JOCC gives church $100k
(CNS): The removal of the former premier from office has not put an end to the controversial donations from the public purse to local churches. According to several members of the congregation from the Church of God Holiness in Red Bay, George Town, the new premier, Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, recently announced during a prayer meeting that the government was giving the church $100,000 from the Nation Building Fund, which was established by former premier McKeeva Bush. CNS attempted to confirm the details of the donation to the church, where O'Connor-Connolly sometimes attends when she is on Grand Cayman, but officials refused to comment on the issue.
In response to questions Monday, civil servants in the premier’s office dealing with the fund said they could not speak about any donations or recipients and informed CNS that we would need to make a freedom of information request to ascertain the most recent recipients of the cash. Although a request has been made for details on the most up to date allocations from the start of the 2012 financial year, it could be more than forty days, if the ministry follows the letter of the law, before the information is released and longer if the ministry requests an extension.
CNS has now submitted the request for details on church donations as it is understood that the new premier has also allocated around $50,000 from the fund to a church on Cayman Brac. It is not certain what the donations are for but neither church is believed to be using the cash to make their premises into hurricane shelters.
Since its establishment in 2010 by McKeeva Bush, the fund has remained controversial as a result of the ambiguity of the allocation of cash from the fund. What is actually defined as 'nation building' appears to be very broad without clearly established criteria.
Cash grants of significant variations have been given to individuals who failed to get scholarships through the regular channels via the education department and money has been given to assist people in a singing competition. Some churches have been given large donations to help them build new premises or convert existing buildings into hurricane shelters, while some have received very small sums for after-school clubs. Almost a half million dollars was given to 11 churches from the controversial fund during the 2011/12 financial year, despite government’s budget crisis.
The fund has politicised churches as a result of the uneven distribution of cash among the differing institutions, with critics describing the fund as vote buying. Bush has called criticism of the donations an attack on the churches and described critics of the fund as anti-Christian.
Category: Politics
The Nation Buliing fund is nothing more han a polical slush fund and everyone knows it. It is the best example of the worst of Cayman corruption, and needs to be sacked – yestesday.
I just look at the Lime Yellow Pages and there are 55 churches listed. Putting aside the fact that many churches may now be using an alternative provider for telephone service, does JuJu have $5.5 million dollars in the NBF when the other churches come to her with their well documented needs?
Oh wait, Mac gave the majority of his funds to HIS church, so JuJu now gives the majority of funds to HER church.
It almost makes you want to NOT vote for anyone who claims to attend ANY church on a regular basis.
Makes me not to attend Church. Where does it say render unto God that which is Caesar's?
Only 55? That is only one church to every 1.58 square mile.
That is less than I thought!
It is completely DISGRACEFUL that there are so many evil-minded people in our islands and, even worse, a few deceitful church members who, instead of resolving this as Christian sisters and brothers amongst themselvers, would publicize the matter in a social forum such as CNS. If the money was not needed, it should NOT have been applied for. I am equally appalled at the anti-Christian comments made from people who don't believe churches should receive any assistance! I am sure there was a process they had to go through (such as showing proof of this need) in order to get help. I think a message needs to reach the begruntled members: read Paul's letters to the Corinthians – in particular, 1 Corinthians 1:10, "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." I am not a member of this church, however, as a Christian I feel for the other members of this church and pray that this matter will be resolved. To those of you making your judgemental remarks, just think: this could be YOUR church. Have some compassion and uprightness. And lastly, it is sad that in a so-called Christian nation there is so much anti-Christian sentiment towards the church. Sad and disgusting.
OMG! Did you just quote Bible to make your point? What you have done is given us a prime example of the blind and mindless reasoning that causes rational thinking people to have a less than favourable opinion of the churches, Christianity, and christians. Poor use of the Word of God is DISGRACEFUL! Such folly affects me like the sound of fingernails scraped on a chalkboard! I am pretty sure God ain't too happy about it either.
Ok! Game ON! Let's consider an apt and proper application of 1 Corinthians 1:10, "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." Think about it, Bobo, the scripture you used is a very powerful and compelling indictment against the churches and gives us strong reason to conclude that they are not right with God: If the churches heeded the scripture you quoted in its rightful context and focus, there would not be so many churches with such widely disparate doctrines, each one insisting they are right and deeming doctrines in disagreement as lies. Logical conclusion: Most churches are lying and therefore dishonest.
"No divisions among you"? What a mockery the churches make of that! Calvinism versus Arminianism (once saved always saved vs loosing your salvation), Saturday versus Sunday, wine vs grape juice, worshipping Mary and Angels versus calling such adoration idolatry, tongues is the language given by God vs tongues is satanic gibberish, sprinkling versus dunking, faith is sufficient vs faith plus works needed, pre-millennial vs post -millennial, Priesthood of the believer vs going to Confession with Padre, go directly to Heaven vs take a stint in Purgatory. Independent Baptist, Southern Baptist, Anglican, Church of England, Pentecostal, Catholic, Adventist, Assembly of God, more than one flavour of Church of God (Prophesy, Full Gospel, Holiness, New Testament, Universal, and even Seventh Day Church of God, United (Ha!), Open Bible, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Wesleyan Holiness, Church of Christ, Moravian, Deliverance, Ba'hia, Church of the Open Bottle. (Geeze! Did I leave anybody out?)
And the bloody arrogance of the names some of thesechurches appropriate to themselves: Church of God, Church of Christ: laying claim to the Divinity as if they were of unique divine favour and authority. Silly me! I thought all Christian churches were of God and Christ. Full Gospel: as if the others were preaching only part of it.
Get the picture? This is a fundamental reason that it will never happen my church as I do not attend church: there is no church in this island that does not claim that their doctrine and beliefs represent the only correct way to be in right standing with God. I think this is total bullsh*t! (As would any rational thinking person.)
I shall contend that if the churches can be so utterly out of touch with the will of God on fundamental issues and be so divided on petty issues, that it should be no big wonder that they would not give a tinker's damn about the moral implications involving acceptance of the handout from Government.
On another note, I would advise that you exercise prayerful care coupled with rational reasoning in selecting the Scripture you use to further your arguments in the future as a poor choice could come back and bite you in the butt.
Oh Mighty Bobo tell us more! But first turn off the American TV channels and lay off the leftist communist blogs. Us unenlightened thinkers await your next misguided psychotic enmatic episode! Do not dissapoint us! We await your next futile attempt to rationalize morality.
"Rationalise morality"? Huh? You can't be talkin' to me seeing as how I am putting the finishing touches on preparations for a party at my place tonight. If anything I am in the mode to rationalize some juicy, tumescent, scintillating wantonness. Want an invitation?
You proceeded to prove my point about evil-minded people with their anti-Christian remarks. I was in NO WAY misquoting scripture. I was simply pointing out that when there is division in the church, it should be handled in the right manner. No church is perfect. No person is perfect. Your blasphemous, scornful tirade shows your abhorrence of our country's churches and "bobo" I don't know what the churches have done to offend you, but you need to check that attitude. I certainly don't need your "advice" on selecting Scripture as it is not something I would typically do, but I can assure you I would never do so without thinking it through first. Unlike your comments, mine were not meant to hurt, but to try in a small way to detract from some of the hateful comments being said about the church and to remind everyone to be kinder. Instead you choose to bash my words as if it was written to you personally. Hmmm…now that's a thought.
I say it is not wrong to give the Churches, they need help too and everybody know that the collection plates don't get as much dropped into them as in days gone by but it should be used for very specific reasons such as afterschool and youth programs run by the Church and they would have to produce financial statements for every cent spent.
BUT not weeks before the elections even the blind can see the obvious, this is vote buying in my opinion.
Shame on JOCC!!!!
Why not give money to the afterschool programs, who recently had to cut the number of days to 4 days of week due to lack of funding ?? Why ?These are our children we are investing in but I guess no brac votes to get there 🙁
The church has a website with a message board and the pastor's email address. Perhaps it would be a good idea for her to hear how many people are in favour of giving her $100K of OUR money.
If this not "vote buying" I don't know what it is! Election 6 weeks away and now such a generous donation. $100,000 that's a lot of scholarships…and yet some scholars locally and overseas have reached out to the NB and is told there's no funds! Brackers don't vote for her… I believe in KARMA.
Is this not a “lavish” gift according to the rules of the Election Commission?
Can I hear a great big O.M.G.?
Provided public money gifted to the churches this way means I'm now goin to heaven, I withdraw my objection. Othewise "NO taxation without salvation"!
caymanian churches know nothing of true christianity
Now that is a racist comment if ever there was one. You cannot speak for all churches and you certainly cannot label a church as unchristian because it is "Caymanian", which I note that you chose rather than "Cayman" making the case even worse. The fact that your post received so may thumbs up shows the bigotry that Caymanians are up against in their own country.
Not only in Cayman. Show me just one church in which the lives of a majority of its members reflect the nature of the Jesus of the Bible and I will personally donate $100,000 to it.
Yeah, I know…my money is safe.
How can a church expect people to donate to their charitable causes when it is know that they accept NB funds from the peoples monies. They need to decide if they are a church of God or the Government. Poor choice by JuJu to give it. Poorer choice by the Church to accept.
Please go ahead and support any church you wish…but do it with your own money and not money collected from us all via taxes…Church and State should be seperate, when they start coming together there are big problems ahead…its been done and proved many times over.
People please. How can this be theft? It was alotted for National Building, had been done before and will be done again. If you all want to turn your backs against helping a Church, then that's your concern. I for one support helping Churches. I'm sure they have a programme that this has been set to do and NOT just a random $100K donation from the NBF and not from the Premier! I'm not a part of that Church or affiliated or have even family members or close friends that attend, but that's not for me to condemn either! Of course I'd love if the fund was alotted to a group that I'm affiliated with, but that would be selfish now wouldn't it???????? Guess that's what is pushing this…shelfishness/jealousy!
There's a saying that I really like…"Anyone can critize, complain and condemn and most fools do!"
Kosher Nostra, i have a saying to for people like you that cannot grasp the issue at hand here:
"The thing about smart people is that they seem crazy to dumb people".
It's a Nation Building Fund for guess what….NATIONAL PURPOSE / ISSUE…..not petty cash for a church because the Premier see's fit.
What has this church congregation done with the money they collect / donations that are given every Sunday and god knows when else since 2004?
WOW! Two CHRISTIAN Premiers with clean hands and pure hearts! Is having clean hands and a pure heart a requirement for the Premiers office?
Dont forget the washing of the feet.Is that a way of asking for votes?
IT should be placed in the laws that anytime the Govt. makes a donation to a person/entity etc. they must produce documentation to state why they need it and show their bank records etc. JUST LIKE EVERY CHILD applying for a SCHOLARSHIP! The redtape alone is what is discouraging, and these Churches, that don't pay a dime for licenses, duty, work permits etc. Whilst our children are being told we don't have any money to send you to school!!
Make the Churches pay their fair dues to operate in this country, or close their doors just like Bro Bill's did!
The fact that this is the Church that the Premier attends leave suspicions in the peoples mind particularlyat this time.
I certainly hope that what I am thinking is incorrect and that none of these funds is being diverted to the Premiers political campaign.
But this is right before an election, she should have did thid in January
Let’s be open minded.
It is indeed very possible that the church went to the govt to seek support for a specific worthy programme and the govt decided to support it. Surely that is good news that should be spread. Just tell us. On the other hand if it is all private and confidential…
Ms Juju must be feeling rich and generous again…
It is easy to be generous with other people's money.
i demand an official response from the governor!
It wasn me.
Those who know Red Bay Holiness church will know that it is attended by a significant amount of Brackers, therefore it seems logical for JOCC, as a politician from Brac, to want to give away our money to this church, and another church in Brac.
Do I believe these are acts of vote buying? YES, even if it was not close to election time i would consider this vote-buying.
These acts were NOT justified, fair to other churches, or fair to other institutions or people who may have a greater need for Govt financial assistance. Let us hear the excuses now about why we have children going to school hungry or cant aford to get a decent meal while at school.
I do not hold my breathe and hope that the Supervisor of Elections Gomez will even look into this though, after all, his previous job was as JOCC's Chief Officer – do you remember the Brac paving scandal? Well that was on Gomez's watch and he just sat back and allowed it to happen.
What is the difference between her and Mac. Might as well left in power, the alternative is no better….. Jumped right into the fire head on did we now !!!!!!
I pray that 23rd May 2013 is redemption day for Cayman, while we cant get rid of the Mac's and Ju Ju's, at least we can ensure that they dont have the power to do crap like this 🙁
I wish that the devine intervention that she got at this "prayer meeting" was how to run these islands prorperly and not finish run it to the ground… maybe she should ask for that the good book says ask and it shall be given… and she better than anyone should now that
21:30, the point of this XXX is that it is stealing when you take PUBLIC MONEY and give it to a select group of PRIVATE PEOPLE. That PUBLIC MONEY benefits them only, no one else.
Your comparison to people sponsoring Pirates Week is stupid, because its PRIVATE MONEY being used for a PUBLIC PURPOSE. Everybody enjoys it.
Get it?
WOW you guys are so Rediculuous. Why is it that Govt , Rotary Club , Lime and Others can give to a Even which host a Teen Night /Batabano and I PERSONALLY know of Teens drinking alcohol . And we are aware of the fact that the younger a child starts drinking the more likely he is to become a alcholic as a Adult. Simply look at the Drinking , Seductive, and Sexual Innuendos that takes place during Batabano and yet you all on this CNS Comment sectioon not seeing the effects of Batabano which has had money donated to it for about the last 15 years by different Sp-onsors.
Look at the salary that is paid monthly and other donations . An other Donations from Govt and other Companies that have gave to Pirates Week for the last 30 years or so .
Tell me ONE Social ill Pirates Week have been able to cure. Yet some of you have the
nerve to ask what the churches have done.
These two Events are giving every year for the last 15 plus years . Yet if a church is giving a ONE time amount they are berated, scoffed at and called all sorts of Bigotry names on this Forum. ??? That is a crying shame . And I truly believe some of these comments are coming from people that do not value our Moral Standards or way of life. Some of you have left
your country that crime and voilence and financial and Moral Bankruptsy have made Desolate. Yet you can sit there and accuse Church folkes of Bigotry?
Shame Shame .
I will sign my name for no fear of being Rediculed. Lets see if you will sign yours.
Jacqueline Ebanks
I guess the Church does not invest any of the money in basic grammar, english or verbal reasoning with it's congregation. Just when you think you cannot be shocked anymore.
What is shocking is your blatant Ethnocentrism and Bigotry. Let the woman have her say. I believe she may missed the main point that is troubling the majority of people, but I for one can appreciate her sentiment. Oh and while your "verbally reasoning" challenged mind is googling Ethnocentrism and Bigotry look up Respect and Tolerance as well.
Tolerance for acceptance of corruption?
F off pal.
Where in the comment at Wed, 04/10/2013 – 14:23 do you read tolerance for corruption? I took it as tolerance to express an opinion. Maybe you and Just Sayin' (not verified) on Wed, 04/10/2013 – 18:09 can get some of Ju Ju's kitty money to help expand your vocabulary, capitalization and comprehension skills above grade school level. Jus Sayin.
Excessive capitalisation is a curable condition, perhaps Ju Ju has a few spare dollars in the kitty to assist.
While I do not agree with Jacqueline. I do applaud her for coming forward with her opinion and feeling strong enough to put her name to it. I feel to make comments (particularly anonymously) about her writing and spelling is wrong. This forum gives us the chance to exchange ideas and opinions. It is not a school paper where you are graded on your spelling and grammar. Critizise her thought and opionions all you want. That is fair game your petty comments I feel are not.
Jacqueline, while I disagree with you I will stand up for and beside you to defend your right to express your opinions here or anywhere.
Well said, Len. Now that you have weighed in, I have a question: What is your feeling about people being tortured? You know, in fire and brimstone…wailing and screaming in agony? Please share with us your opinion of those who join and contribute money to organisations who condone and uphold torture? What is your feeling towards people who "applaud" the opinion of those who condone torture? C'mon Len. Do tell? I shall be very interested to hear your views on this, as will many here.
In my opinion, people who condone torture are fair game for whatever verbal darts come their way. You have a right to handle them with politically correct dainty mittens if you want to. Just do not ask me to do so, thank-you-very-much.
Don't see anywhere in Len's comment where he would condone torture. However it does seem you are doing a good job of promoting it.
Hey!! (Bing-bing-bing!) 50 points for being so breathtakingly observant! I don't see anywhere in Len's post where he said that either. Wow! You are bloody brilliant!
The problem is when any one politician decides who this goes to by themselves, even if it was appropriate, it looks like corruption. Excessive food is not allowed in this campaign season, how do you REALLY think $100,000 looks?
To 21:30 You have the right to add your comments, but to me your comments have no relevance to the discussion. I think you missed the real issue that addresses what most perceive as vote buying and corruption.
What part of –
Government taxes, paid under pain of fines or imprisonment should not be handed out, with no discussion or democratic mandate, to selected churches based on the whim of the person doing the handing out
– do you not understand?
What businesses sponsor is up to them – I can generally pick and choose whether to do business with them.
But youare not alone in your confusion because the Governor can't seem to get his head around the ethics of this either.
Pirates Week and Batabano are substantial parts of our island's history that bring the country together and also provide substantial revenue in terms of people buying/selling food, and tourists coming to visit the islands during the times that they are on. What "social ills" (as you say) has that church in Red Bay solved? You are saying that the churches then are not at all guilty of bigotry? Look at what just happened – a published and public action – accepting money from a public fund that was given to them by a crooked public official. How exactly do carnivals and celebrations morally bankrupt the islands? Are we not coming together as one group of people, one country, one population to celebrate our history? Do Batabano and Pirates Week not inspire history and our heritage? Do we not feel civic pride and a sense of togetherness when we attend these events? XXXXX
Hold on a minute…just in-case we lest forget our islands has not grown because of pirates and swashbucklers but by the ability of many God-fearing and praying mothers who spent their time down on their knees praying for the safe return of the men at sea that sent home the money that has built up these islands and for their wayward kids. Without the church all these years where do you all think our island would be? Maybe where Port Royal ended up it was so sinful. I agree most churches do not need government money but who are we to say that they dont without seeing exactly what it is to be used for. As a matter of fact, as usual us Caymanians and those amongst us who wish to be treated as a Caymanian and those amongst us who clearly dont care for us lowly Caymainains but would like to trample us under their feet and take over our jewel of an island that our Christian forefathers and mothers built and killed millions of mosquitoes for us all to now be comfortable – we can never see the woods for the leaves. We always jumping to conclusions about everything..the blooming piece said she mentioned that they would donate money to the church it didnt say the church was given the money. If the money was still on the offer plate I can guarantee you that the people of the Red Bay Church would refuse it simply because of the whole stigma surrounding it. And as well, all of these bits and pieces about Pastor Bob this and Pastor Bob that…lemmie tell unna if unna knew a thing about this church unna would well shut unna mouths and get to know the people before unna chat eh!..plain and simple Cayman talk..when God say clean up He mean clean up and not always does a church need to hold onto the pastor until he drops dead…even as a man in the wilderness need water so does a soul. Pastors need be on roll-over too..how many of them here and have they own churches and pushing Mercs and BMW and have house and land and apartments everywhere. The pastor at Red Bay Church lives in the church house and I dont even believe she can drive and if so the car I can tell unna is not a Merc or Bimmer.
I for one do not profess to be a Christian but I will tell unna one thing God don’t like ugly so I would tread carefully on all the finger pointing. There will be no vote buying in this church. These people have a mind of their own whether in Cayman or Cayman Brac. If the Brackers feel Julie did a good job they will keep her but only if. However, Julie should never have brought this ill to the good people of the Red Bay Church and to the judases that brought all of this bad talk about – try take unna self up outta the people them church that was built with their own money and by the sweat of their brows cause unna dont mean them no good…but then again they prob had more to say that quelled all of this and for the sake of journalism the writer as usual just left unna all to be the Donkeys…wa the saying is “if an @$$ will allow you to ride it then by all means ride it! and as always that is just what we are all being here for the sake of journalism.
"if an @$$ will allow you to ride it then by all means ride it!"
Gee…you been watching porn again?
ABSOLUTELY NOT
I think some of these Bloggers to donate some of their time to
Visit the sick in the hospitals, teach a prisoner to read, mentor a teen at Eagle House,
Assist in Counseling a Recovering addict at Carribbean Haven, Visit with the Elderly at the
Pines every Sunday. Hold Summer Vacation Bible School and Camps
That is just SOME of the things the Churches in the Community does.
What was the last time one of the people tearing down the churches did any of these?
Me! And not long ago…
Visit the sick in the hospitals. Check!
Teach a prisoner to read: Not exactly but I have volunteered for after-school programmes. Any brownie points for this?
Mentored a teen. Check!
Assist in counseling a substance abuser: Check!
Visit with the elderly: Check!
Volunteer for youth summer camps and clinics: Check!
Not that I am a non-believer, but again, I borrow from Christopher Hitchens: Name me an ethical action or good work performed by a believer that could not have been performed by a non-believer? To hold power over people the church perpetuates the arrogant myth that it has sole proprietorship over benevolence and charity.
If your numerous comments on this one topic are any indication of your character you must have abused them all. Typical arrogant bully. Have mercy on their vunerable minds and souls.
Arrogant? Me? Nawwwww… Heck, my feelings should be hurt. (But of course they are not.)
Bully? Hmm…? No. No need. (Most people in my sphere know better than to play de fool wit me.)
Vulnerable? You mean the teens I mentored? Hardly. (By the time they wrapped their young heads around the nuances of Lin Sil Die Dar, they were far from vulnerable.)
I am just your everyday quite humble, politically correct wishy washy lily-livered pacifist who drinks only milk, and who plays the doormat whenever I can and applauds morons and pests and invites them back whenever possible. You musta got the wrong person.
(Y'all come back now, yah hear?)
If the churches were tending to the needy then there wouldn't be so many people getting help from Social Services.
UM not really!! If you consider Pirates Week and Batabano a substantial part of the island's history that is incredibly sad. Why not pick up one of the well written history books or take a trip to the library and learn something. Cayman was too low lying and close to Jamaica for pirates to hide out and consider Cayman a significant pirates den. The Bahamas and Port Royal Jamaica have a much stronger claim to the Pirate's short lived reign of terror. Batabano is a rip off of Brazil and Trinidad's Carnivals. There are so many other things that Cayman can be proud of such as the expert seamen who captained ships, sailed the seas of the world and were in demand for their unique skills. Guess an honest day's work aboard an oil tanker or merchant vessel and not sensational enough. Plus a Maritime Week just would not pull in the crowds. Oh and the majority of Caymanians used to be happy and welcoming to others. The bitter and anit-christian comments related to this story really make me hope these comments are not coming from locals. Hopefully we have not sunk that far. Having said that any church receiving money without there being a well documented application process to prove need and civic benefit for the entire population is just plain wrong. Vote the UDP and PNA out!!!!
02:54, Have you ever heard of Pedro Castle? Pretty positive that was a pirate hangout back in the day.
Pedro Castle was built well after the hey day of the pirates. In actuality it is a Caribbean great house, not a castle as anyone who has been there can see.
No pirates? Really? Hmm…? So where did Bloody Bay get its name?
Perhaps we "borrowed" from other "carnivals". The history of Brazil's Carnival is rooted in the Portuguese Lenten celebration that became the EntrudoIs. This venerable Carnival borrowed hevily from African mystic traditions and the wearing costumes and parading to throbbing beats. Is it, therefore, also a "rip off"?
If adopting and adapting customs from our ancestors and from our cultural and geographical sphere is being part of a "rip off", then our language, our food, our accent, our architecture, our music, our dance, even wampahs, are all "rip offs"
I will suggest that you pick up some well written history and anthropology books or take a trip to the library and learn something.
Where does the comment at Thu, 04/11/2013 – 02:54 say anything about NO pirates? Comprehension skills taking sentences in full context are required for some before they comment, but then maybe you believe yourself to be an exception.
Yes, rip off's would be correct because if you understood the initial comment and the follow up response without prejudice, it was put forth that both events bring in "substantial revenue".
The writer at Wed, 04/10/2013 – 11:43 is correct to an extent. What that writer does not mention is that Pirates Week and then Batabano were instituted by local officials and others in relatively recent times to bring in tourists and money. These annual events did not evolve over hundreds of years like typical traditions and customs as they would have here or in any part of the world as did some of your examples. Cayman did not have a flippant "Pirates Week" during the times gone by when the threat of loss of property and life was very real. Therewere no celebrations for the scourge caused by those anarchists who were in many cases no longer actual privateers but fully fledged rebels. Hence the reference to maritime ways as unique traditions known to many that evolved over time through necessity, survival and way of life. The ways of life that included steadfast self-reliance and originality that were necessary for the caring of family and others in the extended local communities. As you confirmed in your examples from the internet, Batabano is not and could never be considered a unique Caymanian tradition. When Cayman style quadrille dancing at a Batabano street dance is seen on an annual basis that might help your weak case. There is however substantial documentation that indicates that in the days when turtles were plentiful on all three islands from the days of the first settlers, Turtling by Caymanian seafarers in their canoes and schooners was something the Cayman Islands was uniquely known for and really only ended as an industry in the 1960’s.
Nice job ignoring the rest of the comment trying to make yourself look smart. To the contrary you make yourself out to be many other things. In arrogant grand fashion I might add. Knowledge and credible commentary includes more than cutting and pasting quotes and entries from the internet and reformatting other people's posts to feed your narcissism.
There's my name, I can believe you wrote this, and don't even have the undstanding of charities, the charities you mention raise money from the general public, the funds don't come from the gov purse. Churches don't need money at this time, there are seven thousand caymanians without jobs and some of them could have used this money to support their kids, not that I agree with gov handing out funds. This I've is purely a political one, I call it buying votes!!!!!! As far as I am contend churches never deserve any monies from gov, they already get duty free products and don't pay for work permits and really don't have to do anything but say a few words to their congregation and people give them money for god… Lol what a load of b…….h. Churches are the biggest con in the world. God doesn't say you have to go to church to pray to him, in fact it doesn't matter if you pray in a bar, night club or your own home. As long as you believe. Lastly why don't we check the books to all the churches, look we're the money is going, not staying in cayman, been sent overseas. XXXX Signed, Caymanian Donkey….
There are not 7000 unemployed Caymanians. What did you you do – think of a number and then multiply it?
Church going is about the gathering together of believers which the bible does say we should do. We should not of course wait until we go to church to pray.
I think the comment meant that there are 7000 Caymanians that do not work. There isa difference between that and unemployed.
Gee. Where do I start? I first drank at an early age and am a temperate drinker because that is the way my parents taught me to drink, not to excess. I have never had problems with alcohol – other than Happy Hour ending too soon on occasion. I also had sex in my early teens, at about the same time I experimented with cigarettes and certain substances that made me feel kinda funny. My offspring drink and did so at a fairly early age. Hell, I mixed their first cocktails. They and are also very temperate drinkers because that is how they were taught to drink. They also regularly attend church. They are each well-educated, productive members of society with excellent careers and positions of responsibility. Each of them has done extensive volunteer work for spiritual and charitable organisations. So what fault will you find in this? And why? Just curious.
(I am only poking fun on this point, but judging from all the misspellings and mistakes in your comment, are you sure you have not been tipping the bottle or hitting a doobie before posting your comment?)
Regarding the research that demonstrates an association between early-age drinking and tendencies toward alcohol-related problems: are you just parroting something a preacher saidor something you read on some Internet headlines, or did you actually read the best research reports on the subject for yourself. Because of what I do in my professional life I have access to such reports and do read them. Here are the facts: The best research on the subject does indeed make a correlation between early-age drinking and later alcohol-related problems. However, if you care to read the exhaustive conclusions of the researchers' reports you will find that the causal relationship between early drinking and alcoholism risk has yet to be determined. Researchers are unable to conclude whether early-age drinking is the root cause of an elevated lifetime risk of alcohol-related problems, or whether early drinking reflects an underlying and perhaps pre-existing predisposition for high-risk behavior which would lead to irresponsible drinking and alcohol-related problems. But I am pretty certain in your own mind you are convinced that early-age drinking is the root cause for alcohol-related problems. Right?
Here is a distinction for you to consider: Teen Night /Batabano do not claim to be supported by He Who "owns the cattle on a thousand hills" and do not lay claim to a Benefactor that will "supply all needs according to His riches in Glory". Nor do these events comprise a cadre of people who are bound to donate 10% of their income to the cause. This being said, what need should the churches have of Government's money in the first place?
In respect of your question about social ills: Please name one social ill the church has "cured"? Hatred? Nope. Violence/Murder? Negatory good buddy (But the church did sponsor some pretty entertaining torture and burnings.) Dishonesty? Uh-uh. Poverty? Nah. Bigotry? (Let's not go there!) Crime? Nope-a-roo again. Domestic abuse? Negativo. Can you help me here, Jaqui? Maybe name just one?
Let me leave you with this question (to paraphrase Christopher Hitchens): Name me an ethical action performed by a believer that could not have been performed by a non-believer?
(Ok, your turn!)
This is the greatest post ever, hands down.
But you are still a devil worshipper.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahha. Bullet.
You angry Bro? Disagreeing with money being given to a Church is one thing, focusing on one person’s opinion and then going on a hateful rant with unsubstantiated minutia to justify your opinion is another. Then you had to mix in a little religious intolerance to top it off. If Len Layman’s thoughtful comment does not set you straight you are truly hopeless. Since you seem to be all knowing and have the key to cure all social ills, maybe you can enlighten the rest of the world as to just how you would go about doing that.
"Minutia?" While you were digging deep in your vocabulary for that word did you consider the definition?
"Angry?" Oh, heck yeah! I am angry when I perceive so-called "morality" looking down on alternative ways of living and enjoying life. Yeah, might push back a bit. So what is wrong with being angry? Is this something bad? Anger might not fit into your tidy little worldbut the judicious and carefully considered meting out of an occasional verbal or literal bitch-slap or two has served me very well in my life and made mine much more serene. "Whap! Bop!. There…I feel so much better now!"
"Hateful"? (See in this comment below under "Religious intolerance" and apply wisely.)
"Rant"? Apparently you have not seen a comment by me on a "rant" or you would have chosen your words more appropriately. Gee, I did not even use the "M-word" (moron). Use of the M-word usually indicates that I am on (or nearing) a "rant". My feelings should be hurt that you should consider my quite polite but firm and factual response a "rant". (But of course they are not. I am actually somewhat amused.)
"All knowing?" I merely and quite correctly set forth the idea that if Pirates Week has been unable to cure even one social ill, neither has the church. Actually, I do know of a sure cure for all social ills in this world: the extinction of humanity. There! Good enough for ya?
"Religious intolerance"? The indignant moralising of the so-called "righteous" is usually absolutely intolerant. Most often intolerant to the point of claiming those against whom they preach deserve to be banished to agonising eternal torture by burning in fire and brimstone for ever and ever and ever and ever and ever, amen. And you call me "intolerant"? I have to smile. (Ok, now I am laughing, Bobo.) "And with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you …" That is from the Bible; therefore, I have no qualms about tossing into the mix some indignant intolerance of my own since the churchites seem to absolutely love intolerance. I was merely using a mode that Jaqui might be quite familiar with. At least I do not smile and say "Amen" as part of a mindless rabid mob that support the idea that Jacqui should be hideously tortured in fire for all eternity. Your values are hopelessly warped, if you think I am the hateful intolerant one here. In my opinion there are few things more hateful than saying "amen" to torture, but you are entitled to your warped values just as I am entitled to my rants directed to those who can't wait until their Hero comes back to toss those they are loathe to tolerate into the fire to burn forever. (Amen, Bro?) I leave being absolutely intolerant to those who do it best: the churchites
Confirmed. You gone. Now lay off the sauce Bobo.
13:09
Good point (s)! Hmmmmm………..So JOCC perhaps taking credit for Mac's initiative??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm again! You know the UK trying to force Mac out might back fire and actually get him more defiant votes. I will vote for Mac! You go sir!
Signed:
Scott Henderson
Birds of a feather.
People of Cayman. What is wrong with you? Sheesh
Donating $100,000 during a campaign to me is buying votes. Please mr. Commissioner you need to arrest on the principle.
Folks! Shall we start a new church before the election? And shall we call it?
"THE CHURCH OF LATTER DAY VOTERS" Yes or no?
Aaawright! [please vote as instructed]
God created the world in six days and took a well deserved rest on the seventh.
The devil sat on his duff for six days and then went to church on the seventh. He still attends regularly as it is a very productive use of his time.
16;55
But he is not going to destroy God's church! he can attend all 7 days of the week, but he wont succede.
Do you realise there are 3 billion people living by the faith of Christ?
Have you heard what the song say…sixty million french men cant be wrong!
Huh? Where did you get your infomation? In church, nah? According to most reliable sources, the number of Christians in the world total a little over 2 billion. You erred by a margin of 50%.
Recent tallies show that there are more Muslims than Christians in the world and the faith of Islam is now growing faster than Christianity. Only about 1/3 of the world's population is nominally Christian. That means 2/3 believe otherwise. Hmmm…? So what say the Frenchmen about this?
I think there are actually more people called Muhammad in the world than there are Christians?
I have found out the hard way (see above in this thread) that it depends on who compiled the statistics. If it was an organisation from the Western/Christian demographic, the figures give sway to Christians. But if the fugures were compiled by Mid-eastern sources they typically give Muslims top billing. Crazy, eh? Just goes to show that you can't trust any system of organised religion to be honest.
There are not more Muslims. Where did you get than info? Evangelical Christianity is growing at a much faster rate and is not dependent on how many babies are produced. People are counted as Muslims because they were born to Muslim parents.
You know you are probably correct accroding to more careful tally. Thanks. I depended on the numbers from an obstensibly Christian source, thinking that they were a reliable source for religious demographics. Silly me. However, I am happy that my error was not on the order of the post to which I was responding.
This still leaves the fact that 2/3 of the population of the world is not Christian and that by all sources I have more carefully referenced thus far, including a call to a fundamentalist but otherwise kinda smart theology professor friend of mine, Islam is slated to far outstrip the population growth of Christianity in the coming decades.
If people are counted as Muslim because they are born to Muslim parents, it is because these children are Muslim! I stand to be corrected, but according to my research, a child of a Mulim father is considered a Muslim. They are rightfully counted as being Muslim.
08:33;
"People are counted as Muslims because they were born to Muslim parents. "
Is that not the same for Christians? Pretty sure every Christian parent on this island counts their children as Christian before they are old enough to even say the word.
There are only 30 million – so I guess the others are lying imposters.
There shall in that time be rumors of things going astrayand there shall be a great confusion as to where things really are, and nobody will really know where lieth those little things with the sort of raffia-work base, that has an attachment. At that time, a friend shall lose his friend's hammer, and the young shall not know where lieth the things possessed by their fathers that their fathers put there only just the night before, about eight O'clock.
During these difficult and austere times I think we need to pray for our UDP government. I refence Psalm 109:8 Please pray along with me!
Like praying helped the UDP during the past 4 years, right?
Psalm 109:8, for those who don;t want to have to look it up:
May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.
Why doesn't she give $100,000 of her own money ? !
Did you hear how much she gave her own Cayman Brac Watering Place Church. Hill Side Chapel is giving theirs back. Good for them, good clean honesty. A small congregation of all good honest people, while perhaps they need it the most. Guess since she is the highest figure in the Islands there is no one to demand how much she gave her own Watering Place Church.
I’m calling the ‘c’ word on her. Christian?
I did notice recently that the parking lot at the church was done over. It made me wonder! Yes it did!
there was no govt $$ was used for that. a few faithful members put together and worked on the parking lot themselves.
Do you know anything about the affairs of Red Bay Church of God Holiness? Obviously not. The parking lot was redone long before this matter came up and with the churches own hard earned money. So before you go throwing out your ignorant accusations you may want to get your facts straight. 😉
You see, that's one of the problems with the church taking this money. Once you cross that line, people will automatically question anything you do. Its not unreasonable for the people that paid that money in taxes to ask what the church is going to spend it on, or make assumptions that when they see the church benefiting from something, that it too may have been inappropriately received rather than being the product of its congregation's contributions or hard efforts. I am afraid the albatross around your and the other congregation members neck isnt going to go away anytime soon, unless your pastor hands back the money. Otherwise you can look forward to more "ignorant" comments, including people making assumptions about how and why you you voted.
Having seen the latest comments by the Premier, it seems my post above was unduly kind. She claims that your church asked for the money (and another $50K) for, amongst other things, paving the lot. What say you now, eh?
This is corruption. Election observers take note.
let me repeat that: This is corruption!
My dear mother always told me that being involved with church would keep me out of trouble. It sure did not work that way for Juliana.
The paving debacle started when Ms Julie paved her church yard and that of the business of her right hand civil servant. Then she had all of the other parking lots on the island paved in an attempt to hide the fact that her church lot was paved.
Now that she has built a road for herself and the same civil servant does that mean that roads are going to be built to everyone else's property on Cayman Brac a la the parking lot paving?
Sounds very bias to me Mrs Premier….how about you should had, had that 100k spilt up with various churches….also none of you should be against anyone or any kind of authority that wants to donate money to any church.
Split it up. How about she dosn't give our tax monies to Churchs just because the "spirit" moves her.
SEND IT BACK!!! Red Bay Church got enought problems on its own as it is…..We dont need it. Thanks but no thanks!!!
15:55
"Send it back…we dont need it" !
You sound like the hypocrite, Christ spoke of, to his deciples.Seems to me, with this coming from a member of the congregation…you guys are are still having decensions amongst you…so sad.
I know how much you all despise Juliana. The church needs a new roof, it is leaking and rotten, it will soon fall down on your heads.
Thank God he got me out of there on time. nothing wrong with the churches. God told St. Peter. "this is the key to my church and no gates of hell will prevail" lots of you need redemption.
God help you all!
And thats where you are wrong 13:24.
Nation Buliding Funds are not for churches, it is for the COUNTRY. Churches build and maintain the church last time I checked, is that not what the Sunday collection is for?
Trust me, the churches are a part of Nation Building.
13;24
I think all the other churches already got funds. Red bay church is the last to get assistance. it has a very poor cogregation.
Maybe you might want to help out by donating funds for a new roof.
Yeah I heard the same thing about the Red Bay congregation. Besides that, I also heard that they don't make a lot of money either.
This Church in Red Bay does not need any money!! Have you seen the numbers in their congregation. Why don't we ask these Churches to show us their books for the past two or three years and then decide how much (if any at all) should be donated.
Furthermore, is this money not 'treating', because it carries a large Cayman Brac congregation that will be highly influencing their Brac Voters and also many of the members are from The Bight/Creek and Watering Place, an area where Julianna is from herself.
Where is the Commissioner of Police on this? Didn't the Auditor General state in his findings back in May 2012 that he had sent the Brac Paving of $500K to the Attorney General for review? He did in a newspaper article dated 24th May, 2012 and here is what it stated:
“In respect of these specific laws [the Roads Law, 2005 Revision and the National Roads Authority Law, 2006 Revision], we were unable to identify any statutory provisions that allow for the paving of private parking lots,” the public interest report read.
“We also reviewed the relevant budget documents to identify whether the government had the authorities to incur expenditure for the paving of private parking lots. We were unable to identify any.”
Mr. Swarbrick said he would present a copy of the report to the Cayman Islands Attorney General Sam Bulgin “for his consideration”.
“I was going to take it to the attorney general as the first point of call in terms of…the totality of the expenditure and being inappropriate and not in line with legislative authorisation,” Mr. Swarbrick said"
This is all the reason enough to put her and her Ministry through a Tribunal. Now she has the audacity now that she feels she has gotten away with the other, since nobody is doing their jobs over at the Attorney General's Office AGAIN, to put these to her!
We have to stop the bleeding of this country's coffers by unscrupulous elected politicians. We also need to start cleaning out those in the positions that have the power to challenge these things and bring them to a Tribunal but yet refuses to or just passes it over and over and completely ignores it! That money could have been used to fund some scholarships instead of telling our students there is no money to send them to school.
The Governor, the Commissioner and the Attorney General MUST ANSWER to this Country why has Julianna not been dealt with on this matter and now this one too!
1. NEVER mix government and church, so churches should not be given funds in any manner period.
2. It is discrimination to give one church (associated with a particular religion) and not another (associated with a different religion).
3. The scary thing is lots of Bracers have already said that they realize all she has done but they would vote for her again
4. IF Bracers put her back in, I don't believe you are deserving of any respect from the rest of the country as it is only you Bracers who can make a change to the current situation.
My dear you all aint seen nothing yet. She is building a 50 foot road at the back of her property on the bluff all this giving the DCC access to his property. This is not fair. XXXX She must be plain XXXX stupid if she does not understand what having no money to spend means. Also who determines where roads are put and when they are done? FOI someone please.
What about the naming of the road after her grandfather who did not even own any property there. XXXX also named a prOPerty after a well like Bracer infact Lyndons grand father the late Glennie Dilbert who did not own any property there either. But you see to justify having named her grand fathers she named someone else too . Isnt some of that property the late and well known property owned Samuel Scott? It would be good to know the reason for making that road, somebodys property will have more value with a road leading to it. I wander if some people even get any sleep at night for thinking up what more they can do before the election when they might just get in because Lyndon is out of the race, but they might not be in that powerful seat. God Almighty just please look down.
what is DCC?
Deputy district commissioner
Isn't that – DDC? (just asking)
Ooops yes you are right but it was meant to be DDC. As long as the populace gets the point that it is the Deputy District Commissioner all is okay.
Praise the Lord! Bless his handmaiden!! – now where's my dollar?
Isn't this theft of public property?
Yes it's theft, plain and simple, but JuJu see's no wrong because it's going to her church.
What number on the list of commandments is thou shall not steal?
Vote buying, plain and simple.
Members of this Church should be outraged and demand the Church refuse the monies. Any member that sits silently by and allows it to happen are as quilty as JOCC for giving the money.
Let's find out if you are truly Christians or not.
When I hear of this type of thing I lose faith in both the politician and the Church.
It sickens me.
I am a member of this Church and I am completely outraged! I was so proud to know that my church was not one of the churches that had received funding from the former Premier. To read this now this morning is embarassing and a shame! Shame on the Church!
Red Bay church of God built two churches over the years, never borrowed from the bank, never received monies from government, now this. I am very embarrass that this has happened to my church.
14;26
Well since you never had to borrow any money to build those two churches, can you now tell the public where all the money is that you have saved over the years..
Your church needs a new roof, where are you going to find 200,000.00 to save your church from the leaks and rotten timber.
It is clear knowledge that many of you do not like you christian sister… Juliana.
Mabe you should start reading your bible and see where Christ detest this type of behavior, with people that claims to worship him.
Well since you so shame why don’t you pack your bags and go live with Bro Bob and his wife!! All people like you in church for is to destroy and tear down. If you dont like whats going on then just leave! I’m not saying that the church should except any funding from the government but it must be a reason why this 100k was gestured in the first place. And it’s not the foolish reason of buying votes. The members of that church can’t vote for her any how! Isn’t she running in the brac?
Youself, and all Brackers of the church can take the next 6 months off tithing. This is phase II of the "save the mortage" campaign.
This would never had happend under the leadership of the previous Pastor of this Church! Very disappointing.
The last place you will find Jesus on a Sunday, or Saturday, morning is inside a Church that has taken $100,000 from a politician. That's not what He or his true followers do.
I cry shame on you! When it comes to God and his Church Peace be still.
13.25 Churches are built and run by men, which is why they are often abused by the men that run them, be they Christian, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim or whatever…what make you think Cayman churches are any different?
All a bunch of hypocrits, that would sell their souls for the almighty $$$$$$. I hope that after May 22nd and the new government is sworn in that that line item will be deleted from the budget for 2014. Mismanagement of Public Funds. No nation churches and their followers are funded to attend Univeristies overseas.
If God sold his soul to the Devil, would he get enough to redeem the souls lost in corruption here? I cry shame on anyone who says "When it comes to God and his Church Peace be still", as ignorance is the Devil's tool.
Aww come on Cayman, she was merely acting on instructions from the nation builder. As always. And we all know there is not another single precious soul in gowerment with enough kahonies to protest our beloved premier acting on instructions from the nation builder. As always. Love your children Cayman. Uproot the pestilence this May.
Just stop blaming Mack for everything. Julie does more disgusting stuff than him What do you think that she is just a baby and has to listen to him?
Actually that's what SHE thinks.
I hope you're not saying mac is better because ju ju is worse.
No buying of votes so she gives the church 100,000 dollars like the churches need it!!!!!!!!
Disgraceful! Could be well spent on REALLY NEEDY THINGS elsewhere. Shouldn't she now be arrested for bribery?? Anyone else would be.
And school kids are going without lunches because the CIG doesn't have the money? Now that's REAL Christianity!!
oh Glory, I feel the spirit of the Lord … glory glory glory and these three words keep popping into my head "give it back".
15;22
You feel the devil's whip.
Oooooo! Devil's Whip, huh? Ummm!! I felt that last night! (She ordered it on-line along with the bright red leather catsuit and polyvinyl horns.)
Caymanians STOP being hypocritical and know that God is watching everything what you say or do! If you are against God youare against everything! It does not matter if it was a billion dollars that the Premier donated to a Church, at least it was worth it! I am not into politics but I respect what this woman has done, and this is the way that she will recieve her blessings from God.
If it were her own prsonal money I'd agree with you, but it was not.
No one said they were against God. They are against the Church though. There is a difference.
What an idiot! christ is the church.
Says who? Some idiot?
No he is not,he is the true messiah.
I should know, I have followed a few.
Excuse me…. but that is the countrys people money not HERS. She should spend her own money and get her own blessings…. or it should be the country getting blessings not her… Who the is she to be blessed above others for giving away money thati s not hers. In the real world its call THEIF and they are sopose to go jail .
Holy Shi'ite! You mean I do not need to make any personal sacrifices or fervently do good works or any hard stuff like that? Money will buy all the blessings I need, huh? The great part is that it does not even have to be my money! I can use other people's money (OPM) and, bingo! I can buy my way into God's grace! Shazzam! Why don't they preach this stuff from the puplits instead of harping about "strait is the gate" and "narrow is the way", and generally making it seem so difficult to get on the Big Guy's good side? Seems to me if God is ok with using OPM to earn Celestial Brownie Points then a LOT more people would buy in to the scam and join up.Heck! Count me IN!
Say, can I use Mastercard or Visa cards to purchase my Divine Favour? This should be ok, too, right? Dang! Forget doing good. The next time I wax wanton and wake up wondering where I am and where my clothes are, at the earliest opportunity I am going to whip out my trusty American Express and give a few bucks to the church. Is there any web site with a Divine Donation Tarrif list so I know how much to give for what "blessing"? What churches are agents for this? A URL would be appreciated.
One more question: Can I pre-pay? I am hosting what could be a pretty wild party this weekend and I just might need some Blessing Credits lest my Celestial Brownie Point Account goes into overdraft. Just wonderin'.
Because you can buy your way into heaven, righ? Jesus and the money lenders in the temple mean nothing to you?
Definitely a Member of the Raving Nutters Party.
So poor you are one of those id…. that she is fooling too? No wonder she says that she dosent need to have any political meetings because she is going to get in without any meetings. Also that after this election she will have a big enough pension and wont have to run again She will be going into the ministry and preaching to people like you, no wonder that she is adding more money to the churches accounts because if she is preaching remember that preachers do get a salary.
No one is against God dimwit, we are against corruption, theft, misappropriation, smoke & mirrors, lying and many other things that this current crop of politicians do daily. Clearly God's message hasn't reached these people that claim to be so called Christians.
It is not JuJu's money, it is OUR MONEY.
Couple that with the fact there are a thousand other things or people in desperate need of a fraction of that money goes to show where her intentions are…votes.
Can't drag our asses out of a deficit no matter how much we continue to destroy our economy and cripple our people by increasing taxes, but we have millions to give to our churches to buy wotes. God help the Cayman Islands.
Congrats to Bro Carl Scotts sister who refused a donation from Government for their church in Spot Bay. Thats what I call being a christian. Bro Bob Thompson a sincere Godly man as well who refused some time back as he said that the same Red Bay church had a fixed account of $400,000 and another account of $64,000 . Red Bay Church is ju jus church in Cayman. Has any one heard how much she gave her Watering Place church , when there is damaged buildings right next to her church from the Paloma that did not get any assistance. Passing there every day is an eyesore to her District. So wrong, so wrong. Please show your christianity. Church members are not blinded by these large sums of money.
Proud
There is some light
This is so amazing. as one can see form this blog, some of the congregation in the same church that Juliana is a member of, do not like her….so sad
We must ask ourselves.. is this Godly?is this what Christ came down to earth to teach us, to hate and despise our brothers and sisters….no!
Maybe if the other person which is representing the Brac, had offer this same assistance, to the Spot bay church of God Holiness , things would have played out differently.
As I understand, all the other churches accepted the help from government. maye the spot bay church was not that damaged as the watering place church, so they didnt need the help. i undserstand they refused to have the parking lot paved…. recently. XXXXX
I regards to Br. Bob having $464,000.00 dollars in two accounts, where did that momney go?
At this moment, the Red bay church needs a new roof sooner trhan later.
Matew 22:37-40
When the deciples asked Jesus, which is the most important commandment. Jesus replied: love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and your mind, this is the first and greatest commandment, and the second is like it: love your neighbor as thyself. All the law and prophets hang on these two commandments.
13.06
I have to garee with you,
Juliana you need to take care of all your brothers and sisters. Do not show hate, it is not part of the christian culture and faith that you belongs to. Fix that building and God will continue to bless you.
I dont think this is vote buying at all as they talking about two different islands and as some one posted they think she go there sometime i guess it is so rare as she always C/Brac on most weekends..What we need do is wait and here what the $$$ is for maybe there are Ivan damages we dont know about … By the way Cayman Brackers have a mind of there own and VOTE how they want we cant change them they is set in there ways….What we need do lets try change the way West Bayers vote first..lol
How long is Ivan going to be used as an excuse?
If the people that attend this church have been unable to fix any damage since 2004 with all the weekly collections, fund raisers and god knows what else then there are thieves amongst them.
For them then to take our money is XXXX outrageous.
Dont worry , you will have your ju ju back in since they worked so hard to put Lyndon out. He was going to make the difference dont you think that she did not now this? Probally had many sleepless nights over it too. Already we know like she does that she is already in. I cant undrestand how she can if the rumour is true to court Aldin when sometimes ago she accused him of taking the bible out of the schools, now she can work with him if he is elected. Politics certainly make strange bed partners.
Vote buying happens now they have icluded the churches and greedy pastors who happily accept govt funds. they all do it and condone it trust me especially the handing out of cash by political hopefuls and their agents also loads of marl, fill, top soil in addition to appliances, beef and turtle meat that is given away during election time. All of them do it and have been doing it for years udp, pna, ppm it’s how they buys loyalty from poor people who are desperate and politically manipulated by career politicians.
Premier Juliana was creative and decided to pave the Brac and private driveways in advance of the campaign season but the NBF payment to her Red Bay church has to be the last straw so what will Commissoner Baines do about that?
It is absolutely mind bending how these itiots throw away millions and hundreds of thousands of our money while swearing to Almighty God we have no money to throw away and taxing our asses off to do so in THEIR OWN self interests. GET RID of these clowns Cayman.
And another thing the England trip in January with 7 of her cronies including “Mr Driver” all first class tickets and accommodation what was achieved by that, is that stealing or wasting you decide,
Corruption is becoming ingrained in our society, we must cut it out it will eventually bankrupt the country .
That trip she found a helper my dears….. Just imagine with so many Jamaicans, Hondurans etc she had to bring someone from so far that she found working in a restaurant. Oh I realize why, I dont think that it has cost her anything as a cook/helper comes with the premiers job title. Hurry come up people certainly dont have any sense of moneys, especially when its no theirs.
Julianna! Why in God's name would you be so silly to do something like this near election time? Your very Bible speaks against such folly: "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:22). All things considered, it certainly seems that you failed to heed God's Word on this matter. Surely you must be sensible enough to comprehend that even your supporters, this close to election day, will consider this to be electioneering, regardless of your good intentions. Sometimes good intentions are not enough. Your detractors are calling it vote-buying. Can you blame them? You have certainly not projected an image of "clean hands" or good judgement in this matter.
To the church in question: if you accept this money you will place your integrity and godliness in severe doubt and cast an even greater shadow on the public's already dubious opinion of Christianity Cayman-style. The wise and right course of action is to decline the donation. You are in the balance; will you be weighed and found wanting?
Ms. Julie, I reasoned that your defection from the UDP was the result of you coming to your senses at long last. I defended you against condemnation when you assumed the role of Premiere and urged people to wait and see and give you the chance to prove yourself worthy by your acts as Premiere,even though by all rights your aligning yourself with Bush in the first place was mindless beyond measure and certainly cast a pall on people's impression of your judgement. I am now reconsidering my opinion of you. This is not an act of sound judgement. This not a act worthy of one who would lead our country. This "donation" sends a strong message that you and Bush share more traits than I care to think about. If you were serious about projecting an image of reform and doing the right, giving away $100,000 certainly sabotaged those efforts. You are giving your supporters all good reason to abandon their support. By giving people a bona fide reason to mistrust you – and by extension, your team – you are helping to hand power back to Bush on a silver platter! Jesus H. Christ! This is incomprehensible! Did the same spirit that inhabits Bush seize you too? Damn! It would seem so.
I am at one of those rare points in life that I am almost at a loss for words. What the hell were you thinking?
Very Well Said.
You lost for words. Your comment is longer than the article.
Note I said "almost" at a loss for words?
If you ever find me truly at a loss for words it's because I am either asleep or I had too much Happy Hour and I passed out. In the former case, simply wake me; in the second case leave me the hell alone. Smell my breath for a DDx sign.
Of course I could be in a diabetic coma in which case the breath test could be indicative and in which case you need to call an ambulance, pronto.
A better probability – since I am a temperate drinker and am not a diabetic – is that the making whoopie was so intense that I was temporarily rendered speechless. If it is the latter case, give me (and the lady) several high-fives and pass me another Viagra. Or… maybe… in the throes of love I popped a blood vessel and I need the ambulance. Gee. What can I say? Use your good judgement.
and So What if the comment is loinger than the article. Can people not be intelectual now?
I thought treating was illegal? Anyone going to take this woman down? Mr. Baines, where are you?
Gotta love the fundie Christian mindset: "My god created the universe, the earth, mankind and all life. But to get anything done these days, he needs money, lots of money."
Religion = Greatest scam in human history.
Problem: Priests rape children by the thousands? Cardinals and popes cover up the crimes over decades.
Reaction: Let's keep giving them our money cuz they're great men who know all about morality!
Problem: Preachers spout insane nonsense from pulpits, much of it hateful toward others and socially destructive, while exploiting their position to build personal wealth.
Reaction: Let's keep giving them ten percent of our salaries and let's have government give them money too!
What is wrong with people? Serious question: Do stupid people gravitate to religion, or does religion make people stupid?
ps. Hey Julianna Oconner-Connolly-Conner, I thought the apocalypse was happening next week. So what's the need for any of this concern for society stuff, anyway? Shouldn't we all just stay home and chant or whatever?
psss. I heard a Caymanian/Jamaican preacher on the radio say "all things are possible with prayer". He didn't say "all things are possible with prayer–except things that cost money". So why don't you guys pray for the things you want instead of buying them? If your god can raise the dead, part seas and steer hurricanes, can't he figure out how to make an after-school program work?
Besides, money is so icky and secular. That's what those horrible atheists use to get things done. Shouldn't you preachers who have the prayer pipeline up and running be above lowly government grants?
Brilliant post 10:18.
I would surmise that you are a fan of George Carlin. To quote Carlin:
"He loves you, and He needs moneyyy! He always needs money! He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can't handle money! Religion takes in billions of dollars, they pay no taxes, and they always need a little more."
— George Carlin, You Are All Diseased (1999)
I mean no disrespect to God, but I direct this at the mockery that the present day churches of these islands make of the Creator, Who can provide for needs in miraculous and unmistakable ways, without the need of His people begging or delving into dubious ways of filling their always-needy church coffers. In accepting questionable handouts like these, it rightfully leads to the conclusion that the churches have an insatiable lust for lucre, and have little concern for the ethics they employ to obtain it. God has no need of money but you could not tell that by the behaviour of some the institutions who invoke His name and grab for all the dollars they can lay their hands on. Sickening! Disgusting!
To all the churches who eagerly received the handouts: If you accepted the controversial mammon, or if you did not openly protest the offer and acceptance of same, don't get your knickers in a knot when someone calls your beliefs and the God you serve (actually the "god" you created) into question. If you are among those churches, you certainly deserve the criticism! Actually you deserve God to give you a swift kick in the a$$. You are not doing God any favours by giving detractors a solid basis to poke jabs. You are certainly among the "diseased" of whom Carlin spoke.
The Caymanian economy (as opposed to the "Cayman" economy) is almost entirely the government. Everyone dips into the piggybank in one way or another. Jobs, contracts, grants, gifts, advances, travel, fee waivers, the list is endless.
No, "everyone" does not. There are yet a few indivuals that provide for themselves, and spurn these manipulative goods, concessions and good-ol'-boy favors.
I have little paid work, but I've plenty to do. I have a family to feed and provide for, and take work that many seem to feel is beneath them. My vote is not for sale at any price.
Our Governor where are you?
I think our good Governor is now re thinking why she was so smart in first meeting him with washing his feet. From the very first start she was trying to impress him and pull the wool over his face. Bad people are always very smart.
So when exactly can we expect an arrest from the anti-corruption police force, then? Surely this qualifies her for an arrest. This is blatant vote buying and corruption! Do not shy away from the fact that she is 'donating' this money to a church – that money is coming with strings. JOCC needs to be arrested just like so many of her fellow political leaders as of late. We should not and cannot stand for this Cayman! We need to come together as a country and get rid of the people who ruin our reputation – there is enough bad press going around as it is, we don't need people like JOCC making it even worse. Get rid of her, and put her in Northward!
Umm…women go to Fairbanks, not Northward. 😉
True, true, my apologies – I should have been more specific! Take her to Fairbanks then! Either way, surely this is illegal. Wasn't this a topic on daybreak just a few days ago?
The churches are the very last people who need more damn money! This is ridiculous. How about telling half of these Pastors to stop taking their KYD100K+ a year salaries for doing the 'lords work'. Give the money to people who actually need it! There is a church for almost every person in Cayman already!! Also there needs to be a good look taken at any governments offering donation money to churches. This to me seems like a direct form of buying votes.
This is shameful. Don't get me wrong, I attend church and give my offerings but of all the Churches in Cayman it was said that they have loads of money in the bank. The former Pastorso refused to take nation building money from the former Premier and I understand that they made it very difficult for him and voted him out. It caused a split in the Church and some former members left the Church. Now the present Premier has come along and done the same thing and of course Brother Bob is not there to object to it. If this is'nt treating then I don't know what is.
Thanks for the explanation as to why the former pastor, Bob Thompson, a gerat man of God, was made to leave the Church of God Holiness in Red Bay.That church has a nice edifice for the congregants to worship in so I don't see where they are in need of funds. It must be just greed for money. Accepting money when it is not needed I would say is a greater wrong than the wearing of ear-rings and lipstick.
FIRST of all, do you know anything about Red Bay Church of God Holiness? Certainly you don't know enough to be spreading your ignorance. Brother Bob Thompson and his wife left as a decision of their own and for reasons that had nothing, NOTHING, to do with refusing monetary "treating" from the former Cayma Islands Premier.
As for members who left after Brother Bob? It also was for reasons that had nothing to do with this matter.
I'd like to leave you and everyone else who is reading these comments with a couple questions: are you aware of how much money RBCOGH has in the bank? Do you control their finances? Do you know for what reasons the church leaders would have seen fit to accept the money? Do you know what their intentions would be in spending said money? I trust your answer to all of these questions is no, if not, that would mean you are a leader/member of the Red Bay Church board to be privy to such information and in that case I would say the real shame is on YOU if you are bashing the church's decisions.
So, since the church is supposed to be God's and should have no reason to hide anything, why aren't we hearing from RBCOGH on this?
Ok RBCOGH, do tell us and we might not be so critical:
1.How much money does RBCOGH have in the bank?
2. For what reasons do the church leaders see fit to accept the handout?
3. What are you intentions in spending said money?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Now I will answer your questions:
Do you control their finances?
Nope. But whoever does must be pretty damn poor at it if the church has to accept a handout from Government.
Do you know for what reasons the church leaders would have seen fit to accept the money?
Maybe God is feeling the pinch from the recession and is getting a bit skimpy about providing for their needs according to His riches in Glory? Too many cheapskate deadbeat members not coughing up their 10%? Maybe their eyes are bigger than their pocketbooks?
Do you know what their intentions would be in spending said money?
I have not the foggiest idea but if they had plans for the money then why not also make plans to raise said money themselves and not have to hold out their hand to government?
Hmmm…? Why would one have to be a leader/member of the Red Bay Church board to be privy to such information? Doesn't the RBCOGH freely share such information with their membership? This should be a matter of "public record" so to speak. So, would a RBCOGH member care to weigh in on this?
Why should the amount of money Red Bay Church has in the bank be disclosed to the public? None of the other churches that recieved donations had to disclose any of the information you are demanding. Besides that, I am assuming bank records would have had to have been provided to our political leaders before they approved giving the church a cash donation anyway, so it couldn't have been that much in there!
I will also stress that the given article says NOTHING about Red Bay Church accepting any money from government, in fact, all the 'evidence' in the article that this transaction has taken place is all hear say! There is no solid evidence we are provided with! People are making assumptions based on GOSSIP.
Why is it such a rotten thing for a church to recieve financial assistance but not some other program? Any program/institute can raise money, really. Red Bay Church could very well be starting a program for the youth for all we know. I think our money could be spent much worse.
Are you truly aware of how much pastors make for doing the 'Lord's work' as you put it? TRUST me, it is MUCH less than CI$100,000 p/year. What you don't seem to realize is, these people need to pay bills too. They have to feed themselves like everyone else. Should a church not allow its pastors any money? What is a fair price to pay God's servant? Churches are as important to these islands as hospitals are. The Cayman Islands were built on strong Christian principles and that should be respected. I feel there is more in question here, like the morals of our people. Who is to say the church wasn't going to give the money where it is 'really' needed, as you stated? Is it not possible that there are members of the church struggling financially to support their families/young children? Is it not possible the church is looking to help others through an outreach program?
Perhaps we should think of all possibilities before we bash our Christian bretheren.
I know one church who built a brand new house at the back of the church for its pastor who lives there for free and likely gets utilities paid for as well. Sorry, Should they get a salary? Absolutely! But they should not be entitled to handouts or freebies and have to pay rent/mortgage and other bills just like everyone else!
I work in banking and i can confirm that Frank is correct saying that some Pastors do make in excess of KYD100K per year and sometimes KYD125K. As for the strong Christian principles, all we have to do is look at our current Government to see that they are hardly being practiced by a majority of so called Christians nowadays.
I assure you that is not the case with the church in question.
Also, because strong Christian principles are not being exibited by our government, does that give us reason to abandon our Christian heritage?
Where is the rest of the so called "PNA" Government they need to stop this now!!
We have heard almost nothing from our "Premier" since she was appointed. We hear more for the Deputy Premier. What does he have to say about this?
The other members are still under the bus and are afraid to show their faces there is so much sh-t flying around. But while they are trying to save face, their suits are filthy.
JOCC giving us all a "jook" in the eye before she leaves the post.
WHAT?!?
This has got to be against our new Human Rights 2012. This is pure discrimination based on religion. Think about it… "giving" due to religion is just as bad as "witholding" due to religion. Mr. Richard Coles, you should task your legal team to prove this is against the Bill of Rights.
I can no longer concieve HOW this blatent vote-buying slush fund is still cutting cheques!
And the church declined right? It would never accept money from politicians. This establishiment has ONE chance to show it can stand on faith and not slush funds.
I challenge the church to do "The right and just thing".
Well?
I wholeheartedly agree! However, the churches on this island have a clear history of soliciting and depending on questionable sources of income. In this case, the charge to "abstain from all appearance of evil" clearly applies. If the church accepts this handout they will have exhibited not only very poor judgement (as did all the churches who accepted the handouts), but the church will have called its dedication and obediance to God into question.
caymanians keep voting the likes of mckeeva and juju into office and they will do so again come may…..
the idoitic caymanian electorate gets what it deserves……
Thats the truth right there. We put these people in power, we deserve what they have done to our island. We should have made better choices in the people we want to be running our country.
Right on 07.46…and if the Church in question had any decency at all, it would recognise that this is an issue and return the money to CIG straight away with a statement along the lines of it would be "inappropriate to accept such donation in the middle of an election campaign or anywhere in the immediate aftermath thereof"..
Now, lets guess if that is going to happen…
Yet the elections office was on the radio a few days ago warrning against giving any more than water at meetings. Does the elections office not realize that this is vote buying on a large scale?
You are probably a broke running candidate….or you are one of the many people that think so little of Caymanians; to even suggest that the voters of these islands will sell their votes for a plate of food is embarrassing, disgraceful and downright insulting. With all the problems we are facing I hardly believe that a plate of food will fix it. I have been to many meetings where food was served andI can tell you that many of the people there are not even voters.
Read the article – poster is not suggesting that Caymanians are selling votes for a plste of food. He is suggesting that they will vote the way their pastor tells them, and he is selling there votes for $100K – bit more than a plate of food. Personally I think that's pret embarrassing and downright insulting to the members of that congregation too – but if the Church accepts the money, what is anyone to think?
If we think mckeeva was off the track just give sister jusome slack. Save yourselves Cayman, wote them out of your affairs. Forever.
CoP Baines, Election observers, Gov Taylor? Time to land your first big fish in the new Cayman election environment! Somebody grab the net! This one looks like a keeper!!
Is this a delayed April Fools joke! I can not freaking believe it. The end of sanity as we know it.
Git rid of that woman Brackers…..I wished the hell Jude Scott or Kerry Tibbettes had run in the Brac.
Right idea, wrong candidates
Hell, even Percy would be better than her.
Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!! "gifting" now go arreset her!!!!!!!!!
xxxxx
Slap her into jail for buying votes commissioner!
It's definitely questionable, but please explain your logic for thinking how Red Bayers can vote in the Brac District?
Many of the congregation are Brackers who may be able to influence friends and family in Cayman Brac.
It is definitely questionable since Red Bayers can certainly vote in George Town UDP members.
There is your first case Mr. Baines!
BRACKA
In a time of financial difficulties, when salaries have not moved for many for at least a decade, how in all good conscience could we be taking the people’s money to make these types of unexplained gifts.
I just don’t like the smell of this.
But I suppose the whole church rocked with shouts of joy that God had Answered their prayers. He gets blamed for so much that He had not a thing to do with!
Forget fruit punch and fish, THIS is treating, but with OUR money.
Where’s my bribe?
Investigate this now RCIPs and force JOCC to give back the funds out of her salary and pension. This is the definition of vote buying commissioner Baines. Now please do something to prevent it under the ant-corruption laws. Paving private roads for supporters now donations to her church what else are we waiting for as a country?
She is a disgraceful Premier and a complete fraud as a Christian
Can I FOI how much is left in this so called “NBF”?…I need a grant to start a Hydroponics Projet.
Makes sense. Since this probably is one of the last government funded gifts she’ll be able to ever give away again! But I guess this is one way of guaranteeing your name on a plaque, eh? Boy I tell yah the laughs keep coming. C4C, PNA, UDP, PPM…all like. Do anything to get in.
Ignoring any possibility that this purported payment may fall under the Anti-Corruption Law, it could even be a form of ” Parochial ” Money Laundering – what is the church going to do with these funds ? Could it be that they are going to be a conduit to distribute them among the congregation, as cash, or in some other form. Hope that Mr Baines has this issue on his radar.
No it cant be that. There is a widow in the church in Red Bay right now who is very desperate
and also approached certain members of the church and was turned away. What a shame!!!!
It may be a shame, but if you read the Bible and all the fine print for a widow to qualify for church support, I doubt even Mother Teresa could qualify. So this poor lady is probably S.O.L. according to official qualifying criteria. Of course, all the fine print about who qualifies as a "window indeed" was added by those who successfully revised Jesus' teachings about caring for the needy so that the early church could consolidate power through financial control. In other words it is just the church being the church.
Wasn't the afterschool programs just seeking donations? What about Feed the Children that just had money stolen from them? Take note kids, Julie is not for the young people. What about the sports field that doesn't even have a sign?
anon 2339 who exactly are the afterschool programs for?
Elderly or young people?
Emphasis on school so it's not for the elderly. What's your point?
I am disgusted by this blatant attempt to buy votes but stll I am not surprised. This is very sad. Juju is just like mcKeeva is this regard…it is obvious she cannot be trusted any further than you can throw her which wouldnt be very far indeed! And, so close to the election too. This sort of thing should be illegal and I hope will be investigated by the election authorities. I hope that the pastors of these churches mind their p’s & q’s with regard to their political support in exchange for the money they received. Well, no matter, they will have their God to answer to in the end and so will Juju.
What a shame!!! These churches contribute absolutely nothing to society! I hope that the demands on the social services will triple just for this! Where is this money really being spent after the church gets it? They are allowed to operate here free of cost, nothing is put back into society but yet they take this knowing damn well the needs of the community – this anger me to the very depts of my being!!!! Disgusting!!! And they never ever seem to get enough, constantly pleading for more and more money. Some of these churches need to be closed down permanently and the Pastors accepting such should be locked up along with Juliana! I can’t say what I really want to because I know CNS would not post such! I’m glad I don’t even attend any church anymore a bunch of wolves in sheep clothing!! Shame shame shame!!
One ever notice, everything that the politicians do for the people and country today..they are accused of buying votes….and corruption…our people are discusting.
And have we realise just how much atheist we have living amongst us?
Oh, and dont forget the hypocrites, and the judas we have passing through our church doors, every Sunday.
Thank you Juliana. lets just hope that when the waves and body of water cover our houses and the winds start to blow off our roof, we will find these churches to run and hide into.
Remember the seven woes of hypocrisy.
Don't you know that the church in Cayman is less than a stone throw from the ocean.
07:03, Two wrongs do no make a right.
Theft is theft.
Isn't it the congregation of a church that makes donations for the upkeep etc of that said church?
Taking public funds for private use is wrong.
Nuff said.
"..they are accused of buying votes….and corruption…our people are discusting."
The only people who are disGusting, are the ones who accept these "gifts" and see nothing wrong, of which you are clearly one. Its people like you that bury your head in the sand and allow this crap to go on and its why we find ourselves in the position we are in today.
Hell bound by using church and money to buy voted
just another day in wonderland…….zzzzzzzzzzz
For Gods sake – take away the cheque book!!!
Hmm I should open a church!! ^_^
You'll have to convert a minimum of 500 eligible woters to qualify.
I tink yu meen conwert
I will join, as long as being a "Christian", believing in "God" and "attending" are not requirements.
We can expect more of the same with this PNA! “Please Not Again”. The churches need to be audited if they continue to accept Goverment monies (our money). Could my church get $100,000 too?
If this is not buying votes I do not know what is!
Vote buying plain and simple, removal of candidacy for the next election should be immediate and if not done makes the current laws being enforced, at long last, a farce. Removal from office should also be immediate.
Yes 22:13
And we change the guards, and the protocol continues.
Read all the comments thus far and NOT ONE of them acknowledged that the Churches play a very important role in the afterschool programs and other vital roles in the community that cost money. Oh by the way, no one has ever bought my vote and never will.
When I read all these comments I felt to cry. I do agree that other people need these funds, but there are no facts that the Red Bay Church accepted this money. Members of the church is still outraged and the Pastors did not know that this was being giving to the church. On another note, if the church did accept this money we as the community need to think of all the good this church has and is doing in the community.
I am glad there is someone on here clearing up all the rubbish everyone is slewing around.
The given article is very vague and does not even state if Red Bay Church has even accepted the offered funds so all of the bashing from the other commenters is unnecessary.
Knowing our good Governor Taylor and our hard working Mr Baines I would have thought that he would have stopped Julie before from the time that she was making Cayman Brac an a hot asphalt jungle. Give her an inch and she took a mile. When I think that she paved so many wealthy business people yards that was a crime and poor people like me are ignored. Capt Mose would never do nothing of the sort, thats why we look up to him as a gentleman.We really look like we are a biased Country. Why just focus on Mckeeva and leave his leader behind.
This is the Brac church on Grand Cayman so it is just vote buying. Let us make sure this woman is never returned to Cabinet level again.
The people of Cayman Brac will continue to live in the economic hardships they currently have for as long as they send her to represent them.
She fools them with simple things to keep their hope alive. Yet she living high on the hog and they still suffering. Or perhaps, they just like the way it is over there!
I no longer feel sorry for them. If the had any witts about them, on election day they should not cast one vote for her.
But maybe I'm asking too much of a simple people.
I am sure they are all so happy now to know that Cayman Brac has its own political team leader now. Same as usual for the Brac, "if Grand Cayman have it, we should have it too!"
This sort of suff certainly makes Lyndon Martin look like a gentleman along side julie. No wonder they took him out, cause he was going to win.
Serve us right. We should have prosecuted her for the illegal paving and this would not have happened. Will always happen when they dont treat our money like theirs, disgusting is the least.