Mac digs in heels with UK
(CNS): Despite the unequivocal position of the UK on the need to transpose the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility into law as it was signed last November, as well as the need to change tack over the proposed cruise port, the premier made it clear Monday that he was going ahead with his amendments to the FFR and his partnership with CHEC. In a statement delivered in the Legislative Assembly he told the parliament that he had instructed the government’s lawyers on the deal, Maples and Calder, as well as the accountants KPMG to send the full details to the UK about the proposal to reassure the minister that it met the criteria of value for money. He also said that if the UK was, as it claimed, a reasonable partner, it could not object to the changes he had made to the FFR bill.
McKeeva Bush said he did not believe that the UK's overseas territories minister, Mark Simmonds, was aware of all the facts regarding the port, but once he was, Bush said he felt sure he would support the project.
“It would appear to me that the honorable minister was not provided with the full facts and circumstances in relations to a number of important matters which are briefly and un-specifically referred to in his letter,” Bush said regarding the correspondence from London, which makes it clear that the UK minister is taking the same position as his predecessor regarding the cruise berthing project.
Bush also took aim at Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin and blamed him for the position that his government found itself in regarding the UK, and said he had signed the FFR under duress in order to get a budget.
In a long statement that triggered many questions from the opposition benches, Bush made it clear he was digging in his heels over the way that he intended to progress with the port and the FFR, and if the UK insisted on stopping him then he would have at least tried to do what he thought was best for the Cayman people.
Bush insisted, however, that once Simmonds was in possession of all the facts regarding the proposed CHEC deal he would see that it met all of the criteria the UK wanted to see, including transparency and value for money.
He said that Simmonds would get “a full and comprehensive outline of the processes which are being carried out and the process for the ascertainment of good value for money.” The CHEC talks, he stated, were following international best practice in regards to procurement.
After the talks were complete, the project proposal would go to the Central Tenders Committee before it was signed off, Bush said, adding that if the deal was not going to be value for money, government would not progress.
“The minister's concerns, as expressed in his letter, in relations to this project appear to have arisen from a lack of correct and factual information being provided to him in a timely manner, despite our best efforts to keep the FCO informed,” Bush told the Legislative Assembly members. “The instructions to Maples and to KPMG will correct this and will be delivered directly to the Minister.”
Bush said it was his understanding that CHEC had been one of the original respondents to the expression of interest circulated by government in 2009, a claim which has always been refuted by the former port authority board chair and others close to the talks.
Pressed by the opposition benches to demonstrate that with documentation or to even ask the third elected member for West Bay, who was sitting right behind him, if CHEC was one of the original bidders, the premier fudged his response, stating that all he knew was that CHEC had come into the process at some point. But he pressed his position that whenever it was that they became involved, the Chinese were offering the best deal for Cayman.
Bush made it clear that as well as pressing ahead with the talks he would be making the two changes to the FFR regardless of the UK position as he insisted he was honouring his commitments.
He accused the opposition leader of attempting to make political capital out of the situation and “fill his bandwagon with candidates”, as he suggested the PPM's fortunes regarding the election were not looking good on account of the growing number of independents threatening to run in the May General Election.
“There are more independents out there than there are people,” Bush said. He also berated McLaughlin for trying to stir up civil unrest.
He said it was McLaughlin's fault that the UK “have us this way”, as he insisted that if the British government was a reasonable partner, it should be willing to take responsibility for any loss of revenue or reputational damage Cayman suffered because of the FFR.
Bush said he felt it was his job to press the UK into being accountable for what they were making his government do. He said the UK should "be able to agree that they are reasonable” but he said the minister's letter “does not provide any specific reasoning as to why these provisions may not be acceptable.”
Bush added that while the FCO minister had accused him of disregarding good governance and being "in breach of a series of commitments”, he had not said what those commitments were, and while he assumed he was referring to the changes in the FFR, Bush said that, in his opinion, they do accord with good governance.
The premier said the most important thing for him was Cayman and the Caymanian people. He claimed he was not interested in the election but said he was pressing ahead in order to help his people who were suffering and to create much needed jobs.
Vote in CNS Poll: Should-Mckeeva-Bush-resign-now?
Category: Politics
He dug in no more!
Well, well, well!I just saw on Cayman 27 a new Mac with beard looking somewhat subdued and looking as one who just lost a battle. Seems he now realises that he must pass the FFR into law as he agreed with the FCO. Good job Mr. Simmonds!
Didn't someone already say something about a "fishing trip"??
I know this link is a bit old news but I liked the graph that shows CIG spending over the last few years. So where is the big jump and why? It is still good reading.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielmitchell/2012/07/31/heres-why-the-cayman-islands-is-considering-fiscal-suicide/
Blah blah blah…for all the hot air, nobody (not even the paid Opposition) has started a petition to have this guy step down. Voters have ALL THE POWER and yet stand back and watch it all happen to them.
Here is a scnerio which bears some thought.
Mac is going to "retire" from politics! and will not seek re-election.
This is a possibility because:
He has made enough money but will still be eligible to his pension.
He has ensured that he will always be termed "Honourable" even if he does not act so.
He can claim to be the first "premier" of The Cayman Islands even if he made a God Almighty mess of it!
He will no longer (just perhaps) be the subject of police enquiries once he steps down.
He can claim that he would have turned the economy around, but for all the "Bureaucratic harrasment".
He can then be elected as the Speaker of the L. A. and still mouth off.
He will still have a number of "his" people entrenched in key positions so as to "facilitate" his requests.
He can claim that he can no longer take the stress of having to deal with those who would, in his opinion, destroy Cayman, but still be able to "help" certain developers.
I am sure there are other reasons that can be added to this list.
However, he does have one reason for NOT retiring. Even with all of his household expenses paid by us, and income from Premier's salary plus pension, he is still unable to live within his means.
Can he receive his pension in Northward hotel?
When you have a leader with the mentality of a dictator like Chavez, Gadaffi or Saddam, there is only one thing the people can really do. REMOVE HIM FROM POWER. He has gone mad, like a rabid animal and there is no hope that he will change. He has become drunk with power and will take the country down with him if he is allowed to continue. The longer it takes to do this the more damage will be done to the country. The Cayman Islands are no longer run as a democratic country. It is ruled by a dictator with no ability to reason. That part of his brain is damaged or absent. It`s time the Cayman people realise this and do something before it has to be done by England. The people of these islands will lose it`s autonomy and will be taken back to the 50`s in terms of it`s system of government. May God help us then.
Start the petition – could have him out in hours…nobody's done this? why?
You cannot remove him with a petition. The only way he can be removed is by some of the UDP MLA's voting with the Opposition in a vote of "no confidence". The PPM has brought two votes to the LA and the UDP MLA's all continue to support Mac.
Counting the days till he's led away in cuffs; never to be heard from again ….
They are waiting for him to leave office. It's less harmful and less embarrassing to everyone that way.
Don't be so sure he'd never be heard from again. Think of that windbag and criminal Conrad Black . Now he's done his time, he's rowing with the courts, the government, and anyone else he feels like.
Isn't rowing a dangerously energetic sport for someone his age?
only if you have one oar…which Mac seems to…
Start the petition
12;02
Start the exodus
I call on the PPM, the 2 Independents and the UDP to resolve this unnecessary and unethical course that the Premier is steering this country.
The Cayman Islands must maintain its strong relationship with the UK and the Politicians must remain accountable to the Caymanian people.
This is no longer a Party issue. The politicians need to unite and have the Premier step down and appoint an interim Premier until the general elections.
The existing UDP members must bear in mind that they are collectively responsible for the Premier's decisions and it is encumbent upon them to do what is necessary and ethical for their own Party's future. There are several UDP MLA's with vision and bright political futures however, to sit by idly at this critical juncture, will leave an impression that you are not worthy of re-election.
HEADLIGHTS ON TODAY…what a great idea as a silent representation of mass disgust at our premier's behavior.
HEAD LIGHTS OFF TODAY….. what a great idea as evidence of mass discuss of our FCO bullying our Islands.
Asking for Good governance and transparency in spending public funds cannot be considered bullying.
Unfortunately the guy in charge of our headlights switched them off already – thats why we are about to crash in the dark!!!
I find the deathly silence from the Governor over all this intriguing.
What does he know that he doesn't want us to know?
I just hope the cavalry is coming soon. The failure of Cayman is happening before us.
Yes, UK come and stamp out the corruption in this country take it over for the next four years and clean house like you did in TCI.
We absolutely do NOT want British rule!!!! We need to sort our mess out ourselves! if the UK has to step in it will be an indictment on every sitting member in the office that is inpendents PPM and UDP! It still flabbergasts me how ONE man can wield so much power. Why are we so weak Caymanians? We need to loudly voice our dissent to our representatives so that they can collectively get rid of this man before the damage is really done. Once we go down the road of British rule there is no turning back!!!
It's called diplomacy, something Bush would do well to learn.
9;13
Its called british conspiricy at its best. Remember british Guyana.
The Govenor has not remained siilent. He has delivered the letter form the UK and made it public as were the wishes of the UK for whom he works. It is not his job now to to do or say more. It has been made clear to Mr. Bush what is expected to be done. It is now time for action from the Premier and his government not for speeches for the Governor.
As the saying goes: "the ball is now in Mac's court". The question is will he do the Honorable and right thing; or continue on his dangerous road of defiance?
Well said Len,and like you said its now up to Mac to either tow the line or move on.If one cant stand the heat in the kitchen give up cooking and maybe take up diving where by the way we dont have to listen to all this BS and we all get along under water.Maybe all the MLA's should take up diving and see how well all those fishes get along.Lesson to be learned from nature.
Layman,
To let you know Makeeva did the right thing that you suggested. Now lets hear from your other side of how great a job he did.
This headline brought to my mind a picture of Mac waving his clean and dainty hands, and wearing a pair of red high-heels…
LETS PUT MORE LIPSTICK ON THIS PIG.
Wrong end!!!
I'm not quite up to speed here – What's all this about Bush being made to sign some treaty wearing a dress?
Or is this a case of 'Chinese Whispers' ?
Do not believe a word this man says. We don't. He has broken the promises that got him a budget. Make it clear that the UK does not approve any more deals and does not stand behind the indebtedness of CIG until the FFR is in place and then pass an Order in Council. If this CHEC deal is so good as MacMissick says it will pass through the FFR process. Unfortunately Mac's track record of good ideas is hardly inspiring.
Dear Santa Simmonds,
Here in Cayman the Grinch has stolen Christmas from us for too many years. He needs to retire, working so hard has made him grumpy. Please give the Grinch a nice soft comfy white room with a matching jacket to bring in the season. I think the white on green will look nice. Don't you agree?
And if you can't find us a good leader between now and May, I offer you Kitty, my favorite cat. She is mature, but quick and graceful on her little paws, loves and protects all in her domain but never forget who feeds her. She is very loyal and much prettier than the Grinch.
Little Tete
Bush has been knocked down before by the UK
Apparently, he has not learned the lesson, so he needs to be knocked down again.
Does Cayman really need this?
No,Cayman needs an honest government run by those who truly have Cayman in mind. We need a government which is concerned about us, not one that is concentrating on growing itself at the expense of everyone else.
That is the definition of a cancer, and one which must be dealt with before it destroys the whole Cayman body
Am I detecting racist undertones in some of the comments that are posted on this site?
this isnt chelsea Vs Man U
Correct its more like KIDDERMINSTER versus MAN. UNITED !
The FRF is not worth the paper that it is written on, please Mr. Premier tear up that no good paper and send it back to the desk clerks in the UK. They can't touch you or the Cayman Islands. Don't be afraid of them they are just trying to bully you.
Should Caymanians BE ALLOWED to decide what future they want for their country?
You will only need to read the replies and look at the number of people that give this comment a thumbs down to understand what is at the root of the problems that we have in the Cayman Islands.
You have the right to self determination and it may come without choice and sooner than you think.
It is not a question of 'should' but when, how and who, so you may want to start preparing for this.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'we will make mistakes along the way, but they will be our mistakes'.
You take your self determination back to your country of origin. We don't want it here in Cayman NO INDEPENDENCE FROM THE UK. There is no question of "should", the answer is NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT! Caymanians are not preparing for independence from the UK. We love being who we are BRITISH CITIZENS, under law and order and not rampant corruption and poverty. Mahatma Gandhi was a good leader for India but his saying does not apply for me in this case. Cayman does not want independence from the UK so this is one mistake that we will not make along the way. The UK will never be our mistake only our saving grace. They have saved us since 1962 and will continue to did that hopefully until the end of time.
You may not have a choice. Ask any former British Overseas territory passport holder in Hong Kong in 1997.
There were about 1 million of them but ceased to be so after midnight on a certain date.
Keep clinging on to that old referenum pipe dream though!
Obviously Hong Kong was a unique situation since it was leased from the Chinese for 99 years. All parties were aware of the expiration date of that lease. That has nothing to do with Cayman.
With all due respect, the Cayman Islands was not 'saved by the UK' or any other country for that matter. If you would like to talk about the history of our Country please state the facts. The majority of Caymanian's choose to join the UK rather than follow Jamaica after the collapse of the proposed Caribbean federation. Please note that there were also fractions within Cayman that didn’t want to continue our historical ties with the UK.
Furthermore, please refrain yourself from making broad based accusations regarding our countries self-determination. In reality, Cayman should have had in depth analysis, public awareness campaigns, educational development and participated in qualitative and quantitate analysis of the pros and cons of going independent. Before the nay sayers jump to the conclusion that I am proposing independence, I am not at this moment. Rather in my humble opinion the matter should be discussed over a period of time potentially leading to a referendum on the matter.
Lastly, historical evidence shows that the Cayman Islands have exerted aspects of self-determination since the 1972 constitution. What the futures holds for our nation is uncertain, what I am not willing to do is limit the scope or capacity for growth based upon an ideal that our status as an Overseas Territory will always be beneficial.
My two cents.
your post should read "Should Caymanians BE ALLOWED to bankrupt their country. (and take down everyone else here down with them? That is what 's happening and the reason for all the thumbs down. If Caymanians were showing competence and morality then Yes. BUT HELL NO! instead. Can you not understand this?
You could always go home.
Big Mac calls it his territory
And so he does as he likes
While avoiding all responsibility
When things don’t go right
But the UK has all the power
And Mac is simply a loudmouth
And fast approaching is the hour
When they finally kick him out
Who is “they” and what is your understanding of democracy?
I can only assume that the “they” you are talking about are Caymanians.
Democracy was banned in 2009
Under the UDP there is only deMACracy and deMOCKracy
I have no doubt that Maples and KPMG are doing this Pro Bono…
KPMG & Maples? Do you mean Roy McTaggart the Managing Partner at KPMG and Jude Scott the CEO of Maples? This looks an awful lot like men that have been positioning themselves as 'Independents' actually showing themselves to be Bush's comrades.
Please mr. Mctaggart and mr Scott please answer thee accusations. Thanks
Get your facts straight, Jude is no longer the CEO of Maples
Right, he stepped down so he could run for office and was hoping to appear Independent.
Ahh this all makes sense now, I was wondering why the tone of Mr Bush's letter was eerily similar to that struck frequently by the former head of Cayman Finance in his polemnic diatribes. Tail wagging the dog and all that……
Its a bit like the show on TV when the cops watch the theives steal the car on camera sitting somewhere else. Then they let them drive a little ways and follow behind to see where they are going to take the car. Then finally they shut off the car and lock the doors from a remote location when they have seen enough. I think the uk has seen enough.
Dear UK:
Please come quick. Don't wait for him to completely lose his mind, but come save us now please.
Crying in Cayman
The Premier said ” The most important thing for him was Cayman and the Caymanian people…”. What a crock! Really if he have a darn about us he would have stopped wasting money, been transparent, done what is best for the people, not enriched himself and his gutless minions. Sooooo sick of the lies, incompetence and self serving rhetoric.
Here’s an idea, we add a clause to the framework that require any future leader to at least know the alphabet, not just the letter ‘I’.
I can't understand how Simmonds who just came the other day, could just start blurping out claims when the facts are not clear to the people and to him? We are so quick to condemn everything UDP proposes… let us be careful whilst rejecting the bad, we also reject a blessing. As I have said and I say again, the cruise berthing facility must go on… we have been talking about this for over 6 years. The berthing facility is important to our economy, let us move forward.
Another brain dead zombie
Wth all due respect, there are, I am sure, many things you fail to understand.
Sounds like one more snout in the trough!
I agree with you Mr. Premier, the UK should be made to pay!
Yes, everyone but us must be held accountable. What a farce.
Maybe you and Mr. Premier can make them pay.
Way to go Mr. Premier show the UK that you are not afraid of them. With Maples and Calder as your defense attorneys there is no way that you will lose, as they are the best attorneys in the world. They have the best lawyers in the world and no one can touch them. Yes sock it to the UK they cannot force you to sign on to any FRF as your signature was given under duress. Do not be afraid of the UK, they will back off once they see that you are willing to stand up to them. I am so proud of you, because had you run to the LA and sign off on the FRF today, the UK would take you for a light weight. Stand up to them with a good lawyer and they will back off. Do not be afraid of them and should the USA want to mess around with our financial industry go after them with Maples as your lawyer, an excellent combination. You cannot and will not be beaten good choice, now the UK will shut up and go away. Well done Mr. Premier and Maples.
Hey UDP crony! I hope you know how much we are ALL going to be paying Maples to represent YOUR leader.
Who cares how much we are going to pay Maples to represent us? atleast they will stop the UK from taking us over and treating us like they did and are still doing in TCI.
You think one law firm is bigger than the UK?
Maples can't stop that, only Bush and the UK can stop intervention now.
Not entirely convinced Maples shares your gusto, friend.
"best lawyers in the world"? Very good no doubt, but try looking up the "magic circle". The UK government has access to firms like Slaughter and May – they are pretty good too
Be curious to know the train of thought that led you to conclude this. is it something longer than could be compacted within a single sentence, perhaps?
yeah ……. eat that turtle!
Bobbing,weaving,lying,cheating and stealing. Hmmm.
Couldn't go in a straight line if his ass was on fire.
Not wishing to appear pernickety, but surely if one's "ass" was on fire wouldn't the natural inclination be to veer from side to side?
Set your ass on fire and you will have the answer.
A marvellously concise assessment of the history of the British Empire. Congratulations.
they did no bobbing and weaving, as for the rest…
Please read.I came across this.
http://www.groundreport.com/World/Turks-and-Caicos-Islanders-On-Trial-and-Punished-f/2939689
This needs to be read.
Written from an anti UK supporter, most TCI and Belongers who want law and order don't feel that way.
It needs to be read as the stupid rantings of a biased blogger. I have never read so much anti UK sentiment since discovering Whodatis and his delusional musings.
As for Sandals/Beaches recruiting former civil servants. That won't happen here because of protectionist business policies that stop other International or Caribbean family businesses from setting up the desperately needed all inclusive and fully serviced resorts that bring so much revenue and employment to more enlightened countries.
When someone in the moronic tourism department finally wakes up to the fact that most revenue is generated from the middle classes and not the super rich, then this country will eventually have a robust and credible tourism sector. It's not rocket science, look around you, how many super rich shoppers do you see, how many super yachts are moored here and where are all the private jets that frequent other Caribbean islands?
No, the truth is that greedy developers, working off the backs of corrupt politicians are quickly killing this place, just like the TCI.
Sounds like you need another drink, Mate.
The super rich visit every day you just don't know them. For one Sir Richard Branson was here is he not super rich? not to mention the former president George W. Bush. Cayman don't need no all inclusive hotels, we have the financial industry that is better than all inclusive or caribbean family business. All the premier needs to do is to protect the financial industry and don't sign the FRF that the UK want him to sign.
Oh yes, so when did you see Dicky B down at Kirks or strolling along Hog Sty, how many of his billions did he spend whilst he was here and exactly how was he paid to be here in the first place. These people only bring their reputations, private staff, wine cellers and invoices, how niave can you be?
And if I don't know them, how do you? After all, exacly where are they hiding, because they certainly aren't spending in local stores, driving their high end sports cars and sitting outside wine bars and restaurants as they do everywhere else in the world. This isn't Monaco or Bel-Air, it isn't even Geneva or the Hamptons, so where are they?
One or two notables don't make an economy stupid, sustainable tourism generated by the mass middle classes do that.
As for the dying financial service industry, well where the hell have you been since 2008? There are more tax havens opening around the world than ever, with most offering far better service and financial incentives than Cayman. This island is just a base for the international banking centre, they can go at anytime and the more your political masters cause instability, the more likely it is that they will pull the plug.
I'm praying you wont have to say "I told you so"
The point remains that McKeeva is driving them to do whatever they end up doing to this country and our people. And we deserve it for not putting him in a straight jacket from the time we learned about the first police investigation.
And you point is? Have you ever lived in Turks and Caicos? Makes corruption in the Cayman Islands look like childplay…
Noted. We cannot expect that the UK — after having expended finances and time to correct the T&C government, to just hand it back gratis; they don't want to have to go through it again and they are rightfully cautious in their measured transfer of power. What if the same processes that lead them to this place recurred again? I don't blame them a bit. If you warn time and time again without your advice being heeded, then when you are forced to take action, you do so with resolve and iron.
This is the path the C.I. government is travelling down, and what is more the pity — they know it, and yet the Premier proceeds stubbornly, knowing that his way is leading us past the point of no return. Can he be so audacious that he'd rather fabricate someone to blame for his failures than do what is best for his country? It appears so. Whatever legal methodology that can be used to remove him from power is, sadly, the best thing for the country, especially if it can be enacted prior to UK takeover.
I truly feel that the UK doesn't want to go this route, but also feel that they are literally at the last thread of a very long rope.
Mr. Premier, it doesn't MATTER the terms of your unvetted deal with CHEC; the fact remains is that you didn't utilise proper LEGAL procedure. What is far more troubling, is that after agreeing to sign into law the tenants of the FFR, you continue to waffle and dodge about and plump your feathers like a dog walking stiff-legged around the pack — posturing for your own glory, rather than doing what you damn well know is right for this small nation.
Throw in the towel, Sir. Your day is done, and you will only cause more grief for your constituents. All of your untendered MOUs and contracts should be cancelled, as well as your concessions to corporations that obligate the people without their approval.
You once worked for us, but I think you've forgotten that. We are not your minions, nor your resources to squander or draw blood from. Your policies hurt us, the people, and we are damn well tired of it.
Throw in the towel, Sir, and be grateful for that which you have extracted from us. I hope you can live off your bounty, because the gravy train has dried up. I say this will all due respect — your time is finished; if you ever cared about these three islands, I beseech you — don't injure us any more.
Well said!
Excellent Job Mr. Premier keep fighting dont be like some people, when you go to war with them and you look behind they are no where to be found!!
If he has to look behind for them that means he was running from them. If they are nowhere to be found that means they stopped to have a rest in the shade and a good laugh.
i wonder how much $$$$$$$$$$ Maples & Calder being paid for this. we all know they dont come cheap. more money wasted. sigh.
It wont be long now, just a matter of time and not just a question of if, but when….
Sounds a little ominous, that's for sure.
Ah first KPMG now Maples & Calder – two fine firms now tainted with the mark of a madman!
Hey you people ina Cayman Islands, don't you see whata disa guy is trying to do! Heesa trying to pull a Vincent Gigante! He wana people to believa heesa maad and den aulla duh people wil feel asorrifor him. "DUNTA BUY DAT SHIET"!
Whena sheit hita the fan, dey alla get religion or dey playa crazy. He allraide geta religion that nota help, so now heesa play a mada man. Vincent wusa mucha smarta man wit many yeers ofa practis an he coudnt fool da feds, so whata make yu tink yu gonna getaway tryin to puul data shiet! Yua nota Vincent Gigante!! OOPS I forgota yu ina da Cayman Islans yu dunta hava the Feds dere. OH OH
When do we march?……
Normally, when there is free food and it is during work hours. Until then, don't expect much activity either way.
That's the funniest comment I've read for a long time, & these politricks produce some good entertainment and funny comments.
Hey, what's funny to you might not be to the rest of humanity, or at least our dear readers, but what the heck!
The ants go marching to the food, hurrah, hurrah,
The ants go home again, hurrah, hurah,
The ants went marching to the food, they ate like pigs but they weren't rude,
and they all went marching home, for TV, and the couch, and the remote,
boom boom boom BOOM, boom boom boom BOOM.
Is this part of a rejected draft of 'The Lord of the Flies' or what? Groovy, man.
When you as a critical thinker get all your facts from both sides !!
Aaah Shooot!!! and the thing is, the boys over at Maples and Calders are pretty darm good. So you know Mac is gonna put up a good fight.
Whaaa… Whaaaa… Sob, Sniffle… Why Why Why does it have to be this way?
My guess is that the UK’s lawyers will be much much better.
I doubt it, but they have a distinct advantage – the law! They can simply refuse anything Mac puts forward, and pass whatever version they want. The best lawyer in the world isnt going to deal with that fundamental reality.
Unfortunately, they will not be better paid.
And WE will all be paying the bill.
17;05
If thats the case , you better get them to claw the UK out of the EU. The last i heard, Cameron was trying dodge from paying his share of the EU budget.
Why are you all wasting your people's tax money on the EU, while your people starving in the UK? that is so f@@@ing stupid for a country that was the top dog in the World.. not so long ago…then came a buch of air heads and destroyed it.
You have absolutely no clue about economics or politics do you? You see the news, you understand half the words and make up the gaps.
Boys over at Maples and Calder are pretty darn good, that they are, but at Corporate Law. They are not good enough to go up against the UK, then it might be the USA next. I just hope that the Premier don't have to put his foot in his mouth on this one.
Maples are very very good, but not even they can put enough lipstick on this pig to get it invited to the Royal Ball. I mean they're good, but you can only do so much with a pig (and noting that Mac's involved, there's some things even the pig himself won't do).
Drive with headlights on!!
All citizens should drive with their headlights on, for the rest of this week, to show publicaly and peacefully that the Premier needs stand down, at the very least. Please spread the word. There was a good show today, but not enough.
Was out last night – no support at all for the Premier!
I give up. He is trying to somehow sanitise his actions by vague instructions to two well known professional firms. They won’t refuse the work as it’ll be well paid and they won’t be misrepresenting their findings, ( but Bush will.)
And after all the negotiations are done he’ll pass it to central tenders committee eh? How about the whole thing gets tendered generally in accordance with due process Bobo?
He has zero chance at getting this through, but the jackass just can’t see that.
Ridiculous. A kangaroo relationship
This agreement sounds like it gives the UK more power.
If so, how could one man sign an agreement giving more power to the UK without asking the people if they agree to the UK having more power?
And regardless if the UK allowed it because its in their interest – it makes me wonder if the UK would allow one elected official to sign an agreement saying the Cayman Islands was independent without taking it to the people first.
You moron, the UK already has ALL the power. Remember BRITISH TERRITORY, Bush will soon realise that his options are becoming increasingly few in number and then he'll get a demonstration in real governmental and diplomatic power from London.
He may consider himself a Premier and international statesman, but the reality is that he is just a small town politician in a very small town.
As for independence, get real, how on earth do you think that's going to happen, you've got to learn to walk before you can run?
At this time, current events illustrate to the world that you can barely crawl.
You are a most ill-mannered individual for beginning your post in such a way. Learn some respect for those whose opinions you do not accord with before posting again, please, you ruddy oaf.
When someone who obviously cannot grasp the obvious facts in front of them, then I think it fair to assume that they are behaving in a moronic fashion.
'Ruddy oaf', really, from what century have you appeared from, probably the same one as the poster who thinks that Cayman actually has any power to give away.
Get real and wake up.
KPMG gonna say Yep…2and 2 makes 4.
Maples gonna say…The contract seems to be in order.
Mac gonna say to the central tenders Approve this.
This is the man who tries to change an agreement after it is signed, and he will use his hand picked ctc members to do his bidding. the fact that the CENTRAL TENDERS committee will not have had any scent of a Tendering process will be pushed under the carpet.
How much are we, the people, paying Maples and KPMG so that Mac can wriggle a bit longer? More money down the UDP toilet! I'm sure that Seve McField would hold up the process for less money. You've got to give him that.
Yes Stevo is the Grand Master of Startle them with your brilliance or baffle them with BS.
Sacred Vessel…..that will be a joke well after I am gone…..That and If the glove does not fit you must acquit but I like Sacred Vessel more cause at least the glove them actually has some place in law. Sacred Vessel is like BS Extreme…
Chewbacca lives on Endor.
Why are the Caymanians in these two reputable firms continuing to be collaborators with this madness, are we at the stage where we will sell our county out for a fee? Come on my native Caymanians our forefathers are rolling in their graves……stand up and be counted. This should be about principles, the expats already believe we descend from pirates now we are proving it?
We better be careful, I hear that there are many reporters in disguise all over theislands filming our law offices, banks and financial industry. They are also trying to interview local who do not have jobs. People beware it is my understanding that many journalists are here in Cayman trying to find stories that they can report to make us look like this country that is corrupt they want to make us look bad.
I’m not sure it is the first time leading firms have ( how do I put it ?) “collaborated”. Immigration is a good place to look for “collaboration”.
Pray that President Obama is not re-elected because Maples will be doing lots of work to defend these Islands against legislations that are in the works to tax US citizens with investments in Cayman.
Good for you big mac, you tell'em. Dig your heals in a show them who the real boss is, they can't mess you you..
Then finally they will can your ass!!!
Did we suddenly go French? What's up with the Madame Speaker? OK, he does have Madam Speaker in a few places, but it's mostly Madame.
Maybe another one of the speaker's children is about to become our ambassador to Quebec for $40K per year.
Sometimes Mr Bush I am not sure whether your are deft or daft. The FFR MUST BE PASSED AS YOU SIGNED IT. I mean it can not be put more simpler than that. I am not even sure if there is a layman way of putting it thats simpler.
CHEC did not adhere to the proper process and unfortunately for you PROGRESS over PROCESS is not an option you have.
Your stupid deals are to end. Stop being an idiot and pass the original document and reset the Cruiseship berthings so we can ACTUALLY move forward with this.
You know I have never seen someone so admante on an issue and it makes me wonder if there is not SOMETHING ELSE behind it. NO MATTER CAUSE YOU CAN'T HAVE IT.
After reading all of what the Premier stated as far as I can see it boils down to three points
1. The FCO is not going to approve the dock because it still has not been put out to tender.
2. The FCO is still not going to approve the FFR that he has tinkered with
3. KPMG has not yet said that it is "good value for money"
What part of this does the Premier do not understand. The FCO is not going to accept wha he is trying to do. He has hired Maples and Yes, they are qualified lawyers, but they have not yet agreed with the Premier-. Not because he thinks everything is ok makes everything OK.
What a Crock…
Goodness, forty-three thumbs up for "What a Crock"? Kind of makes Will's works a little superfluous?
McKeeva Bush said he did not believe that the UK's overseas territories minister Mark Simmonds was aware of all the facts regarding the port, but once he was he felt sure he would support the project.
MacDinejad has said so many stupid things so many times, that I am starting to believe that he believes.
I thought Jackasses only spoke in biblical times! Guess I am living in bibical days! History in the making my friends.