PPM reveals early jobs
(CNS): Alden McLaughlin has made Juliana O'Connor-Connolly speaker of the Legislative Assembly, giving him the necessary majority that he needs to form a government, while C4C MLA Tara Rivers is still waiting to decide on the Cabinet post she was offered immediately by the new premier. Marco Archer will be finance minister, Wayne Panton will be taking on the new financial services ministry, and Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell will be minister for tourism and district administration. McLaughlin is taking on the new job of home affairs minister as well as premier but said that, based on discussions with his new team, he should maintain an oversight role and not have too large a ministry. (Photos courtesy Cayman27)
Osbourne Bodden will be a Cabinet minister but his portfolio has not yet been confirmed as the new government waits on Rivers to give her answer.
McLaughlin said that he was concerned about the attempts at horse trading by his former parliamentary friends Arden McLean and Ezzard Miller as well as the C4C but he remained hopeful that Rivers would accept the position, which he said comes with no strings.
However, so far the message was that the C4C wanted more from him, McLaughlin said, despite the fact that with O'Connor-Connolly committed to the new administration and happy with the speaker's job, he already has a majority.
Category: Politics
THEY SAID: They were willing to taKE A CUT?.
That is what our country needs. Way of leading PPM. All should start from a lower pay check. Leave some of that money there for the country and for the peoples who elected the new goverment.
A pay cut to serve the country would be the best way to show that this governemt is about the peoples not the money. it would look very odd for any one to start getting $100.000 or more while is no money to give the long time serving peoples a pay raise and even worst to give the long time unemployed peoples of Cayman a job or create jobs for them.
Maybe Alden has some thing right: Apparently he wants to share every thing to make sure all gets the same, even the blame, but after all this may be the best way to go to make sure they all works together and together get a pay cut to help get our finances back on track.
Good luck to the new Government.
All who wanted a coalition government take note. If this is the behavior for ONE seat, what would have happened if the PPM were not in such a strong position with 9 seats? Country First my eye.
On the campaign trail everyone spoke of putting country first, well now is the time to put words into action and everyone work together to get Cayman back to being a thriving country. I applaud Alden for reaching across the party lines, regardless of the "strategic reasoning" some come up with, this demonstrates integrity on the PPM's part.
Come tomorrow I pray that whoever takes up cabinet positions, opposition positions or an independent position that country will come first (not ego, not behind scene deals or self-serving promises made) the new government needs to start work on Thursday as a united government with the country and its people being put first.
our people need jobs, our kids need educating not pushed through the system and coming out unequipped for the workforce, cost of healthcare and the lack of coverage needs changing the list goes on but it is achievable. please work together don't spend the next four years bickering back and forth.
Be the leaders that you were elected to be!
I think everyone here is asking the wrong questions. IF Alden is about making the Government, a better Government, than WHY is he not choosing more experienced persons for certain roles? It is because he wants certain roles for the PPM, which is understandable because he wants the majority, but it forgoes transparency, and unfortunately by offering only one position, because the speaker was solely for THE PPM's benefit, one should already be able to tell that the government is heading in the same direction as every other previous party government.
It is good of Tara to hold out, its not just about her its about everyone, if you want a transparent government, I would prefer people who are the independents to be a minister because they do have a lot more experience so she is actually trying to benefit the country by trying to negotiate another position.
What kind of daft comment is this? You must be C4C because it is only you lot that are so naive and yet so arrogant! What does it have to do with transparency? Who in the independents have anymore experience than McLaughlin, Panton, Kirkconnel, Tibbetts, Archer etc?
I agree that Rolston should be the Speaker of the House. I also think that he should ride with the kids on the school bus to get to work every morning and every evening for the next four years.
Ju ju as speaker, Mr Big man… Are you crazy,, this woman wastes our money on trips overseas and now you reward her with the high test paid job… Some 170k per yr.. Thanks for looking out for our country… Honestly I would have preferred if you gave it to one of your rookies..
PPM members please don’t let your boss do this, my family and I did vote for you in BT as a person who voted your way, please listen to the people….
I know this is going on deaf ears but we need to be heard, this lady does not deserve a pay raise or the honor of speaker of the house…
Ms. Rivers is still comtemplating taking the offered position? Then PASS on her and make it HER LOSS and WB LOSS if she thinks that she is going to unite forces with the Independents and C4C elected members. PASS and give that post to someone else,a nd make her regret squandering that opportunity by trying to demand mroe seats for C4C and independents. PPM already has the majority with Juju. Take it Tara or sit back and play thumb wrestling with Big Mac on the back bench.
Why not Rolston as Speaker of the House? He would be a better candidate
Coz that would require paying for a driver and at least $9000 more a month from the Govt purse.
Im happy it was one of the elected, that way we 'save' at least $9000. Coz if it was not one of the elected, we would still have to pay for that MLA at least $9000.
He could give out fines in fingers of beer.
Cause hes a drunk
Better yet, make Ezzard the Speaker so that he gets NO Ministerial position AT ALL and can sit his a$$ down and shut the heck up once and for all Mr.-Oh-Why-Not-Make-ME-the Premier Miller. ZIP IT !!!
He didn’t want it. He wants to be premier lol.
The PPM are being extremely reasonable and patient with Tara.
If it was me, I would only have given her till Sunday morning to decide, and if no answer, or if she was still not sure, I would have moved on.
She already put her foot in her mouth this morning when she said she felt like Cayman's most Wanted…OH PLEASE!! Another Diva we dont need.
She was made the offer last week and only NOW she says she needs to hold a meeting with her WB people?? Why didnt she have that meeting on the weekend.
She says it is her decision to make, yet she cant tell us if any other MLAs are in dicsussion with her. Most of you would agree that this is not a good way to start a new job with a new employer (us), by telling us you're not sure if you want the big desk (which we are offering) with great responsibility or you would rather the small desk in the janitor's closet. As an employer, i would go hunting for someone else to fill the big desk to tackle the big issues that I need handled.
We dont need this crap man. I goin tell Daddy!
I agree that Tara should be considering this post, even though I believe this post requires someone with extensive experience. The current members have been trying to sort education out for over 2 decades and cant get it right, I highly doubt Tara, as educated as she is will land on her feet in this post. I believe this is a pass it along role for the next person to fail, still non the less a great opportunity for her to consider and put on her cv. I believe if they want to pass this off to a younger member, maybe it should be split between her and winston, they might be able to use the respurces and education they have to see the problems that the older out of touch mla's have missed.
BTw, how do you know for fact that this post does not come with strings attached? are you part of the internal workings of this deal? just asking
And on a lighter note: "I think Politicians should wear uniforms, You know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could Identify their corporate sponsors."
Yea and Ozzy being a BIG NASCAR fan will wear #8…….back up by #3
Tara, after reading all the many disrespectfull comments are you sure you would want to represent these people of the Cayman islands? It will be like trying to please a classroom full of spoiled children.
If I was Mr. McLaughlin, now that Ms. Juliana is the Speaker and the offer was made to Tara to take up a Ministerial Position and she is holding out, I would not bother with her again. She is committed to her C4C party(?) and they are demanding more, anyways. They were NOT the winning party, so they cannot call the shots. I would expect Arden to reach across the aisle and offer up himself for a ministeral position and forget about Ezzard's stance. All Ezzard is comfortable with is going on Rooster on a Tuesday morning with breaking news, leave him doing that. Arden be the man of Intregity you say you have and do the right thing for Country. C4C advertised all over the place that they were for Country, but they are for self, the rich and for their party. We just got out of that system with the UDP, we are not prepared to go that route again. Right now as it stands, the Progressives already have the majority, as Ms. Julianna was taken away from the Opposition, so the Progressives do not need Tara. She is an upstart and wants to call the shots before she has even got started. West Bay will just have to make do with no representation. They had representation for the past 4 years and they messed up big time, anyways. Alden go ahead and name the other Ministers and forget about the others. They blew their chances.
Arden left the PPM because he wanted to be the Leader. He will never work in a cabinet with Alden as the leader and if he did, alden would have to hire extra help just to watch his back. Ezzard said on Rooster just before the elections that he would not support Alden as Premier. So, if you are wondering why neither of them feature in Alden's proposed cabinet, wonder no more.
What you are missing is that Alden never campeigned against Ezzard and Arden so they must be of similar philosphies.
The PPM campeigned heavily against the C4C that they were bad for the Country.
What is baffleing to me is why is Alden kissing the C4C asses to get them to join him. It can only be for political expediency. Putting a C4C candidate in Cabinet, where they will be controlled by "collective responsibility" is the easy way to shut up 3 strong opposition members, especially if she is "allowed" to remain part of the C4C group.
This wanting to be "inclusine" is too neat a package for me to swallow. Getting a strong foothold in West Bay for any upcoming Bye-election is brilliant politically. I understand CG was offered the Speaker post first, which was also a brilliant political move as this would have removed another strong political preson from the bye-election race.
I am rather pleased with the results of the election, I voted in George Town and 5 of the 6 I voted for made thegrade (sorry Marco, I voted for Bo instead, but congratulations in your success). I voted the way I did because I wanted to see a true coalition government (50/50) or a PPM government with a strong and capable opposition.
The PPm now has the majority in the house through nutralising one of the potential opposition to break the 9:9 member tie that existed. PPM I voted for you guys because I thought you should form the Government but, I also wanted you to have a strong opposition which was not just a rubber stamp.
As a Party, you have to realise that although 1/2 of the population wanted you, the other 1/2 spoke just as loudly in saying the wanted something else. The ones that voted for something else had no illusions about PPM not being the government but wanted capable people as opposition.
The PPM as a party won the most seats in the assemply and to the victor goes the spoils. They and their members who fought hard and won their seats are quite capable of forming a Government, the most important seats are already decided. Stop playing politics and embarrasing Tara, get on with the job of governing. PPM stands the chance of slipping back into the Government that cannot make decisions (or get things done) with this delay in deciding who among them will be the Cabinet.
Tara will make a fine opposition member and in my opinion, a strong opposition who will curtail runaway spending, is just as important as a strong Government with unfettered access to the country's purse strings.
PPM members, the people have spoken in the elections. Step up to the plate, form your government and GOVERN. The opposition will have their say but the Government will have its way. The stronger the opposition, the better the successful Government, because to be successful you will have to compromise on certain issues, and that is a good thing.
You really think you know it all don't you. Small brain and big mouth in action here.
Tara is not holding out for C4C, she wants to meet with her constituents which is what she should do. After all "WE" are the ones who will be paying her and that also includes PPM don't forget that!!! PPM is not there to represent the districts where they have representatives because if that is the case, let's see… 6 districts to represent for full salary, representation where representatives are.. they will have to take half salary, after all the whole Cayman Islands will be paying them.
Most of your comment is ridiculous. However, I just have this question for you/Tara:
Why did it take so long for her to meet with "her constituents" when the PPM offer was made from Thursday last week?
In my opinion, it is plain ole self interest. Now that the PPM have shown C4C and the others that they have other options to choose from (by offering Speaker to Juju on Saturday), Tara is now scrambling, trying to save some face, and feeling very nervous that she may have blown a great opportunity, by now saying that she needs to speak with her WB people first.
Bobo, she had all Thursday night, Friday, Saturday, Sunday to meet with her WB people, but didnt. Ask yourself why?
Fair enough 08:59 but she must also realize that time is fast moving and we need to form a Gvt. A.S.A. And get on with bringing back our Islands to a respectable level as there is a lot of work to be done. I also don’t appreciate those who criticize for the pure sake of criticizing. As far as the secretive C4C they have made their stand so we know we’re they stand and in my opinion Independents controlled by we don’t know who they and should admit that they are now a party/ God knows what. I for one am glad I did not vote for any of them. In the real world we would call that misleading campaigning and false advertisement. I am proud to have been part (by voting) along with family members to haveALL 4 Progressives members in and by the way it’s now OK to sign your name or as civil servant when you make your comments as the Vindictive Mac can no longer harm you specially when your sending out your condolences to someone who lost a loved one. Anonymous is not very comforting as you have no idea where or whom it’s coming from. No more reason to hide. I for one will keep my comments to ANY who write their name. Time for us to put a face to our comments including persons on permits because we need to get to know you so you can get to know us and our Beloved Cayman Islands and it’s traditions that we could share your’s as well. Let’s Love one Another to insure Peace, and a great place to live for all. God Bless, Michel Lemay
Please be patient. Tara is not an upstart. She has things to work out that do not involve C4C.
One of the main problems with the C4C candidates is their dishonesty about being truly independent.
If Tara is truly independent then she does not need to consult with anyone in order to make a decision on the position being offered by the PPM.
Ummm…she needs to consult her constituents.
This person has a point, but we have to give her credit. How many elected Politicians engages the people before making a decision????
Joey Ebanks – Minister of Expense Accounts and Cigars
Boy that little Joey Ebanks loves the excesses of the corrupt elite!
Personally, I would much prefer the opposition to consist of Winston, Roy, Ezzard and Tara rather than Big Mac and his cronies!
Just like the pirate kings of old all Caymanians just want to vote only for themselves and their friends. Why is that? (retoricle question).
Do you mean "rhetorical"? Maybegood to keep a dictionary handy, I do.
I have read the many postings and suggest
that we go back read the post made this morning
at 8:40 am.You will gain some understanding of the
system of Government we are governed under
and perhaps how the politics operate. I would then like
to point out a few things.
1. I have no recollection of Roy or Winston ever
saying they would not work with PPM. If they did
could you help me and remind me when?
2. We need to do our math properly.
3. PPM got 9 out of 18 seats – 50% and with 1 more
is a majority Government.
4. They could have appointed a PPM as Speaker
of the House. They still need 1 more to be a majority. They could not as they have no one qualified
as yet to become Speaker. That was not being generous.
It was a necessity. So the offer went to Juliana and they now have
the extra 1 they needed. Win, win for PPM.
6. They then offer Tara – whose group won 3 out
of the 18 seats – 1 Ministry in a year when the Constitution
gives you 2 more Ministry’s.
7. Roy, 2nd Elected Member from G/Town, largest
district, qualified and experienced does not get
a Ministry? Why? If it is Country first they
are depriving our Country of some needed expertise
( that’s the politics I referred to above).
8. Then a Press Briefing that puts her in a position
that if she says no – they can say ‘we offered’. If
she says yes – West Bayer’s will read it as she has
joined PPM? Win, win PPM.
9. Why her not Roy? A political play to provide
West Bay with representation so Mac can’t use that
to build up his support again. Why her not Roy?
My point is STOP this blind support. Critique
issues and decisions. It is what destroyed West Bayer’s.
Please don’t let that type of mentality spread outside
to other Districts.
Why not Roy? Because you knucklehead it was Big Roy that said NO to Alden even before the election results were known. Stop your blind support nah!
Forcing Tara to accept a cabinet position against her will is not the right decision! What’s going to happen is that another C4C member is going to be elected in WB’s forthcoming bi-election and then Alden is going to have greater trouble on his hands…He’s going to end up killing his own horses! Why can’t he see that?! Bye bye nationwide PPM support, the “Independents” will be legitimized in the eyes of the public by this amateur move…
Ok, a couple things wrong in your statement.
First, no one is forcing Tara to take the position. Actually, quite the opposite, others are asking/forcing her to hold out for other seats for other independents.
Secondly, a bi-election will not happen in WB until about 2015 or so, if we are lucky, as the trial of WMBush has to be concluded before the bi-election can take place.
Thirdly, last time i checked, Velma came in fifth, ahead of Mervin, sooo, I would expect that she would win the one available seat in a bi-election in WB.
Also, if Tara does not accept the PPM offer of a cabinet seat, I expect that she and MErvin would lose a lot of support in WB. And in the event there is a bi-election in WB in this 4-year term, Mervin would not win the seat, most likely Velma or Woody.
I stand by my opinion. Alden would be wise to read it!
I’m not asking whether or not the PPM is forcing Tara to accept the cabinet seat, I’m telling you that they are forcing her to take the seat! Do you think the press briefing was a big coincidence? Just think about it.
Please explain in more detail how they are "forcing" her to accept.
make sure the speaker does not get a driver or personal aid.Paul you see what happens when you burn your bridges and cross to the dark side?
Like that will ever happen in the Cayman kingdom of intitlement. Get used to the idea that she is a princess and will get what ever she wants. She has.
Honest and sincere questions (so save your thumbs down cause I’m only looking to be educated):
1. Where do Winston, Roy, Izzard, Big Mac and other non PPM MLAs sit in the LA?
2. What are their individual roles?
3. How much influence do they have on government policies?
4. Can they monitor how money is spent by PPM?
I read on here that Roy & Winston are part of the opposition. But it’s my understanding that they are backbenchers, and thought that the opposition are termed as front benchers. Any constructive answers would be appreciated.
Sit opposite side of the house – opposition benches. They can complain, criticise, offer suggestions, but have no authority on government policy other thansuggestion or outvoting the majority (which takes either a member of the government to vote against his own party, or fail to appear and vote).
The front bench consistes of the cabinet. The opposition "shadow" front bench would in a bigger parliamentary system consist of those memrs of the opposition designated to shadow their friont bench counterparts. Here the opposition does not consist of a single party (if anything, McKeeva could quite legitimately suggest he was the leader of the opposition since as C4C has said they are nt a party, McK is the leae of the single largest opposition party!) and arguably there is no shadow front bench, just back benchers.
Bet C4C wishes they had called themselves a party now.
They are what they want to be. They have started out as preferring opposition than backbenchers. They could be a real asset to the country but at the moment all they are indicating that they want is power and control. Sirs this is the wrong government, i had said previously that PPM and UDP were chalk and cheese, do I need to remind you of this. Perhaps the best response to your question is to ask them and while you are at it, please ask them why they forgot 'Country First' so quickly. They want all or nothing, put your ears to the ground and you won't take long to get the message.
I wish they would stop acting like spoiled children. The people gave PPM power, wait your turn in 8 years if you behave like credible politicians you may get an opportunity to prove yourselves
THis country is on the brink of bankruptcy yet look how many useless mouths we have to feed in government including two additional seats…very ass backwards don't you think.
Big minister pay cuts is what is needed 35% for ministers and 25 for backbenchers KT brought a motion for pay cut say they were willing to take a cut are you still willing? Please file a motion … A lot o you have big properous companies and the poor people are sufferingtake a cut!
I wonder if the public realizes what is costs the MLA's to subsidize the needs that the social services cannot handle. What about all the needs that the constituents are hurting for. The salaries of the MLA's does not even cover all these requests eg medical aid, food, cuc and water bills.
If there are problems with the system then fix the system don't perpetuate the pattern of cash handouts by politicians. Cash handouts by politicians is what laid the ground for vote buying and many of the other evils that we have witnessed over the past 4 years.
I’m tired of people bashing Winston and Roy – they entered the political arena to ensure that Cayman doesn’t get destroyed by incompetent and unorthodox individuals. They got seats and now they can oversee what is going on and how the country is run, from the inside. Also they can have their say, in representation for the people who believe in them, and Cayman as a whole. People who accuse them of not have Cayman’s interests at heart could not be more wrong. They are independents for a reason. If they decided to work with PPM what would that say about their characters and all they have stood for. As long as PPM doesn’t run Cayman into the toilet anymore than it already is then they have nothing to worry about. Only Time will tell if they are able to follow through with promises made. I hope for all our sakes they do. But until then Cayman, try being positive and stop bashing people until they have given you something to bash about!!
The truth is that Roy, Winston and all of the other C4C were never truly independent. Also, the PPM has the support of the majority of the country and it would reflect positively on their characters if they would respect the decisions made by the people of the Cayman Islands and try to work in a constructive manner to move the country forward.
God knows I had as much faith in Roy and Winston as anyone else but after learning about their behaviour over the weekend, I see them as educated Mactheevas
7:55 – Tara ran as an independent with B. Bush four years ago and she was not voted in then and she claims that she is an independent now. So what is the problem now that we voted her in
Why is it that West Bay thinks they need a minister in cabinet? In the past 4 years they have had 3 ministers, 1 premier, 1 deputy premier and 1 sleeping beauty. East End and North Side have had nothing. It is unfair for these two districts to be left out for another 4 years without miniterial seats. I think that East Enders and North Siders demand at least one of the two members be given a seat since the ppm is still one short. Come on Alden, you are from East End heritage, take care of them too.
Welcome to the world of party politics! East End and North Side don't have the right to demand anything.
Does anyone know if Dart is hiring out-of-work politicians?
He hires the ones that are working.
PPM has put miss Tara Rivers in a very arkward position. I am sure she was settled to be a good opposition and learn the LA system in order to give Cabinet position a better chance at a later time in history. She is very yopung and as educated and as much as I can see she is very much elegant, however, they should really have had a bit bit of respect towards her and not do this to her. We do not know the motives, but in politics anything goes. There was a lot more disscussion that could have been done with the various members before putting them to the test of acepting such positions in public. I feel bad for Tara with this offer, and I would feel very pressured to decide. Miss Tara also knows that she is very limited and could easy be out foxed by the current Civil Servants that would be able to do wrong and she take the blame. I am very sorry Tara that you have been placed in such a position so early into your politic life. If you take up on the position ,you have a problem, if you don't take up the offer you still have problem. Here is a thaught Miss Tara, confirm first if you can shuffell around civil servants and head of deprtments that you would like, then if need to accept the position and responsibilities, align yourself with persons that you know you can trust, even persons such as miss Sharon Roluston, (how Alden did not pick her for speaker is beyond my understanding). This way Cayman can get started to move forward and you outsmart them that has tried this on you. Good Luck and may God bless you and let you make the right choice. Please refer to Solomon's Prayer. If ever you needed wisdom, this is the time to beg for it.
What you mean ppm put her in this position? She the one that signed up to run. On the campaign trail, Tara said she was Capable to hold a ministry seat just not under the ppm leadership. Little did she know, the voters had another plan.
Damn if you do and damn if you don't. Had the offer not been made you would have other criticisms. Make up your mind. The problem is C4C wants everything or nothing
What a load of nonsense you're spouting. Is that Ellio Solomon's prayer? Didn't work for him either.
Anon 1739 – how Alden did not pick her (Sharon Roulston) for speaker is beyond my understanding.
Lets see PPM has 9 seats need 10 to control the house. Give Juliana Speaker and through that they control the house. Plus Miss Roulston would be an added high level salary while Juliana would not.
Clear as mud?
I was so sorry that Sharon did not get in and I do believe that she would have made a fantastic Speaker. What I notice in Cayman is that good people are never really recognized. You have to be a bastard here to survive.
I could be wrong, but is she not paid a double salary, one as MLA and one as Speaker? If the salary is already allocated, what difference does it make. So now Cayman Brac has one MLA. this is unfair to utilize elected MLAs to this kind of positions. It defeats the purpose of electing them to office. Miss Ju Ju cannot be a good representative if her time will be taken up as Speaker. So if she has to travel to the Brac, is the house suspended until she returns? Nope it means the deputy speaker has to be paid to cover her. My questions to the PPM are not just trying to be negative, but you cant change something if you continue to do the same old style politics. Very smart and inclusive moves, but if we have an independent Speaker then in the future we start to have Caymanians that are able to look forward to joining the LA for that kind of position , instead of having to run as MLA to be considered.
CNS could you look into this questions of how salaries are alocated for such dual positions, MLA and Speaker? Is the country saving any money with MLA as speaker? Is the elected MLA able to represent the people that voted her in in this dual capacity? And yes writer, your answer is clear as mud. And I mean real Mud. And yes I am a PPM supporter. But dont make me change my mind by telling me I dont have a right to question the people I voted for.
The late Hon. Edna Moyle was in the same position, she was the elected MLA for North Side and was Speaker, Hon. Mabry Kirkconnell was also elected MLA for CB & LC and he was also the Speaker of the House. However, to answer your question, no they do not get two salaries. I would think it would be ludicrous to believe that the person in a dual role would collect both salaries, which would be something like over twenty thousand per month which would be more than the Premier would be making.
The Speaker would obviously get a little more than the ordinary elected MLA and they would also get their constituency allowances and other allowances due to them as an elected member so yes the government is saving money by having a person perform a dual role but make no mistake “saving money” was not high on the Premier-elect’s mind when he appointed Ms. Julie, it was about obtaining the majority but simply removing a potential “opposition” member.
That clear enough for you now?
Yes, no mud this time. Thanks for clarify on my questions. Cant we all just get along.? And thanks for pointing out that saving the country a few dollars was not the main reason. Politics sure is strange, but its good to know the PPM can play the game good. Now if Sharon is given an important position and does a good job, it would be hard for her to decide to quite and Run for office again. And the ploy thickens and we not even started yet.
The Speaker is paid about par with the Premier.
She will only be paid a salary for being speaker.
I would think the motives were quite clear.
1) She is an independent and PPM wanted to reach out to them to form a stronger more diverse government to show the people of the Cayman Islands that this was a different type of government and that party politics does not mean they could not be inclusive of independents.
2) She is a female and they would want to have another female included in the government ranks.
3) She is from West Bay and they are offering it to allow West Bay to have representation in government.
4) And not last rwally is that she also has skills she brings to the table.
Lets be clear. This is NOT a need. Its a want. They are not asking her to become PPM. They are asking her to do a job for the people of the Cayman Islands. The same people that voted her into office. Thats it.
I personally don't think she should accept the ministry. She needs to continue to build her relationship with the folks in WB. Four years go fast! If she is tied up dealing with ministry issues, she will lose touch with the people in WB and the UDP will take full advantage of this.
As a minister, she can't focus on WB alone, she has to look at all three Islands and she will may have to make decisions which are not going to be in the beste interest of WB. Again, UDP will take full advantage of this and the WB people will hold it against her come next election.
Look at BT for example, with Wayne and Ozzie taken ministries, I guarantee you that Al Suckoo and Anthony Eden will be the ones who are going to interact withBT District Council and who will be around to deal with district matters.
If Tara focus on WB for now, she stands a good chance to be re-elected in 4 years time and perhaps then can take a ministry.
Also, I don't know why WB always feels that they are "entitled" to have a minister from their district! YOu had your chance plenty of time, if you didn't like what they did, why do you continue to put them back in?
Tara is not "very young" or "very limited". She is an extraordinarily bright middle-aged woman with a great deal of relevant experience. Tara was a civil servant herself and knows her way around very well. They haven't "tried" anything on Tara, they have given her a superb offer which is very difficult to refuse.
Ezzard Miller would have been a great Minister of Health
Yes he would and if Alden wanted to be so inclusive, Bernie would have made a great minister of sports.
Now you are being ridiculous! The country soundly rejected the UDP why on earth would the PPM put one of them in cabinet?!!
We should create a new Minister of Nunsense. Ezzard would have been perfect.
Those laughing are obviously ignorant newcomers. He was a wonderful health minister years ago and is an internationally trained and qualified hospital administrator.
Lol…lol…lol…lmao… Plus 30 mill lost on hospital ….. Lol….lol….lol…. Lets see his qualifications… Lol…lol… Lizard should be a back bencher and that is it, just like Adren……. Please don’t make me piss my pants anymore…. minister of health…. Lol….lol
And a wannabe pharmacist.
How did you travel over from your parallel universe?
He should lead by example then
Elio Solomon time has caught up with you. Guess what the 4 years honeymoon is over.
Your were "stretching your wings like a green bay tree". You think it would last forever? No Bo Bo. All good things must come to an end. Personally I know many people who cross party-line from your party because of power-hungry politicians like you.
Let this be a warning to the Progressives that it is the marginal voters that win elections. If you don't do what you have to do to enhance the will of the people and keep divisiveness to a minimum and ensure financial stability or better eleminate it all together , come next election we will vote against you too.
C4C don't get ahead of youselves. Corporate with the elected Goverment for the good of the country. We are testing you out with three seats or else next time you won't get even one seat.
For the original 2 independents specially the member from the north, dont try to put a spoke in the wheel of the new Government. Let them undo the damages that had been done to the country.
God bless Premier Alden and the team and help them to put the people first.
Ok time for the ministers to take a pay cut this is long over due
Yes, yes, yes! Pay cuts for them. Bet you won't see that happen though.
It is very disappointing to see JuJu rewarded when she should be investigated for spending public funds paving private driveways.
It isn't a reward for Juju, it means she cannot debate anything and that she cannot vote against the government.
She can vote if there is deadlock, and there is nothing to say she has to vote the PPM way, so PPM must always turn up for work….. She has the casting vote
PPM doesn't need her vote.
Moses, Wayne, Marco and Osbourne are an outstanding group of men to join Alden in leading change! Feels like a heavy weight that has been dragging us down has been lifted from Cayman already.
First thing Moses needs to understand is that what is proposed is that he will be Tourism Minister for ALL THREE CAYMAN ISLANDS not just Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Yesterday I listened and observed his gleeful acceptance speach and noted that there was absolutely no mention of Grand Cayman. Alden needs to educate him to the responsibility involved in that position.
Listen to the interview again, during this press conference Mr. Kirkconnell was not offering an acceptance speech but was answering specific questions posed to him. He was first asked whether his ministry would include CAL, to which he responded 'absolutely'. He has been the longest serving board member of CAL over the last few decades across many different administrations. His record speaks to his commitment to promoting tourism in all 3 islands.
The follow on question was whether he could he comment on the significance of two members of the Sister Islands holding such prominent positions in the government. And thus his comments about the Sister Islands specifically.
Isn’t long term membership of the CAL board be a reason you would not want someone as tourism minister?
The only thing funnier than your post was the PPM's last campaign slogan, "Don't stop the progress!" lololol
Why I am not surprised that c4c feels the need to make the decision for Tara? Yup, this is the reason REAL idependents fund their own campaigns! Money talks folks. And as far as am concerned the amount of advertising dollars that were spent by C4C was funded by “big money” commanders! Had business to stick by yourself. 4 years is ticking by fast already…
The C4C has their own money. Their membership is smart, wealthy and acoomplished. Look at who they are and know that they did not need outside sources to fund them. So PPM deflectors just get off the manipulation train! It won't work! Tara is her own person and stands by her principles.
Amen and Amen! The C4C did not need outside sources to finance them and it is why they will not be "handled by those who try! Stick to your guns C4C, don't cave in to the pressure!
Please explain. Who are you suggesting financed the campaigns? Remember c4c said they were not running candidates only endorsing them. So who paid for the campaign? Hope elections office makes the backup for the election expense returns available online. I don’t care if they spent $1000 over I just want to see what they spent together.
Good point. I’d like the PPM to receive the same treatment, to be fair. Btw the definition of endorse also means “support”. It doesn’t have to be financial.
Members? Who are there members? We were told they did not have members.
So, Wayne, Marco, Kurt, Joey and other PPM members don’t have “big money”? Really? Are you that naive? How you think the PPM Campaign was funded. I have zero tolerance for ignorance. Collectively, the big money was in the PPM campaign. People on here talk about how C4C candidates are money and power hungry, and quite frankly it is a load of poppycock and propaganda. Just because they are successful business people, why on earth are they slated for this? Would you rather uneducated and unsuccessful people run our country? Cause if that is the case perhaps PPM voters should not have voted for Wayne, Kurt, Marco, Joey etc. Seriously, your comment is ludicrous and you are inadvertently shooting down the wealthy members ofPPM, that YOU voted for!!
Are you suggesting that if it was not or c4c Tara would not have been elected? If that was the case why did she bother tell us about her abilities, qualifications, the issues and her proposed solutions?! C4c are a little self centered in thinking its because of them that she got elected. She did pretty damn well when she ran in 2000 as a young lady and didn’t need c4c. Does c4c think it’s because they came on the scene with their anti-party message that all of a sudden people wanted change?! People wanted change because they lost confidence in a corrupt politician so c4c or no c4c and even without the anti-party message, she had a good chance of getting in. Why does she think the anti- party rhetoric is the reason, of all the good reasons she gave us to support her, that she got elected??
Tara, the country did not okay c4c’s anti-party mandate. If they did all c4c would have gotten elected. They didnt so clearly the country as a whole did not support the c4c concept. Therefore Put our country first and take a cabinet seat!! I understand you have effectively Been offered any seat other than those already announced. Why would you not take education? Are you going to put c4c ahead of all those children that need your help?!??
Get the gears turning & get this country back on it’s feet again! We’re still waiting on $4 a gallon fuel as promised!
Braca
Promised by UDP.
Not only UDP. PPM promised that they would “roll back $200,000,000 in taxes” and give relief at the gas pumps. Impossible to deliver on but it worked!
Ppm did not say that. They said that they would look at the $200m tax package introduced by up and see which of the taxes the could toll back. They never said they would tell the total $200m back. They will do some and not all atonce.
Not to worry my friend, there's bound to be some members of the voting public who will continue to miss out on their daily jug of kool aid. Press on PPM. We're sure you know the very vast majority is backing and supporting you.
LMAO. This had to be written by a failed polititian.
Did you even read what you wrote?
This sounds like some of the political speaches I heard during the campeign. A lot of words that say nothing and only help to confuse………………… but this is a masterpiece.
yeah right lets see that happen.
So the Cayman Brac Soldier Crab has donned yet another shell?! She seems to be almost chameleonlike these days. But maybe we ought to pause and think about that for a second. Why do soldier crabs wear shells again? Oh, right, FOR PROTECTION! I guess we won’t hear anything more about the paving of all of those private driveways in Cayman Brac, or any involvement in any of McKeeva’s skulduggery. Last I heard the PPM were castigating her as being as bad or worse than McKeeva! What happened? I guess since she has changed her shell, again, she has now been absolved of her sins.
And this is how we start an administration?
Becoming speaker means she cannot vote against the government, it was a necessary evil to appoint her speaker probably because Arden or Ezzard would not do it. It isn't an acknowledgement of her prior behaviour, it is simply a numbers game.
Neither Ezzard nor Arden was asked. But you're right it is a numbers game.
I’dbet you don’t know whether they were or weren’t asked.
I bet I do. Neither one received an invitation from the Premier apparent, unlike Tara.
In the midst of all the rhetoric about Tara accepting a Ministry, there is one important aspect that has not been taken into consideration. A Minister of anything is not a 4-year irrevocable committment.
If Tara accepts a Ministerial position, she can resign anytime she feels that the PPM is straying from the principles that she stands for. Likewise, under our present Constitution the Premier has the power to remove a Minister and appoint someone else in her/his place at any time during his term.
For Tara to accept a Ministry and then resign (should some irreconcilable difference arise) would make a far more powerful statement about her independence than not accepting the position to begin with.
Tara you ran an independent campaign. Stick to your guns. That’s why we voted for you cause we sick of this party mess!
So if independents had a majority you would expect that there would be no ministers whatsoever?
Nobody is asking her to join a party, she is being offered the opportunity of running a Ministry. What is the problem with that?
I have seen comments about raising money for her to pay back the C$C backers who put up the money for her campaign. I thought C$C said they were looking for candidates who put country first. If they expected something else for their campaign money then everyone should be concerned about the C$C and what they really stand for.
You should have been concerned about C4C and their motives from the git go. Sure glad they didn't fool everyone. For those that they did fool, wisen up and see right through their antics
Seeing comments 05/26/2013 – 10:17 does not make it factual. Tara does not need to raise money to pay back anything. All party propaganda to try and malign C4C and this very bright and promising young, independent politician.
WB needs representation in the Cabinet.
Why?
WB deserves honest representation in Cabinet, which it hasn't had in a couple of decades.
And with 3 Bayers in Cabinet you didn't have honest represenation because? Ponder that question dear, i'm sure you will arrive at the answer eventually …
Since when has district been a relevant issue for cabinet membership? Do you think David Cameron says "Well we need a Cabinet Minister from Cornwall"? He does not because it is irrelevant, as it is to Alden.
Why do we think thatt we have the right to question mrs River's decision. She ran as C4C, let her decide whats best for her and where she cast her vote.
I truly hope its not PPM, maybe just maybe the best place for her is with the opposition, we need a good opposition to keep the government honest. So my thought is the three C4C , Arden, Ezzard will be a good group. Give it a thought Tara.
One job the opposition can check off their list is to give one thought that it would take them to keep PPM honest.
Honesty is the PPM way. Find another focus
She isn't expected to join any party to become a minister, why can't you understand that? If anything, it makes you wonder if C$C isn't really a party because they don't want her to accept a ministry.
I understand quite well what the PPM tactic is but perhaps you don't. Becoming a minister in Alden's government would be tantamount to joining PPM. It would be his means of shutting her up. She is much too smart to fall for the manipulative games so get over it!
Who says that her decision not to accept the offer has anything to do with anyone else associated with C4C. Last time I checked Tara was an extremely smart, opinionated individual who was more than capable of making her own decisions. If you are so silly to think that Tara would not understand that becoming a minister would by default make her a part of the PPM government with a collective responsibility stranglehold then think again!
How about you tell us what the problem is then? The people have said they trust Alden. His win was more significant than her teams. So how can she ignore the country’s wishes?
PPM had a considerable advantage as they had more candidates, across the board, than C4C. “The country’s wishes” were not unified, which is why other candidates outside of PPM were able to secure seats. There were a good number of voters that didn’t vote PPM, so lets face it, his appointment as Premier has no reflection on the “people” of Cayman collectively!
It is interesting how little the majority of posters here really understand about the Westminster style of governance we practice in this country. Firstly, there is the government (the group or party with the majority of members in the LA) and they are responsible for governing the country for the next 4 years. Then there is the Opposition who are the remaining elected representatives who are not directly responsible for governing but participate indirectly in commenting and bringing their input into legislative discussions and decisions being made in the LA. They have a very important role in the governance of the country by being a strong, well-educated opposition, supporting government policies where they consider them to be good and in the best interest of the country and opposing when they believe proposed legislation is not good for the country.
I totally understand the elation by most at the outcome of this election which delivered up the most educated group of representatives in the country's history. But folks they all can't sit on the government's bench. Don't be fooled, had the PPM gained a full majority i.e. 10 or more seats they would not likely be any offering of positions to either the C4C candidates or any of the others. However, because they need to have a majority of representatives to form a government, they needed to reach out to at least 1 non-PPM elected representative.
As it stands now they have been able to form the government by Juliana accepting the position of speaker, the PPM led by Alden has 9, the collective opposition 8. He was therefore able to go to the governor and could proceed with the announcement of the initial members of his cabinet. We also do not know whether Juliana was the first choice for speaker, it is likely that someone like Arden might have Alden's preferred choiceprimarily as a means of divorcing him from Ezzard. They will continue to be a potent tag team in opposition and I suspect Alden might have attempted to neutralise this by having Arden in the speaker's chair, which as we now know will not be the case.
Alden's stated commitment to be more inclusive is an excellent idea and is very tactful. These sorts of statements resonate very strongly with the populace, but don't be fooled inclusive does not mean inviting all C4C and independent members to sit on the government bench. It means perhaps involving some of them in heading some committees etc, and generally making use of some opposition members' knowledge and experience for the overall benefit of the country not to mention making them work a bit for the salaries they will be collecting.
The offering of a ministry to Tara is very smart move on Alden's part but Tara is equally smart by not hastily accepting the offer. Alden's motivation is no doubt to get an additional member on his side, so 10 – 7 instead of the current 9 – 8, but he also knows that this would be viewed very positively as Tara is Cayman's new superwoman having broken the shackles of UDP domination in West Bay. More importantly, having her in his government will generate huge goodwill for him and the PPM amongst West Bayers. Tara though needs to be very careful as if she accepts the cabinet position within a PPM government, over time her independence will wane and her views will align more with those of the PPM notwithstanding that she has not been asked to join that party.
Along will the foregoing reasons Alden obviously views her as a moderate and someone he feels he and the wider PPM group can work closely with, as opposed to say an Ezzard who would be very hard to bridle. But make no bones about it, if she accepts she will be expected to tow the PPM line on important votes in parliament. Should she oppose her government colleagues on a few important votes she may well be looking for a job. The offer of a ministry to Tara is a good political move on Alden's part and one which I suspect has put Tara in a very awkward position. Nowithstanding the obvious vote of confidence in her ability and as tempting as it is she knows it could spell disaster to her political career. I wholeheartedly understand and agree with the position Roy and Winston have taken.
So essentially until C4C and other independents gain sufficient seats to from the government they should stick to their guns and not consider the opportunity which Tara has before her?
Intellectually your argument makes for good discussion. It’s falls for me on the basis that the C4C people ARE NOT independents. They are aligned to an agenda themselves. Bo was an independent, Ezzard and Arden likewise. These Others are NOT.
If she was a true independent candidate she would have no need to ponder. She would take her Independent self and jump in to help Cayman. A coalition government would be a mix of party and others. They would ALL be bound by collective responsibility in Cabinet. So help me here, would C4C members when in Cabinet take ‘independent decisions’ and appear in the Legislature speaking out against the government they are apart of ?
A Govenrment is a group of elected people who lead a country from a common position. Has C4C created a new model and is now testing it on us? You want to see a coalition government at its worst look at the U K right now? Is that what we want?
The more I listen to all the sage advice out here, the more I am convinced that C4C is a wannabe party parading its endorsed minions as Independents to create a distance from those who choose to publicly align themselves to an established party. This strategy of creating confusion in the minds of voters just to get power is unpalatable. True Independents are in to work for thepeople, to Serve the country not achieve their group’s goals and ambitions.
So while your argument reads well, my Dear, us folks who awake each day to creatively mange live in difficult times, see things as they really are. My dear, we don’t have the funds for $500 rose coloured sun glasses.
The simple fact is that if Roy had been offered a cabinet seat he would have accepted in a heart beat. But unfortunately for him, his district already had wide representation in the PPM. However, Tara's district WB needs representation in the government and the PPM was progressive in offering WB that opportunity.
Very sad that Roy won't let her take it, when we all know if the tables had been turned he would have grabbed it. As a West Bayer I will never trust C4C again.
Why on earth does what district you were elected in matter for cabinet posts? Utterly clueless how Westminster style governance works.
A balanced cabinet has representation from as wide a population as possible, without sacrificing the expertise, aptitude and passion to fulfill the cabinet responsibilities. This allows the elected MLA to represent the needs of their particular district as national decisions are taken.
It is the narrow-mindedness of the district system.
Tara is smart and I applaud her for not taking the position. Neither would Roy have taken it, despite what youhave said. Obviously you do not know them.
Would this be the party spoke person who knows them so well?? You must be working double time tonight re-butting all of these comments.
Tara does what Tara wants to do. She is not swayed or pushed by anyone. She is quite capable of making up her own mind and deciding for herself.
Why does WB need representation in cabinet? Didn't you have it the last 4 years? If you didn't like it then, why did the majority of you vote for UDP again?
What about East End and Northside? They didn't have representation in cabinet and I believe they did just fine cause their MLAs made sure of that!
What exactly are Roy's and Winston's positions? CNS perhaps you can contact them and get them to clarify.
It is not inevitable that Tara's views "will align more with those of the PPM" if she accepts a cabinet seat in an administration led by the Progressives. We are dealing with reality and inspite of the romantic notions that were forward by a vocal few, we are now reminded that the process of governing in coalition governments has its own pros and cons as would a government of independents.
Regarding Tara's decision, she will be/should be held accountable regardless of whose advice she follows. Its her right to decide and the right of the West Bay voters to decide whether they agree.
Intelligently written. Thanks for the much needed information. I agree , Tara needs to be very careful. The decision needs to be a personal one. Don't be pressured Tara. Do what feels right to you. We will support and respect your decision.
Isn't it clear to everyone that the people of Cayman voted for a change and wanted a coalition government? With the exception of Bodden Town the results showed it – George Town 4 PPM and 2 C4C – West Bay 3 UDP and 1 C4C – Cayman Brac 1 PPM and 1 PNA – Northside 1 independent – East End 1 independent. Now as I see it if Ms. Julie is saying she is "a praying woman" and she is led to do what is right why then did she not seek to keep the people's wishes and help to form a coalition government. Unfortunately we are stuck with more of the same for the next 4 years – a party style of leadership that is against the people's wishes. A coalition govenment would have been inclusive of all persons put forward by the people. Unless of course one party now sees themselves as all the people wanted. If that was the case then we would have seen results like we had back in 2009 – a land slide for UDP. Tara should remain on the opposition as she can offer better representation to our people by being a voice in the wilderness as that is where we are headed over the next 4 years. Roy and Winston you are doing the right thing – you were not elected to join up with anyone and you can better serve us as checker and balancer of what's ahead.
Anon 1815 so 9 PPM seats out of a total of 18 seats tells you coalition?
You mean you want a coalition.
In GT 4 PPM 2 independent
WB 3 UDP 1 independent
BT 4 PPM
That looks as if they are voting party lines niot looking for a coalition.
Tara ran as an independent and that is why West Bay voted for her, she needs to remain this way!!! Tara stay out of the PPM administration, sit back and learn your time will come girl!!! Don't be used by these experienced politicians, they will throw you under the bus when they ready!!
Either I must disregard what the word independent means at least as found in the Webster’s dictionary or, I must now accept that C4C as created a new definition for the word for their own purposes.
The latter is telling and shows us clearly that they are greedy for control of our country. We DONT need any more of that.
We have heard enough now about them backing McKeeva in the past. They now have decided to take things into their own hands. Well boys and girls, this is our Cayman too. We have had enough of power hungry people wreaking destruction among us. We now have a climate of hate, greediness, and fear pervasive a result of an ugly leadership style.
Wednesday signalleda change. A change to truth, transparency and civility. That will take time. We have no time to waste on power struggles and egos like that which Roy clearly has. Many people are now commenting on seeing that. It never takes long if we accept people as they are to see their true colours. Here we have him showing no humility nor is he expressing a real honest wish to serve his people. I have now concluded from all I have heard him say that for C4C, working with Alden would not work for them because they would not have full control. They will only work in a Cabinet where they have control. So power and control over our destiny is what all this childishness is about.
Roy parading as an Independent choose to join friends on a platform ……….he is parading like one thing but really another. And you Winston have you an ego like his as well? I hope not.
Winston I hope you have the integrity to serve your people and not the Scott brothers, Roy and their group. Ponder this young man, you have a role to play, you have young people who believe in you. Lead with conviction from your chest not from without, tied to some group who have their own agenda. Mind you, they can drop you like a hot potato when you no longer serve their purposes. After all it’s not about US the people, nor about YOU. It’s about a very few.
Webster’s? It should be OED or nothing. This is British territory.
I understand what you are saying 05/26/2013 – 12:11 but the Winston that I know is smart enough to understand what is going on and will not allow himself to be used. He is the one person whose integrity I do not question in the C4C group. He will do us proud.
Too bad Winston didn’t recognize he was being used by the C4c masterminds.
If Tara took the ministry, she would not be a part of a PPM administration, it would be a coalition government. Do you think for a minute that Mac would have offered a ministry to anyone other than his UDP colleagures? Not in this lifetime. I hope she takes it for her people, despite what C$C might be telling her.
What exactly is Tara thinking about?? She keeps telling us she is an independent thinker so why is she being influenced by her party. Oh sorry, C4C aren't a party are they. Every minute that passes without her accepting the job I lose respect for her. I have already lost all respect for Winston and Roy. There is NO reason AT ALL why Tara should not have been at that press conference yesterday. Please someone tell me what the problem is. She has been offered a cabinet post and she is deciding if she would rather be a back bench MLA instead. Sorry West Bay but who is this woman if that decision takes more than 10 seconds to make. I'm so disappointed as I thought she was great. Maybe she will do the right thing and restore my confidence in her. If she says no……PLEASE don't ever vote her back in.
She was not at the press conference yesterday because she was off island. You all are going on like Tara doesn't have a mind of her own. Tara whatever you do decide don't be like Julianna. All you could hear out of her was she would go back to, her constituents before making a decision except for this most important decision. Alden has already said he has someone else he can offer the position to, so if he really wanted to be an inclusive government he would at least give you tie to have a meeting with the people of West Bay and then get back to him. That could still be done in time for Wednesday's swearing in.
Alden has given Tara time, she has until Tuesday.
That’s a lie. I crossed Tars driving towards (not out of) west bay about an hour and half before the press briefing. Find another excuse.
I seriously doubt she was off island if she was in meetings with her fellow c4c party members
Tara also has to consider whether this negatively affects her chances of re-election in WB, the only district to completely reject the PPM. Give her a chance.
Exactly! WB completely rejected the PPM so why in God's world would Tara now want to join them just because Alden wants her to? You PPM supporters need to get something else to do rather than jump on this board making all sorts of comments trying to force Tara into doing what the majority of West Bayers rejected. Stay calm and valiant our WB Lioness they need you. you don't need them.
Listen you PPM we all know why Alden offered that seat to Tara, he knows PPm will never get into West Bay so he is just using Tara as a stepping stone, not because he wants to be an inclusive government, so Tara don't let anyone force you into making a decision, whatever you decide do it for the good of the country not for the good of PPM.
Marco you will certainly have your job cut out for you as Minister of Finance. There has been much in the press about Mac and his cronies abusing our coffers by going for various jaunts and jollies all over the world. Have a look at large international organisations such as the UN or Com Sec and you will see that there is a travel policy which applies to the entire organisation, regardless of seniority. All travel of less than 5 hours is done in economy class. Just this small change in travel policy would save us millions.
Marco will make a great Minister of Public Finances. Everything costs us (the Cayman taxpayers) through our Governement cheque book. Just last week Justice Henderson pointed out in Court that our Government was bringing cases to court that were hopeless and that the Attorney General should be doing a better job. So here we have the very Attorney General not delivering on the standard that are expected of him which will cost us. Civil servants, expecially senior civil servants, not following the rules also cost as the many judgments against us in courts tell. Marco, among your many challenges will be the development a system (an impartial and independent tribunal comprised individuals versed in Admin Law perhaps) that will regularly call on senior civil servants to document and explain their decisions. This tribunal system would effectively serve as a vehicle which continously educates our senior civil servants on the law and the limits of their powers.
Great choice on Wayne as Minister for Financial Services. Wayne understands the needs of this industry including the importance of international agreements and is unlikely to just sign everything they stick in front of him. Hopefully they will also bring back Deborah Drummond who has the necessary technical ks nowledge rather than the current Mac's appointees who may have been unlawfully appointed.
This looks like another one of those oh hell we won, what the heck next, Kurt or Anthony don't want to sit in a cabinet seat, they are too tired to do so, they only ran to collect votes for PPM one of them had better take a cabinet post to prove they ran to serve, Alden he can't even announce Ozz's post, god only knows what he will be tasked to do, the rest of the team involved are too inexperiance to know what the heck will hit them, but out of power hunger are in the poistions they are in, we have some trying times ahead Ezzard and Arden better draw straws and take a cabinet seat and stop playing around, Alden you better start renogiating some more, even if you got to call Mckeeva. England and the OECD countries don't have a fun deck they plan to play us in the future we are staring down the barrel of income taxes and austerity measures along with or financial services been dismantaled, and a bunch of on island expats that consider us to be too dumb to manage or own affairs and we should be fenced out and left to look in, or backs are against the wall now, we have a hard future ahead Caymanians, yes there is a few of you fake Caymanians that are allowed to taste the pie and you all think you are better than others but when the time come, everyone of you will fall with the rest of us please forget the politics and tricks and come together and work together to fight for what little we have left.
" … we have some trying times ahead Ezzard and Arden better draw straws and take a cabinet seat and stop playing around, " Really now … So, when did Alden and his PPMers offer either of them the seat in Cabinet that you refer to?
This message is for Roy and Winston…
Do not forget your own moto…
Country First…..
Please put aside your childish "I'm not working with…" attitude and let us start getting on with putting Cayman back on the map.
Alden this is for you….
Please make a point to find something where these two fine gentlemen can be productive based on the skills they bring to the table. Let us CONTINUE as you have started to do along this path of inclusiveness.
I trust you all will do the right thing….
Winston and Roy did not say they would not work with the government. What they said was to the effect that they would not form a government with Alden as Premier and I do not blame them! Their position is not any different than Alden's position when he also said he would not form a government with McKeeva or other members of the UDP. He got JuJu but now she is PNA so … Trust me, Winston, Roy and Tara will do this country proud as our gatekeepers on the back bench. If Alden was genuine about inclusivemess he would have had a meeting with them and his PPM folk and disussed how they could be a part of his government. They are no fools.
Alden, I am not your supporter for premier (I would prefer Moses), but I have to say that this is an excellent start. Including juju as speaker and a c4c in government signals to me that this is not about you or ppm but you’re putting country first.
One more favor if I may – can you please put Roy in a position where he can ensure our government’s financial reporting is in order to enable the auditor general to issue unqualified opinions?
We need proper data to make sound decisions and personally I think he would be the man for that job!
You do this and you’ll make me feel guilty for not voting for you.
Thanks!
RRP
Rrp Roy has said he would not work with Alden.
Roy was after being a premier without a party.
I was expecting adeal to get the 10th vote and we got it through Julliana.
The somewhat surprise move was the offer for Tara.
Get it straight the PPM did not have to make any more deals as they control the house.
So how does an independent from the C4C become a minister without joining the party?
I suppose the answer to that is fairly easy but I would suspect that she would have to comply with the PPM's plans for that ministry at least to a certain extent.
Did u not get the message at the announcement of the election results ?! The C4C PARTY lost! They also lost in their horse trading bid. It was generous to offer Tara a cabinet seat and share audacity to in turn demand more seats in Cabinet (which is what you are doing). Now when will you all turn your minds to announcing the leader of the opposition?
what exactly does Juliana represent? She started out as an independent, then became UDP, then PNA now PPM.
JuJu has always been PIP, Party In Power.
Paving In Progress
You are so ignorant, Juju doesn't have to be a PPM member to be the speaker, she doesn't even have to be an MLA.
Roy is who refused to work with PPM if Alden was the leader. So much for inclusion from their thinking. By the way PPM has wonderful educated men that can stand next to Roy and not need to be in his shadow. Bear with us, you might be amazed
Roy said he would not SIT IN CABINET is Alden was Premier…he never said anything about not working with the Alden, PPM and the other independents to solve our country's problems.
Why is everyone twisting his statement?? Oh, let me guess….angry your party did not win…forgot!
So why would Roy run and try and create a cabinet with Ezzard rather than let PPM know they could count on his vote to form a PPM government. In my opinion in cabinet or in LA there is much work to be done and if you could take the focus off who will get the glory for what is done and just do it for the love of country we would all be better off
Oh yes, we forgot, you have brilliant Ossie!
He has the perfect PPM man for the job mi dear, in the person of Marco Archer. Why would he trade Marco for Roy?
No. Alden has already says she does not have to join the party.
There is the concept of collective responsibility in cabinet however Tars would face this issue irrespective of who the other cabinet members are.
Mr. Premier, you have no idea how proud I am of you and your most strategic diplomacy so far. May God give you the strength and guidance to deal with all obstacles along the way
If the ppm had gotten one more in they would have NEVER asked Tara. They are using her for political stratedgy. They see where they can take advantage of thesitution for personal gain.
It’s time we start to believe there is some good among us. We can think as much as we like. What we know for sure is what we all heard publicly from the press briefing. Lets work with that as a start.
Tara has been offered a ministry seat, no strings attached, no need to join PPM. So, what is the problem? Are we to understand that her integrity is such that she is unable to due to her allegiance to her C4C colleagues? If this is as it appears, she is NOT an INDEPENDENT elected member of the House. This tells us all we need to know about C4C when they have not even been sworn in yet.
Party? Use any word you like, a group a movement, a team, you belong to any such you are not an Independent elected member of our Legislature. It walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, its a duck my friend.
If Tara accepts does that mean she has to jump ship and become PPM? Or would she still remain a member of C4C? I’m confused.
No ship jumping required I think. After all, she’s an independent. You would have 1 independent in cabinet (Tara) and 4 others in opposition (ezzard, Arden, Roy and Winston). That would validate that c4c is not necessarily a party, right?
Besides that would make for an excellent opposition in my opinion. Way do you guys think?
Excellent question, I too as a C4C supporter would like to know this from someone in the LA or someone who has been there before. Lets get an answer. A decision has to be made by Tara soon. I am a Bayer and would like to see her represent us in the cabinet as this would be the first time in DECADES that we would have someone competant and honest that could do us proud.
We truly need someone who can help with education and also be in position to help take the WB residents off the unemployment and the welfare list. NO strings attached mean no strings but you never know at that level. Gilbert, you have the pulse of what is going on, lets hear your opinion on this matter as a former member of the LA.
Tara, please keep in mind we voted for you to represent us, do just that and nothing less. If we voted for the usual preferred party you would not have been in the mix. Majority of West Bayers voted you in as we were longing for the opportunity to have someone we could be proud of and bring back pride, dignity and honesty to our district in the LA.
Thank you Tara for doing us proud and doing the right thing, we love you and God bless you and we will always support you on your decision. Just remember, COUNTRY FIRST and do the right thing for your district and your country and not sucked in by the party/group politics. These islands and our district needs you in a top position.
According to the press briefing they offered her the position with no strings attached. She does not need to change “parties” she only needs to accept or deny. The PPM have already formed their government but in the spirit of inclusive have offered her a position,
Alden made it very clear she was not being asked to join their party. What a way for C4C to start off! If the marl road is correct they are a dangerous force to be reckoned with. They taint the air with a thirst for power and control as the ultimate goal. Wow ………have we not had enough of the power hungry approach? Cayman, lets work to support the government we elected and hold them accountable in a reasonable objective way.
Lets do more than just wait to criticize them, lets get in the discussions so our voices are heard. Please Caymanians, this does not mean that only politicians have ideas, share yours in helpful ways. Critiquing is not the only way to speak.
I nver thought I would see the day that Julie would outshine Tara. Country First! And what a breath of fresh air this new Progresives government is already.
Fine start Alden. We are behind you. Look forward to hearing the rest of the Cabinet and whether Tara places the people of West Bay above her allegiance to Roy.
If Tara does not accept this offer from the Progressives to put love of country first, she will lose all credibility and the opportunity to represnt the people of both West bay and the whole country. It will clearly show us all that she is not a true independent at all and she has defrauded her voters and has conned them by securing their votes unde false pretences. The PPM is opening their Govt to include women and Tara has to think about it. If she cannot make this decision immediately she should not be a politician or in Government of any kind because she cannot make decisions. Tara, shit or get off the pot. This is an oportunity of a life time and there is nothing to think about because you said you were an independent. Time will tell the truth.
23:28 Agreed 100%
Congrats PPM on promptly forming and announcing our new Govt. And especially of taking the high road by offering to be so inclusive…for Country!
I do hope that Tara accepts the offer / Ministry Position!
And while Juliana may not have been perfect, she was a much better premier than Mac…at least as far as behaving in a much more diplomatic manner. Thanks for that Juliana…and for accepting the position of speaker. I'm so happy the previous speaker is history!
All in all, things seem to be falling in place quite well, as I believe the others are better suited to provide a strong opposition bench. All except Mac that is….he should just go home!!
Well hopefully, Mac will go to jail! Unlikely I know, but there's always that hope!
The PPM has not properly formed their government. That was a kneejerk press conference to throw out this carrot to Tara with the hopes that they will suck her in. I am sure that she is smart enought to see through the smoke screen and will do what is right. God bless you Tara.
Winston and Roy should be ashamed of themselves for their approach. I voted for both of them to represent us and they are already playing politics refusing to work with Alden. Disgraceful. Not an effective opposition as they are already opposing Alden before he has done anything. Just because you're called opposition doesn't mean you have to oppose them before they even do anything. You guys have mislead the public. As for Tara……..what are ytou thinking about? Independent thinking is what you campaigned on so why are you thinking along C4C "party" lines? You're all a joke.
The whole reason the C4C "non-party" party was formed in the first place was because of some baseless hatred for Alden.
You are so right. I have yet for them to tell me what the problem with Alden is. I say jealousy and they think he’s a bigger know-it-all than them. They think they are the only ones Alden has to take advice from so when Alden receives a variety of opinions on a matter and takes point from all feedback received, they think he’s not listening just because he doesn’t go with their idea with no questions asked.
CODY 03:24OMG That is so True. We all realize who the C4C Puppet Master is right? Recall the only times an individual called into Rooster attempting to put Alden down each given chance????…….That's exactly what it is about…..C4C Voters, start noting reminders within your calendars these member behaviours…..4 years soon come again…..
Grow up this isn’t high school!!
Who really are are shamed are you the person who posted on Sat, 05/25/2013 – 23:13 and the other PPM puppets on here maligning Winston and Roy's good name! You people are disgraceful, not these two fine gentlemen. In time you wll will see who is really who. You all may eat your words yet!
You didn’t vote for them cause if you did you would have respected the fact that they are independents, not party people! That’s why people voted for them.
The 15 should sit in a room and work it out. Only a dead man and a fool cant change his mind.
woooow. pmm working hard and Mckeeva Bush on the first flight out on BA.. tells you alot about your rep. west bay. lol
Hopefully mac is watching and learning…
you bet he is watching and learning how to kick your ass next election…. he is a hard man fe dead, and do you not forget that!
You mean like how the PPM kicked your ass this election?
Loser.
Wildly wishful thinking, and clearly you are not from Cayman because you used the verb "learning" in connection with Mr.Bush.
Right now all that matters is that the PPM just kicked your ass. OUCH!
It’s going to tough to run for election in a prison cell!
BaHaHaHaHaHa. Funniest thing ever!!!!
Dear 23.54
Now that you have status, get some education to go along with it.
I think I Will forget that.
You mean Dirty Willie, Dirty Willie, Dirty Willie?
Can we please just forget about him, at least until he pulls his first clown skit from the peanut gallery. Thanks man.
Lots of people have died and continue to. With God all things are possible. Only I am not wishing McKeeva dead, just for justice to have its unhindered way. The West Bayers who voted him in again, in spite of all the charges against him, must be brain-washed, and I mean completely washed of all logical, reasonable thinking. Bernie might make a good opposition member as I believe he will learn from his experience now in the LA and could become a good PPM candidate in future. Bernie, please, learn from all the strong, honourable people you now have the privilege to assemble with. You canplay a part in helping our country forward and helping to restore good governance. Be strong! Keep your heart and hands truly clean. And love your Cayman Islands.
Dyam right him hard fe dead Dads. Him same like a maiden plum bush. We qwine change him name to Maiden Plum Bush.
Dear newly elected members,
The people of the Cayman Islands have done their job by going out to the polls and electing legislative members to represent them and more importantly, getting down to the country's business. The PPM is clearly displaying an inclusive position in forming the new government and is breaking the party attitude of exclusivity to party. As a C4C supporter I am looking forward to seeing my representatives working together with the PPM and get down to doing the business of these beloved islands we call home. Our country is in a mess to say the least, and with the abundance of talented representatives available to this country we should have no problem moving forward in a positive and progressive manner. Lets us all join our hearts together to pray and and ask for God's guidance on how to move forward. May God continue to bless these beautiful Cayman lslands and may God be first place with the representatives as they make their decisions on moving forward with the country's business. FOR THE FIRST TIME, LETS TRULY TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PUT OUR BELOVED COUNTRY FIRST AND PUT ASIDE OUR POLITICAL DIFFERENCES. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
I hate to dissappoint you but as a C4C supporter you have already been let down by your party. They are threatening Tara and do not want her to accept PPM's offer. If you don't learn something form this action you have a problem. They should choke when they claim that their motto is "Country First". Ladies and gentlemen it's big business and big companies first, not Cayman. God have mercy on us. I guess it's better we find out now than have to wait for 2017 to figure this out. C4C go back to your big businesses and leave the politics to more consientious persons
When C4C suporters were rallying around the political hopefuls, you should've known that they were representing the SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. Were they really there for the interest of the down-trodden, poor helpless people, or Country? Think again.
It has taken you too long to figure, and understand the make up of the equation. You have been taken in by smart talkers, who had twisted tongues. Always weigh the pros and cons and you may make better decisons. Most people thought C4C was better than a slice of bread, which has turned out to be sour.
Their Premier in waiting must be very disappointed, that he got left. The Independents, who were going to be the next government, missed the boat and ended up making demands for seats that they could not secure. Are they arrogant, pompous or irresponsible? Which one?
I Totally Agree with your statement! It looks to me that C4C is the party and the PPM is the one that their motto is "Country First" by trying to invite C4C in to help the country as they claim their motto is "Country First" Bunch of BS the Sold the Electorate. But Remember this silly 3 – C4C — TIME LONGER THAN ROPE.
By not “joining” PPM, C4C ARE putting Cayman first!! This way there are checks and balances!
Representatives of C4C, can we stop the PARTY POLITICS and get on with district and country business. As a supporter of your independent coalition I hope I was not misled by a political group/party once again. We expect and demand that you conduct yourselves in a manner reflecting your education and professional level hence the reason we voted for you.
I don't expect the party posture from any of you, only a posture reflecting the love of country, district and it's people. We heard you, we loved what you stood for, we voted for you and continue to support you. As promised, can we get on with the COUNTRY FIRST BUSINESS.
This is your first term as a representative and congratulations on this achievement, however, if you are interested in representing us in the future just do the right thing and get on with our business. This country desperately need your talents and abilities.
I would suggest that you have a public meeting very soon and explain to your many supporters your position and what you intend to do going forward as a group for these islands. I look forward to hearing from all of you including those that were not successful in the election.
Tara please accep a Ministry; we the general populace need you more than C4C. We put you in the position to be asked. You made it easy to be voted in with your posession of intelligence, capabilities and decency. Please, please do the decent thing now.
to 21;50
Here you are begging Tara to accept taking part in a party system. As the saying goes….Boxing has rules, every sports that man and woman takes part in have rules…. politics has none, you all are a testament to that. Now you have no shame, you want Tara to go against what you all preached against (party system)for the last 8 months. Where are the integrity,honesty and transparency now!
They are not asking her to join a party, you missed the press briefing. She is being offered as an independent the opportunity to take a cabinet position and represent her constituents.
If she doesn't take it, it only means she is not really an independent, and is putting her own party – C4C – ahead of those who elected her.
7;05
Apparently you missed the point when i said, Politic has no rules. It will only be a miracle if she goes against the collective responsibily of this party government.
Tara is not being asked to join the PPM party. Consider this, any C4C members in this administration had we a Coalition government would find themselves in a PPM government. It is quite ironic that the C4C folks now say Tara should not take the offer but stick to her principles. What are her principles in this real instance for how C4C will serve their country?
Will she or any of them be ‘allowed’ to put country first? Or are they bonded to a higher force? Her silence over so many hours is worrying. It suggests that the C4C bosses have told her NO you can’t. If that is not the case what is she pondering? She ran to serve the people, if as one of you say now that she should stick to her guns and not take a Ministerial seat (not being asked to change her allegiance to C4C) then who did she run to serve? Country or C4C?
This new group (not a party, rather a team/ movement words used by Jude Scott) is a worrying presence on our political landscape. Why take such a position – my way or the high way type of thing?
People of Cayman, Lets not trade words around now, lets be practical. Alden has called their hand. This is not about McKeeva, there has been No mention of his name as it should be. Alden did what they did not expect, now we sit out here either in support or twisting around sacred words like integrity and principles. My question is simple , Tara do you stand for service to your people with all you have to offer your country at this time of dire need or do you have to follow the dictates of a few who endorsed you? Tell us quickly, we deserve to know. We are after all the electorate.
Tara does not have to take part in the party system, go and educate yourself please! If she accepts a ministry for West Bay we will have a coalition government.
We need to raise funds to pay back C4C for her campaign funding so that we can tell C4C to go fly a kite. This is what they are throwing in her face
I am just so impress how Mr.McLaughlin handled the questions from the media, a vast difference from the 1st Premier .I agree the progressives already got the majority, I would not care one hoot for Tara, she should had been willing and able to have given her word by now. Who does she think she is? Representing the C4C over her Country. Already that is sending me negative vibes. Arden and Ezzard I had high hopes for you guys, why do you all hate Mr. McLaughlin so much? What has he done you guys? You should be ashame of yourselves. Go back on Rooster every tuesday and tell nancy stories again. Thats what unnah are good for. Like Market ladies! Mr. McLaughlin you were very diplomatic and professional, just don't let them drag you into the threnches with them. Be the Premier we expects you to be and bring honour back to our Honourable house. Get the business of the Country done the proper way and bring back the confidence in our Country. Welcome Progressives!!
21'46
We will be watching to see how your words will play out in the assembly!
" Bring honour back to our Honourable house" Get the business of the country done the proper way and bring back confidence in our country" we will be watching!!!! i have made a note of these words, to remind you later.
I don't vote for either, but it seems to me that if not for those two "market ladies" bringing to light many of the ills of the UDP administration and keeping up the public pressure, the election results may have been significantly different.
education minister Tara this is about serving the nation , you can’t be independent on that it takes all hands on deck to make this work , you are smart i hope you make the right choice.
TARA! With you we finally got honest, smart representation in West Bay. A lot of people took a risk and supported you. Don’t waste our votes and your chance to make a difference. Country first! Accept the ministry offer!
21;14
you guys are so full of it, now you begging her to take the seat of a party system. this is why she won her seat in west bay in the first place.
If the government were the other party asking her to join them, would you be begging her to reliquish her ideals to join them? i dont think so. you just dont want her to be left on the opposition side with Mac. now you prove you dont have that integrity and honesty you all were bull shitting the west bay people about.
Tara stay where you are and show the country you are real.do not go down that hate road with the rest, your time will come the right time, the right way.
Tara seems to be a lady to her beliefs and is keeping her words. She campaigned against the party system so she is sticking with it. Shows that she cannot be bought.STRONG WOMAN, and shows that she dosent think that the big almighty salary is everything. Also Roy and WINSTON CONGRATS ON BEING GENTLEMEN TO YOUR WORDS.
I don't understand some of the comments that are being made in response to Tara being offered a Ministry, and some of you feel that if she does she will go against everything that she has campaigned on… to me that is absolutely ignorant and shortsighted on unny part. If PPM has offered a PNA member a place in the new Government and is now offering a Ministerial position to a C4C Independent, to show that they are willing to work together and include others… how can that be getting involved in the Party System? Another thing how can you be bought by being given such a great responsibility as Minister of Cabinet??? I wish us Caymanians stop hating each other and refusing to work together, because if we don't come together as ONE we won't have anything to fight or hold down each other for!!! TARA, PLEASE TAKE THE MINISTRY, I THINK THAT YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO DOWN IN CAYMAN'S HISTORY AS ONE OF THE BEST MINISTERS/EXCO IN CAYMAN'S HISTORY!!
The only one that has been BOUGHT is McKeeva who has FAILED to serve his people.
The LION was on both Rooster and Talk Today campaigning for his LIONESS to have a Ministry spot. Why are you fools trying to ruin it for them and the rest of the country?
UPDers up to more dirty tricks again?
Truly and ignorant and nonsensical perspective! Tara didnt win her seat in WB because she was independent! She won it because she is a capable intelligent young woman who has a lot of historical grass roots appeal. You are now displaying the kind of silo mentality and rigid perspective that you claim the parties have! Dont be so silly – Tara should take the offer and get on with representing West Bay and the country's interest!
I wonder i you people really think before spouting nonsense. Alden is not offering Tara a position in the Progressives, he is offering her a ministry in the Government of the Cayman Islands, which is what this is all about. Roy and Winston are forgetting that the people elected them not their direct supporters. The people obbviously thought you would put your ccountry first and now you are trying to influence a young woman who is well qualified, to refuse the offer of a ministry. Shame on you. Yuh musta bin trained by KeeKee.
She isn't being asked to join the PPM, she is being offered a ministry in a coalition government.
Clearly Roy has to be his own man, but suspect that Minister of Finance would have been a shoe-in, if he had not been so vocal pre the election.
Roy is a gentleman, he will get where he wants to be. when the time comes, just live up to that integrity and honesty status, Mr. Roy, dont let no one take that from you. Im a UDP supporter, and im very very impressed by your stance…. you have all my admiration.
Dude that living up to integrity and honesty comment just proved that you are NOT a UDP supporter!
Nobody wants a UDP supporters admiration, it is worthless.
TRUELY INDEPENDENT. Tara my good friend, you said you where independent, this is the reason why myself and my wife voted for you. Not many first time politician get the opportunity to serve in cabinet. It is rumored that you signed a pledge with the C4C not to work with Alden or Mac if they where the leader. If the C4C where truly independent and you all signed this pledge, you all have misled the voters. West bay and the Caymanian people voted for you because we saw the ability in you to serve us all. You may never get this opportunity again. Country First.
20;44
Stop bull shitting the lady..Tara, you damn well know you all surpported her because she ran on an indipendant ticket.. indorsed by the C4C to not join any party system. now you have no scruples begging her to step away from her ideals. and join the party system.
if it was Mac giving her that chance you would have a different out look,
Tara stand your grounds…lady, you will get a chance on your own when the time comes.
You all are just a bunch of makeeva haters. every decission you make is based on this man. i sure hope you all dont go as far as destroying this beautiful country one day because of yoru hatred for thisone man.
Where are your integrity and honesty now ??? you never had any in the first place.
McKeeva's selfishness and hatred for his own country and people is what has nearly destroyed this beautiful country. Tara should serve her people unlike McKeeva who only wants to control all of the people just like the WB voters. We do not hate him, we hate the likes of him and would prefer he would be out of the picture altogether. Chances are dat day soon come due to his own hatred, greed and stupidity, not anyone elses. Is that honest enough for you?
To:Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/25/2013 – 23:00. Watch your language! This is a family friendly site.
1. You need to learn to spell.
2. You need to educate yourself. Tara isn't being asked to join the PPM.
It's a hell of a predicament to owe someone or some people. Tell them to get their figures together to pay them off for their backing and we will find a way to raise funds to be rid of the C4C on your back. If you are indepentent, please act independent.
There are no PLEDGES to C4C, ****************** they are an advocasy group,
The candidates had their own committies and Manager, ran their own campaign from their own offices.
Now compare that with the registered parties, who are registered as a party, have a Leader a Constitution and members who pay dues with allegance to the party.
All C4C did with the help of many was, to provide factual information about the conditions of our Islands so that ALL the people would be aware of the true facts.
Thank you all THAT Voted for a Positive Change.
They were and still is Independent, let's stop the political nonsence as most of you know better.
If all the Independents become a part of the Government will be 14 members and the opposition will be 3, now Mac, Bernie and Eugine as the opposition what do you think that will be like.
The opposition must have learned people who can understand what is being debated and bring clarity with integrity and decency back to the LA.
Now lets got on with the job, the challenges are many and varied. """"""""""""""""""""".
If you watch the video of the press conference on Cayman27 you will see JuJu messing with papers just like Mac does. LOL
To her credit I believe she was already hard at work taking REAL notes not FAKE notes like McKeeva. Possibly hansard type minutes for the official records.
Better her taking notes than taking trips!
Juliana will be a great speaker better than the last one we had for sure…I also must say this is the most educated bunch of MLAs ever elected in the history of the Cayman Islands..WAY TOO GO CAYMAN..
well done for rejecting the small minded backward demands of arden/ezzard….
one small consolation orf this election is that these 2 windbags do not hold the balance of power…
but they will always have 'super tuesday'………zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I wish they had offered Roy McTaggart the Ministry of Finance position.
Uhm, Roy said he wasn't working with Alden as Premier. His decision. Already taken, before the votes were cast.
And we admire him (Roy)for taking that stance.He will be more accepted when his next time comes around.
Alden, I am very concern that your proposed Ministers are all new and inexperience. I strongly sggest that you convice your former leader to take a ministerial seat in cabinet. Mr. Tibbetts will be an invaluable asset to you as Premier and the cabinet on a whole. Alden, trust me my friend. You don’t want to surround yourself with a group of ministers who are all new to this. You need Mr. Tibbetts in cabinet with you.
Kurt doesn't want a seat in cabinet, he wants to spend more time with his constituents.
Roy will be a great Chairman for the Public Accounts Committee.
Well Marco is the new Minister of Finance eh!
We know that he was not the decision maker of the New Zealand (failed in NZ) system that we now have, but he was the project manager of this system which clearly was not properly implemented.
It has not worked Sir. As the new Minister of Finance please make it your priority to fix this and revert to what we had before. There are too many accountants in government who cannot make it work, and all it does is drive up the head count. For the sake of country, please revert to centralised accounting and while you are at it do away with that system called TRS. It is a waste of time.
Im glad he showed integrity, thanks Mr. Roy
He may have gotte the offer had he not held out for finding a new Premier. Get over it Roy join Mac in the opposition you were always good at advising him anyway. Get over it you are not in power. PPM will show you how it is done in a fair, transparent and honest fashion
Since Tara dont want it give it to one of our Progressives.
HOw do you know that? she has not given her answer as yet!
Because if she wanted it she would have said yes. See Ju-Ju for an example. Instead the non-party is trying to wring some sort of concession (I can't imagine what) from the man they said they wouldn't support as Premier.
You cannot possibly compare Ju Ju's position with Tara. Ju ju has absolutely nothing to lose. If she did not accept this highly paid prestigious positition she would just fade into obscruity on the opposition bench and she is not seeking re-election in 4 years. Tara has to consider whether this affects her prospects of being re-elected.
I think that Tara is capable of being a minister. However I trust that she will take all matters into consideration before making a decision, she is accounatble to the people that elected her not the PPM. Btw- no doubt part of the reason for her being offered the position was meant as a jab to Mac, nevertheless as I said before I think she would make a good minister (or opposition for that matter). We are proud of Tara and hope and pray that she will make the best decision.
Roy and C4C are holding a stick over her head. Poorgirl she is learning what it means to be beholding to someone
If she really wanted it and was doing it country first she would have accepted already.
Oh yeh! Like you are such a genius you ran for mla! Our elected representatives are supposed to evaluate and think what is best for Cayman, not just rush in. Good job she has brain of Cayman like you thinking for her!
Think what's best?? So she's deciding whether it would be better to join the UDP on the opposition benches or join the ruing government, as a Cabinet minister, representing her district in Cabinet??? Right……let's think…..what's better…….. She is being held back by Winston and Roy so, lets see how independent she really is.
Seriously 22:26. You say she has to evaluate. She has had months of campaiging and, if she is any good, would have had all the possible scenarios running through her head for a long time so that she's in a position to make a quick decision. Politicians need to make hard decisions very quickly – that is why we elect them. Even if this was a hard decision, which I really don't believe it is, she should be in a position to answer it straight away. Don't tell me she hasn't already thought through this scenario of being offered a cabinet post. of course she has. What she hadn't thought about is her colleagues pressuring her to say no to such a high honour. Something they should not be doing and something that should tell her straight away, I do not want to work with these C4C people anymore if this is their reaction.
Lets stop this BS about country first…. she has her integrity to live up to.
If you are taking about Tara, I totally agree her integrity to Roy is the problem
Country first has now found is true place ……….BS. All the comments out here surrounding C4C leaves we giddy headed. I crave some understanding of what their Core Values and Principles are. The word integrity is now being thrown around. I am left to feel that few people even know what it really means. If as it appears some people are now saying that Tara demonstrates her integrity by not accepting the offer to serve her country viaa ministerial position them I would ask her, did you run on a Personal agenda in West Bay of country first or under the banner of a ‘group…..team…….movement ‘ which has defined what your values and mission is?
Girl you need to tell us, and seriously, please don’t mention C4C when you do. Just tell us what you are about. Your affiliation to this non party ….group……movement…….team is your business. The offer to serve your country with absolutely no Need to change your affiliation to that thing…..what say you?
She has already turned it down twice. She has one more chance. West Bayers get on her case
This is not a problem. We have extras that can handle it. Tara tell the West Bayers why you refused the appointment and why you can't help them for the next 4 years
Alot of us wanted Roy for our Premier. Very let down and sad.
Apparently 1500 of also wanted mckeeva for our premier.
Apparently he wanted to be Premier too.
However the Constitution is clear about this, it says that the one who commands the clear majority will be Premier.
So next time if he wants to be Premier and you want him to, then he needs to run a full ticket nationally to stand a chance. The C4C needs to be honest and say they are a party.
It does not take a rocket scientist or accountant to figure out the above.
It's breathtaking to see the level of maturity and inclusiveness displayed by the PPM party especially to women. Tara please put country first.
Tara do not fall for this plea. it's all basd on hate for Makeeva. remember you and Mac are from the same district and you both are Caymanians, we have to live more loving with each other. do not take this offer just to please these Makeeva haters. show your integrity Tara… you campaigned for integrity.
Tara is a brilliant West Bayer, she realizes that alot of people who voted for Mack voted for her as well thats why she got so many votes and Velma did not get in. If she joins the PPM she will loose alot of support from her people. Please stop the evilness and get on with our Country. The reason I find it hard to support the PPM is not only because of some members but their supporters, some of them will stoop to anything.
These C4C posts are clearly trying to find a way to cover up the strings they have attached to Tara by funding her campaign.
Please, Roy, put Country First and let us Bayers have Tara serve us in cabinet. You'll have your turn next time.
No body has asked her to join PPM. That's the reason you don't seem to understand PPM any person joining us do so voluntarily. We do not try to think for our membership
This is Tara’s chance to show West Bay what smart, honest and clear minded leadership can do and how proud they can be of a cabinet minister making a real positive contribution to the country. If she makes West Bay proud she could be the one to pave the way for other non UDP members to be elected alongside her next election. Instead of a detriment this is a huge opportunity for her if she works hard and delivers!
Jeez, how many times do you have to be told that Tara is not being approached to join the PPM, she is being offered a seat in a coalition government.
Please, let us stop the childish games and grow up!! Let us be mature in our support for our elected representative in West Bay. But I always remember what my dad used to say, " you can only put out what you have up there". I think some of us are not capable of thinking any deeper than at the surface, and you cannot be blamed for this. But for the rest of us, we can go a lot deeper and see what is best for the country. Not everyone plays that hate game and definitely not everyone leads this country as a dictator!! I think a lot of us cannot accept the fact, that McKeeva has lost and we have a new government. What I am seeing being formed, in my opinion, is a great start. I think Tara should accept a ministerial position, but she ran with a coalition that most likely funded her campaign and rules have to be followed. It is up to her to make that decision, then we will have to make our decision as to how to accept her decision. I have supported Mckeeva for quite a long time, but when you have someone just taking advantage of his position, not caring for the country, then it is time to put them out to pasture. We could not do with another four years of dictatorship, we needed a change!! I do pray for my fellow West Bayers, that our thoughts of McKeeva being the only one capable of leading this country is BS!! Alden, I do have the confidence that you may lead our country well, no more BS, let us make caymanians proud to be from Cayman again. Please look out for our youths as they are the future, get them employed and let us get back on track. Please do not get rid of the 7 year term policy, but do get rid of foreign slave labour!! By the way if you are going to be so supportive of McKeeva, you should know how to spell his name properly!! Caymanians, let us work together for a bright tomorrow with the Lord Almighty help!!!
Folks Lets stop talking about McKeeva and get on with a new tomorrow. He did to himself all that is surrounding him. A focus on this one man needs to stop. to keep talking about him is to immortalize him. Greed,, dishonesty and fear is what he has ingrained in our people. we need to change that forever.
We need to take Cayman back from these dark side ways of being and watch for the wolves in sheeps clothing who smile different, smell different but are just like him.
The people spoke on Wednesday, we want a Cayman back that is not like that is what the people have clearly said……..We are the People.
We need to realize that both money and friend can disappoint us when it comes to service for country. McKeeva showed us that. C4C appears to be doing the same thing now.
We must rise above friend and how well any one of us have made it in life to see people as they really are. If you are as singleminded as it now appears that C4C are in getting what they want, then is that really different than the pattern of the last four years?
Yesterday we saw a calm, measured leadership presence from Alden. You know it seems that quite a campaign has been waged against him……..he is arrogant, he does not listen, he only wants things his way. This campaign has been so well managed that it now gets repeated by so many. I have asked several people to give me specific examples and they stumble to find them. One answer I got was I saw him out some where and he barely spoke to me the person said. On the other hand I am told he has demonstrated honesty, transparency and integrity in his work for country. So what shall it be my fellow Caymanians , values or friendship for national leadership? I do agree that a leader must have a welcoming presence, I fully accept that. Tell me that Alden must be present with the community in a more social able way. I can buy that and if that is the real complaint, he better buy it too. But for once, lets start to hold up our own who show leadership ability that is positive rather than tear down anyone of us who shows such ability. The colonial mentality still as a hold on us and there are those of our own who are bent on keeping us slave to that mentality.
I for one stand tall with my independent values, morals and beliefs, I am not a C4C person and yes they don’t own this stance. These do not interfere with me acknowledging and supporting good where it exists in Cayman. I call on all decent Caymanians (and there are many) to let go of allegiance to any friend or any fear and do the same.
I would hope that Tara realizes she was elected by the people to serve them and not be a puppet to the C4C Puppet Master. The Country and West Bay NEEDS you Tara, put Country First.
She's an independent! C4C is NOT a party! Whats the hold-up?
Tara put your integrity first, stand by your stance against the party system.
We have a system of government which is largely predicated on organised politics. If we took your argument to its logical conclusion you should have been encouraging Tara to put her intergrity first and not run for public office at all. You are completely daft! And unfortunately she is too if she has bought into her own campaign propaganda. Intergrity is about doing the right thing even when it is not convenient. Accepting the offer of a cabinet seat is both convenient and the right thing!
There is a difference between want and need. The ppm dont want Tara, they NEED her! Dont be fooled Cayman. If they are willing to accept juju, i am sure they would accept mac to get the numbers. Sad but true.
That my friend is where you and many others are misinformed on the matter at hand. By appointing Julianna as Speaker, the offer on hand to Tara is NOT based on need, as the PPM now have a majority in the legislature (9/17 voting members). Instead, it appears to be a true reflection of Premier McLaughlin's statements immediately following the election results that he would seek to form an inclusive Government. I can appreciate that for many of us in Cayman, it would be confusing to understand a political leader who honours his words – we have certainly had little evidence of that under the former UDP government, and unfortunately Roy and Winston's behaviour do not echo the cries of Country First which we heard from the C4C pre-election and seems that they are following all too closely in the UDP's footsteps (not that I'm surprised by this, of course). Tara has been offered a Cabinet seat to work on the subjects of her choosing (within reason) and is NOT required to join the PPM party to do so. I anxiously await her reply, as I cannot fathom what her explanation could be for refusing this offer which affords her the opportunity to shape the Government's policies and effect change in her country, which was what I believe she campaigned to get. If she rejects the offer, from the backbench the most she will have the opportunity to do is object to the PPM's policies on the floor of the legislature, but she will have no power to stop them once it has reached that stage. Please Tara, show us that you truly meant Country First!
I never thought that I would live to see the day that ju ju would be joining hands with Alden. Politricks certainly make strange bed partners. Lets hope that she run everybody out of the LA AGAIN. They really makes Mack good. At least we can be happy for our wonderful Capt Mose. You will get elected as long as you want to.
Off to good start, Juliana as speaker I cant wait to hear her put Keevie in his place :). On a serious note if Tarka takes up the cabinet seat offered to her, that would mean only one seat left for the health ministry (Mr. Eden is the obvious choice, is it possible Ozzie will be the Infrastructure and works Minister and Mr. Tibbetts contented as a backbencher, will be interesting to see how things pan out over the next week.
Eden for Health Minister? No way BoBo!
Mr. Ezzard should stay in his niche as opposition. He is WONDERFUL in that role, and applies his brush wherever he sees a problem regardless of party affiliation. Opposition is an important role, as Nicky pointed out in her Viewpoint. Please keep Mr. Ezzard there — we need his idependent thoughts to keep our new hands clean.
PPM does not need anyone to teach them to keep their hands clean. That's the PPM way, honest and integrity from beginning to end
Way to go Progressives!
Ezzard and Arden, the country needs you to now unite with the government…you both worked hard to remove the poison of the UDP, now help not hinder badly needed unity in the country.
Sorry todissappoint you but the only reason they are there is to try to create chaos even if there is none. They will have their work cut out for them because PPM is much more honest than either of them could ever attempt to be
Will there be any reason, ever, for the new speaker to travel on the countries behalf?
Accompanied by Paul?
And hire his friends to give them positions over Caymanians?
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, or some such.
Are they still doing driveways?
Will she need her driverPaul or she managed to secure a better job for him?
COUNTRY FIRST Tara…Country first…now let's see ifyou really meant it, or not.
I Agree. Country First. Puppet days are over. Be independent in Thoughts as well as Decision. GOD positioned you for a reason. Cut the holdup. Be proud to be offered a seat and serve your County and District.
Country First, As an indendent MLA, ifTara is offered a seat and refuses, because she wants her fellow C4C independent bretheren included,that says a lot! What obligations do they have with each other?
C4C party didn't win in this election, so why would they expect the PPM to include 3 of them in the Cabinet? Big brains, small minds. Matter of fact, Roy and Winston stated they would not work with Alden as Premier. What caused them to recant their statements? Be careful Cayman.
Tara stay where you are, you will get more respect from your people, and the country..Integrity Integrity…. must be the standard of the day.
and that applies to you too Winston and Roy. What are you doing? Cerytainly not (it seems) what we voted for you to do – bring yourideas and abilities to the Government, not against it.
The opposition has a very important place in government – they don't just oppose as the simple minded might think, they govern and challenge – so having a strong opposition is as important as having a strong government. And if the government don't perform, then they are lined up to prove themselves down the road. Don't force these guys to compromise their values and beliefs in order to fit a 2-party system… They are sticking to their guns as a third option – not a party – a set of true independent challengers…
Winston and Roy stay your grounds. You will be admired by upstanding people with real integrity and honesty.
I assume you are joking. What they are revealing is not integrity and honesty.
You need to check out their deal with Ezzard, then you will realize the real C4C. Sorry you got misguided. I could always see through their objectives
If you are right, then they are what some accused them of, UDP Bushits secretly setting out to undermine his opposition.
I'll tell you what Roy and Winston are doing, they're trying to form a Govt. with Ezzard and Mac. I heard they offered Wayne to be Premier if he would leave PPM. What they did not know is PPM does not attract garbage. We have men amongst men of integrity, honesty and not big money first
Integrity first Tara, Integrity first, lets show the World that one person can live up to their words. you said you would not work with the party system. im proud you made that decission. do not let these peopl make you sin Tara, integrity first.
Time to move on Mr. McLaughlin… Give the role to one of our Progessives at least you tried..
Anyone think Big Mac would have offer her if he could.. He would say "Little girl go and sit down"
Time to move on Mr. McLaughlin
Yes, that is ONE of the many differences between Big Mac and Premier McLaughlin. He has no respect for anyone but the current Premier does. Mac insults and blasts anyone who does not agree with him. Alden seeks and allows active participation in governing, even from those who may not agree with everything that he believes. That gives him the right to have Honourable as part of his title.
Premier McLaughlin?????????? Don't you think you are jumping ahead a tad too quickly. Wait until the man is sworn to the position me thinks.
Why c4c still trying to team up with Ezzard to usurp democracy????