UK. “It is damaging to the country when the tension can't be resolved,” McLean stated.
Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin echoed the sentiments of his legislative colleagues about the damage such a move could have.
“The big issue for me is the non-compliance with the need to make the FFR law. This is a major problem and it continues to undermine our credibility with the UK and generally and makes the relationship more difficult at a time when we need their assistance and cooperation.”
McLaughlin said there had been no explanations at all about the decision not to comply with the September deadline.
“If there has been some agreement reached with the UK, the premier needs to let us know, and if there hasn’t, then government is in breach and the opposition doesn’t support that position,” he added.
The opposition leader noted that the Cayman Islands is already subject to the FFR even though it is not yet law, so delaying its implementation would not necessarily give the government a green light for the Dart agreement. He said the premier could not proceed with that deal if it breaches the agreement with the Brithish government.
“While he may still go ahead, the ultimate signature has to come from the governor in order to dispose of crown land, which he will not do if the deal, when it is finalized, doesn’t comply with the FFR,” he added.
CNS contacted the governor’s office and is awaiting comment from the UK’s representative regarding the decision of government not to bring the amended PMFL by the deadline set out by the UK.
Related articles:
CIG has 4 years to sort debt (November 2011)
UK gives conditional nod (August 2012)
Category: Politics
I would like to personally apologize to the Premier for foolishly thinking that doing that right thing by the people of Cayman is what we elected him for. I should not have been so short sighted. I now understand that "HE" is the important one that the people exist for the benefit of his power hungry ego.
Please Mr. bush accept my apologize and do not let doing what is right ever get your in way of doing what works best for you.
Folks, it looks like we have so many projects on the table of national importance. We cant/shouldnt do all of them at one time so I propose that we have a referendum:
Which one of these projects do you most support the Cayman Islands Government approving/starting at this time:
1. Development of a Port in George Town at the current site – cost $300m – Estimated to bring an additional 150k visitors per year. – Payback period 50 years. Tax burden undetermined.
2. Remediation and capping of the dump and development of a new waste management facility in Bodden Town – Minimize environmental degredation by future waste. Dart has committed to build phase 1 and CI Govt will have to build the rest for an estimated cost of $100m. Tax burden undetermined.
3. Re-routing the West Bay Road and developing 2 to 4 more hotels along Seven Mile Beach – we geta new multi-lane road into West Bay and more jobs for our unemployed – No cost to govt. but we give up half the govt fees and unfettered access to 15% of the Seven Mile Beach.
4. Extending the airport = cost $100m – payback period 15 years – no additional taxes required.
5. MLA's resigning en masse, promising never to enter politics again, opening their financial affairs to scrutiny and sailing off into the sunset never to return.
Unbelievable how Mac just lacks any form of integrity in what he says and does. He couldnt possibly be representative of our good Caymanian honest people.
It looks like Compliant is not an "honorable" thing here.
OK so they are not meeting until the 5th of November….I think if they can't be bothered to work for their fabulous salaries then we should dock them a days pay for every day they are not serving the interests of the Caymanian people.
This 'soon come " mentality is an excuse for ignorant lazy people to cream off an already struggling population and the time has come to put a stop to their pathetic attitudes…watch out the FCO dealt with the T+C, don't think they will not do the same here.
Dear UK,
If you have any suspicions, err on the side of presuming the worst. The truth when it comes out will be much much worsen than that.
Yes, indeed, yet another load of FAILURE has been delivered for Herr Diktator. Too bad he's not here to sign for the delivery. Now this shipment of FAILURE's going to rot in the sun like the rest of his FAILURE collection.
Why can't the LA sit without Mac? Other than that the UDP MLA's can't f@rt without his permission.
What's the penalty for missing this deadline, if its nothing serious then there's no wonder Mac does whatever he wants, is this gentleman above the law?
We all complain about Mac but it looks to me as though he can't be touched, why??
So when IS the UK going to get up and put this man, which we are forced to call Premier, in his place? My Godness, one seems as slow as the other at doing the right thing.
We were not forced to call him Premier, he was elected Premier by the people of the Cayman Islands.
really – we elected him, I thought it was his puppets, oops I mean the rest of the UDP. Seriously, though the people should vote the Premier in
How many times do I have to say this? He was not elected premier by the people of the Cayman Islands. The MLA's decide who is premier. All of the UDP lackey MLA's (plus Ezzard if I recall correctly) made Mac premier and ONLY they can remove him by voting him out along with the opposition in a vote of no confidence.
So it was the ex-pats who elected the MLA's to represent you? If not maybe you should consider that for next election since they will take responsibility for thier actions.
Certainly a delay in the LA meeting until 5 November is not unreasonable. How else could Mad Mac continue to tour the world at our expense? OUCH! What's that sharp pain I feel back there by where my billfold resides?
I saw his pictures in the Jamaica Gleaner today ay the travel awards in Turks and Caicos.
Yes he went to TCI to see Premier Misicks. $14m house built my Ashcroft’s company and financed by hisbank. Oops I forgot Ashcroft is best friend of Simmonds our new man. Birds of a feather as they say or is Bird in da Bush worth two in da hand.
Well we will now find out if the new OT’s Minister has real cojones, and, more importantly, how big they are. If he and the FCO allow bush to thumb his nose at a specific directive to introduce the law to formalize the FFR, we can kiss goodbye to any tiny scraps of proper governance still remaining in Cayman – bush will run riot.
No wonder he can't meet deadlines..traveling again .
I can't believe the U.K. is letting him get away with this. Looks like they are letting
him do anything he wants….What a load of ..''you know what''!
Hasn't Cayman let him get away with this?
The UK should make it clear that the CIG can enter into NO MORE contracts until the statute is in place and inform everyone via the Gazette that the local government has no authority to contract. That is the simplest response to this announcement.
He can't do the job and he won't step down. Time for the UK to do what the Caymanian people do not have the balls to do. FIRE HIM! And while your at it make it the lesson all the rest of the good for nothing but very well paid MLA's of Cayman need desperately to learn. OR just let them continue to run Cayman business into the ground until there is nothing left that belongs to the Caymanian people but their debt to pay. I would not blame the UK if they choose the later. By then Caymanians will be begging anyone to help them survive. That would make it easier than having to fight them at every turn to do what is neccessary.
The Caymanian people do have the balls to fire him but they can't. Only the UDP MLA's voting with the opposition can remove him as premier. Get your facts rights before you open your mouth and let your belly rumble.
Are they not Caymanian people? Are they not supposed to be the representatives of the Caymanian people? If they were expats they would have balls and they would be working for you right? Facts are nothing to the undereducated. Hopefully this helps you all see that next chance you get you might want to vote in at the very least an off island educated Caymanian.
I reckon he will step down and hand the reins to Rolstin before the next election, rather than be defeated. What Rolstin and therest of the UDP dont realise is that they will get no respect (or votes) because we will remember their nonchalant, acceptance of every thing Mac did.
Too late guys, if you want to get anywhere in the next election, you need to stand up to him now. Put him out and maybe then – will there be enough people willing to vote for you (not Elio though) . Otherwise its going to be a huge embarassing defeat.
Nonsense! Commonsense tells you that it is better for one entity to be in charge of our finances – not two! Both the UK and local government is playing a ping-pong game with our finances. It is high time that the UK's FCO allow our government to govern in all other matters except our finances! Why isn't this place in the hands of a UK minister since they claim they stand for good fiscal management? This back-and-forth foolishness between our government and their demands over our budget and fiscal responsibilities is so unnecessary! Either allot the ministry of finance to be fully in the hands of our local government or take it over completely.
Go to see some MAC headlines back…CNS was sure getting boring!!
Grow up Mr Bush and do what is right for these islands.Stop running off to so called meetings(Denmark and Greenland is it?)We going to start importing ice?Maybe both these countries can let him have some insight into how to properly run a country.Next LA meeting in Nov?What the hell are we paying you(all)for?Get with the program.
Ya right. Start doing what you should be doing and have never done. And never will be able to. Good luck with that. Not hard to see that the problem is not just with leadership. Hint: Why are you still paying him? Think hard.
There's a program?:)
It should be obvious to everyone by now that this government is not competent to govern. All they cared about was getting the budget approved so they could keep living the high life at our expense. They have no intention of introducing any concept of fiscal responsibility or limiting waste.
Pathetic representation!
For Real, this man is a pathetic excuse for a Premier – November 5th??????
How in Gods kingdom is he allowed to do these things, and then still get away with it.
He gets away with it because the same UDP MLA's who voted him in as premier refuse to remove him by joining with the opposition MLA's in a vote of no confidence. They put him there and only they can remove him. Please remember that in May 2013.
Guy Fawke's day!!!
The BIG Picture is finally becoming clear. Mr. Bush has taken the Cayman Islands to Vegas. And he is rolling the dice with his own financial backer "Mr. Deep Pockets". Not good enough.
Not good enough for the Cayman Islands.
Not good enough for the hard working people who live there. Who walk around on pins and needles.
Not knowing what he will come up with next because of his gambling problem.
If he gambles and loses- it isn't he who will lose. Cayman will be left holding the bag.
Once again…..This isgetting monotonous.
for Mr. Deep Pockets like others before him can point to an agreement- he signed with the government- and demand compensation.
Dart is not the problem, the Chinese are. Dart is just fine with the FCO, as is the ForCayman alliance. Dart can pass a value for money test, the Chinese port/casino can't.
Of course Dart passes the value for money test, the problem is that the Cayman Islands did not pass the value for money test when dealing with Dart.
My take…..he wants to buy time to get other projects completed/sign or what have you before it becomes law…these include:
1) For Dart (what a shame) Alliance
2) CHEC Cruiseberthing
And who knows what else….
I just hope you all do not suffer with short memory come elections 2013. Cause you know how bad we are at that. A fridge or microwave clouds our memory.
What he does to the unemployed is the best trick yet though.
He taxes the businesses into closure, then taxes us into depression and then offers us back a smitten from the taxes he took from us telling us "see how much I care about you"
Got to love that man. He has a black belt in Politics. Either that or we are all idiots.
I just hope Mac's game plan isn't to try and take advantage of the recent change at the FCO.
Bellingham may no longer be OT Minister but you can bet that someone with his track record won't just walk away from it all and also that questions will be asked at the highest levels if CIG defaults on this agreement.
TCI here we come.
Why the long breaks? If you're here why not just meet and get it done. Noone would care if the LA took a vacation for a year if they would just do their jobs and get what needs to be done finished. They already get paid too much, the least they can do is work.
Total contempt of the LA, and abuse of his position. Even worse, it is deliberate, sort of naughty boy stuff showing he doesnt care. An embarassment to democratic process and a real danger to Cayman.
How many times are they going to "trust" McKeeva Bush to honour his word, only to realize YET AGAIN that he cannot be trusted?
What is the reason for not signing the FFR into Law, as the UDP Elected members agreed would be done in order to get THEIR budget passed last month? Was it:
A. Too much travel opportunities got in the way?
B. It would scuttle the dart (lower case intentional) deal?
C. It would "ki-bosh" the port negotiations?
D. All UDP Members have NO CLUE about prudent financial management?
E. All of the above
"A" is a good pick, but my choice of the above would have to be "E".
Is it possible that Mr. Bush wants to sign off on more of Darts demands before passing the Law? With the law in place he may not be able to. So who is Mac really looking out for?
You ask, "So who is Mac reallylooking out for?."
You can bet your sweet bippy that it ain't for you or me!
Bush ignores everyone; Caymanians, RCIPS, the Law, the UK. No one does anything about it , whilst he continues to do deals with Dart & Ryan, & allows Cayman to be cut up & dredged by developers. When will this madness end? UK & the Cayman people, please step in.
You need the UDP MLA's to step in and vote him out. They can do it if they have the b@lls to join the opposition. The only way to remove a premier is to do this.
Then it can't be done unless they do a ball transplant. And only if the ball doesn't reject the MLA host. Plan accordingly.
Time for the UK to remove Mac.
With extreme prejudice?
who cares anymore?…who is going to do anything?…… caymanians elected these muppetts and they deserve everything they get……
Not ALL Caymanians voted in those muppetts. Only a handful of muppetts made Mac top dog, never question him and can remove him. I guess you aren't Caymanian.
Please can I have a 6 week break and still be paid?
Of course you may Dear. MacTernal Leave!
Plz read the fine print…it says…lifetime extension permitted- & you still have to be PAID!