UK lays down law to Mac
(CNS): The overseas territories minister has written to Premier McKeeva Bush demanding that he implement the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility exactly as it was signed and warning him to stop the current plans for the cruise berthing facilities until the process is back on track with best practice. In the letter, which Mark Simmonds has asked to be shown to the Cayman people, the British official makes it clear that the UK is no longer prepared to accept any deviation from what it sees as good governance. In a damning indictment of the premier’s decision regarding the FFR and the cruise facilities, the minister warns he will reject the port proposals as he delivers an ominous warning.
In a statement released to the media Friday afternoon the governor explained that Simmonds had found it necessary to write to the premier about both issues and had requested his letter be published in the public domain. (See below)
“As many people in the Cayman Islands will be aware, the UK Government has for some time been concerned with the way in which the procurement of better cruise ship facilities has been conducted,” the governor stated as he pointed out the need for Simmonds to write to the premier because of the outstanding issues regarding the passage of the FFR and the cruise port, despite numerous warnings from the UK.
“The Minister has asked that his letter be made available to the people of the Cayman Islands so that there is no misunderstanding of the UK government’s position on both issues,” the governor said.
“The UK Government supports the aim of enhanced cruise ship facilities and fully understands the potential economic benefit to the Cayman Islands,” said Duncan Taylor as he insisted that the nationality of the party was not the issue.
“We encourage investment in the Cayman Islands by China and other countries. It is of critical long-term importance to all parties that proper procurement processes are followed in line with international best practice,” he added.
In his letter Simmonds states that the premier’s attempts to pass the FFR into law with changes is unacceptable as is his continuation with the port development talks without making efforts to get the process back on track.
The minister tells the premier that if he does not pass the FFR as he signed it he would have no option but to conclude that Bush was not adhering to good governance. Falling short of indicating the exact consequences, Simmonds speaks about having given detailed considerations as to the “alternatives” open to him if McKeeva Bush fails to heed what appears to be a final warning over the FFR.
In the tradition of UK understatement and diplomatic language, there is no doubt that this is a serious warning about how far the UK may go if the premier refuses to follow the directions of the FCO.
See Simmonds' letter in full below.
Vote in the CNS poll: Should McKeeva Bush resign now?
Category: Politics
Dear UK:
Please come and take over as soon as possible. Please save us. We are afraid of what our government has become, and what they are doing. We are powerless to stop him, but you can save us. Please hurry. We can't take more of this destruction.
Full of fear
Difficult to imagine any UDP representative not accepting that unless they dump Mr.Bush pronto they're going down with the boat. How they've never realized this up til now is a mystery to me. Don't they think ahead? Should be an interesting week ahead of us and I'm just praying it'll be a clean fight to the end. My money's on Mr.Simmonds being declared the winner in a TKO before the end of the first round with Mr.Bush being carted off on a reinforced stretcher into a well deserved political oblivion.
I wouldn't declare Mr Simmonds winner as yet,have you forgotten or have you ever heard about the story in the bible where David slew Goliath? do not jump the gun sonny boy!!
Read your bible .. this is Mac NOT David luv.
I was thinking being carted of to a well known instution close to Bodden Town
"We encourage investment in the Cayman Islands by China and other countries"……………..some of you must be dumbfounded by this statement coming from mummie,see, nothing wrong with COMMUNIST CHINA doing business in the CaymanIslands,i hope our friendship improves with China as this can only be good for our future.
After an open and transparent bidding process, not bribes and closed dealings with corrupt politicians, try and read it all, not some of it mac
This needs to be said….because I believe sometimes we all miss the point and poorly…
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA….
Not al Chinese firms are like CHEC BUT many are. Just like not all Caymanians are lazy and not all Jamaicans commit crimes.
In life NOTHING IS ALWAYS….
The problem here was WHO and HOW….
WHO we were getting in bed with was a firm who has a reputation that proceeds them with regards to CORRUPTION. Don't take my word for it….The owners son if my memory serves me has been convicted of bringing an official and the World Bank wants nothing to do with them. Need I say more..???
HOW is a circumvented process by our DIS-honorable premier who kicked GLF out and paid them off (probably with CHEC money in the end) so CHEC could take the lead. CHEC never even was apart of the bidding process, they just GOT IT.
This is what is wrong with this. Not that they are Chinese but the way in which THIS Chinese firm does business and the way our PATHETIC leader does business with the world.
So let's keep our facts straight. I really do not like to see any nation get labeled because some of their citizens or companies does business poorly. Look at our premier, do we want the world believing he is a good example of the people who live here? I thought not.
Dred out….
Has our Premier Bush gone mad? Is the pressure on his brain to great for it to take?
It seems that he is leading Cayman into a abyss, which well may be bottomless.
Cayman has shot itself in the foot before, but nothing like this.
The UK dispose Bush, then call for an investigation of Bush's sources of income,
and all his bank accounts.
I would suggest the Andora region in the border area between Spain and France as one place to look when it comes to bank accounts.
So if Mac decides to declare waron the UK will our Air Force be acquiring some of those new Chinese Stealth fighters? Or was his recent trip to the Philippines for the purpose of getting some Philipines Airlines kamikaze pilots?
And does anyone know if he is bringing our troops home for Christmas from the war he declared on Bermuda a few months back?
When your cheif advisor is Honey Boo Boo, what else do you expect?.
Honey Boo Boo and Berga. lolol What a combo!
Where's Whodatis now?
With the production of a clear and unambiguous letter to all of the Cayman people's, those who try to portray the UK as an uncaring bully are silenced. This very direct letter leaves no room for manipulation by those who would destroy Cayman in their own self interest. And anyone who doubts the UK's resolve to stop this wholesale abuse of power and fiscal ineptness are seriously deluded.
It is very clear that these islands are under very tight scrutiny by the FCO. Come Monday, if this sham of a government doesn't make it absolutely clear that they will conform and accept the FFR as originally agreed, the UK will impose direct rule and the gravy train will come to a very abrupt halt.
The UK is a master of understatement and diplomatic wizardry, don't be fooled by the seemingly friendly tones of the Minister's language. He means business and Cayman better be prepared for what could happen if he is ignored once more.
So, to all those who for so many years have played the 'Caymanian way' card of self interest, entitlement and greed combined with a head in the sand mentality, your time is coming. If the UK takes direct control, there will be a lot of heads on the block and not just politicians.
To those Caymanians who are genuinely concerned for the safety and security of their country, you have nothing to worry about and everything to gain. The UK stands with you.
The UK would be crazy to 'take over" Cayman's government like they did in TC. They must have learnt their lessons there having sent so much money there last year. The simple reason they will not is that we would require far too much money from UK to sustain that concept and they will pick up our challenges at the same time.
The UK will do what they do everywhere they have ever ruled in the last 1000 years….let the locals take care of each other while they have tea. For example at the height of the Indian Raj they only had 950 civil servants there controlling tens of millions of people but ensured the caste system and the various other divisions in the country remain fighting and controlling each other. The UK has that situation now at work here….PPM, Anti FCIA, Independents, Anti this, Anti that, etc, etc all lined up against the UDP–we only have to be carefull that they don't slip us a poison pill with the medicine to make us better. Not sure the next government will be able to do anything under the proposed FFR for instance–cannot see any future infrastructural development working with the FFR for instance without direct taxation.
I do agree with you that the UK's letter is indeed a line in the sand. Even if the UDP puppets vote for some silly variation of the FFR law on Monday the Governor will never sign it into effect. The FCO can simply rewrite it in England and put it into immediate effect. They dont like doing that but will if they have too. We will all praise it as it put needed chains on this government but the new government will have those chains on as well.
Our likely outcome to this is the governor calling for early elections. Will not be a month too soon in my opinion.
That does seem to be the prevalent view in London. No more interventions as they cost too much. Simply cut off approval of credit lines, bar the approval of any government contracting and stand back is considered a better option.
Now thats a warning shot across the bow.
No, it’s a head shot that looks like a warning shot, only, does it come too late?
Diplomacy has for centuries been the byword of Britain’s global activities, and has frequently been defined as – ” The ability to keep on saying “nice doggie” until you can find a rock, or a big stick “. Beware mr bush, I suspect that the FCO has managed to get it’s hands on both of them.
This should be very interesting. We all know that McKeeva Bush thinks he is answerable to know one & does as he wants. It will be very interesting to see who wins this battle, because Mr. hardhead says he is not doing what the FCO has instructed him to do. He thinks he can do as he wants, well "not today Bo-Bo"!!
After reading the comments to this article I am starting to think that I am living in Rhodesia and not the Cayman Islands.
That's the second time that comment has been posted. Please justify.
As one who lived in Rhodesia and Cayman (but not the origin of either post) I would imagine that they are saying that McKeeva is acting like Ian Smith – who refused to do what Whitehall wanted, and who declared UDI in 1965 rather than obey.
Think they are referring to the former Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe and one Mr. Robert Mugabe…and how much Bush is starting to be indistinguishable from him..
Please do some research and then tell everyone what you have learnt about Rhodesia. That will help you and everyone else to understand the comment.
I am also providing a URL below that will take you to an article that you will also want to read.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/apr/18/sins-colonialists-concealed-secret-archive
Please read it carefully before you respond (see extract below).
Many historians remain suspicious of the FCO and believe it may seek to retain some of its secret files. Caroline Elkins, the Pulitzer prize-winning historian of the Mau Mau rebellion, warns that the FCO’s history of concealment and denial is such that the public should also continue to sceptical.
Would you buy a used car from the FCO?
Isn't Rhodesia and Mau Mau two different places? I don't think the comments about Rhodesia have anything to do with this article but maybe I'm mistaken.
Did you read the article associated with the link provided? What did the article teach you about the FCO?
clarify please
If the UDP cabinet members don't get the message now, they never will. This a death knell for the UDP party as long as Mac remains in charge. Wise politicians should take this opportunity to address the situation unless of course they support Mac. Its make your mind up time Cline.
For the avoidance of doubt and for the un-initiated the UDP party IS Mac. It is a cult. The PPM Party has much better credibility in its foundation, but its genesis is as the anti-Mac. Cayman's natural state is to elect independents to "do the right thing." Party politics is unsuitable and abhorrent to the small Island community we live in. It is too devisive and smacks of tribalism. Once Mac is gone, the basis for both parties will cease – and we can return to sensible middle of the road consultative and accountable/responsible leadership options joined together as like-minded teams rather than bound by the dictats of an unelected party heirarchy . Whether you love them or not, Ezzard and Arden demonstrate the force that independents with integrity can have.
The UDP is as done as Mac. It is only the cloak by which our pretend emperor has enjoyed the appearance of wearing clothes.
Wellsaid…now it's up to all you ass kissing coctail party socialites to stop puffing him up and let him know that the emperor is frakin naked…!
The "we're not a party" independent party is just the same. They will decide ahead of time who will have each post in a new government. Don't blame the very young party system in Cayman for what McKeeva Bush has done to us.
No – they must all go down with him. No switching sides now.
Why do the police, the AG, and the courts not lay down the law as well or even instead. Get all the bastards – they have been destroying my homeland in the face of the authorities for years.
Especially the AG!!!
Oh wait, did someone on his team not get a status grant from Mac, and then opine they were all perfectly legal?
He needs to be removed and carted off along with Mac. The country will then save thousands that no longer have to be paid for an unnecessary security detail.
The AG?? Bit#$ Please.., you don't bite the hand that feeds or fed you
Okay, the Solicitor General/DPP then?
Same problem as the AG it seems.
Well let’s see maybe because the AG was at the same retreat all of the big Whigs of the UDP party were at this weekend but lets don’t forget that KeKee sent a BBM last week according to the marl road accusing CG and SCB and RA of trying to overthrow him while he was away, be interesting to see what comes of all of it but when the AG attends the same retreat as the UDP might be a slight conflict or in the case of our country business as usual, wonder if KeKee tore up his blackberry in a tantrum after he sent his BBM accusing his peeps of a coup attempt then again PPM not any better, instead of slinging mud now is the time for them to step forward with a concrete platform that specifically outlines every transparent step they are going to take if elected to bring the country to where it needs to be and show they are working with the FCO to do so but nope not happening just more grandstanding and mud slinging….bring on the young independents!
a shocking indictment of not only bush but also the rest of the spinless udp cowards that make up this shambles of an administration…..
vote them out!….all of them…
Please could someone post the October 1st FCO letter and Mac's response of 30th October. Incredible that it took one month to respond. The 30th October letter is available on INews, but not the FCO letter.
CNS: We will be posting the letter from McKeeva in a separate article shortly.
I thought Mac's 30th October response was to the FCO letter dated 2nd Nov. lol.
UDP CABINET RUNNING FOR COVER, Better start looking for jobs boys and girl !
Ohhhh sorry non to get on this Island with the salary u all got for the last 4 years sitting on your asses doing nothing good for the islands apart from spending and screwing it up.
Hear they in a emergency retreat in east end, scrambling!
Hope that Last Call Rolly not driving tonite
Quick guys, learn Spanish. That is what they speak in the Dominican Republic.
Also, havent you heard, unless its a work permit, you cant get a job in Cayman – look at all of the qualified Caymanians out of work.
So, unless the UDP are going to take out work permits to get a job as an MLA, they are S.O.L.!!
MAC you going to need real LAWYERS one this one, welcome to the real world and the big leagues, who is the man now, shure as hell it aint you ,
GOD BLESS THE QUEEN.
Burning Bush. The smoke will get into UDP eyes.
Ohhhhhhhhh Dear, I bet Mac cant handle this one, the BULLY has been called in the principles office .
I bet he goes quiet on this one and cant show off to his party supporters that his voice is the one and the UK will listen too.
Ok Mac your turn I dare you to to change the signed FFR with the UK and continue with CHECK. as you have been spouting off about that you are the BOSS.
I can't see him going quiet on this as you say. He is going to play it out…
''kicking and screaming till the very end''
Then when he is finally put down….he will blame the U.K. for it all…..
I hope the next government corrects the weakenesses in this present Constitution that allowed Mac to run uncontrolled. I said it in one of the Constitutional Meetings and Alden brushed it aside, but I still think that there has to be proper checks and balances. Ministers roles should be defined and they should setting policy and directions only, not getting involved in operational matters. Cabinet should be elected to office by the vote of the populace at large as they are representing everyone in the Cayman Islands. No one district should elect someone who then rules every other district. Likewise, the people of this country should be able to remove any member of Cabinet, or the entire Cabinet by Referendum. Luckily the FOI was enacted, but even that this government tried to beat down.
We want honest, transparent, responsible and financially prudent government; one where there are proper checks and balances to prevent anyone from manipulating, or corrupting the processes and systems and we want it now! Make the necessary changes so we have a brighter future.
TOTALLY AGREE!!! That Constitution MUST go back to the Drawing Board to change all those DIRTY Areas that were ENJOYED by ALL Successive Governments in the previous Constitution and equally this one TAILORED by BOTH Sides of these last Two Governments.
DIRTY BRUTES!!
The reason Alden brushed it aside is that he thought he was going to be the Premier and liked those powers he crafted for himself…..he still thinks so. HaHa
Thank you U.K. A thousand thank yous! Now, please deal with all the other 'deals' our Premier is trying to pull off behind our backs that are greatly to his, but not to our, benifit.
"My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you. And as for myself, that goes without saying." (Goerge M. Cohan)
Well Macky Boy those 10 year work permits and no expat tax have really paid off eh! You took care of all their needs now so they don't need you any longer so hit the road old boy! Oh by the way thanks again for destroying our childrens future.
Bush wll nearly take it with 2 knockdowns in Rd 1 but will gas from too much turtle meat and Simmonds takes it by UD.
I note with some bemusement the Compass article entitled “Premier: Cayman Islands Difficult to Push”. My first thought was: It’s a good thing, seeing as how we are now teetering at the precipice, thanks to that maniac. So I guess if we weren’t so hard to push, we would already be at the bottom of the abyss!
bitch slapped.
Reading the newspaper for job and I see Simmons simple and McKeewa bigs wasting my time whilst water bills increase and everything else. saying- "Deh bread buttered"
Julie, Rolston, Mike, Mark, CG, Elio, John John and Capt. Eugene are the persons who under our constitution gave McKeeva the power to do all that he has been doing. It is THEM who have the power to pull his plug. If THEY had the interest of Cayman at heart, they would have stood up to him ages ago.
So let's just be clear of WHO got us in this mess and WHO are keeping us in this mess – Julie, Rolston, Mike, Mark, CG, Elio, John John and Capt. Eugene.
That is true, it is Mac's fellow UDP colleagues who voted for him to become Premier, and for him to remain in power, however, the PPM are who made a mess of the constitution which now allows him to continue his embarrasing reign with the UDP's blessing, while the rest of us remain powerless to remove him and them! As far as I am concerned neither he UDP or PPM are worthy of vote and I hope that a good and well meaning opposition of independents will come forward next election. In the meantime I hope that the FCO continues to box him in place and put this country back on the right track. I long for return of statesmanship and class in our Legislature.
who is this Eugene person?
Watch what happens! I say absolutely NOTHING! More rhetoric from the UK. Teflon Mac will ignore them or do worse and get his disciples to stage a huge rally in his support. I count FOUR investigations he is under at the same time, a failed coup and amidst that all he signs a deal with SMC of the Phillipines for investent in a losing airline! Pure political genius is what it is; coupled with incredible "luck" as the Ritz "sale" garners his Govt. $17 million he hadn't counted to stimulate the economy at Christmas. Restart of The Hyatt, and Darts "Bridge over troubled water" all coming together right before the election. And the PPM is STILL asleep while he's doing this all! God help us; the DO ALL HARM and the DO NO HARM (even to the DO ALL HARM) Parties!
Finally. The end of the rope. After all the many, many failures, losses, and embarassments that Bush has caused with his incompetence and arrogance it is time for bad governance to pay its dues and move on. Now the people of Grand Cayman can start to rebuild world confidence and repair its reputation. Now that is something I am sure allmost everyone here can put their considerable energy and backing into. Thank you Mr. Simmonds
Would somebody please teach Mac to spell no CHEC? This man has become a positive threat to this country. It is very simply a question of what will he do next to destroy us because he cannot have his own way.
I wouldn't count out Dear Leader just yet. He is a street smart, cunning, down and dirty fighter. Just wait and see. I think it was Churchill who said something like a week is a life time in politics.I wouldn't count the lad out just yet. There are a lot of people here on island who don't like London poking their noses into something which rightly or wronly they perceive to be non of London's business. The stage may be set for a show down, but it may very well put the independence issue on the May elections. The seed is planted and nationalism is powerful emotional issue. Just wait and see.
Harold Wilson said, "a week is a long time in politics," not Churchill.
Any idiot who would want to vote yes for independence along with Mac is crazier than he is. Trust me, the majority of Caymanians would not support such a move so he can plant as many seeds or trees he wants! It will not happen. Cayman remains a British Overseas Terrotary for a long time pal, know that.
It's going to be interesting to see who will blink first.
No blinking coming here. The UK will simply pull the trigger and be done with it. Mac is a loud-mouthed fool who's about to get some reality slapped into him, and for the benefit of those who stood around Mac and watched the pillaging, or even helped the pillaging, the UK has to do this very publicly. Nothing short of that will start to restore any belief that there is the rule of law operating in Cayman. Mac can flap and squawk like the Caymanian chicken he is, and the UK will quietly and calmly do what needs to be done, so pray we all.
Okay now Mark, John John, Mike, Rolston, CG, Eugene, Elio and Julie,. In plain Cayman terms, Unna ga do something bout this man!
Everyone of you are commititng political suicide by staying with him. Break away now, put somebody else in charge or you will go down in flames like the PPM.
While people still have a small slithering of faith in you, Stand up, be men and women, be statesmen, be counted and do something about this before the next election.
Imagine what you guys could do to redeem yourselves in the eyes of the people of these islands. Get rid of McKeeva, lower the tax on fuel, get GLF to start the dock (you might even get our $3m back) lower the stamp duty to encourage new investment, put the Turtle farm up for sale, and lastly lower the import duty fees so that local businesses can survive and be competitive.. There are many more ideas and suggestions but if you could just breathe some sign of hope in to the Cayman Islands once again , we might and I say "might" consider voting for you next time.
Now grow some balls and Get "er" done!!!
No way " consider voting for you next time" Make them all go down with Mac.
Thank God ..just in time otherwise the Chines would own our port, the Canadians our airport, the Filipinos our airline and DART would own our lands, roads and hotels..
we would be like pigs at a trough begging for scraps..oops , I think that is what we are doing already..I guess it's the slop we will have to look for..
Spankarama! Let’s see which side Big Mac’s small fries come down on now!
This reminds me of a famous Jamaican song. I can just picture the very fine Mr. Simmonds singing it to the Premier. Here are a few verses – but please google it on youtube to hear the actual song – very catching – It will "grow pon yuh, man!".
Aaaaaahhh…
I want you to know that, I am the man who
Fight for the right, not the wrong
Singin' this and singin' that
Going there, I'm growing there
Soon you will find out the man I'm supposed to be, helping the weak against the strong. Aaaaaahhh…
Can you hear that?
This man, don't trouble no man
But if you trouble this man it will bring a bam bam
What a bam bam, what a bam bam, bam bam
It'll bring a bam bam, bam bam, what a bam bam
Aaaaahhhh…
Now can you hear that?
Help this man, don't trouble no man
But if you trouble this man it will bring a bam bam
What a bam bam
What a bam bam, bam bam
It'll bring a bam bam
Bam Bam, what a bam bam
it will bring a bam bam (x3)
What a bam bam, what a bam bam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz-G25XMXr4
Chaka Demus & Pliers – Bam Bam
Thank you FCO. We hope your intervention will not be necessary with the next government. I have heard we are getting some of the educated and already sufficiently wealthy Caymanians will give us a choice in our hour of need next election. I intend on contributing to the campaign of these independant Caymanians with a common platform of transparency and fiscal responsibility…..my contribution however will be subject a commitment to investigate the prior administration and pursue them where ever they hide.
I sugest we drive with lights on in the DAY to show our support for the UK, and also to warn the UDP MLA's that in seven months they will be OUT OF WORK.
Hey Big Mac, whose turf you on now, huh?
As the one and only Bruce Springsteen sang: "GLORY DAYS !" I love it ! Let me pull my chair up to the sidelines, this is going to be one HECK OF A SHOW (showdown, that is).
Mac lacks the capacity to appreciate the gravity of the situation!
Translation for UDP supporters: Mac is not smart enough to see how bad things are!
Ding Dong the Witch is dead, the witch is dead the witch is dead.
Ding Don the WICKED WITCH IS DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I saw a coffee cup once that read "Me boss, you not." The U.K. has just reminded the Premier: "Me boss, you not."
I am glad for two reasons: glad about what the Premier has been told by the FCO and, one of my predictions is about to come true.
I made my first post to CNS about a week or two ago and said I would start with some bold predictions. the response from other bloggers was xx LOLs.
My first stated prediction was that the Premier would put the FFR into Law – either because the Premier felt he had a loaded gun held against his head and put it into Law very reluctantly or, the UK Gov"t would pass the legislation in the UK and hand it down to Cayman.
Where are the LOLs now on my predictions, ?
I also stated that the Government would be incapable of being formed by one Party.
I also stated the present Premier will become Speaker of the House.
I stand by my predictions!!
Your last prediction, definately not as he’ll be in either Honduras or Costa Rica on his farm … Unless he first Legislates a ‘Private Jet’ to ferry him back & forth (at our expense of course).
Okay, Nostradamus, I give ya 2 out of 3.
Not quite sure if Mr. Bush (or his advisors) is capable of understanding British understatement. I am, and if I were him I'd be very worried. These people have, very politely, reached the end of their tether with Mr.Bush and his antics, and are preparing to shut him down permanently.
His legal advisors should be worried too – they will soon be out of a job. And based on the seemingly non-sensical advise he has been taking, no one else will hire them.
Unfortunately we will all be paying the bill for his lawyers, another national disgrace.
OH! Wouldn't that be just too, too wonderful for words?!
Mr.Bush, you're fighting as an amateur lightweight against a professional heavyweight here – why not just sober up (from your aspirations of some kind of misplaced grandeur) and go home and take a long nap. Your time is over. Just face it like a man, instead of some silly little boy shouting his head off in the playground, as at present. To put it bluntly, please grow up.
Oh boy, now da bully met ‘im match…
Domfokka problemthink I’m cyan beat dis…
Rejoice Cayman, da end is near!!!
Mac, well, ‘I’m a guest ‘I’m Philly-passport, so we all good now!!!
The way to go Mr. Simmonds, put some sense in that empty spot. It is about time someone stood up to the Tyrant.
Get out the ear plugs. This should be an interesting showdown of alot of noise. Two rivals at it again, and so distant from understanding what Caymanians (not rich like them) are going through at this time! I can only yawn when I see the big heads buck each other for power and control, cause hat's all they do whilst we suffer.
At least 1 of the 2 are bucking heads just to help you, dimwit. The other 1 is just looking out for his own personal interests. Care to guess which one is looking out for you? Or do I need to spell it out for you? It is the U.K., in case you can't tell. So be grateful that at least the U.K. cares enough about good governance and about your own future, while your own home-grown politrixians don't care much about anyone except themselves and their rich developer friends and their crony buddies.
Like the Arfican saying, when elephants fight the grass suffers.
Like the jamaican saying, the higher the monkey goes up the coconut tree the more of his backside is exposed for all the world to see.
Or the other Jamaican saying, ” if you want something, go do a favor for the Premier”.
I think the commenter makes sense and you're a Dimwit with your followers! THE UK IS NOT LOOKING OUT FOR US – FOR US! MB may have his personal interest; but the UK has their own aganda and interest. All intelligent Caymanians should be wary of hypocrits in high office.
Ok, you're a dimwit too. There now, go off and cry yourself to sleep, UDP crony, we all see through you. It is only those cronies who were having it GOOD under a "self-interests" political system, that would not want the U.K. to impose good governance on the islands. Hope you enjoyed your sweet ride while it lasted, because it is over now.
Mr. Simmons, thank you. The Caymanian people are in the great majority grateful to see some indication, finally, of some prospect of a return to the rule of law in these Islands. However the issues are far deeper and insipid than the arrogance of our miscreant premier and the method of selection of contractors for our needed cruise terminal. Must we assume that the FCO is content with all the other acts of apparent impropriety that are well known in this community – from granting immigration permissions to paving driveways, and bypassing checks and balances at almost every turn? If we are to have a clean up (and I hope we will) can we please ensure that nothing is left festering under the carpet? I know the web is tangled and extends far but the pain and effort are needed to allow us to have a recovery from this sorry chapter, and have a bright future.
Yeah, the web extends far indeed. Mr. Simmonds please look into the dump deal, the closure of our roads deal, and all the other "deals" taking place to ensure there is value for money for the Caymanian people and those who live and work here and have to pay direct or indirect taxes and fees, while rich developers pay diddly squat due to sweetheart "deals" and concessions granted by their government puppets who bend to their every demand.
And while you are at it, look into the Shetty deal. Something does not seem right there. All these waivers and concessions for the next century, all these changes to local legislation to facilitate this hospital and non-competing clauses, while poor folk in this country paying more in taxes, hikes in utilities, duties, fees, you name, we got to pay it. All this talk about breaking ground… what has happened since then? Where is the promised local employment, work, construction jobs, and all the things Shetty was supposed to be doing to kick-start the economy? What have the people gotten in return for all these changes to our local legislation to facilitate this hospital, all the waiviers and concessions granted by government for the next century, what value for money have we received or will receive in the future? A nice ground breaking ceremony to-date, but little else to show for it? Where is the promised trickledown effect that is supposed to be kick-starting the economy? Oh, I forget, it was all just a lot of hot air, because this seems really about big benefits to a select few.
I'm flabergasted that at a time when the country NEEDS all the revenue that it can get to cover a Debt mostly incurred through Gross Mis-management by the UDP Government, ANOTHER DUTY CONCESSION has apparently been awarded to another wealthy island resident / company.
This, so that they can bring in heavy equipment DUTY FREE to operate a Quarry on a piece of East End land to poduce aggregate, which is TO BE SOLD to major new developments.
This is reported to be the very East End land that has featured prominently in two major development proposals in the last 3 years.
On a further note, this land was once purchased by another person / company many years ago for the very purpose of mining it for aggregate production, but the Powers-that-be (at the time) would not allow it then due to several factors, INCLUDING Environmental damage.
What a tangled-web we weave.
It's the UDP way, man.
The list is very long…goes back a long time.
First Cayman Bank, turtle farm financing commission..$600,000., first port project given to Misner for $1.5 million mre than Macalpine, West Bay familyland sale to govt. inflated price, condo at Ritz as a gift, side deals with Britannia sales, Explosives scandal to help him frend, Cohen "deal", GLF fiasco costing us millions,
The CHEC deal behind closed doors…and firing of NRA head, extraordinary secret and very expensive travels around the world at our expense…the list goes on ….and STILL the UDP don't seem to be embarrassed by this fool and his inept "deputy premier"…who seems to be no better.
Hell, even the motivation for the Special Economic Zone is suspect. Cayman already is a special economic zone!
When are we going to get rid of this monkey????
"Tell it like it is". Finally, someone putting you in your place. What was that you said again? Guess UK showed you whose soil you on.
Can I call someone a damn fool on this site? No? Ok then I won't
And what is happening with all those investigations against the Premier…imagine we have six more months of this…..maybe!!!
Thank you Mr. Simmonds. We appreciate you advising that you will not permit the Premier to continue to flaunt the law, regulations and processes. Come May 2013, I will do my part to ensure he does not regain power and I hope all Caymanians do likewise. There is now hope afterall. Signed: Caymanian to the core.
Does anyone know what 'suspension of the constitution' and 'direct British rule' means ?
Well…if Cayman's esteemed premiere, the Hon. McKeeva Bush does not heed these warnings, Cayman is just about to find out…just as the Turks 7 Caicos Islands did.
God, I hope so!
Like they say the longest rope has an end. I think I hear some choking noises from West Bay. AIEEEE
Thank God for Mr. Simmonds and the UK Government!! It is a disgrace what is happening in this country and I am very pleased to see that the FCO is reigning in the Premier and his administration. It is about time!
Especially remember that every supporting member of his party is as much to blame for allowing this situation which required intervention and showed the world we one of the financial centers are no better than T&C.
Oh yes, all those who got nation building gifts and settlements and whose businesses got jobs in the process and don't forget the whole UDP hierarchy. Do any of you remember Alden saying before the last election "you think you can control this man, but you CANNOT"????? When you are on your "retreat" this weekend, think very seriously about what you are doing to our country.
Does anyone know if the FFR was the result of consultations between the UK and the Cayman Islands or if it was essentially created by the UK with little ability for the Cayman Islands to make any meaningful changes?
Your statement represents either you are really dumb or are getting a piece of the action.
and even if it wasn't the result of consultation between the UK and the Cayman Islands, I considerit might be more in line with "Good Governance" than what this UNRULY Premier has been rolling out on our lil nation.
And with McKeever at the 'Controls', having "little ability to make meaningful changes" would be a GOOD thing. Thank you.
A very ignorant statement. I hope youre not a Caymanian.
We need to know also why 3 million was collected in advance from CHEC!!!!
That was for 'real estate services'.
duh, to pay off JLF so that MAc didn't ha e to hear about tax payers paying for his switch
That's easy. It was to test out the type of roulette wheels the Chinese plan to put in the new port area.
I believe the test was done recently in Macau and by all accounts was very successful.
Whose territory is it now?
Our leader has committed political and economic malfeasance and it is up to his political associates to relieve him of all duties. They can not dodge this one or they will bite the bullet as well. The UDP is finished as we know it thanks to a man that puts himself before the country and its people. Putting a man in the highest position of our government with no education and continually acts as if he is above the law is a recipe for disaster. I call on all MLA's that have the good our country at heart to ask for a no confidence vote as quick as possible to rid ourselves of this nightmare of malfeasant leadership. Or he could do the honorable thing and resign. He can’t stay on.
With all due respect, and believe me, I agree with you, but the part about calling on all MLA's that have the good of the country at heart to rid us of this nightmare by relieving him of power – OH PLEASE, if they had the good of the country at heart, he would have been relieved LONG AGO. They are just like him, they support him, they go on platforms and vocally say they believe in their leader and are behind him. They defeated the previous No Confidence Motion brought. You really think that they will suddenly develop a conscience and do good towards this country and its people? After 3 1/2 years of watching the country go down the drain and them standing behind him every step of the way? I hope they all realize that none of them are coming back in the next election. I hear the people talk on the street, and they are SICK AND TIRED OF THE USELESS DEMUCK-DICTATORY PINHEADS, who stood on the sidelines and watch our standard of living deteriorate through increased taxes and higher costs of living while they travelled in the party-wagon all over the world in fine luxurious style with their entourage. I FOR ONE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE BACK OF THEM, NEVER TO RETURN TO POWER.
and even then everyone of his party and supporters must be considered complicite in the situation that required this intervention.
"Or he could do the honorable thing and resign."
Surly you jest?
You have officially been served!!
That's what you call being sent to the woodshed….
Thank YOU, Thanks YOU Thank YOU Thank YOU UK……
If I were rythymically inclined I woudl write a song thanking you for this.
But I hope you also take a close look at the Dart Deal also because this is another case of mismanagement of government processes and procedures that should have to meet the "for value" measure of the FFR.
naaah naaah neh booboo…..can't get your port too.
Be a star and pass the FFR
Or the UK will stick you head in d……… okay you get it. PG13 here.
Take that, Mr. Premier. Now you know who is the real boss. Always remember you are only leading a population the size of a small town, this is not your own personal country or kingdom where you can do as you please. You need to heed and abide by your commitments to the U.K., which you agreed to do when you presented a budget for their approval and it was approved on condition that you would sign the FFR into law as you agreed to do for the sake of good governance. Any attempt to go back on your commitment will not go down well and you have only yourself to blame for the current stand-off. Well done to the U.K., for finally laying down the law and clarifying to the public what your position is in the face of the continual disregard of commitments.
There seems to be one person going through all the comments and giving 1 hands-down. Poor UDP, they can't even summon up enough support from their usually vociferous supporters, other than this lone voice in the wilderness with his 1 thumbs down. TSK TSK TSK.
His supporters cannot read, write or type. They do not have the ability to use the net, navigate to cns, read the post, process it mentally, and make a conscious decision to thumb it down. But they can vote I guess.
And, that's only because he or she wasn't invited to the UDP retreat this weekend. LOL
Go Mr. Simmonds…..Thank you for standing up to our dictator. Any man who would try to change a contract AFTER it is signed ca never be trusted…how would anyone in the future be expected to trust any undertaking given by the Cayman Islands government with this bunch of fools running it.
OUCH!
Oh nooo you didn’t!
You put that in your pipe and smoke it Keke! You is not a boss!!! #mywestbayavoice
At last!
In writing, and explicit, do what is right, do it now, as you promised, and the reasons why it is essential. AND, publicly to the people of Cayman. That constitutes a serious instruction from the FCO. I suggest that it would never have been publicly announced in this way if the FCO had been in any doubt that the people of Cayman were concerned, and in my view, this has been made clear by the service CNS gives Cayman as a medium for people to express their views.
Congratulations!
Whooo, whoooo, whoooooo….Mac better get off the tracks, sounds like an express train is on the way!!!!!!!!
I would hope he stays ON the track he could get RUNNED-THE-HELL OVER. That way we could make sure he's all DONE and OVER with.
Faster Gun in Town NOW . With T and C wraped up the UK bad boys packing to leave T & C after the Ellection. Question is it home to London or over to Cayman? To Clean up this mess. Monday should be fun in the LA and Tuesday on Rooster will be a Riot.
THANK YOU MR SIMMONDS!
Please would you assist the people of the Cayman Islands by removing him from the Minister of Finance position, and thereby prevent him from any more negotiations for any business on behalf of this country…
He has been a total embarrassment to intelligent Caymanians…
THANK YOU MR SIMMONDS!
Please would you assist the people of the Cayman Islands by removing him from the Position of 'PREMIER' and PLEASE REMOVE him from the POLITICAL arena ALL TOGETHER. PLEASE ENSURE that McKeeve is NEVER ELIGIBLE to RUN for PUBLIC OFFICE AGAIN.
THANK YOU for ALL your Assistance MR SIMMONDS!
At last! Maybe Cayman can start to get some none corrupt decisions made that serve the people and not the personal interests of a few. I only hope that Bush continues with his actions and the UK government takes over and sorts things out. I don't believe that the parties in government and opposition have what it takes to run a country.
AGREED. The current breed of politicians, and those previously in power, we don't want any of them back in. We want honest, educated, intelligent, Cayman-loving businessmen and women to step up to the plate, and if none are available, then direct rule for a while by the U.K. might do this place a world of good and clean up the mess for a while, before restoring it to the people, and please ensure that before restoring it, that a different, well-meaning lot are ready to step up to the responsibility. NO MORE OLD DINASOUR CAREER-POLITICIANS from UDP OR PPM please. Their time is over.
Problem is when the UK take over, they will bring in direct taxation. like they did with VAT in TCI. And the Cayman people will get screwed.
Finally, Bush finds someone he can't bully. Must feel strange to have to follow the law, like the majority of the electorate has to.
Mckeeva Bush is pushing the UK government to do another "TCI" so as to detract from all his personal issues & investigations, even though he knows it is harmful to Cayman. He knows what lies ahead for him. Why else would he be playing such a dangerous game? We know for sure something, or someone (Bush or the FCO) has to give, we will just have to wait & see, but whatever the outcome it will not be good for Cayman. That is what puzzles me; if Mckeeva Bush loves the Cayman Islands like he claims to do, why is he doing this knowing that the outcome will not be good for us? He is going to hurt his country simply to try & squirm his way out of trouble, or at the very least, use as a smokescreen? SELFISH!
Agree with you to a certain extent, but following your line of reasoning, what would he possibly hope to gain, hoping to use this as a distraction / smokescreen from his personal issues & investigations? After Turks and Caicos came under direct rule from the U.K., the U.K. representatives saw to it that those people who abused their governmental positions to their benefit or the benefit of their friends and/or defrauded government coffers, were brought to justice, including politicians and senior civil servants (13 to-date, I hear) and though Misick skipped out and refuses to return and his assets have been frozen, there is a warrant out for him, according to the news, and he will have to live for the rest of his life looking over his shoulder and cannot travel freely as he pleases without worrying who is chasing him. So it is not like those politicians got off scott-free, in fact, the takeover by the U.K. served to ensure that most of them were finally being brought to justice and held accountable. So I cannot for the life of me see why anyone knowing this, would be trying to push the U.K. to do the same here, unless it is just to use it as an excuse to leave and never to return and to be able to say that it was not his fault that he had to terminate talks with CHEC, but rather it was the U.K. who forced him to terminate talks with CHEC. Maybe he is worried about the "repercussions" of terminating talks with CHEC, and if he uses the excuse that he was forced to terminate the talks, he can turn around and blame the U.K. for that (which might be why he wanted to insert that clause about them being liable for any additional losses / damages as a result of complying with the FFR), just like he blames everyone else for everything he does or does not do. It is always someone else's fault – take your pick , the UK., the opposition, the independents, the donkey-face, carrot-eating milk-drinking opposers who protest all his pie-in-the sky projects, the peeping toms, witches, devil-worshippers, etc). Always someone else to blame, apparently.
Totally Agree!! Mac and his 'Advisors' are very TACTICAL, and I firmly believe that beside Mac's ABUSIVE and UNRULY DESTRUCTIVE PRACTICES(UDP), he is pushing the UK to enact the TCI effect so as to detract from all his INVESTIGATIONS and all the other Political ABUSE and 'DEALS' that he is forcing through outside the Laws and Regulations.
Fantastic! Fan-frickin’-tastic!
Please don't ask Mack to spell that.
This farce has gone on long enough! The UDP and the people of the Cayman Islands must demand the Premier's resignation immediately if we are to prevent our country from going down the path of the Turks & Caicos, which would be disastrous for our Cayman Islands. What more do we need for us to take to the streets people…British warships in George Town harbour? For God's sake, WAKE UP!
Ju Ju gotta go too! And ANYONE and EVERYONE who stands by while corruption happens.
As Andy would say, "take Dat!!!
Well as I said before this meeting in London will spell it all out for mr bush.Its time he realised that HE is not the Cayman Islands.He works for us and as such should do things in a proper manner which can clearly be understood by ALL Caymanians not just the chosen few.Again time will tell on this as HE seems to be hell bent on doing things his way.This is wrong and the proper proceedure MUST be followed in doing huge jobs like the new port system.I am sure that all Caymanians are watching and wondering where we go from here.Time to stop the runaway train to nowhere but further trouble for these fair islands.
A BIG Thank you to the UK for putting Mac in his place on the FFR. Mac needs to understand is is not the BOSS.
Sincerely,
One Happy Caymanian
So this is the clash he was headed for?
Mac you can't beat city hall!
Humble thyself.
16;59
You talking rubbish.
He beat their ass and he will do it again. what he needs to do is go tyo their parliment and expose them in fornt of their opposition, and tell the world about the hypocrisy they are going on with.
Cameron himself has invited the chinese to invest in england…. why cant we do the same. We never asked them for any money.
Hallelu—jah- Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Tell us again whose turf you're on McLunatic?
Thats nice but he's not here toget his mail!
Simmonds: Check.
WELL,WELL,WELL!!!! McKeeva got slapped to the ground. I think Minister Simmonds is really ticked off.I wonder if he is considering early elections as one of the alternatives .Perhaps its time for the opposition PPm and others who are opposed to the UDP administration to get organised ,just in case.
Now the fun begins!!!!
Awesome timing, the fireworks show this Pirates Week is going to be massive!
Not to mention duty free 🙂
Anyone willing to start a voter-led petition to ask for our Premier to step down wouldbe my hero – and that invitation extends to the entire double-dipping paid and absent Opposition and Independent member. We're talking Royal Gongs, Marble Busts, National Holidays and Hero's Wall stuff.
Something wrong with you, why don’t you start it?
This is the final warning shot across the bow of the ship that is the Cayman Islands, if we do not remove its captain right now via a mutiny , then we may as well all sink with the ship, this will turn into a turks and Caicos very quickly if not.
Praise the Lord
Spoken to as if he were a 5th grade educated fool, oh wait, he is
CNS now in the same league as the FCO. Neither of them receive a response to written requests sent to the Premier. lol.
[insert sigh of relief here/]
Time for Mac to get some righteous and serious licks from the UK… its been a long time coming but I for one, thank Mr Simmonds for this, and moreso, for asking for his correspondence to be put in the public domain. Quite an eye-opener and hopefully other Caymanians will now see who is causing all the reputational damage to Cayman… and its not the UK.
Hey mac, who territory you in?
Well people of Cayman, get ready for it because here it comes…DIRECT RULE!
All of you who supported this wonderful amalgamation of a so called Government should hang your head down in shame; for it was you all who couldn't see beyond the obvious.
So, now we will all suffer. Once the UK put her hands around our throats, that is it!!! the death grip will not be eased until every single element that gave us some sort of advantage or made us prosper is gone.
Welcome to the club, the club of being another impoverished caribbean island. Of course many Caymanians will stick their head in the sand, as they have always done, and just let it be.
Are you high on something? I for one welcome direct rule. And by the conversations I have heard behind closed doors with educated Caymanians who love their country, many welcome ANYTHING OTHER THAN THIS FARCE OF A RULING GOVERNMENT !!!! And for the record, it is because of Caymanian politicians, why this nation has become an impoverished caribbean island. The UK did not do this to us. The home-grown politicians did it to us, sold out to the highest bidder aka millionaire friends, struck land swap deals that do not provide "walue for money", put us into debt and higher taxation as a result, and sent us up Sh..t Creek River without a paddle!!!
Its Mac who put us in the position and his cronies who would not do the right thing and vote for him to be removed. I hope everyone of you remembers that. I don't want the UK to take over but it would be preferable to what it is going on now. I believe they will try to clean up the mess and set us back on the right track. I do not believe for one second that they are out to destroy us. They could have done that a long time ago. We need to get rid of all the corruption in Cayman and start again. It is sickening how the odd few are prospering around here. They only need to be able to kiss —. No qualifications, no sense – common or otherwise, no education, morals, ethics or integrity needed. Those with all of the above who dare to try to do the right thing are immediately fired or put on the back burner. The rest of us struggle more and more everymonth to make ends meet having to choose between buying food or paying bills all so we can feed the tyrant who refuses to cut costs and continues to live the good life at our expense and at our children and grandchildren's expense with his absolutely foolish, ridiculous "deals".
Nothing could possibly be as damaging to Cayman as the rule we have had for the last few years.
About XXXX time he got spanked……but will he listen….. doubt it.