PAC trouble ahead
(CNS): Following the revelation that Roy McTaggart had decided to join the government benches last week, government said it planned to re-balance the Public Accounts Committee but it has not indicated how it plans to achieve the new line-up, which McTaggart will still chair. North Side MLA Ezzard Miller said Tuesday that he has no intentions of accepting any nomination for PAC. The independent member said eleven members voted against him last time and if his political ally, Arden McLean, also refuses, government would be forced to turn to the opposition UDP benches for a candidate. This could spell trouble ahead because the first reports PAC will consider are understood to be critical of the former UDP government.
Miller, who started as the PAC chair under the UDP administration, looked like the ideal candidate to join the committee now that McTaggart is sitting on the government benches. However, he told CNS there was no way that he would accept a nomination onto the PAC.
"Given that eleven of the members voted against me last time, I have no intentions of putting myself through the same humiliation as the House obviously doesn’t wish for me to be on that committee,” he said.
CNS has contacted East End MLA Arden McLean, who sits with Miller in the 'southeast corner' of the Legislative Assembly. While it is understood that he is also reluctant to accept the PAC nomination, there has been no response stating his position.
With UDP Leader McKeeva Bush already on the committee, should the independents both decline the invitation, the re-balance will include one of the other two UDP MLAs, Captain Eugene Ebanks or Bernie Bush, who will join McTaggart and two of the government back-benchers. Al Suckoo, Joey Hew and Winston Connolly were voted onto the committee following the swearing in ceremony at the end of last month and one of them is expected to resign before the re-balancing act occurs at the next LA sitting.
If they are replaced by a UDP member, this could increase the friction as the first four reports that will be delivered to PAC from the Office of the Auditor General sometime this month will be examining the spending and management of finances during the UDP administration and their findings are understood to be quite critical.
Miller also said that McTaggart would find himself in conflict in time as reports that will be produced over the longer term would be about this government.
McTaggart, a first time MLA for George Town whose campaign was endorsed by the Coalition for Cayman group, initially elected to sit with the eastern district members in the 'southeast corner' but later had a change of heart and decided to cross the floor to the government benches. He was then appointed as a councillor to both the minister of finance and the minister of financial services.
“Given that he will be now be involved in the policy and preparation of government budgets and finances, it will no longer be suitable for him to chair that committee,” Miller added.
Although PAC members in most countries are usually from the back-benches without any direct government duties, the decision by McLaughlin to put all hands on deck coupled with the size of the legislature means the PAC government members will all be working in government support roles, which Miller said was wrong.
The constitution needs to be changed, he said, in order for the premier to make the councillor, or junior minister, appointments because those roles are not provided for in the country’s ultimate law.
This is a point that McLaughlin has refuted, as he says the constitution clearly provides for a minister to appoint a committee in support of his duties. The premier has said that policy decisions will still be made by the ministers in charge but with such significant workloads ahead they all need support. The decision to appoint councillors, he said, was driven by the workload the government is facing, a desire to be as inclusive as possible and to utilize the skills and experience of as many members as possible.
However, Miller claims that the provision for a committee does not cover these appointments, and while he supports the concept, he believes that they still need to be lawful. He also took aim at McLaughlin, who he said had criticised the former UDP premier when he introduced the idea during the last administration and appointed MLAs at the time Cline Glidden and Ellio Solomon to the roles.
“If it was wrong for McKeeva Bush, then it must be wrong from Alden McLaughlin, too,” he said.
Category: Politics
Let me see if I understand …..just because Roy move to the government benches ezzard has to be PAC ……..(ezzard keep your position …..north side is you )
The PPM Government dont care two hoots about Ezzard,which I think is unfair,seeing where they are coming from, Ezzard stand your ground.
Well if I am not going to be Premier and I am going to do nothing and I will scream, and scream, and scream. Unless I can get on the radio and come up with some populist nationalist soundbites. I'll do that.
He says he is never going back on the radio either
Halleluhar , Halleluhar. Keep him away from the mike all he does is rant and the other one pants!.
Bo run in ns next time and kick the whiner out. Sorry you lost in gt you would have been an awesome addition to the team. Ezzard go see your shrink.
Surprize, Surprize did you not know that Ezzard has already defeated Bo twice in elections in North Side there is a reason why Bo ran in George Town – he can not win in North Side against Ezzard.
You bloggers need to explain how this srew up by Roy McTaggart seeking title and position and Alden instructing his people to vote for Mac over Ezzard and Arden when the PAC was elected on Wednesday May 29 is now Ezzard's fault and he is the villan.
While Roy and Alden are creating this xxxk up Ezzard is doing his job he has already had two public meetings in North Side – representing us, that is what he is paid to do Represent North Side. Last night he and the district council had a public meeting to which he invited the architect and the developers to explain "Kai Village" and he committeed to us who he represents to support the project and oppose the home owners in Cayman Kai who want to stop the project.
How many meetings has Alden had with the people of Rockhole or Central or the East in the last four years other than election time to tell them to vote for him and Kirt. How many will Roy have during the next four years.
Ezzard meets with us at least once per month – that is quality representation so you bloggers and CNS have a field day we will keep Ezzard as our representative as long as he wants to be our representative.
who cares? …he failed last time….. probably too busy with his radio slots…..
Ezzard, I am with you on most things but you need to stop being so "obstinant" on this issue. The people voted for an inclusive government and if you are asked to be included you should accept.
Also, I hope you are teaching that precious daughter of yours how to formulate sentences and pronounce words properly and in proper context. We can excuse your "enunciations" but please do your part to guide the next generation properly, whether they belong to you or someone else. Especially since you are being paid handsomely for it as an MLA.
"SBE" – Spoil Baby Ezzard! I hope he soon stop crying and grow up!
Arden, I am a friend and supporter. Everyone makes mistakes, and you made a big one in hitching your wagon to Ezzard's. Unlike Ezzard, you have a sensibility that people can relate to. It's time to admit your mistake and move on.You were elected to represent East End, not North Side. Swallow your pride and do something useful for the Cayman Islands.
Ezzard is showing his true colours which is what alot of people have been saying for a long time. So thankful he is where he is because he is power hungry and that is all he is concerned with and showing it.
Now you seeing the true Ezzard; not much different than he was when he was a Minister along with the man from West Bay eh!
Typical 2 spoiled sports (Ezzard & Arden) didn't get picked first go around so now thay won't play nice. I would like both of them to explain who they will play nice with and what are they planning on doing for the next 4 years to to justify their salary (besides look gruff, oppose everything and offer no solutions). Ezzard & Arden put your EGOS aside for the better of the country. Please Northsiders & Eastenders identify two worthwhile canidates for your districts in the next election so we can finally vote these two deadweights out.
Ezzard, you should accept a position on the PAC. You can have success or you can have excuses. Not both.
Grow up Ezzard!!!!!!!!!!
All that hard work on rooster for the past four years and you cannot even get a ministry, rough Ez, hang in there Bo Bo.
Ezzard….try so grow up! You resembling Mac more and more these days!
What a child!!! Grow up Ezzaard. It's this kind of mentality that plagues progress in these Islands.
Hazzard's lack of character comes shining through.
It was only a matter of time.
"It always comes out in the wash" is the phrase we used to describe behavior that is self serving.
The citizens from North Side must be proud of their elected representative.
Grow up Ezzard
Are there no more people left who will put country before self? Four more years of bullshit, here we come.
Every time Ezzard opens his mouth he goes down in my level of respect for him. Poor little baby didn't get his way so now he is pouting. I am sorry, I remember some of that "if I can't play I am taking my ball home" juvenility in primary school but in the house??? I thought we got rid of the temper-tantrum bully… GROW UP!!!
OK, what we need here is a lesson for both Ezzard and Arden. Arden, yours is simple – don't be a follower. Copying Ezzard just to spite the two sides of the house will not be popular.
Ezzard, yours is a little more complex… You need to realise that politics in Cayman is changing. The people are also changing. West Bay has shown that there are enough educated voters out there to break a mold. The slate of elected officials this time around is far from perfect but it is also a hell of a lot better than we have seen in recent terms.
This year's leading members contain some of the brightest minds we have seen in the house for a very long time. They are educated, professional and have the country at heart. The people see this, and if as is hoped, they manage to make the necessary changes to reboost the Cayman economy, the people will remember!! They will also remember those that act like spoilt brat stcks-in-the-mud who only serve to trip up progress.
The basis of your lesson, therefore Mr Miller, is swallow your pride, realise you are not always right, you won't always get your way, but you are there for one purpose and one purpose only – to govern these islands for the betterment of ALL Cayman residents. Not just North Side, though everyone is expected to have a greater love for their district. But you are actually there for ALL of us that call Cayman home, much to your chagrin, this is Caymanians and non-Caymanians…
If you can pull this one off, then we can work on the other big bad bully – or better – maybe we can let the law take care of that one…
'What's best for the island?' That's the question you should be asking yourselves, Arden and Ezzard. You're confusing the electorate with your antics, but both of you are honest people, and for this reason alone, one of you belongs on the PAC committee.
Surely a common enemy makes allies of your former enemies, the enemy in this case being the bad ship 'Corruption' and all who sailed in her.
Just give it to McKeeva. Haaaaaaaaaaaaa
Typical Ezzard…"I'm taking my marbles and going home"
If I were Alden i wouldn't offer it to him anyway. If he can't get his way he throws a tantrum and hopes that people feel sorry for him.
To Ezzard and Arden: Please tell the public of these islands what your intentions are. You both have made claear you refuse to work with certain people elected and according to a statement Ezzard made a few weeks ago saying he was going to continue to "hold his corner" in the LA.
Kindly explain to the general public of these islands what you two are really there to accomplish? With regards to the above story it seems if asked to serve on the board of the PAC you will refuse it Ezzard??? Also, do you always speak on Arden's behalf???
Tell us how you are contributing. Tell us how this is helping our people just sitting in the corner of the LA and continually refusing to support the initiatives put forward by our representatives.
How are you helping if you continue to refuse to work for the greater good of the Cayman Islands?
Patiently awaiting a response.
Often his feelings are so hurt, he fails to show up when the house is in session. Great work if you can get it.
Ez, I have supported you through 99% of the things you have done and said but this I am sorry I can not support. YES the last group kicked you off the PAC. The last time I checked THIS was not the last group, this is a NEW group and they are asking you FOR YOUR COUNTRY to do this. This is the same way they asked for ALL HANDS ON DECK. You complain about the Independents being on board and being part of Gov and yet YOU refuse to be included so they can gain more independence, you can not have it both ways. Old people say sh!t or get off the pot now its your time. What I would do is say "I will join the PAC on one condition and that is that either I am chair or someone else other than a current sitting member of government, they can remain on board but not have chairmanship". This way you get some of what you believe in. With all that we have and will continue to go through until this country is put back right I would hope YOU of all people would see that WE NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK. And that is even if you are going to be a bit of a pain. We the people like that because we know they have to answer the questions you ask and thats good but don't sit there like a spoilt child who had a toy taken away and say you are not going to play with the toy again when its returned because of good behaviour. That's just silly stupid and childish which is something I do not expect from you of all people. Come on man stand up and be counted. Sorry about no paragraphs as this computer having issue with their HTML thing and not having enter working properly.
Now we really see how much sense the NS have….. they knew this man's attitude. Shows the minds of the people.
If you can find the courage to sign your name to your comments I will answer your questions or you can remain annomous and listen for my response in the LA.
D. Ezzard Miller
Apparently the comment has over 119 likes, so quite a few people are wondering the same thing. Why does the identity of the questioner matter?
To: Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/13/2013 – 16:31. Perhaps Mr Miller wants to give a personal reply.
But we'd ALL like the answers so just put EVERYONE's name that lives on this island.
Would that help?
Let me get the phone book and start.
My identity matters to Mr. Miller because he wants to find something negative to say about me and continue on with his pomp and circumstance. I do not see why my name is important as I am not the one who was elected to not only represent the district of northside but also the entire country. I think I have made my point sir and I do hope that one day you will be able to let out all your hot air because people really do see right thorugh you. I for one am TIRED of the ego's of our male representatives in this country and I will NOT be feeding your ego Mr. Miller, nor yours Mr. McLean. Best of luck to you both!
Ezzard and Arden:
How do you spell "effed up"?
I guess he is going to sit at home and blog on CNS 🙂
Why does the commenter's name matter?
To:Submitted by Hoping for better days (not verified) on Thu, 06/13/2013 – 09:16. Have you been following CNS for the last four years? If so ,how can you ask "Tell us how you are contributing. Tell us how this is helping our people just sitting in the corner of the LA and continually refusing to support the initiatives put forward by our representatives." You may disagree with Ezzard on some of his recent actions, but certainly he has not continually refused to support the initiatives put forward by our representatives.Not only has he supported them but he has also presented some of his own and had them passed.
Hate to point out a fact my friend, but Ezzard has been one of the hardest members to work with as he opposes everything. WE know this. Please stop trying to cover his a$$. Ezzard wants to be premiere, WE GET IT! He will sit in the L.A for another 4 years on hopes that next election he will get another opportunity to get what he wants! which is ultimate power. I do not need to read cns everyday or have read it everyday for the past 4 years to know about Ezzard Miller. He does not care about his people, he does not care about this country and he will NEVER let go of that HUGE ego of his. I am done with the back and forth I posed my questions which i found to be legitimate and Mr. Miller's response was to state MY NAME before I would receive any answers. How is that for a good representative??
Mr. Miller time is longer than rope, being from NS you know this saying all too well. Your time, sir, is indeed running short. Enjoy sitting in "your corner". 😉
What crap from Ezzard. The ship of state will sail on without him.
So Ezzard wont accept an offer because he was picked last for a game of rounders. Grow up, its not about how many people voted for or against, if you can add something and it will benefit the public then do it. What a miserable ole something. We are now seeing the tactical moves, more games of chess and less caring about the country.
Ezzard needs to put country ahead of wounded pride. He's the most effective opposition member there is – and he won't take a seat on the key oversight committee because he wasnt asked first time around? Sheesh.
He's like a big spoiled kid. He needs a big lick with Ozzys Cow Cod!!
Not only that. He refused it when asked by Alden the first time am that’s why he wasn’t nominate and approved by the Government.
I wish that Ezzard would allow Arden to speak for himself. Arden is quite capable of making his own decisions without Ezzard egging him on. Ezzard was Chairman of PAC last term and resigned because he claimed that members were notshowing up and he could'nt get a quorum. Another thing- why would the Premier ask him when he previously said that he would not support him (the Premier) for the Premiership. We all know why he would'nt do that- because he was trying to be Premier himself. Ezzard thinks that the earth revolves around him – sorry to burst his bubble it does not. Arden lost out big time and East End lost out having someone to fight for us because of Ezzard's influence, hwever I do believe that the Progressives will look after East End along with the rest of the island as best they can. Arden perhaps this might be your chance to really get in a position to make a real difference for "Our Beloved Cayman". If you ar asked please accept.