Archive for April, 2013
MLAs ‘thrown under bus’
(CNS): Dwayne Seymour made a startling admission Thursday that he had never supported the idea of relocating the country’s landfill to Bodden Town and that he and his UDP colleagues at the time were “thrown under the bus” by then premier McKeeva Bush over the issue. He said that he did not reveal his true feelings when the plans were revealed because he believed the situation was not unlike a “family squabble” and did not need to be aired publicly, but he was not in favour of the proposal and would not be campaigning in support of a landfill in his district. The community affairs minister said he wanted people to know he was not scared to accept responsibility but he would not support any decision on a new landfill before the best site for it had been determined.
Speaking at Thursday morning’s live press briefing, which will be repeated on the government TV station this evening, the Bodden Town incumbent voluntarily offered the information when he referred to reports on CNS that heand his runningmate, Mark Scotland, were the last two candidates supporting the landfill move.
“No one ever came to me to ask me if I was OK with a waste-management facility in Bodden Town,” he said, adding that he was part of a group that made a decision to consider the Dart proposal. However, Seymour said Bush had made the announcement to him and his colleagues without consultation, “throwing us under the bus", but, he said, "I was not happy with that."
Nevertheless, he did not resign or speak out because promises were made that it would not be a dump but a modern waste-management facility and the caucus was “encouraged to go along with it". Seymour said that it was not his decision to bring the landfill to the district and he wanted to make it clear he was not a supporter of the plan.
Support from his cabinet colleagues also appeared to be dwindling for the proposal to relocate the George Town landfill to the Midland Acres area of Bodden Town as part of the wider ForCayman Investment Alliance with Dart. Scotland said the negotiations regarding the proposed land swap regarding the landfill had stopped because government was no longer in a position to be able to move ahead, given that the election is less than seven weeks away.
Scotland implied that the situation was always merely a proposal that offered a solution to what continues to be a major issue and would now be a problem for the next administration, which he hoped they would tackle as soon as possible. Back-pedalling somewhat on his own support, Scotland admitted it was possible to fix the dump in George Town but it was the cost that was the problem. He said he was in favour of any solution that would address the issue that government could afford, as Mount Trashmore has continued to grow while successive administrations have been unable to find a solution.
The West Bay incumbent MLAs also hedged their position about the proposal. Rolston Anglin said there was “never a carte blanche approval for the facility”, adding that the people needed to be properly educated about the waste-management problem Cayman faced as many candidates were “talking garbage” about it. But whatever the next government decided to do, it had to have the support of the residents, even if that meant having to start a new site. Anglin said that, in his own opinion, he did not think it was feasible to tackle it via a waste-to-energy project on site, describing the concept of “dredging and burning” at the landfill as “foolhardy”.
His West Bay running mate, Cline Glidden, also distanced himself from the proposal and implied that the politicians were not the best people to decide on a waste-management solution because it was a complex science that may still take time to be solved, given the lack of financial resources available to government.
CIAA board over-stepped role
(CNS): Updated – The Cayman Islands Airport Authority (CIAA) Board went way beyond its stipulated role as an oversight body and interfered directly in the management of the facility, according to observations made by a government watchdog. Comments in the management letter last year which accompanied the CIAA financial accounts for the year ending 2011 reveal that the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) had raised concerns, not only about the board’s interference with the management, promotion and recruitment of staff, but a requirement imposed by the board on management that it must approve all of the businesses given work at the airport, which was described by the public auditors as a conflict of interest.
Last month former CEO Jeremy Jackson was sacked by the board following the exposure of a report undertaken by the members which documented a list of mismanagement and misuse of public money at the airport, from boozy lunches paid for on a government credit card to the failure to properly investigate the theft of tens of thousands of dollars of public money.
However, it appears that it was not only the civil servants who were failing to comply with the rules at the authority as the audit letter appears to raise significant questions about the board’s behaviour and its direct involvement in the day to day management of the airport.
In the management report, which was released to CNS following an FOI request, the OAG points to the separation of responsibilities between the board and management to ensure a good corporate governance framework.
“From our review of its minutes and our audit of operations, we found that the Board has engaged in an operational capacity beyond its role as an oversight body,” the report states. “The operations of the board create a conflict of interest that results in a significant breakdown of the organisation's management control framework. This has created a significant risk that decisions and transactions of the organisation could be conflicted or corrupt,” the auditors write.
From directors of the board sitting on procurement committees to the board’s approval for the promotion of staff or an increase in salaries, the auditors present a significant list of inappropriate interference by the board members.
The management letter also lists a number of other concerns of the auditors, including the failure of the airport management to properly tender all its contracts over $50,000, as well as the failure to have contracts signed. The auditors picked up on several discrepancies but also placed the board on notice that its decision to sign an exclusive talks deal with a Canadian company to redevelop the airport was unlawful and did not meet the requirements of the Public Management and Finance Law.
Following the catalogue of issues listed in this report and the document, which was leaked to the North Side MLA Ezzard Miller last month, that pointed to the possibility of a theft at the authority and abuse of office, the police had said no formal compliant had been made to them up to 20 March.
However the Anti-Corruption Commission said Thursday morning that a complaint had now been received.
"We can confirm that an allegation of corrupt behaviour as you describe has been received by the Anti- Corruption Commission. As with any allegation made to the Anti-Corruption Commission referencing corrupt behavior, the complaint is firstly registered, the details are then reviewed to determine the validity or otherwise of the accusations made and the existence of evidence as part of that process,” an ACC spokesperson stated.
See management letter below.
Related articles:
Airport board sacks Jackson (CNS, 1 March 2013)
Canadiansto build airport (CNS, 4 August 2011)
Man charged in $500k fraud
(CNS): Police confirmed Thursday that a 56-year-old man has been charged with fraud in relation to the theft of more than half a million dollars from a local financial firm. Michael Levitt, a former president of Rotary Sunrise, was arrested last month in relation to the white-collar crime after financial irregularities were uncovered at Solomon Harris during the law firm’s annual financial reporting process where the suspect had worked. An RCIPS spokesperson said the Canadian national has now been charged with two counts of theft, which occurred while he was employed by the local firm, and he is expected to appear in court later today.
Following Levitt’s arrest, the managing partner reassured clients that none of them were impacted by the fraud which was an internal issue only.
“We want to assure our clients that no clients have been impacted and that this is an internal issue only,” Managing Partner Sophia Harris said. “Solomon Harris had its strongest ever financial performance last year and this matter in no way affects the firm’s ongoing growth.”
Related articles:
Law firm says it will ‘aggressively’ pursue fraud case (CNS, 1 March 2013)
Miller takes to hustings in head to head fight
(CNS): The incumbent member in the district of North Side will be launching his election campaign Thursday evening in a political battle that many believed was not going to happen. Ezzard Miller had been expected to be returned on Nomination Day as it appeared no one was willing to go head to head with the populist representative, who is expected to be returned with a significant majority. However, in a last minute announcement, the beleaguered former MD of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Joey Ebanks, declared his intention to run against Miller on his Facebook page, despite being on police bail under suspicion of theft, drug offences and abuse of office.
Miller said he was in no doubt who is really behind Ebanks’ 11th hour decision to run against him but after four years of serving the district he is confident the people of North Side will return him to the Legislative Assembly. He said he would not allow the appearance of Ebanks on the political platform to distract him from the main issues, such as the high rate of unemployment among Caymanians when there are over 20,000 work permit holders, the need for a minimum wage and the pressing need to encourage local investment in the country.
However, Miller said he was expecting Ebanks to continue “sowing seeds of hatred” to detract from his own problems and believes that his opponent has been coaxed into the fight by former premier McKeeva Bush. Miller said he would be addressing this issue at his campaign launch because he was “one of only two people who have consistently stood up and exposed much of the mismanagement of his UDP government”.
Miller said it was no surprise that his political colleague, Arden McLean, was also in a head to head fight with a “controllable candidate” who has received the endorsement of the UDP leader, despite running on an independent ticket.
In his launch this evening Miller will be discussing the plans he has to continue the fight for the rights not just of North Siders but all Caymanians. He will not be offering any lavish refreshment, Miller told CNS, but he will be offering plain speaking about the future and what he hopes to achieve in the nextfour years for his district.
The meeting will take place at the Craddock Ebanks Civic Centre and will start at 8pm.
Leaks reveal secrets of the rich who hide cash offshore
(The Guardian): Millions of internal records have leaked from Britain's offshore financial industry, exposing for the first time the identities of thousands of holders of anonymous wealth from around the world, from presidents to plutocrats, the daughter of a notorious dictator and a British millionaire accused of concealing assets from his ex-wife. The leak of 2m emails and other documents, mainly from the offshore haven of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), has the potential to cause a seismic shock worldwide to the booming offshore trade, with a former chief economist at McKinsey estimating that wealthy individuals may have as much as $32tn (£21tn) stashed in overseas havens.
UCCI concert to raise funds for exchange programme
(CNS): The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) will host its third annual Spring Concert on Saturday, 13th April, at the UCCI Courtyard. The concert seeks to develop the talent of UCCI students while raising funds for the University College’s Cultural Exchange Programme with Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Local artists KK Alese, Glen Inanga, Cayman Swing Kings and InVerse Band are all set to appear in the variety show style concert, as well as a special presentation by students of George Town Primary school, who are participating in UCCI’s Performing Arts Outreach programme.
UCCI President, Mr. Roy Bodden, said, “This year’s Spring Concert takes the fledgling UCCI Performing Arts programme to a new level. It offers a positive opportunity for participants to show growth and development and to exhibit their professionalism.”
A new addition to the concert this year is the Mr. and Ms. UCCI competition awards, a search for students who embody the ideals of the University College. Finalists will be judged in three categories: Talent, Interview and Evening Wear. Winners will receive various prizes, including cash, airline tickets courtesy of Cayman Airways, handsets from Digicel, an iPad mini from Kirk Office Equipment, and gift certificates from the Ritz-Carlton, Westin Casuarina Resort, Hollywood Theaters, Off The Peg, Boutique Ziba, Wuave Boutique, Godfrey’s Enterprises and AL Thompson’s.
Contestants will be able to attend workshops on public speaking, personal grooming & style, building self-confidence and talent development.
UCCI is appealing to the community to support this event and the exchange programme, which is intended to develop individual talents, leadership skills and an appreciation of cultural identity.
Since its 2011 inception the Spring Concert has been supported by the Caymanian Compass, dms Broadcasting, High Impact Media, Kirk Market and Fosters Food Fair. The benefit concert is presented under the patronage of UCCI Board Chair, Mrs. Berna Cummins.
Special Olympians get a boost
(SOCI): The Red Sail Group of companies has donated CI$15,000 to support the efforts of Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI) in its mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults. The Red Sail Group has long been an advocate of the non-profit sports training program, which caters to athletes with intellectual disabilities from 8 years of age. Andrew Smilley, an employee of the Red Sail group, won gold in both the 200 meter individual medley and the 400 meter freestyle at the 2007 Special olympics World Summer Games, as well as the 1.5-kilometer open water swim at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece.
Rod McDowall, Operations Manager at The Red Sail Group, said, “Special Olympics Cayman Islands is a great program and we are happy to be in a position to support the athletes in our community and across the country. SOCI is consistently providing these children and adults alike with opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy; and The Red Sail Group is committed to encouraging their efforts”
Nick Freeland, Chairman of Special Olympics Cayman Islands, expressed his gratitude to The Red Sail Group for their generous donation. “Without the support of companies such as The Red Sail Group, we in turn would not be able to support our amazing athletes. We strongly believe that with sports training and competition, these children and adults lead fuller, more self-sufficient lives, and are able to achieve success on and off the field of competition”, commented Mr. Freeland.
The Red Sail Group also makes contributions to The Lighthouse School and various education programs in the community, through donations and employee volunteer programs.
Deputy governor enters fun run
(CICC): Deputy Governor Franz Manderson has pledged to participate in the first annual BDO Cadet Corps 5K Fun Run, set to take place Sunday April 7th. Manderson will also be the Official Patron of the event, which is intended to benefit the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps (CICC), a youth organisation for secondary school students between the ages of 12 and 17. The programme is designed to teach the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, responsibility and a sense of accomplishment, while instilling self-esteem, teamwork and self-discipline.
“As a participant and Patron, I am excited to be involved in the inaugural BDO Cadet Corps 10K and 5K run in support of Cayman Islands Cadet Corps,” said the Deputy Governor. “I encourage all civil servants to join in and do something positive for both their health and colleagues,” he added.
There is also a 10K format race, which allows entrants to participate as individuals as well as part of a team of four. The race is scored similarly to a cross country competition, where each runner completes the course, and the individual scores are added together to compile an overall team score. A children’s race is also scheduled to take place.
Mr. Manderson is hopeful the CICC run will appeal to civil servants. “I hope with initiatives such as this run, we can inspire Cayman to become more active,” said Mr. Manderson. “Introducing our youth and future leaders to the sport of running is something I’m passionate about and hope to see reflected especially through participation from our civil servants,” he said.
“BDO is delighted to provide support to the Cadet Corps”, said Director Russell Smith, adding, “With the assistance of organizers, Race Caribbean, BDO Cayman is confident the inaugural race will be a tremendous success, and the Cadet Corps’ event will become a key fixture in the annual sporting calendar.”
The event is also supported by Tower Marketing and Caribbean Creations. Organisers are seeking additional funds from the local business community, who can email jenna@tower.com.ky for information about sponsorship opportunities. Runners can register online at caymanactive.com or visit cadetcorpsrun.ky for more information.
Christian denied appeal
(CNS): The first casualty of the election has expressed his disappointed that he was disqualified without being given the chance to challenge the decision. Richard Christian told CNS that the Elections Office prematurely released the statement about his removal from the Bodden Town ballot paper, even though he had been advised he still had until 4 April to appeal the decision through the courts. Christian, a former member of the UDP, had resigned from the party and was hoping to campaign on the People’s National Alliance ticket with the incumbent members of the minority government. The decision to disqualify him was made by the district’s returning officer because he has a valid US passport, which is not permitted under the constitution.
Admitting that the end result could still have been the same, Christian said he was not offered the opportunity to state his case, which he believes is valid, before the statement was released by the office. After he received the letter setting out the reason for his disqualification, he had told the Elections Office that he would be seeking legal advice.
“I do not agree with the disqualification,” Christian said, as he pointed to Section 61 (2) (b), which defines that he is qualified, adding that there is a contradiction between 61 (2) (b) and 62 (1) (a). “I qualify to be elected as my citizenship is by birth and I have a Caymanian parent/grandparent, but yet I'm disqualified because I renewedand travelled on my US passport at age of majority,” he said, noting that he had first obtained a US passport when he was a minor.
However, the constitution states that the renewal of a passport of another country after the age of majority, which in Cayman is 18, is a voluntary allegiance to another country, which has to lapse before a qualified Caymanian can be eligible.
Nevertheless, Christian said that he has to travel on a US passport into the US as he cannot get a visa for his Cayman passport.
“I was advised some time ago by US officials that I am a US citizen and have to use my US passport when traveling there. That is the US law; I cannot change that. I cannot simply surrender my US passport; I would have to renounce my citizenship. But section 61 (2) (b) does not require me to,” Christian claimed, despite the constitution’s position on the holding of a second citizenship. Christian argued that the constitution only requires eligible candidates to renounce their citizenship if they were born in Cayman and then went on to obtain another citizenship by their own act.
“To me that is a contradiction of the law and it needs to be clarified,” he said.
Christian said Cayman is the only home that he knows. “My mother, father, sisters and grandparents, with one exception, are all born Caymanians. My wife and children are also born Caymanians and a majority of my family reside here. I have never voted, paid taxes, worked or own any property in the US,” he said, adding that if he had clearly known that he had to give up his US citizenship to run for election, he would have done so months ago.
“I had spoken with US officials on a visit they made to Cayman to meet with US citizens at the Marriott Hotel last year and I attended for the sole purpose to ask them on the procedure to renounce my citizenship. However, after looking at the Cayman Constitution I saw that it was not required in my instance,” the would-be politician stated.
Christian said he was seeking legal advice on whether to challenge the disqualification because of what he said was the Election Office’s failure to allow him the seven day window to appeal before publicly declaring him disqualified. “That is a clear violation of my rights,” Christian stated and said that he would make a decision shortly on his next move.
Although Christian is the only candidate that has been declared disqualified by the Elections Office, questions relating to dual nationality, residency periods prior to election and even candidate's convictions are still raising questions about some of the 57 candidates still expected to be involved in the political race for office.
C4C targets appliances in anti-corruption campaign
(CNS): Despite the question marks raised over the so-called ‘treating’ by their endorsed candidates at a recent rally in George Town, the Coalition for Cayman is launching an anti-corruption campaign to persuade voters not to sell their votes. With years of speculation that politicians have been guilty of supplying voters with refrigerators, microwaves and other electrical appliances in the run up to past elections, the coalition said Wednesday that the country could no longer let politicians continue to grow a culture of corruption. The advertising campaign will consist of television and radio ads titled “Appliances”, in which C4C urges the Caymanian voters not to sell their vote for an appliance or a frozen turkey.
“As an advocate for good government, Coalition for Cayman believes the first step to restoring the public’s trust in our democracy is ending the dishonest practice of vote buying,” said officials from C4C. “The fact is, trading your vote is not only illegal it also allows unethical politicians to grow a culture of corruption in our government. As an advocacy group, our role is to protect the future of Cayman by supporting and promoting Country First leadership, and electing the right leaders begins by electing honest leaders,” the group added.
The Elections Office has said that it will be paying close attention to the continued allegations of corruption during this year’s campaign, which has begun with a ban on entertainment and catering at public meetings in order to prevent the lavish parties and pre-election rallies that have become part of the local campaigns. In addition, the office said it would be watching out for any form of inducement, vote buying or undue influence.
The C4C launched its campaign against the political system rather than the behaviour of specific politicians and blamed parties for the development of corruption. There are many who disagree with that position, including local political experts who have pointed out that during the days of loose affiliations and teams corruption was very much a part of the campaigns as well as the horse trading for Cabinet positions after the result. It was at that point that candidates would wheel and deal to cobble together governments, picking the leaders and ministers after the election.
Given the events of the last four years, many say that corruption in government and local politics is at the hands of individual politicians, and while voters may be frustrated with the political choices before them, they also see corruption and mismanagement in the local government administrative system as well as among the elected officials.
A copy of the “Appliances” television ad can be viewed on the C4C website here.