Julie vows to consult

| 20/12/2012

(CNS): Leading her first press briefing as Cayman’s first female leader, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly promised an open, transparent, stable and consultative government to take Cayman through the next five months before the general election in May. All five members of the new Cabinet insisted that their decision to support the no confidence motion on Tuesday was not a power-grab but in the best interest of Cayman. The new premier made a clean break with the past when she said the new government would operate an open door policy, be as consultative as possible and move to repair the relationship with the UK.

Cabinet_0.jpg

She said that the decision her colleagues had made yesterday could see them all ousted from the United Democratic Party, but so be it. They could not yet say how the new team would run in the next election, she said, but in the meantime there was a lot of work to be done in the next five months to rebuild confidence in government and to ensure it stuck to the three year plan in order to address Cayman’s economic woes.

Although the minority government is now dependent on the goodwill of the opposition and independent members to pass any legislation, O’Connor-Connolly’s new government said they were confident that they could stabilize the administration and deal with important legislation with the support of the other members of the legislature until the LA is dissolved in March.

All five new Cabinet members said that Tuesday’s decision was a difficult one that was agonized over by them all.  However, they made it very clear that on Friday all eight caucus members had agreed on the way forward. But when the premier did not voluntarily resign, three of the caucus changed their minds and opted not support the no confidence motion, despite agreeing that the premier needed to step down.

The new premier confirmed that she and her Cabinet colleagues had consulted with the opposition leader and independent members about their position before they moved to support the no confidence motion. All five said the move was in the best interests of the country and, as a result, had secured the support of the opposition for a reformed government made up of the five members in the wake of Bush’s departure. In return, the new Cabinet has agreed to consult with the other MLAs on all proposed legislation and major decisions over the next three months.

O’Connor-Connolly said there was lots of work to be done, but they were trying to make the transition as painless as possible and were looking to the civil service for support rather than trying to cause any insecurity in the former ministries.

The group said that they would continue talks with Dart over the ForCayman Investment Alliance but seemed reluctant to commit on how far that proposed deal would now advance. However, they pointed out that Cayman still needed development and investment to get out of the current economic crisis. Therefore, they would be focusing on moving the port and airport projects forward.

Rolston Anglin, the new deputy premier, pointed out that all government projects would now be conducted in line with international best practice and all of the proper processes would be followed. The education minister, who now has financial services added to his portfolio, also defended his own position regarding his DUI conviction.

He acknowledged that he had made a mistake and he had apologised for that, but his position was not comparable to that of former premier, McKeeva Bush. He said he was not trying to make light of it but he did not face jail time over his conviction, with the worst punishment he faced being the loss of his licence.

His colleagues also pointed to the potential problems of interfering with the police investigation in the case of Bush as the probes were not just into his personal affairs but his role as the former premier as well.

Anglin will now have access to a government driver as the new premier confirmed that no one would lose their jobs in the wake of the Cabinet reshuffle, but there would be some slight adjustments with chief officers and transfers of other personnel, including the government cars and drivers.

Check back to CNS for more this week on the new UDP government and the UDP members now outside of government.

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  1. NeoSurvivor says:

    Premier O'Conner-Connolly "vows to consult".   Well, dandy.   Please don't view this as a concession, however……….  

     

    She has no choice but to consult.     Ride out your months under the radar, Ma'am, and perhaps the Brackers will return you to office;  after all……..  you and Mr. Moses are the forefront political pillars of the Sister Islands.    You would have to really cross the line to give the second MLA to Miss Maxine.  

  2. Anonymous says:

    And if consultation requires travel then she and Paul are prepared to make that sacrifice.

  3. Yeah, ok says:

    TAKE ONE!! 4…3…2….1….. "We have failed miserably and now that our leader has been caught……"  CUT!!  "Let's leave out the bit about the leader….and failing mention something about I don't know trust."  TAKE TWO!!  3…2…1….  "Trust us. We're different and there will be openess. Won't there?  Everyone??  Everyone!!!  Yes!!."  CUT!!  "When she says "We're different…and openess try to answer a little faster."  TAKE THREE!!  3….2….1….. "Trust us. I know we look like the same bunch but we're different and there will be openess. Yes!!!!"  CUT!!  "That's better. You answered a lot faster. But you are the same bunch.. so let's leave that out."  TAKE FOUR!!  3…2…1…. "Trust us. We're different. Yes!!! And there will be openess we really really mean it this time."  CUT!!!  "What am I doing wrong???"

  4. Anonymous says:

    I get the sense from the picture that the governor is cringing inside with a drunk on his right and a money funnel for personal projects on his left.    

  5. Anonymous says:

    CNS – let's please gather concensus on the top hot issues facing voters this coming election…I'll start:

    Getting control of public finances – action needed to maintain credible finanancial statements across CIG – total accountability and total transparency. 

    Repeal double dipping MLAs drawing a salary while simultaneously drawing a retirement pension.  Even better if MLAs could be made to surrender the 30% raise they all voted for themselves at the beginning of the global recession.

    If we cut the bogus spending, we can then lower duties and penalties to the businesses that generate employment opportunities and stimulate growth.

    Re-write a comprehensive and reasonable National Conservation Law that aims to preserve our air, land, and sea environments, and back it up with enforcement.  Current law dates back to 1970's.

    Reform Cayman Airways and Boatswain's/Turtle Farm.  We can't afford to subsidize these loosers without profitability plan or an offsetting gain somewhere else.

    Keep this list going…

     

     

  6. Anonymous says:

    This is the new crew?

    Minority Government = Looks like nothing is getting done in the next 5 months!

  7. Anonymous says:

    Power Grab?

  8. Anonymous says:

    These folks are in for a warm time:

    1 – They have all of the Mac worshipers tryiing to take them out

    2 – They will only be supported by the PPM and the independents on minor matters

    3 – Mac will contiune to control these minnions from the backbench!!!!

     

    Fortunately for them the house will be desolved in the next few months.

  9. Anonymous says:

    bye bye bush , its about time , did'nt expect you to last this long after first cayman bank , with all those millions you still become leader of a nation who is blind , hey just tell me how you did it………….. 

  10. Anonymous says:

    An education minister with DUI, imagine that!!! is becoming a deputy premier!!! Is it a freak show or something?

  11. Castor says:

    Some very visible and dynamic actions that will raise Ms. Premier's stock is to action this "new" government sell the fleet of Suburban SUV's and drive their own automobiles instead themselves. The other is to recind the "honourable" legislation (if indeed it is legislation) as honourific titles just encourage politicians (anywher and of any stripe) to quickly forget where they came from and why they are put in positions of trust. It is their duty to lead and set example for the rest of us.

  12. Anonymous says:

    This is what happens when you let children play with matches or let them in a candy store with someone elses money…Someone have to supervise… not to give them power to run a country..

    • Anonymous says:

      Lester and Vere Bird in Antigua didn't have a UK to tell them NO…look what they did to their people. Thank you Mr. Taylor for saving us.

  13. Anonymous says:

    I hope she will consult the Auditor General before spending the people's money on useless trips abroad. It's time that politicians use their own money on their exotic vacations rather than the country's.

    • Anon says:

      She won't unless this was a condition of PPM's support

    • Anon says:

      Did the PPM/Ezzard make a condition of their support that she consult?

      if NO then what's you issue.

  14. Anonymous says:

    To restore credibility, job number one for any futureleader is to implement the systems and processes across CIG to track and report accounting using a credible balance sheet.  Without any meaningful tracking on public finances for decades, it is impossible to log statistics and make improvements, not to mention the millions that go missing into thin air.  The money belongs to the people, not to the politicians.  If any future leader fails to do this within the first few days of office, their credibility dissolves to zero.  We have all known this ugliness needs to be dealt with, but so far nothing has happened.  Each successive regime has used public funds as their personal cookie jar – and this has got to stop.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Now that PPM is running the Government through these 5 UDP members we will see if things get better on transparency.

  15. Anonymous says:

    I hope our new premier realises that she lost a lot of trust with the paving incident and the postal conference and other junkets. I hope she realises that her and her party colleagues share responsibility for McKeeva's many failings, and I hope she realises that the financial industry is suffering because of the massive fee hikes needed to pay for the money her government wasted.

     

    If she is to have any hope of being more than a caretaker Premier she needs to recognise that these are serious matters and to address them urgently and decisively and that there is a presumption of incompetence until these issues are resolved.

    • Anonymous says:

      The PPM and Ezzard obviously didnt lose trust in her.

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree with you and hope they consider reducing some of the ridiculous CIMA & Registry fees which have just been introduced.  We need to encourage new business, not chase away existing business because of the outrageous fees.   they need to remember there are plenty of jurisdictions far less expensive (and probably more efficient) than ours.

  16. Anon says:

    Juju?…..I'd tap that.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Congradulations Cayman! Our first female leader! Almost makes it feel like women stand a chance of earning equal pay to men at some point.
    Julie if you get this right you will open many doors for the young and old females of these 3 islands, proving that we wont just do, we can do it beter!

    • Anonymous says:

      That thought crossed my mind about her being the first female leader but the reality is the people didnt elect her into that position.  She is Permier by default because she was Deputy and we had not say in making her Deputy.  Besides, I havent heard her say much by way of empowering women and I AINT washing nobody's crusty feet.

      • Non-Party Member says:

        The electorate doesn’t elect the premier. I think you’re confusing things with the U.S. system of electing a president separate to the representatives. The electorate in Cayman votes for a party. The leader of the winning party becomes the premier. The party itself decides who its leader (and its deputy leader) is, not the electorate.

    • Anonymous says:

      First you have to learn to spell better.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Does this mean we all get our driveways paved by the next election?

    • Anon says:

      Cabinet had 5 members – three of them remain.

      If the three of them had the majority in Cabinet – then why was mac and mike able to do things they allegedly disapproved of.

      • Anonymous says:

        Who said these were Cabinet decisions? In any event they were not equal. It was Mac's govt. as the premier. He had the power to dismiss them.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes – the PPM has requested this in return for their supports.

      All driveways to be paved.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Looks like a rogues gallery to me. The only person in that photo I would trust is the Queen.

    • Anonymous says:

      Franz is a straight shooter and probably the only one qualified to run the country as naturalized expats are not allowed to run for office, which needs to change immediately or we will always be stuck with self serving politicians like this new (but really not) premier.

      What an embarrassement. XXXX

      • Just Commentin' says:

        That is pretty twisted!  How the hell will changing the rules to allow naturalised expats keep us from having self-serving morons as leaders? I do not mean to disrespect expats, but looking at the countries from which most of our expats originate, they have their fair share of self-serving morons as leaders and citizens, some far worse than Bush. 

         

        No, thanks!  No change! Sure, we might have some self-serving morons as leaders from time to time, but at least they will be our very own home-grown variety.

        • Anonymous says:

          Well, personally I’d rather have home-grown morons than imported morons as our leaders. If we allowed the latter to run the place they’d in all likelihood change the immigration laws to allow even more of them into the country, and there’d probably be a revolution. So, no to that idea, definitely. Let’s keep our morons and cherish their right to lead us.

      • Ex-Pat employer says:

        You clearly never had to deal with immigration when Franz was CIO.

      • Anonymous says:

        No expats should ever be allowed to run. Expats who have Caymanians should, and can.

    • Anonymous says:

      Let us see if we can interpret their expressions? 

      AG – !@#$%^&*()_+ ; CG – Am a good Christian boy, what the hell am I doing here? ; Manderson – Mr. Governor, why don't you go on vacation so I can be governor for the Christmas? ; Mark – I suffer from shortman sydrome so please don't blame me for my actions ; John John – This suit is too tight and I need to get the hell out of here so I can check with JuJu to see how much my increase will be ; JuJu – If you all think KeKe was bad wait till I sit in his chair ; Governor – Of all the dependent territories, how on earth did I land in Cayman; Rollie – Hic! I need a drink just about now.

       

    • Anonymous says:

      She's much too old for all this crap. But she does have her eyes on Franz.

  20. Anonymous says:

    Twice you have been knocked off your high horse keke lol!
    Once by ppm & the other by your party! Santa wasn’t on your side this year!

    Braca

    • Anonymous says:

      I would say twice by his own group coz after the First Cayman Bank scandal he was removed as a minister too by Mr. Tom an dem!

  21. Anonymous says:

    "Julie is forced to consult " would be more accurate. Otherwise, she cannot accomplish anything in the next 5 months. Don't let the sweet voice fool you, she has a lot of Mac's traits. That said, unless Mac and his boys squirm in the back door, the Opposition is in a good position to keep her straight.

    • Anon says:

      This shows PPM has confidence in this Cabinet – otherwise they would not be supporting them.

      • YoungLady says:

        PPM is helping them only by allowing them to have a quorum in the LA. The PPM have said that they will be looking at every proposal based on it own merits. I would say they are doing their duty to the country by keeping the LA functioning.

        • Anonymous says:

          It appears that "looking at every proposal on its own merits" is a new idea. What other way should an elected representative of the people vote.

      • Anonymous says:

        I wouldn't say that the PPM has confidence in this cabinet. The only other solution would have been to form a government with them which would NEVER happen and not only because of the collective responsibility it would expose the PPM members of cabinet to. 

  22. Truth says:

    Bush started out with Promises.

    • Anon says:

      I'd even go so far as to say he started out with EXACTLY the same promise.

  23. Anonymous says:

    I don't know why so many people are "bigging-up" this bunch of losers. They were part and parcel of the problem (caucus) that put Mr. Bush in power, the same caucus that supported his every action and policy for the last three and half years. This pure electioneering and nothing to do with the good of the country. Just goes to show how fickle the elctorate are in Cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      No, it just mean the puiblic thinks as compared to McKeeva's government they are the lesser of two evils. They will get their comeuppance in May, 2013.

    • Anonymous says:

      You're very smart – i know for a fact that this is nothing but a strategy to split up before elections and run as independents.

      Julie alludes to it when she says that they 'dont know how they will run in the next elections'.

      PPM and Oppostion being used – but Alden is so stupid he will cut off his nose if he thinks its hurting Mac.

      • Anonymous says:

        Alden is not stupid at all. He is watching the UDP implode with in-fighting and their real characters are exposed to the electorate. That can only help the PPM. Both the 3 that supported McKeeva and the 5 that have gone against him have damaged their political careers. Running as independents will not help them at this stage as they are too tainted and cannot sufficiently distance themselves from McKeeva to be taken seriously as independents.    

        • Anonymous says:

          Every move these guys make in Cabinet is only possible because Alden allowed them to continue in operation.

          His hands are going to get dirtier everyday.

          I heard that Cabinet is signing an agreement with the UK this week to allow land tax – so I guess he agreed to that.

          • Anonymous says:

            You really don't understand how govt. works, do you? The Opposition can only be held responsible for any motions, laws etc. passed in the House with their assistance. Period.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps if Julie had been Premier from the beginning, Cayman would have avoided this chapter in it’s history and “that man” would not have had unbridled ability to do what he did. Seeing how each one, new Gov’t and Opposition and Independents have agreed to consult and work together at this time is so encouraging for our future, I would hope that that would become the formula for all future governments. It doesn’t matter who is leading, please just cnsult, negotiate and agree to do what is best for our country. God bless Cayman!

  25. Dred says:

    In light of your desire to be transparent please….

    1) Release the KPMG value for money report on the FCAI.

    2) Release copies to the PPM and Independent members on the full Dart agreement being looked into.

    3) After consulting with the Opposition and the FCO see if GLF can be re-engaged regarding the Cruise Berthing in an attempt to recoup the $2.5Mil and place this project on a fast track. As GLF got the contract fairly to begin with I see no reason why the FCO should resist.

    4) Insist that Dart not take the West Bay Road and that the Dump not has a full location evaluation done to determine TRULY what is the best solution for the Cayman Islands. If this is done openly and honestly then more people will accept it. This means STOPPING all activity at the BT dump site and closing the current orders in place.

    5) Focus now on passing what is needed to get the Shetty Hospital moving at full speed. This project will help kick start our economy some and it is sadly needed at this juncture.

    6) Suspend all business travel save only emergency travel until next election.

    7) Request that all businesses who got paved driveways pay at least 50% of cost in Cayman Brac. The peopleneed the money more than the businesses does.

    If you want to establish some sound precendent and salvage what semblance you have of your political careers this should be done in a matter of haste.

    You could make also the necessary changes to bring OMOV into place for the upcoming elections.

    These are good solid moves that demonstrate clear and effective leadership and full transparency.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      PPM should have DEMANDED transparency as a part of their deal with this group of clowns.

      The PPM has merely agreed to go along with them – and thereby allow this group to be able to say we are independents (as they will be removed from their party for not consulting their party), and also 'if we were that bad, by would you support us to form the Government.

      PPM dumb!

      • Anonymous says:

        PPM simply agreed to help them have a quorum so the legislature could meet. Nothing more nothing less. Stop dramatizing this. I’m not a fan of the PPM but clearly this shows you can’t look at things they do objectively.

        • Anonymous says:

          Why was keeping the LA open more important than early elections?

          • Anonymous says:

            If we have early elections, 1. some of the voters may not get to vote 2. we would have less choices for cabinet as many of the canidates have not declared yet.

    • Truth says:

      She will do that as soon as she takes a 10%pay cut.  When will Caymanians learn liers lie, stealers steal, cheaters cheat?  You have been lied to so much you now would not know an honorable man from the Devil.  You ask for good and settle for the worst.  If you want good you are going to have to do the work involved in making sure you get it.

    • Anonnymous says:

      Dred – 12/20/2012 06:48

      You should write a directly to Hon Premier, Juliana O'Connor Conolly, exactly as you have posted.  She might miss it here and it would be a pity if she didn't read this.

    • Chris Johnson says:

      Dred  Do not forget the mysterious Phillipines Airlines deal. That never passed the sniff test and needs an investigation by the Auditor General.

    • Anonymous says:

      I vote Dred for Premier.  Well executed.

    • Dred says:

      I think if you want credibility with your new path to transparency you should offer it knowing full well that everyone is screaming for it.

  26. Anonymous says:

    Ok Miss Priss

    You were McKeevas protege and right-hand up to 7 days ago but now claim you going being different?

    Introduce OMOV
    Cut civil service
    Put some restrictions in place to stop wasteful government spending, especially YOUR travel
    Take a paycut
    Release the KPMG assessment

    If you want to impress me!

    • Anonymous says:

      Again, WHY would PPM support them WITHOUT attaching these conditions.

      BECAUSE PPM does not want OMOV.

      WHY doesn't PPM get them to stop the ROAD CLOSURE – because PPM wants the road closure.

      This was an excellent strategy by the UDP. I can see how this divide and meet at the other side will work out just find for them.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is too late to introduce OMOV for the next elections. The writ has been issued.

  27. Anonymous says:

    Sorry, but we have no reason to believe anything you say:

    You are all complicit with McKeevas dirty dealings and continued to look the other way and publicly came out supporting him in 2 previous votes of no confidence.

    You are also under investigation yourself for your own dirt, so come off it!

    UDP is so full of shit.

    And all cut from the same cloth, so you have no room to slag off Mckeeva your “mentor” and have no room to claim to be different or better now, when you are balls-deep in the same dirty deals!

    • Anonymous says:

      IF these five are so BAD, then why would PPM and Ezzard support them rather than not support them and cause a new election.

      • noname says:

        Because bad as they are they are the best Cayman has to offer.  Its that or UK rule and BAM!  There goes all the handouts, jobs, and nation building funds that so many here have come to depend on.

      • Anonymous says:

        Idiot. The PPM called for early elections as their preference: HE decided to allow UDP to continue in office. Try to keep up, Christ!

  28. Anonymous says:

    i want these muppetts to explain their general in competence over the last 3 and half years….

    • Anonymous says:

      They obviously explained this to the PPM and Ezzard why they supported them.

      Stop complaining.

  29. Anonymous says:

    Unna give the woman a break nah!…cha!…McKeeva gone!..Isn't that what unna want? Give um a chance for the next 3 months..Unna never know they might be twice as good without McKeeva.

  30. Non-Party Member says:

    What a relief. No more Bush. I hope, but not expecting, he’s hanging his head in shame. What a thoroughly self-centered individual he prove himself to be, right through to the end. Feels like a massive burden has been removed off of the country’s shoulders. And the system worked, as I fully expected it to. What a breath of fresh air!

  31. Anonymous says:

    Has she moved the sign from Mack's house to Cayman Brac yet?

  32. T. Haggard says:

    She will "consult"? Of course she will, but it will be with her imaginary friend. We're doomed.

    • Born Caymanian1 says:

      If you are referring to "God" as imaginary then you need help.

  33. Anonymous says:

    if the 5 remants of the United Defunct Party are so big on 'consultation', 'openess' and 'best practice', why did'nt they overrule the other 4 for 3.5 years?

    They have jumped from a ship that they helped Mac to sink.  They are all gone in May 2012.

  34. Anonymous says:

    Keke better apply for a job at fosters packing shelves lol!

    Caymanian

  35. Knot S Smart says:

    I can only hope that the viciousness in this society will end as abruptly as did the reign of our first Premier.

    These five have the opportunity to at least begin to change the reckless ride that has led us to where we are today, and to set the country to a path of healing and financial recovery.

    They just have a few months but a lot can be accomplished in a short time.

    A few examples are:

    Shut down the gas card system except for government vehicles on government business.

    Terminate the pension and salary at the same time, ripoff by MLA's and civil servants.

    Stop paying rent for people who can work.

    Transfer anything left in the nation building fund back to the treasury.

    Collect all that is owed to government.

    Reduce fees and import duties to where they were in 2009.

    Before we judge them too harshly for their past allegiance to their overpowering leader I say give them a chance, and lets see if they have the determination to right the wrongs of which they helped to create.

    Congratulations to the Honorable Premier Ms. Julie, and to your Ministers.

    And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all…

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Wishful thinking!

    • Anonymous says:

      So three months before LA dissolved they split with their leader (they are still UDP, and Mac is still their Party leader) – and yes they meet secretly with mac – and you believe they are changed.

      LOL – an idiot will believe anything.

      • Anonymous says:

        Mac is not their party leader.

        • Anon says:

          You;re so wrong – the Party leader is determined by the party – not the elected official.

          Fool

          • Anonymous says:

            Mac and the 3 stooges resigned from the UDP when they crossed the aisle BEFORE the no confidence vote.

  36. Anonymous says:

    The thirst is real !!!
    UDP WILL NEVER MAKE IT without MCKEEVA!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      That is because the UDP was never a real party but to quote Gilbert McLean “a personality cult”.

      • Loopy Lou says:

        Are you sure he said "cult"?

        • Anonymous says:

          Yes, ask him.

          • Anonymous says:

            You have given me the biggest laugh of this month. You are a wordsmith. I bow down to your clever review of this photograph…. CG’s Mona Lisa smile… Rollie’s taxidermist stuffed pouch… Hahahahahahaha!

    • Anonymous says:

      http://www.udp.ky

      Look at this. 'Says it all

      • Anonymous says:

        Raaated, They turn off the UDP website!!! will for one thing, 21st Dec is tomorrow but the UDP is long gone before then and WAY before May 2013. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh boy, correct me here….Julie is being investigated…Rolston lied how many times, and these are the two running our country now????? OMG…from the fire to the frying pan I say!

    • Anonymous says:

      I dont understand how any educated, intelligent person could stand by such a lame leader as Mckeeva.  I give you one example of his disinterest in Cayman.  During the Expat Tax debate when the public was up to give suggestions and concerns he started reading the news paper and discussing articles with his ministers.  Not only was that extreemly rude but also shows his complete lack of care and interest for his country but only his pocket book and ego.  Now I understand that many people receive gifts and favors from him but is that good for the country…..NOOOOO.  My only worry is that greedy west bayers will try to get him back into power so that they can continue to receive ill gotten gains from this man.

  37. Anonymous says:

    A picture paints a thousand words………

     

    The AG looks as though he's been sent to the principal's office. He's been there before and man, that cane hurts!

     

    CG has a little Mona Lisa smile going on there – deep, enigmatic, sad perhaps, or maybe happy, grave but with the slightest twinkle. 

     

    Mark looks like he's peed his pants just a little bit.

     

    Dwayne looks like he's wondering where he is and how on earth he got there. "Oh my god! What do I do now?"

     

    Rollie – this is what he'd look like after the taxidermist has finished with him, expressionless, frozen.

     

    Julie – well, the cat just got the cream, didn't she?

     

    The gov and dep gov look battle weary but victorious

    • Kodak Moment says:

      Lol! And look at the Queen, she looks absolutely fabulous! She’s got her eyes on Julie ‘n Crüe, better be good everyone.

      Cheerio.

    • Anonymous says:

      Power grab successful and Congrats go out to the UK and the Governors Office who behind the scenes orchestrated all of this , you got what you wanted, the removal of Mr. Bush, who was delivered to you by his Judas Caymanian MLAs. Rollie has  not convinced the UDP membership who voted him in that what they did was for the best interest of Cayman.

      This was all about being pushed by the UK to get rid of Mac. Rollies DUI is a disgrace and he should be thrown in prison as an example to all those who threaten the lives of innocent drivers. This is not the first time this has happened to him, I beleive, four times would be more accurate. 

      At least with a driver Rollie can get as drunk as he wants and still manage to get home safe.

      Mr. Bush is innocent until proven guilty and their action is that of jury and judge. But time longer than rope bobo and today for me and tomorow for you.

      Everybody skeletons will come out of the closet in 2013. The former premier's life is an open book.

      • Anonymous says:

        Ellio, enough already with the anti-UK/Mac is a hero rhetoric. Please crawl back under your rock. You are a disgrace to the Cayman Islands.

      • Anonymous says:

        The former premier's life is anything but an open book. The presumption of innocence has nothing to do with the issue.

        You hypocrite – not a word about skeletons in their closets when you were united under Mac.

        As for Judas Caymanians – you only changed your mind when you couldn't get your 30 pieces of silver – a ministerial seat,  Ellio.

      • Grandfather Troll says:

        Where is that "Idiot" button!

    • Anonymous says:

      The Queen looks happy.

      • Truth Hurts says:

        She is looking down at the politicial mess that is Cayman and laughing……

    • Roseapple says:

      Lmao! Think u got it just about right! Same thoughts here, esp re Dwayne!! lol

       

  38. Anonymous says:

    Honourable Premieress:

    Prove to us all that you have the will and integrity to clean up the awful mess that you are inheriting. Its time to eradicate the greed from both inside and outside Government that has brought this country to its knees.

    So, why don't you start with the following:-

    a) re-examine thoroughly the major deals that were done during the past 4 years to ensure that Cayman was not exploited for the benefit of self-interested parties. The facts seem to indicate that Cayman has been badly ripped off.    

    b) stop the monopolization practices that are being ruthlessly applied in Grand Cayman. Show us that you are willing to make a stand against uncontrolled monopolys which are clearly damaging to and certainly not in the best interest of our Cayman Islands

    c) boot out any lackeys that were strategically placed to manipulate and control certain Government Boards – not difficult to find

    d) route out the deals and favors done between any Govenment official and/or MLA and private sector parties, investors and companies

    e) make those who benfitted at the expense of our people pay back those monies that they did not deserve to get i.e. the Churches and the individuals and companies who received duty concessions etc that were given as political favors in exchange for God knows what

    f) stop covering up – lets have transparency and some good governance for a change. Cayman would be better for it.

    g) stop this practice of constantly invoking God's name and professing to be wonderful Christians, instead lets start acting like honest Christians

  39. Anonymous says:

    "including the government cars and drivers."

    Yup.  As expected,  Julie has to keep her man.

    • Anon says:

      These back stabbers need to go take a break.

      i can't believe the PPM and Opposition support John John being a Minister. Now that takes the cake.

  40. Anonymous says:

    They must not give up the road,  we need two options in and out of West Bay ( as planned) or move the dump to BT without much, much, much more input  from the people and more studies on the alternatives.  They must not continue Bush's foolish sell of Cayman.
    To do so is to continue the Mac-politics in which the money wins the people lose.

    • Anonymous says:

      Well let's see how this will affect the BT Waste Management facility.  We shall see exactly who was benefitting.  Oh so you think it was only Mac, eh?

  41. Democracy Now says:

    Was that it??  Was that the best that could be said???  No apologies??  A small one perhaps but with riders attached good grief!!!  And what about "transparency", "openess"?? And "consultation"??. As if no one hadn't heard these. These aren't new terms, and they still echo after the last election.  If you're going to insult people's intelligence at least find different ways to do so. That canyon you're peering across Ms. O'Connor-Connoly, with the public just visible on the other side is called Credibility Gap.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Can she speak to the road paving done in the Brac? Can Mark Scotland come CLEAN about the dump in Bodden Town? Can Rolston come CLEAN with why he LIED to the RCIPS THREE times. I am NO fan of McKeeva Bush nor am I a fan of the others in there now BUT i must say that i think mac is laughing at the shenanigans that has transpired the past day. PPM brings a motion of no confidence against the governent supported by the 5 GOONS wbo voted against themselves and PPM has no deskrd to assist wkth the formation of a cabinet. This is classic…….POLITRICKS at its best!!!! This is like Sanford and Son meets The Hillbillies.

    • Anonymous says:

      No McKeeva fan? Coulda fooled me.

    • Anonymous says:

      This is a good strategy by the UDP to divide immediately before the election and get some of its members back in on the basis that they split from McKeeva at the last minute and are now born again.

  43. Anonymous says:

    It is sooooo goood to not see McKeeva Bush in that picture. 

  44. Anonymous says:

    We have to face the truth, Cayman, McKeeva Bush was a bad influence on all these people. They are all in the position they are in because we elected them in good faith to run our country, which is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. Dissing these folks is going to get  us all precisely nowhere very fast, at least certainly nowhere forward, so please let us show them our support and respect and give them a chance to do what is right for us and our country for the next few months. We owe them that for removing a very bad apple, hopefully permanently, from his ill gotten position of control and tyranny over all of us and our beloved country. A 'prominent' individual in our community is known for saying that one does not need education to run a country. Indeed, genuine love for a country and it's people, coupled with very simple common sense and humility can certainly compete with if not surpass any form of education as it relates to running a country. We Caymanian people have a very true saying that "common sense is sometimes not so common". The fact is that we all have common sense. It is simply unfortunate that it is often human nature to lose that sense completely when we areput to to the real test as we let greed and our human ego's and every imaginable form of evil take control. Again we have nothing whatsoever to gain by dragging these folks through the dirt and everything to gain by showing them the same love and support and common sense that we expect them to demonstrate towards the Cayman Islands and our people in their respective positions. In five short months we can decide on the value of their common sense and whether they are fit to continue to lead us and our country towards a better future for every one of us.     

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you – reading the comments – someone is speaking with some sense for a change

    • Anonymous says:

      Some people certainly do have a way of winning friends and influencing people. Julianna was following so closely in certain footsteps it's not funny. Her two biggest 'achievements' in Government to date, the hurricane shelter and the road paving in Cayman Brac are so very clearly centered around her own self interests rather than love or concern, in fact in blatant disregard for her country and it's people. This has become a distinct trademark of the UDP administration. You have been given another chance to prove to the world that you have a brain of your own JuJu. Cayman is holding it's breath and the world is watching. Poor Ellio was completely hypnotized and then swallowed whole and certain digestive enzymes and gastric juices continue to dissolve every fiber of his being to provide proteins and nourishment for the system. Speaking of being hypnotized to certain death, this cannot possibly be any more clearly demonstrated than in the case of our dearly beloved Mike Adams, who was clearly elected on the premise that he was a real man and an intelligent individual who could and would serve a real purpose in our government. Just look at what this 'real man' has been reduced to. The fact that Mark Scotland has been lured into presenting the same folks who elected him, and to whom he promised the world to get elected, with a garbage dump in someone else's self interest is bordering on unbelieveable. All these people have clearly and willingly either very nearly or completely forfeited their careers in government, the intelligent world is surely left wondering to what possible or conceiveable or righteous or justifiable end. The world is watching, folks.     

    • Anonymous says:

      Obviously you are one of those who so hated the premier that you would have supported anyone and anything who could get rid of him.

      Well, the UDP 5 did the dirty deed that the opposers wanted done, not realizing that they were only being supported so that they could discard their own leader who put them where they are today.

      The UDP 5 are a bunch of idiots for getting caught in the trap set for them by the UK as they imploded from within.

  45. Anonymous says:

    Given the time left until the next election, this government is a classic "lame duck" government.

     

    I hope they do not do too much damage. Doing nothing will be an improvement over Mac.

  46. Anonymous says:

    They look like the most honest bunch of Caymanians one could hope to find

    • Anonymous says:

      That is a very insulting comment to Caymanians.

      • Anonymous says:

        If you elect someone like McKeeva as Premier what do you expect – compliments?

        • Anonymous says:

          The people did not elect McKeeva as premier, idiot. He was elected as an MLA by WBers and then his UDP colleagues elected him as premier. Have some manners and respect for your Caymanian hosts in their country.

          • Anonymous says:

            He was put in post by Caymanians (for the second time!) and kept there long beyond his time. Why should I respect that? As far as I can see this is a country being run by idiots. The only people who really know what is going on are the ex-pats in the Governor's office and the FCO. 

  47. Anonymous says:

    "…government cars and drivers…"

     

    Government cars and drivers in a jurisdiction as small as Cayman?????

     

    What a bunch of spend-thrift puffed up penguins. No wonder Cayman is in debt.

  48. No, Nah Cayman! Caywoman! says:

    She couldn't take the glasses off the top of her head for the picture man! Where was the consultant? <snickers>

  49. Anonymous says:

    I'm encouraged by these statements, and cautiously optimistic. At least they realise how much work there is to do. We will soon see exactly how much of CIG's dysfunction was down to McKeeva. I'm also so, so happy that the perks of high office are finally being enjoyed by persons with tertiary education. It's one thing to have 'risen from humble beginnings' but usually that means you succeeded on merit in wider society before entering politics. Merit isn't the word I would use for the way McKeeva acquired his iron grip on our society, and he did tremendous damage to our future along the way by scuppering schemes we knew we needed years ago for political or personal purposes. There is no one in the world worse than him to run this country. We all suffered in relative silence under his leadership. We have to assume his colleagues did too and let them get to work now they are free to behave like right-thinking people and follow logic where it leads. 

     

    However! There is an important caveat here which is that, however well they do, I'd like to see a change in government come May. We have no idea what the UDP, sans-McKeeva, believes or may have wanted to do all these years, and they won't have enough time to show us before the election. We need a clean break from this depressing chapter in our history.

  50. Anonymous says:

    Mr Rolston, I don't thinkit was the offense or the possibility of jail time or not that is at issue in your case.  In your case sir, its more the multitude of different stories you gave when you first got caught, before you finally admitted your wrongdoing.  I think that is more the thing we have issue with sir.  Had you been honest from the outset it would have clearly demonstrated your honesty and integrity, and we'd all be thinking a lot better of you for it now.

  51. Anonymous says:

    Respect to you all for voting Mac out. You did what needed to be done. Mac clearly is too self centered to put country first.

    And thanks for your comments on working with opposition and independents.

    I'm not UDP nor PPM, just giving credit where i feel it's due. Respect!

  52. Polly Tricks says:

    Why not give some cabinet posts to non-UDP MLAs?  That would be an action which would be consistent with the words in the statement.  I don't believe a word Juliana says.

    • Anonymous says:

      They are not interested.

    • Anonymous says:

      Understand no one wanted to get involved until next election…leaving them with their own mess.

    • Anonymous says:

      They all (PPM and Independents) declined to form a Govt. with them…and rightly so i say.

      PPM and Independents have however agreed to work with them until may elections to deal with any LA business, based on merit of the business brought.

      Already this is a significant improvement over Big Mac, with his Bully Dictator style behavior…with the Speakers apparent support of his every demand!

      Job well done PPM, Independents, UK FCO & Governor and the five UDP who finally removed Big Mac. Sad it came to this, but he clearly is too full of himself to do what's right.

  53. Power of the People says:

    Oh yeh? OK – please bring in OMOV now!