UDP official breaks HC code
(CNS): The deputy chair of the United Democratic Party, who is the honorary consul for Jamaica, appears to be breaking an international code that governs the special diplomatic post by becoming so closely aligned with a political party. Dr Joseph Marzouca, who was appointed to represent Jamaica in Cayman two years ago, took up the official position with the UDP earlier this year and has been appearing on the political platform ever since. However, according to the honorary consul international code, those holding the post should be “apolitical” and the doctor’s position has been questioned by an election candidate as well as Jamaicans resident in Cayman.
The incumbent independent member for North Side, Ezzard Miller, told CNS that he had serious concerns about the issue as it could have negative implications for Jamaican-Caymanian relations locally.
“Since the appearance of Dr Joseph Marzouca on the UDP platform at the National Launch in George Town and the announcement that he had been appointed as the party’s deputy chair in the capital, I have received calls from a number of Jamaicans in Cayman whoare concerned about the potential backlash against their community. They believe the UDP and its candidates are trying to use the Jamaican voters in Cayman to out vote Caymanians and win the election,” said Miller, as he pointed to the influential position Marzouca has, given his role as honorary consul.
“That will cause greater resentment from Caymanians against the Jamaicans, which is already a potential problem in the country,” Miller added. “My question is, who are the UDP candidates campaigning to represent if they cannot rely on Caymanians to get them elected?” he asked. “The fact that the doctor is the duly appointed honorary representative in Cayman, appointed by the Jamaican Foreign Affairs Ministry to deal with all Jamaicans living here, he should be bound by the code of ethics which states clearly that they should remain apolitical,” Miller said.
The international code, agreed by the Federation of Consuls in Milan three years ago and posted below, states: “Honorary Consul should be apolitical in their words and deeds. They should not act or use official resources in a way that betrays bias in favour or against a political party of the receiving or sending State. Honorary Consuls should not join any political party in the receiving State or take active part in the affairs or programmes of any such political party.”
Following Miller's comments to CNS this week, a number of Jamaicans confirmed that this was a “real concern” as it gave a clear impression that not only is the UDP directly courting the local Jamaican vote but it implies that all Jamaicans are supporting the UDP, which is not necessarily the case.
“The fact that many of the new voters in both the capital and Bodden Town are Jamaicans who were granted status in 2003 is likely to stir up arguments in the community about the Jamaican community’s influence on Cayman and presents a distorted image that the Jamaicans may even control the election result,” a prominent member of the Jamaican community told CNS on condition of anonymity. “Whether it is right or wrong, this will further fuel the distrust between the Caymanian population and the Jamaicans. Given that many Caymanians have turned their back on the UDP because of recent history and the allegations surrounding the former premier, if the UDP is returned on 22 May, regardless of the accuracy, this overt courting of the Jamaican vote will be seen as outside influence impacting Cayman politics,” she added.
Asked by CNS if he felt he was conflicted in anyway given his position or if he wished to comment on the questions about his role with the UDP, Dr Marzouca told CNS Tuesday evening that he did not wish to comment at that time.
CNS also contacted the Jamaican Foreign Affairs Ministry, which appoints honorary consul, and is waiting for a response.
Category: Politics
The Doctor should know better, he left Jamaica because the island went to hell from years of corruption, so he should have no part in promoting corruption here.
Most Jamaicans over here are here because they do not want to live under corruption and poverty and the rational behavior would be not to support anything or anyone who may be corrupt.
Right?
The Jamaicans living here and the new Jamaican -Caymanians need to remember that they too live here.. You too will be effected by what happens here
Thats my 2cents
A truly newsworthy headline would be something like "UDP official complies with the law – and not be accident"
Ezzard & Arden the only opposition for the past 4 years
I am saddened to say it but I think that this entire "party" system has gone too far. I feel that we need to just step away from the 'leaders' and the colours and the agendas and the egos and simply get back to doing what is best for the country.
They are divided and distracted from what NEEDS TO BE DONE. We need to focus on a GROUP of people who will not just stand behind the pack and keep hushed if they see wrong being done. FOUR years, EIGHT years, TWELVE years is too long to start to "dish the dirt" that was going on behind the scenes. We need a GROUP of people who are willing to work TOGETHER, collectively for 1 common interest: Cayman Islands' well-being. Enough of the opposition and the corruption and the disfunction.
We have seen UDP gain and lose members. Those who have strayed are under attack and are attacking the same ones that they defended to the end of the earth.
We have seen PPM gain and lose members. Those who have strayed are under attack and are attacking the same ones that they defended to the end of the earth.
We have seen Independent candidates choose sides this time around simply because they feel that they need to join either party just to get elected and that my friends is just down right LOW.
We need a fresh start. No mud slinging and no tell tales. What we need is a real better was FORWARD!
Resign Marzouca! If you'd rather be involved in politricks then step down from the consul for Jamaica. If you'd rather be Jamaica's consul, then step down as deputy chair of the UDP. You CANNOT be both. Act quickly before you are forced out of one or the other.
We must remember the masses who put Michael Manley in power because of his promises to them. The Jamaican masses that we have in cayman are from the same way of thinking – and their vote has the same power. SO CAYMANIANS GET OUT AND VOTE EN MASSE ON MAY 22nd AND CHANGE THIS AWFUL WIND THAT HAS BEEN BLOWING CAYMAN FOR TOO LONG. YOU CAN BE SURE THE JAMAICANS WILL VOTE.
"The Jamaican masses that we have in cayman are from the same way of thinking"
How dare you? Would it be true to say that "The Caymanian masses that we have in Cayman are from the same way of thinking as the UDP because THEY voted him in the last time"?
Use any other scare tactic but lying on my heritage please. Thanks!
NB: "Cayman" should be written in upper case as proper grammer and respect dictates.
As a born Caymanian who grew up and was educated in Jamaica, I am as Jamaican as any Jamaican, except by birth.
Marzouca is taking the pi** !
In Jamaican politiics, that kind of thing leads to bloodshed…and he very well knows it.
The UK has not brought McKeeva Bush up on corruption charges only for the reasons and incidents for which he has been charged….there is a whole lot more going on there.
Under him, Cayman is heading in the same direction that Jamaica has, politically…
And the ensuing results will not be long in coming if Cayman's voters do not REJECT him…
Forever !
Some Jamaicans are nice people and educated. Some not so much those are the ones that don't understand . This was the reason for a quota system ,all countries have one even the USA.
When a country has too many of its own people in a new country it could cause a problem . If they change Cayman to Jamaica then what was the point to leave there? Remember it was the status grants that basically put us in this problem to begin with. The jamaican population could virtually grow to a 100,000 by next year. The crime would quadruple and the rich will leave again.
But what do you expect tho? Jamaica is next door to us and so will have a large population here, can you imagine if it were the Philipines or near the billion mark populated nation of India next door to us,can you really imagine what would happen to Cayman then?
Jamaicans, Mexican, Barbadian, Trinidadian, etc…. We can work and co exist. The issue is when you have party politics similar to Jamaica, that’s when issues are going to occur like gun battle against each party group or clashes at rallies.
I am really disappointed with Dr. Marzouca knowing well what party politics bring considering this was for the same reason he left his beloved country. So I wonder why he would want this for his children and grand children here in cayman?
For whatever your ulterior motives are remember your children children will be here in cayman well after you and this party politics have destroyed our little paradise.
Thank you Ezzard for once again bringing an important issue to the public forum.
We the people of the Cayman Islands have a right to demand that representatives of other countries do not use their position to influence local politics…
Courting the vote of all people who are eligible to vote including jamaicans seems like pretty smart politics to me ! There’s a word for people who dislike others because of their national or ethnic origin… There’re called bigots ..synonymous with discrimination and racism!!!
But most of all … Stupid!!!!!!
This is only an issue because Jamaicans are not welcome in Cayman
If that were true there would not be 10,000 of them – 3 times as many as the next largest group.
Actually, there are now at least 20,000 (but who's counting – certainly not immigration or the Government. There are 8,000 on work permits alone plus about 10,000 as a direct result of cabinet status grants + PR holders (+overstayers, unregistered dependents, northward inmates etc.)
It is an issue because it is wrong for an honorary consul to be deputy chairman of a political party in the host country.
Why is it that UDP supporters have so much difficulty distinguishing right from wrong?
How are Jamaicans allowed to vote??? Isn't it bigotry to say that these people are Jamaicans and not Caymanian? A bit off topic but something I noticed…
Nowadays you can vote on the basis of Caymanian status and so can be a Jamaican national (but not a BOTC) and vote. Regardless of status, Jamaicans never see themselves as anything other than Jamaican. Hope that clears it up for you.
This is an obvious attempt by Mac and crewto get the Jamaican vote. A few days ago in his new church in the swamp the Pastor said ” all who are not Jamaican please stand” Mac kept sitting the Pastor repeated the same thing again and then he said Mr. Bush in case you didn’t hear me all who are not Jamaican please stand and Mac kept seated and the the Pastor said “see Mr. Bush considers himself to be Jamaican” too bad he didn’t decide to go to Jamaica and stand for public office since he seems to be more interested in their well being than the Caymanaians who he is asking to represent.
Firstly, as a Jamaican Caymanian, I’m ashamed that Dr. Marzouca would betray the trust of whichhe was given by the Jamaican government to represent Jamicans in an unbiased way and his blatant abuse and disregard for the office he holds in Cayman. We all know that the UDP is wooing the Jamaican vote because Caymanians are sick and tired of corruption. But news flash…if the UDP gets in and things continue to slide and crime increases, it’s the Jamaicans who will be blamed as it is their norm for the UDP to not accept any blame, but throw others under the bus.
Secondly, as far as the signage on the Swamp church goes, if the UDP does not fully understand democracy and respect the separation of church and state, then surely the pastor of the church, who we look up to for moral and spiritual guidance, should know better, considering the charges now levelled on the leader of the UDP, unless of course, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL…is no longer a big deal.
All dis talk bout following rules nuttin but Pure Bureaucratic Arrassment,
LOL – this is funny "Jamaican voters" outvote Caymanians. Either you are a 10th generation Caymanian and thats the only judge or we are all Caymanians.
If Marzouca is not in accordance make him step down but crying foul because McKeeva is winning a voter block that others arent trying to appeal to and talking about out voting and stealing the election is ridiculous.
You are making the UDP job even easier by that sort of attack.
I would be interested to hear Mr. Hamatay's view's on this…
I would also like to hear the UDP's view on this as well – very much appreciated.
Is there a difference?
How I sse it UDP- C4C-PNA are all one birds a feather regardless which one of these get it it will be a UDP Governement .
The ONLY ones you can be certain are NOT UDP are the PPM, all others you just cant be sure, except Ezzard and Arden
The Jamaicans I know are just like everyone else — they see the damage this current administration has done to the country and will correct it if they can. There is good and bad with every collection of people; if someone — from any nation — has come here and gained the privilege to work and live here, their goals are the same as native Caymanians: to preserve that which is sacred, and to expunge that which is toxic.
Hope you are right. Now prove it on May 22nd.
I hope you are right but in my experience 90% of Jamaicans support McKeeva and the UDP. Arrest made no difference, charges made no difference and I doubt that conviction would make a difference.
The Jamaican population played and will play a major role in electing the UDP, that is why Mac gave them status in 2003. Because he can control them and they are dependent upon him. The Social Service department is like their personal bank account, he has imported poverty and he made them Caymanians which now in turn we feel the burden because we have to provide social assistance, jobs, housing, school etc. And the majority in turn will vote for him as repayment. Similar to Obama legalizing millions of illegals it is all about political control, they know how to repay him keep voting for the DEMS you will never see a REP President again, after what he want to do.
Mac biggest churches are the two in swamp and on eastern avenue with the congregation being jamacian, that’s where all our hard working money is! All for vote buying ! I heard there is 8000 jamacians registered to vote! Who you think they voting for and why!
The elections roles did not increase that much, no where near 8000 for any group other than the Caymanians that have been here and voting for years, plus add in the young Caymanian first time voters and Jamaican/Caymanians are still well out numbered, THIS time around. Your first paragraph was spot on for far too many Jamaicans. Let's hope the good Jamaicans have some sway and can put some good sense into their more hard headed countrymen and women.
As a Jamaican "refugee' that arrived on these shores in the very early 70s, I can tell you that the Cayman political scene of late has a scary Michael Manly ring to it! Those who felt it will know exactly what I mean. This is NOT the sort of political fraction we should be trying to emulate. Sad to say but Jaymanians appear to be running the show this go round and could quite possibly cause UDP to win this election. Be very carful Caymanians – these Jaymanians could trump your wishes. I do not like what I'm hearing nor seeing. I hope I'm wrong but….
Well said 13:20, our politics have had a Jamaican "ring" to them ever since the introduction of political parties, and people are too blind to acknowledge it.
I really wish that Jamaicans would realize that McKeeva do not really care about them but instead, he realized that they were the next largest group of people in Cayman, so in looking ahead, he decided to start campaigning from 2003 to let them believe that he really cared for them in order to get their support in 2013!!! Wake up Jamaicans, he is only using you to stay in power so he can continue with his foolishness and he will not stop until he gets Cayman in the mess that Jamaica is in!! Anyone who wants Cayman to remain a beautiful place to live and work, better join in with the Caymanians who knows what McKeeva is aiming for and make sure he does not have his way!! For those of you who might not know what he is aiming for, I will give you a hint – he is aiming for Cayman to become just like Jamaica!!! If you think that is not a bad thing, my question would be, why don't most Jamaicans want to go back there to live? If you do think that it is a bad thing,then get on board with helping to make sure McKeeva do not get back in power!!!! ALL Caymanians (status holders included) should be working together for the better of Cayman for all our children and grand children!!! Don't be fooled by anyone who puts their political interests first!! If he could have loaned status instead of giving them, trust me when I say he would have, because then those people would have been dependent on him. Caymanians and Jamaicans need to unite more to show him that his tactics of pitting us against each other is not working!!!! God help us all if McKeeva gets back in power, but luckily enough, I honestly believe that we have more sensible people than not, so the chances are slim!!
Quite right. Screwed up your country with corruption and political cronyism and then fled to Cayman for a better life. Now you're trying to do the same damn thing here. History repeating itself. WHY CAN'T WE LEARN BY OTHERS MISTAKES. Geeze.
15.48, I don't see Jamaicans doing anything bad…I see a mad power hungry Caymanian probably bribing and conjoling them to do something bad…
Totally agree…terryfying future.
So I ask MacKeeva and his UDP disciples.
What are you offering the Jamaicans in return for their votes.
Will you give them our jobs.
Will you give them our property.
Will you give them our social services money.
Will you give their dependents from Jamaica Status.
Will you give them immunity from deportation when released from Northward.
Will you give them Cayman to ruin like they did their own country.
Tell us Mac…WHAT have you promised these people THAT YOU CAN'T DO FOR CAYMANIANS….?
Anyone with 2 marbles between their ears and blood in their veins
do not respect this mun.
Me say the world is spinning around and ya people turning thse Islands upside down. LOve one another in the name of Jah!
I’m sure all of the well-thinking Jamaicans who came to Cayman in the 70’s because of the way Ja was heading must be having some very familiar but uncomfortable memories right now – actually for sometime now. I had in-laws who came Cayman at that time and their stories were not nice. Unfortunately they sounded very much like what we’re seeing and hearing from the UDP. Please, please let us break this stranglehold with our vote on May 22nd.
I do wish persons from foreign lands who come to live here would exercise a little more dererence and respect towards the people of Cayman, in particular accepting that there are some areas they have no business sticking their oar into. The chief one of these is local politics. A Caymanian? Don't be daft. The gentleman's about as "Caymanian" as I am and I've been married to a real one for the past thirty-four years. How can anyone from another country fail to bring anything other than their own perspectives and values to the table? It's impossible, which is why it is totally inappropriate, in my opinion, to get involved in politics to the extent that this gentleman has done. He can have his views, of course he can, and he can vote for whoever he feels can do a good job, but I reckon that should (by choice) be the extent of it. I have no right to impose my perspectives and values on the Caymanian people (as distinct a people as one could ever come across, by the way) anymore than he has. But maybe there are those who disagree and think that I have every right to do so?
He's been married to a "real one" for about the same amount of time. Check your facts before weighing in.
13.08 if expats don't ask questions then who will? A lot of Caymanians seem to have lost interest in their own future…but I hope they prove me wrong..agreed that he should not be HC if this is true…that none of us can do unless we get full status.
If you choose to sit in a country and not have a voice or take interest in the country’s affairs, in spite of having citizenship for that country, then that is your choice. Dr. Marzouca is doing what any responsible citizen (a citizen who cares) would do. We all live here. We are all affected by the county’s policies and so every person, whether Caymanian by birth or any other means, has the right to get involved in politics, if he or she chooses to do so. I am from Jamaica, I am married to a Caymanian and I care. I refuse to bury my sentiments about this election. I care about this country as I care about the future of my CAYMANIAN children, myself and my Caymanian husband. This anti-Jamaican sentiment has got to stop as it is not helping to attract voters for the other parties. I wish that people overseas would read these comments and see the gross disrespect that Jamaicans have had to face here, in spite of all the work we have done to build this country up. Who teaches your kids how to read, build your homes and buildings, care for your kids so that you can go out and work, protect you from harm each day, care for you when you are sick, sells you your medicine, supports your stores, provide rental income for your families, work in your stores, preside as judges over your cases, prosecute your criminals, preach the Gospel to you to save your souls and the list goes on? JAMAICANS. You guys are so busy hating Jamaicans, that you are not even seeing that you are second class citizens in your own country. Take a look at the people who NEVER have employment problems, who are getting all the top jobs and who are REALLY living the good life in Cayman. It is not you and it is not us either. Focus on them. They are the ones that are REALLY taking over Cayman-not us. They are buying you up, bit by bit and yet so much energy is being wasted attacking us. Also, you guys are busy bashing “Jamaican-style” politics, yet are so eager to borrow all our policies on social and educational reform. Take a look at your minister of education, all of his so-called “new” ideas were borrowed from Jamaica.
you and Marzouca are entitled to do just that and have a voice. HOWEVER, the point is that before he does so he should do the right thing and give up his post as consular. This is not a difficult issue as he does a grave injustice to the position and its purpose by compromising its ability to be effective in the event that the UDP doesnt win.
You took the words out of my mouth. Excellent point.
All of this "hating Jamaicans" rhetoric is so overblown. There is nothing wrong with taking or accepting good things from Jamaica and refusing the bad. Because we learn from your good policies does not mean that we should not learn to stay away from your bad politics.
You are talking about "laws". These do not apply to the UDP in the same way as they apply to everyone else.
How does this fiasco line up with the UDP's Code of Ethics? ROTFLMBO!!!
For he misinformed Dr Marzouca is an honorary Consul ,not council ! In his consular position his primary responsibility is to represent the interests of Jamaicans in the Cayman Islands! The fact that he supports a political group that is sympathetic to the Jamaican people’s connection and interests in the Cayman Islands would seem to be complementary to his consular role!
Do I detect a bit of political jealousy on the part of his detractors here?
Ummm…before your you start labelling us as misinformed please read the article and the linked document. It refers to Guidelines for HONORARY Consuls.
Jamaicans are merely one part of our population so, even if, as you suggest, the UDP is working in the best interests ofJamaicans, that is not necessarily working in the best interests of Cayman.
Your posts only underlines the depth of the problem.
Maybe Ezzard's just pissed because he didn't get VIP tickets to see Bolt run tonight?
The UDP promoting the false idea that other political groups are against Jamaicans is exactly what is pitting Jamaicans against Caymanians.
This is going to get ugly.
Oh, please. The rollover policy was primarily aimed at Jamaicans and one of the forgers of that law publicly admited as much years ago.
The visa requirement pushed by the PPM was also aimed primarily at Jamaicans.
This has been ugly for years and it has nothing to do with the UDP's currently election campaign.
If Jamaicans are pitted against Caymanians, it's solely because of the way they've been treated and exploited here for decades.
please do not rewrite history. The roll over was passed in 2003 by the UDP. Sherri went to every law firm and major business and told them it was intended for the Jamaicans and the firms didnt have to worry about it! Under that Law those that had already been here had a phased in period of up to 5 yrs to apply for PR and those that were new had 7 yrs to stay and then leave or apply for Key. When the PPM took over in 2007 the Roll over Law was starting to impact people who were here when the 2003 law took effect and had failed to apply for PR etc. The PPM should have done something constructive to bring the law to an end and they failed to do so. Mac and Sherri were warned that the rollover would have dire consequences for the Islands and they went ahead and implemented it. These are facts!!! If you want proof, ask Sherri about why the law firms were all given exempted positons for all of their lawyers in their business staffing plans right after the UDP passed the Law in 2003.
1. What you call the "Rollover policy" was actually the term limits imposed in the Immigration Law which was passed into law by the UDP administration in 2003. However, you are right that the UDP intended to apply it against Jamaicans. A certain high ranking member of the UDP went around telling the financial sector not to worry since this was only intended for the Jamaicans and they would be given exemptions. Relatively few Jamaicans work in the financial sector. When the new govt. came into power they found certain firms had already been given "exemptions". That is a fact.
2. The PPM applied term limits across the board according to the law which the UDP had passed (with their support) with no special exemptions for any industry or nationality. It affected everyone equally whether you were from the Australia or Zimbabwe. In no way,shape or form was it directed against Jamaicans.
3. Visa for Jamaicans is a national security issue which did not start or end with the PPM administration. If it was a PPM issue why wasn't it abolished once the UDP came to power? It's not just a Cayman issue either. Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI and TCI all have visas in place for Jamaicans. Was the PPM also responsible for their respective policies?
Don't let hatred blind you to the facts.
Add to that that the Immigration Regulations passed by the UDP in 2004 provided for points to be deducted for permanent residence if you were from Jamaica. The PPM boards refused to enforce that and the PPM govt. changed the Regulations. All facts. Check them out. Jamaicans are being used by the UDP.
Ironic..Jamaicans following years of political corruption had to escape the dangerous country they created.
They found a haven in Cayman, and are all busy now doing the same to Cayman, by attaching themselves to politicians who will sell their soul and country for a vote to keep them in power.
How can any thinking person not see now that a vote for the UDP is a vote for Jamaicanisation of our beloved Isle Cayman.
And you really wonder why Jamaicans support the udp? At the core of the PPM's base is an anti-jamaican sentiment that EVERY jamaican or anyone who has family ties to Jamaicans can feel.
12:55, we don't ever want Jamaican style politics in Cayman, period.
One only has to look where that got Jamaica. If Cayman goes further down that path, you can kiss Cayman goodbye, guaranteed, and if you can't see that, you have been looking into the sun too long hoping for some miracle to fall out of the sky.
And seeing as i am married to a Jamaican, you can keep the anti-Jamaican rant for someone else.
There is no anti-Jamaican sentiment to the PPM. Mr. Kurt Tibbetts, the first leader of the party, lived in Jamaica for many years and may have even been born there, so why would he be anti-Jamaican?
The anti-Jamaican sentiment you speak of is found in every country where Jamaicans have settled because for the most part, they have brought guns, drugs, and violence along with them. Unfortunately, many Jamaicans tend to ignore the actions of many of their countrymen, and stick their heads in the sand.
what an assinine comment; need I say more?!
We know why. Same reason as the dependent West Bayers who care not one wit about corruption or what is in the best interests of this country so long as they hope to get some personal advantage.
Please don't make statements about what EVERY Jamaican feels. There are quite a number of Jamaicans who are sensible to see that a vote for MCKeeva's UDP is a vote to destroy this country and love it enough that they don't want that to happen. I have a number of family members who are Jamaican.
BTW PPM and UDP are not your only choices this time around.
You obviously didnt listen to Alva Suckoo last night. He publicly stated that the PPM is not anti Jamaican or any nationality, that they do not preach politics of division and that he was inviting all the NEW Caymanians to join them in making Cayman better for everyone.
He also reminded all new Caymanians of their obligations to do what is best for Cayman and not the UDP!
Thank God we have him on one side because with Chris, Theresa, Mark and Jon Jon trying to divide us and choosing to side with the "Jamaicans" I can see where we are heading! Folks Garrison politics have arrived right here in Cayman.
Please make note, it was all of these so called honest UDP politicians who brought it here,
To all of the new Jamaican Caymanians, please answer Mr Suckoos call to do the RIGHT thing!
Well keep it up…and you will have Jamaica all over again!
Oh please! The UDP doesn’t care about Jamaicans. They just know the vast majority if yardies are easily manipulated and uneducated just like the caymanian UDP supporters. The same garrison politics tricks that work on low paid, uneducated and struggling yardies will never fail. All a con man needs is a few idiots to get what he wants. The UDP only cares about creating a welfare state to keep people down and not created opportunity. Basically they trying to turn us in to Jamaic, the country you love but run from. It’s only the Jamaican politicians I see wanting to stay a yard true they have nuff ediat if keep dem belly full.
The PRogressives have NEVER once said anything against Jamaicans. All of the educated and good Jamaicans in Cayman know this. Caymanians can’t go to jamaica to live and demand what many Jamaicans come to cayman and expect. Learn to respect another mans country and culture before try to shove yours down the throat of the people who’s country you are a guest. And if you were given status (especially during Mckeevas great sell out) try so so some appreciation and respect to the country you know get your paycheck in and respect her people. The world doesn’t revolve around you. Yuh too boasy. chu!
Caymanians and Jamaicans got along fine before the new breed of yardies got status. And the UDP divided the whole country.
I hate to point this out to you…BUT…Cayman was once… a dependency of…Jamaica. So all yourblathering on about the "Jamaicanisation" of Cayman is a little late Jamaicans probably have more right to be on Cayman than say Michael Ryan or Dart. Besides, Jamaica has enough problems.
You spout total nonsense. Cayman was never a dependancy of Jamaica. Jamaica was a Crown Colony. Cayman was a Crown Colony (still is). ENGLAND (not Jamaica) administered Cayman from Kingston for administrative convenience. Cayman was administered by the British, never by Jamaicans. Stop re-writing history to suit your political ambitions.
You're splitting hairs my friend Wikipedia: The Cayman Islands were officially declared and administered as a dependency of Jamaica from 1863, but were rather like a Parish of Jamaica. In 1959, upon the formation of the Federation of the West Indies the dependency status with regards to Jamaica ceased officially although the Governor of Jamaica remained the Governor of the Cayman Islands and had reserve power over the Islands.
The most disturbing thing about this whole thread are the overtones of "Omigod it's the Jamaicans!!! Run for cover!! When in reality the concern should be aimed at the frightening prospect of another UDP government. Or any other government which is corrupt. This does not excuse the honorary consul, and his political affiliations of course and he shouldn't be allowed to do so. But voting people of Jamaican heritage should be given some credit for not falling for it the same way voters of Caymanian heritage should be. Otherwise it is racist and non-productive. And disracts from the real issue.
No hair splitting. Jamaica did not exist other than as a crown Colony in 1863. Also, as a white Jamaican and given your obvious connotation that all Jamaicans are black, I have to assume the only racist is you!
Wikipedia, the be all and end all to facts……smh
That is pure distortion. The overall tone to this thread is 'the Jamaicans may make it more likely that the UDP, whom many Caymanians regard as corrupt, will be returned to power'. It is a simple fact that 90% of Jamaicans in Cayman support the UDP. Nothing racist about that.
Cayman was never aparish, or like a parish, of Jamaica. That is pure nonsense.
I hate to point it out to you but Jamaica was once an overseas territory. Due to size and resources Britan developed Jamiaca first. So yes many people sailed to Jamica for medical care and such so we were essentially sister islands under mother England. But When Jamaica commited suicide an went independent Caymanians didn't bother to follow Jamaica.
So essentialy we depended on a British Jamiaca and didn't bother with a Jamaicanized Jamiaca.
Now Jamaica needs us.
Cayman is not Jamaica. While we have certain things in common, Jamaica has, and has always had, a separate culture. Jamaicans do not have any greater "right" to be here than anyone else. That is the problem – an entitlement mentality.
The relationship between the UK, Jamaica and Cayman was as follows: Mother, Big Sister, and Little Sister. Big Sister looked after Little Sister while Mother was at work. Big Sister is not Little Sister and Little Sister is not Big Sister. Little Sister did not belong to Big Sister. Got it?
Here is a lesson in History: – England took formal control of the Cayman Islands under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670. The Cayman Islands became an official dependency of Jamaica in 1863 but were mostly self-governed. When the Federation of the West Indies was formed Cayman ceased to be a dependency of Jamaica (1959), however the Governor of Jamaica (Queens representative) remained the Govenor of the Cayman Islands with special powers over the islands. Jamaica's choice of independence in August of 1962 saw the Cayman Islands severing ties and choosing to remain a Crown Colony. During the time that Cayman was a dependency of Jamaica, Jamaica too was a colony of England. Let's not get carried away with who belongs or has more rights to the Cayman Islands. In every country there are indigenous people and people with acquired citizenship. Each and everyone is entitled to the same things within the laws of the land.
Cayman was administered not ruled under Jamaica…They were both Colonies under British rule,Jamaica chose independence……..Independence from Prosperity..!!
Perhaps you should read the attached Guidelines forHonorary Consuls. Paragraph 6 on page 5 under the heading Poltics will explain. Should you require further clarity on the matter then I humbly suggest you ask for an explanation.
again another crazy response! How can you represent the interests of the Jamaican people in Cayman as a 'consular' whilst you actively represent a party that could end up at any point in time not being the ruling government! So what happens if the UDP loses? How will he then represent the interest of the Jamaicans as an unbiased jamaican consular?! it is for that reason that he should respect his post and the protocol and NOT become politcal whilst being a consular. An earlier post said it best, this is the same man who thought he should sit on the Business staffing board whilst being the jamaican consular. He clearly sees nothing wrong when he is doing something very wrong and please dont encourage him.
No, just the sound of people scratching their heads at your contention that there isn't a problem here. With all due respect, I reckon you don't understand what "apolitical" means and how by refusing to abide by this requirement Dr.Marzouca has made his position untenable. He's got to remain neutral in order to be able to represent all Jamaicans without any suspicion that he might be more helpful towards those who support the UDP and/or less helpful towards those who do not.
Surely this is not the same dr Marzouca who was involved with Delroy Howells, a close confidant of one machevva bush. Beware my friends. I suggest you goggle these names which leads all the way back to the TCI. It is not good. I just wonder if RCIP are on to this. Well they certainly have notice now!!
Sorry, no original signature so we just ignore it – Attorney General’s orders.
There are none so blind as those who will not see.
Well, that's news – NOT. The UDP and it's cronies never follow the rules or laws. Having said that, we appreciate you bringing it to our attention CNS, you are the best!
This is my 2nd comment on this thread. Gosh.
This is a ploy by McKeeva & His crew of minions!
When I listened to their National Launch which was at A L Thompson's recently- all of them got up on that platform and chanted something in patios. Saying- you and I are equal. We are one. Don't yousee?
All I gathered was them saying how them other ones don't like Jamaicans. Exactly what does that do?? Pit the 2 nationalities against each other!!!
…I have Jamaican blood running through my veins strong, and I'll say this, give our indigenous Caymanians a damn chance! Let the jamaicans take the back burner for once! This is our COUNTRY. & if McKeeva can't get in off of mostly indigenous Caymanians votes- He is not for CAYMAN!!!!
On another note. They harping about helping Caymanians find jobs, wtf ya'll bring in this key employee BS?! Send them people HOME! If they are in these positions for eternity how in God's name we expect our Caymanian people below them to go anywhere?! It's all a scheme Cayman. Mark my words. Vote RIGHT this election! This is make it or break it for Cayman this go around.
Lord bless my people & my country. 1 Love!
Jamaicans that vote are Caymanians..Brits that vote are Cayamanians. Etc.
Divisiveness is something we need to understand, when we against people who are immigrants and have been granted the Universal right of abode, then we must embrace them. If we don’t we run the risk of destroying ourselves.
We must remember and remind our children of our sojourn in the early years of Cayman where we travelled to Panama USA , Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Cuba and many other places to make a living. Many remained in those places and are citizens involved in many areas of society including . So stop the fighting, learn to live together as one for if we don’t we on the road to perdition.
jamaican style politics churches and everything jamaican. sorry for us natives here we are long gone we have been pushed in the back by UDP
Seems like Ezzard is grasping at straws because he knows he is going to be stuck in his corner of the LA with no support for the next 4 years
You are so blind at what is going on, wake up Cayman, the last election in 2009 was a victory for the Jamaicans, don't let it happen again!!!
What a racist statement.
Is his real name Ezzard or "Mr Leaks"???
Seems like Ezzard.
What disgust me is that you blame EZZARD for everything that happens in these islands, however we need more good honest people like him. The truth hurts and the majority of comments here suggest that the consul and a lot of his croonies do want to turn Cayman into another Jamaica, not saying Jam is all bad, but look at what the corrupt governments did to them. He fled too, So we CAYMANIANS must not speak out , sorry Bo Bo, this is OUR country and if any one, any one dont like it here, pack your damn bags and leave.
I for one is sick and tired of all of the rhetoric about our culture, like it or leave it 🙁
For those who didn't notice, the UDP has been pursuing a cynical ploy to get "the Jamaica vote", to put themselves back into office, despite the fact that they have no credible record of achievement over the last four years and a leader now known more for his "misconduct" in office, rather than anything he did to advance good governance during this recent tenure.People should know that from during the voter registration process, UDP operatives were leaning on Jamaicans to register to vote, promising them all kinds of things.It is hardly surprising that Dr. Marzouca is out there campaigning. He is a politician and a UDP operative, first and foremost and a consular representative second and is part of the culture of cronyism that is a disntinguishing mark of the UDP. All well-thinking Jamaicans should decry this and Dr. Marzouca should do the decent thing and resign as the consular representative. That is, if he has a shred of decency left.
A few weeks ago I commented on CNS saying that I did notice that the churches with the UDP signs had a high Jamaican populice, now to hear this! This is shameful. One of our own…can you imagine?!
One of our own? Where do you think Marzouca is from?
7:41, Read what I wrote again. I wasn't talking about Marzouca. Of course you probably figured that out after you clicked save. XXXX
Your Honour disappears when you align with Mac.
You are sad because the fire is under your aXX nah. No hope for your party. Sorry!!
I don't have a party pal, unless its a Sunday Funday.
Ok People, with NO doubt whatsoever, it appears that EVERYTHING associated with the UDP can be found to be abusive, non-transparent and mostly breaking of laws & regulations.
Jamaicans, despite what Ezzard may think are not idiots, just like Caymanians they will make up their mine as to who to vote for. I don't think Mckeeva or Joe Marzouca will determine who I vote for.
Ezzard give us some credit, we are not all iliterate and uneducated. What would be the difference if the PPM, C4C, PNA or the independents were courting the Jamaican vote? Trust me many of them have been knocking on my door.
The only two people in the world that will know who I voted for will be Almighty God and myself.
Ezzard, please stop insulting the intelligence of the Jamaicans and to a greater extent the Caymanians who you think would believe in your divisiveness.
09:33, if you missed the point, the Jamaican chap is breaking the law, which probably means the UDP is breaking the law (AGAIN), in order to garner votes.
You don't see a problem with that?
I think you are missing the point. Many Jamaicans will assume that electing the UDP must be in their best interests since their honorary consul is the Deputy Chairman of the UDP. Also, the the UDP is pitting Jamaicans against Caymanians in an unprecedented way and it will not end wellif the UDP is elected.
The truth is that McKeeva and the UDP already have the notion that McKeeva is for them and therefore any potential issues of corruption are dismissed as unimportant. They are accustomed to McKeeva's Jamaican style politics. These include Jamaicans whom one would otherwise regard as sensible, respectable, educated people.
One truth: the HC is clearly in breach of his responsbilities as an HC. He should cease to act as the Jamaican Honourary Consul with immediate effect!
Another truth: most Jamaicans are quite politically savy, and will not vote for the UDP or other party en mass just because they have some kind of veiled promise of "favour". We might "play to the galley" but turn around and vote otherwise. Additionally, the connection of Dr Marzoucawith the UDP does nothing to sway majority of us – any more than the
Yet another truth: I always knew that Jamaica was a special place with significant power – but I must admit that I was not fully aware of the obvious sway that we apparently have on this elections! Yet another example of "wi lickle but wi tallawah"!
Listen, politicians do what politicians do best – they pander any which way to appeal to whomever they think might have something to offer. My advice [albeit from a Jamaican, an you know how 'them' stay] is to take the Jamaican factor out of the conversation and start focusing on the "character" and "capacity" factors of your fellow country people who are offering for respresentation!
Unfortunately the UDP has introduced it into the conversation and that cannot be undone. From my discussions with many Jamaicans whom I know well, they dismiss issues of character and capacity as unimportant when it comes to McKeeva Bush.
Surely this section of the code is referring to an appointment of a person who is not a citizen of of the country in which he is serving as an honorary consul?
Dr Marzouca is a Caymanian who also has a democratic right to support any political group or person he wishes is the Cayman Islands and this should not be misconstrued to mean that he is exhibiting political bias or misusing official resources of his honorary appointment given by another country !
Any person who knows Dr Joe knows that he is a fair and honorable man who takes great pride in assisting any person irregardless of their political persuasion !
09.29…he is supposed to represent Caymans interests as a whole, not the interests of one party, regardless of his own beliefs. Therefore he should not belong to a party.
what a crazy response! of course he has the right to support whomever he wants to, as a Caymanian. But he CANNOT openly support a political party on the platform or hold a post within a party whilst he holds the position of consular. Clearly in doing so he is demonstrating a politcal bias! Perhaps if you just thought this through a bit more before you posted this response….unless of course you are Joe Marzouca! LOL.
Actually you are wrong, there are many jobs which don't allow you to promote a political party whilst you are in a job, paid or unpaid. That is why so many candidates have to take 3 months unpaid leave or resign from their jobs if they run for election. The same idea applys to the civil service, they can, and should, attend meetings and find out about the candidates and issures but they are not allowed to go on a platform or canvas for any candidate. Anyone with any integrity would not look to be seen to be biased in a position like that.
I have no doubt that Dr. Marzouca is an honourable man but given his position as consul to the largest voting block of people in Cayman his presence as deputy chairman of any politicial party will have some influence on some people albiet not all.
LAws, Codes, Rules, these are just bureaucratic obstacles that tend to get in the way of the UDP-style of doing things.
Too bad the Code does not say anything about what will happenif a HC breaks the Code, other than the sending State shall be notified immediately.
Why is anyone surprised by this?
UDP – Universal Disregard for Protocol
UDP – Utterly Disrespectful P….s
UDP – Undeniably Dubious People
UDP – Ultimately Destroy the Province
You forgot… Unscrupulous Dictatorship Party.
AND WHYy just WHY should anyone be surprised by this?
PPM – Poor People Mistake
PPM – Pretty Pathetic Minds
PPM – Promises unkept and Poorly Misleading
Did the good doctor express any reluctance to leave his position on the Business Staffing Plan Board after his appointment as Jamaican Consul? You know – Job#1 Protect Caymanians. Job#2 Protect Jamaicans.
I imagine he must have unilaterally and immediately resigned from the Boiard the moment he knew he would be honorary counsel, without protest, and without anyone having to ask.
Anyone know?
Of course he would have immediately resigned. Otherwise his personal friends in the legal department would have had to consider whether or not there was any corrupt or improper motive for him remaining on the Board, and they would have had a conflict. Anyway, the police would have investigated and it would be all over the papers, hundreds of work permit grants would have to be reconsidered to ensure there was not any actual bias in the decision making process. Status, permanent residence, and dependants applications would all have to be deferred, and the system designed and intended to provide protection first and foremost to the Caymanian people in compliance with a system of laws and regulations would collapse and become a sick joke.
I wonder who did the work permit medicals for persons with applications pending before the BSP Board, and whether anyone recused themselves from any meetings as a result. Wouldn't take much detective work to confirm that, would it?
Police? You capable of that – or is too hard?
The UDP has never acted within the construct of any moral or ethical framework so this is of no surpise that they did this. However, we should be very concerned that someone of Dr Mazouca's standing would stoop to their level. XXX
"someone of Dr Marzouca's standing"? Sre you serious? Since when? Have you ever heard of TCI?
He should be removed from his honorary position in the Cayman Islands. XXXX There's no excuse for this. Just the same as there is no excuse for at least one GT church displaying a UDP poster for all to see. Church and politics should never be mixed and the pastor of that church should be ashamed.
If he is not ashamed to accept the taxpayers money what makes you think he would be ashamed to support the people that gave him it?
We are a christian country and we are God fearing people. Our local culture has been defined by our christian heritage and our christian beliefs. So why would you want to change this now? Because you don't like that some churches support the incumbent government?
10:46, go to sleep you ignoramous.
No, I am not an ignoramous but I still love you and will pray for you. I won't respond by calling you names or insulting you as there is enough of that going around. But I must say that when I read some of the comments that you and other posters make you see how much hate we as Caymanians have towards one another. It is truly sad and disheartening. We are such a small nation and in the end there are more things that we have in common than we have that differ from one another. I truly hope that after May 22nd we can put an end to all this senseless bickering and pety namecalling and tackle the countries problems together. Because whether you're UDP, PPM, PNA or C4C we all wants what's best for the country.
The problem is, some people do not want what is best for the country, but what is best for themselves. Believe it or not, people will tell you that they are acting in the country's best interest, but are lying, and ony interested in their own welfare. And unfortunately, some poeple will claim they are pastors acting in God's best interests, and they are lying also. Money is a terribly corrupting thing, and the pastor that takes a politicians moneyhas to deal with the assumption that he did not do so without trading something in return. Read your bible – and render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's , but unto God the thing that are God's. Unfortunately we habve a number of pastors taht seem t o have forgotten the distinction between Church and the Executive esposed by Jesus.
10.46 Churches are supposed to represent God, not politicians..that they do this is an unholy alliance. Pastors should encourage people to do the right thing, but not tell them to use their democratic gift to support people who give them funds, that in itself is a sin in my book. Especially when the people giving the funds are under the judicial process for fraud!! So be God fearing as you claim to be and do the right thing, vote for the people who are going to put Caymans interest first and not their own, and for people who will not buy votes, including yours, which has to clearly been bought already.
Individuals can support whoever they want to support. The Church as a whole should always be neutral. If you don't get this, I can't teach it to you!
Boy that Utopia that you live in must be nice
How mucha and how long does it take to get there.
“Because you don’t like that some churches support the incumbent government?” Last time I checked the UDP is not the incumbent government anymore.
You mean church in swamp… pator clarke. I thought he allowed them to put up the sign because he stated he was for their salvation (baptizing Ellio) and would turn no one away from the church not even politicians! I am sure if PPm went to him and ask his church to put up their sign, he would have no problem with it according to him.
And with all the squabbling on this topic who is actually going to take the responsibility to writeto the Jamaican government to request his removal from the post?
Another day, another UDP potential violation. I was an honary consul in a country far away once, not for Cayman I should say, and if this is true, you dont do it, simple as that.
It has been obvious for weeks that Mac is chasing the local Jamaican vote…I suspect and hope that Cayman's ethnic Jamaicans, apart from certain criminal elements and luckily they are not many, will see through the ploy and vote for a well run Cayman with honest politcians, unless of course they wish Cayman to become like the place they were in such a hurry to leave in 2003. That would be bad for all of us.
What??! You mean it’s news that the UDP may be thinking of relying on all the ready-made Cabinet Caymanian-Jamaicans that the previous UDP administration created in 2003!!!! NOOO!! Surely that can’t be!! Anyone with their ears open for 5 minutes of the day would have picked that up by now! Most of the Neo-UDPs (Theresa, Wally, etc) are stating that openly as the reason (I call it a defence) they are running with UDP.
The irony is that those of us who proclaim ourselves to be dedicated to Cayman and the so-called Caymanian cause, would openly admit that they can’t rely on their own (but then again who knows what they consider their own) people to elect them.
And you have to love Marzoca’s response to a very simple question about whether he perceives a conflict. No comment? Really, Joe?? You, who sits at the head of the Medical industry regulatory board, can’t answer that question??! Why? Do you have to consult the UDP Ethics Code to see if its defined or what??
These are all but symptoms of a disease that is killing this country, UDPitis. The worst part is that it’s stage four, and I don’t know if the PPM with Alden the Magnificent at the helm will make it better, or expedite our expiration!
What a mess we are in. All because our foresight is even shorter than our memory.
Shame on you Mr. Marzouca. As a Jamaican, wish they would dismiss you and make an example that we do have solid international representation. Restore our faith, resign as a the Counsel.
Marzouca is the JLP honourary counsel for Cayman. Maybe Portia will appoint a PNP honourary counsel to be his boss.
perhaps we should break off diplomatic relations or at least revoke the Consul's credentials and send im back a yard – otherwise is not Jamaica interfering in our domestic politics – a clear attack on sovereignty under international law?
FCO – your Governor signed the damned possibly unlawful status grants and changed the constitution (with the ignorant help of the PPM) allowing people to vote without being BOTC's – and now while the Queen makes speeches closing the door to more immigration to the UK, we are being taken over by foreign nationals with no allegiance to ourQueen and against our wishes. You going to start enforcing some laws over here or not? You helped make this mess, any plans for the clean-up?
Can our beloved UDP possibly, ever, do ANYTHING right?
Follow the money.
…but the Turks and Caicos is so far away and the files so thick,…
Hey…….it’s the UDP! What did you expect? Compliance with rules and regulations? NOT HAPPENING! Did you expect transparency? NOT HAPPENING? Did you expect Laws to be followed? DEFINATELY not happening. I am thankful that this election is almost over because the more I listen, the more I read- the sicker I get!!! In closing, UDP really means……..UNITED DETRACTORS of POLICY and PROCEDURES!
Isn't it a common thread that links the vast majority of UDP members? Rules just don't apply.