Mac backs party system
(CNS): The former premier made a staunch defence of the party system when he hit the West Bay campaign trail on Tuesday night. McKeeva Bush, the leader of what he described as the National United Democratic Party, said that no politician could achieve anything by themselves and that Cabinet-style government cannot run properly with independents. He said that whatever the independents put forward on their manifestos, none of them would be able to fulfill those promises without the support of a group or party. Bush said there was a lot of misinformation about parties but getting things done required like-minded people to work together.
Bush was speaking at his first public political meeting in his own constituency of West Bay since he was arrested in December and then ousted from office after his former party colleagues supported the opposition leader’s no confidence motion, but the betrayal had not dampened his enthusiasm for the principle of the political party.
Described again as the “People’s Premier” by the new YUDP president, Miguel Barcelo, Bush explained that party politics was not at fault because governments needed like-minded people with the same goals and objectives to be elected in order to succeed. He added that parties with a cohesive plan acted together and worked together to implement their specific policies and ideas.
“If one member puts forward a manifesto, there is no way to carry out that promise if the member is elected alone,” Bush said. “It takes ten people to come together to make a government and true independent candidates are not bound by a collective plan.”
He said there was no reason for parties to have animosity all the time and the groups could be friendly, as he criticised the opposition leader, Alden McLaughlin, for always trying to knock down government. But, he said, he still had friends in the PPM and he acknowledged that debate on opposing views was healthy and democratic.
The former premier said that once a government was elected, it had to work together as a group to follow through on the planned and promised policies. “Cabinet government can’t be run by independents who don’t know if they have the support for their policies,” he added, explaining that a Cabinet of independents with opposing views could not act as a unit and do the best for the country.
Pointing to the number of independents that are running for office in May, Bush said there was nothing wrong with that but each wouldl have their different views and he remarked, pointedly, that some independent candidates would have more to spend on their campaigns than others. But even if any of them were elected, he said, it would be difficult for any of them to achieve their vision without joining a group or party.
Whether party, group, or team, the former premier, who is a political veteran of almost thirty years, said it was about working together on the same plan. The constant reference by some of the independents who are running or planning to run in the 2013 election to better days when the Legislative Assembly was made up of independents was misguided, he said.
The LA did not function any better because they were no political parties, Bush said, noting that there had been significant bitterness. But enough people had worked hard to achieve the goals despite the situation, not because of it. In addition, the politicians of the past had far less bureaucracy to contend with and government had good administrators who worked for the country instead of trying to block things, he said. The lack of parties was not the reason why the government appeared to be more successful then but because people worked hard with fewer stumbling blocks.
During the meeting, which was held at the Four Way stop in West Bay, Bush announced that Tessa Johnson Bodden would be installed as the new party chair at the forthcoming UDP conference. He did not offer anynames of potential candidates who would be running with him in West Bay. However, Chris Saunders, who has been tipped to run in Bodden Town for the UDP, spoke at the rally. Meanwhile, Renard Moxam was present on the platform with Ellio Solomon and Mike Adam, three of the George Town team, along with Kenny Rankin, the district chairman for the capital.
Close to 300 people gathered at the meeting to hear Bush, who MC’d the event himself and delivered the final speech, in which he referred only briefly to his legal difficulties. However, he pointed to the bureaucracy and those working behind the scenes who he believed had deliberately tried to stop him from accomplishing anything good and prevented him from achieving many of his goals while he was Cayman’s first premier.
Although he said he was not yet launching the campaign officially, he spoke about a few broad issues before he told the people he would be vindicated as he had done nothing wrong. He said he would fight the election with a new group of “National United Democratic Party” members, implying something of a party re-launch before he asked the people to vote straight for the UDP.
Category: Politics
There is nothing wrong with party system as long as both parties are representing the views and concerns of their constituents and are acting within the best interest of country and not for personal gain or private interest.
The current polititions smear the party concept. There are some good points about parties haveing the support to follow through but that does not in any way make voting for the UDP or the PPM a smart decision given the dispicable performance of both. Corruption & over spending. Flush all of them out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring on new blood, intelligence, and a focus on Cayman.
To a certain extent BIG MAC is right about getting bills passed in cabinet. This topic should be Politics 101 for potential candidates in the upcoming election. Don't promise things in your campaign to your constituents that will require approval from 10 other members of government who are not like minded and uncooperative…..
The party system for politics would work fine in Cayman IF we had one man one vote. The current system allows complete wastersto get elected on the coat tails of others. It’s that simple. Get OMOV in place and the political landscape will change considerably and for the better.
Can't believe Mac has been pulled down out of the coconut tree and yet continues to expose his backside to the entire world.
Exposure is the right word.
CNS remember this buffoon would not talk to you or the Compass and actively blocked you guys out? How about a little getting together with the Compass and as many other news organisations as possible and blocking him out, not giving him any coverage? I always respect you for how you dealt with his idiocy, but now you are giving him the oxygen of publicity which he needs to be re-elected. And that this the last thing Cayman needs, enough pigs at the trough even without him there.
Would it be more beneficial to the electorate to start getting some profiles on the known candidates? Getting their views, their ideas, proposed policies? The openess and transparency you seek could be put to good use making sure Cayman elects the right people this time.
Good idea but the Compass would never agree to it. They seem to have a special relationship.
Isnt obvious that McKeeva has had a good tasteof money and is now at the point where money and greed has taken control of his life and he has lost all sense of shame and integrity. This "thing" has just gone NUTS… CRAZY!!
I am SCARED of this idiot and fear that he may get back into Govt. to continue the Unrelenting Distruction he has been doing for the last 3 n Half years.
God Help Us!!!
Why would we "wote" for him again? So he could:
Raise business fees and duties
Travel the world, running up a $1million travel tab paid for by us
Cause us $million lawsuits
Negotiate bad deals ($450k Cohen "deal")
Give $millions to his church
Give away our public assets for little or nothing
Let his buddies (Ryan) get away without paying their $million fees
Spin his tires for 3.5 to 4 years talking about starting projects and getting nothing done
Collect pension and salary as MLA with nothing to show for it but bills/costs
It must be (April fools day) in wb 365 days a yr, how many times do someone have to screw you’ll before you’ll learn in wb? My father always said to me if something or someone in life is holding you down, get rid of it! I hope this may assist you’ll in wb.
Braca
anybody who thinks that small town, small minded independents are they way forward is dellusional……
cayman is doomed if people like ezzard miller hold the balance of power…..
NO, Its really that Cayman is doomed because of absolute FOOLS like yourself. Don't know your head from your A$$. and as for your brains, they are defecated from "head" you sit on every day.
Other than the "they", a curious contradiction of excellent English and an utter lack of capitalization. Done for style, perhaps?
PS CNS, some of the ads for ladies apparel to my right somewhattt distracttingg. Pleese fixxx.
Gee…I was just gonna ask if there was any possibility of getting some Frederick's of Hollywood ads…or maybe a few promos for some wet tee shirt contests.
the scariest thing about cayman: the caymanian electorate
It's a good thing that you can leave!
When do you leave?
What a terrible shock I got yesterday morning when my wife turned on the radio and I heard the former premier yelling on about something or other. I almost collapsed like that guy in the ad with the light bill. Luckily my quick-thinking Caymanian wife realised what had happened and quickly turned it off before bringing me over my morning cuppa, this time fortified with two tea-bags. I was so enjoying not having to listen to him since the arrest, and was kind of hoping that'd be the end of him. (Sure hope the prison review didn't speak about the need for a Northward radio station as a component of the inmates' work-training program, because if that happens we've all done for I reckon.)
The problem with Bush is that he cannot argue logically. He wears blinkers at all times. Please stand up to him and ignore his threats. He is a spent force is not a true leader and never was. Time has passed him by and with so much new talent standing in the elections there is a breath of fresh air about the place. This will ignite an enthusiastic Cayman and lead us back to prosperity. It may not be done quickly but it will be done and without corruption.
I have been in Cayman for over 15 years, married to a Caymanian, and happy that I will be voting in this election.
I do NOT want party politics and think it has been the downfall of this country. Big Mac saw what party politics did for our Caribbean cousins (corruption and a path to Independence while a greedy few ruled) and he thought it was a grand idea…
How Grand has it been in Cayman for the past decade with party politics? Do we really need all this bloated BS or do we simply need a smaller civil service and county (not country) sized administration?
I say it is time to trim the fat, balance our books, focus on better (world class) education and the rest will all fall into line.
The years of political promises have given us nothing but grief. PLEASE elect the independent businessmen (I see a top accounting firm exec and a lawyer, and a few businessmen with ethics- let's elect them?)
Lastly, I urge every single Caymanian to not give one vote for any politician of either party this year. These PPM and UDP fools wasted enough of our time and money. LESS GOVERNMENT MORE EDUCATION!
Bredren you’re blessed that you live on this Land. If you call a man a fool ya is a bigger one for only a fool keould waste his time calling others fools.
Jah Rastafari the Lion.
A sample of the voters who are permitting the destruction of this country, folks.
I am trying to figure out who you are saying is a fool here……yourself or the other guy???
To all of you McKeeva supporters who expect to get "handouts" if you re-elect him: How much $ would the $2.5 million GLF fiasco, the $700,000 Cohen deal, the $ 1million travel expendures get persons on the island?? How can people still support this person? Even if he is "innocent" of the crimes he was arrested for–how can people support someone how cost this country so much. How can you support someone without any higher education and make him Premier, Minister of Finance and Minister of Tourism? Stop thinking about the few hundreds of dollars that you'll get from him and start thinking about the betterment of the country!
Leave it up to the idiots in west bay who don’t have the mental capacity to know any better. A visit from mac or one of his croonies along with a quick drop of a pretty $50 bill (even better if its a desperate cokehead) and BAM! He is sure to get that vote!
Are you a member of the KKK? If not, you should join as you have all the skills needed to be a Grand Wizard of the KKK.
No but I know you are, I’m a member of the “whoop kkk ass” gang and you’re on the top of the list..
Nah! I want my $100.
Looky ya sonny. A kin gee y two sticks n a six pac a henekin wid dat.
Two sticks of wha? Dynamite?
A kin gee him wichewa one bro.
Party politics – Obnoxious, divisive, irrelevant and utterly disgusting. Ultimately, there are only 2 parties. One good and one evil.
One good and one evil. That's right….. and they change right after they get elected!
It doesnt matter who Mac backs, the udp and ppm are done. Caymanians are smart people and will show the world in May when we vote the party system out!!!
Nah! They all want their $100.
I wouldn't bet on that one…caymanians smart people????LMAO look who they have been voting for over and over again…West Bayers will vote the fab four in again….just watch
Mac backs it because he knows it is an easy ticket for him. That is why you see gold in his eyes and a big bugger sticking out of his nose. You can fool the people sometimes but not all times.
Why all of the persoal attacks? Are you not able to make your point without the personal attacks?
We would love to see lots more personal attacks. Particularly from West Bay.
West Bay? Ya fool or wa? Majority in West Bay will be voting for Big Mack and whosoever runs with him. Just imagine dat West Bay woman dats all the time on de radio was running down the Adventist people and Big Mack cause he went to their Crusade. What a pile a lies cause I was there. Den she expect for West Bayers to vote for her?
Just like McKeeva, you're obviously convinced you're the majority in West Bay.
Here, take this tissue you still have some bullsh..t around yoour mouth
Bigot!
Jersey and Guernsey have run their governments reasonably successfully without party politics for many years. A system of independent candidates can work – especially in small jurisdictions.
Yes, but they also have a society of Law-abiding citizens who are fairly well educated and disciplined by comparrison.
From Pirates we came … unfortunately we haven't moved much further ahead from there.
Stop spouting nonsense if you have nothing to back it up with
Some years ago some members of the Jersey assembly formed a party, I suspect in the hopes that they could do what Bush did and effectively hijack the assembly. It didnt work and hasnt resurfaced. There is a bigger difference though, and that is OMOV, you would do much better to embrace that principal, because with the ability of one influential person to get three dummies elected alongside him AND a party system, then you build in the probability of that man being able to ignore democracy and do whatever he wants. If that man was more interested in his own well being than his electorate then you would have the distinct possibilty of questionable dealings or even corruption.
Sounds like what's been going on here!
Fully agree with you. We do not need 18 people to run this country adding 3 more is a waste of money that we do not have. With 15 elected it will take 8 to have a mojority, you can get 7 ministries from a government of 8 so no need for the additional 3 seats. This idea is a political thing agreed to by the registered party system, all they are doing is wasting our money for their own benefit and their party promotion.
15 independent representatives is better, that is what we have had for the vast majority of our democracy and what made us the envy of the region. The registeredparty system have devided us and have removed democricy from our assembly as all they do is beat up on one another and no longer debate the issues. The registered party in power attend these meetings already knowing what will happen at each session, which by the way only last for a few hours, then they return to their buisness and forget about us till the next session. What do you think they are doing on their phones when in session? Yes we all know.
Look at how the registered party system destroyed our lovely Jamaica. We will not let it happen here.
10:44, I whole-heartedly agree with you.
Please bear in mind that McKeeva does not give a rat's backside how much money this country wastes as long as he has his sick way.
Actually there have been reports by eminent commentators and constitutional experts that their system does not work well at all and if you ask many who live there they will agree.
I talk to people in Guernsey 2 or 3 times a week. They are happy, it works well.
That means nothing. There are people in Cayman who think multiple votes depending on your district works well also.
You can always move to Guernsey.
But do they have any McKeevas or Drs. Frank?
You can always go home.
or DART'S
Your three or four friends in Guernsey don’t make a good sample of the entire population.
You can ask the people of any country if their governing system works well and many of them will say. "No"! That's because politicians are human beings and they are driven by greed. They want power and riches for themselves, not the people. Good leaders are extremely rare.
You've hit the nail on the head. One thing I can positively guarantee is that the party system has certainly NOT worked in Cayman. But the real problem is the type of people that make up any system of government. If the people are corrupt then obviously and without doubt it WILL be a corrupt system.
Why is it this man was allowed to use Cayman27 and Radio Cayman, when he is no longer a Minister. I think he is in denial about his situation and still believes he is the Premier. Please let him pay for this service, afterall he has us paying every fees under the sun XXXX
One thing about McKeeva,he neve gives up and always has another card up his sleeve. He can still draw that sort of crowd? Wonder how many of theother candidates will do the same..
Obviously there's still a lot of people looking for handouts in Cayman, especially with the way things have gone with the economy, and unemployment, both forcedand voluntary, and the extreme hikes in taxes and cost of living in Cayman over the past three and a half years. Some of the poor unfortunate folks don't even have a clue who's been causing it all.
Sad but true.
In case you didn’t know, not everyone who attended his meetings are his supporters, some were there to hear what other tricks and treats he was gonna pull out of his backside ooops I meant his dentures oh heck let me slow down, I meant … Chhhh forgot wha I wa going say…….
Im surr Cayman Airways and Visa agree with the partayy system in place
McKeeva ia absolutely convinced everyone in Cayman is an idiot.
And it definitely takes one to know one in this case!
It very obviously does indeed.
If it benefits the country, there is no reason why it shouldnt be supported. We are to used of personal agendas and gain. It will be great to have good open honest debate again.
well the party system did make a the lawn mower man rich
That's not what made the lawnmower man rich. Lots of politicians are in parties and not all of them are rich. Some became rich before therewere parties.
The party kept the slime ball in power
With foolio's help he's getting richer every day.
Not with that singing!!
With most of the names appearing as people associated with UDP, it does not surprise me but with the Leader of this "new" NUDP being a man under 3 CRIMINAL investigations and also having been arrested with who knows whatelse to come, I am totally shocked and disappointed to see that 2 persons are still aligning themselves with someone who could become a convicted criminal. The new lady Chairperson, Mrs Bodden & Dr Merren will always have a stigma next to their names. XXXX
Do you have any documentation that details his net worth or are you just making an assumption that he is rich?
Dude, three vehicles (and the wife dont drive), a condo at the Ritz, a couple of Rolex watches – what would you think?
Do you work for Mr. Bush (You appear to know quite a bit about the amount of watches and vehicles that he owns)?
Anyway, these types of comments should be based on facts with references to the source material clearly stated at the end of the comments.
You do not have to work for someone to know how many vehicles they own. And I know he has two watches. How else would he know when to tell the truth?
He was referring to McKeeva, not Mr. Bush. Mr. Bush was a similar weed in the garden known as the United States.
Zero thumbs up, eleven thumbs down, and one troll. That's got to be a record. I think I would refrain from posting on CNS indefinitely. Unless of course I get offered some money to do so.
Anyone who makes $750K a pop for real estate consultancy work must be rich.
Another assumption!?
Not an assumption at all my friend. Mckeeva said so himself.
There was documentation. ……but Parchment shredded it.
Has a crime been committed and, if so, have you reported it to the police?
Did he suggest that a crime was committed?
The party system didnt do that, the same individuals involved in C$C who financed and facilitated him did that! They closed their eyes to everything else as long as he did their bidding. And then the music stoopped!
You are so wrong. If it werent for Ezzard and Arden, there would have been no opposition. C4c formed because our country is going to hell fast.
Mac, you gotta know when the hold 'em and you gotta know when the fold 'em. When to walk away and when to run. This is not the time to run. Fold 'em and walk away.
Is that not a decision for the voters in West Bay?
Or a jury in court?
Keke is lonely voice in the wilderness!
Braca
A lonely voice in the wilderness because your Politician became greedy. It dosent pay to help some folks as they will turn around and cut your throat.
Braca-good call. Don't forget that he also knows he will not get any Valentine cards today so he has to hold his own party and feel the love from them. The trouble is, love is blind, why else would anyone care for that buffoon?
Bad pennies real do keep turning up, don’t they?!!
I doubt even acid will take the tarnish off this one.
If you keep collecting all the bad pennies you might eventually have a good dollar.
So I’m back up in the game
Running things to keep my swing
Letting all the people know
That I’m back to run the show
‘Cos what you did, you know, was wrong
And all the nasty things you’ve done
So, baby, listen carefully
While I sing my come-back song
BRILLIANT!
And we all know what character trairts Mr M is best known for once you look behind the veneer of his brief fame and 'main man' status
I would say that Mr Bush is correct in saying that no one calling them selves independent can achieve anything. It is very true that an independent person can bring a motion to the house, but it will only be a motion if that person does nothave the support of others to pass. I am always thoughtful about people saying they are independent. Please explain to me how a house can stand on one post. Further more I do not trust independents, they try to fool every one.
Like minded people can work together without being in the sme party. We should be elcting people that will vote their consience based upon an intelligent review of the issue and facts.
The trouble is we don't know who we will be electing to govt. or what their policies will be since it will all be decided by horse trading after they get elected as MLAs.
We agree completely. Our house has been trying desperately to stand on one post for the past four years, and what an utter and complete failure it has been. Furthermore, we do not trust independents like McKeeva either. They try to fool everyone. Just ask the police. Or the UK. Or the rest of the UDP party. Or the Opposition. Or anyone you meet on the street tomorrow morning.
What a donkey load of utter BS. The UDP 'party' over the past four years has indeed been an 'independent' since only one single one of it's members has ever had any say whatsoever in running the country. Bush is very obviously desperate to keep it that way even in the face of a possible jail term for 'supposed' gross misuse of that power. It is completely beyond me how anyone with a brain can continue to support this man after all that has gone under the bridge with the CHEC 'deal' alone and all that that single issue alone has cost these islands both in reputational and financial damage over the past four years. Wake up Cayman. God help us.
13:59 I would suggest that you give up, because no matter how you try to demeanor Mr Bush that will not change the minds of those people who believe in him. Being arrested and possible jail term? for what? Do you really think this is going to change the minds of the people who believe in Mr Bush? No it will not. We will remain his supporter until he leaves this planet for another. Now does that tell you you are wasting your time.
I would suggest you and McKeeva give up because by the time he leaves this planet for another (God forbid) you'll be washing Mr. Dart's feet for enough money to pay your utility bill every month.
Somehow I seriously doubt it but it might just do you some little good to read the rest of my post.
Are you a registered voter?
I am a born and bred, to the very bone, true blooded Caymanian as you will ever see, and yes I am a registered voter whose vote will NOT be bought for ANY price, and no quantity of stinking fertilizer on the face of this earth will ever convince me to vote for William McKeeva Bush.
I will not vote for anyone running with the UDP.
What about the “UDP Lite”?
I will not vote for anyone running with the UDP or who supported them previously. This included the new C4C candidates who are former UDP supporters such as Winston, Jude & Roy.
Johann I am really sorry to hear your father has decided to run with the UDP, this is a travesty and it makes your efforts look half-hearted. I know you are not attached at the hip, but how can you really oppose the evil empire when your father is one of them?
Come on he is proven to be his own man with his own views on life and politics. Just because they are family doesnt mean they have to agree on everything
You really don’t know johan if you think he is meek or a blind follower of anything. I applaud his independence and bravery in expressing his views and asking us to think about all the BS in Cayman politics
What? He has been calling them all out from day one without fear, he has been objective and used relevant facts. We should feel bad for Renard for allowing himself to be used by the udp
You obviously do not know Johann Moxam!
What you see is what you get with Johann. he is passionate about Cayman, about getting us good government and keeping cayman this great place to live. when all the politicians and would be politicians are playing nice, saying nice nothings, making empty promises he blows the whistle on the bullsh_t! when boards are corrupt and everybody makes excuses, he forces politicians and civil servants to DO THE RIGHT thing, personal relationships notwithstanding.
For Renard's sake Johann try not to mash him up too bad (he is your Pa) but if i was bettin i'd bet even he will not be spared if he starts talking foolishness. Renard running with udp is as dumb a move as Tessa Chairing the party, hmmmm, maybe midlife crises are driving people to politics?
back to johann. Good for us that he is not running – because if he was he would have to stoop to the usual a-s kissing, political bs we expect in order to vote for somebody. Don't run Johann in 2013. Cayman needs you to keep doing what you're doing. Shine a spotlight on the foolishness and the way all of us, ALL of us, accept mediocrity, excuses; the way choose niceness over honesty and facts.
hold the course. they will call you names, dismiss you, try to derail and discredit you. Stay professional, respectful but keep doing what you doing (and thank renard for your UK education). there is a reason why they don't like you – FEAR.
He has so much principle that he is getting millions from Dart for “brokering” fill for the new road.
LOL “half hearted” are you joking? Watch every time Johan has been on TV, radio or read his letters he is fearless and is one Caymanian that holds all politicians accountable in a professional manner but will not back down.
Cayman needs more intelligent people and leaders like him who demand more and will not accept the usual bogus answers from MLAs and udp or ppm
Did you watch the Panel on CITN last night? He talks a lot of sense and proves he is not a follower!
Well Luke did it, so why can't he?!
Shame on you Tessa…
More shame on you Renard Moxam.
Somebody please call the police.
What crime has been committed?
Not sure yet but he's certainly been arrested enough. Oh, I almost forgot, that's all a conspiracy by the UK, and the police, and the opposition, and Governor Taylor, and Ezzard and the rest of the UDP party because they all want his seat, right? It truly frightens me that there are STILL people in Cayman stupid enough to buy that crap, hook, line and sinker.
Not gonna make that mistake again!!!!
UDP,PPM & C4C unna all after one thing $$$$.
Last night i was viewing the CI Judical website and there are a few canidates running that are on those lists.
Seeing this for myself has really enlightned me as to motives and precautionary measures with the 2013 canidates. Check it out for yourselves at http://www. caymanjudicalinfo.ky
Taking the time to see what is really motavating some of them,$$$$$$$
Who are you going to vote for in the next GE?
Blah Blah Blah……of course he believes in the party system….its HIS party so what he says goes….the rest sit back, drink and drive, and watch and do nothing except propogate his corruption.
Wow, to quote the famous CCR song, "I see a bad moon rising, I see trouble on the way…." Does Mr. Bush need to get reelected to settle some gambling debts? Guess who pays…we do. At least give us the choice of red or black.
Love it but perhaps an earlier song is also appropriate…..”It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to….cry if I want to…you’d cry too if it happened to you”….see Mac you have plenty of songs to sing at your “rallies” and if you choose this song it will fit right in with your whining spoiled teenager can’t get what he wants so he will stomp off taking all of his toys (paid for by us) attitude….