LA returns to face crisis and TV audience

(CNS): The country’s elected officials will return to the Legislative Assembly this morning (Monday 5 November) in the face of another crisis regarding its relationship with the UK. This time, however, the issue has nothing to do with espionage or police investigations but a matter of the premier’s refusal to bow to the UK’s insistence on good governance. The legislators will be facing a packed agenda, from laws to ensure government can collect the necessary cash to meet this year’s record breaking operational revenue target to how Cayman will vote at the next election. In addition, although there has been no confirmation yet, the much anticipated plan to televise the proceedings is expected to begin today.

Although government has had plans for some time to televise the LA on its own government channel and while cameras are now installed in the chamber, it is not yet known if Monday will mark the inaugural broadcast of the country’s parliament. If so, government intends to broadcast the LA sessions live and to repeat the proceedings at various intervals. Bush has said he invested in the government TV, despite already having a regular government TV show produced by Government Information Services (GIS), to provide government with a means of getting its message out to the people without the filter of the local press, which he has frequently accused of spinning his message.

Viewers tuning in or turning up for the live proceedings can expect a packed legislative session. Along with a number of bills carrying over from the last session, there are more new bills to be dealt with, as well as the crisis over the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility and the cruise berthing facilities.

During this forthcoming meeting, which is expected to last until the Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting next month, government will also need to address how three extra seats will be added to the LA at the next election before the governor issues the writs of election in mid-December. With time running out, the premier is expected to stick with his original plan of adding two seats to George Town and one to Bodden Town as it is understood he has abandoned the idea of nine two-member constituencies.

There are also many annual reports from government departments to be made public during this meeting, as well as an expectation that the premier will be making announcements to update the country on his recent travels to Asia and an agreement he signed there with a Philippines company, in addition to the need to address the conflicting messages coming out about the proposed airport development. Bush may also speak about the situation regarding the ForCayman Investment Alliance.

It is very likely, however, that the premier will be forced to address the UK’s warnings about the FFR and the  government’s position on the cruise berthing project now that Mark Simmonds, the FCO ‘s overseas territoriesminister, has made it clear that Bush cannot go ahead with that proposal as it currently stands.

What could be a lively session of the country’s parliament is due to start at 10am.