C4C attracts curious crowd

| 20/11/2012

IMG-20121119-00329 (242x300).jpg(CNS): A new political group, which insists it is not a party, attracted more than 800 people on Monday evening to its debut public meeting in a local hardware store’s parking lot. The mixed crowd, which included well-known faces previously associated with both political parties, were curious to see the faces behind Coalition4Cayman but although a number of anticipated candidates appeared on the platform, there were no revelations about who will be running in the election under the C4C ticket. Speaking to CNS after the speeches, the organisers would not state who among them, if any, are planning to run for office in next May’s General Election.

MC’d by Austin Harris, the host of Rooster’s talk show, Crosstalk, the meeting’s speakers included Jude Scott, Tara Rivers, Johan Moxam, Jacqueline Haynes and Mervin Smith, most of whom have previously indicated an interest in running for public office as some time or another. Also understood to be among the organisers is Charles Clifford, a former PPM minister, and among the crowd wearing the C4C t-shirts were a mixed collection of known former UDP and PPM associates.

The group said it will not be directly fielding candidates but will endorse those they believe are independent thinkers, who will, as the new group’s motto states, put country first ahead of party or reasons of self-interest when implementing policy. Pressing the need to address corruption, government overspending and its debt, the group spoke about integrity and transparency. Making no criticisms of any specific politicians, the speakers all focused on condemning party politics as the root cause of Cayman’s economic and social ills.

Asked by CNS who their candidates would work with if elected, Jude Scott and several of the organisers avoiding picking either party but said that anyone C4C endorsed would be the type of individual who would not cut backroom door deals but would unify, while being independent leaders.  If they turned out not to be that, the group admitted, it would be their failing.

Tackling the issue of what some have described as horse-trading after the vote, when individuals who do not share a political platform are elected and must decide who will become a Cabinet minister, the organisers denied that the party system has produced any certainty on policies anyway. Moxam stated that the only certainty of the party system was who would be leader. 

“That certainty has brought us debt, a poor quality of life, rising crime and many social problems. Certainty in leaders yes, but look at their track record,” he stated.

“We will be selecting the right leaders to be independent thinkers and develop solutions for Cayman as a whole,” said Scott, who pointed to the launch as just the beginning of a long process. “Right now we are focusing on bringing people together and attracting them to the C4C vision. We may find independent leaders who have the vision but who may neverhave considered politics before. We will eventually interview the possible candidates and figure out who can best represent the position of the coalition.”

When asked about splitting the vote and, by default, assisting the same leaders back into office, local attorney, James Bergstrum, who is believed to be one of a considerable number of people driving the group, said that, while they accepted that was a possibility, the coalition was still not afraid to attempt to unify the political arena. He spoke of the need for unity under the leadership of independent thinkers.

Moxam emphasised that the launch, which he believed had been a significant success with so many people turning up, was merely the first phase to raise awareness and that people needed to get involved in the political landscape and shape their representatives themselves.

He emphasised that the goal of the group now was to encourage everyone who is eligible to register to vote and join the coalition, which is looking for people to volunteer to lead what C4C members have described as issue-led sub-committees. These committees, the members say, will analysis the various problems the country has and seek solutions, which they hope elected leaders will follow once in office. The issue of actual candidates will come later, the organisers of the group said, as they refused to name any names.

“Phase one of the process is about establishing the coalition and encouraging voters to expect more from leadership and to act as a vehicle for change,” Moxam said. Criticising party-politics, he said that it was not necessarily the case that the members of the parties were bad people but their style of management was the problem. “We can’t continue to trade between two dysfunctional groups that don't have solutions to the issues that they have both helped to create,” he added.

The group also said that their focus will be on the districts of George Town, Bodden Town and West Bay in Grand Cayman and they will not be seeking to endorse candidates in any other districts. While neither of the existing independent members, Ezzard Miller and Arden McLean, has sought the coalition’s endorsement, the group said that they are both doing a good job of representing their constituents so they see no need to find candidates to run against them.

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  1. Skeptic says:

    Look for Ralston to abandon the UDP at the final hour, become an "independent" candidate, and get endorsed by his former handlers now funding C4C. C4C is a UDP strategic move and nothing more. They lost control of  Mac and he destroyed UDP credibility so they have decided to regroup in the form of C4C in an attempt to split the PPM vote. The strategy is working so far based on some of the comments I see here from the unitiated and uninformed Kool-Aid drinkers. Beware, look at the players, this is not the warm and fuzzy, come join our club kind of group that it is pretending to be. This is Mac's crowd. 

  2. Anonymous says:

    Did anyone hear Austin's rant this morning and Alden's yesterday…Lets see how long this will last!

  3. Anonymous says:

    Once you get a certain amount of the population dependent on handouts and the rest of them are in government jobs, you have reached the tipping point.

    Why would anyone vote against being able to maintain their lazy lifestyles when they can mooch off the rest of us?

    It has just happened in America and it's going to happen here.

    America will never have a Republican government ever again becausethey have been bred out and overwhelmed by illegal immigration who will always vote socialist.

    A quick report on the demographics of the folk who are being granted status who will also vote for the incumbents will reveal the three-pronged pincer movement that will return the UDP to power.

    Government employees, welfare recipients and new status holders.

    The UK will never have a conservative government again, nor Australia, etc, etc. Anyone see a pattern here?

    Mix in the fact that this new fake movement will further dilute the opposition, the UDP will only have to get 35% of the vote. You will find that there will be voter intimidation, possible fraud and a huge voter registration drive as we approach. I've been reading their playbook and it is very devious.

    If the UDP are returned to power, they will continue their tactics to further strengthen their position by increasing the welfare handouts, giving status to folk from poor countries and increasing the size of government which in itself is a form of welfare anyway.

    How incredible that over a few short years a global social engineering program has handed control of the world over to a handful of greedy people masquerading as socialists? If you ask me, we are beginning to resemble a nazi police state more and more rather than a free-market enterprise. It is no wonder that mass exodus is occurring in some of these once-great countries.

    Let me summarize. The UDP (aided by wealthy, hidden agencies) are preparing to ensure that they will never have to relinquish power in this country ever again.

    My dear Caymanian brothers and sisters, children of this hallowed soil and those proud to have been granted the right to live here, May 2013 will be the last chance to stop the rot.

    As a nation, we must seek out righteous, God-fearing people who will put themselves in the line of fire to oppose the tyranny that we find ourselves under.

    • Anonymous says:

      The Republicans will have someone representing them as the president again. They currently control the House of Representative.

       

      The UK currently has a Conservative (albeit a coalition) government and will have a Conservative government again in the future.

       

      Australia will have the Liberal/National coalition (in some form) in power again.

       

      Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but if you're an illegal immigrant in a country, do you have the right to vote in that country? Surely by being illegal you do not want to have your name in the system. Assuming they did have the right to vote, if they were to vote for a socialist policy (as you suggested), their vote would go to the Libertarian Party would it not? I don't see the Democrats as being a leftist or socialist party, if anything they are more skewed to the right.

       

      Ultimately, for those eligible to vote – look at the issues, listen to what the candidates have to say, ask questions to them (for they want to represent you) and make sure you choose your vote on who you want to be represented by after this – don't stick to a party without even knowing what they stand for or vote because your friends and/or family vote one way (and take comments saying a vote for party X will lead to the end of the world with a pinch of salt!).

    • HAHAHA says:

      what a pile of crockery.  WE know the merchants, we know their urges, we know their agenda and finally we know that they cant win over the majority of people.  So spend your good money, provide Xmas cheer then eat the bread of sad tomorrow C4C.  ya bettr put on glasses.

  4. Anonymous says:

    PPM puts Country first too.  They gives us structure and they are not corrupted!  VOTE PPM May 2013.  Out of the 3 Parties, PPM are the lesser Evils. 

  5. Anonymous says:

    It’s a citizen based watchdog group.

    Simple.

    Cripes, you would swear they did unna something.
    They are citizens trying to help: no one is happy with the parties and coalition governments have worked successfully for us in the past.

    Both parties PPM included are o rabid at the idea of being accountable to citizens?

  6. Eye on U says:

    Based on the advisory of what the C4C has published that they are NOT a party, I presume

    that they DO NOT intend to become the GOVT if they were elecled.

     

    Under the present Constitution, which it appears they have not read, it states that the

    PARTY that has the most votes will form the GOVT.   IF they are not a PARTY, how will

    the achieve a "coalition govt".  IT CERTAINLY WILL NOT BE a case of independents.

    They will have to become a party PRIOR to winning the elections otherwise their

    cause is LOST,

    OR are they simply trying to illude the people for just a short 9 months??

    • Anonymous says:

      Once again I ask that you please read the constitution.  It make allowances for this,:

      "(3) If no political party gains such a majority or if no recommendation is made under subsection
      (2), the Speaker shall cause a ballot to be held among the elected members of the Legislative
      Assembly to determine which elected member commands the support of the majority of such members, and shall record the vote of each member voting; and, where such a ballot is held, the Governor shall appoint as Premier the elected member who obtains a majority of the votes of the
      elected members.

  7. Anonymous says:

    If you think political parties are the reason we do not have an updated Labour Law, a minimum wage, a Conservation Law, proper enforcement of Immigration Law etc. think again. The reason why we have the current state of affairs we do is because the same powerful business interests backing C4C have continuously paralysed any attempt by any elected official to do what is good for the country if it means their pocket books may get hurt. This has happened time and time again through the years. The most perverse aspect of this C4C campaign is the complete lack of honesty and transparency in their dialogue. Did they demand an end to these transgressions? No they blame the PPM and UDP, The UDP and the PPM fault them as you may at least can claim a thread of legitimacy.

  8. needlecase says:

    If its for –

    Reducing the Premier's term in power. For this small island, we do not need to have a Premier for four years. Elections should be every 3 or 2 years. The devil finds work for idle hands.

    Second – Give the entire public the power to vote in the Premier, and not one district. That would mean a separate vote from the district MLA vote. so people will have 2 votes, and they will also have the right to vote out the Premier because they elected him.

    Third – Return back to the good ole days where MLAs represented their district only – get rid of the party politics; and,

    Fourth – Change the PPM-UK constructed Constitution we are under into a better one enforcing democracy and more checks and balances.

    Then… you will see my support for C4C candidates

    🙂

     

    • Anonymous says:

      @needlecase,  Unfortunately you have a catch 22, as none of those things you list as requirement prior to your willingness to supporting the C4C have a snowballs chance in hell of happening without removing the parties that thrive without the influence of the C4C.  So if you actually hope to ever see any of them ever come true, you may want to take the C4C up on their offer of being an agent of change by joinging them and be a part of the solution, rather than a bystander and by default a part of the problem.

    • Local says:

      Ok, so you would like to see a National Vote for Premier.

      That sounds Interesting.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Corruption, not party politics, is the root cause of ALL of Cayman's current problems. C4C's core leaders all helped put our current corrupt leader in the driver's seat 3 1/2 years ago. Why should we trust them now? That said, experience has shown PPM leadership to be non-corrupt, and I would challenge anyone to give me examples of abuse of power by the previous PPM government. I see alot of negative generalizations aimed at Alden in particular. Can someone please give me specific examples of Alden's shortcomings? His track record shows him to be an honest (and educated) representative with the Country's interests at heart. IF we had such a leader now, we would not be in this mess. People, it has nothing to do with Party Politics, it has everything to do with corruption and putting crooks in charge of the Govenment. We cannot afford to let a "New" Political party emerge from the ashes of the UDP with their inherent culture of corruption (make no mistake, the C4C group is UDP re-invented) . Dont agree with me? OK, give me specifics, not generalizations.  

    • Anonymous says:

      I'm neither agreeing nor disagreeing with you as time will tell, but judging from the number of thumbs down to reasonable questions raised here, the c4c members appear to be from the UDP mould of not taking criticism too well, even when it is given constructively.

      • Anonymous says:

        Is it possibly that C4C is doing what they have actually said, therefore there are no candidates to announce as it is the independent candidate that must come forward in order to be endorsed.

        Is it possible that the C4C have a plan/schedule as to when and what they will roll out to the public when appropriate according to their plan, not the whims of those who obviously need more time to understand the concept.

        I am sure I can use logic to give you a reasonable possibilities to refute the negativity that is suggested as answers to those “reasonable questions”.

        Just sayin

    • Anonymous says:

      Neglect and incompetence is just as damaging as corruption.  You can blame show ever you want for helping the UDP or the PPM for getting into power.  The facts are that they have both failed this country and the C4C is offering an option that is worthy of opening your eyes and attempting to understand the concept, and engaging the process once you clear your ignorance, as the process allows for all demographics to help shape our future.  Which is a FAR cry from what we have had.

       

      I will not get into specifics as individuals are not the focus here.

       

       

    • Anonymous says:

      This Guru stated:

      "Corruption, not party politics, is the root cause of ALL of Cayman's current problems"

      One of the problems is that we are broke – which the PPM admits was caused by their "largest capital expenditure in the history of the country" moves, so i guess this writer is telling us our lack of money is due to corruption by the PPM.

      I knew it! – thanks Guru

      • Anonymous says:

        Guru here. Have you forgotten the fact that the UDP cancelled a valid contract on the schools, awarded the work to their buddies, and in doing so more than doubled the price tag on the schools? Next time you build a house, try firing your contractor mid-stream, shutting down work for a year, then getting your buddies to finish the project. See how that works out. Is that you,Foolio?

  10. Anonymous says:

    They still consist of business owners, so country will come second.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      You are confused. Businesses thrive in a thriving economy. Business owners have a vested interest in the success of the Country. They do not have to feed at the Government trough like the professional politicians that you so adore.

      • Anonymous says:

        SOME businesses thrive in a thriving economy and SOME do not. SOMEtimes it depends on what politicians you support and not on the value of what each competitive business brings to the table. Sad but true.

      • YoungLady says:

        Time and time again businesses look out for their OWN interests…these interests do NOT always benefit the broader economy. Especially when big business gets all the breaks and small business get little if anything. Small business are the real drivers of the economy and the UDP government have done NOTHING but increase fees on small business operations.

  11. Power of the People says:

    I looked around – and did not see a huge contingent of West Bay voters. This is troubling. The battleground is in West Bay. The C4C can (not) field candidates whereever they want, but if they do not get a grip on the WB voters and speak to them in terms that make sense, the battle is all but lost.

    Unfortunately, the welfare state of WB does not take kindly to the rich and powerful (besides Mac of course!). This is the perception of the C4C – distrusted businessmen who put self before countrymen. The scrutiny will be on the people behind this coalition – how have THEY helped the country? How many Caymanians have THEY employed? Did THEY support environmental, district, people issues?

    My advice to C4C is get to know the people of WB. Find out what they are fighting for and against. Get behind them and support their protests and battles. That's where the trust comes in. It was clear that they majority of the WB voters who keep swinging that UDP vote were NOT in attendance Monday night – a sign that there is no care for this group or its (un)political views.

    I am verrrrrry hesitant to jump for joy just yet about the efforts of this group as I am familiar with some of the names that are steering that canoe. The rumours are rampant and, while I am not given to the evils of gossip and hearsay…I am mindful of the saying "where there's smoke there's fire" and realise that all that "glitters is not gold".

    I am most appreciative of the C4C's position on forming analytical teams and think tanks to address all of the troubles of the country – a long overdue need. I would definitely jump on board to be a part of that process. This island has so many intelligent and thoughtful people, regardless of party affiliation, nationality or creed. It would benefit us all to just sit down and dissect the issues and then come up with buckets of problems, ideas, solutions and plans of action! Let's do it!

    As far as being a non political group – that's a hard sell. You are dipping your fingers into the endorsements of candidates, but are not involved in any way in their messages? Suppose they go renegade and start bashing Dart or one of your businesses? What will you do then? 'un-endorse' them? How does the C4C plan to 'control' their endorsed candidates? Will they help fund their campaigns? If you are looking at independents as opposed to party members, you better know that those candidates need to put on a circus to even get noticed. Will the independents share a stage in each district? C4C's stage? Will there be a manifest or likeminded ideas to be shared around? Sounds like it's turning into a party guys – – – which is ok! But it needs to be given some reall thought as to how the C4C can pull this off effectively. No money = no chance – no change. Simple.

    I agree…we need a fresh approach – and maybe this is it. What niggles at the back of my mind is where, oh where have you been all this time? This is not a new issue. The UDP didn't just start acting crazy! And, if the rumour mill and smoke signals can be believed…many of the C4C masters were only just recently supporters of that madness.

    I gotta say…I want to believe – I really do. But my inability to fight the inner logic and voice of reason just won't let me give in to the hype and hysteria. It just doesn't feeeeeel right. I want it to. But my self preservation mode is beeping all over the place!

    C4C – please lay it all out. Who are you? Where were you? Why now? And how on God's green earth do you plan to do this!?

     

    • Kent McTaggart says:

      I would like to say the presentation of your points are well received and I would love the opportunity to discuss your questions and points. My number is 936-0242c and 943-0242o I feel confident that you will find comfort in supporting C4C by replacing the myths with facts. Regards Kent McTaggart C4C supporter

      • Power of the People says:

        Sorry buddy, can't do that. Therein lies the problem – I don't want you to have a quiet word with me off in the corner. I want you or whoever is behind C4C to just answer the questions out in the forefront. 

        Don't put loud-mouthed Caymanians up there who are known by the people. Whoever is paying the piper needs to come out and sing the tune. 

        Yes there was a lot of hype that night – and it's GOOD that the businessmen are trying to connect with the people and get change going…but better the evil you know…and all that.

        Since then, a lot of people who were drinking the juice that night (well…eating the jerk anyway!) have kinda dusted off the fog and are asking questions – – – REAL interesting questions. My questions. Yet we have notheard anything of substance from the people organising…

        Sorry Kent, I know you mean well – but we must all come out from the shadows…

         

         

         

  12. Anonymous says:

    Who are the C4C? Who are backing you?  Where are your funding coming from?  What is your agenda? Will you be putting candidates forward? What are your purpose?

    • Kahuru Manzorgi says:

      1. UDP

      2. UDP

      3. UDP

      4. UDP

      5. Yes

      6. UDP

      • Anonymous says:

        You are silly….or you are PPM and scared. Either way get a job and help the economy rather than trying to be a comedian.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Huh??? At the end of the day people are most interested in the CANDIDATES, who are you putting forth? That is the FIRST and crucial step. This is a strange tactic lobbyists are normally in the background not on the front page???? I am at a lost for what they are trying to accomplish??

    People always make the mistake of thinking just put a figure head in and we'll control them that always backfires!! Power corrupts and the only person with the real power will be the elected official sitting in the Legislative Assembly!!

  14. Anonymous says:

    Free food and drinks is a nice touch, but the euphoria will wear off before election time so the c4c (I held the SHIFT key and it came out C$C. lol) will need to get more specific than "Country First" and "No Party Affiliation".

     

    Two things that I will be voting for is environmental protection and single-member constituencies. c4c will have to take a stand on these and many other important issues before any of their "candidates" can get my consideration.

     

    c4c says the party system is dividing the country, and many people agree since every day we hear UDP say PPM ruined the country, and PPM saying UDP is making it worse. However, it's going to take some clever marketing to convince any intelligent individual that c4c does not represent yet another division of country.

     

    Without a full-blown manifesto with details on how they will vote on every important issue I cannot consider casting a vote for these new "independent" candidates.

     

    .

  15. Anonymous says:

    Let us observe these carefully and make sure that we understand what they are REALLY attempting to do, because it sure as hell was not clear from their first meeting last night. More of the same repackaged if you ask me.

  16. Anonymous says:

    I will watch this gang carefully and listen intently to what they have to say before deciding whether or not I will support them. There is at least one among them that I would not trust as far as I could throw her! Backstabbing and two faced antics have no place in the running of a country. I will be assessing them but they nor anyone else will dictate how I vote. That I will decide on my own. One thing is sure, neither of the two declared political parties will be worthy of my 'x' next election.

  17. Anonymous says:

    The best part of this meeting was the food..Damn that jerk chicken was sooo good..Unna need to do this more often.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yep at least you got the point. Find them,, friend them, feed them, fxxk them and forget them.

      • Kent McTaggart says:

        Is that what you say when you go to the parent teachers meeting and they have refreshments and cup cakes?

        Seriously if there was no food or drink at the launch event we would be hearing negative comments about that.

        Here are the facts, the meeting time was at 7pm, right around dinner time for many. We figured if people are willing to leave their homes to attend our meeting, potentially interrupting their dinner, we should as good hosts supply some food to hold them over.

        I hope that clears things up a bit.

        To the original poster, glad you enjoyed!

  18. Anonymous says:

    C4C Members, especially on Rooster 101.9 are always harassing Mr. Alden McLaughlin to give them solutions, sothey can take the man's ideas and run off with it. Same thing with Dr. Frank, he is always asking Mr. McLaughlin to tell the public what his and the PPM agenda is, but yet non of them will reveal their agendas or solutions. Mr. McLaughlin is the "New" leader of the PPM and he is getting more licks and political harassment than anyone else and he has not yet proven himself as the NEW PPM leader. Yes, he was blamed for building schools for God sake and they have hung him for life for that.  You can swear that this man had killed somebody the way the public has treated him.  Everybody is beating up on him, because he built schools. Give the man a Chance nah!  to me, he is a better statesman than any one of them on the C4C platform and those UDP'ers. Give the man a chance to prove his worth and to correct his wrong, if he had did any wrong.  This man and his party had accomplished so much in the 3 plus years they had and dealing with the aftermat of hurricane Ivan, I think they deserves another chance. Him and the PPM party should NOT be branded for life. Its not deserving! 

    • Anonymous says:

      c4c and ppm are both equally terrified to offer any real alternative solutions……..

      at least c4c are new but for alde mclaughlin to say , after 4 years, he can't offer alternative policies because he is in the opposition, is embarassing and laughable…….

    • Ann Non Emus says:

      So C4C is going to “endorse” candidates, who they will be able to control, sorry guide them from behind the scenes for the interest of “Country First”. So this organization of faceless businessmen will be controlling our future politicians like puppets on a string? Who thought up this concept? Jim Henson? Is this the Muppet Show? If so who Kermit and who is Miss Piggy?

    • Anonymous says:

      i hope you realise Alden is the leader of the opposition and has had almost 4 years to prove that he and his party have answers and earned the respect of the people to maybe become the government in 2013? If he can’t handle being asked fair and reasonable questions in political forums about the country or doesnot expect to be held accountable by people maybe he should find another job

    • Joanas Dwyer says:

      Hey when a Man like the Hon Leader of teh Opposition previously Education MInister tells the Caymanian public that"only divine interventiion would stop him fro building the schools" knowing the economic climate that was coming down the tube, he should be tarred and feathered in front of the Town clock for quite some time, until he and pothers get the message of "saving for a rainy day.

       

      JD

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you so much for posting this. So many people forget that ALL of the previous administrations did nothing about a new high school which was recommended from 1981. It was WAY better to spend money on a new school than first class travel, payments to avoid lawsuits and all the other crap.

      • Anonymous says:

        It was plain crazy to spend $200,000,000 on anything!! You guys still try to smoke screen this.. Yes we needed schools but not at the risk of country’s economic viability. Even the design of these buildings added probably over 30% to the cost unnecessarily.

        The argument that we needed schools and so it was a good decision is wrong. Plus it would take Julie approximately 500 years of travel to equal one of Alden’s schools. I don’t support her joy riding either especially with her “bodyguard” so this is not a party issue.

        We need to park both the PPM and the UDP for at least 4 years to get this country back on track.

  19. Anonymous says:

    The UDP is too powerfull to loose the next election there ground game will be  out of this world.Facts :better than OBAMA 2012 presidential re-election bid.Remember the Mckeeva status grants this was part of the plan to have Mckeeva in power for years to come.The PPM is trying to play with voter emotions and joining forces with the PPM allies "Put Country First Political Group".The PPM and C4C don't have the votes to win the next election.It's impossible,tell the sun to leave the sky,it's just impossible.These numbers don't add up and i'm sorry for been so  honest.Thanks CNS for Posting this info.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Those status grants did nothing to ensure any votes for UDP or McKeeva. Most people who got them felt they deserved them – and the UK considered it a human rights issue. We had home-owners, who had lived and worked in this country for up to 20 years who didn't have the vote or full rights. This was not reasonable or fair. I seriously doubt that any of these people see any more reason to vote for McKeeva than the born Caymanians. We look at the record and the issues and the paltry choices we are given on the ballot with the same dismay as everyone else. 

      • Anonymous says:

        That is total bull cr@p UDP propaganda. It was the absolute clincher for the UDP to gain a majority of the electorate. 90% of Jamaicans who were granted status vote UDP, not because they think Cayman benefits from him being premier but because they reckon they benefit. Cabinet Minister at the time Frank McField said it was done to hide the fact that McKeeva wanted to give status to certain wealthy individuals. The way this was dealt with told you that the objective had absolutely nothing to do with any UK human rights requirements. If that was the concern then it would have been open and transparent, criteria would have been established for eligibility and candidates would have been appropriately vetted. Persons who had lived here for 10+ years would not have been left off the list while persons who had just arrived or in some cases do not actually live here would not have been included. People who 'deserved' status should have gone through the proper process. Please put that bullsh!t to bed. We're having none of it.    

  20. Anonymous says:

    C4C makes me feel at home. Who needs a Party when we're having a party – lots of food, drink and cousins everywhere. UDP better learn bloodd much thicker than water.   

  21. Anonymous says:

    no former drug dealers in the lot. refreshing.

    • Anonymous says:

      Former drug dealers, former drug users, and former crooks/criminals are never a problem. It's the currently active who have not yet been caught, but claim to have clean hands, pure hearts, and a country-first mentality that worry me.

  22. Gordon Barlow says:

    It would be interesting to know if the C4C organisers will be encouraging immigrants to stand for election. After all, many of Cayman's economic problems exist because of the native-Caymanian community's resistance to allowing immigrants (long-term expats) to become involved in solving those problems.

     

    Those who agree that Cayman needs to unite all groups in the community, including voting in immigrants in rough proportion to their share of the total population, click on the thumbs-up icon; those who disagree, click on thumbs-down.

     

    Let's see just how serious CNS readers are about solving the problems.

    • Anonymous says:

      regarding democratic rights for expats…..

      the great christian nation of cayman should ask itself…… what would jesus do?

      • Am A Caymanian says:

        @ 21:30

        Jesus said love ALL!!! And we do. But do not get this all mixed up with mankind decisions.  

        Son, the simple fact is, if expats was to be part of the political process in such a small islands likes ours; the mind set of man might see another light to redirect to his plans and taste. This love that Jesus perches would be very hard to preside the local people of his (nice expats) plight. So NO. I love him (the expat) to death, but I can’t have him exchange Milo for Tea.     

        • Anonymous says:

          cayman christianity at its hypocritical best……zzzzzzzzzz

          you know nothing of christianity

          • Anonymous says:

            Like everywhere else Cayman has hypocrites and sincere believers. It is ridiculous to say that Cayman Christianity is hypocritical "at best".    

      • Local says:

        When the USA allows green card holders to run for president, then Cayman should allow these status holders.

      • Anonymous says:

        So all of a sudden you want to unite church and state because you think it might suit you?

        Jesus had nothing to say about democratic rights for foreigners.

        • Anonymous says:

          what would he do????…answer the question!

          • Anonymous says:

            Since he had nothing to say on the subject how are we supposed to know what he would do? And why does it matter to you since most assuredly it doesn't matter on anything else. Would you ask whether Jesus would approve of gay marriages?

          • Anonymous says:

            Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God's

            Fight your own earthly battle.

    • Anonymous says:
       
       
    • Anonymous says:

      agreed…considering the fact that this territory could not operate without expats…. there should at least be some sort of representation or forum for 50% of the population….

      • Anonymous says:

        Are you f$&king serious?

        Get your head out of your a$$ and Give your head a shake!

        Where in the world would non-citizens have a right to vote?

        I know your mom said you were special but seriously it is time to grow up!

        • Anonymous says:

          were else in the world is the tax base mostly NOT citizens?

           

          • Anonymous says:

            Get this in your head: taxation has nothing whatsoever to do with the right to vote. Not here, not anywhere.

      • Anonymous says:

        Why? You must have both the economic power and the political power? Not today Bobo. You must really believe we are stupid.

    • Anonymous says:

      Mr. Barlow – the reason I clicked thumbs down is simply because of trust. I respect long term residents in Cayman, e.g. 30+ years and some (NOT the majority) have made significant contributions to Cayman and our community. But the REALITY is immigrant workers who moved to Cayman and settled here did it for their own economic gain and improved quality of life, not to do charity and missionary work for Caymanians. People make partner here faster than they ever would back in Toronto or London or even Chicago. They have a better way of life, safety and security for their families. I do not trust that expats would put Country first. They would put their own economic conditions first. One thing that really offends Caymanians who want a harmonious society made up of diverse people is when expats somehow ask us to be grateful and more openminded about giving away the last vestige of say I have in my country.

      The owners, wealth holders, executive decision makers in every aspect of the economy are immigrant workers/expats – banks, law firms, businessess, real estate empires are all run by non-Caymanians or new Caymanians. Caymanians are minority in their own country. They do not control the wealth (well, except for the first generation Caymanians who are the money and organisers of the C4C).

      We might entertain this change when expats were more openminded themselves about Cayman and Caymanians, when they earn our trust that they really care about equal opportunities for Caymanians instead of how to get their family members here and working, when they didn't focus so much on getting their next work permit approved or get PR or Status. When they stopped trying to make us like England, Florida or Michigan. We can work together and we must work together, but start with mutual respect. Expats privately shake their heads and say "respect what?". That thinly veiled confusion (or contempt) is at the root of it all.

      We have a lot of work ahead of us. Let's start by being honest.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Honestly.  Not everyone comes from a culture of distrust, self indulgence, and intolerance. Open your eyes or you will never see or be able to appreciated a better way for your children.

        • Anonymous says:

          i think you've proved the poster's point about the contempt that you hold Caymanians in.

    • Truth says:

      You can see by the thumbs down that the current crop of voters would much rather die by their own hand then live off the wisdom of an "other".  What else is expected from those who have hired a 5th grade drop out to be in charge of their country and finances with the expected results?  The problem with Cayman is that the uneducated is in charge of the educated.  How do you fix that?  My own humble opinion is that you don't ask them to do things right.  You have to force them too. The big question?  Is the UK up to the task?  Hopefully the education they got from fixing the T&C fiasco will help in fighting the current crop of Caymanian corrupted loser's that are now preying on this island country.

    • Anonymous says:

      If those "immigrants" are Cayman status holders and willing to give up the passport(s) they hold from their home country, they should be able to stand for election.

      Giving up the passport would demonstrate that they truly identify themselves as Caymanian, have Cayman at heart and don't turn around and run away when the next hurrican hits!

  23. Anonymous says:

    Beautiful nation as it is, it is far too small to have a political system that basically divides a people in half between two dogmatic political parties, Either party when they are in power acts on behalf of the principles of that party first before putting the nation of Cayman first.

    We are coming very close to a political stalement similar to the United Staes where both the main political parties more or less hate each other and what they stand for and would rather see the country fail than work together for the common good. Get rid of the current system altogether and replace it with individual representation of a particular district on the island. What you will end up with is 15 representatives for the Island as a whole who are working together for the good of the Island without 'party politics' getting in the way.

    Those 15 representatives then come to a common concensus on a 'Chairperson' for want of a better name. You then also have 15 people who are helping to run the country together by adopting one particular Government Department for which they are well qualified. This will also cut out the need for certain individuals who are in charge of several departments to keep on going abroad all the time to represent this and that.

    I am pretty sure that this is a good idea, but wait I forgot, both current parties have agreed with an extra 3 MLA's at the next election because the seduction of the good old' 'gravy train' is too hard to give up.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Hopefull al you nay-sayers will come out to the continuing meetings to educate yourselves before you go to the polls in 2013.  C4C is for CAYMAN and that is their only agenda.  They will thereby support and endorse only those persons running for a seat in the next election who subscribe to the agenda of putting the needs of Cayman first, not their own.  They will be around before the election, during and after to ensure our politicians are held to keeping Cayman first.  And they need all of us to unite and bring the issues to them so that they can screen the canidates and see how we can all find solutions together for the good of CAYMAN……not the good of one or two.  You all should be proud and supportive of the new blood out there sacrificing their time and energy and funds to help put this country back on track for ALL of us, not just a token few a$$ ki$$ers.  That has not happened in the last 12 years or so.  Think about that. I will support C4C all the way!!!!  

    • Anonymous says:

      What the C4C should admit to the public is that they have always been around just not honest enough to admit that they thought they could control their leader. They were in the background hoping to get what they wanted like all the work permits they applied for, chairing all of the Government boards and trying to impress that they were the chief bottle-washers. The division of the voting public is being caused by you. You are now saying that our Government has failed us, this is true but dividing the votes of others against the government will not resuslt in replacing them. You better take a long hard look at this. The PPM does not cater to individuals it PUTS Country First and always has. In June next year you can pat your own backs when you see no change in leadership of the country – not that you have not been warned.

    • Joanas Dwyer says:

      C4C supporter you have a lotmore work to do and I mean a lot of work to do,   TooLIttle too late.

    • Anonymous says:

      I understand that we need new persons to offer themselves as Representatives but the important question is who are they going to do a deal with after Elections. If not PPM then it must be UDP. Mark my words everyone is going to have to make a deal to form a Government as I predict PPM will get 5 seats as will UDP and the other 8 Independents wil have to bargain with someone as no-one will have a majority.  

  25. peter milburn says:

    For crying out loud all you nay sayers.Give these folks a chance.Last night was the beginning(and a new one at that)so lets not jump the gun here.I was very impressed by the speakers as there was no bashing of other parties or names just a clear "this is what we would like to see "message.Its the first of many meetings and in time the candidates will come forward and hopefully we will get a slate of forward thinking men and women(hopefully at least two) who will bring some fresh ways of putting this country back on track.The meeting went very well and to the point and not dragged out like so many of the other meetings I have attended where you here the same old bashing and mud slinging that the two parties ALWAYS get into year after year.We need a LA made up of individuals that will work together not fight,call each other names across the isle and act like the spoilt children that cannot get their way.I personally am sick and tired of all this BS and would encourage everyone to get out and listen at the next meeting BEFORE you make up your minds to have the same old same old for the next four years.I have never and will never vote along any form of party lines as the members of these parties are not mature enough to lead the country.TIME FOR A CHANGE.Get out and get registered it is your God given right to do so.Remember when you dont vote you have to suffer the consequences of your actions or lack of.

  26. Anonymous says:

    How many of these groups and coalitions and such are on this island?

    Seems like a new one each weak! Kinda getting watered down now.

    And what exactly is this group actually supposed to be doing? Sounds like the usual hot air especially with the clown who looks like he is leading this circus act.

  27. Anonymous says:

    unless its a violent promise all promises sound sweet don’t fooled so easily.

  28. Anonymous says:

    I'd like to be the first to welcome C4C's professional Blogger and Political strategist to the forum. I understand you gents are well versed in this kind of thing so I look forward to seeing your professional propaganda on these pages. P.S., Makesure they got una work permits all secured.

  29. Anonymous says:

    The Young, educated and objectively minded Caymanians are stepping out!
    2013 Election going to be Hot, folks.

    • No Way!!!!! says:

      At least UDP had some poor "Fops", this group is loaded with rich "Fops" – No Way, let me stick to what I got!

      • Anonymous says:

        No way !! I agree with you, I prefer to stay with the fool.ishness I know.   Caymanwould be crazy to vote for any of that group.

    • Y U T E says:

      As far as I can ascertain this seems to be a group of like minded individuals who could not get what they personally wanted from the UDP government (two examples being concessions in two major projects, one a large renovation & the other a large new business), and have therefore pulled away from them & are putting their huge resources behind a new group hoping to be able to dictate to them with better results, personally. Just look at the majority of the persons in the C4C. Have you seen them around mixing with you (the middle to lower class), have they helped the Cayman people, have you ever seen any of these people canvassing or walking the streets meeting with people? A lot of these rich business people were once very close with the UDP. They have always been "above" us in society. They are rich, we are poor. Are they looking for us to support them so they can become richer, simply because they could not get the concessions & other help they were looking for from the UDP?

      I was in the crowd last night, & yes it was a large crowd of between 500 & 700 people, but a vast majority of those whom I spoke with were like me, there out of curiosity, to hear what they had to say & to see who is involved with the group (keep a close eye on those BEHIND the scenes, not necessarily those UP FRONT!). I am glad to see some new faces in the political arena but be very careful people, "not all new is all good." There are personal agendas attached with many of these new faces, mark my words. I'm not saying that the UDP or the PPM is the answer, but be very careful with some of these new rich faces.  

      • Anonymous says:

         

         
         
      • Anonymous says:

        Hey Yute, if you have the facts about the concessions the C4C are mad about not getting, why don’t you have enough courage to come out and accuse them openly instead of accusing them of having a financial agenda – in other words you are calling them liars because the main thing you accuse them of is the one thing they are MOST AGAINST. UDP slogan should be “self before country”.

        • Joanas Dwyer says:

          Its that the best u got C4C we know all the players and we know who has tried and who has failed to get what they wanted from the GOvernment.  You indeed should know that idf names ae mentioned and CNS prints thatit could end up in a law suit, so atop chatting C4C's sake.

          • Anonymous says:

            No…we do not all know so why don’t you tell us? If I was really a troll I wouldn’t be asking you to name names! Now why don’t you just answer us…who are these disgruntled C4C with your so called hidden agenda??? You don’t have to sign your name so what arebyounscared of??

  30. Anonymous says:

    Wonder if these scholars have even bothered to look up the definition of "Coalition". So much for not being supportive of the party system.

    • Anonymous says:

      The question is whether or not you have looked up the definition of Coalition.So here it is .    A coalition is a pact (agreement) among individuals or groups, during which they cooperate in joint action, each in their own self-interest, joining forces together for a common cause. This alliance may be temporary or a matter of convenience.  Possibly described as a joining of 'factions', usually those with overlapping interests rather than opposing.

       
       
      • Anonymous says:

        "…each in their own self-interest…". Very revealing definition. Thank you.

  31. Anonymous says:

    I was confused as I thought it was indicated they were concerned citizens with no political aspirations but many of the speakers have run for office in the past and I believe will run again.  If they are merely an advocacy group that is great.

     

  32. Anonymous says:

    UDP and PPM better be worried because we just saw a glimpse of a brighter future without all the rhetoric and normal party nonsense.

    • Anonymous says:

      "without all the rhetoric" ?? which meeting are you talking about? The same one I saw with all feel good talk, no substance,  and no candidates? 

      • Anonymous says:

         

        Obviously you have not been paying attention.You were informed that C4C is not a political party and would not be fielding any candidates ,yet you show up looking for candidates.
         
         
        • Anonymous says:

          Silly me. I don’t know why I thought you actually had to support specific candidates. Let’s all sit around the campfire and sing Kum Ba Ya and hold hands. Meanwhile UDP slides their goons back into power because we split the vote. I completely get it now. Great strategy if you are a UDP supporter.

  33. Anonymous says:

    If McKeeva Bush and Alden Mcloughlin had any sense they would find those people from last night and beg to join and help repair the parties. They were all pure class and the hope for Cayman’s future in politics.

    • Anonymous says:

      There's nothing broken abou the PPM, we have our act together just keep watching. We are saving our energy for when the time is right rather than waste our energies on fighting a losing battle with UDP in the house where we are outnumbered

    • Anonymous says:

      I really do not know about Mclaughlin, but I am darn sure McKeeva Bush will be getting back in in West Bay.   Just watch how this unfolds.  UDP will win the election again next year.

      • Anonymous says:

        Can u give us one GOOD reason why mckeeva should be voted back in? It might take you a long time to think of one so I’ll be patient.

        • Anonymous says:

          I can give you more than 2000 reasons why he WILL be voted back in, and we pay their electric, water, and any other bills they need a little "hep" with.

           

          Unfortunately, c4c doesn't have the balls to call a spade a spade and are instead hoping that some of those 2000+ reasons in West Bay will cast a vote for their candidate instead.

           

          Free food and a few feel-good speeches is a time-proven recipe that McKeeva has used for years. c4c is just putting some lipstick on the pig.

        • Anonymous says:

          08:05  I have just read your comments, and Wham!! I am right there on my feet, dont have to think about anything.  Why MCKeeva should go back in for the district of west Bay.  It is just because "He is the right man for the job"  and if I had to give you all the reasons of being the right man for the job,  I would be sitting here all day giving you reasons.  So think about "The right man for the job" and I invite you to think of all the good reasons. I know you can, so be nice now.

          • Anonymous says:

            You say you can give reasons all day but you haven’t given even one…pllease give us a break.

  34. Anonymous says:

    The 5 presenters were a credit to Cayman and their families. Last night was the first in a long time i felt proud to be Caymanian when listening to politics.

  35. Anonymous says:

    There is hope after all.

     

    I wish them well.

  36. Anonymous says:

    It was the first in 10 years I went politicking and I saw hope for the future. The speakers were clear and sought to educate us instead of divide us. This Coalition for Cayman is exactly what we need. The time for new blood and ideas is now.

  37. Anonymous says:

    What you have here is a group of people who are "apparently" disgruntled with the UDP, so they galvanize PPM's voters to vote for this new coalition which splits PPM vote and UDP win again.

    4 more years of hell.

    I am sorry, this stinks of the Lodge and if you don't believe me, their logo gives them away. Go back to sleep people.

    I feel sorry for the genuine people who actually want change in Cayman, but are being duped into this pseudo-movement.

    I call BS. Look at the money behind this movement, Hell, some of them even provided resources and showed their faces last night, but their allegiance is not for change and by pretending to support this, change will not happen.

    I am not the "All Seeing Eye" and I approve this message.

    • Anonymous says:

      What is their logo and how does it apply to Free Masons?  Obviously, that is where you're headed with this, so just come out with it.

      • Anonymous says:

        Actually their slogan and logo were taken from the McCain campaign in the us. Geez guys at least be original.

      • Anonymous says:

        Look up your pentagrams and pentacles and you'll see. These bottom-dwellers thrive on pulling the wool over people's eyes in broad daylight. I know. I used to be one of them. This is definitely a masonic grounded movement and I would suggest that all honest people abandon ship asap. You would be better off prosecuting the incumbents since they have raped, pillaged and plundered.

        Look at the assets of ALL of these clowns in government and you will see why they are so keen on holding on to their seats. Government and Opposition, who cares. When the microphone turns off, no one hears.

        We see, you thieving criminals. Change will surely come and it will not be in the way you think. God will call your number to collect and I hope that you've got credit.

  38. Anonymous says:

    How refreshing to hear and see a platform of Caymanians who love their country and are calling on unity and for voters to demand more from politicians who by virtue of the party the support fail to put Cayman first.

  39. Anonymous says:

    What a waste of time!!…Chaired by the King of the Divisionists, Former PPM'ers with the same slogan, curious Udp'ers and a bunch of people looking for free food and t-shirts..

     

    Let the Carnival begin…We are calling this change!.

    Lord help us!

     

    Where are the men and women with backbone.. if none of them are going to run then why even bother. Not that i would vote for that bunch anyway.

  40. Anonymous says:

    I was shocked and so pleased to attend a political event that made sense. No nasty personal comments or attacks just the facts that parties and party leaders have failed the country.

  41. Anonymous says:

    The Winds of Change are blowing.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Free food and drink…I hope they have some more meetings..It is the only way some of us can get something to eat.. At least they doing that..

  43. Anonymous says:

    Sound like wolves in sheepskin clothing!

    Be afraid be very afraid!

  44. Peanuts says:

    Forget weather they are a Party or not. What I got from last night is that come May 23 2012, we will have more un-employable Caymanians (ex UDP MLA'S & maybe one PPM).

  45. Anonymous says:

    C4C is curious…

    This sounds like a testing water scenario ala Palin taking her big tour bus around last year on “vacation” to see if people still remembered she was a dumba$$…

  46. Anonymous says:

    Spouting noble intentions is all well and good, but show me your candidates. What kind of a political strategy is this that you have no candidates?! Given the presence of several UDP founding fathers in the core of this group, I am highly suspicious of your real intentions. No one in their right mind would pledge their full support to a no-candidate “we are not a party” political party without knowing the character of the candidates they are backing.

  47. Unison says:

    Real change is found by looking within and removing obstructions against the heart, that which is against equality, fairness, human dignity, togetherness, unity, love. If this teaching was implemented and practiced by the whole world, you would not need laws to govern mankind. The world would be at peace. Unfortunately, it is very very very hard to know another person's character if you yourself are blind to discerning the obstructions within yourself. And hence many look at politicians, outward appearances, and beautiful speeches of hope and promises as a sure guide to having a better life and livelihood. If they would just see beneath the appearances and personalities, many of them would never vote again, because too often those who seek power, seek it for an interest, but are not prepared in themselves nor are able to change themselves in the first place. It is better to walk alone in innocence and godliness than to put your trust in people you don't know once they take hold of temporal power.   

  48. Anonymous says:

    nice concept but i stil don't know what they for….or what policies they recommend….

  49. Anonymous says:

    I just hope there is something left of this country by the next election.

  50. Anonymous says:

    Shhhhhh don’t tell Mac!

  51. Anonymous says:

    Who remembers what Charles Clifford did for Cayman or Bodden Town while in office? I voted for him, and was very disappointed afterwards. As I recall he had a lot of nice trips on the public purse and was generally unavailalbe and unresponsive otherwise. If C4C is to be successful, they must keep their guard up and beware of opportunists. Being an MLA – and especially a Minister is a gravy train worth saying anything to get back on. I find it very difficult to gin up any real trust. So many elections we have "thrown the bums out" only to discover a new crop of people feeding at the trough and barely making effort to even thinly disguise their self-serving activities after they are in. Sorry to be negative, but if C4C is to mean anything, I'll need more convincing. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Did any of you try getting in touch with Chuckie when he was in office last time? It didn’t matter how many times you tried, you could never meet or speak with him. Do we want someone like that back in power? Let’s vote in people who will listen to what we have to say.

  52. Anonymous says:

    I was listening to the radio yesterday and today….the organisers of C4C consistently say that they are completely againt the party system yet the want the current MLAs of the 2 parties to come out to their meeting…that just makes no sense! Clearly C4C are still confused about where they are headed!

    • Anonymous says:
       
  53. Anonymous says:

    To quote Ronald Regan, "Where's the Beef?"

    We all seem to agree that we must throw out the "old" and bring in the "new", but we need to know what specific policies C4C will support, and where they stand on certain issues, like trimming the Civil Service, which is like a millstone around  the neck of a drowning man.

    • Anonymous says:

      I think that was the Wendy's Commercial not Reagan.

      • Anonymous says:

        Walter Mondale quotes a popular Wendy's slogan to rebut Gary Hart in the March 11, 1984 Democratic debate.

  54. Anonymous says:

    What a LET DOWN!!! All of that crowd and there was not a bit of real passion in any of the speakers…

  55. Anonymous says:

    thank god! I was beginning to think Cayman was completely devoid of intelligent life.

    A welcome development to see citizens watchdog group coming together:

     

  56. Anonymous says:

    Change was the flavour in the air last night.  We all should be proud of the young Caymanians who came out and stood up for their Country.  We need more young educated citizens (like those last night) to be the next leaders of our Country.  Who cares if they were once UDP or PPM.  They now see that we all need to put COUNTRY FIRST.

    The definition of insanity is "doing the the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." 

    Its time we change the way we vote, vote for individuals instead of parties, so that we can expect a better and different result.  A result that put leaders in that put the people and the country FIRST.

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Great event Tara, Johan, Jule, Jackie and Mervin proved you can talk sense and be dignified when discussing issues especially cayman politics.

      Proud of all of you and really appreciate the message of uniting our country.

  57. Anonymous says:

    I want to believe that they are PPM's, if not why are they using PPM's slogan of putting country first. Seems fishy to me, think about it.

    • Anonymous says:

      PPM should sue them for infringement! Lol

    • Anonymous says:

      Dont worry, everyone will be using those lines getting closer to May 2013.

    • Anonymous says:

      Let me put your mind at ease. They are not PPM they are UDP in a different wrapping

      • Anonymous says:

        There are some persons in the group which makes me think it could be a UDP orchestrated move to draw votes away from the PPM thus ensuring a UDP victory. Jude Scott, as far as I know, is a big UDP supporter but I cannot speak of the rest of the speakers.

    • Anonymous says:

      Troll, you are right. It was as though they were all told to say "Put Country First" at least 5 times. Sounded like hypnosis to me. I was there.

      That poor girl from West Bay came over as a puppet. There would be a pause and suddenly she would shout out "Put Country First."

      Very, very fishy indeed. This is a move to derail opposition to the incumbent party animals.

      And then the UDP magazine editor from the Lodge shows up. Holy Hell in a handbasket, Batman!

  58. Anonymous says:

    A group of citizens allied together to promote good government is commonplace in other countries. It does not have to be a party, and its endorsement can be importantto both independent and party candidates. It will just take a little while to earn crediibility.

  59. Anonymous says:

    Did they have free food?

    • Anonymous says:

      yes there were lots of jerk chicken and pork…very good food.

    • Anonymous says:

      Big crowd yes, but 800 people? No way. Maybe 500.  But what did they really say except spout anti-party rhetoric?  I was left disappointed.. How are they going to make my life better?  How can a bunch of independents get anything done? Where is the accountability?  Will each one of them have there own economic plan, education plan. health plan, etc.   How can that work?  What am I being asked to vote for?  Well meaning individuals or team that can form a government? unless they have a majority they won't have any power to do anything, no matter how brilliant they are.  Seemed to me like a group of  well-off's who want power but who really don't have any plan.

  60. Anonymous says:

    Let me see:

    IF they are truly independents, then how can they work together as Independents without forming 'a Party' – a few of these wanna-bees have already united enough to get on a stage together.

    I think the shame here is that like the PPM – which initially denied as well being a Party (you may recall they were a PP Movement) – then registered itself as a Political Party right before the elections, this C4C seems to have started off its existence as well with a lie.

    Just be honest with the people – C4C is a Party, and then from there state how, if at all, they believe they will be different from the others. geesh

    • Anonymous says:

      They are not independants themselves nor are they attempting to form a party, they are looking to seek out and support respectable independants who put this country first.  I say this without supporting them, just yet, I say this because I'm a Caymanian looking for the best option for our future and I hope that everyone will educate themselves on every party, candidate and movement which best represents their values and who challenges issues that affect them.   

      On another note, you "wanna-bee" using proper grammar if you want any reader to even consider your point to be valid.  Fell free to rant on Facebook, where your I'm sure your friends are used to tollerating your terrible ignorance, not in a public forum where we are all trying to learn as much as possible about this new group so we can make an EDUCATED decision on whether we agree with their voice or not. 

    • Anonymous says:

      There is no doubt that some members of the group  raise suspicions as to their motive. For my part, I smell a rat right in the shadows

    • Hon. Absurdistani says:

      @ Anon 10:22.   Please look up the definition of "coalition".

    • Anonymous says:

      EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's just be honest!!!!!  And if they aren't PPM, why were they using their trailer???? Hmmmmmmmmm

    • Anonymous says:

      The PPM never denied it was a political party, you are talking cr@p.

    • Anonymous says:

      Hope has arrived for these islands and they call it c4c!

  61. Local says:

    What exactly is C4C suggesting will be the benefit of their "endorsement"?

    What's unclear is why the "endorsement" of the C4C will matter.

    Are they going to pay (or contribute substantially towards) the Candidate's elections expenses? If so, are they aware that this may fall foul of Section 65 of the Elections Law. And if they are encouraging this – are they then saying they believe its ok for persons to buy politicians by paying their election expenses?

    This all sounds like a group of people with a few dollars getting together and buying politicians.

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      The strength of the endorsement will depend upon the backers of the group. The list is truly impressive, people you would not expect to put their money where their mouth is so publicly. This group will have a major impact on the next election. Wait and see.

      • Local says:

        LOL

        "The strength of the endorsement will depend upon the backers of the group"

        So the idea is that people support C4C, and then C4C endorses a candidate – who then has no allegiance to C4C and goes off and does his own thing for 4 years.

        What a hott mess.

        Why not make the candidates convince the voter to vote for them because "they" have something to offer – and not depend on the money pot of special interest persons on a list.

         

    • Anonymous says:

      They are just trying to find their way back to the trough. They are trying to shed their UDP wrapping but there are too many layers there to remove them all.

  62. Larry C says:

    CNS, are you & the public missing the point? In your article you contradict your report saying that it's not a political party (correct as I understand it), then you ask who their candidates are, which is what the bloggers were doing yesterday. This organisation is about a mindset: doing the best for Cayman as opposed to backhanders & self-interest: it's not a new political party standing for office. As I understand, so long as any party's canditate is putting Cayman & all those who live here & love this country first, then they will be supported; so in theory perhaps that could mean opposing candidates being endorsed (I suppose), but in practice it is doubtful that will happen since it's currently tough finding true people of pure hearts, hands, and minds, that are willing & able to do the job, hence the need for this group.

    Maybe I am wrong, but that's my take on it. They aim to bring in change, & do what is right & get the voting public more aware of the need to elect decent officials on their merits & goals, & not because the voters want bribes.

    Well done C4C. I expect people will still have their conspiracy theories about you though!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      So Larry, is it still a conspiracy theory if I personally know someone who was approached by them to run and was told that they would take care of the money needed to run?

  63. SSM345 says:

    I am so excited about the possibility of change i just pee'd my pants.

  64. Anonymous says:

    Not impressed that none of them are actually willing to stand for office. Grow a pair and be willing to put some effort into changing things – be willing to STAND and make a difference. They seem happier to be beind those who are already running as independents. We need fresh blood – not a rerun of the old dinosaurs.

    • Dred says:

      I believe maybe you missed the whole point.

      The reason they are not running is to show they are not doing this per say for themselves but for the country. It's not about them but about showing SUPPORT for independent candidates who traditionally have struggled against the machinery that is UDP and PPM.

      While I agree with their philosophy I wait to see the application of this processes and people selected to see if this is what it is billed to be OR some twist to fool the system.

    • Anonymous says:

      But that's just it……..they are lying to you and the public!  These persons are plaiing to stand in the next election, but have started off by deceiving you into thinking they will support future great candidates.  However, all along they are gathering their intel and waiting until March to declear their candidacies and then tell you they are standing for election because " theydidn't see anyone else who was fit for them to support".  Such a pile of BS!!!! 

    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe you should run

      • Anon says:

        if I could, I would. But I am one of the 50% of the long term resident population shut out from Caymanian politics due to my birth, rather than my abilities, or love of Cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      The launch was not about candidates it was to explain a different way of getting involved with politics without destroying families or the country. Remember Party Politics destroyed Jamaica and I’m glad the Coalition For Cayman seek to prevent UDP and PPM from finish destabilizing these islands.