Rollie not giving up on politics
(CNS): Despite the disappointing general election result in May, Rolston Anglin, who served twelve consecutive years in the Legislative Assembly during three terms as a representative for West Bay, said he is not throwing in the political towel just yet. While Anglin remains confident that he can return to the private sector and enjoy some time outside the political arena, he admitted that there was a strong likelihood his name would be on the ballot in 2017 and, given the increasing likelihood of a bye-election in the district before then, he said he had not ruled out the possibility of returning tothe hustings even sooner.
The former education minister, who admitted that being in public service and politics is still what he loves to do, believes he has a solid track record to be proud of. Anglin said that he had not just talked about 'country first' but he had demonstratively put country first when he entered the LA in 2000 at just 28 years old and at the height of his career as an auditor.
“Before it became in vogue to put country first, I already did it,” Anglin told CNS. “I walked away at 28 years old and put my money where my mouth is and gave my country the very best years. I missed the time when I would have been working to partner.”
However, Anglin has no regrets as he says it was what he wanted to do and that he will very likely try to do it again.
Following the split inside the united Democratic Party after Bush’s arrest in December Anglin was the deputy premier in the minority government that held the reins of power until the election. He joined with West Bay running mate Cline Glidden, Juliana O’Connor Connolly, Mark Scotland and Dwayne Seymour, who had all been Cabinet members in the interim government, to run in the 2013 ballot as the People’s National Alliance. But with the exception of O’Connor-Connolly, who has now joined the PPM and is the speaker of the House, they all lost their seats.
Reflecting on the May 2013 ballot, he said he realized why he lost. He had thought that more of his former UDP supporters were going to vote for him, but he believes that his relatively recent connection to the UDP blocked him from picking up the clear opposition vote to his former political leader, McKeeva Bush.
“When you have experienced being the second elected member for 12 years and having worked hard and put up robust campaign, you hope people will vote purely on your record,” he said. “But we came to the table late and split from a party which had come through a deep internal split. I hoped I could have kept the UDP supporters and thought more would have voted for those of us that had left the UDP.”
Ironically, in light of the comments he made on the hustings about political parties losing support, Anglin now believes the election result emphasised that party or organised group politics in the major districts is here to stay. While the Coalition for Cayman did not call themselves a party, they had acted as such and demonstrated that the electorate is still wedded to party politics.
“I understand how the vote went. It is democracy but you need to be part of big ticket otherwise you won't get in,” he added.
He said he was pleased to see the calibre of young professionals that are now getting involved in the political scene, claiming he was at the forefront of that. When he entered the LA in 2000 as the second elected member for West Bay, Anglin said he brought a different voice and skill set. Since then, he has much to be pleased about regarding his contribution to public service, he said.
“I believe I made a positive difference and feel proud of the past twelve years. Look at the strategic education plan. It wasn't pie in sky; it was an holistic look and filled the gaps with solid polices. I also implemented policies that underpin it and make it achievable.”
Although the changes in the area of labour did not progress as quickly as he would have liked, he said he was hopeful that the new government would pick up on the improvements he had started.
Since May, Anglin has been spending time with friends and family and turning his attention to the things he has neglected over the twelve years that he devoted to politics.
He is now preparing to try his hands at new areas in the private sector, and despite being in government during the years when his peers were developing their careers and making partner, Anglin believes his legislative experience will be far more of a help than a hindrance.
He claimed his experience in government as a backbencher, in opposition and then in government as a minister, which is not unlike managinga company, was invaluable. “I've always been 'all in' or 'all out', so having immersed myself in the legislative agenda over the last twelve years, I have given it my all,” he said.
But while he was excited about the prospect of trying his hand at something new for now, he is a politician and he will be back, he said.
Category: Politics
Not only in politics did he loose. He lost the physical fight at the night club too. Some karate and kung fu kick whe him get. He should really give up politics. Loosing two fights in one year tells me that is time for him to go away.
Basically Rolston needs to cut down on the booze and start exercising regularly. It's my wife's advice to me so it's absolutely correct, of course, my dear. (Hope this isn't too sexist for CNS!)
I think I might be married to your wife. Sorry for the surprise.
Me Too!
Does "Rollie" now remember the name of the female passenger that was with him the night that he crashed his vehicle on West Bay Road? Does he remember if he was going to get dog food or not? Does he remember if the road was wet or not?
I think he needs to focus on his memory problems and forget about politics.
He should have been sent to the Alternative Education Centre for his bad behaviour where he would have been given some serious counseling. One of his first acts as minister was to closeit down, blame the teachers, and call it a failure. What goes around certainly came around swiftly. Trust me those teachers had a good laugh. Thank you teachers! You helped me.
Who told him to make theses statements? God or Mac or both?
When he gives up the drinking I'll start listening. His behaviour around his DUI charge was not honest. He tried to plead not guilty and then when it was obvious he had no loopholes he suddenly was told to plead guilty by God. Nasty nasty way to behave.
Yes, all you said is true. Rolston must give up the drink and repent before he can ask for our votes.
Just giving up the booze might be enough.
I’ve always wondered if only immoral people get into politics or does politics make you immoral?
I am sure you can find a poltician propping up the bar at The Office to ask.
Your'e not alone, friend.
Why are you people so critical of the ex-minister? Before we attack Rollie, let's find out first if he was sober when speaking with the media.
That's a powerful arguement, frend. The same might well have bben applied to Winston Churchill!
I’ll see you at country & western rooli, let’s pop-a-top-again lol!
Rooli drinking partner
Oh let it go! That horse is dead now.
Fights at exodus shows lack of character and demeanour especially when a great amount of libation has been consumed.
The behaviour at Exodus has been despicable.
Well well if a man wants to be again recognized he must put away ill will and the pops top, and avoid physical conflict at Exodus. Say say.
He sure accomplished more than Mac did. Can’t believe West Bayers choose Mac over Rollie. But then again, birds of one feather flock together. Rollie, I hope they avail themselves of your education plan so they understand things a bit better before the next election.
Rollie was with the wrong group. PNA?
Mac has a genuine love for the people and the Cayman Islands, something that can't be imitated. West Bay will elect Mr. Bush for as long as he wishes to run. WB has not forgotten all the good that he has done, even if some refuse to give him his due. Rollie is arrogant, condesending, and looks down on most people, a trait that is not rewardable. While he was running with Mac people realized it but chose to overlook it. Now they chose to overlook HIM.
He might have had some good ideas but a number of people did not approve of him after he started to act up like an a##. they thought he made a very poor role model for the very students he was establishining polices for in order for them to get a better education. It's a pity he did not realize that he should have been setting a good example for these delicate ones that he was given the privilege to nurture. I would not want him around my child, his bad habits might rub off on them. He better off in the private sector, XXXX
Rolston has lost credibility and I doubt the voters will ever put him back in again after his outrageous behaviour. He seemed to almost hold the public in contempt and most certainly did a very poor job as far as representation was concerned. How could he think it was OK to behave the way he did, particularly as the minister for education.? It beggars belief that he seemed to think his personal life had no bearing on his position. Utterly astounding!
Actually if he had ran with Mac again he more than likely would have gotten back in.
West Bay is Macs country, Taras achievement is an exception not the norm.
17.41 here : I have no doubt he'd have gotten in.
RA, your political days are DONE!
Don’t embarrass yourself and waste your time and money by running in the 2017 elections.
You won’t be getting back in!!!!!!!!!
Oh well"""""""""""""""""""" """"""""""' substance over process again,. How can he support his leader for 12 years and believe he for the most part did a good job for these Islands??????????? Afew good deeds is just not enough, credibility is lost, ben laden did some good too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 words Rollie: Please – Not Again!!
You failed with one party, jumped ship to another failed pary (The Dump killed the UDP this year) and you STILL hopeful? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
That boy still out drinking and going on. He needs to come to Jesus and change his ways if he is to ever win another election; otherwise he only wasting his money and what energy he has left.
Come to Jesus for what, free red wine?
Rolston meant well. !!
And it was a shame he " blew it" with his drinking and partying. West Bayers respected Rolston as a very intelligent, very educated Cayman. THe West bay men needed him to look up to!!
But he like so many other Politicians —- need support of how to handle power and fame especially when they have women " throwing themselves" at them. He and many others in that Calibre did not know how to handle such a high office that the people of west bay had entrusted him to . He is highly intelligent academically. But the Women and the Alcohol was his downfall . And that was too sad because his district so badly needed him.
Despite his high Academic Qualifications people lost confidence in him because of how he was treating his faithful and loyal wife. Attending all the Parties and Alcohol XXXX when he could have been home with his beautiful daughters and wife.
What topped it all off was when he got caught drunk driving he should have come to the country and said " I am sorry. I was wrong in having too much too drink" And the country would have respected him and forgave him. But instead it took him 3 trials to say he was wrong. And that is a shame when he is highly intelligent and should have known better how to accept the responsibilty for his wrong ,
But unfortunately he saw so much of this bad behavour practiced and condoned and got away with for so long , that he thought he deserved to get off the hook too.
He really needs our Prayer, Church attendance, Less Partying ( like all politicians) and then will be able to handle Fame and Power in a Dignified Manner. But any Politician out there practicing the Bars, Women and Partying will soon " fall" it is just a matter of time
He is human. Just like all them who drinks. It's nothing wrong with enjoying your life.
There is something wrong when you are DUI and lie to the police three times.
Rolston ? Rolston ?? Who ya say that is again? Oh that guy that keeps running off the road drunk on cough medicine!
It never ceases to amaze me that bloggers seem to write BEFORE they think. Rollie "grow backbone",- that is why he left the XXXX UDP party and its leader due to him HAVING backbone. What is a shame that a district voted for Candiddates such as Bernie, Capt and others before Mr. Anglin, and even for candidates that didnt even live in the district. Mr. Anglin, you can be proud of your service and commitment of ensureing our kids and future generartions are better prepared to tackle the workplace after leaving school, through your robust education Policies. PLEASE keep in the political arena, God knows West Bay WILL need you again.
u must be high lololololol need that bobo try stop making noise lolol need him
He left because he saw a chance to be deputy premier, and took the line the UK fed them, hook, line and sinker.
"why he left the XXXX UDP party and its leader due to him HAVING backbone"
11:52, where were you during the last UDP administration? Leaving the UDP at the 11th Hour does not give you any backbone whatsoever. It demonstrates the complete opposite.
RA was part of a failed regime that our grandkids will still be paying for. Although McKeeva was the one that caused all the problems, the yes-men that surrounded him and let it happen share the blame. They chose to keep quiet and enjoy the obscene perks of public office instead of acting in the best interests of the voting public and standing up to be counted when we needed them most.
And let's not forget that RA caused a drunken car accident, then lied to police, then cynically claimed the power of prayer helped him see the right course of action while all the time refusing to reveal the identity of his female passenger that fled the scene.
In what other country could someone like that even joke about having an ongoing career in politics.
Goodbye, you will not be missed.
To:Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/19/2013 – 11:44. I agree .Hope Rolly learned his lesson and stays away from "drunken cars" from now on.
Rollie may not give up on politics, but I sure hope the good people of West bay have given up on him and his style of leadership.
Sorry, what leadership? He was a follower for 12 years based on what I recall.
"Rollie not giving up on politics"
Hmmm, the headline should probably read "Politics giving up on Rollie".
Behing every good man is a good women although in this case its a mystery women
Once they get their snout in the trough, they won’t let go!
Blogger at 9:29 Actually you got that wrong! They were the brave ones and they grew a backbone against XXX McKeeva Bush. I am a big critic of politricks, but I support their move in breaking away from the obvious! Rolston the only thing they can find wrong about you is your attrractiveness to XXXX alcohol. However, they can never link you to anything criminal. Please don't walk away from politics, just do it differently next time.
Too late bobo – even Rollie's committee had doubts about him. You know things bad when that happens. They were not suprised he lost in light of all that was going on in his personal life. Behaviour counts Rollie, not just your political record; that's where he went wrong.
I'll drink to that
He and his running mates in West Bay need to take their plywood down from their election posters.
Maybe he is leaving it up for the bi election.
I wish people would stop calling it a "bi-election". It should be perfectly "straight". "By election" or "Bye election", or if you are the UDP "buy-election".
Bet there are a few firms out there wishing they don't get a job application.
Message for Rollie Poly. Please take an eterenal sabbitical from public office. You had your chance and failed miserably as a minister in CI government. This year was a game-changer for Cayman election. It is good to see new electorates aiming for better governance and transparency for best interest of the Cayman Islands . Good luck to them.
he wasn't thwe worst but he(and the rest of the pna cowards) deserved what he got in the elections….
maybe try and grow a backbone between now and 2017……
Please leave the man's personal life out of this!! Rollie has been one of the hardest working politicians Cayman has ever seen and his abilities and invaluable contributions will be greatly missed in the legislative assembly!! He is a great asset to our country and we should be proud to know that he is one of our own!!
Yup. Work hard drink hard I always said. But I never added drive hard to that.
Backbones are very slow growing, I heard.
this man means business… i saw him in fosters with a bag of limes….
i heard he is still spending alot of time in the office……
I guess he would give the best PPM– the best shot at getting a seat from WB
Hope Rolie gets his personal life in order b4 he enters the political arena again. Seems as if everybody who goes into politics eventually forgets about the people who put them there in the first place. Policicians get so caught up with private issues that they fail to do what they have been put in the LA to actually do.
I'm not so concerned about his personal life as much as I am his driving.
The bad driving and his personal life go hand in hand. The boy has too many skeletons in his closet. He was decent just before dabbling in politics, but the power , w#### and the liquour derailed him. The majority of voters in WB are women and they do not tolerate a man who turns against his family so easily; not trustworthy. Not sure how he would be able to ever convince West Bayers that he is the best candidate. One time ago, but no more. A man without morales does not a good politician make.
Well said. Rollie needs to gEt his personal life together before he can be respected again. His personal behavior has been despicable , and has lost a lot of credibility.
He thought that people were not paying attention to what he was doing in his personal. He needs to stay at home now and help raise his three daughters who he neglected while he was in office. Take better care of the home front Rollie, its long overdue.
Politicians has too much FREE time on their hands I think
They are no longer struggling like the average person on the street
They need to be able to sit to Intelligent conversations OUTSIDE of the Bar Rooms and Alcohol Establishments to disccuss the Answers to their people's problems.
They need to recognise and understand that there is " hungry women' out there
No matter what nationality fhey are from , who wants FAME and MONEY themselves
and will definite make them selves very " available " to them.
But remember guys you are married men and have a family
Dont let the Alcohol and Money , fame and Women cause you to self destruct and
embarrass your district!!