In the hands of voters
With the US Presidential election dominating much of the media coverage, our thoughts, business conversations and even the late night comedy shows these days, it can serve us in the Cayman Islands as a window through which to look at our own upcoming election in May 2013.
In the US, some political pundits have distilled the very close race to two issues symbolized by two different men – an appreciation for the pervasive social issues represented by Obama and an aggressive focus on the economic recovery represented by Romney. Some say the dividing line will be which of these two issues are deemed more important and more urgent by more voters.
Which brings us to the Cayman context – what will be the deciding factors in our election? Just like the United States, we have our fair share of economic challenges and social problems. They are both important and both urgently in need of effective solutions. How do we decide who to elect?
We have just over 6 months to clarify in our minds and as a country what are the most important things we want from the next Government. We need to look ahead and picture the type of Caymanian society we want to be living in 2017 and beyond, then set out our expectations of what the next Government and leadership should look like to help create this vision of Cayman. Unless we are honest with ourselves, set realistic expectations and are prepared to work to achieve these goals, we will continue to get the substandard to mediocre representation we have had in successive Governments and quite likely slide into the realms of a third world country that was once great, like many of our regional neighbors.
How do we the people, the voters, ensure we get from here at the end of 2012 to where we want to be in 2017?
Let us start by being accountable and honest about our people, the state of the country and our leaders. The myriad of issues and challenges we face as a country have been created or facilitated by Caymanians, and our own people have held the positions, the power and the decision making ability by their role on various Government appointed boards, top Civil Service positions and, in particular, those elected to the Legislative Assembly.
All who have served in these various roles had position, power and decision making abilities which could have been used to prevent or at least address these problems. Yet, these same leaders over the past 12-15 years frequently chose political expedience, popularity and the bartering of business favours over doing the right thing for Caymanians. Sometimes the wrong thing was done simply to satisfy someone’s ego and good people within the system failed to stand up for the right thing.
The 2013 election is our best opportunity to take definitive action and put our country back on the right course. Today, we must challenge ourselves and our leaders with an old Caymanian saying “If you KNOW better, DO better”.
How do we as a country DO better?
First, set goals. Be clear on what we want. Keep this simple but pragmatic. Let’s consider three areas where we need to have clear goals and the aspiring politicians will need to demonstrate their plans to implement viable solutions.
Area #1 – The Caymanian Economy:
We should want a stronger economy where Caymanians are able to participate and benefit from this economic miracle without being made to feel like beggars in their own country. Markers of an improved economy will include a healthy and sustainable Government budget, reduced taxes and fees, near zero unemployment of Caymanians, strong economic sectors such as financial services, tourism, commerce and development, a high confidence level in the jurisdiction which acts to stabilize the economy both from within and from those outside looking in. We should want a country where new business opportunities are available to ‘indigenous’ Caymanians and not just the 'new' Caymanians who leverage an expatriate network to help themselves and their own friends and family at the direct exclusion of existing Caymanian businesses or aspiring entrepreneurs.
Area #2 – Employment (Education & Training):
In order for us to have Caymanians participating in a healthy economy, regardless of the social status or current economic means, we need to have an education and training system which is designed to create competent, capable and ready to work Caymanians – whether they want to be a professional accountant or a professional janitor. We need equal focus on education as on training. The education needs to be more than the physical buildings and facilities.
We need a country where the education and adult training programmes provide the tools, teaching, quality teachers and support systems to allow people to achieve their highest potential. Training programmes in particular need to be effective and accessible, and work to make sure our people are employable and able to advance in their chosen area of work. These training programmes cannot leave a generation behind, they MUST be geared to help working adults who are struggling financially with families and yet want to access necessary skills improvement and training. These training programmes must be designed to produce successes and reinforced by supporting Immigration, Labour and Employment policies across the entire Government.
Area #3 – A healthy, harmonious Caymanian society:
The single most important goal we ought to have for our country is that of a healthy society, with harmony, mutual respect and full integration of the expatriates and new Caymanians into the Caymanian way of life, culture and communities. This is very important to all of us – that expatriates are integrated into our society and not the other way around – because that is what every other developed country in the world does as it welcomes immigrants from all walks of life, whether doctors or janitors.
Expecting expatriates to integrate into our society is to seek harmony and mutual respect; being pro-Caymanian is a transparent nationalist view similar to how Americans, Canadians, British, Brazilians, Singaporeans and Germans feel about their own country. Today, being pro-Caymanian is met with suspicion and interpreted as being “xenophobic” – that is just the result of generations of Caymanians who have been told to keep quiet and take whatever they are handed down by successive Governments and business leaders who have regularly taken advantage of our traditionally humble demeanor, quiet nature and naiveté.
After the social failings of the past 25 years by some of the same political players and policy makers seeking re-election in 2013, the new Caymanian society must be Caymanian first and by that, all those who chose to move here to live, work and even seek permanent residence must adopt the paradigm that Cayman is a place to respect, value and preserve the very things* that attracted you here in the first place. In my mind that is best described as “Cayman for Caymanians and all who love it and choose to make it their home.”
The 2013 election is our best opportunity to take definitive action and put our country back on the right course. If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. This is why it is essential that first and foremost we are clear on what we want as a country.
Secondly, we need to leverage our individual power to bring about change by voting differently in 2013. Know the worth of your vote. We need to expect more and get more from those who want to lead.
Do not just give your vote away based on long term friendships, family loyalties or the promise of a handout. Do not allow anyone to insult your intelligence, pride and personal integrity with the usual handouts which pale in comparison to the personal perks, privileges and financial (not to mention the professional and commercial) rewards they are capable of reaping whilst in office.
Reserve your vote for those individuals who you feel have earned it based on their efforts, their performance in public, private and professional life AND how transparent and logically they explain to you how electing them will help the country and in so doing, improve the quality of your day to day life in the Cayman Islands. We have a real opportunity to bring an end to the cycle of the career politician who has received much over the years yet provided so little in return to help our country. If you have any doubts, the evidence of their track record is best illustrated in the current state of the country which is their collective legacy.
As voters, we need to stand united on our platform of better governance, better representation and accountability. Anybody who has not performed, who has failed to represent the people, their constituents and their legitimate concerns and who appeared to be avoiding accountability (particularly the members of Cabinet and former Ministers) and yet remained content to receive all the perks and hefty compensation have to be removed from office. We cannot afford any more free riders. Ask yourself the question “in four years what has the individual done to earn my confidence, support, respect and most importantly, my vote on Election Day?”
For those newcomers and would-be first time politicians, ask the same tough questions. While they may not have a record in public office, they have a responsibility to demonstrate to you their character, their track record of getting things done and doing the RIGHT things when they had an opportunity to do so. Aspiring leaders must demonstrate their past willingness to listen and be accountable; otherwise their claims will be no more than campaign rhetoric until they get elected.
Do not give your vote away based on personalities, empty promises or party loyalty. Treat your votes as one of your most valuable tools to get the type of Government you want and create the type of Cayman where we can feel confident, comfortable and proud to raise our families, run our businesses and invite visitors. Reserve your vote for the leaders who best PROVE to you that they have a plan which can be implemented whilst not bankrupting us either morally or financially.
Expect More from Candidates — it is the only way to get more from elected officials and from Government. Vote carefully. Your vote will determine how the Cayman Islands move forward in 2013. Will we advance the prosperity and peace through better Governance and Accountability? Or will we vote for parties, personalities and promises and propel ourselves into 4 more years of misery, divisiveness and creating an even greater disparity between the haves and have-nots in our tiny country.
All of our problems are fixable. Let’s work together to DO better now that we KNOW better.
Category: Viewpoint
Well written Johan. You are a man of wisdom, those calling for "new ideas" cant see that the basic guidelines layed out in your thoughful suggestions have never been followed, so they are the "new ideas" Those calling the new independants the IOP obviously have some reason to protect thier party system beliefs. Generally fear of the unknown. As you so correctly stated, the problems we face today are the outcome of continual failures of party led Governments. Party politics have damaged our Country, because of the people that have been in leadeship roles. Had we seen solid, honest, progressive leadership that moved even contriversial deals forward in a transparent light, we would not be seeking alternatives. That being said, any new elected officials will have to work hard to tackle our tough social issues, while cutting red tape for business to grow. Last night on the Panel, it was quite telling that Ezzard thought the Government should have smaller projects in the districts to put Caymanians to work. What is he thinking? Not withstanding Capitol projects, any Government needs to create the business environment for jobs, not provide them. Waiting an average of 6 months to process plans and building approval for the third largest sector of the economy is a joke. Civil service creating the laws and regulations have added so much red tape (and jobs, and costs etc) that it is gettting more difficult to get any thing done. 2 days and 4 hours to get a police clerance, while being locked in a room and treated in a condesending manner by the administrative staff is an indication that our Government is lost. They have forgotton that they are there to serve the people of the country, not the other way around.
Enough for now, make your vote count next year, and BIG UP Johan!
Johan,
Well said but please do not forget about our fragile environment.Without that we have nothing to keep our tourists visiting our fair shores and without them too many people will be out of work.Too many past Govts have forgotten this point so make sure to keep that in the back of your mind for future reference.You can always contact me if you need advice on this aspect of our economy.
I realise that some people dislike the idea of independants running or having a major say in the country but the party system is not yet locked in to our electorial process. After the debate on the panel tonight, would you still believe either of the parties represented hold the solution to our political problems. I think the standing of independants or even the forming of a group of younger leaders who can influence the older candidates to comply with a newer way of thinking are an important to the democratic process we need to solve the many issues we face in cayman society today. Im not holding my breath, but i believe wehave people who will confidently stand up when the time is right. Transparency is paramount in these obligations to serve your country. \\
Once again tonights debate seemed a bit like " i got sumting on you, " and the reply was " i got that on you aswell" …
When we have a goverment that releases all details to the public then we will know the meaning of transparency.
Mr.Johann, I am so proud of you! I personally never want to see you get wrapped up in Cayman politics, as I feel it would eat away at who you are. I have all the respect in the world for you, and hope you can continue to call out our leaders, but do not run please!
I have worked with Mr Moxam. He displays the critical thinking skills that so many persons either don't have, or have but for whatever reason are reluctant or afraid to display them. I appreciate his courage and his consistency in his viewpoints, and his ability to call it like it is. Utterly refreshing, especially in a time when folks are so cowed by implied or real threats.
I, too, would vote for him and I don't think he'd be surprised if I held him to his word if he were elected. We need persons in office who are able to think straight, speak straight and be upstanding. I'm hoping some of these persons – REAL statesmen and stateswomen, not those who think they are because they have money, position or both – are on the ballot this election year.
It’s obvious that the man does believe that the leadership in either party is deserving of the blind loyalty they demand. He is choosing to find a balance that a coalition of independent Caymanian leaders and the good sensible ones in either party.
He has said it clear that both Mr. Bush and Mr. McLaughlin are not the solution for Cayman future. Looking at their work and lack of vision or leadership I think he’s 100% right
Im an expatriate who has had the pleasure of knowing Mr Moxam. If i was able to vote this man would get mine. Im sure hed be fair and understands the fine line of integration thats needed while still opening up opportunities for the Caymanian people. I hope he decides to stand as an independant and that the younger generation of caymanians do their research and vote using their own brain and without the influence of other family members telling them where their affiliations lie. Im sure he would serve well and has the integrity needed to serve the country without the goal of lining his pocket as quickly as possible.
johan impressed me during omov..esp the way he ran rings around elio on the radio…….
however we need more concrete proposals as opposed to some of the banal generalities proposed above…..
i still wait for the day when a caymanian politician will have the guts to say they will cut gov expenditure(the civil service) aand how……
My seven year old would run rings around Ellio.
I would support mr moxam to run, he is a businessman with great private sector experience, well educated and articulate:
Hoping some exciting new candidates will emerge soon
Truthfully, he is right that our problems are not UDP/ ppm but successive governments’ failures
So why keep electing the same people for 30 years?
Run as a true independent Johann. Don't run with the Coalition of the elite businessmen and women. They don't really want you – you are a means to an end – they just need one half black Caymanian real Caymanian who can actually talk like a Caymanian to add to the businesspeople and white Jamaicans. Boy – don't make them use you!! They are runnng together to formalise the same bartering of political and business favours you wrote about in your article. Don't do it! Those elitists have contempt for the poor Caymanians and will use you up after they get elected. Run by yourself – don't join the party pretending not to be a party.
You don’t know the man if you think he will allow anybody to use him or insult his intelligence. If he wouldn’t allow the ppm to use him after all he did over the years I doubt he would allow the Merchant class to try it on. The man is about substance and doesn’t suffer fools lightly.
Well said about time!
Thank God somebody with sense and proven abilities is prepared to speak the truth.
There are more that just like Johann, some a little more polished, and some that are a little more jagged around the edges, but I can promise you there are more
He is the only person to ever expose the sweet heart deals and conflicts that existed in the Immigration board and BSPB board during the ppm’s time in office.
He is a man that does not mince words or sugar coat issues and fights for Caymanians. I know him and he will never allow some of the bad deals and corruption to happen if he was a MLA. Johann will never follow blindly and always asks the tough questions that’s why McKeeva and Alden do not like him or trust him. He won’t back down, is successful and always stands up for what’s best for the island. Good job.
Exactly!
Wait for the Party loyalists to start slamming n hating on Johann
This is a pretty confusing viewpoint. there is a promising beginning of "let us start by being accountable and honest" but then it slips into the usual disappointing narrow minded and divisive rhetoric. Any Caymanian that I know who is worth their salt has been able to participate in this economic miracle. Some I know have even despite mediocre academic qualifications gone on to acheive significant success, for example, senior management and board positions in local branches of major international financial institutions. It would have been a refreshing approach to see a demand for a cessation to the blame game but I suspect this is counterintuitive to the instincts of a wannabee politician. If we want to put this country on the right course I wouldn't place too much faith or reliance in politicians. Now is the time to take individual responsibility, if you are in a position of influence, take the time out to set the right example for the younger generation, if you have an opportunity to give support to younger Caymanians seize that chance. Individually acting towards a united goal we can accomplish much, to pretend that one set of elected representatives instead of another will be some sort of panacea to our country's problems gives the appearance that the author wishes to take advantage of the naivete he describes. We need to rely less on government, it reallyhas little to no influence over the economy, if you want prosperity and peace don't look for it at the ballot box.
No depth to your comment
Let's be civil and rational. If what you propose we should do is genuinely what you believe, then don't throw underhanded insults about narrow mindedness and make generalizations about a man surely you do not know. I am a young Caymanian, raised by foreign parents and I am tired of the squabble over what you call 'the blame game'. Matters are far more complicated than people make them out to be. Those who use your logic that runs in the line of i-know-caymanians-who-did-nothing-and-got-everything ignore the reality that there are young Caymanians NOW who do have the qualifications and are not provided the opportunities they deserve for their hard work. On the other hand there are those that use the these-damn-foreigners-come-take-our-jobs and their logic is just as unreasonable. Some believe because some they know achieved success by doing or having very little means they can do the same. Both Caymanians and expatriates are at fault in vrious areas and yet no one wants to take responsibility for their failures and issues or those of their peers and would like to believe there is someone else to blame. Johann's points are some of the most precise I have seen- an admittance of failure on our part to be quiet and just take what we can get at the expense of our pride, our traditions, and our beliefs AND the failure of expatriates to integrate into the community as I am certain both groups would like. These are issues that rose because we did not want to speak about them and actively work to prevent fractures in the community and it certainly will not go away by ignoring them or, as you said, expecting it in a ballot. However it is a start to ensure that our country is in the hands of able individuals who can lead us to a brighter future and to let them know we can no longer just sit on our hands and wait for something to happen. We must do our parts as well, but we need direction.
Proud of you Johan.
Keep speaking the truth and trying to ignite the sort of debate Cayman needs in order to get away from the parties. You are brave and patriotic and Cayman needs more people like you involved in politics and not being so blind.
He needs to run in 2013. I have listened to him and know that he has the ability to serve Cayman well and will not sell out the country.
Finally somebody trying to offer some sensible discussion on the political scene. He talks sense and isn’t afraid to stand up for Caymanians and our country which is more than most of the UDP and PPM MLA’s who have forgotten they work for the people.
Johann – you don't need to have all the answers, you need to have vision, integrity, discipline and fortitude. There are dozens of Civil Servants who will "advise" you on the technical aspects of developing policies and plans. There are dozens of people in this community who want to help and will help the right leaders to develop the details of plans. You can get external FREE help or PAID help, but leaders don't need to be practioners or managers. They need lead – lead us out of the hopelessness of the current embarassment. All I ask is that you don't get the ginormous ego and absolute arrogance that seems to plague all the other politicians.
I agree with almost everything you write. However any government coming in must keep in mind that a number of senior civil service appointments, purely by coincidence of course, seem to have gone to people connected to the current party in power. There is also, by coincidence of course, a further coincidence that the closer to the political top one looks, the greater the probability of coincidence. That needs to be taken into consideration in where to get advice from any who in the civil service to rely on.
I like your generalities Mr. Moxam and I encourage you to get further involved in politics, but what I really want to know is what you will do about the easily visible problems that only require legislation – not the expenditure of large amounts of money – to fix.
We need a new generation of politicians not for the sake of youth, but so that we can ensure that our laws and practices are changed so that never again does our country get into the mess that it is in now.
As part of your platform will you assure us the voting public that you will strengthen and give effect to our anti-corruption laws? Will you pass laws to ensure that our statutory boards are not just institutions for conflicts of interest to be turned into profit? Will you ensure that sound financial practices are implemented?
We don't need new people to bring in new cronies. We need new people who reject cronyism. We need to ensure that never again will a bunch of kleptocrats be allowed to control Cayman.
The things you ask for are things which Johan has publicly called for:
See Cayman27 The Panel on ” Political Accountability” for example
That was a good start but there is a very big difference between a statement that begins "We need to do X….." and one that says "I will ensure that it is done."
We already have an official opposition that from time wakes up occasionally and says "Someone should do something". I am one ofmany voters hoping that this new coalition will put their commitment to end corruption in writing as a pledge to the people.
Johann has committed to the Political party who are otherwise known as Independents (also known as the Independent Oxymoron Party). There is nothing wrong with that really. But why is he not open and transparent about his ambitions? He do not need to write these generalities.This makes even a naive old shoe like me suspicious and cautious. Is he being misled by a cartel of wannabe Godfathers? Mr. Moxam would be well advised that there are not more than 2500 people in the Cayman Islands who will embrace the silly notion that we should vote for independent candidates. No, we are not going back there! Political parties are here to stay. Oh yes they all say Ezzard and Arden got elected as independents. Well what an example! Wake Johann, you saw how the referendum went on the OMOV, not 25% of those who voted for OMOV was from the IOP.
Did I read the same article? The author spoke about change and raising voter expectations. I did read any part that said he was a declared candidate. If he does it great cayman needs bright people who understand the problems will work towards solutions and who love their country. Not just people who are in politics for the money and power.
I would like to be able to vote for :
1) Someone who is not a egomaniac
2) Someone who is not a lackey of a egomaniac.
3) Someone who does not have a track record of spending public money like confetti.
4) Someone who is not a convicted criminal.
5) Someone who is not a xenophobe.
Last election I had no-one to vote for. Any chance of an improvement this time?
Convicted criminals are disqualified from running for office.
There were candidates who did not fall into any of those categories.
Not if the sentence was less that 12 months!
Oh yes, fair point, because while the list excludes the entire UDP, PPM, Ezzard and Dr Frank, it does not eliminate the crazy loony independents that pop up. Many of them are firmly in the "xenophobe" corner from what they said last year. ButI sippose for a complete list it should dd on "6) Obviously crazy people".
I sincerely hope Mr. Moxam and other bright sensible young Caymanians (Gary Rutty, Sharon Roulstone, Sara Collins, Carolina Ferriera, Rayle Roberts, Melanie McLaughlin, Johan Moxam) will put themselves forward as candidates for the upcoming election
Instead of recycling the same old tired people, who cant get jobs otherwise (Lucille, Osbourne, Frank McField, Linford etc I see crawling back out)
We have tried both parties: and both parties have failed, miserably.
We are facing a full economic collapse: direct rule, direct taxation and/or another round of fee increases in 6 months once a new government is elected, as this government is completely broke
It is a fair prediction that the UDP will not collect the all the revenue as expected (unreasonably) and with years of unaudited financial accounts, there is no way to tell what has been collected or where it went
so, the new 2013 government will want to increase more fees, which will collapse the middle class
Although they may be politically inexperienced, I consider this a positive attribute: it means they have not been polluted or corrupted. These young candidates are bright, have actual meaningful business and financial experience in the private sector, are educated and want what is best for the country – demonstratde by community work for free.
Vote carefully Cayman
Some good statements in the opinion but WHO ARE OUR CANDIDATES???
All well and good but who do we have to choose from???
I cannot believe we are 6 months out and Mac is the only one that has been on the campaign trail. FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS!
*I am standing up in my living room, applauding*
thank you!
well stated
and long overdue
Renard son done good! Glad to see that he isn’t like the rest who are eager to follow the parties that are destroying Cayman. He is his own man and proves it every time he opens his mouth. Proud of you
Please practice what you preach and let the people know what your political ambitions are, we know you are working with the Independent Oxymoron Party (IOP) and that you plan to run. Why dont you declare that while you are up there on your soap box?
Also while you are at it, explain how voting for independents last election sealed the win for the UDP. Why are you promoting that foolishness again after experiencing 4 years of garbage government? I dare say you my friend are helping return the UDP to power.
This article does nothing but repeat what others have long said, you offer no original thoughts or advice and yet you criticize others to no end at every opportunity for lacking originality. I guess you fit right in with the IOP.
Looks like Mr. MOXAM has really upset some people in ppm or UDP.
At least the guy is consistent with his message and callfor accountability which obviously offends some people.
Sounding like willfully blind and jealous ppm supporter that can’t understand why everybody else does not want to be lead around like lambs to the slaughter.
I understand Johan has always supported PPM but refuses to tell the Leader and his cronies all the lovely things his ego needs to hear so did the right thing and walked away. Even a blind man can see that Alden and his PPM followers cannot lead the country they have no solutions except spend money that we dont have. They could not be bothered to act as the Opposition so why give them another chance to finish destroying cayman.
Well written, and well said!! This is 99 percent of how i feel too. I wote in BT and will be scrutinizing the BT candidates very closely, right now Mark, Dwayne OR Tony DO NOT have my wote.
Well said sir!!! Please, please, please stand in the next election.
We Caymanians need to stand up for ourselves before we go the way of the Chagos Islanders.
And we know what happened to them……..it na good.