PPM berates Mac’s travel

| 16/10/2012

luggage (480x600).jpg(CNS): The opposition party has attacked the UDP government and in particular the premier for leaving the islands in limbo while he is on world excursions and not explaining the details of his frequent trips. The PPM's executive committee released a statement Tuesday describing McKeeva Bush's travel as unacceptable, especially given that the deputy premier was also away when the premier took off to Asia earlier this month. The PPM pointed to the recent headline on CNS which questioned who was in charge that generated close to a hundred comments, very few of which were in support of the travelling.

Despite making enquiries regarding the details of the latest trips taken by the premier and the deputy premier, including the reasons for the trips and who went with them, few details were forthcoming. As a result CNS has now submitted FOI requests regarding the full details and costs of the official travel of both the premier and the deputy premier. It is understood, however, that the premier, who is currently in Asia, is not expected back in Cayman until 28 October.

The Executive Committee of the People's Progressive Movement said it was deeply concerned with the ongoing absence of the premier from the country.

“Not only has the Premier been frequently absent for long periods, at times with the public not being advised of the reasons for his absence from the Islands, but recently we also see that the Deputy Premier was at the same time visiting Qatar for a Postal Union conference,” the opposition said in the statement.

In the face of the concerns raised by the public about the usefulness of the globetrotting by the UDP given the costs, the party said that as Cayman continued to face the results of the economic mismanagement of the UDP Government, the country needed all hands on deck at home to resolve the many challenges.

“The ongoing regular absence of the key leaders in the UDP Government, particular the Premier, in part explains why the Cayman Islands seem to be regularly adrift, or on autopilot but going around in circles. The fact is that no major decision can occur while the leadership is away,” the opposition added.

Pointing to government's failure to address the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility or the changes to the country's political landscape, as required by the constitution ahead of the General Election, for the addition of three new seats in the Legislative Assembly, the PPM said these were just two of many issues that were stalled while Bush was absent without leave.

“We cannot continue to accept the many instances of bad judgment and bad governance that Mr Bush and his Government has surrounding them," the PPM said as it called on the UDP to explain the whereabouts of the leadership and ensure that important matters received due attention.

Related article on CNS:

No word on who's in charge

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  1. Kraken says:

    “well,history books have years in them”………McNasty quote overheard at Banannas.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I for one wish he would just stay where he is God Knows he would be doing this country a favour.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Some of the PPM should have travelled more. You cannot network unless you travel.

    • Anonymous says:

      Is it correct that the Governor and senior civil servants have to fly economy and politicians fly first class?

  4. Anonymous says:

    Why can't most posters see that this article is not about Mac and JuJu's travelling costs but about them being absent from their jobs on island and no one else is allowed to continue running the government. The UDP can't fart without Macs permission and THAT is what the problem is. The country has no leader. 

    • Anonymous says:

      I see MAC's absense as a benefit. Less farting by the UDP members means less smell.

    • Anonymous says:

      They can't see what they don't understand.  Only education would help.  Too late for now and the future looks grim. Cayman is a dumb and dumber country.  Bush is dumb but still smarter then his people.  Hence the free 5 star vacations instead of going to work.

  5. Anonymous says:

    the ppm failure as an opposition is that they have been totally over shadowed by one opposition mla…….

    • Anonymous says:

      You mean the one who originally voted with the UDP to form a government and then decided he was an opposition member?????

  6. SSM345 says:

    08:26, you should also read the staement that your leader has announced to the press, if you can garner anything from the diatribe it would tell you he doesn't give a flying f**k about continuing to spend money we don't have while we all have to pay the price.

    Its our money he is spending recklessly, remember that at all times, because we have to foot the bill and each and every time they have absolutely nothing to justify it or get slammed by a fine or the threat of court action for breaking contracts.

    Clearly an example of a true leader.

    Yeah f**king right.

  7. Anonymous says:

    The PPM is right to raise this but it may want to consider the alternative. Do the Premier and Deputy domore damage here or abroad?

    • Anonymous says:

      More damage here or abroad? I would say it is about equal.

       

      Law suits come from MAC's trips abroad.

       

      Corrupt and incompetent spending (aka the Turtle Farm) is home grown.

       

      Go figure.

    • Anonymous says:

      Only God knows the answer to that question my friend. We just have to pray to God to not let our beloved premier do more damage abroad than he does here.

  8. Anonymous says:

    How bout we send you with a one way ticket to China? I think they have tainted cool-aid there as well and they make many fridges as well. You are the reason Cayman is screwed.

  9. Union Jack says:

    It is worth all the politicians remembering that Cayman is not a real country and therefore they do not have to send a delegate to every event the real countries send people to.  It is only a little territory with a mere 35,000 or so locals with certain elevated status rights. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes we are still an overseas territory. But have you heard of full internal self-government?

      This is what we have in terms of a 2009 Constitution, but the CI has been practicing this for many decadeswith our sophisticated economy. Ever heard of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty that was negotiated by Caymanians?

  10. Anonymous says:

    pot calling the kettle black! same shit different bunch that is Udp and ppm.

  11. Anonymous says:

    I believe a "missing persons" report can only be filed if there is someone who missed the person and wants them back.

  12. Anonymous says:

    8: 26

     

    They keep picking on Mac because they have no other grounds to tell the people to vote for them. mac is an easy scapegoat. Caymanians like to hear negative things so of course he is going to feed them the BS..it's the only thing left for him to do.

  13. Anonymous says:

    To be completely fair, I bash them both.

     

    Let the independents rule.

    • Anonymous says:

      You mean the independent "we're not a party" party?

      • Ha says:

        You mean the Independent Rich boys club who are looking for a Government they can control because the UDP doesnt need them anymore? The same Independent party that contradicts their very definition? The same Independent party who have memners in their ranks like Austin on Rooster who still pretends to be a talk show host when he is in fact pushing their agenda and bashing both partys at every opportunity? 

        The Independent Party is backed by a bunch of rich businessmen who supported the UDP for years and now all of a sudden seem to have developed a conscience and want to represent all of us. These guys have no loyalty to the middle class and poor and I pity anyone who fall prey to this hyped up scam of a party.

         

        • Put "Cayman First" says:

          It’s obvious that people are tired of the parties and the same personalities who pretend to offer leadership and solutions for Cayman every 4 years. The UDP are a shambles and the PPM are worse at being an Opposition party to the foolishness that goes on in this country. They have both had their chances and we are all living through their failed and expensive political legacies.

          Now is the right time for a group of Caymanians with experience, ambition, proven leadership abilities and who want to see a better future for Cayman. Any new group or team which emerges will have former UDP and PPM supporters and have come about due to the failings and mismanagement by BOTH parties who are big on rhetoric, promises whilst leaving a trail of debt, instability and the same tired old faces who pretend that they can change their management style. Beware of anybody in politics because they need the salary.

          We have tried both UDP and PPM and there is nothing democratic or progressive about either party as they have failed to put Cayman First.

    • Anonymous says:

      12;59

      And tell us how the independent will get anything done in the assembly…. especially when the votes are cast.

      We haven't heard  of one building block he has to put in the ground.

      Stop fooling the people, you all, already met as a party…. typical Caymanians, dodgey, sneaky, and  deceiving, black crabs.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Hoorah!! God Save the Queen! Hallelujah!!  PPM !!  The PPM is not known for blustering, loud cheap talk.  The PPM is packed with honest hard working educated  positive people ready to take this country away from the United Disgusted Party.  Members of the PPM can hold their heads high – they are respected at home and abroad.  You few UDP supporters I guess about 6 of you in total)  need to hang yuour head in shame at the bewilderment of your group.  The UDP are really good of looking after their own interest and the interest of their hangers-on.  That is about all they have done in the last 3+ years – running around like a chicken with it head cut off- like a dog chasing its own tail.  !!  WHAT A TING MS CHIN!!

  15. Anonymous says:

    Free vacations for all my friends!

    He knows they are the last ones he will ever get…

  16. SSM345 says:

    08;26, either you need to take your head out of the sand or you are completely deluded, I would imagine it's probably a combination of both. For you to say that the PPM got us in this mess (because of the schools?) is complete nonsense.

    If you actually live here you surely would have heard of the follwing which has occurred under Mac's watch and decison making:

    Cohen
    GLF
    Ryan
    Dart

    Stan Thomas
    Fees, Fees, Fees / Increased cost of living
    Waste
    No  Port
    Gas Boy
    Illegal Paving
    Pay Cuts
    Endless, unnecessary travel
    NO DEVELOPMENTS OR INVESTMENTS.

    MASSIVE BORROWING, WITH NO CUTS IN GOVERNEMNT EXPENDITURE.

    If you call this current Adminsitration a success in any way having read the above you are in need of serious help and are placing these islands  in serious if not grave jeopardy of becoming a "has been" by even contemplating voting Dumbo and The Flying Circus back into power  come May 2013.

    I am neither PPM or UDP, I am just a fed up Caymanian having to deal with people's incompetencies when it affects me directly in every facent of my daily life and continues to do so with no apparent end in sight.

    Come May I will be voting but it will not be for any of these jokers, I will vote for the Independents and the only  for the sake that there might actually be a chance of something new in the future of these islands.

     

  17. Anonymous says:

    The way the country is the way it is is because of the UDP gowerment, who I am willing to bet you voted for. Forget about the new fridge next time my friend, and use your brain instead.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Come on PPM you should be able to be more forceful than that in holding the UDP accountable. Did you listen to how former Minister Charles Clifford held Mark Scotland accountable on Rooster Monday morning ? Thats how you do it PPM……follow Chucky's lead and take no prisoners. Mark was KO'd !!!

    • Joke says:

      Chucky himself needs to be held accountable – showing up out of nowhere to "Save US" when he knows full well that he failed miserably as a minister and politician.

       

  19. Old Sea Captain says:

    I find it hard to believe that these people can sleep at night, and if they are able to, they have no conscience. They will be remembered as the ' T & T' government (Tax and Travel). All of these travels/trips are simply a waste of time and money as we gain nothing from them attending but I'm sure they are having a jolly good time flying first class, staying in five star hotels and dining in the most expensive restaurants they can find all on our dime. It is just amazing that this madness has gone on for three and a half years and we are powerless to stop it. Any candidates in the next election that can assure me if they are elected will reverse everything that has been enacted since May 2009 has my vote.

  20. Shock and Awe says:

    Cayman:  The only country who's leader appears on a milk carton:

    HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?

  21. Anonymous says:

    He is away, because he can! Nothing happens to stop it. At least it's harder for him to screw us when he's off island. Good riddance. He'll soon be out of power so he's milking the system for as much as he can before he goes.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Can we file a "missing persons" report with RCIPS along with a possible misuse of public funds charge?

     

    That way the Police will have to investigate and if the missing people show up at some point, they willhave to explain exactly why and how much they spent. Maybe the quickest way to a conviction???

     

    • Anonymous says:

      The problem with filing a missing persons report is the police might findthem and bring them back –  not a desirable outcome!

  23. Anonymous says:

    Sorry but you're going to have to do better than jumping on the bandwagon with some mild criticism only after half the island made their feelings known.  You want my vote how about telling me how PPM will make sure this kind of waste stops, how you would get some snouts out of the trough and how you would introduce some accountability into public spending? Unless you do that I assume you'll take just the same liberties with our money as the current lot.

    • Anonymous says:

      The PPM are constantly criticising the UDP for their wastage, you just aren't listening. They never wasted money on travel, and deals that didn't go through etc… like the UDP. At least you can see that the money went to build something that will last, not on first class tickets to the desert. They were accountable for their spending and they had Michael Ryan paying until election day when the UDP took over. They didn't have a nation building (slush) fund for their supporters either. 

  24. Anonymous says:

    Collectively, the cabinet members of this UDP Government will never be forgotten for setting the bar at a new standard of governance during their time in office. Cayman's electorate must ensure that no future Government is ever allowed to stoop so low again.    

  25. Anonymous says:

    you guys suck it up be hush!!! 

    sick of hearing PPM bash UDP…. thats why the country is the way it is….

  26. Caymanian - Yup- bring on the accountants says:

    I know how to send a clear signal that we will no longer tolerate any party nonsense and greed, prosecute these politicians.  This is pure stealing.  I would have been fired long ago if I took my companies money and took off on a jolly.

    NO MORE PARTIES AND NO MORE POLITICANS- WE DEMAND A SIMPLE BALANCED BUDGET FOR A SMALL COUNTRY WITH LESS THAN 75,000 PEOPLE.

    Prosecute the bloated bums, demand accountability, and take this country back.

    • The Thinker says:

      Sorry, Caymanian, but there are no people up there who are willing to bring charges against anyone for graft or theft or any under-the-table dealing for personal gain. They seem to think corruption in the government is O.K.  Why???  I don't know!  Maybe corruption is far more widespread than we think.

  27. Anonymous says:

    Just one more world tour before he has to do so on his own dime.  But no, even then it won't be his dime.  The over-taxed high fee paying citizens of Cayman will be paying his pension and who knows where in the world some narsicistic psycopath might have need of his expertise on how to dupe its citizens and grow fat and rich in the process.

     

    Oh the grand rewards of leadership, Cayman style!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      He's knocked up enough airmiles now to keep him going for the rest of his lifetime

  28. Anonymous says:

    This is a PPM ‘attack’ ..?
    Ferocious as a box of kittens!
    Meow!

  29. Not My Fault says:

    Ezzard has been critical of govt’s wateful spending from 2009. He even is critical of the fact that govt officials are traveling to China first class this week.

    Ezzard knows that even many private sector firms have eliminated first class travel in light of the tough financial environment.

    This govt continues to splurge less than 2 months after a major budget crisis.

    Alden is too little too late.

    I will vote for candidates that Ezzard endorses as he is consistent with his critisism of wasteful spending.

    • Anonymous says:

      My friend, Cayman does not really know Ezzard, only what he says but his record speaks loudly. Remember he was only able to get elected again in 2009 because Edna retired. North Siders know him and chose the best of the "evils" in 2009. Cayman has a serious problem – no one to REALLY replace McKeeva!

      • Anonymous says:

        But Cayman does REALLY know McKeeva now if they didn't know him before. Most people understand that he is not fit for public office let alone to be premier. He is a total liability to this country.

    • Anonymous says:

      The Premier is travelling to get business/development to come to Cayman but this is not what is needed for the country at this time.  The leaders of the country need to come together with practical solutions that will have positive out come for the country in these difficult economic times.  Very few countries and people have the money to make major investments in other countries at the moment.  The government need to learn to live within its means.  Cayman and Caymanians are in for the shock of their lives if nothing is done to control the spending of government.   Social service hand outs are the the solutions for the people of Cayman jobs are the solution.

      • Anonymous says:

        After 4yrs of travelling around the world with nothing to show for it at the end of the day would tell a normal person  you are wasting money as there are no new developments / businesses, in fact quite the opposite, but then again we are dealing with Mac,and that really says it all.

    • Anonymous says:

      You obviously don't read any of the PPM critiques of the UDP government throughout their whole term. 

    • Anonymous says:

      The same Ezzard who proclaimed just before the 2009 election that he would vote with the UDP to form a government? He is as guilty as the UDP MLA's who made Mac premier and continue to let him be premier by refusing to vote against him in two votes of "no confidence" brought by the PPM MLA's. 

  30. Anonymous says:

    When will the officials of this country kick these people out ? Its time ladies and gentlemen, we have seen total disregard for ones job .Surely we can't wait for another disaster. I'm talking to you !! Our representatives , either get rid of them or we will get rid of you.

    • Anonymous says:

      If the government had put the community enhancement fee on all expats on work permits irrespect of how much they make, he would be able to send more time at home instead of having to run all over the world trying to get investors to come here to investment so that the country will continue to prosper.  This is what is called robbing Peter to pay Paul.

      • Anonymous says:

        Mac's  supporters really need to keep from posting, their arguments are illogical and they clearly demonstrate their complete misunderstandng of the current economic climate in Cayman as well utter stupidity.

    • Anonymous says:

      The only way the officials of this country can kick these people out is by voting with the opposition on one of the TWO votes of no confidence that the PPM has brought. The UDP lackies need to vote against this man to remove him as premier and they will not. 

  31. peter milburn says:

    Sure took the PPM and Alden long enough to complain about all the travelling going on etc.Both parties are PATHETIC and I hope this reflects at the polls in next years election.Its all about THEM and US Not the cayman people just the party system which I might add has done NOTHING for this country NOTHING.It has done nothing but divide the good people of this country and I sincerely hope that people will wake up and see that its time for a change A COMPLETE CHANGE.Members of the House you have made your money now go and enjoy it in your retirement.

    • Whodatis says:

      (Raises glass, nods head.)

      • Anonymous says:

        Congratulations Whodatis……this is the first post from you in a verylong time which actually has more thumbs up than thumbs down. Even I support your comment. I'll raise a glass to dat too.

  32. Anonymous says:

    I have to disagree that there have been many instances of bad judgment and bad governance by Bush and the UDP government.

     

    I can only recall one instance, and that was from the day they took office until the present….

    • Anonymous says:

      Unfortunately there were many instances before that day. It seems we are either very slow learners or we just love fridges. I heard a gentleman say on the radio the morning after the last election that "The problem with Cayman is thatthe stupid people out-number the smart ones" I rest my case. And I pray that we as a people finally wake up before it is forever too late.  God knowsour monthly CUC bills and our supermarket receipts are doing their very best to shake us out of our slumber.

  33. Anon says:

    Nearly four years of waste and b.s. What, if anything, has been accomplished?

    Cohen
    GLF
    Ryan
    Dart
    Travel
    Fees
    Waste
    Port
    Gas Boy
    Paving
    Pay Cuts
    Endless, unnecessary travel
    Waste, waste and more waste

    Guess who payed for it, YOU. And even worse all your children, who will inherit the DEBT.

    And shame on all the MLAs that don’t have a pair to stand up for what is right and fair!

    Are you better off now than you four years ago? I know I’m not.. VOTE!!
    You have the power! Take it back!

  34. Anonymous says:

    I can't believe that after three years the PPM is finally asking questions. Sorry too, little too late.

    This guys are washed up and useless. No matter how you dress them up, they are the party of failure.

    Both parties need to go…Neither has the people's needs at heart.

    • Live Free.... says:

      Like I Said before, some Caymanians same to have short term memory, how many more times you wan't PPM, Ezzard, and Alrden to make noise about the UDP wastage of you and the people's money . I read news everyday, and anon 18:51 how often do you read the news? It obvious you have not been paying attention, and just love slamming PPM, you miss out a lot of times that PPM raised issues over the incompetence of the UDP Government, I rest my case.

       

      Live Free…..

       

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Live Free you are correct,but i just hope you are not supporting the PPM to be re-elected,they must also go and never to return.

    • Caymanian - Yup- bring on the accountants says:

      The two party system has been the ruin of the decade.  Nothing gets done but blame the last group.  Forget it!  Maybe TCI wasa wake up call.  We do NOT need politicians at all.  

      What we need is a few good accountants to balance the books, an incorruptable council that will decide on roads and better schools, and leave the human rights abuses (none in this dayt and age of the world wide web) up to some lawyers.  Folks, we need administration, not politicians.

      The hen house was left unguarded and all the eggs have been stolen.  Your island was sold for the past decade and only the politicans of both parties are better off.. The PPM is just waiting for their turn to get into the purse, it is like children hanging on their mother's skirt.

      Throw ALL the bloated bums OUT and ask for a balanced budget no matter what the cost….(Gasp! That means no nanny-state, harder immigration, no 8,000 handouts- yup…that will lose you votes, but win the country back from politicians.)

      Toughen up Cayman.  We allowed this to happend by accepting, "just a small driveway, a job for my brother, $200 a month for my single mom auntie, a favor for housing, a medical bill waived, new roof, church grant, business for my cousin…)  STOP taking the handouts….it only feeds the greed.

      Stand up and demand balanced books and no more bums!

  35. Beachboi says:

    Never mind Mc Wutless but I wonder if there is anyone on this planet of 7 billion plus people that can tell me why the UDP would find it necessary to spend multiple thousands of dollars to send the deputy premare to Qatar for a postal conference!!!  OMG!  I am so fed up with this crap.  I just cannot see how anyone so stupid can be in charge of such important positions.  Its too bad that the voters that took bribes to put these idiots in office cant be identified and prosecuted for "first degree ignorance"!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Any excuse to cruise the world at our expense is a good one. You really need to start thinking very seriously about this crap every time you fill up at the gas station, Cayman, and every time you pay your CUC bill, and every time you walk out of a supermarket with $150.00 worth of groceries in two small plastic bags. These morons are murdering us in cold blood and having the time of their lives doing it. Please do something to save yourselves and your country and your childrens' future, Cayman. 

  36. Anonymous says:

    Who cares if the premier and the deputy premier are off island? Off or on island makes no difference as they are hopelessly incompetent; the government muddles through in spite of them, not because of them.

     

    The real problem with them being off island is the cost. We cannot afford their jollies, especially when there nothing positive comes home. In fact, usually negative things come home like the million dollar law suits. Go figure.

    • Anonymous says:

      The Chinese are coming with mass investments and we welcome them.  I welcome the Chinese they need to come here to work and open business, build the dock, roads and open factories.  They have the money to spend they will buy our lands, homes and apartments.  China have lots of wealthy people and if we allow them in here they will build our economy they have the money to do so.  We need people to develop the country.   The Premier is going to Dubai and Saudia Arabia they have lots of money and we need all themoney and business that we can have here

      • Anonymous says:

        Woo Hoo!

         

        Yes, then there will be lots and lots of jobs for Caymanians……cleaning rich Chinese toilets.

  37. Anonymous says:

    too little too late ppm……

    you are as bad an opposition as the udp are as a government…

    • Anonymous says:

      What would you have done differently if you we’re in there position?

    • Too little? says:

      Hasnt the PPM consistently raised concerns with the present Government ?even going to the extent of filing no confidence motions ? Your comments are biased and made to create mischief. The PPM will be the new Government and the many new candidates they bring forward will put this country back on track!

      • Anonymous says:

        biased against who??? with the shambolic performance of the udp it should have been very easy for ppm to take full adtvantage….. instead they are a party divided that is scrambling to look effective at the 11 th hour….

    • Anonymous says:

      That is the best comment so far, we need more independent's

    • Anonymous says:

      What a load of crap. The PPM constantly criticize the UDP government but the UDP government uses OUR money to repeat the same lies over and over until most people believe them. The amount of corruption by the UDP cannot ever be compared to any job you THINK the PPM have done.