Dr Frank declares on drug decriminalization ticket
(CNS): Controversial social commentator, playwright and former cabinet minister, Dr Frank McField, has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the May 2013 general election and says that, among many things, he will be campaigning for the decriminalization of drug use. The first independent candidate to declare for one of the six seats in the capital, McField told CNS that he would not be seeking endorsement from the Coalition for Cayman but would be running on his own autonomous agenda dealing predominately with social justice issues and the promotion of Caymanians in the country.
Motivated to stand for political office once again by the call for change from many in his local George Town community, McField said he would not be seeking a cabinet post but would instead concentrate on building a broad coalition for change.
“Many of the real people in my district and the nation feel that my experiences and caring leadership style make me the ideal candidate to help define and lead the change so many are demanding,” the former Community minister stated.
McField lost his George Town seat in the 2005 PPM landslide election, having served in the Cabinet with McKeeva Bush following the 2001 coup. He has often been surrounded by controversy, such as the recent episode where he was shot in the leg but remained uncharacteristically silent about the incident.
The normally outspoken McField said he plans to campaign on a platform that addresses issues that affect those in the lower socio-economic strata of the community and in particular the criminalization of people through draconian legislation.
As well as the diversification of the economy to enhance employment opportunities, including the development of mari-culture and a marine service or coast guard, and a refocus on Cayman’s crime fight to its watery boarders, McField will be campaigning for Caymanians first in the private and public sector. He said a reduction in the civil service must come through what he described as a “triage basis”, where foreign workers would be the first to go, followed by civil servants with private sector interests.
Setting out his political stall, McField will also be campaigning for a curb on development and a call for environmental legislation that allows Caymanians access to marine food support.
Calling for more oversight and transparency in government operations, especially the RCIPS, and the offices of the attorney general and director of public prosecutions, he also said he will be campaigning for a reduction of crime by a review of the present RCIPS policies and an intervention with youth at risk.
Calling for the decriminalization of non-violent non-intrusive behaviour, McField confirmed this related to consumption of ganja, as he said the prisons were filled with people who were not criminals but drug users.
He said that more Caymanians need to be fast tracked in the RCIPS, while the number of foreign nationals in the police service needed to be reduced and the helicopter cancelled. In addition, he said, there was a need to limit the budget that was directly controlled by the RCIPS and called for the redirection of the excess road cameras to watch the coastline instead.
McField also wants to see civilian oversight of the police and the Director of Public Prosecutions replaced by the Crown Prosecution Service, with the introduction of a term limit and referendum for the director and the attorney general.
Category: Politics
Ooh wow.
Can you say Koo koo koo koo.
Mr. sry Dr McField please stick to your daily rants on Rooster and in the newspaper.
I am sorry but no matter how much you beat on Big Mac it does not deter from:
1) The fact you were among his merry band of idiots
2) Involved in the Housing fiasco
3) Your police fiasco where you, in your drunken stupor ranting about anything and everything
4) You having to explain why you were shot by someone
Thsi all leads us to believe your brain operates differently from teh rest of ours. HENCE NO. No WAY. No How.
I guess he is seeking 'higher' learning for his people!
No-one who refuses to give police details of a shooting incident has any place in politics.
Recommend he saves his $1000, because he has failed before he has started with that agenda!
Frank ole buddy leave the decrimnalization talk to some other politician,it just does not look good coming from you.
Heaven help us, if this train wreck gets elected. We already look like a bunch of ‘idjits’ for continually re-electing His Honourable Exalted Grand Poobah Master of the Whirlpool Side-by-Side.
Interesting strategy though, going for the crack-head vote. Maybe he can open his own pawn shop where they can sell the jewellery they stole from my house without any of that pesky police interference.
Frank…..Embarrassing, public humiliation.
As a caymanian it hurts me to see so much comments on his personality versus competent dialogue about the policies he is promoting. thats one of the major reasons why our political system is failing. we can't seem to seperate our emotions from our intellect and frankly, judging by the comments we seem to be more emotional than intelecual.
There is absolutely nothing in what the man said policy wise that should cause people to disrespect him in a public forum but yet unah still insist on acting like ignorant monkeys.
"The normally outspoken McField said he plans to campaign on a platform that addresses issues that affect those in the lower socio-economic strata of the community and in particular the criminalization of people through draconian legislation."
you got a problem with that?
As well as the diversification of the economy to enhance employment opportunities, including the development of mari-culture and a marine service or coast guard, and a refocus on Cayman’s crime fight to its watery boarders, McField will be campaigning for Caymanians first in the private and public sector. He said a reduction inthe civil service must come through what he described as a “triage basis”, where foreign workers would be the first to go, followed by civil servants with private sector interests.
considering the majority of contraband comes via sea it makes sense right? You want a more efficient public sector and more robust private sector right consisting of caymanians right?
Setting out his political stall, McField will also be campaigning for a curb on development and a call for environmental legislation that allows Caymanians access to marine food support.
soooo somebody says they want to find a balance between self sufficiency, protecting the evironment a development is an issue somehow?
As for the oversight on police, why is that a problem? the compass posted the results from the poll which showed over a 1/3 voted in favor of some form of decrimilization. The global drug commission which consists of past us presidents and other global leaders and drug policy experts is now promoting a policy of decrimilization mixed with legalization and regulation.
So why all the immature negativity? you don't like him personally, so what. are you intelligent and disagree with his policies, then pose a better idea. all this ignorant bickering has to stop, it makes our culture look bad.
Personality? One screw loose is more like it or maybe a few more loose. I met Dr. Frank many years ago and thanks to his drunken and rude behavior, it ruined my honeymoon. That is not the person that I would consider electing to serve. Wemay as well keep Mac.
You do realize that these people are representing us internationally? We have been made to look like a bunch of morons sending Mac overseas and you want to elect Dr. Frank? We're doomed.
of course personality means more in Cayman elections than policy.
If an openly gay candidate was running, would you care about his policy's? most of Cayman voters wouldn't, they would not vote for him just because of his sexuality
No. Just plain wrong. What makes our culture look bad is scum-bag, dis-honest, racist politicians who don't know when to quit.
i see my point was misunderstood.
Let me try again.
I am not implying you should not feel how you feel about him. i am simply stating that a discussion of the policies would be more productive and mature, and as a byproduct of discussing the policies, other politicians who you may actually favour may pick up on policies you agree with making Mr McFields statements have less impact with regards to him gaining position.
The commenter who said that the decrimilization is better left for a different candidate captured what i am trying to get across perfectly. If you can use your brain to come up with a personal attack, don't you think the country could benefit more if you used it for sensible constructive discussion?
At what point did celebration of ignorance and beligerance become such a central piece of our culture? Too much false pride and not enough compassion or humility on this rock.
How is that you can't see that spending more time slandering him than talking about the real issues facing our country is just as bad as acting like him?
Poster, I understand your sentiment and point: but perhaps the timing/example here is too much
With regards to ‘fast tracking Caymanians in the RCIPS,’ I worked with many intelligent, educated and capable Caymanian officers when in the RCIP. These people were identified by the RCIP as future leaders, which was entirely appropriate, but some of these people were ‘fast tracked’ into supervisory positions which they clearly did not have the experience for. As a result of this, through no fault of their own, they were not capable of carrying out their supervisory positions, this impacted on their credibility and ultimately undermined them, and many of these people left the department.
So while identifying suitable Caymanians for leadership positions in the RCIP is a good idea, in a job like the police, where experience is everything, fast tracking just does not work, and results in poor investigations. With these kind of policies you end up with the uniformed first responders turning up to serious crimes like murders, along with the supervisor, all the Constables look to the supervisor for direction, and all they get is a blank expression, or they are given poor directions and the preliminary investigation and crime scene gets messed up.
Experience is an integral requirement for leadership positions, but it cannot be fast tracked or obtained through courses in the States or Bramshill.
I agree with your sentiments that fast tracking doesn't work, but let's not forget that machete cuts both ways…take a look at the current UK leadership of the RCIPS and realise that they are all products of that same "fast track" you talk about and suffer from all the same issues you ascribe to Caymanian officers.
Didnt he say he was leaving the island?
What another sorry excuse of a leader. Frank will never get my vote.
Thank you for your assistance with the elimination process so early in season.
As a European, I always thought Cayman is missing out on the economic value of the quality of its drugs. Grand Cayman's position so close to South American and Jamaica makes it an ideal place for liberal drugs laws and drugs tourism. The ganja and the cocaine in Cayman is of very high quality at very reasonably prices. The crack is a little moreish for my liking. So don't laugh at Dr Frank – he might be onto something.
Where are the young Caymanian comedians? This stuff is gold, writes itself. Decriminalizing drugs, an extremely reasonable and insightful plank for Dr. Frank's campaign platform. One would have to be highup to vote for him.
Dr. Frank has taught me a college class at UCCI, Classics of Social Theory, and he is indeed one of the most intelligent men I have come to talk with. As for the whole "shooting himself int he leg thing", I am sure he has a liscensed firearm that is LEGALLY upheld. Accidents happen, could have shot himself. It IS possible to hold a legally liscensed firearm in the Cayman Islands, they simply don't give it out to just anyone, and I have a very clear understanding of that. I am all for the decriminalization of Ganja. It is a huge deal that the governments money is spent on keeping these non-violent perpetrators in prison and ruining their lives with this sort of stuff on their record. How could he possibly be more corrupt than Mckeeva?? I'm not against Frank running for Premier. I would love to be able to grow my own marijuana trees out back, peacefully, I won't be harming anyone, I promise!!
You are a credit to UCCI. Did you major in English?
And that my child is why you need to study hard so you never have to end up at UCCI.
Here is a report, and this is an official report.
http://www.globalcommissionondrugs.org/reports/
Please take note of the commisioners who took part in the production of this report.
http://www.globalcommissionondrugs.org/bios/
I think that everyone in the Cayman Islands should read this report. Stop and think about the whole drug apparatus and the social breakdown that occurs by making substances illegal. The creation of black markets and the increase in price and incentive to deal drugs when criminalized and not just that some of the effects of certain drugs are just bad.
Also we ignore that certain drugs like marijuana have very positive benefits to individuals, and has been used by many because of it's effectiveness in pain management. We use drugs on a daily basis over the counter which are just as harmful if not worse at times than some of the illegal drugs.
The key is education.
We are all intelligent people.
I just woke up from my Mayan New Year's Eve party, but I was wondering if there will be extra food to go with the free weed at Dr. Frank's meetings?
I think Dr Frank might be on to something with the legalization of cannabis (it’s an argument that has its merits) but I for one am not even going to consider voting for him until he explains how he came to get shot. He might as well do that now; the question will only raise its head again as the election campaign approaches. And if he’s not prepared to do so, nobody should be prepared to vote for him.
I think Dr Frtank shot himself in the foot with this suggestion about making illegal drugs legal…
You are a trenchantly funny guy. I wish I knew you.
Why is the Name Dr Frank a mockery? He comes from good stock ole boy,. Dont you know his mom?I voted for hom the last time and I WILL VOTE ALL THE WAY AGAIN FOR fRANK.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood!! Well, maybe Collie-wood. I always said that the first person to run on a decriminilization platform will get elected, let's see if I'm right. I hope he restricts his justifications to herbal matter and not chemical substances
But seriously, in the context of decriminalization as opposed to legalization, this platform makes a lot of sense. Many other societies are doing it and reducing their prison populations and not wrecking the futures of casual users of cannabis. Note, such societies decriminalize the use and possession of limited quantities of herb, not the dealing, smuggling or transporting thereof. The canoe man dem would still have fe watch out!!
It is time for Cayman to have the Ganja debate in a public forum!
Well,
This is sure funny, after Bushy we gonna vote Mad Frank in? Well its a possibility, I guess.
If someone hold enough illeagal sessions in GT, where drug use and illegal firearms are rampant, then you stand a chance at being voted into the LA.
And if you get in then decriminalize the drugs, and force the Police to be an open book.
Uhmmmmmm, that way I can hold more illeagal sessions, sell more illeagal alcohol, selll more drugs and get shot, all at the same time.
Aswome,,
MAD FRANK FOR PREMIER!!!!!!!
NOT!!!!!!!!
I guess higher education can not keep you from going nuts!!!!!!
Just what need – more drugs on the street. What has this world come to?
P. A. P. (Poor as Pi$$)
He wants to smoke his weed in public now!
Frank is a fart in a whirlwind Lmao!
Caymanian
More criminals to political list! I thought you couldn’t vote if you a police record!!
Braca
Dr Frank looks like such a sad, sad, man in this photo…
Probably because his life has been such a waste of a good education…
Rather a cruel comment, surely.
I came to this island 20+ years ago and the first time I saw him, he was ranting, out of control,and high – threatening everyone he encountered in the Glass House. Swell – just swell – another "sterling" individual for the political arena – and what an agenda!
and 20+ years ago before drugs wrecked havoc on him, he was quite a handsome man, look at him now….not quite the handsome man anymore. Him of all people should discourage any kind of drug use seeing what it did to him but as we know misery loves company.
Frank who? In where? He might get a chance if he goes up against Andy and Barefoot on Owen Island
No chance against Andy, he and Barefoot are honest to the core. He might have a chance against Barefoot if it’s a spelling bee thow (sic) !
It is high time that Cayman realiazed
That GANJA should be legalized
To hell with the hypocracy
That prevails in our society
While their legal concoctions
Are wreaking the natiom
They can say ‘drug’ all they want
But it is a wonderful plant
People need to be frank with Dr. Frank. Tell him that we have enough mentally incompetent MLA`s already. The country can`t afford another one. One has to wonder why he would be pushing for the decriminalization of drug use. Maybe he needs them to think and write the load of b—sh-t he comes up with.
Overheard just a few minutes ago:
"Yah, mon! Yah not see wha Doctah Frank sey 'bout 'eem gan mek spliff legal? Eye-mon gan sign h'up fi vote quick-time! Come h'election dey, mi gan lite h'up a fahtty an' gundung to de polls wid mi frenz dem an' we h'all fling de h'ex fi de Doctah! Ratid! Mi c'yan wait!"
da man need dollas. cha.
I thought the Apocalypse was tomorrow?
April Fool's in Cayman…. Everyday!!!! WTF?!?!?
Just when you thought things couldn't get worse!
another example of why we need direct rule…..
Now we know why all the "Social Commentary" emanating from down yonder was getting louder each time this dude got on the radio, and why he constantly calls the bash the PPM. Dr Fran do yourself and us a favor and go sit down. You made a mess of your ministry when you had it and I hope you recognize the importance of having young educated new fresh candidates elected. All you are doing is splitting up the 20 or so votes you will get and creating a nuisance. For real Doc go somewhere else and cause issues, we are tired of you.
Sqwaaak Sqwaak Sqwaak
Not sure if its that dead parrott but something sure stinks to high hell.
The Doc knows best! Say what you like about Frank, but he is the first Candidate to touch on the much overlooked and performless office of the Director of Public Prosecutions who most seem to forget has done nothing for the past 4 years except waste public money!(this fact has been conveniently shadowed by the current pallava of the premier) The decriminalization of herb is a very forward thinking approach which i think will stem alot of crime and will also ensure that this small island is not in future over run by ex convicts. When someone ask if you have a record or have ever been to prison, they dont care if it was for puffing a few or armed robbery as the word convict simply means in modern society "CRIMINAL" which factually leads people to a feeling of hopelessness and desperation. Not saying i'm going out to vote for him, but i would like to hear a little more on these very pressing issues.
The first thing Dr Frank should explain to voters is the details surrounding his wounding and what all that was about.
As a private citizen his lack of disclosure was his own business but as a candidate he needs to be forthcoming as to this disagreeable situation.
Hahaha. NDC will son have an accurate assessment of the number of drug users in GT based on the number of votes Frank gets. But then again, even some users wouldn’t fall for that line from Frank. The levels that some people would stoop to hoping for a vote. Lord help us.
He must be remembering his times in the lock up back in the early 90's
He's got to be kidding, right? He's joking, right? He says will be campaigning for the decriminalization of drug use…..OMG' This guy has got to be on drugs, to make a statement like that.
The only thing I like on his agenda is his idea to decriminalize drug use. Our people are paying to keep people who smoked a 'lil spliff up in Northward. Really? What a waste of time, money and economic output from their job they could've been doing if not in jail.
Those who will want to vote for you will be too stoned to remember where the polling booths are.
We need you like we need a hole in the head – or a shot in the leg.
Merry Christmas anyway Frank.
please , why can't some people just stop taiking crapp and look to the future, macfield your days or over, your words don't sh*t get over the past and move on…………………..
It’s Friday I ain’t got no job and I aint GT XXXX to do!
Is it December 21st already? Here we come!
Oh boy! He gone and shot himself in the foot now…
I thought it was the leg!
hmmmm its December 20th not April 1st RIGHT……just checking this shit could not be made up and gets betterand better hurry come 21st December cause that is looking better and better now We doomed either way by nature or man made events….. May 2013 is gonna be interesting if anything 11+2 votes to come
Dr. Frank, a word of advice: please save your money. You must be aware that you are unelectable, and if your intention is to split the vote it will be barely a splinter.
which ministry do you want Frank, housing perhaps?
No more self serving politicians
This is a wasted vote
Did he have his parrot with him when he made this statement?
I was assuming that it was the parrot who made the statement. My bad.
A convicted criminal is the first candidate to declare for the elections. Keep it classy Cayman.
LMFAO!!! You can’t make this sh*t up!
Dr. Frank go sit down with your 11 votes from last elections.
Hey, you never know…he might make 12 votes this time round.
Maybe he will if Whodatis lives in Goerge Town.
HAHAHAHAHAHA, the news for the holidays just keeps getting better!!!!! But seriously, we are really doomed if these "old", tired and failed ex. politicians don't shut up and stay home.