Calls mount for premier’s resignation
(CNS): There was still no news at lunchtime on Wednesday regarding the premier’s position in office. Neither the UDP nor Cabinet made any comment as calls mounted from the community and the political opposition. Although the official opposition leader, Alden McLaughlin, fell short of asking Mckeeva Bush to resign in his statement on Tuesday, both independent MLAs said that Bush must now step down or the UDP members should remove him from the top political job. Their sentiments were supported by the Coalition for Cayman, a new political group, which says it’s not a political party, and which also blamed the current situation on party politics.
Growing numbers of bloggers, commentators and radio talk-show callers throughout Cayman's community were calling Tuesday for the premier to step down from the top political job, echoing the sentiments of local politicians.
Speaking on behalf of the two independent opposition members, Arden McLean, MLA for East End, said that while Bush’s arrest was “a blemish on our reputation” the action by the RCIPS sent a clear message that the country respected the rule of law and that no one is above it.
“These are serious allegations and we have maintained and publicly stated time and time again that corruption, or the appearance of it, must not be tolerated in any democratic society such as ours,” McLean said, adding that he and Northside independent member, Ezzard Miller, had confidence in the judicial process.
Following a short formal statement the two politicians both agreed that there was no option but for bush to resign voluntarily, and if he did not then his colleagues in the UDP would have to force his hand. “The honourable thing for him to do now is step aside and let the process take its course,” Miller stated. McLean added that he is only one man but there are 14 other MLAs in the country’s parliament.
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Cayman called for Bush’s immediate resignation and asked his party to take action if he did not resign voluntairily. Although the coalition said it had to be careful not to prejudge, the nation had to be clear that corruption in any form would not be tolerated.
“It is a time for the people of the Cayman Islands to come together. We have an opportunity to set aside partisan politics and work together to create a better future for the Cayman Islands that includes independent leaders with integrity and competence who will always put Country First,” a spokesperson for the group stated.
In his statement following the premier’s arrest, Alden McLaughlin, the People's Progressive Movement (PPM) leader and leader of the opposition, called on the UDP to resolve the situation. He said that the social and economic interests of the Islands depended on Mr. Bush's colleagues acting swiftly. Pointing to the accepted international best practice and the conventions of the Westminster system of government, he said there was clear guidance on the course of action that ought now to be followed.
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Category: Politics
The man was about to be conferred with a Jamaican University's Doctrate for Integrity, so why hasnt he stepped down as premier?? If the University is correct and he is a man of integrity, he should be stepping down as Premier now and let the judicial process take its course, for the sake of the country's image.
I personally do not understand why he should have a choice in the matter.
So why hasn’t the Premier done the honorable and ethical thing and resigned? No, wait, that implies he actually knows the meaning of those words! I think history has shown he does NOT!
Thank you Arden and Ezzard for honest and sensible leadership. This country does not need followers or yes men at this juncture. Cayman now needs leaders with action and iron men and women who are willing to take Cayman back from the brink of disaster.
The so called "The Coalition for Cayman" is not a political party? Reeely?? Oh ok, maybe it is a "group" then. Remember when politicians used to call a party a group because they didn't want to call it a party? Ok, maybe that's it then. Anyway, as I see it a cockspur bush by any other name is still a cockspur bush people!
PPM showed their experience today. It is times like this that give me comfort that the Opposition Party knows the rule of law and proper procedures for managing the well being of our country. As the world watches how we handle this situation I am sure glad we don’t have the C4c bunch of cowboys in charge, it was clear to see their statement was only about politics!
May be they are all worried about being arrested as well.
I guess the position taken by C4C proves they are not a udp group and they are prepared to talk about the issues affecting the country and holding people accountable.
Thanks C4C you are are only group that called for the Premier’s resignation which must happen to safeguard the reputation of Cayman.
The Governor, PPM, and Ezzard & Arden all gave solid guidance referencing the process of law in their statements where C4C seized the situation to rally the country to help their own campaign interests. This shows the difference between experience in governing and wannabes.
He has only been questioned and is considered innocent until proven guilty. He should not bow to pressure from the opposition who has alwyas wanted him to step down even before all of this.
People only jealous of the Premier.
I respect Mr Alden McLaughlin in using wise judgement. Hopefully he sees what the others are doing. Hopefully he realizes that he has children, and that one day they will be grown and living pn this small island with everyone else. . Mr McLaughlin do not for one moment think that these two faces you see pose up front here is all about saving Cayman. No, not at all. Some of these people are only about Power power and more power. In fact if you all were living good and had any heart and peace among yourself this would not have happened. But that House of LA has some very bad behaving boys. Only thinking of who will get the Premier and deputy premier job. Stay out of it Alden let them fight for it. I know you very well and I know you were well brought up from good parents. Do not let greed change you now. I am not considering how many rows you and the premier has had in the house. What I know is that you are from the old school like the premier. Chip from a good block. Let them all fight for the job if they want it.
And who would replace him? Certainly it cannot be Alden or Kurt. These guys do not want to take any responsibility for spending money to start 3 high schools and to build the government admin building which caused the UK to have to come forward and look at our government's finances. Furthermore, I know that the God of the universe loves the Cayman Islands more than to ever allow Arden or Ezzard to ever be the Premier. I think that the best elected member to be Premier if it is not Mr. Bush is Moses Kirkconnell or Juliana O'Connor-Conolly, but God loves us!
Anyone, including Alden, would be a huge improvement from McKeeva.
Moses or Julianna? You got to be a Bracka but try again! Moses, maybe but Julie? Really? Oh, maybe you got a blacktop driveway staring you in the face each day.
Two self-publicising wastes of space.
Excellent statement guys. Thank you again for showing what true leadership looks like!