The trouble with ‘Miller time’
Ezzard Miller has done a few good things as an opposition member over the past few yeas, but his actions immediately after last week's general elections have resulted in an opposition which will likely fail to meet any expectations of effective checks and balance on the PPM government.
The day after the elections, even after the group of five comprising the three C4C candidates and the two wise men from the east agreed to essentially work together as a team, Miller made a 'suggestion' (his own words according to CNS) that an alternative government with his highness as premier could be put together, if only a certain PPM member and hopefully a few others would defect and cross over to this new group.
The plan not only backfired, as the PPM candidate shared Miller's email with various persons both within and external to the PPM, but it caused the C4C members to rightly question whether they could be a part of a successful opposition with a man who was trying to engineer his own government behind their backs. Furthermore, it is alleged that as Miller was telling others that he had five seats (being himself, Arden and the C4C members) it was interesting and ironic that Tara Rivers, who eventually ended up in the PPM's cabinet, was not one of the proposed cabinet members under Miller's 'Plan B'.
Miller managed to single handedly create a situation whereby five otherwise competent newly elected or re-elected members would become so fragmented in a swell of suspicion and mistrust that not only could they not see themselves working together but several of them "defected" to work with the government instead of forming an effective opposition.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with the C4C members wanting to form a coalition government. In fact, the situation which resulted with Ms Rivers in Cabinet and Mr Connolly being offered an opportunity to work closely with her in a sort of councillor/jr minister position, similar to those introduced by McKeeva Bush, seems reasonable. And everyone should hope that it all works for the betterment of the country.
But we now have a scenario whereby even Roy Mctaggart, who seems qualified to play a strong opposition role, may also consider joining the government. Sounds nice if you are really into the coalition thing but does absolutely nothing to ensure there is a balance in the LA over the next four years. And that's not a good thing.
The C4C brand took a bit of a hit with their to and fro about whether they wanted to work with Alden McLaughlin, but the public is likely to forgive them if the coalition (we should use that word lightly) works.
'Miller time' is to blame for the weakness of the opposition because, while the North Side tough guy claims to be happy in his "southeast corner" (and to be honest even that phrase is becoming tiring), one could imagine how easy it may become for the government to forget that he is there.
That leaves us with a man that faces court in a few months to lead the opposition, one newly elected member in Bernie and a captain that is known for not doing too much in the LA in any event.
The only person left is one Arden McLean, who stuck closely by Miller's side for the past couple of years and must now be wondering how he ended up standing next to Miller for another four years and with no seemingly effective way to play a meaningful role as opposition in the LA leading up to 2017.
What a shambles, and all down to 'Miller time'.
Category: Viewpoint
If Ezzard had lived in George Town he would have been in the majority . Some people have forgot that being one of the minority in the house. He was still able to bring down one of the most corrupt periods in Cayman history. Our new premier took his sweet time to finally join Mr. Miller with his group. Mr Miller was truly the leader without the title and it is how he will be remembered in history.
Remember, Miller is the oaf who laughed at a man because he was suffering from an illness: Lord Blencathra – a man for whom I have no time at all, but who does not deserve that. Until Miller shows basic Caymanian courtesy and apologises, he should be shunned by all.
Are you sure that Ezzard laughed at him because of his ilness ,or did he laugh at something else without knowjng about the illness;or did he really laugh at the gentleman at all.Show us your proof and do not use it out of context.Let us hear what was said immediately before and after the alleged incident so that we can judge for ourselves.
Ezzard referred to "n1ggers" on the radio and then did a double talk explaination to get out of oafish behavior.
Ezzard has also been insulting toward cruise ship visitors who spend money in Cayman.
Rude, boorish, behavior on the radio for sure, in the US the FCC would have Rooster clucking like a chicken.
To:Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/03/2013 – 10:05 I take it that you are the same oaf who accused Ezzard of insulting Lord Blencathra and failed to provide proof to back it up.Again where is the proof that Ezzard referred to "ni–ers".In what context was it used? Was he referring to himself when he used the word.Prove it .and do not use it out of context.You say that in the US the FCC would have Rooster clucking like a chicken,well in Cayman ,Rooster has you mad as a setting hen.
umm.. Ezzard went on the radio some time back and made a stink about the poor service he received at the HSA and said that he had to carry on like a ni&&er in order to get service for his mother….not that the HSA is a glowing example of customer service, but Ezzard's remarks were totally uncalled for…
To 14:12
I am writing response to you on the planet denial where you obviously live. You must never listen to Ezzard on the radio.
Are his comments offensive, yes. For someone who tries to present himself as an educated leader in the country his remarks are ignorant and never has he been held accountable by the co-hosts.
And yes in countries where broadcast radio is monitored rooster would face charges.
Go back to sleep.
It’s time they got rid of that blowhard Austin Harris and replaced him with intelligent life. Because his research on any given issue is perfunctory at best, he never challenges or remonstrates with his guests and so they know they can get away with saying anything. Which they do.
And who’s the one who snorts and hawks on air? Or do they all do that?
Ewww …I turn them off when that phlemy back-hacking starts up. You'd think Austin would know the most basic of radio broadcast skills: turn off the friggin' microphone. Good anti-smoking message though…
He referred on Rooster to Lord Blencathra, a man on crutches, as Lord Cripple. If anyone is a blinkered little-islander who knows nothing about the outside world, it’s Miller.
Yes but the crowd roared when a certain ex employee of a certain authority handed Mr. Miller a copy of his report believing his Big mouth would win him the sympathy of the angry mob, only to find out it exposed his arse and his misdealings. Yes Miller time has made many drunk fools grin from shame! A hard ride down now though especially when you have to go and beg PPM members for an audience and assistance is it.
101 Your post contains a lot of supositions and allegations whichyou have not supported with proof. .So where's the proof? Please back up your story with copies of e-mails, text messages,statements ,recordings or other hard evidence Send these to CNS to be attached to your post and prove your case.Otherwise one is free to assume that the majority of what you have posted is just a figment of your imagination. You state "Miller managed to single handedly create a situation whereby five otherwise competent newly elected or re-elected members would become so fragmented in a swell of suspicion and mistrust that So again where is your proof? Where are the e-mails or text messages supporting your claim that ." not only could they not see themselves working together but several of them "defected" to work with the government instead of forming an effective opposition."These are serious allegations and if you are unable to provide proof ,you should apologize to these MLAs. You alsostate "we now have a scenario whereby even Roy Mctaggart, who seems qualified to play a strong opposition role, may also consider joining the government" Again whrer is your proof? Where are the text messages or e-mails to back this up? So please put up or shut up. Lastly ,you state that "Arden McLean, who stuck closely by Miller's side for the past couple of years must now be wondering how he ended up standing next to Miller for another four years and with no seemingly effective way to play a meaningful role as opposition in the LA leading up to 2017.the opposition will be weak when in fact they were only sworn in and there has been nothing for them to oppose." Are you saying that the only way to be effective as an opposition is to be leader?Then I guess we will have to name each of the six of them as Leaders of the Opposition. Your post comes across as a rant against someone whose personality you dislike and nothing more.
Calm down dude. Everyone knows about the fact that ezzard reached out to a ppm candidate who then shared the email. And ezzard confirmed in a cns article that he tried to put his own coalition together.
The fact that Ezzard sent a text message is not being questioned.What we do not know is : Was Ezzard asked by the group of five independent MLAs or The C4C leaders to approach PPM members seeking defections?.Remember that only days before the election C4C had stated their interest in having some of the PPM members defect and join the candidates endorsed by C4C.Was Ezzard putting himself forward to be Premier with the blessing of C4C or the remainder of the group of five?.If Ezzard acted with the blessing or implied support of these candidates ,then how can he be said to have caused suspicion and mistrust amongst them. Had Mr Miller been successful in recruiting four members of the PPM and gotten Ms Julie to accept the Speakers post ,would the C4C have agreed for him to be Premier?Does 101 have text messages or e-mails to prove or disprove any of this ? The point is , I do not have all the facts ,and because I do not ,I am unable to accept this Viewpoint as the only logical conclusion to be reached at this time.
dude – its a viewpoint – not a news article – a "point of view' – get it?
Ezzard has proven over the last 4 years that he can make a lot of noise and is not afraid to expose corruption, but only when it suits him. We don’t hear anything of the corruption during his 1988 to 1992administration. If you want to know the real Ezzard Miller do some research of the events of 20 years ago he has not changed, arrogant, stubborn, power mad and convenient with the truth, nothing has changed.
The Hospital in the swamp.
Ok Johnny Come Lately ask the National Team Politicians that banded together to remove him from power. The Late Ms Edna removed him from North Side, his government lost all there seats,every one of them LOST and it was all due to perceived corruption. It was a defeat like no other in Cayman Politics not even the PPM win in 2009 compares. Ask Mr Miller those tough questions, it’s a good thing for him we didn’t have an FOI law then.
So you are into rewriting history are you.I guess someone neglected to tell the PPM that they won in 2009 or to tell the UDP that they lost.Imagine the headches that could have been avoided over the past four years had you spoken up. FYI we did not have FOI but there was a COI ( Commision of Inquiry ) into the Doctor Hortor Hospital project which cleared Ezzard of anywrongdoing ..This Hospital which was started when Ezzard was Exco Member for Health was stopped by the National Team and a Commission of Inquiry asked to look into various areas of this project.Not only was the people involved cleared of wrongdoing,but the National Team was told that they should have allowed the job to be completed.By the way ,that stoppage mid-project cost some 6 million dollars. I guess 12:17 you forgot that part.You also left out that the Faith Hospital also received a major expansion at this time,and that the contract for this expansion was written in the same way as the contract for the Doctor Hortor Hospital ie cost overruns would be born by the contractor.The result ;the Faith Hospital expansion which was started under Ezzard's leadership and completed under McKeeva ,came in on time and under budget.
I guess you forgot the water levels during Ivan and the effect that would have had on a Hospital in that location and the death and disater that would have occured. Say what you want but Ez is not the "Hon" person you wish us to believe. But you are right 12:17 did mess up 2005 and 2009, he/she probably still hungover from the 2013 PPM Victory 🙂
101 please do article on what you think about what ppm should do with omov. Thats going to be challenging for them i think and they did promise it to us.
Hezaaard got it wrong, he should have just chilled and let the chips fall and i think he could have ended up as speaker or leader of the opposition. Just a little too greedy?
Here we go, four more years of “opposition” and windscreen docs from ezzard. Since roy made his decision i hope he becomes an effective opposition. Then again i wont be shocked if he decides to join alden next week
I respected Mr. Miller, until he tried to pull this trick on the PPM. All he had to do was to put his hatred for the Premier aside and work for the good of these Islands. Arden is who I am most surprise with, I respected this man and all of that rhetoric about Al being his friend, were lies. Why Arden, Why?
Yep power grabber spoiled everything. I would have preferred to see roy, winston, ezzard and arden sitting together as the opposition. Not sure who would lead it.
“If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway…
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.”
Before you start writing the obituary for "Miller time", perhaps you should revisit the last four years and examine them without a red mist over your eyes. You would then discern that Ezzard was very often a lone opposition voice, doing more than a few good things to raise questions about, or put the brakes on the excesses of the UDP. In fact, truth be told, the PPM can count themselves as the beneficiaries of "Miller time" opposition, even when they appeared too timid or too slow or too disorganised to take on some of the issues. Ezzard has proven that he can provide an effective opposition, or support for that matter, with or without numbers. You may believe it or not, or you may tire of it all you like, but Ezzard is happy in his south east corner, because he knows what he can achieve from that vantage point. You should wait until the honeymoon is over before you start talking about the "weakness" of the opposition. It's not likely that anyone on the government bench will forget that Ezzard is sitting in the south east corner. To do so would be to your detriment.
Sorry 101 you are so wrong Ezzard Miller has never been a member of the Opposition – the PPM led first by Kirt as Leader of the Opposition and then Alden, was the Opposition for the last four years. He is not a member of the Opposition now the Opposition is the UDP led by McKeeva Bush.
He was an Independent member of the house under the UDP administration and he is still an Independent member under the new PPM government and has the right to sit on either the opposition or government side of the Legislative Assembly. He has chosen the seat used by Mr. Craddock Ebanks the longest serving member of the legislative Assembly for North Side
You understand nothing. If you are seated to the left of the Speaker you are in the opposition. Saying that you are independent does not mean you are not the opposition. Currently the UDP is the Official Opposition but all others seated on that side are opposition as well. He does not have any right to sit on the right of the Speaker unless he is a govt. backbencher.
The so called independents tried their best, even after the people had spoken in the elections, to sabotage the PPM win, Absolutely unbelievable. Some people will stop at notthing to gain power. The only surprise for many people i have spoken to, is the level of collusion in all this, by the C4C freshmen.
Ezzard is the darling of the radio talk show who sets himself up as an authority on everything. He has misjudged this time hugely. His ego ran away with itself.
Now Ezzard as failed the country by not stepping up and taking up the leader of the opposition role as McKeeva deserves no such position of authority.
Ezzard would rather be the leader of nothing than the servant of a party.
For the reputation of the Cayman Islands I would rather Ezzard had maneuvered to take over the leadership of the Opposition rather than leave it to McKeeva. I do not believe McKeeva is worthy of any such title.
Then Ezzards maneuvering would have benefited the country.
I completely agree about Hazzard being a snake, but why do you think the independents need to be in 'opposition' to provide balances and checks? Surely they can do that whilst working with the Government?
Ezzard is a dangerous man who is only supported by nationalist idiots.
You're looking at a very ineffective Opposition, because C4C has in some way sided with the PPM and with McKeeva Bush cases of corruption, PPM will carry out laws that will not be scrutinized nor debated enough. This is very serious concern when you have one party dominating the house. This is exactly what the electorate didn't want, but I feel the PPM got in because of the electoral system where one person can have up to 6 votes or 4 votes. Alot of people split their votes so that we could have a mix assembly, all to find that by splitting the votes we ended up with a sole party back into the house. I blame on our electoral system. That is why we need the "one person one vote" – single-member constituencies. I hope Alden doesn't turn back on his promise. But again an ineffective Opposition means weak a detection of probable corruption in the other party, and that is not good for Cayman.
Ezzard Miller, in my view is not one to be trusted.
True he talks a good talk and sometimes he does very well as opposition. But he is power hungry.
Ezzard is not only powerstruck, but a complete idiiot and.Arden follows him around like a fawning puppy. Roy the egotist has joined this sorry duo. What a mess!
You are so quick to blame "miller time" for everything Ezzard must be doing something right for North Side 70% of the vote says alot and 20% increase over 2009 says even more.
It is easy to blame Ezzard and claim he can't be trusted so you all don't have deal with Alden and his PPM doing the same things that Mac and the UDP did.
1. Alden complained loud and long about Mac and his UDP making un-constitional appointments of Cline and Elio as councillors now Alden and the PPM does the same thing – nothing has changed ignore the constitution do as I please.
2. Alden complained when Mac and the UDP elected three of his government bench to the PAC and now does the same thing. Imagine Alden nominated Mac to the PAC to scrutinize his own wronk doing. When Ezzard tried to help him out by nominating Arden, again selfishly went around his PPM government bench tomake sure his PPM members and his two independents vote for Mac to keep Ezzard and Arden off the PAC. he could have had a PAC chaired by Roy with Ezzard, Arden, Alva and Joey as members no Mac or UDP representation to closs over Mac and his UDP wrong doing over the past four years.
Not a very impressivestart for "good governance" we ars all still waiting to hear what caused the delay between the outside swearing ( another copy of UDP and Mac) and the inside swearing.
Look at the voting choices in North Side in this past election and you still want to crow about Ezzard's victory?
Bo Miller won over 1400 votes in George Town and would have given Ezzard a run for his money, Ezzard couldn't have boycotted a debate with Bo.
Ezzard Miller = Loose cannon
101 I think you need a little 102 or something. I know you may hate Ezzard Miller but to say he did a "few" good things in the opposition in the last 4 years is rather disingenious of you.If truth be told, Mr. Miller was one of the most effective opposition this country has ever seen, even when he was all alone. How can he be less effective this term whe he has Arden and Roy to help carry the load. You lament the "lack' of an opposition because of miller time. Even you do not believe that when you are writing it, I look forward to a one two opposition punch from the Independents, then UDP, that will be strong enough to curtail some spending in Government and not just rubber stamp everything. p.s. I write in long paragraphs because CNS comment plane will not accept return when I hit it….sorry.
You are missing the point. Yes he was good opposition but the man showed he is power hungry and guess what? That wad a big part of the reason for his opposition over the years. It worked as far as changing government but unfortunately not for him.
Btw no one is ‘hating” anyone, try to accept an opinion just for it is nuh man!
Well written viewpoint.
Please do one on the political promiscuity of the Speaker Julianna O’Connor-Connolly who has joined every party possible to stay in a position of authority in order to rack more free up air miles plus the PPM surrendering all Integrity they campaigned on and political morals by allowing her to join the party in order to confirm Premier McLaughlin’s power play and expensive vision for the country. Politics does certainly make for strange bed fellows
I don't believe for one minute that Rivers and Connolly joined the PPM bench because they can't trust Miller. Come on now. Everyone in the dirty game of politricks is looking out for themselves first and then maybe country.
Clearly, all C4C members were looking at how they could be part of the government and hence the ongoing and delayed negoations etc. Whilst it is great that we have now a mix, it certaintly isn't because of Ezzard's suggestion that they ran to the "other side". Certainly, position, money and power may have had something to do with it.
How was it McLaughlin's "power play" exactly? He led the PPM to electoral victory fair and square. I think you are well aware that he had little choice given the C$C and Independents "power play" trying to wrest that victory from him and oppose the expressed will of the people. Would you have preferred he give in to them, or that he ask for new elections?
Nine is Half of eighteen, or put another way 9 + 9 = 18. In a parliament of eighteen, nine do not a government make. So my good friend PPM got what is known as a tie, the fact is the other (9) UDP 3 + PNA 1 + C4C 3 + Ind 2 = 9. So I am asking all to stop talking about a PPM WIN, it is a tie. Had the aversion to the UDP aka Bush not so strong, or Miller willing to work with Bush, we would have a much different Govt, so please no more win talk. It took the dubios lady from the Brac?
I can see the sort of idiotic thinking that set Miller on his quest for power. How on earth could that possibly be a TIE!? PPM won NINE seats (50%) and the other nine were SPLIT among UDP (3), C4C (3), Independents (2) PNA (1). There is no question that the PPM won the election. ThePPM needed ONE more seat to make an absolute majority. The idea of some sort of alternative govt among UDP, C4C, Independents, PNA and one PPM is so preposterous it does not even merit consideration but apparently it did in Miller's mind.
Let me ask you something. McKeeva Bush won 47% of the vote in WB – more votes than anyone else. Does that mean he lost because 53% did not vote for him?
Lol! Someone should explain the meaning of "tie" to you. It is when a competitor has the same score as you, not when the scores of 4 of your competitors added together match your score. You people live on a different planet, not earth.
Is there room for Paul too?
Yes lets see that. I think it would be called chameleon or slippery or something close. She is very slick you have to admit.
Why are you putting all the blame on Miller? C4C were just as culpable. They all signed their 'proposal' to the PPM with its unreasonable demands for power when they thought they had their bases covered with the UDP and O'Connor-Connolly. It doesn't appear to have occurred to them that attempting to thwart the clearly expressed will of the people by strong-arming the PPM was unethical.
"But we now have a scenario whereby even Roy Mctaggart, who seems qualified to play a strong opposition role, may also consider joining the government".
FYI, McTaggart is sitting on the Opposition benches.
If ezzard didnt make those moves at least winston and roy would stick together. That kind of crap just breeds mistrust
Dinosaurs struck by meteorite, go extinct.
Yep im also getting tired of ezzard, i guess he will retire next time. Need some new young blood in northside and not joey!
Joey is going for Northward not North Side.
Joey brings nothing to North Side! He is just a sorry little egotistical man with visions of greatness far beyond his capabilities.
Joey and Ezzard share all those qualities.
miller doesn't care…he'll be given his radio slot(why?) every tuesday…and he'll be elected by a couple of hundred people again in 4 years……
12:48 you never cease to amaze me, you have the same rhetoric for the last 4 plus years. Miller won by 200 votes. Why do this matter to you so much. If you can do better you run and beat him by 1 vote then. Please, if Jesus came down he could'nt satisfy you all.
D. Ezzard Miller has truly proven how thirsty and hungry he is for Power. He once was meeting with the PPM at their National Meetings!. People in the PPM thought he could be trusted. Alden even said at a fete for Moses, after he became the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, that the PPM had a good relationship with him and Arden! We NOW know just how Devious, Divisive, Disingenious and Daft he really is! Approaching the PPM for support for his Dumb Power Grab, that tells you how Daft this man is! He may continue to fool the people of North Side, and he is only loyal to them, but he can not convince too many people in Cayman that he has anything to offer mankind!
Career politician is what they call that.
Interesting that he and his sidekick from EE were noticeably absent from the Rooster slot Tuesday last. Is there a wind of change blowing at Rooster? Notice too how their buddy Gilly was quik to point out o Channel 27 that he felt they had taken too much of a hard line. Very interesting times peeps!